A spiritual treasure containing our obligations to God, and the vertues necessary to a perfect Christian. Written in French by John Quarre, Englished by Sir Thomas Stanley, Kt.
         Thrésor spirituel. English.
         Quarré, Jean-Hugues, 1580-1656.
      
       
         
           1664
        
      
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             A spiritual treasure containing our obligations to God, and the vertues necessary to a perfect Christian. Written in French by John Quarre, Englished by Sir Thomas Stanley, Kt.
             Thrésor spirituel. English.
             Quarré, Jean-Hugues, 1580-1656.
             Stanley, Thomas, 1625-1678.
             Stanley, Thomas, Sir, of Cumberlow Green, Herts.
          
           
             The second edition.
          
           [22], 530, [6] p.
           
             printed by T.R. for Thomas Dring, at the George in Fleet-street, near Saint Dunstans Church,
             London :
             1664.
          
           
             A translation of: Thrésor spirituel.
             Dedication signed: Thomas Stanley [son of the translator].
             A reissue of the 1660 edition, with cancel title page, added dedication, and table of contents.
             Running title reads: Spirituall treasure.
             With three final advertisement leaves.
             Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           A
           SPIRITUAL
           TREASURE
           Containing
           Our
           OBLIGATIONS
           TO
           GOD
           ,
           AND
           THE
           VERTUES
           Necessary
           to
           A
           Perfect
           Christian.
           
        
         
           Author
           Written
           in
           French
           By
           
             Iohn
             Quarre
          
           ,
           Englished
           By
           Sir
           
             THOMAS
             STANLEY
          
           ,
           Kt.
           
        
         
           The
           Second
           Edition
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             T.
             R.
          
           for
           
             Thomas
             Dring
          
           ,
           at
           the
           George
           in
           Fleet-street
           ,
           near
           Saint
           
             Dunstans
             Church
          
           ,
           1664.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           LADY
           STANLEY
           .
        
         
           
             MADAM
             ,
          
        
         
           WHAT
           You
           here
           receive
           ,
           is
           due
           onely
           to
           Your self
           ,
           it
           being
           the
           Product
           of
           that
           contemplative
           retirement
           to
           which
           my
           dear
           Father
           resign'd
           the
           two
           latest
           years
           of
           his
           life
           ;
           The
           Author
           is
           highly
           esteemed
           in
           his
           own
           Country
           ;
           and
           hath
           met
           with
           so
           good
           Reception
           in
           ours
           also
           ,
           that
           he
           already
           seeth
           a
           Second
           Impression
           ,
           which
           in
           this
           Age
           ,
           not
           a
           little
           commends
           a
           Treatise
           of
           this
           Nature
           :
           Vpon
           this
           occasion
           I
           was
           sollicited
           by
           the
           Stationer
           to
           acquaint
           the
           Reader
           (
           by
           whom
           it
           hath
           been
           so
           kindly
           entertained
           )
           with
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Person
           to
           whom
           he
           
           is
           indebted
           for
           the
           
             English
             Edition
          
           :
           And
           having
           herein
           satisfied
           the
           Importunity
           of
           the
           One
           ,
           and
           the
           Curiosity
           of
           the
           Other
           ,
           it
           rests
           onely
           I
           present
           it
           to
           Your
           Ladiship
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           humble
           Duty
           of
           .
        
         
           
             Madam
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               Ladiships
               Obedient
               Son
            
             ,
             Thomas
             Stanley
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           PREFACE
           .
        
         
           UNder
           the
           name
           of
           
             Sprirituall
             Treasure
          
           ,
           behold
           the
           Image
           of
           a
           
             perfect
             Christian
          
           ,
           which
           I
           here
           present
           thee
           ,
           Devout
           Reader
           .
           It
           hath
           taken
           the
           name
           of
           Treasure
           ,
           because
           it
           contains
           ,
           as
           in
           a
           hidden
           mine
           ,
           the
           highest
           
             divine
             truths
          
           of
           
             Christian
             Piety
          
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           Pourtract
           of
           Perfection
           ,
           the
           Image
           of
           a
           
             true
             Christian
          
           ,
           or
           all
           which
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           hath
           left
           to
           his
           Church
           .
           And
           those
           which
           I
           propose
           to
           you
           in
           this
           Treasure
           ,
           represent
           a
           lively
           Image
           of
           that
           perfection
           whereto
           we
           are
           called
           ,
           and
           ,
           by
           the
           grace
           of
           Christianity
           conducted
           .
           Perhaps
           you
           may
           remember
           that
           this
           Book
           hath
           heretofore
           appeared
           under
           the
           same
           name
           ,
           but
           it
           was
           upon
           another
           design
           .
           For
           then
           it
           treated
           onely
           of
           some
           particular
           Vertues
           ,
           such
           onely
           as
           serve
           to
           subject
           the
           soul
           to
           the
           guidance
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           spirit
           of
           grace
           ▪
           It
           had
           then
           no
           other
           object
           ,
           but
           the
           resignation
           of
           the
           Creature
           to
           the
           will
           and
           
           work
           of
           the
           Creator
           .
           Now
           it
           is
           universall
           ,
           and
           withdrawn
           from
           a
           limited
           subject
           ,
           speaks
           in
           generall
           ,
           explains
           the
           Principles
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           describes
           the
           principall
           Vertues
           necessary
           for
           a
           
             perfect
             Christian.
          
           As
           for
           the
           stile
           ,
           it
           is
           concise
           ,
           confining
           it self
           to
           the
           truth
           which
           it
           exposes
           the
           most
           plainly
           that
           may
           be
           ,
           despising
           all
           Ornaments
           of
           words
           ,
           since
           truth
           hath
           so
           much
           lustre
           of
           it self
           ,
           as
           she
           need
           not
           borrow
           of
           others
           .
           The
           World
           perhaps
           will
           not
           hearken
           to
           it
           ,
           or
           ,
           suffering
           it
           to
           speak
           ,
           will
           not
           understand
           it
           ,
           for
           its
           Doctrine
           is
           too
           divine
           ,
           its
           Principles
           too
           high
           :
           That
           which
           it
           proposes
           is
           wholly
           contrary
           to
           what
           the
           World
           professeth
           .
           And
           it
           is
           much
           to
           be
           feared
           that
           many
           will
           dispute
           it
           ,
           considering
           that
           falsehood
           and
           malice
           have
           taken
           such
           deep
           root
           in
           the
           greater
           part
           ,
           as
           loving
           nothing
           but
           vanity
           ,
           and
           unwilling
           to
           consent
           to
           truth
           .
           We
           live
           in
           an
           age
           so
           corrupt
           ,
           that
           even
           Christians
           many
           times
           fear
           to
           be
           good
           ,
           least
           they
           
           should
           be
           persecuted
           ,
           and
           are
           ashamed
           to
           appear
           vertuous
           ,
           least
           they
           should
           be
           derided
           .
        
         
           Hardly
           can
           it
           promise
           it self
           a
           better
           reception
           amongst
           them
           that
           make
           profession
           of
           Piety
           ,
           for
           there
           are
           many
           that
           seek
           nothing
           but
           their
           own
           satisfaction
           in
           the
           most
           holy
           things
           ;
           self-love
           hath
           such
           absolute
           power
           over
           souls
           ,
           that
           they
           flatter
           themselves
           in
           every
           thing
           ,
           believing
           all
           to
           be
           good
           which
           is
           agreeable
           to
           them
           :
           and
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           seeming
           Devotions
           ,
           have
           so
           much
           applause
           among
           men
           ,
           that
           it
           will
           be
           hard
           to
           perswade
           the
           contrary
           .
           So
           that
           our
           
             perfect
             Christian
          
           who
           speaks
           here
           purely
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           truly
           of
           Piety
           ,
           cannot
           easily
           avoid
           the
           various
           censures
           of
           men
           .
           For
           as
           he
           speaks
           Christianly
           (
           for
           his
           stile
           is
           in
           the
           spirit
           )
           so
           he
           condemns
           freely
           all
           that
           is
           not
           worthy
           of
           God
           in
           the
           purity
           of
           the
           spirit
           ;
           which
           may
           appear
           strange
           ,
           and
           those
           who
           confide
           too
           much
           in
           themselves
           ,
           esteeming
           nothing
           but
           
           their
           own
           actions
           ,
           will
           soon
           condemn
           this
           manner
           of
           Discourse
           .
           But
           what
           remedy
           ?
           shall
           we
           therefore
           injure
           Truth
           ?
           no
           ,
           she
           will
           appear
           before
           the
           eyes
           of
           men
           ,
           in
           despight
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           although
           she
           may
           meet
           with
           spirits
           little
           capable
           to
           receive
           her
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           alwayes
           good
           to
           expose
           the
           Image
           to
           the
           view
           even
           of
           her
           greatest
           Enemies
           ,
           for
           by
           this
           meanes
           they
           will
           be
           forced
           ,
           seeing
           her
           ,
           to
           confess
           they
           have
           no
           vertue
           ,
           that
           they
           walk
           in
           the
           night
           of
           untruths
           ,
           and
           perhaps
           they
           will
           apprehend
           their
           own
           misery
           ,
           and
           be
           afraid
           to
           loose
           themselves
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           there
           are
           any
           who
           think
           themselves
           already
           arrived
           at
           the
           highest
           point
           of
           perfection
           ,
           flattering
           themselves
           in
           their
           own
           esteem
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           here
           consider
           the
           excellencies
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           the
           purity
           of
           the
           spirit
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           admire
           the
           designs
           of
           God
           upon
           souls
           ,
           and
           see
           what
           is
           necessary
           for
           a
           
             perfect
             Christian
          
           ,
           they
           will
           open
           those
           eyes
           which
           self-love
           had
           bewitched
           ,
           
           and
           acknowledge
           that
           their
           actions
           come
           far
           short
           of
           their
           own
           esteem
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           then
           humbling
           themselves
           even
           to
           the
           centre
           of
           their
           nothing
           :
           they
           will
           resolve
           to
           seek
           God
           ,
           to
           serve
           him
           in
           spirit
           and
           truth
           ,
           after
           a
           manner
           worthy
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           However
           they
           who
           take
           the
           paines
           to
           read
           this
           little
           work
           will
           see
           ,
           that
           many
           deceive
           themselves
           to
           their
           great
           mischeif
           ,
           and
           will
           learn
           that
           it
           is
           not
           a
           small
           matter
           to
           gain
           Heaven
           (
           for
           to
           such
           only
           is
           Paradise
           open
           )
           and
           that
           there
           is
           required
           more
           purity
           and
           vertue
           then
           we
           ordinarily
           propose
           .
           For
           if
           the
           life
           of
           a
           true
           Christian
           be
           a
           life
           of
           God
           in
           man
           ;
           if
           true
           perfection
           be
           an
           amorous
           possession
           of
           God
           ,
           what
           purity
           ,
           what
           vertue
           must
           there
           be
           in
           him
           who
           will
           possesse
           so
           rich
           a
           Treasure
           ,
           &
           pretend
           to
           an
           estate
           of
           divine
           ?
        
         
           This
           is
           a
           point
           you
           must
           consider
           of
           (
           friendly
           Reader
           )
           as
           being
           that
           which
           ought
           to
           be
           the
           only
           object
           of
           your
           actions
           .
           For
           if
           you
           will
           open
           your
           
           eyes
           to
           see
           what
           God
           requires
           of
           you
           ;
           if
           you
           will
           rest
           your
           thoughts
           upon
           the
           excellencies
           of
           the
           state
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           you
           will
           learn
           that
           your
           heart
           must
           be
           the
           Throne
           of
           the
           most
           holy
           Trinity
           ,
           who
           will
           establish
           his
           Kingdom
           therein
           ;
           your
           Soul
           a
           Heaven
           where
           God
           will
           glorifie
           himself
           ;
           your
           life
           ,
           the
           life
           of
           God
           who
           lives
           in
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           raign
           with
           him
           .
           To
           conclude
           ,
           you
           shall
           know
           that
           you
           are
           onely
           in
           the
           World
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           do
           his
           will
           in
           the
           purity
           of
           his
           spirit
           alwayes
           holy
           :
           is
           not
           this
           an
           affaire
           of
           great
           importance
           ?
           If
           for
           your
           satisfaction
           and
           profit
           you
           desire
           to
           comprehend
           what
           I
           say
           ,
           and
           to
           know
           the
           motives
           and
           obligations
           that
           you
           have
           to
           love
           and
           serve
           God
           perfectly
           .
           Read
           the
           two
           first
           parts
           of
           this
           Work
           ;
           the
           third
           and
           fourth
           shew
           you
           the
           way
           you
           must
           keep
           ,
           and
           the
           Truths
           that
           are
           necessary
           to
           live
           a
           good
           Christian
           :
           the
           last
           gives
           you
           a
           pattern
           of
           true
           piety
           .
           Read
           and
           you
           shall
           learn
           how
           to
           be
           a
           good
           Christian.
           
        
      
       
         
         
           A
           TABLE
           of
           the
           several
           Chapters
           treated
           of
           in
           this
           Book
           .
        
         
           
             The
             FIRST
             PART
             .
             Of
             the
             Divine
             Prerogatives
             whereunto
             man
             is
             raised
             by
             the
             State
             and
             Grace
             of
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 first
                 Prerogative
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   I.
                
                 How
                 by
                 Baptism
                 Man
                 is
                 appropriated
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 consecrated
                 by
                 the
                 blessed
                 Trinity
                 .
              
               
                 
                   Page
                   1
                
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   II.
                
                 How
                 holy
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 a
                 Christian
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 consecrated
                 to
                 God
                 by
                 Baptism
                 .
              
               
                 10
              
            
          
           
             
             
               
                 The
                 second
                 Prerogative
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   III.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 Filial
                 adoption
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 whereto
                 all
                 Christians
                 are
                 called
                 .
              
               
                 16
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   IV.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 uses
                 that
                 Christians
                 ought
                 to
                 make
                 of
                 filial
                 adoption
                 ,
                 whereto
                 they
                 are
                 advanced
                 by
                 Baptism
                 .
              
               
                 21
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   V.
                
                 What
                 the
                 Actions
                 of
                 Christians
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 .
              
               
                 27
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 third
                 Prerogative
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VI.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 happy
                 Commerce
                 and
                 Society
                 that
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 will
                 have
                 with
                 Christians
                 by
                 the
                 Mystery
                 of
                 the
                 Incarnation
                 .
              
               
                 36
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VII
                
                 .
                 Of
                 the
                 uses
                 Christians
                 ought
                 to
                 make
                 of
                 Grace
                 proceeding
                 from
                 the
                 Mystery
                 of
                 the
                 Incarnation
                 .
              
               
                 42
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 fourth
                 Prerogative
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VIII
                
                 .
                 Of
                 another
                 kind
                 of
                 Society
                 and
                 Union
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 with
                 Christians
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 the
                 Eucharist
                 .
              
               
                 47
              
               
                 
                 
                   CHAP.
                   IX
                
                 .
                 The
                 Design
                 of
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 upon
                 Christians
                 in
                 this
                 most
                 high
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 the
                 Eucharist
                 .
              
               
                 53
              
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             SECOND
             PART
             .
             Wherein
             are
             proposed
             the
             sundry
             Motives
             which
             oblige
             Christians
             to
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 I.
              
               The
               Obligation
               that
               we
               have
               to
               acquire
               true
               Vertues
               ,
               wherein
               consists
               the
               life
               of
               the
               Soul
               ,
               and
               the
               inward
               life
               of
               a
               Christian.
               
            
             
               65
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 II.
              
               That
               the
               possession
               of
               God
               is
               the
               end
               of
               a
               Christian
               life
               ,
               whereto
               we
               cannot
               arrive
               ,
               but
               by
               the
               grace
               of
               Iesus
               Christ.
               
            
             
               73
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 III.
              
               Of
               the
               practice
               and
               means
               whereby
               we
               may
               arrive
               to
               the
               possession
               of
               God
               ,
               of
               his
               grace
               and
               spirit
               .
            
             
               78
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 first
                 Motive
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   IV.
                
                 That
                 by
                 Creation
                 man
                 is
                 obliged
                 to
                 tend
                 to
                 this
                 perfection
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 resign
                 himself
                 to
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 84
              
            
          
           
             
             
               
                 The
                 second
                 Motive
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   V.
                
                 That
                 Man
                 ,
                 in
                 as
                 much
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 a
                 Sinner
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 child
                 of
                 Adam
                 ,
                 is
                 obliged
                 to
                 seek
                 God
                 as
                 the
                 only
                 remedy
                 to
                 his
                 evils
                 .
              
               
                 91
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VI.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 Man
                 after
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 Adam
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 need
                 he
                 hath
                 of
                 his
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 99
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 third
                 Motive
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VII
                
                 .
                 That
                 a
                 Christian
                 is
                 a
                 Member
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 such
                 he
                 must
                 be
                 ruled
                 by
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ.
                
                 
              
               
                 108
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VIII
                
                 .
                 Practices
                 to
                 help
                 a
                 Christian
                 to
                 live
                 in
                 subjection
                 to
                 Grace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 Jesus
                 .
              
               
                 115
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 fourth
                 Motive
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   IX
                
                 .
                 That
                 this
                 Precept
                 ,
                 to
                 love
                 God
                 ,
                 doth
                 oblige
                 us
                 to
                 perfection
                 ,
                 and
                 makes
                 us
                 go
                 out
                 of
                 our selves
                 to
                 be
                 God's
                 .
              
               
                 121
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 conclusion
                 of
                 the
                 second
                 Part.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 care
                 and
                 vigilancy
                 which
                 a
                 Soul
                 must
                 have
                 which
                 seeks
                 perfection
                 ,
                 and
                 would
                 live
                 in
                 true
                 subjection
                 to
                 the
                 grace
                 and
                 conduct
                 of
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
                 
              
               
                 131
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             THIRD
             PART
             .
             Proposing
             divers
             Dispositions
             and
             Vertues
             necessary
             for
             a
             Christian
             to
             arrive
             to
             that
             perfection
             whereto
             he
             is
             obliged
             by
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 I.
              
               What
               those
               Dispositons
               are
               ,
               and
               how
               necessary
               they
               are
               to
               be
               practice
               of
               Vertue
               .
            
             
               138
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 II.
              
               Several
               practices
               ,
               whereof
               we
               may
               make
               use
               to
               attain
               
                 Christian
                 Vertues
              
               .
            
             
               147
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 III.
              
               That
               the
               adherence
               of
               a
               Soul
               to
               Iesus
               Christ
               is
               the
               most
               perfect
               means
               to
               possess
               all
               Christian
               vertue
               .
            
             
               156
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 IV.
              
               The
               means
               whereby
               we
               may
               arrive
               to
               the
               adherence
               of
               our
               souls
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               obstacle
               which
               hinder
               it
               .
            
             
               163
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 first
                 Disposition
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   V.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 necessity
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 169
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VI.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 use
                 of
                 Faith
                 ,
                 and
                 how
                 we
                 may
                 practice
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 176
              
               
                 
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VII
                
                 Of
                 the
                 effects
                 that
                 Faith
                 produceth
                 in
                 our
                 souls
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 esteem
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 184
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 second
                 Disposition
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VIII
                
                 .
                 Of
                 Humility
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 means
                 to
                 obtain
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 192
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   IX
                
                 .
                 Of
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 God
                 and
                 our Selves
                 .
              
               
                 197
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 third
                 Disposition
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   X.
                
                 Of
                 an
                 effectual
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 God's
                 .
              
               
                 204
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 fourth
                 Disposition
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XI
                
                 .
                 Of
                 the
                 purity
                 of
                 the
                 Hearth
                 .
              
               
                 208
              
            
          
           
             
               The
               fifth
               Disposition
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XII
                
                 .
                 Of
                 Self-denial
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 necessity
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 220
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XIII
                
                 .
                 What
                 abnegation
                 is
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 means
                 to
                 attain
                 it
                 .
              
               
                 227
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 abridgment
                 of
                 the
                 
                   third
                   Part.
                
                 
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XIV
                
                 .
                 Treating
                 of
                 the
                 dependance
                 of
                 the
                 Soul
                 upon
                 God.
                 
              
               
                 237
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             FOURTH
             PART
             .
             Sheweth
             how
             we
             must
             guide
             our selves
             in
             all
             occurrences
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             estates
             of
             humane
             life
             .
          
           
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 I.
              
               Of
               the
               care
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               have
               to
               perfect
               his
               exteriour
               .
            
             
               246
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 II.
              
               That
               in
               all
               our
               Actions
               we
               must
               follow
               the
               conduct
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               256
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 III.
              
               That
               a
               Christian
               must
               do
               all
               his
               Actions
               for
               love
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               for
               God.
               
            
             
               266
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 IV.
              
               Of
               the
               complacency
               and
               self-satisfaction
               which
               draws
               us
               from
               the
               pure
               regard
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               purity
               of
               intentions
               which
               must
               be
               in
               our
               actions
               .
            
             
               274
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 V.
              
               Of
               the
               care
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               have
               ,
               to
               do
               all
               his
               Actions
               according
               to
               his
               vocation
               ,
               and
               to
               maintain
               himself
               in
               the
               order
               and
               conduct
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               282
            
             
               
                 CHAP
                 VI.
              
               What
               the
               Directors
               of
               souls
               ought
               to
               be
               .
            
             
               290
            
             
               
               
                 CHAP.
                 VII
              
               .
               Of
               the
               fidelity
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               of
               its
               necessity
               in
               the
               wayes
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               the
               actions
               of
               a
               Christian.
               
            
             
               298
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 VIII
              
               .
               Of
               Infidelity
               to
               grace
               ,
               and
               how
               a
               man
               ought
               to
               live
               in
               his
               Vocation
               .
            
             
               306
            
             
               
                 CH.
                 IX
              
               .
               How
               the
               Christian
               ought
               to
               comport
               himself
               in
               the
               exteriour
               use
               of
               all
               things
               .
            
             
               314
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 X.
              
               Of
               Sufferings
               ,
               and
               the
               esteem
               we
               ought
               to
               have
               of
               them
               ,
            
             
               260
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 XI
              
               .
               How
               the
               fear
               of
               Suffering
               draws
               us
               from
               the
               way
               of
               perfection
               .
            
             
               336
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 XII
              
               .
               Of
               the
               Dispositions
               wherewith
               we
               must
               bear
               Sufferings
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               adversities
               of
               humane
               life
            
             
               346
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 XIII
              
               .
               How
               we
               ought
               to
               suffer
               in
               the
               spirit
               of
               Christianity
               .
            
             
               356
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 XIV
              
               .
               That
               we
               must
               suffer
               out
               of
               a
               zeal
               to
               the
               Iustice
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               367
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 XV.
              
               The
               continuance
               of
               the
               precedent
               Chapter
               and
               of
               the
               spirit
               of
               repentance
               .
            
             
               274
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 XVI
              
               .
               The
               abridgment
               of
               the
               
                 fourth
                 Part
              
               ,
               treating
               of
               Christian
               grace
               .
            
             
               384
            
             
               The
               SEQUELE
               .
            
             
               290
            
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             FIFTH
             PART
             .
             Treating
             of
             true
             Piety
             ,
             and
             he
             more
             particular
             Duties
             of
             a
             Christian
             towards
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             our
             Lord.
             
          
           
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 I.
              
               What
               Devotion
               is
               ,
               and
               wherein
               true
               Piety
               consisteth
               .
            
             
               396
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 II.
              
               The
               necessity
               we
               have
               to
               be
               Iesus
               Christ's
               ,
               if
               we
               would
               attain
               true
               Devotion
               .
            
             
               406
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 III.
              
               Of
               Piety
               to
               Iesus
               Christ
               and
               its
               principal
               effects
               .
            
             
               414
            
             
               
                 CHAP.
                 IV.
              
               The
               right
               which
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               hath
               to
               us
               ;
               Motives
               obliging
               us
               to
               be
               his
               ,
               and
               to
               adhere
               to
               him
               by
               true
               piety
               .
            
             
               423
            
          
           
             
               
                 The
                 Continuation
                 .
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   V.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 Motives
                 which
                 oblige
                 us
                 to
                 belong
                 to
                 Iesus
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 serve
                 him
                 by
                 true
                 piety
                 .
              
               
                 428
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VI.
                
                 Of
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 Subjection
                 to
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 considered
                 as
                 the
                 principle
                 of
                 
                   Christian
                   Piety
                
                 .
              
               
                 437
              
               
                 
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VII
                
                 .
                 Containing
                 certain
                 interiour
                 acts
                 for
                 those
                 souls
                 who
                 are
                 desirous
                 to
                 be
                 established
                 and
                 confirmed
                 in
                 true
                 piety
                 .
              
               
                 442
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   VIII
                
                 .
                 That
                 an
                 adherence
                 to
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 by
                 true
                 Piety
                 ,
                 makes
                 us
                 partakers
                 of
                 the
                 several
                 conditions
                 of
                 his
                 life
                 .
              
               
                 450
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   IX
                
                 .
                 Certain
                 dispositions
                 necessary
                 for
                 the
                 devout
                 soul
                 that
                 would
                 participate
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 and
                 estates
                 of
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
                 
              
               
                 457
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   X.
                
                 That
                 
                   Christian
                   piety
                
                 obliges
                 us
                 to
                 submit
                 our
                 life
                 and
                 actions
                 to
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 Christ.
                 
              
               
                 465
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XI
                
                 .
                 The
                 Use
                 and
                 Practice
                 of
                 what
                 hath
                 been
                 proposed
                 .
              
               
                 473
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XII
                
                 .
                 How
                 the
                 Christian
                 that
                 seeks
                 
                   true
                   piety
                
                 ,
                 is
                 obliged
                 to
                 imitate
                 
                   Jesus
                   Christ.
                
                 
              
               
                 481
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XIII
                
                 .
                 The
                 Practice
                 of
                 what
                 hath
                 been
                 proposed
                 in
                 the
                 imitation
                 of
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               
                 489
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XIV
                
                 .
                 Of
                 Temptations
                 and
                 Oppositions
                 happening
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 to
                 perfection
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 exercises
                 of
                 Piety
              
               
                 498
              
               
                 
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XV.
                
                 In
                 what
                 Disposition
                 the
                 Christian
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 yield
                 not
                 to
                 such
                 temptations
                 as
                 occurr
                 in
                 the
                 exercises
                 of
                 piety
                 .
              
               
                 507
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XVI
                
                 .
                 Of
                 Temptations
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 advantages
                 a
                 Christian
                 ought
                 to
                 make
                 of
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 512
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XVII
                
                 .
                 Of
                 Resignations
                 in
                 Temptation
                 .
              
               
                 519
              
               
                 
                   CHAP.
                   XVIII
                
                 .
                 Divers
                 Uses
                 that
                 may
                 be
                 made
                 of
                 Temptation
                 .
              
               
                 525
              
            
          
        
         
           The
           End.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           SPIRITUALL
           TREASURE
           .
           The
           first
           Part.
           Of
           the
           Divine
           Prerogatives
           whereunto
           man
           is
           raised
           by
           the
           State
           and
           Grace
           of
           Christianity
           .
        
         
           
             The
             first
             Prerogative
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               I.
               How
               by
               Baptisme
               Man
               is
               appropriated
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               consecrated
               by
               the
               blessed
               Trinity
               .
            
             
               
                 BE
                 ye
                 perfect
              
               ,
               
               
                 even
                 as
                 your
                 Father
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Heaven
                 is
                 perfect
                 :
              
               These
               are
               holy
               words
               ,
               words
               of
               truth
               ,
               pronunced
               by
               the
               Holy
               of
               holies
               ,
               the
               God
               of
               Truth
               ;
               words
               that
               import
               the
               beginning
               and
               eminency
               of
               the
               estate
               which
               we
               are
               to
               attain
               ;
               words
               worthy
               to
               be
               engraved
               not
               
               upon
               the
               fronts
               of
               our
               house
               as
               a
               celebrious
               Sentence
               of
               the
               Ancients
               ;
               nor
               printed
               in
               our
               foreheads
               ,
               in
               great
               Characters
               ,
               like
               the
               Law
               of
               the
               Iews
               ,
               But
               in
               the
               centre
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               bottom
               of
               our
               spirits
               .
               For
               in
               these
               divine
               words
               ,
               we
               behold
               as
               in
               a
               table
               brought
               from
               heaven
               ,
               what
               we
               are
               ,
               and
               what
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               .
               We
               see
               that
               we
               are
               the
               image
               of
               God
               by
               creation
               ,
               and
               ought
               to
               be
               his
               resemblance
               by
               sanctification
               .
               Our
               soul
               bearing
               the
               image
               of
               God
               ,
               is
               capable
               of
               God
               himself
               ,
               and
               hath
               an
               essence
               so
               noble
               and
               divine
               ,
               that
               nothing
               can
               satisfie
               ,
               nothing
               can
               fill
               her
               but
               an
               infinite
               essence
               .
               Besides
               ,
               we
               learn
               that
               our
               soul
               being
               called
               to
               the
               resemblance
               of
               God
               ,
               nothing
               can
               ennoble
               her
               ,
               nothing
               can
               perfect
               her
               ,
               but
               the
               greatness
               and
               very
               perfections
               of
               the
               Divinity
               .
               And
               to
               this
               it
               is
               that
               Jesus
               Christ
               invites
               us
               ,
               when
               he
               says
               ,
               
                 Be
                 ye
                 perfect
                 as
                 your
                 heavenly
                 Father
                 is
                 perfect
              
               ;
               This
               only
               is
               the
               subject
               of
               this
               little
               Work.
               I
               would
               to
               God
               ,
               that
               they
               who
               are
               transported
               with
               the
               wonders
               in
               Nature
               ,
               who
               can
               admire
               her
               greatness
               ,
               rare
               varieties
               and
               perfections
               ,
               who
               willingly
               confine
               themselves
               to
               the
               contemplation
               of
               the
               motions
               of
               the
               heavens
               ,
               of
               the
               extent
               of
               the
               earth
               ,
               of
               the
               depth
               of
               the
               sea
               ,
               of
               the
               admirable
               secret
               properties
               of
               every
               thing
               ,
               would
               turn
               back
               their
               sight
               into
               themselves
               ,
               
               to
               take
               notice
               what
               they
               are
               ,
               and
               what
               they
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               to
               contemplate
               the
               singular
               perfection
               inclosed
               within
               their
               own
               souls
               ,
               the
               greatness
               whereto
               God
               will
               raise
               them
               ,
               and
               eminency
               of
               that
               state
               to
               which
               they
               are
               called
               .
            
             
               If
               other
               Creatures
               are
               objects
               able
               to
               ravish
               our
               spirits
               ,
               and
               oblige
               them
               to
               contemplation
               and
               admiration
               ,
               with
               how
               much
               more
               reason
               ought
               we
               to
               employ
               our selves
               in
               the
               consideration
               of
               our
               own
               soul
               ,
               for
               which
               all
               things
               were
               created
               !
               If
               vertue
               ,
               saith
               Plato
               ,
               be
               so
               beautifull
               ,
               as
               that
               her
               luster
               is
               able
               to
               transform
               our
               hearts
               ,
               and
               force
               us
               to
               love
               her
               ,
               what
               then
               is
               the
               soul
               ,
               of
               which
               vertue
               is
               but
               the
               ornament
               ?
               O
               soul
               ,
               saith
               one
               of
               the
               Fathers
               ,
               thou
               lovest
               the
               world
               ,
               yet
               thou
               thy self
               art
               of
               more
               value
               then
               all
               the
               world
               !
               Thou
               admirest
               the
               Sun
               ,
               and
               yet
               art
               more
               beautifull
               then
               all
               the
               Stars
               ;
               Thou
               dost
               contemplate
               heaven
               ,
               yet
               art
               exalted
               above
               the
               firmament
               .
               Thy
               God
               onely
               is
               above
               thee
               ,
               all
               creatures
               are
               under
               thy
               feet
               ;
               Let
               us
               begin
               to
               prepare
               our
               hearts
               to
               these
               thoughts
               ;
               let
               us
               call
               back
               our
               distracted
               spirits
               from
               so
               many
               objects
               ;
               let
               us
               withdraw
               our
               wandering
               eyes
               from
               so
               many
               curiosities
               ,
               and
               undeceive
               our
               hearts
               charmed
               by
               so
               many
               vanities
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               apply
               or
               selves
               to
               the
               acquisition
               
               of
               this
               knowledge
               ,
               for
               in
               being
               ignorant
               of
               these
               truths
               ,
               man
               is
               estranged
               from
               God
               and
               himself
               ,
               serves
               the
               creatures
               who
               were
               made
               to
               serve
               him
               ,
               makes
               his
               vanity
               an
               ornament
               ,
               and
               advances
               above
               himself
               ,
               that
               which
               ought
               to
               be
               under
               his
               feet
               ,
               and
               farther
               loosing
               himself
               in
               the
               curious
               pursuit
               of
               creatures
               or
               pernicious
               affection
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               he
               no
               more
               thinks
               of
               himself
               ,
               and
               ,
               which
               is
               worse
               ,
               seems
               no
               longer
               to
               know
               his
               God.
               Hence
               spring
               all
               evils
               which
               overflow
               the
               earth
               ,
               all
               vices
               and
               disorders
               in
               the
               life
               of
               man.
               Nor
               is
               it
               strange
               ;
               for
               how
               can
               a
               Christian
               serve
               his
               God
               ,
               if
               he
               esteem
               not
               his
               greatness
               ,
               and
               be
               ignorant
               of
               his
               divine
               adorable
               perfections
               ;
               and
               how
               shall
               he
               know
               them
               ,
               if
               he
               seldome
               ,
               or
               never
               consider
               them
               ?
               Beside
               ,
               how
               is
               it
               possible
               for
               a
               Christian
               to
               render
               unto
               God
               what
               he
               ought
               ,
               and
               to
               live
               as
               God
               requires
               ,
               if
               he
               take
               no
               time
               to
               reflect
               upon
               himself
               ;
               if
               he
               know
               not
               what
               he
               is
               ,
               whence
               he
               comes
               ,
               whither
               he
               goes
               ,
               how
               he
               lives
               ?
               In
               this
               it
               is
               he
               ought
               to
               employ
               his
               thoughts
               and
               time
               .
               The
               highest
               employment
               of
               man
               ,
               says
               Heraclitus
               ,
               is
               to
               seek
               himself
               ;
               and
               we
               say
               ,
               the
               most
               necessary
               ;
               yet
               we
               are
               not
               with
               Democritus
               to
               put
               out
               our
               eyes
               ,
               and
               deprive
               our selves
               of
               the
               sight
               of
               all
               creatures
               ,
               thereby
               with
               more
               ease
               and
               attention
               to
               
               apply
               our selves
               to
               the
               study
               of
               this
               high
               philosophy
               ,
               the
               knowledge
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               our selves
               ;
               we
               need
               not
               go
               to
               such
               an
               extremity
               .
               On
               the
               contrary
               ,
               let
               us
               preserve
               our
               eyes
               and
               attention
               to
               contemplate
               at
               leisure
               the
               image
               which
               I
               am
               going
               to
               describe
               unto
               you
               .
               It
               is
               the
               pourtracture
               of
               a
               true
               Christian
               ,
               in
               which
               shall
               be
               drawn
               in
               lively
               colours
               the
               Christian
               vertues
               ,
               and
               represented
               the
               dispositions
               ,
               actions
               ,
               and
               piety
               ,
               wherein
               all
               Christians
               ought
               to
               live
               .
            
             
               To
               speak
               after
               this
               manner
               is
               proportionable
               to
               this
               subject
               .
               He
               that
               would
               make
               a
               man
               to
               see
               what
               he
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               must
               draw
               his
               picture
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               see
               and
               contemplate
               himself
               therein
               .
               The
               soul
               like
               the
               eye
               sees
               all
               things
               ,
               yet
               not
               it self
               unlesse
               by
               reflection
               .
               To
               make
               her
               know
               her selfe
               ,
               a
               glasse
               must
               be
               set
               before
               her
               ,
               wherein
               are
               represented
               the
               true
               beauties
               of
               the
               state
               of
               grace
               ,
               the
               excellencies
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               her
               obligation
               to
               perfection
               ,
               her
               capacity
               to
               possesse
               God
               ;
               that
               ,
               considering
               all
               these
               ,
               she
               may
               see
               what
               she
               is
               ,
               and
               what
               she
               ought
               to
               be
               to
               her
               God.
               
            
             
               Thus
               seeing
               her selfe
               ,
               she
               knows
               her self
               ,
               knowing
               her
               helf
               ,
               she
               esteems
               accordingly
               of
               her
               own
               being
               ,
               life
               ,
               and
               condition
               ,
               and
               by
               these
               degrees
               ,
               arriving
               to
               this
               esteem
               ,
               she
               
               faithfully
               endeavours
               to
               render
               God
               the
               honour
               ,
               love
               ,
               and
               service
               due
               to
               him
               ,
               careful
               to
               lead
               a
               life
               suitable
               to
               the
               condition
               and
               dignity
               whereto
               God
               hath
               called
               her
               .
            
             
               To
               represent
               to
               the
               life
               so
               great
               perfection
               ,
               and
               to
               acknowlege
               what
               the
               soul
               is
               before
               God
               to
               whom
               she
               is
               called
               ,
               and
               may
               arrive
               by
               the
               assistance
               of
               a
               supernaturall
               power
               ;
               We
               must
               consider
               the
               essence
               and
               grace
               of
               the
               Mysteries
               wrought
               by
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               upon
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               what
               he
               hath
               accomplished
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               the
               beginning
               and
               source
               of
               all
               Graces
               wherewith
               we
               are
               inriched
               ;
               they
               make
               us
               know
               what
               God
               requires
               of
               us
               ,
               what
               he
               will
               operate
               in
               us
               and
               by
               us
               .
               These
               then
               we
               must
               propose
               .
               Behold
               three
               which
               we
               must
               make
               choice
               of
               ,
               including
               all
               the
               Excellencies
               of
               Christianity
               ;
               whatsoever
               is
               to
               be
               said
               of
               the
               rest
               ,
               is
               to
               be
               deduced
               from
               these
               .
            
             
               The
               first
               estate
               wherein
               we
               are
               established
               by
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               is
               that
               which
               we
               receive
               in
               Baptism
               ,
               where
               we
               are
               consecrated
               to
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               .
               The
               excellency
               of
               this
               estate
               consists
               herein
               ,
               that
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               by
               this
               Sacrament
               of
               Reconciliation
               ,
               giving
               us
               at
               once
               a
               new
               being
               ,
               and
               a
               new
               birth
               ,
               it
               sanctifies
               and
               consecrates
               us
               by
               an
               Unction
               altogether
               extraordinary
               
               and
               divine
               ,
               and
               by
               this
               extraordinary
               consecration
               draws
               us
               from
               our selves
               ,
               separates
               us
               from
               the
               common
               Tempests
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               to
               dedicate
               and
               refer
               us
               wholly
               to
               his
               honour
               and
               glory
               ,
               to
               call
               us
               to
               a
               holy
               conversation
               which
               we
               ought
               to
               have
               with
               divine
               persons
               ,
               as
               the
               beloved
               Apostle
               saith
               ,
               
                 That
                 our
                 fellowship
                 may
                 be
                 with
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
              
               
               
                 and
                 with
                 his
                 Son
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ;
               that
               by
               this
               society
               we
               may
               become
               worthy
               and
               capable
               of
               the
               effects
               of
               grace
               and
               divine
               communications
               to
               be
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               possessed
               of
               God.
               That
               which
               makes
               this
               favour
               most
               admirable
               ,
               is
               ,
               that
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               doth
               vouchsafe
               to
               apply
               it selfe
               to
               the
               accomplishment
               of
               this
               work
               in
               a
               very
               particular
               manner
               ;
               it
               sanctifies
               and
               consecrates
               us
               ,
               not
               after
               that
               ordinary
               way
               wherewith
               it
               acts
               and
               performs
               all
               other
               works
               common
               to
               the
               three
               Persons
               ;
               but
               in
               this
               work
               of
               grace
               and
               sacrament
               of
               life
               ,
               it
               consecrates
               us
               in
               a
               manner
               wholly
               singular
               ,
               and
               full
               of
               mysteries
               ,
               altogether
               great
               ,
               and
               full
               of
               love
               .
               The
               Father
               sanctifies
               us
               ,
               giving
               us
               his
               Son
               ;
               the
               Son
               becomes
               incarnate
               ,
               suffers
               ,
               and
               riseth
               again
               for
               us
               ;
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               works
               in
               us
               Iustification
               ,
               infusing
               into
               us
               the
               abundance
               of
               those
               Graces
               the
               Son
               merited
               for
               us
               .
               Thus
               the
               three
               Persons
               by
               distinct
               operations
               proper
               to
               every
               person
               ,
               effects
               in
               us
               this
               work
               
               of
               graces
               and
               love
               in
               this
               manner
               .
               Thus
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               applies
               it selfe
               wholly
               to
               us
               after
               an
               extraordinary
               manner
               ,
               and
               proper
               to
               this
               Sacrament
               ,
               to
               consecrate
               us
               to
               their
               glory
               and
               honour
               ,
               a
               consecration
               so
               high
               and
               mysterious
               ,
               that
               it
               contains
               all
               the
               Truths
               of
               Faith
               ,
               whence
               the
               Fathers
               call
               Baptisme
               the
               
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 Faith.
              
               This
               is
               the
               first
               dignity
               whereto
               the
               Christian
               soul
               is
               advanced
               ,
               but
               this
               is
               not
               all
               .
               Let
               us
               go
               on
               and
               penetrate
               further
               into
               this
               mystery
               of
               Love
               ,
               and
               we
               shall
               see
               that
               this
               consecration
               (
               O
               miracle
               of
               the
               infinite
               bounty
               of
               God!
               )
               places
               us
               in
               God
               ,
               and
               is
               the
               cause
               of
               Gods
               being
               in
               us
               ,
               not
               after
               the
               manner
               that
               he
               is
               in
               all
               other
               things
               ,
               nor
               by
               any
               gift
               or
               created
               grace
               ,
               but
               after
               a
               wholly
               extraordinary
               way
               ,
               which
               gives
               him
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               causes
               him
               to
               dwell
               in
               us
               .
               Here
               God
               doth
               disclose
               his
               heart
               to
               us
               ;
               the
               Father
               shews
               and
               gives
               us
               his
               Son
               ;
               the
               Sonne
               gives
               and
               applies
               himselfe
               to
               us
               in
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               grace
               of
               his
               Mysteries
               ,
               and
               both
               together
               making
               one
               profusion
               and
               communication
               of
               their
               love
               ,
               send
               and
               give
               us
               the
               holy
               spirit
               .
               Thus
               the
               three
               divine
               persons
               dwell
               in
               us
               ,
               consecrate
               us
               ,
               and
               fill
               us
               with
               their
               presence
               and
               abundance
               of
               graces
               .
               That
               which
               is
               admirable
               in
               the
               excesse
               of
               this
               divine
               Love
               ,
               making
               this
               grace
               and
               
               estate
               singularly
               eminent
               ,
               is
               ,
               that
               there
               is
               not
               any
               other
               Creature
               ,
               not
               the
               Angels
               themselves
               are
               advanced
               to
               this
               Dignity
               ;
               it
               is
               reserved
               only
               for
               Christians
               who
               are
               consecrated
               to
               the
               most
               
                 Holy
                 Trinity
              
               ,
               after
               so
               holy
               and
               mysticall
               a
               manner
               .
               It
               would
               require
               a
               large
               Discourse
               ,
               to
               teach
               us
               to
               comprehend
               such
               rare
               advantages
               ;
               but
               let
               us
               content
               our selves
               to
               consider
               :
               first
               ,
               that
               all
               creatures
               are
               referred
               to
               God
               ,
               but
               a
               Christian
               not
               onely
               referred
               ,
               but
               consecrated
               ;
               as
               if
               you
               should
               say
               ,
               that
               he
               belongs
               more
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               is
               more
               holy
               then
               all
               other
               creatures
               .
               O
               how
               beautifull
               is
               this
               truth
               ,
               worthy
               to
               make
               us
               lift
               up
               our
               hearts
               to
               God!
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               we
               know
               that
               both
               Angels
               and
               men
               in
               the
               state
               of
               Innocency
               ,
               were
               replenished
               with
               the
               graces
               and
               gifts
               of
               God
               ;
               but
               the
               Christian
               ,
               in
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               is
               not
               onely
               filled
               with
               divine
               gifts
               and
               benefits
               ,
               but
               with
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               it self
               ,
               which
               dwels
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               consecrates
               him
               after
               the
               manner
               we
               have
               declared
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               all
               creatures
               ,
               even
               Angels
               themselves
               ,
               behold
               God
               in
               some
               of
               his
               divine
               qualities
               ,
               as
               the
               Seraphins
               in
               his
               love
               ,
               the
               Cherubims
               ,
               in
               his
               knowledge
               ,
               the
               Thrones
               in
               his
               stability
               ,
               and
               so
               the
               rest
               ;
               but
               the
               Christian
               by
               a
               happy
               advantage
               ,
               beholds
               and
               relates
               to
               him
               in
               the
               extent
               of
               all
               his
               greatness
               ,
               
               not
               onely
               as
               Creator
               ,
               but
               as
               
                 Father
                 ,
                 Saviour
              
               ,
               and
               Sanctifier
               ;
               not
               only
               as
               God
               considered
               in
               his
               Nature
               and
               divine
               Essence
               ,
               common
               to
               the
               three
               Persons
               ,
               but
               by
               a
               happy
               reflection
               he
               distinctly
               beholds
               the
               three
               divine
               Persons
               ,
               and
               refers
               himself
               to
               God
               as
               the
               Father
               ,
               as
               the
               Son
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               .
               Thus
               by
               one
               speciall
               and
               singular
               Grace
               communicated
               to
               him
               in
               Baptisme
               ,
               he
               is
               consecrated
               to
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               ,
               and
               made
               the
               
                 Temple
                 ,
                 Throne
              
               ,
               and
               Residence
               of
               the
               ineffable
               ,
               immense
               ,
               and
               adorable
               Trinity
               .
               What
               can
               be
               more
               said
               ?
            
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
               How
               holy
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               consecrated
               to
               God
               by
               Baptisme
               .
            
             
               WE
               cannot
               say
               too
               much
               upon
               this
               Subject
               ,
               which
               contains
               so
               many
               excellencies
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               and
               such
               extraordinary
               favors
               of
               God
               ;
               and
               when
               we
               have
               said
               all
               we
               can
               ,
               we
               must
               acknowledge
               it
               is
               far
               short
               of
               the
               Subject
               .
               We
               know
               that
               God
               works
               great
               matters
               in
               the
               souls
               of
               his
               Elect
               ;
               that
               his
               love
               ,
               mercies
               ,
               and
               divine
               liberality
               ,
               are
               as
               incomprehensible
               as
               ineffable
               ,
               which
               being
               so
               ,
               what
               can
               be
               added
               to
               the
               love
               that
               God
               expresses
               to
               the
               world
               in
               the
               mysterie
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ?
               What
               more
               can
               be
               
               hoped
               ?
               If
               according
               to
               the
               mysteries
               of
               our
               Faith
               we
               believe
               God
               gave
               his
               Son
               to
               the
               world
               ,
               making
               him
               like
               unto
               us
               ,
               to
               make
               himself
               more
               capable
               of
               being
               mercifull
               unto
               us
               ;
               we
               cannot
               doubt
               ,
               but
               that
               the
               same
               God
               of
               love
               will
               shew
               himself
               bountifull
               in
               all
               things
               else
               ,
               since
               he
               hath
               made
               such
               an
               extraordinary
               communication
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               of
               himself
               in
               thus
               giving
               us
               his
               Son
               ,
               it
               cannot
               seem
               strange
               ,
               if
               now
               after
               so
               divine
               a
               gift
               ,
               he
               bestow
               on
               us
               his
               graces
               to
               exalt
               us
               to
               so
               holy
               a
               being
               ;
               an
               estate
               which
               consecrates
               us
               to
               make
               us
               capable
               of
               possessing
               God.
               Nothing
               is
               impossible
               to
               him
               that
               can
               do
               all
               things
               :
               we
               ought
               onely
               to
               consider
               a
               perfect
               knowledge
               of
               the
               truth
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               and
               a
               disposition
               to
               receive
               all
               that
               God
               will
               give
               us
               .
               It
               were
               to
               be
               wished
               ,
               that
               all
               Christians
               did
               follow
               the
               light
               of
               Faith
               as
               they
               are
               obliged
               ,
               that
               being
               guided
               and
               illuminated
               by
               this
               heavenly
               Pharos
               ,
               they
               might
               know
               the
               dignity
               and
               excellency
               of
               these
               mysteries
               ,
               that
               knowing
               them
               ,
               they
               might
               adhere
               to
               them
               ;
               that
               adhering
               to
               them
               ,
               they
               might
               become
               capable
               of
               that
               grace
               which
               they
               include
               and
               God
               will
               communicate
               to
               us
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               thereby
               profit
               as
               Christ
               wills
               ,
               who
               offers
               his
               gifts
               ,
               desiring
               we
               should
               receive
               and
               use
               them
               according
               to
               his
               intentions
               .
               This
               counsell
               we
               
               ought
               to
               follow
               in
               all
               these
               mysteries
               .
               Let
               us
               begin
               by
               him
               ,
               and
               examine
               what
               it
               is
               that
               God
               demands
               of
               us
               for
               the
               benefit
               of
               this
               regeneration
               &
               Baptism
               .
               Being
               consecrated
               to
               God
               by
               Baptism
               after
               so
               divine
               a
               manner
               ,
               we
               are
               no
               more
               now
               our
               own
               ,
               but
               belong
               wholly
               to
               him
               ,
               nor
               ought
               we
               to
               make
               use
               of
               our selves
               but
               for
               him
               .
               If
               any
               profane
               thing
               being
               offered
               to
               God
               ,
               consecrated
               by
               ceremonies
               ,
               or
               dedicated
               to
               celebration
               of
               the
               divine
               office
               ,
               is
               by
               this
               means
               abstracted
               from
               common
               use
               ,
               and
               its
               particular
               end
               to
               be
               wholly
               employed
               in
               sacred
               things
               ;
               much
               more
               a
               Christian
               consecrated
               to
               the
               holy
               Trinity
               by
               Baptisme
               ,
               solemnly
               dedicated
               to
               Gods
               service
               ,
               and
               referred
               to
               his
               glory
               ,
               ought
               to
               be
               withdrawn
               from
               himself
               ,
               and
               such
               profane
               customs
               as
               of
               himself
               he
               may
               commit
               in
               his
               life
               and
               actions
               ,
               to
               be
               referred
               in
               whatsoever
               he
               doth
               to
               the
               service
               and
               glory
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               From
               these
               proposed
               Truths
               it
               followeth
               ,
               that
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               communicated
               by
               Baptisme
               ,
               whereto
               we
               have
               right
               by
               this
               Sacrament
               doth
               advance
               man
               above
               all
               creatures
               ,
               and
               withdraw
               him
               from
               this
               world
               ,
               to
               associate
               with
               God
               ,
               and
               to
               become
               his
               Temple
               and
               Throne
               of
               rest
               ;
               that
               being
               separated
               from
               care
               and
               love
               of
               the
               creature
               ,
               he
               may
               cleave
               to
               God
               only
               .
            
             
             
               The
               soul
               may
               be
               compared
               to
               the
               woman
               in
               the
               Apocalypse
               ,
               
               
                 cloathed
                 with
                 the
                 Sun
                 ,
                 and
                 having
                 the
                 Moon
                 under
                 her
                 feet
                 ,
              
               to
               tell
               us
               that
               our
               soules
               being
               replenished
               with
               the
               true
               
                 sunne
                 of
                 Righteousnesse
              
               ,
               ought
               to
               raise
               themselves
               above
               all
               Creatures
               ,
               and
               possessing
               God
               ,
               contemn
               all
               that
               is
               not
               God
               ,
               of
               God
               ,
               or
               for
               God.
               The
               learned
               Origen
               sayes
               ,
               
                 That
                 we
                 ought
                 to
                 esteem
                 ,
                 as
                 beyond
                 and
                 above
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 all
                 that
                 is
                 consecrated
                 to
                 God
              
               ;
               meaning
               only
               those
               ,
               who
               by
               the
               Ceremonies
               and
               ancient
               Customs
               of
               the
               Church
               resign
               themselves
               to
               Gods
               service
               .
               If
               this
               be
               true
               in
               bare
               Ceremonies
               ,
               how
               much
               more
               is
               he
               whom
               God
               himself
               consecrates
               in
               this
               Sacrament
               beyond
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               above
               all
               things
               .
               This
               is
               the
               effect
               of
               the
               words
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               when
               speaking
               of
               the
               spirit
               of
               Christianity
               which
               he
               had
               infused
               into
               his
               Apostles
               ,
               he
               says
               ,
               recommending
               them
               ,
               and
               with
               them
               all
               the
               Elect
               unto
               his
               Father
               ;
               
               
                 The
                 world
                 hates
                 you
                 because
                 you
                 are
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 I
                 likewise
                 am
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 world
              
               ;
               where
               we
               see
               evidently
               ,
               that
               according
               to
               the
               designs
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               a
               Christian
               must
               be
               no
               longer
               of
               
                 this
                 world
              
               ,
               nor
               pretend
               further
               to
               the
               creature
               then
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               did
               ,
               when
               he
               became
               man
               ,
               and
               liv'd
               upon
               earth
               .
               We
               learn
               further
               ,
               that
               by
               this
               consecration
               ,
               and
               the
               state
               whereunto
               we
               are
               advanc'd
               by
               Baptism
               ,
               God
               assumes
               
               a
               second
               interest
               in
               us
               ,
               besides
               that
               of
               creation
               ,
               and
               in
               complyance
               with
               this
               new
               right
               ,
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               more
               his
               ,
               and
               live
               onely
               for
               him
               .
               For
               he
               hath
               right
               to
               make
               in
               us
               ,
               and
               of
               us
               all
               that
               he
               pleases
               for
               his
               glory
               ,
               and
               the
               accomplishment
               of
               his
               divine
               will.
               I
               need
               give
               no
               other
               reason
               hereof
               then
               that
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 Know
                 yee
                 not
                 that
                 your
                 body
                 is
                 the
                 Temple
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 ,
              
               
               
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 you
                 ,
                 which
                 ye
                 have
                 of
                 God.
                 And
                 ye
                 are
                 not
                 your
                 own
                 ,
                 for
                 ye
                 are
                 bought
                 with
                 a
                 price
                 ;
                 therefore
                 glorifie
                 God
                 in
                 your
                 body
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 your
                 spirit
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 Gods.
              
               Consider
               deliberately
               this
               Christian
               truth
               ,
               weigh
               all
               these
               words
               ,
               and
               ye
               shall
               see
               how
               much
               ye
               belong
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               ought
               to
               live
               for
               God.
               Reject
               not
               this
               as
               a
               matter
               new
               ,
               or
               too
               high
               ;
               it
               much
               imports
               to
               your
               good
               .
               If
               you
               cannot
               comprehend
               it
               ,
               at
               least
               admire
               it
               ;
               and
               since
               they
               are
               truths
               ,
               you
               ought
               to
               believe
               them
               ;
               by
               Faith
               you
               shall
               enter
               into
               an
               estimate
               of
               your
               estate
               ,
               and
               acknowledg
               it
               is
               so
               divine
               and
               eminent
               ,
               that
               you
               cannot
               comprehend
               it
               ,
               but
               can
               onely
               say
               that
               he
               that
               is
               all
               power
               will
               effect
               great
               things
               in
               you
               .
               Now
               if
               you
               will
               endeavour
               to
               profit
               by
               these
               proposed
               verities
               ;
               First
               ,
               take
               heed
               you
               commit
               no
               sacriledge
               in
               serving
               any
               other
               but
               God
               ,
               since
               ye
               are
               consecrated
               for
               his
               glory
               ;
               be
               careful
               to
               refer
               your self
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               offer
               to
               him
               all
               your
               actions
               ,
               be
               
               they
               never
               so
               little
               ,
               for
               they
               all
               belong
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               he
               knoweth
               how
               from
               the
               lowest
               ,
               meanest
               things
               to
               bring
               honour
               to
               himself
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               seeing
               God
               hath
               separated
               you
               from
               the
               world
               ,
               consecrating
               you
               for
               his
               glory
               ,
               and
               that
               ,
               by
               Baptisme
               ,
               solemnly
               in
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               you
               have
               renounced
               all
               its
               greatnesse
               ,
               and
               varieties
               ,
               Take
               heed
               you
               deceive
               not
               God
               ,
               or
               rather
               your selves
               ,
               adhering
               to
               the
               creature
               ,
               searching
               after
               ,
               and
               following
               the
               Vanities
               of
               the
               Time
               ;
               but
               see
               that
               in
               pursuit
               of
               this
               promise
               you
               have
               made
               to
               God
               ,
               you
               do
               disintangle
               your selfe
               all
               the
               days
               of
               your
               life
               ,
               as
               much
               as
               you
               can
               possible
               from
               these
               Creatures
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               take
               your
               affections
               off
               from
               them
               :
               and
               if
               you
               will
               do
               well
               ,
               despise
               them
               all
               for
               God
               ,
               that
               your
               heart
               ,
               consecrated
               by
               an
               Vnction
               so
               holy
               ,
               may
               be
               only
               for
               God
               ,
               and
               love
               none
               but
               God.
               The
               best
               foundation
               of
               Piety
               is
               to
               enter
               into
               a
               great
               esteem
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               what
               you
               are
               unto
               him
               ,
               so
               to
               contemn
               the
               world
               and
               all
               therein
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               Seeing
               you
               have
               no
               right
               to
               your selfe
               ,
               being
               marked
               with
               the
               character
               of
               Gods
               substance
               (
               so
               Saint
               Cyprian
               calls
               the
               love
               of
               God
               )
               and
               are
               wholly
               his
               ,
               let
               him
               make
               use
               of
               what
               is
               his
               ;
               go
               out
               of
               your self
               ,
               
               go
               out
               of
               your
               own
               Interest
               to
               God
               ,
               aim
               at
               nothing
               but
               the
               
                 glory
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               therein
               place
               your
               principall
               care
               ;
               for
               there
               is
               nothing
               more
               important
               in
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               nothing
               more
               profitable
               or
               necessary
               then
               to
               leave
               wholly
               himself
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               to
               search
               diligently
               after
               God
               only
               .
               This
               it
               is
               that
               God
               requires
               of
               you
               ,
               for
               this
               benefit
               whereunto
               you
               are
               obliged
               in
               the
               susception
               of
               Baptisme
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             second
             Prerogative
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               III.
               Of
               the
               Filiall
               adoption
               of
               God
               ,
               whereto
               all
               Christians
               are
               called
               .
            
             
               THe
               mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               a
               work
               of
               Love
               ,
               and
               the
               Master-piece
               of
               God
               ,
               ought
               to
               be
               considered
               as
               the
               foundation
               of
               all
               the
               Mysteries
               of
               the
               Life
               of
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God.
               From
               this
               they
               have
               their
               dignity
               and
               excellency
               ;
               from
               this
               they
               flow
               as
               from
               their
               source
               and
               principle
               ;
               this
               we
               ought
               to
               look
               upon
               ,
               and
               adore
               as
               the
               Cause
               of
               all
               our
               happinesse
               ,
               for
               in
               and
               by
               it
               we
               have
               all
               that
               we
               can-desire
               ;
               all
               the
               greatnesse
               ,
               all
               
               the
               priviledges
               and
               abundance
               of
               grace
               communicated
               to
               us
               in
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               flows
               from
               this
               ineffable
               Mystery
               as
               its
               spring
               .
               It
               requires
               an
               eternity
               to
               consider
               so
               worthy
               an
               object
               ,
               to
               look
               into
               the
               excellencies
               ,
               and
               to
               contemplate
               the
               effects
               thereof
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               here
               make
               a
               pause
               to
               consider
               this
               grace
               the
               most
               advantageous
               of
               all
               we
               have
               received
               from
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               in
               this
               Mystery
               ,
               which
               gives
               us
               right
               and
               admission
               to
               all
               the
               rest
               ,
               the
               grace
               of
               Filiation
               ,
               which
               makes
               us
               children
               of
               God
               by
               adoption
               ,
               a
               grace
               given
               to
               men
               ,
               when
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               becoming
               man
               ,
               made
               men
               the
               sons
               of
               God.
               By
               this
               benefit
               we
               are
               no
               longer
               the
               sons
               of
               Adam
               ,
               but
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               who
               is
               God
               ,
               called
               by
               the
               Prophets
               ,
               
                 The
                 everlasting
                 father
              
               .
               By
               this
               
                 grace
                 Christians
              
               have
               a
               new
               being
               ,
               a
               new
               life
               ,
               which
               honoureth
               and
               imitates
               the
               new
               life
               of
               Iesus
               in
               his
               holy
               humanity
               ,
               springing
               from
               this
               as
               its
               source
               and
               principle
               .
               For
               as
               the
               word
               unites
               it self
               to
               our
               nature
               in
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               replenisheth
               and
               dwells
               in
               it
               as
               in
               his
               proper
               body
               ,
               consecrates
               and
               elevates
               it
               to
               all
               the
               Grandeurs
               of
               his
               divine
               Filiation
               ;
               so
               the
               same
               Iesus
               unites
               himself
               ,
               not
               personally
               ,
               but
               by
               a
               new
               Grace
               ,
               and
               after
               a
               singular
               manner
               ,
               proper
               to
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               consecrates
               
               us
               ,
               dwels
               in
               us
               ,
               and
               advanceth
               us
               to
               the
               communication
               of
               the
               rights
               ,
               goods
               ,
               and
               greatnesse
               of
               his
               filiation
               ,
               and
               would
               have
               us
               (
               
                 O
                 excesse
                 of
                 love
              
               !
               )
               to
               be
               that
               by
               grace
               which
               he
               is
               by
               nature
               ,
               which
               he
               would
               have
               not
               onely
               to
               be
               accomplished
               in
               glory
               ,
               but
               in
               grace
               ,
               not
               onely
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               but
               upon
               Earth
               ,
               where
               we
               are
               truly
               
                 Sons
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               in
               that
               quality
               henceforward
               ,
               we
               enter
               into
               alliance
               with
               him
               ,
               we
               have
               right
               to
               his
               heritage
               :
               and
               ,
               which
               is
               more
               (
               
                 O
                 that
                 we
                 would
                 consider
                 it
                 !
              
               )
               he
               gives
               us
               power
               to
               call
               God
               our
               Father
               ,
               to
               look
               up
               to
               him
               as
               such
               ,
               to
               relate
               to
               him
               in
               this
               quality
               ,
               in
               further
               assurance
               whereof
               he
               gives
               us
               his
               spirit
               .
               This
               St.
               Paul
               teacheth
               ,
               
               when
               he
               saith
               ,
               
                 Ye
                 have
                 received
                 the
                 spirit
                 of
                 Adoption
                 ,
                 whereby
                 we
                 cry
                 Abba
                 Father
                 ,
                 the
                 same
                 spirit
                 it selfe
                 beareth
                 witnesse
                 with
                 our
                 spirit
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 God.
              
               It
               is
               an
               effect
               of
               the
               mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               and
               priviledge
               and
               excellency
               of
               Christianity
               .
               Let
               us
               deliberate
               further
               upon
               it
               .
               St.
               Iohn
               ,
               summing
               up
               the
               graces
               received
               from
               God
               ,
               in
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               ranks
               this
               the
               first
               ,
               for
               it
               is
               the
               foundation
               of
               the
               rest
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 To
                 them
                 he
                 gave
                 power
                 to
                 become
                 sons
                 of
                 God.
              
               
               If
               you
               would
               comprehend
               some
               part
               of
               this
               great
               favour
               ,
               think
               that
               as
               there
               is
               nothing
               in
               Divinity
               greater
               then
               to
               be
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               by
               Nature
               ,
               so
               (
               
                 but
                 
                 to
                 be
                 God
                 himselfe
              
               )
               nothing
               is
               greater
               then
               to
               be
               the
               
                 Son
                 of
                 God
              
               by
               grace
               .
               St.
               Cyprian
               admiring
               in
               God
               the
               title
               of
               Father
               ,
               sayes
               ,
               
                 It
                 is
                 an
                 ineffable
                 name
                 containing
                 the
                 Mysteries
                 and
                 Secrets
                 hid
                 from
                 our
                 spirits
                 ,
                 incomprehensible
                 by
                 our
                 understanding
                 .
              
               If
               then
               to
               be
               Father
               in
               the
               Deity
               be
               a
               thing
               the
               most
               mysterious
               and
               ineffable
               that
               our
               souls
               can
               imagine
               ;
               by
               consequence
               ,
               to
               be
               son
               of
               such
               a
               Father
               is
               a
               favour
               and
               dignity
               incomprehensible
               .
               The
               beloved
               Disciple
               causeth
               us
               to
               admire
               at
               this
               great
               benefit
               ,
               when
               he
               says
               ,
               
                 Behold
                 what
                 manner
                 of
                 love
                 the
                 Father
                 hath
                 bestowed
                 upon
                 us
                 ,
              
               
               
                 that
                 we
                 should
                 be
                 called
                 the
                 sons
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               and
               be
               such
               in
               effect
               .
               St.
               
                 Iohn
                 Damascene
              
               speaks
               to
               this
               purpose
               ,
               
                 That
                 the
                 eternall
                 Father
                 sent
                 his
                 Son
                 into
                 the
                 world
                 to
                 produce
                 Children
                 that
                 should
                 be
                 such
                 to
                 him
                 by
                 Grace
                 ,
                 as
                 Christ
                 is
                 unto
                 him
                 by
                 Nature
              
               ;
               and
               therefore
               in
               pursuit
               of
               this
               Commission
               ,
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               from
               the
               time
               that
               he
               became
               the
               son
               of
               man
               ,
               hath
               created
               by
               his
               power
               ,
               begotten
               by
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               acquired
               by
               his
               merits
               ,
               and
               given
               by
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               many
               children
               to
               his
               Father
               ,
               who
               can
               breath
               nothing
               but
               glory
               to
               his
               Father
               ,
               and
               no
               longer
               live
               ,
               then
               by
               his
               Spirit
               and
               Life
               .
            
             
               But
               to
               search
               with
               greater
               admiration
               into
               this
               Truth
               ,
               we
               must
               consider
               the
               manner
               by
               which
               he
               creates
               in
               us
               so
               
                 divine
                 a
                 work
              
               .
               We
               
               must
               observe
               ,
               that
               in
               Baptisme
               ,
               we
               not
               only
               receive
               grace
               ,
               and
               faith
               ,
               by
               the
               habituall
               vertues
               and
               gifts
               of
               the
               
                 holy
                 Spirt
              
               ,
               but
               are
               also
               marked
               with
               the
               Character
               of
               God
               ,
               received
               and
               owned
               as
               his
               children
               .
               The
               manner
               whereby
               God
               effects
               this
               is
               admirable
               ;
               for
               as
               the
               Father
               hath
               sealed
               Jesus
               Christ
               with
               his
               Seal
               ,
               and
               made
               him
               his
               Son
               ,
               communicating
               to
               him
               his
               Essence
               ,
               and
               making
               him
               altogether
               equall
               to
               himself
               ;
               so
               Jesus
               Christ
               doth
               comunicate
               to
               us
               what
               he
               himself
               is
               ,
               marketh
               us
               with
               his
               seal
               ,
               makes
               us
               and
               owns
               us
               as
               children
               ,
               and
               makes
               us
               as
               it
               were
               another
               
                 himself
                 .
                 Wonder
              
               ,
               saith
               Saint
               
                 Augustine
                 ,
                 and
                 rejoyce
                 ,
                 brethren
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 made
                 of
                 Christ.
              
               In
               pursuite
               of
               this
               benefit
               ,
               the
               eternall
               Father
               hath
               given
               us
               the
               Spirit
               of
               his
               Son
               ,
               
                 which
                 dwels
                 in
                 us
              
               ,
               
               according
               to
               the
               Apostle
               .
               What
               can
               we
               think
               to
               be
               greater
               ?
               If
               we
               go
               further
               herein
               ,
               we
               shall
               find
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               not
               advanced
               to
               this
               admirable
               estate
               of
               being
               the
               children
               of
               God
               by
               any
               simple
               acceptation
               ,
               or
               by
               bare
               ceremonies
               ,
               but
               by
               something
               more
               reall
               that
               passeth
               into
               our
               souls
               ,
               as
               Saint
               Paul
               implies
               ,
               by
               these
               mysticall
               terms
               :
               
                 Not
                 by
                 works
                 of
                 righteousness
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 done
                 ,
              
               
               
                 but
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 mercy
                 he
                 saved
                 us
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 our
                 works
                 ,
              
               saith
               he
               ,
               
                 that
                 the
                 washing
                 of
                 regeneration
                 ,
                 and
                 renewing
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 ,
              
               that
               the
               spirit
               is
               given
               us
               by
               Jesus
               
               Christ
               ,
               and
               that
               Jesus
               is
               sent
               upon
               this
               design
               by
               the
               eternall
               Father
               ,
               three
               circumstances
               worthy
               great
               consideration
               .
            
             
               To
               conclude
               the
               greatness
               of
               this
               benefit
               ,
               let
               us
               observe
               with
               Dionysius
               the
               Areopagite
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               advanced
               to
               this
               divine
               estate
               by
               a
               
                 new
                 birth
              
               ,
               and
               divine
               regeneration
               ▪
               which
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               operates
               in
               us
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               the
               Church
               our
               Mother
               ,
               to
               the
               honour
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               in
               imitation
               of
               his
               eternall
               generation
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               God
               the
               Father
               .
            
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
               Of
               the
               uses
               the
               Christians
               ought
               to
               make
               of
               filiall
               adoption
               whereto
               they
               are
               advanced
               by
               Baptism
               .
            
             
               THe
               Truths
               that
               we
               have
               treated
               of
               are
               high
               ,
               and
               would
               require
               a
               large
               Discourse
               ;
               but
               that
               our
               designe
               ,
               being
               to
               prescribe
               the
               practice
               of
               filiall
               Piety
               ,
               we
               will
               only
               represent
               as
               much
               as
               is
               necessary
               to
               manifest
               what
               we
               are
               ,
               and
               what
               our
               life
               ought
               to
               be
               in
               conformity
               to
               so
               eminent
               an
               estate
               .
            
             
               First
               then
               ,
               we
               must
               take
               notice
               ,
               that
               in
               the
               Language
               of
               the
               Scripture
               ,
               a
               Christian
               is
               a
               
                 new
                 Creature
                 in
                 Iesus
              
               ,
               
               and
               according
               to
               the
               word
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               a
               man
               ,
               if
               he
               be
               a
               
               Christian
               ,
               
               must
               be
               
                 born
                 again
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               and
               consequently
               must
               have
               a
               new
               being
               ,
               worthy
               such
               a
               birth
               .
               Now
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               order
               that
               God
               hath
               established
               in
               all
               things
               ,
               we
               say
               that
               the
               action
               and
               operation
               must
               be
               conformable
               to
               the
               being
               .
               Whence
               it
               follows
               ,
               that
               the
               state
               of
               a
               Christian
               being
               a
               holy
               divine
               estate
               ,
               that
               makes
               him
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               truly
               by
               Grace
               ,
               as
               Jesus
               Christ
               is
               by
               Nature
               ;
               his
               actions
               also
               and
               life
               ought
               to
               be
               wholly
               divine
               ,
               and
               conformable
               to
               the
               state
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God.
               This
               is
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               who
               saith
               ,
               
                 Be
                 ye
                 followers
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 as
                 dear
                 children
                 .
              
               
               This
               Principle
               granted
               ,
               we
               must
               see
               what
               benefits
               we
               can
               derive
               from
               thence
               .
            
             
               The
               first
               is
               a
               contempt
               of
               this
               World
               ,
               for
               it
               is
               the
               heritage
               of
               the
               children
               of
               Adam
               ,
               condemned
               by
               a
               determined
               sentence
               ,
               and
               a
               day
               of
               execution
               appointed
               ,
               when
               by
               the
               Justice
               of
               God
               it
               shall
               perish
               in
               a
               generall
               Conflagration
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               then
               despise
               this
               heritage
               of
               Adam
               ,
               and
               seek
               that
               of
               the
               children
               of
               God
               ,
               Heaven
               ,
               or
               ,
               to
               say
               better
               ,
               
                 God
                 himself
              
               ;
               Say
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               
               with
               a
               sound
               heart
               ,
               
                 My
                 Kingdom
                 is
                 not
                 of
                 this
                 world
                 .
              
               Remember
               that
               you
               must
               keep
               the
               rank
               of
               the
               Sons
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               Princes
               of
               the
               Blood
               :
               And
               as
               the
               Princes
               of
               this
               world
               do
               maintain
               themselves
               in
               
               their
               Estate
               ,
               and
               that
               greatness
               which
               their
               Birth
               allows
               them
               ,
               so
               do
               you
               couragiously
               maintain
               your selves
               in
               all
               rights
               due
               to
               you
               by
               this
               new
               divine
               Birth
               .
               O
               how
               great
               and
               sublime
               is
               it
               ,
               if
               you
               behold
               it
               with
               the
               eye
               of
               Faith
               !
               The
               rank
               you
               are
               to
               hold
               with
               the
               Creatures
               of
               heaven
               and
               earth
               ,
               is
               the
               same
               with
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               who
               accompanies
               you
               to
               his
               estate
               and
               greatness
               ,
               the
               grace
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               you
               receive
               as
               a
               Christian
               giveth
               you
               right
               to
               his
               heritage
               :
               
               
                 If
                 children
              
               ,
               saith
               Saint
               
                 Paul
                 ,
                 then
                 heirs
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 joynt-heirs
                 with
                 Christ.
              
               Now
               ,
               the
               bosom
               of
               the
               eternall
               Father
               ,
               is
               the
               only
               heritage
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ;
               there
               is
               his
               eternall
               dwelling
               ,
               there
               his
               repose
               ,
               there
               the
               seat
               of
               his
               delight
               ,
               the
               Throne
               of
               his
               greatness
               ;
               Even
               this
               is
               the
               rank
               you
               ought
               to
               keep
               ,
               there
               ought
               to
               be
               your
               repose
               ,
               your
               delight
               in
               the
               fruition
               of
               this
               onely
               happiness
               :
               Remember
               that
               the
               bosom
               of
               God
               is
               the
               place
               destin'd
               for
               your
               eternall
               dwelling
               ,
               a
               place
               of
               glory
               ,
               and
               permanent
               felicity
               .
               God
               only
               is
               your
               heritage
               ,
               undervalue
               not
               him
               for
               transitory
               vanities
               of
               this
               world
               ;
               forsake
               him
               not
               for
               the
               whole
               world
               ,
               unless
               you
               would
               be
               for
               ever
               miserable
               .
               Admit
               this
               truth
               farther
               into
               your
               heart
               ,
               believe
               it
               not
               an
               imagination
               of
               a
               new
               Piety
               ;
               't
               is
               the
               foundation
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               the
               ground
               and
               
               principle
               of
               the
               state
               of
               Grace
               ,
               which
               considering
               intentively
               ,
               you
               will
               wonder
               to
               see
               Christians
               confess
               these
               truths
               ,
               and
               hope
               for
               so
               great
               a
               good
               ,
               yet
               become
               so
               blind
               ,
               as
               to
               suffer
               themselves
               to
               be
               deluded
               by
               deceitfull
               vanities
               ,
               and
               vain
               illusions
               of
               the
               creatures
               ,
               to
               sell
               
                 their
                 birth-right
                 for
                 a
                 mess
                 of
                 pottage
              
               ;
               and
               whilest
               they
               pretend
               to
               be
               the
               children
               of
               God
               ,
               glorying
               in
               so
               divine
               a
               being
               ,
               to
               live
               like
               the
               children
               of
               men
               ,
               thinking
               of
               nothing
               but
               the
               earth
               .
            
             
               The
               second
               benefit
               is
               a
               great
               desire
               of
               Paradise
               ,
               sighing
               daily
               thousands
               of
               times
               after
               our
               
                 heritage
                 ,
                 Heaven
              
               ,
               bewailing
               the
               want
               of
               ,
               and
               demanding
               the
               liberty
               promised
               and
               due
               to
               the
               children
               of
               God.
               In
               this
               thought
               of
               our
               
                 Celestiall
                 Sion
              
               ,
               our
               sweet
               Countrey
               ,
               we
               grieve
               to
               see
               our selves
               so
               long
               in
               a
               
                 strange
                 Land.
              
               It
               is
               hard
               to
               attend
               with
               so
               great
               impatience
               a
               happy
               day
               ,
               a
               good
               hour
               ,
               an
               honour
               which
               we
               are
               made
               to
               hope
               for
               ;
               yet
               we
               are
               without
               sense
               in
               attaining
               it
               ,
               the
               true
               and
               ineffable
               joyes
               of
               Paradise
               .
               Great
               God!
               can
               it
               be
               that
               the
               Manna
               of
               Heaven
               should
               not
               cause
               us
               to
               loath
               the
               Onyons
               of
               AEgypt
               ?
               How
               long
               ,
               children
               of
               men
               ,
               how
               long
               shall
               we
               have
               hearts
               of
               Adamant
               ,
               insensible
               toward
               the
               things
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               yet
               open
               for
               the
               transitory
               goods
               of
               this
               cursed
               earth
               ,
               to
               love
               lying
               ,
               to
               follow
               
               vanity
               ,
               to
               despise
               eternall
               truths
               .
               There
               cannot
               be
               a
               folly
               more
               condemnable
               :
               Let
               us
               open
               our
               eyes
               ,
               and
               grieve
               to
               see
               our selves
               so
               fastened
               to
               the
               creature
               ,
               so
               confident
               in
               vanity
               ,
               so
               little
               relishing
               and
               esteeming
               
                 heavenly
                 things
              
               .
               Let
               us
               be
               ashamed
               to
               see
               the
               children
               of
               heaven
               eat
               the
               food
               of
               Swine
               in
               a
               
                 strange
                 land
              
               ,
               not
               remembering
               the
               abundance
               of
               all
               things
               in
               their
               Fathers
               House
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               we
               learn
               that
               we
               must
               
                 live
                 nobly
              
               ,
               like
               the
               children
               of
               God
               ;
               Let
               us
               take
               heed
               we
               dishonour
               not
               our
               extraction
               ,
               and
               degenerate
               from
               the
               place
               whence
               we
               came
               :
               Let
               us
               keep
               the
               rank
               we
               have
               received
               in
               the
               
                 House
                 of
                 God.
              
               The
               Emperor
               was
               derided
               for
               it
               ,
               who
               past
               his
               time
               and
               life
               away
               in
               catching
               Flyes
               ;
               let
               not
               us
               do
               so
               ,
               amusing
               our selves
               about
               the
               creatures
               ,
               and
               only
               labouring
               here
               for
               earth
               ,
               since
               we
               know
               all
               in
               the
               world
               is
               of
               less
               value
               then
               a
               Fly
               ,
               and
               that
               in
               the
               sight
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               universe
               is
               less
               then
               the
               least
               Atome
               ;
               Let
               us
               rather
               imitate
               that
               other
               Prince
               ,
               who
               invited
               by
               honour
               and
               the
               greatness
               of
               his
               birth
               ,
               would
               never
               run
               nor
               play
               ,
               but
               among
               Kings
               ,
               his
               equalls
               :
               Applying
               this
               to
               our
               Subject
               ,
               let
               us
               say
               ,
               that
               a
               Christian
               being
               the
               child
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               consequently
               Prince
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               ought
               to
               expect
               no
               heritage
               but
               Paradise
               ,
               to
               seek
               no
               other
               company
               but
               Saints
               
               and
               Angels
               ;
               to
               take
               no
               content
               but
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               endeavouring
               to
               follow
               him
               in
               all
               ,
               to
               imitate
               him
               in
               all
               ,
               since
               he
               hopeth
               to
               raign
               with
               him
               .
            
             
               These
               Truths
               deserve
               to
               be
               deliberately
               considered
               .
               Saint
               Cyprian
               ,
               in
               a
               Discourse
               upon
               the
               Ascension
               ,
               raises
               them
               higher
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 That
                 Christians
                 ,
                 as
                 children
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 are
                 obliged
                 to
                 be
                 like
                 God.
              
               The
               same
               is
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               Saint
               Paul
               ,
               
               
                 Be
                 ye
                 followers
                 of
                 God
                 as
                 dear
                 children
                 .
              
               The
               reason
               of
               this
               Precept
               is
               evident
               ;
               for
               ,
               
                 if
                 as
                 children
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               we
               will
               enjoy
               his
               glory
               to
               eternity
               ,
               the
               possession
               and
               the
               heritage
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               and
               become
               one
               with
               him
               ,
               must
               we
               not
               necessarily
               be
               
                 like
                 him
              
               ,
               in
               purity
               ,
               in
               perfection
               ,
               in
               sanctity
               ?
               If
               we
               will
               possess
               God
               in
               God
               ,
               and
               live
               eternally
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               God
               ,
               must
               not
               our
               life
               be
               wonderfull
               ,
               our
               
                 actions
                 holy
              
               ,
               if
               we
               will
               merit
               an
               estate
               so
               perfect
               and
               holy
               ?
               Nothing
               is
               more
               just
               !
               Herein
               appears
               the
               Christian
               estate
               so
               
                 great
                 ,
                 divine
              
               ,
               and
               perfect
               ,
               in
               that
               making
               us
               children
               of
               God
               ,
               it
               gives
               us
               right
               to
               the
               heritage
               of
               God
               ,
               obliges
               us
               to
               lead
               a
               life
               worthy
               such
               an
               heritage
               .
               By
               this
               principle
               we
               see
               how
               much
               they
               are
               deceived
               ,
               who
               think
               and
               speak
               meanly
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               or
               living
               a
               life
               common
               to
               the
               children
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               promise
               themselves
               the
               heritage
               of
               the
               children
               of
               Heaven
               .
               Let
               us
               teach
               them
               
               how
               they
               ought
               to
               live
               ,
               and
               shew
               what
               the
               actions
               of
               their
               life
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               who
               call
               themselves
               Christians
               .
            
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
               What
               the
               Actions
               of
               Christians
               ought
               to
               be
               .
            
             
               SEeing
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               is
               so
               eminent
               ,
               that
               it
               advances
               the
               soul
               to
               a
               
                 filiall
                 being
              
               so
               divine
               ,
               it
               follows
               that
               the
               actions
               of
               Christians
               ought
               to
               be
               eminently
               devout
               and
               perfect
               .
               This
               truth
               is
               proved
               not
               only
               by
               the
               common
               principles
               ,
               that
               the
               life
               and
               operations
               of
               every
               thing
               ought
               to
               be
               conformable
               to
               their
               being
               ;
               but
               likewise
               by
               another
               maxime
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               
                 that
                 a
                 Christian
              
               receive
               all
               by
               Christ
               ,
               and
               in
               Christ
               ;
               and
               as
               the
               Apostle
               sayes
               ,
               
               
                 of
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 though
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 him
                 .
              
               In
               pursuit
               of
               this
               Principle
               ,
               all
               the
               actions
               of
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               be
               done
               in
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Iesus
               ,
               and
               in
               respect
               to
               God
               ,
               which
               makes
               them
               
                 high
                 ,
                 perfect
              
               ,
               and
               
                 holy
                 ;
                 High
              
               ,
               as
               proceeding
               from
               Christ
               its
               principle
               ;
               Holy
               ,
               as
               being
               wrought
               in
               
                 him
                 ;
                 perfect
              
               and
               pure
               ,
               as
               being
               wrought
               for
               him
               ;
               such
               actions
               we
               truly
               call
               Christian.
               
            
             
               To
               explicate
               this
               more
               particularly
               ,
               we
               must
               observe
               ,
               that
               a
               true
               Christian
               action
               must
               be
               done
               in
               grace
               ,
               in
               the
               spirit
               ,
               in
               the
               
               dispositions
               ,
               wherewith
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               performed
               his
               actions
               ,
               during
               his
               wayfaring
               life
               ,
               yet
               in
               a
               different
               way
               ,
               for
               the
               son
               of
               God
               as
               God
               and
               man
               did
               act
               after
               a
               divine
               manner
               ,
               proportioned
               to
               the
               eminence
               of
               his
               estate
               .
               To
               work
               after
               this
               manner
               is
               proper
               only
               to
               him
               ,
               to
               this
               we
               cannot
               arrive
               ,
               neither
               must
               we
               aspire
               unto
               it
               ,
               but
               we
               are
               obliged
               to
               act
               after
               a
               manner
               very
               near
               this
               ,
               and
               the
               highest
               that
               can
               be
               ,
               excepting
               this
               .
               For
               ,
               the
               manner
               that
               we
               ought
               to
               observe
               in
               our
               actions
               springing
               from
               the
               son
               of
               God
               ,
               must
               by
               consequence
               be
               very
               like
               it
               .
               So
               a
               
                 Christian
                 action
              
               should
               be
               that
               which
               is
               made
               in
               the
               
                 spirit
                 of
                 God
              
               that
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               hath
               borne
               upon
               the
               Earth
               ,
               accomplished
               in
               the
               holy
               and
               perfect
               dispositions
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               himself
               .
               By
               this
               only
               Circumstance
               we
               may
               judge
               of
               the
               difference
               of
               our
               actions
               ,
               for
               all
               that
               we
               do
               without
               the
               spirit
               ,
               and
               without
               dispositions
               agreeable
               to
               an
               action
               worthy
               of
               God
               ,
               is
               to
               do
               nothing
               ,
               or
               very
               little
               ,
               such
               actions
               ordinarily
               proceed
               but
               from
               a
               naturrll
               inclination
               ,
               or
               ,
               which
               is
               worse
               ,
               from
               the
               instigation
               of
               our
               own
               Lusts
               and
               Love
               of
               our selves
               .
               Let
               us
               farther
               consider
               this
               Truth
               ,
               which
               will
               seem
               hard
               or
               new
               to
               those
               who
               know
               not
               the
               excellency
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               who
               never
               regard
               the
               purposes
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               are
               ignorant
               of
               the
               mysteries
               of
               their
               salvation
               .
               When
               
               the
               life
               and
               actions
               of
               a
               Christian
               are
               said
               to
               comprehend
               their
               perfection
               ,
               you
               must
               remember
               that
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               came
               into
               the
               world
               ,
               not
               onely
               to
               communicate
               to
               us
               his
               grace
               ,
               but
               to
               dwell
               in
               us
               ,
               and
               
                 give
                 us
              
               his
               spirit
               and
               life
               ,
               to
               give
               them
               to
               us
               ,
               not
               onely
               to
               justifie
               us
               ,
               and
               ,
               as
               we
               say
               ,
               to
               put
               us
               into
               the
               state
               of
               grace
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               in
               us
               ,
               to
               dwell
               there
               ,
               to
               be
               the
               beginning
               of
               a
               new
               life
               ,
               and
               new
               spirit
               in
               us
               ,
               and
               to
               give
               us
               dispositions
               proportionable
               to
               such
               an
               estate
               .
               This
               the
               Apostle
               teaches
               when
               he
               sayes
               ,
               that
               the
               
                 eternall
                 Father
              
               hath
               put
               the
               spirit
               of
               his
               Sonne
               into
               our
               hearts
               ,
               
               and
               
                 that
                 the
                 spirit
                 it self
                 beareth
                 witness
                 with
                 our
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 are
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 God
              
               ;
               whereby
               we
               see
               ,
               that
               being
               justified
               by
               the
               state
               and
               grace
               of
               filiation
               and
               
                 divine
                 adoption
              
               we
               live
               in
               the
               life
               and
               
                 spirit
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               which
               is
               made
               our
               life
               and
               spirit
               ,
               which
               is
               in
               us
               ,
               dwells
               in
               us
               ,
               governs
               us
               ,
               inlivens
               us
               ,
               and
               is
               the
               Principle
               of
               our
               Actions
               ,
               makes
               them
               pleasing
               to
               God
               ,
               supernatural
               ,
               and
               worthy
               of
               Paradise
               .
               Thus
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               determination
               of
               God
               is
               far
               above
               all
               lives
               ,
               a
               being
               above
               all
               beings
               .
               I
               leave
               you
               to
               judge
               what
               the
               Actions
               of
               Christians
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               proceeding
               from
               a
               principle
               so
               holy
               and
               divine
               .
            
             
               You
               will
               find
               all
               the
               very
               reasonable
               ,
               and
               
               admire
               the
               bounty
               and
               wisdom
               of
               God
               in
               this
               Conduct
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               if
               we
               will
               consider
               that
               the
               
                 eternal
                 word
              
               was
               made
               man
               ,
               that
               by
               debasing
               himself
               ,
               he
               might
               render
               to
               his
               Father
               an
               honour
               worthy
               of
               God
               ,
               he
               came
               upon
               the
               Earth
               to
               establish
               ,
               by
               the
               merit
               and
               by
               the
               spirit
               of
               his
               Crosse
               ,
               the
               
                 Kingdom
                 of
              
               God
               in
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               us
               worthy
               to
               serve
               and
               honour
               God
               ,
               after
               a
               manner
               worthy
               of
               God.
               For
               this
               cause
               he
               advances
               unto
               himself
               ,
               he
               consecrates
               our
               lives
               and
               actions
               by
               his
               Death
               and
               blood
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               may
               be
               referred
               worthily
               to
               the
               honour
               and
               glory
               of
               his
               Father
               ,
               he
               unites
               himself
               to
               us
               ,
               communicates
               to
               us
               his
               life
               ,
               his
               spirit
               ,
               and
               dispositions
               ,
               to
               make
               us
               capable
               to
               praise
               God
               according
               to
               his
               greatness
               ,
               which
               we
               could
               never
               do
               ,
               if
               we
               did
               not
               take
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               from
               him
               ,
               this
               power
               and
               disposition
               .
               This
               he
               gives
               us
               when
               he
               dwells
               in
               us
               by
               the
               grace
               of
               filiation
               and
               
                 divine
                 adoption
              
               ,
               whereto
               we
               are
               advanced
               when
               we
               are
               made
               Christians
               .
               Hence
               we
               see
               ,
               that
               
                 Christian
                 Actions
              
               ought
               to
               be
               
                 holy
                 ,
                 perfect
              
               ,
               and
               divine
               ,
               that
               a
               
                 Christian
                 Life
              
               ought
               to
               be
               the
               very
               life
               of
               
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               living
               and
               working
               in
               him
               by
               his
               spirit
               .
               His
               actions
               ,
               his
               
                 inward
                 dispositions
              
               must
               be
               a
               lively
               image
               and
               perfect
               expression
               of
               the
               actions
               and
               
                 holy
                 intention
              
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
              
               But
               alas
               ,
               we
               think
               no
               more
               of
               these
               
                 Truths
                 ;
                 Christians
              
               
               are
               become
               so
               blind
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               well
               complain
               and
               say
               with
               the
               ancient
               Philosopher
               ,
               
                 That
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 man
                 is
                 spent
                 either
                 in
                 doing
                 evil
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 doing
                 nothing
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 doing
                 preposterously
                 what
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 do
                 .
              
            
             
               To
               undeceive
               our selves
               of
               these
               common
               abuses
               ,
               to
               enter
               farther
               into
               the
               knowledge
               of
               the
               state
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               and
               to
               see
               more
               evidently
               what
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               let
               us
               further
               remember
               ,
               that
               as
               Christians
               ,
               we
               are
               members
               of
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               ;
               he
               is
               our
               head
               ,
               a
               head
               that
               infuses
               life
               in
               us
               .
               In
               this
               quality
               he
               hath
               right
               to
               live
               and
               act
               in
               us
               as
               our
               souls
               act
               and
               live
               in
               our
               bodies
               .
               This
               consider'd
               ,
               we
               must
               say
               ,
               that
               as
               the
               essence
               and
               excellency
               of
               a
               Christian
               consisteth
               in
               his
               being
               a
               member
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               so
               the
               perfection
               of
               Christian
               duties
               ,
               is
               ,
               that
               they
               are
               operated
               by
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               living
               and
               operating
               in
               us
               as
               his
               members
               .
               I
               say
               not
               onely
               that
               we
               must
               imitate
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               do
               all
               our
               actions
               in
               Grace
               ,
               that
               thereby
               they
               may
               be
               called
               Christian
               ;
               but
               also
               ,
               that
               they
               ought
               to
               be
               with
               the
               same
               intentions
               and
               spirit
               wherewith
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               did
               act
               on
               Earth
               ,
               which
               he
               communicated
               to
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               to
               all
               his
               .
               Our
               Actions
               ought
               not
               only
               to
               be
               good
               and
               reasonable
               ,
               but
               to
               be
               worthy
               of
               the
               
                 Son
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               our
               head
               ,
               whose
               members
               we
               are
               .
               Therefore
               they
               
               must
               be
               animated
               by
               his
               life
               ,
               guided
               by
               his
               motions
               ,
               and
               regulated
               by
               his
               intentions
               ,
               seeing
               that
               to
               this
               end
               ,
               he
               giveth
               us
               his
               spirit
               and
               life
               to
               be
               our
               spirit
               and
               life
               ,
               and
               that
               he
               gives
               us
               freely
               abundant
               grace
               ,
               in
               him
               and
               by
               him
               to
               accomplish
               all
               our
               actions
               .
               This
               is
               of
               great
               importance
               ;
               for
               which
               we
               shall
               one
               day
               render
               a
               strict
               account
               ,
               when
               God
               shall
               judge
               the
               uprightness
               of
               men
               by
               so
               extraordinary
               a
               favour
               .
               Certainly
               he
               will
               examine
               and
               punish
               the
               ignorance
               ,
               the
               contempt
               and
               abuse
               of
               so
               many
               graces
               ,
               which
               he
               hath
               acquired
               for
               us
               by
               his
               travells
               and
               cross
               ,
               and
               offereth
               us
               with
               so
               much
               love
               and
               bounty
               .
            
             
               This
               will
               appear
               yet
               more
               evident
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               the
               common
               belief
               of
               all
               the
               faithfull
               ,
               who
               acknowledge
               that
               the
               life
               and
               actions
               of
               a
               perfect
               Christian
               ,
               ought
               to
               be
               actions
               of
               grace
               .
               Let
               us
               therefore
               examine
               what
               the
               Essence
               and
               Dignity
               of
               this
               grace
               is
               ;
               for
               supposing
               that
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               is
               a
               life
               of
               grace
               ,
               we
               must
               necessarily
               grant
               ,
               that
               our
               actions
               by
               consequence
               ought
               to
               be
               conformable
               and
               correspondent
               to
               the
               sanctity
               and
               dignity
               of
               the
               grace
               which
               gives
               them
               
                 life
                 ,
                 sanctifies
              
               them
               ,
               and
               advances
               them
               ,
               since
               they
               must
               be
               proportionable
               and
               semblable
               to
               the
               cause
               .
            
             
               We
               know
               that
               the
               grace
               which
               sanctifies
               
               and
               gives
               life
               to
               our
               actions
               ,
               is
               a
               grace
               made
               for
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               from
               him
               it
               flows
               into
               us
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               not
               replenished
               and
               enriched
               ,
               but
               from
               his
               bounty
               .
               This
               granted
               ,
               our
               life
               and
               actions
               must
               be
               holy
               and
               perfect
               by
               the
               same
               sanctity
               and
               perfection
               ,
               which
               is
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               which
               is
               lovingly
               communicated
               to
               ,
               and
               engrafted
               in
               our
               souls
               ,
               sanctifying
               ,
               enlivening
               and
               perfecting
               our
               life
               and
               actions
               .
            
             
               When
               we
               say
               that
               this
               Grace
               comes
               from
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               we
               express
               in
               this
               alone
               the
               excellency
               and
               dignity
               of
               it
               .
               For
               to
               know
               the
               dignity
               and
               eminency
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               it
               suffices
               not
               to
               say
               ,
               as
               we
               commonly
               do
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               supernaturall
               ,
               because
               in
               it
               there
               is
               nothing
               singular
               .
               For
               the
               grace
               given
               to
               Angels
               and
               to
               man
               before
               his
               fall
               ,
               was
               also
               supernatural
               .
               We
               must
               say
               ,
               that
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               is
               a
               grace
               made
               for
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               consequently
               worthy
               of
               the
               greatness
               of
               the
               Sanctity
               ,
               and
               divinity
               of
               the
               incarnate
               word
               ;
               this
               makes
               it
               
                 the
                 raiser
                 of
                 an
                 Order
              
               ,
               and
               gives
               it
               a
               being
               much
               different
               from
               the
               first
               ,
               and
               from
               the
               order
               meerly
               supernaturall
               .
               This
               gives
               it
               a
               being
               and
               order
               as
               different
               from
               the
               grace
               of
               the
               Angels
               ,
               as
               they
               are
               from
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               as
               the
               sonne
               from
               the
               servant
               .
               Now
               applying
               what
               we
               have
               said
               ,
               that
               Actions
               ought
               to
               be
               
               conformable
               to
               their
               Principle
               ,
               we
               conclude
               that
               the
               actions
               of
               a
               Christian
               being
               sanctified
               and
               enlivened
               by
               the
               grace
               and
               spirit
               of
               Iesus
               ,
               ought
               also
               to
               be
               wholly
               conformable
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ;
               their
               principle
               being
               more
               then
               humane
               ,
               more
               then
               angelicall
               ,
               conformable
               to
               the
               purity
               and
               sanctity
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               ,
               worthy
               the
               Labours
               of
               his
               Crosse
               and
               death
               .
               To
               this
               end
               ,
               St.
               Paul
               adviseth
               ,
               
                 that
                 ye
                 walk
                 worthy
                 of
                 the
                 vocation
                 wherewith
                 ye
                 are
                 called
              
               ;
               
               words
               that
               deserve
               to
               be
               considered
               ,
               since
               that
               God
               will
               demand
               an
               account
               of
               us
               of
               his
               favours
               and
               benefits
               ,
               and
               will
               judge
               our
               actions
               and
               lives
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               dignity
               of
               our
               vocation
               ;
               according
               to
               the
               perfection
               and
               sanctity
               of
               his
               Grace
               ,
               in
               brief
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               life
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               which
               alone
               ought
               to
               be
               the
               rule
               and
               Law
               of
               Christians
               .
            
             
               Furthermore
               we
               must
               consider
               the
               rule
               of
               God
               over
               our
               Soules
               ,
               wherin
               we
               may
               admire
               the
               wayes
               and
               meanes
               ,
               whereby
               the
               divine
               bounty
               ,
               and
               infinite
               wisdome
               of
               God
               ,
               uses
               to
               give
               us
               graces
               ,
               necessary
               to
               accomplish
               our
               actions
               ,
               in
               that
               perfection
               and
               sanctity
               that
               he
               requires
               .
               I
               intend
               not
               to
               speak
               of
               the
               secret
               and
               unknowne
               means
               ,
               of
               the
               
                 graces
                 ,
                 inspirations
                 ,
                 motions
              
               ,
               and
               speedy
               succours
               wherewith
               God
               is
               pleased
               to
               illuminate
               our
               Spirits
               ,
               to
               enflame
               our
               wills
               ,
               and
               to
               direct
               all
               
               the
               motions
               and
               actions
               of
               our
               life
               .
               But
               I
               desire
               only
               to
               insist
               upon
               the
               consideration
               of
               the
               Sacraments
               ,
               that
               the
               sonne
               of
               God
               hath
               left
               in
               his
               Church
               ,
               as
               channells
               by
               which
               he
               continually
               powers
               out
               this
               grace
               into
               us
               .
               Baptisme
               consecrates
               us
               to
               the
               most
               holy
               Trinity
               ,
               makes
               us
               the
               children
               of
               God
               ,
               members
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               Temples
               of
               the
               
                 Holy
                 Ghost
              
               ,
               and
               holy
               Vessells
               which
               bear
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               who
               dwells
               in
               us
               .
            
             
               And
               the
               Eucharist
               (
               which
               is
               among
               the
               Sacraments
               as
               the
               Sun
               among
               the
               Stars
               )
               gives
               God
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               with
               him
               all
               the
               greatness
               of
               heaven
               ,
               elevates
               us
               and
               unites
               us
               ,
               to
               God
               ,
               changes
               and
               makes
               us
               little
               gods
               ;
               What
               would
               ye
               more
               ?
               Why
               is
               God
               think
               you
               so
               profuse
               of
               his
               gifts
               ,
               of
               his
               graces
               ,
               of
               himself
               ,
               but
               to
               operate
               in
               you
               all
               that
               I
               have
               said
               ,
               to
               give
               you
               a
               life
               and
               actions
               conformable
               to
               the
               being
               whereto
               he
               hath
               elected
               you
               ?
               Let
               us
               weigh
               these
               truths
               at
               our
               leisure
               ,
               and
               study
               to
               attain
               to
               the
               perfection
               that
               God
               requires
               of
               us
               .
               Let
               us
               take
               care
               ,
               that
               all
               our
               actions
               be
               holy
               and
               worthy
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               let
               us
               not
               be
               carryed
               away
               by
               the
               humour
               ,
               or
               rather
               by
               the
               infidelity
               of
               such
               as
               ignorantly
               despise
               these
               important
               truths
               ,
               and
               necessary
               exercises
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             third
             Prerogative
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VI.
               Of
               the
               happy
               Commerce
               and
               Society
               that
               Iesus
               Christ
               will
               have
               with
               Christians
               by
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               .
            
             
               THe
               holy
               Trinity
               ,
               having
               consecrated
               the
               Christian
               by
               Baptisme
               ,
               adopted
               and
               received
               him
               as
               a
               son
               ,
               enters
               into
               a
               particular
               society
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               by
               divers
               Mysteries
               ,
               which
               the
               
                 eternall
                 Word
              
               hath
               operated
               upon
               earth
               ;
               God
               enters
               into
               a
               Communication
               with
               
                 men
                 ,
                 lives
              
               and
               converses
               with
               them
               :
               So
               Saint
               Paul
               ,
               speaking
               to
               new
               
                 Christians
                 ;
                 Ye
                 are
                 no
                 more
                 strangers
                 and
                 forreigners
                 ,
                 but
                 fellow-citizens
                 with
                 the
                 Saints
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 houshold
                 of
                 God.
                 
              
            
             
               Let
               us
               stay
               here
               to
               contemplate
               this
               benefit
               :
               Adam
               being
               fallen
               from
               the
               happy
               estate
               of
               grace
               by
               his
               rebellion
               against
               God
               ,
               no
               sooner
               tasted
               the
               Apple
               of
               disobedience
               ,
               but
               he
               felt
               the
               punishment
               of
               his
               sin
               ,
               and
               was
               at
               the
               same
               time
               driven
               out
               of
               Paradise
               ,
               and
               banished
               the
               happy
               commerce
               and
               holy
               familiarity
               which
               he
               had
               with
               God.
               This
               exile
               was
               the
               greatest
               rigour
               wherewith
               the
               
                 divine
                 Iustice
              
               could
               take
               vengeance
               on
               his
               sin
               :
               This
               separation
               made
               his
               estate
               miserable
               ,
               and
               the
               condition
               
               of
               his
               children
               most
               unhappy
               .
               We
               should
               in
               this
               malediction
               and
               
                 just
                 divorse
              
               for
               ever
               have
               continued
               ,
               if
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               had
               not
               come
               to
               re-establish
               all
               things
               ,
               to
               return
               us
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               to
               restore
               us
               with
               much
               advantage
               all
               other
               happiness
               that
               we
               lost
               by
               sin
               :
               So
               that
               as
               the
               Apostle
               saith
               ,
               
               
                 where
                 sin
                 abounded
                 ,
                 grace
                 did
                 much
                 more
                 abound
              
               ;
               for
               we
               enter
               into
               a
               familiarity
               and
               communion
               with
               God
               ,
               far
               more
               holy
               and
               divine
               then
               that
               of
               Adam
               by
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               we
               converse
               with
               God
               ,
               go
               to
               him
               ,
               are
               with
               him
               ,
               worthy
               the
               Spirit
               and
               Grace
               of
               Christianity
               .
            
             
               Few
               value
               this
               truth
               ;
               men
               who
               only
               follow
               their
               own
               wayes
               ,
               nourished
               with
               earth
               onely
               ,
               to
               whom
               the
               delicates
               of
               heaven
               are
               unsavory
               ,
               can
               never
               relish
               this
               grace
               ,
               nor
               be
               sensible
               how
               much
               the
               presence
               of
               God
               is
               necessary
               .
               Therein
               appears
               the
               
                 corrupt
                 estate
              
               of
               this
               Age
               ;
               all
               creatures
               resent
               the
               presence
               of
               their
               
                 Creator
                 ;
                 Nature
              
               it self
               hath
               engraven
               in
               the
               bottom
               of
               our
               essence
               ,
               a
               desire
               of
               
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 God
              
               :
               The
               most
               barbarous
               Nations
               ,
               forced
               only
               by
               this
               instinct
               ,
               in
               the
               blindness
               of
               their
               false
               
                 Religion
                 ,
                 sought
                 ,
                 esteemed
              
               ,
               and
               desired
               some
               visible
               mark
               of
               the
               presence
               of
               those
               they
               call
               their
               gods
               .
               None
               but
               those
               of
               this
               Age
               ,
               have
               an
               indifference
               to
               these
               truths
               ,
               forget
               God
               ,
               mind
               onely
               their
               own
               actions
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               and
               are
               ignorant
               
               of
               the
               happiness
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               despise
               it
               .
            
             
               To
               awaken
               and
               draw
               us
               forth
               of
               this
               darkness
               ,
               consider
               that
               Faith
               teaches
               us
               ,
               that
               the
               happiness
               of
               the
               Saints
               consists
               in
               seeing
               themselves
               to
               be
               in
               the
               company
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               greatest
               recompense
               God
               promises
               to
               our
               travels
               ,
               is
               to
               make
               us
               partakers
               of
               his
               glory
               ,
               to
               raise
               us
               to
               his
               greatness
               ,
               to
               enter
               into
               an
               eternall
               communion
               with
               us
               .
               
               
                 I
                 will
              
               ,
               saith
               Christ
               to
               his
               Father
               ,
               
                 that
                 they
                 also
                 whom
                 thou
                 hast
                 given
                 me
                 ,
                 be
                 with
                 me
                 where
                 I
                 am
              
               ;
               implying
               the
               society
               and
               communion
               of
               God
               with
               us
               ,
               and
               promising
               ,
               that
               eternity
               shall
               never
               separate
               him
               from
               him
               that
               serves
               him
               .
            
             
               Now
               ,
               if
               the
               happiness
               of
               the
               blessed
               in
               their
               estate
               of
               glory
               consists
               in
               the
               presence
               and
               familiarity
               of
               God
               ,
               we
               cannot
               doubt
               but
               the
               happiness
               of
               the
               just
               upon
               earth
               consists
               in
               knowing
               how
               to
               preserve
               themselves
               in
               this
               
                 desireable
                 familiarity
              
               and
               presence
               of
               God
               :
               The
               intent
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               at
               his
               coming
               into
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               becoming
               an
               Inhabitant
               thereof
               ,
               was
               ,
               to
               
                 sanctifie
                 it
              
               by
               his
               presence
               ,
               and
               establish
               his
               power
               therein
               ,
               and
               
                 dwell
                 with
                 us
                 to
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
              
               
               as
               he
               promised
               at
               his
               death
               .
               This
               is
               it
               that
               he
               wrought
               by
               the
               mysterie
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               making
               himself
               man
               ,
               to
               live
               among
               men
               :
               For
               this
               cause
               in
               the
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               Eucharist
               ,
               he
               becomes
               
               the
               food
               of
               
                 man
                 ,
                 communicates
              
               to
               his
               abundant
               
                 graces
                 ,
                 inriches
              
               us
               with
               his
               gifts
               ,
               that
               by
               all
               these
               endearments
               and
               singular
               favours
               he
               might
               separate
               us
               from
               the
               creatures
               ,
               and
               reduce
               us
               to
               a
               
                 divine
                 society
              
               and
               communication
               with
               him
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               consider
               these
               two
               mysteries
               of
               our
               Faith
               and
               
                 Love
                 ,
                 mysteries
              
               which
               give
               God
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               cause
               us
               to
               
                 dwell
                 with
                 God.
              
               
            
             
               The
               last
               is
               the
               mysterie
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               a
               mysterie
               of
               Love
               ,
               an
               
                 eternall
                 mysterie
              
               ;
               for
               God
               shall
               be
               man
               ,
               and
               man
               God
               for
               ever
               ;
               a
               mysterie
               causing
               God
               to
               live
               the
               life
               of
               man
               ,
               and
               man
               the
               life
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               between
               God
               and
               man
               ,
               effects
               an
               union
               and
               society
               so
               divine
               and
               intimate
               ,
               that
               he
               could
               not
               do
               any
               thing
               more
               holy
               ,
               nor
               desire
               any
               more
               intimate
               ,
               since
               it
               is
               substantiall
               and
               personall
               ,
               and
               shall
               subsist
               eternally
               .
               Entring
               further
               into
               the
               consideration
               of
               this
               Mystery
               ,
               we
               shall
               see
               evident
               signs
               of
               this
               
                 holy
                 Communion
              
               .
               God
               makes
               here
               a
               new
               World
               (
               as
               the
               Scripture
               calls
               it
               )
               a
               World
               of
               Grace
               ,
               and
               of
               holiness
               ,
               a
               World
               which
               he
               governs
               by
               a
               new
               conduct
               and
               providence
               .
               For
               whereas
               before
               God
               confining
               himself
               within
               himself
               ,
               spoke
               not
               to
               the
               World
               ,
               but
               by
               his
               Prophets
               ;
               now
               by
               the
               accomplishment
               of
               this
               Mystery
               ,
               he
               comes
               out
               of
               himself
               ,
               speaks
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               instructs
               us
               by
               his
               Sonne
               .
               Four
               thousand
               years
               
               he
               guided
               the
               World
               and
               his
               Church
               onely
               by
               his
               Angels
               the
               Interpreters
               and
               Oracles
               of
               his
               
                 divine
                 will.
              
               Now
               Iesus
               guides
               his
               Church
               by
               himself
               ,
               he
               infuses
               holy
               motions
               into
               our
               souls
               ,
               by
               his
               spirit
               ,
               (
               alwayes
               holy
               )
               he
               governs
               all
               ,
               is
               present
               with
               all
               ,
               and
               is
               found
               by
               all
               .
               What
               presence
               or
               commerce
               with
               God
               would
               you
               desire
               greater
               ?
               what
               greater
               society
               then
               that
               of
               the
               word
               ,
               by
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               incarnation
               ?
               To
               know
               it
               more
               particularly
               ,
               consider
               these
               Circumstances
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               in
               this
               Mystery
               God
               lives
               the
               life
               of
               man
               ,
               and
               man
               the
               life
               of
               God
               ,
               a
               life
               of
               society
               ,
               a
               life
               
                 humanely
                 divine
              
               ,
               and
               
                 divinely
                 humane
              
               ,
               for
               Iesus
               is
               God
               and
               man
               ,
               in
               Iesus
               we
               adore
               and
               acknowledge
               two
               lives
               ,
               one
               of
               
                 God
                 in
                 man
              
               ,
               another
               of
               
                 man
                 in
                 God.
              
               
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               by
               this
               ineffable
               union
               ,
               God
               communicates
               himself
               to
               man
               ,
               and
               by
               this
               communication
               appropriates
               to
               himself
               all
               that
               is
               of
               man
               with
               such
               wonderful
               wisdom
               ,
               that
               ,
               not
               dishonouring
               his
               
                 divine
                 greatness
              
               ,
               he
               takes
               upon
               him
               all
               the
               lowness
               of
               man
               ,
               and
               subjects
               himself
               so
               really
               to
               our
               infirmities
               ,
               that
               we
               say
               God
               is
               dead
               ,
               God
               is
               born
               ,
               &c.
               and
               man
               by
               a
               happy
               exchange
               is
               lifted
               up
               to
               all
               the
               greatness
               of
               God
               ,
               inthron'd
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               the
               eternal
               Father
               ,
               where
               he
               eternally
               enjoyes
               the
               proper
               glory
               of
               God.
               Let
               every
               tongue
               confess
               ,
               that
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               by
               
               that
               
                 hypostaticall
                 union
              
               ,
               accomplished
               in
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               incarnation
               ,
               man
               enjoyes
               the
               glory
               of
               God
               ,
               his
               
                 greatness
                 ,
                 light
              
               ,
               and
               life
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               As
               for
               the
               life
               and
               
                 divine
                 mysteries
              
               of
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               ,
               we
               see
               he
               presented
               it
               to
               us
               the
               space
               of
               thirty
               three
               years
               ,
               conversing
               with
               us
               as
               one
               of
               us
               ;
               was
               an
               Infant
               in
               his
               first
               appearing
               ,
               laboured
               in
               his
               youth
               ,
               did
               live
               and
               eat
               with
               sinners
               in
               his
               wayfaring
               life
               .
               He
               disdained
               not
               to
               succour
               the
               infirm
               in
               his
               miraculous
               life
               .
               In
               a
               word
               ,
               he
               resigned
               himself
               into
               the
               hands
               of
               sinners
               a
               Sacrifice
               ,
               and
               was
               offered
               a
               
                 holy
                 offering
              
               on
               the
               Crosse
               ,
               for
               the
               sins
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               (
               O
               wonderfull
               !
               )
               he
               died
               between
               two
               Thieves
               in
               the
               company
               of
               men
               ,
               so
               much
               pleased
               with
               the
               society
               and
               commerce
               of
               men
               .
            
             
               What
               Religion
               ever
               had
               the
               presence
               of
               its
               God
               so
               visible
               ?
               what
               being
               was
               ever
               advanced
               to
               so
               great
               an
               honour
               ?
               To
               none
               but
               the
               Christian
               is
               this
               great
               favour
               granted
               ,
               a
               Commerce
               so
               sacred
               ,
               that
               it
               makes
               
                 man
                 ,
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               
                 God
                 ,
                 man.
              
               By
               the
               ineffable
               mystery
               of
               the
               incarnation
               ,
               God
               unites
               the
               Earth
               to
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               Heaven
               to
               Earth
               .
               The
               God
               of
               Heaven
               dwells
               upon
               the
               Earth
               ,
               according
               to
               that
               of
               St.
               Iohn
               ,
               
               
                 The
                 word
                 was
                 made
                 flesh
                 ,
                 and
                 dwelt
                 amongst
                 us
                 ,
              
               all
               nature
               rejoyced
               at
               this
               happiness
               .
               St.
               Iohn
               transported
               with
               love
               and
               joy
               ,
               representing
               to
               the
               
               world
               the
               truth
               and
               excellency
               of
               this
               benefit
               ,
               saith
               ,
               
               It
               is
               the
               same
               God
               
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 heard
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 have
                 seen
                 with
                 our
                 eyes
                 ,
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 looked
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 hands
                 have
                 handled
                 .
              
               So
               true
               is
               it
               ,
               that
               God
               by
               the
               mystery
               of
               the
               incarnation
               is
               with
               us
               ,
               and
               converses
               amongst
               us
               ,
               after
               a
               society
               wholly
               divine
               ,
               and
               onely
               proper
               to
               the
               state
               of
               a
               Christian.
               
            
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VII
               .
               Of
               the
               uses
               Christians
               ought
               to
               make
               of
               Grace
               proceeding
               from
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               .
            
             
               IN
               pursuit
               of
               these
               proposed
               Truths
               ,
               what
               may
               we
               judge
               to
               be
               the
               intentions
               of
               God
               ,
               but
               that
               his
               will
               is
               ,
               that
               we
               should
               enter
               into
               a
               holy
               and
               divine
               society
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               we
               should
               separate
               our selves
               from
               all
               that
               may
               hinder
               or
               prophane
               this
               
                 holy
                 conversation
              
               with
               him
               ,
               since
               that
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               thinks
               of
               us
               ,
               converses
               with
               us
               by
               his
               
                 divine
                 mysteries
              
               ,
               unites
               himself
               unto
               us
               ,
               and
               abaseth
               himself
               to
               be
               as
               one
               of
               us
               ,
               to
               be
               among
               us
               ,
               we
               ought
               likewise
               to
               think
               of
               none
               but
               him
               ,
               to
               love
               none
               but
               him
               ,
               to
               converse
               with
               none
               but
               him
               ,
               and
               like
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 dwelling
                 upon
                 Earth
                 to
                 have
                 our
                 Conversation
                 in
                 Heaven
                 .
              
               
               
                 Iustin
                 Martyr
              
               ,
               shewing
               what
               Christians
               ought
               
               to
               be
               ,
               saith
               ,
               
                 Christians
                 are
                 in
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 live
                 not
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 they
                 dwell
                 upon
                 the
                 Earth
                 ,
                 but
                 their
                 Conversation
                 is
                 in
                 Heaven
                 .
              
               This
               God
               requires
               of
               us
               ,
               this
               we
               ought
               to
               be
               in
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               ;
               this
               is
               the
               use
               we
               ought
               to
               make
               of
               the
               spirit
               and
               grace
               flowing
               from
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               incarnation
               .
            
             
               But
               alass
               ,
               it
               is
               pitty
               that
               Iesus
               being
               now
               revealed
               unto
               us
               ,
               living
               with
               us
               and
               amongst
               us
               ,
               we
               apply
               thereto
               so
               little
               of
               our selves
               ,
               of
               our
               thoughts
               ,
               and
               of
               our
               love
               ,
               and
               busie
               our selves
               in
               things
               so
               
                 small
                 ,
                 prophane
              
               and
               mean
               ,
               even
               such
               as
               are
               unworthy
               of
               man
               !
               Let
               us
               do
               like
               him
               ;
               Love
               made
               him
               forget
               himself
               to
               converse
               with
               us
               ,
               let
               us
               come
               out
               of
               our selves
               ,
               and
               forget
               all
               things
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               raise
               our selves
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               all
               our
               content
               may
               be
               in
               him
               .
            
             
               Moreover
               ,
               the
               state
               of
               the
               Grace
               of
               this
               Mystery
               ,
               obliges
               us
               to
               be
               holy
               ,
               seeing
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               with
               whom
               we
               converse
               is
               holy
               .
               The
               Apostle
               says
               ,
               
               
                 as
                 he
                 that
                 hath
                 called
                 you
                 is
                 holy
                 ,
                 be
                 ye
                 also
                 holy
                 in
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 conversation
                 ,
              
               speaking
               ,
               walking
               ,
               working
               ,
               and
               whatsoever
               you
               do
               .
               He
               that
               lives
               after
               any
               other
               manner
               ,
               saith
               St.
               Cyprian
               ,
               then
               holily
               ,
               dishonours
               the
               title
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               and
               is
               a
               reproach
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
              
               Let
               such
               as
               believe
               not
               sanctity
               necessary
               for
               all
               Christians
               ,
               as
               
               well
               as
               those
               who
               live
               included
               in
               Cloysters
               ,
               consider
               these
               words
               .
            
             
               We
               see
               in
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               incarnation
               ,
               that
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               enters
               into
               Commerce
               and
               society
               with
               us
               ,
               dwells
               with
               us
               ,
               is
               cloathed
               with
               our
               humanity
               ;
               God
               is
               made
               man
               ,
               that
               man
               might
               be
               made
               God
               ,
               
               not
               by
               simple
               denomination
               ,
               as
               God
               said
               to
               
                 Moses
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 made
                 thee
                 a
                 God
                 to
                 Pharaoh
                 ,
              
               and
               
                 Kings
                 in
                 the
                 Scripture
                 are
                 stiled
                 Gods
                 ,
              
               but
               really
               ,
               and
               by
               a
               being
               which
               deifies
               them
               .
               For
               as
               they
               are
               true
               Children
               of
               God
               by
               Grace
               ,
               and
               as
               truly
               children
               by
               Grace
               as
               Christ
               is
               by
               Nature
               ,
               so
               they
               are
               Gods
               by
               Grace
               as
               Iesus
               is
               God
               by
               Nature
               .
               And
               if
               there
               be
               any
               who
               find
               this
               Truth
               difficult
               ,
               let
               him
               consider
               with
               St.
               Augustin
               ,
               that
               it
               is
               no
               harder
               for
               God
               to
               make
               a
               man
               truly
               God
               by
               Grace
               ,
               then
               it
               was
               for
               him
               to
               cause
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               to
               become
               truly
               man
               ;
               neither
               is
               there
               less
               repugnance
               in
               making
               man
               God
               by
               Grace
               ,
               then
               in
               making
               God
               man
               by
               the
               Mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               .
               Since
               then
               by
               this
               Mystery
               of
               Love
               ,
               God
               is
               made
               man
               ,
               why
               by
               an
               emanation
               of
               the
               same
               Mystery
               may
               not
               man
               be
               God
               ?
               And
               as
               by
               this
               
                 society
                 ,
                 union
              
               and
               life
               ,
               which
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               hath
               undertaken
               ,
               the
               nature
               of
               man
               is
               the
               highest
               ,
               most
               divine
               and
               greatest
               communication
               that
               God
               could
               give
               ;
               so
               hath
               it
               effects
               wholly
               conformable
               to
               what
               it
               
               is
               ;
               for
               as
               the
               Mystery
               was
               onely
               operated
               for
               God's
               glory
               and
               mans
               advancement
               ,
               so
               it
               produceth
               infallibly
               the
               effects
               of
               glorifying
               God
               in
               a
               manner
               worthy
               of
               God
               ,
               seeing
               man
               ,
               that
               is
               God
               adores
               God
               ,
               and
               advances
               men
               to
               such
               a
               dignity
               ,
               as
               to
               be
               able
               to
               be
               Gods
               ,
               and
               Children
               of
               God
               by
               Grace
               .
            
             
               Reflecting
               upon
               so
               eminent
               a
               truth
               ,
               do
               we
               not
               see
               clearly
               ,
               how
               holy
               and
               perfect
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               being
               called
               to
               so
               high
               a
               dignity
               ,
               a
               Prerogative
               onely
               proper
               to
               a
               Christian
               ?
               if
               a
               Christian
               must
               with
               all
               his
               power
               lay
               hold
               of
               this
               estate
               whereto
               God
               hath
               advanced
               him
               ,
               he
               ought
               also
               to
               have
               a
               
                 particular
                 care
              
               to
               become
               worthy
               to
               entertain
               this
               grace
               ,
               and
               to
               dwell
               with
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               in
               a
               great
               union
               and
               dependance
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               receive
               of
               him
               all
               the
               effects
               of
               this
               divine
               Mystery
               ,
               by
               whom
               all
               must
               operate
               in
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               he
               must
               particularly
               dispose
               himself
               to
               receive
               the
               effects
               and
               Graces
               which
               uncessantly
               flow
               from
               this
               Mystery
               of
               Love
               and
               Communications
               ;
               for
               on
               this
               fidelity
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               on
               our
               union
               with
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               depends
               the
               foundation
               of
               all
               Good
               we
               can
               hope
               for
               .
               And
               as
               all
               the
               happiness
               of
               the
               Creature
               consists
               in
               his
               being
               confirmed
               to
               his
               God
               ,
               and
               dependant
               on
               him
               more
               then
               the
               beames
               on
               the
               Sun
               ;
               so
               all
               the
               happiness
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               is
               to
               be
               bound
               and
               united
               in
               a
               most
               
               intimate
               society
               with
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               from
               whom
               being
               separated
               ,
               he
               becomes
               unworthy
               of
               the
               estate
               whereto
               God
               hath
               destin'd
               him
               ,
               deprives
               himself
               of
               all
               good
               ,
               and
               can
               hope
               for
               nothing
               lesse
               then
               a
               world
               of
               mischiefs
               .
               The
               greatest
               pain
               of
               the
               damned
               is
               to
               see
               themselves
               separated
               from
               God
               ,
               banished
               his
               company
               for
               ever
               ,
               and
               the
               happy
               communion
               of
               the
               Saints
               .
               In
               like
               manner
               ,
               the
               greatest
               evil
               that
               can
               arrive
               to
               Christians
               ,
               is
               to
               feel
               themselves
               far
               from
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               separated
               from
               him
               from
               whom
               they
               have
               all
               ,
               and
               deprived
               of
               the
               desired
               effects
               ,
               which
               they
               might
               receive
               by
               his
               conversation
               .
               Let
               us
               take
               heed
               we
               fall
               not
               into
               this
               mischief
               ,
               and
               since
               nothing
               can
               separate
               us
               from
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               but
               sin
               ,
               let
               us
               shun
               sin
               more
               then
               hell
               it self
               ;
               And
               since
               nothing
               deprives
               us
               of
               the
               fruits
               and
               
                 happy
                 effects
              
               which
               we
               ought
               to
               receive
               of
               the
               society
               and
               commerce
               with
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               by
               his
               divine
               Mysteries
               ,
               but
               the
               Love
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               business
               and
               commerce
               with
               the
               Creatures
               ;
               Let
               us
               strongly
               endeavour
               to
               separate
               our selves
               from
               it
               ,
               and
               couragiously
               quit
               it
               (
               at
               least
               in
               our
               affection
               )
               if
               we
               cannot
               otherwise
               for
               the
               Love
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ;
               and
               let
               us
               quit
               that
               for
               the
               love
               of
               Vertue
               ,
               which
               we
               shall
               one
               day
               be
               constrained
               to
               do
               by
               the
               necessity
               of
               Death
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             The
             fourth
             Prerogative
             .
          
           
             
               CHAP.
               VIII
               .
               Of
               another
               kind
               of
               Society
               and
               Vnion
               of
               
                 Jesus
                 Christ
              
               with
               Christians
               ,
               by
               the
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               Eucharist
               .
            
             
               NExt
               the
               ineffable
               Mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               we
               have
               nothing
               more
               worthy
               consideration
               in
               Christianity
               ,
               then
               the
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               Eucharist
               ,
               in
               which
               God
               shewes
               the
               last
               touches
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               makes
               us
               most
               clearly
               see
               the
               designs
               he
               hath
               on
               our
               souls
               .
            
             
               Faith
               teaches
               us
               ,
               that
               by
               the
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               
                 Eucharist
                 ,
                 Love
              
               transports
               Iesus
               ,
               out
               of
               himself
               from
               the
               throne
               of
               his
               greatness
               to
               our
               baseness
               ,
               causing
               him
               to
               live
               with
               us
               and
               in
               us
               ,
               such
               is
               the
               purpose
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               as
               he
               himself
               said
               ,
               as
               the
               institution
               of
               this
               
                 divine
                 Sacrament
              
               ,
               to
               establish
               between
               him
               and
               us
               ,
               a
               mutuall
               cohabitation
               ,
               that
               by
               this
               Mystery
               of
               Love
               ,
               he
               may
               enter
               into
               a
               true
               society
               with
               us
               ,
               be
               united
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               continue
               his
               life
               of
               conversation
               among
               us
               men
               to
               the
               end
               of
               the
               world
               .
            
             
               He
               doth
               perform
               this
               promise
               of
               dwelling
               with
               us
               and
               in
               us
               ,
               by
               this
               high
               Sacrament
               ,
               
               which
               according
               to
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               is
               an
               imitation
               and
               extension
               of
               the
               mystery
               of
               the
               Incarnacion
               to
               every
               Christian.
               This
               mysterie
               shews
               the
               
                 commerce
                 ,
                 communion
              
               and
               particular
               residence
               which
               God
               hath
               in
               every
               one
               of
               us
               :
               For
               as
               the
               communication
               which
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               hath
               made
               of
               himself
               to
               our
               nature
               united
               to
               his
               divine
               Person
               by
               the
               mysterie
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               is
               an
               imitation
               and
               extension
               of
               the
               supreme
               communication
               ,
               adorable
               and
               sacred
               society
               in
               the
               holy
               Trinity
               among
               the
               Persons
               ,
               and
               consequently
               is
               the
               most
               high
               and
               divine
               communication
               that
               God
               could
               do
               out
               of
               himself
               ;
               so
               the
               Eucharist
               which
               is
               an
               extension
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               in
               every
               one
               of
               us
               in
               the
               most
               divine
               and
               abundant
               communication
               that
               God
               can
               do
               in
               the
               order
               of
               grace
               :
               For
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               in
               this
               ineffable
               sacrament
               ,
               gives
               himself
               wholly
               to
               every
               one
               of
               us
               ,
               and
               advances
               us
               ,
               and
               by
               his
               vertue
               ,
               draws
               us
               wholly
               to
               him
               ,
               by
               his
               power
               transforms
               us
               into
               his
               qualities
               ,
               makes
               us
               heavenly
               and
               eternall
               like
               himself
               ,
               establishes
               his
               Throne
               and
               dwelling
               in
               us
               by
               this
               divine
               mysterie
               .
            
             
               Moreover
               by
               this
               Sacrament
               of
               union
               ,
               God
               is
               present
               with
               us
               ,
               is
               amongst
               us
               ,
               and
               united
               to
               every
               one
               of
               us
               after
               a
               manner
               so
               admirable
               and
               divine
               ,
               that
               we
               being
               not
               able
               to
               give
               it
               a
               name
               ,
               call
               it
               Sacramentall
               ,
               as
               an
               Union
               
               wholly
               hid
               from
               our
               eyes
               ,
               and
               covered
               under
               the
               shadow
               of
               Faith
               ,
               neverthelesse
               ,
               a
               true
               Vnion
               ,
               an
               Vnion
               that
               contains
               in
               it self
               ,
               and
               settles
               in
               us
               the
               presence
               of
               God
               ,
               makes
               us
               to
               be
               in
               God
               ,
               and
               God
               in
               us
               .
               Thus
               God
               is
               altogether
               upon
               the
               earth
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               his
               People
               by
               the
               Eucharist
               ,
               and
               he
               is
               in
               Heaven
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               the
               Angells
               and
               Saints
               ,
               in
               the
               throne
               of
               his
               Majesty
               ,
               filling
               at
               the
               same
               time
               both
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               with
               his
               
                 glory
                 ,
                 presence
              
               ,
               and
               grace
               .
               Briefly
               this
               Sacrament
               of
               Love
               gives
               us
               God
               ,
               causes
               us
               to
               live
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               of
               him
               ,
               puts
               us
               into
               a
               commerce
               and
               society
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               that
               with
               so
               much
               priviledge
               and
               advantage
               ,
               as
               we
               say
               ,
               that
               in
               this
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               love
               and
               fulnesse
               of
               God
               ,
               we
               enjoy
               Iesus
               more
               happily
               and
               more
               perfectly
               then
               the
               world
               did
               heretofore
               in
               the
               time
               of
               his
               Incarnation
               during
               his
               mortall
               life
               upon
               Earth
               .
            
             
               I
               will
               more
               clearly
               demonstrate
               it
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               the
               more
               esteem
               so
               great
               a
               benefit
               ,
               and
               the
               excellency
               of
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               whereto
               we
               are
               called
               by
               the
               mercy
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               First
               ,
               They
               who
               lived
               in
               the
               time
               that
               Iesus
               conversed
               visibly
               upon
               Earth
               ,
               saw
               him
               ,
               but
               did
               not
               enjoy
               him
               ,
               few
               persons
               knew
               him
               ;
               he
               was
               not
               then
               seen
               but
               in
               his
               lowness
               ,
               as
               sayes
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               
                 in
                 the
                 likeness
                 of
                 sinfull
                 
                 flesh
                 .
              
               
               In
               the
               Eucharist
               we
               see
               him
               by
               Faith
               ,
               a
               light
               as
               true
               and
               more
               infallible
               then
               that
               of
               the
               Sunne
               it self
               ;
               we
               do
               adore
               him
               in
               his
               greatness
               ,
               in
               the
               state
               of
               that
               glory
               which
               he
               hath
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               his
               Father
               ;
               we
               handle
               him
               ,
               we
               touch
               him
               ,
               we
               eat
               him
               .
               After
               this
               manner
               he
               is
               ours
               ,
               he
               will
               have
               us
               to
               be
               his
               ;
               he
               is
               in
               us
               and
               we
               in
               him
               ,
               we
               live
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               for
               him
               as
               he
               lives
               for
               us
               ,
               and
               the
               life
               that
               he
               lives
               in
               us
               is
               so
               divine
               ,
               that
               he
               composes
               it
               to
               the
               life
               that
               he
               leads
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               his
               Father
               .
               Now
               what
               more
               
                 solid
                 union
              
               ,
               what
               more
               
                 intimate
                 society
              
               ,
               what
               more
               
                 divine
                 commerce
              
               can
               be
               imagin'd
               ,
               what
               greater
               can
               we
               require
               of
               God
               ?
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               During
               his
               life
               here
               ,
               he
               taught
               and
               redeemed
               Man-kind
               ,
               he
               dyed
               and
               merited
               for
               them
               ,
               but
               he
               gave
               nothing
               ,
               or
               if
               he
               gave
               it
               ,
               was
               little
               in
               comparison
               of
               the
               liberal
               profusions
               which
               he
               makes
               of
               himself
               in
               this
               ineffable
               
                 Sacrament
                 ,
                 where
                 he
                 merits
                 no
                 more
              
               (
               for
               it
               is
               not
               the
               time
               )
               
                 but
                 gives
                 himself
                 to
                 Christians
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 himself
                 all
                 the
                 treasures
                 of
                 grace
                 and
                 holiness
                 .
              
               This
               is
               a
               Sacrament
               of
               Communion
               and
               communication
               ,
               whereby
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               communicates
               to
               every
               one
               of
               us
               ,
               a
               life
               of
               grace
               ,
               the
               seed
               of
               glory
               .
               In
               a
               word
               ,
               he
               communicates
               himself
               here
               as
               he
               communicates
               himself
               to
               the
               Saints
               in
               the
               state
               of
               Glory
               ,
               yet
               after
               a
               different
               manner
               ,
               and
               conformable
               
               to
               the
               diversity
               of
               the
               states
               of
               the
               
                 Church
                 militant
              
               and
               Tryumphant
               .
               Add
               to
               this
               ,
               that
               in
               the
               time
               of
               the
               
                 Incarnation
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               was
               upon
               the
               earth
               ,
               without
               power
               ,
               covered
               with
               our
               infirmities
               ,
               living
               in
               our
               weakness
               ,
               subject
               to
               the
               empire
               of
               death
               .
               Now
               we
               possess
               and
               enjoy
               him
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               his
               Father
               ,
               in
               the
               extent
               of
               his
               power
               ,
               having
               in
               his
               hand
               the
               conduct
               of
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               .
               Then
               he
               was
               in
               the
               World
               in
               poverty
               and
               privation
               ;
               but
               in
               this
               Sacrament
               of
               Love
               and
               communication
               ,
               he
               enjoyes
               the
               fulness
               of
               his
               greatness
               ,
               and
               is
               onely
               here
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               communicate
               them
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               Here
               on
               earth
               during
               his
               mortality
               ,
               he
               was
               seen
               but
               sometimes
               ,
               and
               that
               successively
               ,
               for
               some
               saw
               him
               in
               his
               infancy
               and
               no
               more
               ,
               others
               in
               his
               youth
               ,
               some
               felt
               the
               effects
               of
               his
               power
               in
               working
               of
               miracles
               ,
               many
               were
               witnesses
               of
               his
               death
               and
               sufferings
               .
               All
               this
               past
               ,
               and
               was
               seen
               but
               in
               a
               small
               part
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               in
               Palestine
               ,
               in
               Ierusalem
               ;
               all
               the
               rest
               of
               the
               World
               was
               in
               darkness
               ,
               and
               saw
               not
               this
               
                 beautiful
                 Sun
              
               ,
               nor
               enjoy'd
               this
               agreeable
               light
               .
               But
               in
               the
               Mystery
               and
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               
                 Eucharist
                 ,
                 Iesus
              
               as
               given
               to
               all
               the
               World
               ,
               all
               the
               people
               of
               the
               Earth
               enjoy
               him
               from
               the
               East
               to
               the
               West
               ,
               from
               the
               North
               to
               the
               South
               ;
               there
               is
               no
               Nation
               where
               the
               Christians
               possess
               not
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               and
               in
               him
               all
               the
               estates
               and
               severall
               Mysteries
               of
               
               his
               life
               ,
               all
               that
               he
               is
               and
               shall
               be
               eternally
               .
            
             
               Iesus
               in
               his
               life
               on
               Earth
               ,
               was
               in
               the
               quality
               of
               a
               servant
               ,
               
               as
               he
               saith
               of
               himself
               ,
               
                 He
                 came
                 not
                 into
                 the
                 World
                 to
                 be
                 ministred
                 unto
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 minister
              
               ;
               also
               he
               was
               subject
               to
               Angels
               ,
               to
               men
               ,
               even
               to
               the
               very
               devills
               ,
               when
               he
               gave
               them
               power
               over
               his
               life
               ,
               in
               the
               time
               of
               his
               sufferings
               .
               But
               in
               this
               
                 divine
                 Sacrament
              
               ,
               he
               is
               as
               in
               his
               Empire
               ,
               and
               in
               his
               Paradise
               ;
               we
               there
               adore
               him
               as
               our
               spouse
               ,
               governing
               his
               Church
               ,
               like
               the
               Sun
               enlightening
               our
               souls
               ,
               like
               a
               Prince
               ,
               establishing
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               his
               grace
               ,
               and
               the
               power
               of
               God
               in
               our
               spirits
               ,
               we
               there
               acknowledge
               him
               as
               a
               propitiation
               for
               humane
               kind
               ,
               rendring
               to
               the
               eternal
               Father
               the
               honour
               that
               is
               due
               to
               him
               .
               In
               brief
               ,
               in
               this
               Mystery
               of
               Love
               ,
               we
               behold
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               throne
               of
               his
               greatness
               ,
               where
               he
               receives
               throughout
               the
               World
               ,
               the
               adoration
               of
               his
               people
               ,
               and
               the
               duties
               of
               our
               souls
               .
               In
               this
               manner
               the
               Earth
               is
               made
               a
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               we
               have
               our
               God
               with
               us
               and
               in
               us
               .
               Let
               us
               consider
               these
               truths
               ,
               that
               so
               we
               may
               profit
               thereby
               ,
               and
               let
               us
               see
               what
               this
               
                 divine
                 bounty
              
               will
               work
               in
               us
               ,
               which
               makes
               such
               an
               abundant
               communication
               of
               it self
               in
               this
               Sacrament
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               CHAP.
               IX
               .
               The
               Design
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               upon
               Christians
               in
               this
               most
               high
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               Eucharist
               .
            
             
               WHat
               think
               we
               God
               requires
               of
               us
               for
               so
               powerfull
               a
               work
               of
               his
               Love
               ?
               What
               design
               can
               he
               have
               upon
               Christians
               in
               so
               divine
               a
               communication
               ,
               so
               generall
               a
               profusion
               of
               his
               gifts
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               he
               will
               change
               us
               ,
               (
               a
               happy
               change
               for
               us
               )
               for
               he
               changeth
               us
               into
               himself
               ,
               according
               to
               Saint
               
                 Austin
                 :
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 changed
                 into
                 thee
                 ,
                 but
                 thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 be
                 changed
                 into
                 me
                 .
              
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               he
               does
               thus
               change
               us
               ,
               not
               so
               much
               by
               a
               gift
               ,
               or
               created
               grace
               ,
               as
               by
               his
               holy
               humanity
               ,
               and
               the
               power
               of
               his
               divinity
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               effecting
               this
               change
               out
               of
               the
               excess
               of
               love
               ,
               make
               use
               of
               this
               means
               to
               unite
               himself
               to
               us
               ,
               and
               to
               assume
               a
               new
               power
               over
               us
               ,
               as
               of
               a
               thing
               that
               belongs
               to
               him
               .
               For
               having
               by
               his
               body
               taken
               possession
               of
               our
               member
               as
               his
               ,
               and
               made
               us
               members
               of
               his
               
                 body
                 ,
                 flesh
              
               of
               his
               flesh
               ,
               and
               bone
               of
               his
               bone
               ,
               by
               his
               
                 divine
                 sacrament
              
               of
               
                 union
                 ,
                 love
              
               ,
               and
               unity
               ,
               he
               
                 assumes
                 power
              
               over
               us
               by
               a
               right
               to
               him
               for
               ever
               .
            
             
               When
               we
               shall
               consider
               these
               three
               Circumstances
               ,
               
               what
               can
               we
               think
               or
               say
               ,
               but
               that
               God
               will
               have
               us
               no
               longer
               men
               ,
               but
               gods
               ?
               He
               will
               have
               us
               to
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
               to
               be
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               cease
               to
               be
               that
               which
               we
               are
               ,
               to
               be
               what
               he
               is
               ?
               O
               how
               great
               is
               this
               !
               How
               cleerly
               doth
               the
               holiness
               of
               the
               Christian
               estate
               appear
               ?
               seeing
               then
               this
               benefit
               is
               so
               heavenly
               ,
               and
               the
               communication
               so
               divine
               and
               wonderful
               in
               this
               ineffable
               sacrament
               ,
               we
               are
               by
               consequence
               obliged
               to
               make
               uses
               conformable
               to
               the
               thing
               it self
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               designs
               of
               God
               ,
               of
               which
               I
               shall
               propose
               some
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               That
               your
               sole
               contentment
               be
               to
               be
               with
               God
               ,
               who
               takes
               such
               pleasure
               to
               be
               with
               you
               ;
               that
               all
               things
               be
               unsavory
               to
               you
               ,
               that
               all
               the
               pleasures
               of
               the
               world
               be
               contrary
               to
               your
               heart
               ;
               renounce
               all
               lying
               and
               vanity
               .
               Let
               even
               your
               smallest
               entertainments
               and
               ordinary
               actions
               be
               in
               him
               ,
               who
               is
               in
               the
               bottom
               of
               your
               heart
               ,
               who
               testifies
               such
               a
               singular
               love
               unto
               you
               .
               This
               practice
               and
               affection
               will
               not
               be
               difficult
               ,
               if
               you
               be
               truly
               disposed
               to
               vertue
               ;
               for
               being
               vertuous
               it
               will
               be
               hard
               to
               take
               recreation
               in
               any
               created
               thing
               ,
               not
               in
               the
               least
               unprofitable
               word
               ,
               because
               a
               
                 perfect
                 Christian
              
               takes
               no
               pleasure
               but
               in
               God
               ,
               and
               that
               which
               is
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               being
               a
               member
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               as
               such
               he
               is
               to
               act
               holily
               ,
               he
               must
               live
               of
               the
               spirit
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               no
               way
               recreate
               himself
               but
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               in
               holy
               and
               vertuous
               things
               .
            
             
             
               Secondly
               ,
               Recollect
               and
               form
               often
               in
               your
               soul
               a
               great
               and
               continuall
               desire
               that
               God
               be
               in
               you
               all
               that
               he
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               and
               that
               you
               cease
               to
               be
               all
               that
               you
               are
               .
               Have
               a
               
                 great
                 desire
              
               to
               loose
               your self
               ,
               and
               to
               
                 go
                 out
              
               of
               your self
               ,
               and
               that
               your
               being
               be
               annihilated
               and
               consummated
               in
               that
               of
               Iesus
               ,
               who
               is
               in
               you
               .
               This
               is
               the
               point
               whereto
               you
               must
               arrive
               ,
               if
               you
               will
               that
               God
               should
               possess
               you
               .
            
             
               Thirdy
               ,
               Desire
               and
               require
               ,
               that
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               destroy
               in
               you
               ,
               all
               that
               is
               contrary
               to
               God
               ,
               that
               he
               establish
               in
               you
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               ;
               that
               he
               take
               from
               you
               the
               dominion
               which
               self-love
               ,
               the
               vanity
               of
               your
               nature
               ,
               and
               your
               inclination
               usurp
               over
               you
               and
               the
               creatures
               .
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               Resign
               your self
               to
               the
               will
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               who
               by
               this
               adorable
               sacrament
               of
               Love
               will
               receive
               you
               into
               himself
               ,
               and
               place
               you
               in
               his
               life
               and
               his
               being
               .
            
             
               Abandon
               then
               your
               self
               to
               the
               desire
               that
               he
               hath
               to
               possess
               you
               ,
               a
               desire
               as
               great
               and
               perfect
               as
               the
               Love
               wherewith
               he
               gives
               himself
               to
               you
               is
               infinite
               .
               Pray
               him
               to
               destroy
               in
               this
               
                 present
                 life
              
               the
               being
               that
               you
               use
               and
               abuse
               ,
               that
               by
               the
               power
               of
               his
               spirit
               and
               love
               ,
               and
               by
               the
               vertue
               of
               this
               ineffable
               sacrament
               he
               may
               make
               you
               what
               he
               is
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 Love
                 ,
                 Life
              
               ,
               and
               Truth
               .
               Behold
               what
               God
               
               requires
               of
               you
               ;
               if
               we
               regard
               intentively
               the
               essence
               and
               the
               excellency
               of
               this
               mysterie
               ,
               if
               by
               the
               spirit
               of
               Faith
               we
               weigh
               the
               effects
               it
               produces
               in
               us
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               easie
               to
               acknowledge
               them
               ,
               and
               soon
               shall
               we
               be
               constrained
               to
               confess
               that
               this
               sacrament
               of
               Love
               doth
               appropriate
               us
               wholly
               to
               God
               ,
               draws
               us
               from
               our
               selves
               and
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               separates
               us
               from
               the
               commerce
               of
               creatures
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               be
               knit
               in
               heart
               and
               spirit
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 despising
              
               all
               things
               for
               his
               love
               and
               glory
               ;
               so
               shall
               be
               verified
               the
               word
               of
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               to
               his
               Father
               in
               the
               excess
               of
               his
               Love
               ,
               speaking
               to
               him
               not
               onely
               of
               his
               Apostles
               ,
               but
               of
               all
               good
               
                 Christians
                 ;
                 They
                 are
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 ,
              
               
               
                 even
                 as
                 I
                 am
                 not
                 of
                 the
                 world
                 .
              
               This
               is
               the
               spirit
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               the
               excellency
               of
               this
               divine
               estate
               .
            
             
               That
               we
               may
               the
               better
               remember
               ,
               this
               you
               shall
               see
               in
               a
               little
               
                 Picture
                 :
                 First
              
               ,
               the
               grace
               and
               spirit
               of
               Christianity
               consecrates
               us
               to
               God
               ,
               and
               imprints
               in
               us
               a
               character
               of
               the
               power
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               to
               whose
               Empire
               we
               must
               be
               subject
               for
               ever
               ,
               and
               must
               undergo
               
                 to
                 all
                 eternity
              
               both
               in
               heaven
               and
               earth
               the
               state
               of
               service
               and
               subjection
               to
               the
               spirit
               ,
               grace
               and
               conduct
               of
               Iesus
               .
            
             
               Secondly
               ,
               The
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               makes
               us
               the
               children
               of
               God
               by
               mercy
               ,
               and
               gives
               us
               right
               of
               inheritance
               to
               the
               greatness
               and
               
               true
               glory
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
              
               By
               this
               grace
               we
               have
               no
               more
               part
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               the
               heritage
               of
               the
               true
               children
               of
               Adam
               ,
               but
               we
               have
               right
               to
               the
               Possession
               of
               God
               who
               is
               himself
               the
               heritage
               of
               his
               children
               .
            
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               This
               grace
               draws
               our
               spirits
               ,
               our
               hearts
               ,
               and
               our
               affections
               from
               our selves
               ,
               and
               all
               creatures
               ,
               to
               unite
               us
               to
               God
               ;
               it
               gives
               us
               right
               to
               enter
               into
               familiarity
               and
               alliance
               with
               the
               Son
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               making
               himself
               man
               by
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               would
               be
               amongst
               us
               ,
               to
               the
               end
               that
               we
               might
               be
               with
               him
               .
               He
               enters
               into
               society
               with
               men
               ,
               invests
               himself
               with
               our
               miseries
               &
               infirmities
               ,
               to
               communicate
               to
               us
               his
               life
               his
               spirit
               and
               greatness
               .
               Thus
               by
               the
               grace
               of
               this
               mysterie
               ,
               we
               go
               out
               of
               our
               own
               Interests
               to
               enter
               into
               the
               Interest
               of
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               whereof
               the
               Apostle
               speaking
               of
               the
               things
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               
               he
               saith
               ,
               
                 I
                 count
                 them
                 but
                 dung
                 that
                 I
                 may
                 win
                 Christ.
                 
              
            
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               In
               brief
               ,
               by
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               we
               are
               advanced
               to
               the
               participation
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               will
               
                 be
                 all
                 in
                 us
              
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               
                 be
                 in
                 him
              
               ,
               and
               Jesus
               Christ
               by
               his
               body
               and
               blood
               which
               he
               giveth
               us
               in
               the
               Eucharist
               ,
               doth
               elevate
               and
               unite
               us
               to
               God
               ,
               makes
               us
               live
               by
               his
               
                 life
                 ,
                 communicates
              
               to
               us
               all
               that
               he
               is
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               
                 be
                 all
                 things
              
               to
               us
               ,
               that
               the
               world
               may
               be
               nothing
               to
               us
               .
            
             
               Thus
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               unites
               us
               
               to
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               replenishes
               us
               with
               his
               life
               and
               spirit
               ,
               makes
               us
               another
               himself
               ,
               and
               therefore
               obliges
               us
               to
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
               and
               the
               world
               to
               be
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
               I
               know
               we
               must
               be
               in
               the
               world
               and
               make
               use
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               it
               shall
               please
               God
               to
               continue
               us
               in
               this
               place
               of
               captivity
               ;
               but
               we
               must
               not
               be
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               we
               must
               live
               here
               as
               in
               a
               place
               of
               passage
               ,
               and
               make
               use
               of
               all
               in
               the
               world
               ,
               as
               of
               a
               winter
               garment
               ,
               ready
               to
               put
               it
               off
               when
               the
               Sun
               of
               righteousness
               shall
               come
               to
               his
               meridian
               ,
               when
               it
               shall
               please
               God.
               Let
               us
               use
               all
               the
               creatures
               as
               a
               necessary
               medicine
               to
               the
               present
               state
               of
               our
               infirmities
               and
               occasions
               ;
               but
               let
               it
               be
               withall
               ,
               loathsom
               unto
               us
               ,
               as
               violating
               our
               Love
               ,
               which
               desires
               nothing
               but
               God
               ,
               which
               takes
               delight
               in
               nothing
               but
               God
               ,
               which
               aspires
               to
               nothing
               ,
               and
               hopes
               in
               nothing
               but
               God.
               
            
          
           
             
               The
               conclusion
               of
               the
               first
               Part
               ,
               What
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               be
               .
            
             
               Behold
               here
               the
               Excellencies
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               which
               we
               have
               proposed
               in
               few
               words
               ,
               as
               having
               no
               further
               design
               nor
               intention
               in
               this
               volume
               ,
               then
               to
               shew
               that
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ought
               to
               be
               conformable
               to
               the
               state
               of
               grace
               ,
               and
               dignity
               ,
               whereto
               he
               is
               advanced
               by
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ.
              
               Now
               to
               enter
               into
               this
               knowledge
               ,
               it
               suffices
               that
               we
               see
               what
               we
               are
               .
               
               This
               is
               that
               which
               I
               design'd
               to
               demonstrate
               in
               this
               first
               part
               ,
               proposing
               as
               in
               a
               little
               Tablet
               ,
               the
               
                 essence
                 ,
                 dignity
              
               and
               eminency
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               which
               I
               have
               done
               ,
               briefly
               ,
               expressing
               onely
               the
               principal
               Truth
               of
               this
               subject
               ,
               leaving
               the
               rest
               to
               the
               piety
               and
               consideration
               of
               those
               that
               would
               profit
               thereby
               .
            
             
               Now
               if
               we
               look
               back
               with
               the
               eye
               of
               Faith
               upon
               that
               which
               hath
               been
               said
               ,
               we
               shall
               clearly
               see
               what
               a
               Christian
               life
               ought
               to
               be
               ,
               and
               shall
               know
               that
               the
               design
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               informing
               his
               Church
               ,
               hath
               been
               to
               consecrate
               ,
               to
               appropriate
               to
               himself
               ,
               and
               to
               unite
               himself
               divinely
               to
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               to
               separate
               them
               from
               themselves
               ,
               and
               from
               all
               creatures
               ,
               that
               by
               a
               happy
               revolution
               he
               may
               be
               in
               us
               ,
               and
               we
               in
               him
               ,
               we
               may
               live
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               of
               him
               as
               he
               lives
               in
               his
               Father
               ,
               of
               the
               life
               of
               his
               Father
               ,
               that
               so
               he
               may
               restore
               us
               to
               his
               Father
               ,
               and
               re-unite
               us
               to
               himself
               ,
               from
               whom
               we
               were
               separated
               by
               him
               ,
               by
               being
               our
               own
               ,
               and
               having
               relation
               to
               the
               Creature
               .
            
             
               Herein
               is
               comprised
               the
               perfection
               of
               a
               Christian
               life
               ,
               whereof
               we
               cannot
               speak
               more
               then
               in
               the
               words
               of
               St.
               
                 Paul
                 ,
                 ye
                 are
                 dead
              
               ,
               
               
                 and
                 your
                 life
                 is
                 hid
                 with
                 Christ
                 in
                 God
              
               ;
               a
               passage
               which
               contains
               an
               apparent
               contradiction
               .
               If
               we
               are
               dead
               ,
               how
               can
               our
               life
               be
               
               hid
               in
               God
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               
                 true
                 life
              
               ?
               If
               we
               are
               in
               God
               ,
               who
               is
               the
               life
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               how
               are
               we
               dead
               ?
               The
               Apostle
               meanes
               that
               our
               life
               is
               life
               and
               death
               ;
               our
               life
               is
               a
               life
               of
               grace
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               true
               life
               of
               souls
               ,
               and
               much
               better
               then
               the
               soul
               is
               the
               life
               of
               our
               bodies
               ,
               and
               the
               proper
               effect
               of
               the
               grace
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               is
               to
               operate
               in
               us
               that
               which
               natural
               death
               doth
               .
               By
               death
               the
               soul
               is
               separated
               from
               the
               body
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               in
               the
               world
               .
               So
               grace
               should
               separate
               us
               from
               our selves
               ,
               from
               all
               things
               ,
               from
               sin
               ,
               that
               ,
               being
               wholly
               so
               separated
               ,
               we
               may
               be
               dead
               to
               our
               selves
               ,
               and
               to
               all
               things
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               live
               in
               God
               and
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               This
               expression
               of
               the
               Apostle
               ,
               further
               shews
               all
               the
               properties
               of
               a
               Christian
               life
               ,
               the
               end
               whereof
               is
               ,
               that
               ,
               being
               separated
               from
               all
               we
               may
               be
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               that
               is
               to
               say
               ,
               united
               by
               an
               indissoluble
               Vnion
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 life
              
               of
               his
               life
               ,
               and
               be
               referred
               with
               him
               to
               the
               glory
               of
               the
               most
               
                 holy
                 Trinity
              
               .
            
             
               The
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
               ,
               St.
               Paul
               saith
               is
               hid
               ,
               because
               it
               is
               indeed
               hid
               from
               the
               sight
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               which
               neither
               sees
               it
               as
               it
               is
               ,
               nor
               esteems
               it
               ;
               and
               (
               because
               it
               is
               
                 little
                 ,
                 humble
              
               ,
               and
               abject
               )
               disdains
               to
               behold
               &
               to
               take
               notice
               of
               it
               ,
               as
               unworthy
               the
               name
               and
               society
               of
               men
               .
               They
               that
               will
               live
               Christianly
               ,
               will
               not
               subject
               themselves
               to
               the
               corruption
               of
               the
               men
               of
               this
               age
               ;
               so
               this
               life
               is
               hid
               from
               the
               sight
               ,
               and
               
               more
               from
               the
               power
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               for
               the
               soul
               that
               liveth
               christianly
               ,
               is
               above
               all
               humane
               power
               ,
               and
               insensible
               to
               all
               contempt
               and
               confusion
               ;
               and
               as
               the
               Diamond
               continues
               entire
               ,
               and
               strengthened
               by
               the
               violence
               of
               blowes
               ;
               so
               the
               perfect
               christian
               remains
               more
               content
               in
               the
               violence
               of
               Temptation
               ,
               more
               assured
               in
               the
               motions
               of
               disgrace
               ,
               more
               firm
               amidst
               the
               batteries
               of
               afflictions
               ,
               even
               Prosperity
               changeth
               not
               his
               spirit
               ,
               he
               is
               alike
               in
               all
               things
               ,
               for
               by
               grace
               and
               
                 true
                 Christian
                 vertues
              
               ,
               the
               soul
               is
               raised
               above
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               lives
               in
               God
               ;
               
                 Ye
                 are
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 your
                 life
                 is
                 hid
                 with
                 Iesus
                 Christ
                 in
                 God.
                 
              
            
             
               Such
               is
               the
               life
               of
               a
               christian
               according
               to
               St.
               Paul
               ,
               a
               life
               that
               imitates
               that
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               upon
               earth
               ,
               who
               according
               to
               the
               Oracles
               of
               the
               Prophets
               ,
               was
               
                 despised
                 and
                 rejected
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 a
                 Man
                 of
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 and
                 acquainted
                 with
                 grief
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 hid
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 our
                 faces
                 from
                 him
                 ;
                 he
                 was
                 despised
                 ,
                 and
                 we
                 esteemed
                 him
                 not
                 .
              
               When
               Hell
               ,
               the
               
                 World
                 ,
                 Devill
                 ,
                 sinners
              
               ,
               thought
               to
               triumph
               over
               him
               ,
               
               and
               ravish
               both
               his
               honour
               and
               life
               at
               the
               same
               time
               ,
               he
               triumphs
               over
               them
               ,
               shewing
               that
               
                 he
                 hath
                 power
              
               (
               as
               he
               saith
               )
               
                 to
                 lay
                 down
                 his
                 life
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 hath
                 power
                 to
                 take
                 it
                 again
              
               at
               his
               pleasure
               .
               Thus
               the
               life
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               is
               hid
               from
               the
               eyes
               of
               men
               ,
               who
               know
               him
               not
               ,
               and
               from
               their
               power
               ,
               seeing
               he
               triumphs
               over
               his
               Enemies
               ,
               over
               
               death
               and
               sin
               .
               Such
               ought
               to
               be
               the
               life
               of
               a
               Christian.
               
               St.
               Paul
               saith
               the
               same
               in
               other
               termes
               ,
               when
               he
               exhorts
               the
               Ephesians
               ,
               that
               
                 they
                 put
                 off
                 concerning
                 the
                 former
                 conversation
                 ,
                 the
                 old
                 Man
                 which
                 is
                 corrupt
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 deceitful
                 lusts
                 :
                 and
                 be
                 renewed
                 in
                 the
                 spirits
                 of
                 their
                 mind
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 put
                 on
                 the
                 new
                 Man
                 ,
                 which
                 after
                 God
                 is
                 created
                 in
                 righteousness
                 and
                 true
                 holiness
                 .
              
               This
               is
               the
               first
               Protestation
               we
               make
               in
               Baptisme
               ,
               in
               which
               solemn
               action
               ,
               before
               that
               we
               are
               consecrated
               to
               the
               
                 holy
                 Trinity
              
               ,
               received
               and
               made
               the
               children
               of
               God
               ,
               we
               make
               a
               particular
               protestation
               ,
               to
               renounce
               Adam
               and
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               adhere
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               to
               separate
               our selves
               from
               the
               one
               ,
               to
               unite
               our selves
               to
               the
               other
               .
               So
               in
               this
               action
               so
               holy
               and
               happy
               ,
               we
               uncloath
               our selves
               of
               the
               one
               ,
               to
               cloath
               us
               again
               with
               the
               other
               ,
               that
               is
               the
               first
               step
               we
               make
               into
               the
               state
               of
               Christianity
               ,
               according
               to
               St.
               Paul.
               And
               if
               we
               believe
               his
               Doctrine
               ,
               we
               see
               that
               the
               perfection
               of
               a
               Christian
               and
               all
               his
               happinesse
               consists
               in
               adhering
               to
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               to
               be
               united
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               cloathed
               with
               him
               .
               For
               as
               all
               the
               grandeur
               of
               humane
               nature
               (
               which
               was
               chosen
               in
               the
               Mysterie
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               to
               be
               the
               nature
               of
               God
               )
               consists
               in
               being
               united
               to
               the
               word
               ,
               which
               subsisteth
               in
               him
               ,
               and
               operates
               by
               him
               :
               so
               all
               the
               perfection
               of
               a
               christian
               soul
               ,
               consists
               in
               dwelling
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 
                 Christ
              
               ,
               in
               adhering
               to
               him
               ,
               and
               operating
               by
               him
               ;
               all
               the
               perfection
               of
               a
               christian
               soul
               consists
               ,
               in
               that
               it
               dwells
               in
               Christ
               ,
               that
               it
               adheares
               to
               him
               ,
               that
               it
               lives
               of
               his
               life
               ,
               and
               operates
               not
               but
               by
               his
               spirit
               .
            
             
               Now
               this
               cannot
               be
               ,
               but
               when
               the
               Soul
               is
               divided
               from
               it self
               ,
               
               and
               from
               all
               creatures
               ;
               for
               according
               to
               St.
               
                 Paul
                 ,
                 We
                 are
                 to
                 put
                 off
                 the
                 old
                 man
                 with
                 his
                 deeds
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 put
                 on
                 the
                 new
                 man
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 renewed
                 in
                 knowledge
                 after
                 the
                 Image
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 created
                 him
                 .
              
               Whence
               it
               followeth
               ,
               that
               abnegation
               and
               uncloathing
               ,
               is
               the
               principal
               point
               of
               
                 christian
                 perfection
              
               ,
               so
               necessary
               ,
               that
               St.
               Bernard
               saith
               ;
               
                 It
                 had
                 been
                 better
                 for
                 us
                 never
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 dwell
                 in
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 our selves
              
               ;
               for
               the
               greatest
               misfortune
               of
               the
               soul
               is
               to
               see
               it self
               separated
               from
               God.
               But
               God
               comes
               not
               into
               ,
               neither
               dwells
               in
               the
               soul
               ,
               till
               such
               time
               as
               it
               goeth
               out
               of
               it self
               ,
               uncloathes
               and
               annihilates
               it self
               .
               And
               the
               greater
               its
               annihilation
               is
               ,
               the
               more
               it
               makes
               place
               for
               God.
               If
               it
               take
               but
               little
               away
               ,
               God
               fills
               it
               with
               little
               ,
               if
               it
               deprive
               it self
               of
               much
               ,
               God
               fills
               it
               much
               ,
               and
               without
               doubt
               he
               will
               take
               it
               up
               ,
               and
               dwell
               wholly
               in
               it
               ,
               if
               the
               soul
               do
               annihilate
               ,
               and
               wholly
               uncloath
               it self
               .
            
             
               We
               see
               and
               adore
               this
               proceeding
               of
               God
               in
               the
               Mysterie
               of
               the
               Incarnation
               ,
               the
               cause
               and
               example
               of
               the
               life
               of
               our
               souls
               .
               For
               
               the
               eternall
               word
               choosing
               
                 humane
                 nature
              
               ,
               to
               unite
               himself
               unto
               it
               ,
               and
               to
               operate
               in
               and
               by
               it
               our
               redemptions
               would
               uncloath
               it
               of
               its
               own
               substance
               and
               humane
               person
               ,
               to
               shew
               us
               that
               we
               are
               not
               acceptable
               to
               God
               ,
               if
               we
               do
               not
               abandon
               our selves
               ;
               and
               that
               ,
               if
               we
               divest
               our selves
               of
               our selves
               ,
               and
               deprive
               our
               selves
               of
               all
               created
               things
               ,
               God
               will
               fill
               us
               with
               
                 divine
                 things
              
               ,
               for
               Grace
               as
               well
               as
               Nature
               ,
               abhorres
               vacuity
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               learn
               then
               to
               deprive
               our
               selves
               of
               
                 humane
                 things
              
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               be
               inriched
               with
               divine
               .
               Let
               
                 us
                 go
                 out
              
               of
               our
               selves
               ,
               and
               quit
               the
               commerce
               that
               we
               have
               with
               the
               creatures
               ,
               to
               be
               in
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               to
               enter
               into
               society
               and
               communion
               with
               God.
               Let
               us
               renounce
               our
               own
               spirits
               and
               government
               ,
               to
               leave
               our selves
               to
               that
               of
               
                 Iesus
                 Christ
              
               ,
               and
               suffer
               him
               to
               live
               and
               raign
               in
               us
               ,
               according
               to
               what
               he
               truly
               designed
               of
               us
               .
               In
               brief
               ,
               let
               us
               divest
               our
               selves
               ,
               of
               our
               selves
               ,
               to
               re-invest
               our
               selves
               with
               the
               
                 Sonne
                 of
                 God.
              
               Herein
               consists
               the
               happiness
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
               and
               that
               
                 Christian
                 perfection
              
               ,
               that
               we
               ought
               to
               search
               for
               here
               upon
               earth
               ;
               The
               necessity
               and
               practise
               whereof
               ,
               are
               in
               the
               following
               Treatises
               .
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           SECOND
           PART
           .
           Wherein
           are
           proposed
           the
           sundry
           Motives
           which
           oblige
           Christians
           to
           Perfection
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             The
             Obligation
             that
             we
             have
             to
             acquire
             true
             Vertues
             ,
             wherein
             consists
             the
             life
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             the
             inward
             life
             of
             a
             Christian.
             
          
           
             MAN
             being
             in
             honour
             abideth
             not
             ,
             
             but
             is
             compared
             unto
             the
             Beasts
             that
             perish
             .
             Thus
             David
             ,
             describing
             the
             deplorable
             estate
             of
             man
             after
             sin
             ,
             a
             sad
             condition
             ,
             a
             miserable
             fall
             !
             which
             hath
             deprived
             man
             of
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             favours
             wherewith
             the
             powerful
             hand
             of
             
             the
             Divinity
             ,
             had
             so
             liberally
             inriched
             him
             ,
             and
             degraded
             him
             of
             all
             honour
             ,
             and
             put
             him
             into
             a
             condition
             of
             meanness
             ,
             impotence
             and
             error
             .
             This
             goodly
             spirit
             of
             man
             ,
             or
             rather
             this
             man
             all
             spirit
             ,
             is
             now
             nothing
             but
             flesh
             ;
             this
             beautiful
             Soul
             which
             breath'd
             for
             nothing
             but
             Heaven
             ,
             entertained
             it self
             so
             deliciously
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             infallible
             Truths
             ,
             and
             was
             inriched
             with
             contemplation
             of
             the
             greatness
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             with
             Divine
             Dew
             ,
             and
             heavenly
             Manna
             ,
             after
             so
             deplorable
             a
             fall
             ,
             obstinately
             links
             himself
             to
             the
             perishable
             goods
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             believes
             in
             lies
             ,
             seeks
             after
             vanities
             ,
             and
             can
             no
             more
             elevate
             himself
             to
             God
             ;
             so
             miserable
             and
             impotent
             hath
             sinne
             made
             him
             .
             O
             unhappiness
             which
             cannot
             sufficiently
             be
             bewailed
             !
             Man
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             happiness
             of
             his
             creation
             ,
             had
             eyes
             to
             contemplate
             onely
             his
             Creator
             ,
             and
             converting
             himself
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             had
             no
             heart
             but
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             no
             spirit
             but
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             ;
             after
             so
             fatall
             a
             cast
             ,
             wholly
             turn'd
             away
             from
             God
             ,
             regards
             nothing
             but
             himself
             ,
             is
             wholly
             converted
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             lives
             as
             a
             Beast
             ,
             onely
             upon
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             like
             a
             Beast
             without
             judgement
             .
          
           
             The
             Apostle
             goes
             further
             ,
             for
             describing
             the
             estate
             whereto
             the
             sinner
             is
             reduced
             ,
             he
             declares
             him
             uncapable
             of
             the
             knowledge
             
             of
             things
             which
             are
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God.
             
             
               The
               natural
               man
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               receiveth
               not
               the
               things
               of
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               ,
               for
               they
               are
               foolishness
               unto
               him
               ;
               neither
               can
               he
               know
               them
               ,
               because
               they
               are
               spiritually
               discerned
               .
            
             Hence
             I
             doubt
             ,
             least
             the
             wayes
             I
             intend
             to
             propose
             ,
             which
             are
             according
             to
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             appear
             too
             high
             ,
             or
             above
             the
             capacity
             of
             our
             spirits
             .
             I
             confess
             they
             are
             so
             ,
             if
             we
             look
             upon
             man
             in
             the
             state
             of
             sin
             ,
             impotency
             ,
             and
             the
             corruption
             of
             his
             Nature
             .
             But
             we
             shall
             find
             the
             contrary
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             came
             into
             the
             World
             to
             relieve
             man
             after
             his
             fall
             ,
             to
             restore
             him
             those
             gifts
             with
             advantage
             which
             he
             lost
             ,
             to
             render
             him
             capable
             of
             God.
             In
             brief
             ,
             he
             was
             made
             man
             to
             teach
             man
             the
             true
             way
             to
             love
             and
             serve
             God
             ;
             he
             gives
             the
             power
             ,
             having
             setled
             in
             his
             Church
             an
             inexhaustible
             Treasure
             of
             Graces
             ,
             whence
             all
             souls
             may
             draw
             strength
             in
             their
             weakness
             ,
             succour
             in
             their
             necessity
             ,
             and
             ability
             in
             the
             very
             impotency
             of
             their
             nature
             .
             Here
             ,
             of
             Iesus
             man
             and
             God
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             learn
             the
             way
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             adore
             ,
             and
             to
             serve
             God
             ;
             from
             him
             we
             must
             have
             the
             grace
             to
             do
             it
             .
             We
             must
             in
             and
             by
             Iesus
             ,
             operate
             above
             our
             strength
             ,
             above
             our
             being
             ,
             and
             natural
             power
             ,
             and
             nothing
             ought
             to
             seem
             difficult
             to
             us
             ,
             or
             impossible
             for
             him
             ,
             seeing
             he
             gives
             
             us
             his
             grace
             and
             spirit
             in
             abundance
             to
             accomplish
             it
             .
          
           
             To
             believe
             this
             ,
             we
             must
             look
             back
             upon
             the
             designs
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             the
             Profusion
             of
             his
             gifts
             and
             graces
             ,
             and
             leasurely
             examine
             with
             the
             eye
             of
             Faith
             ,
             what
             he
             will
             operate
             in
             us
             ,
             by
             his
             grace
             and
             divine
             communications
             .
             At
             the
             first
             view
             we
             shall
             see
             that
             Grace
             draws
             from
             us
             our
             impotency
             ,
             advances
             us
             above
             our
             nature
             ,
             gives
             us
             a
             new
             being
             ,
             a
             new
             life
             ,
             a
             life
             intire
             and
             wholly
             hid
             in
             God
             ,
             a
             life
             proper
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             according
             to
             which
             all
             Christians
             ought
             to
             live
             .
             The
             Son
             of
             God
             speaking
             to
             the
             Samaritan
             ,
             and
             in
             her
             to
             all
             the
             faithful
             ,
             makes
             a
             Discourse
             hereof
             worthy
             to
             be
             consider'd
             ,
             expressing
             an
             intention
             to
             establish
             his
             Church
             .
             
             
               The
               houre
               shall
               come
            
             ,
             (
             sayes
             he
             )
             
               and
               now
               is
               ,
               wherein
               the
               true
               Worshippers
               shall
               worship
               the
               Father
               in
               Spirit
               and
               in
               Truth
               ,
               for
               the
               Father
               seeketh
               such
               to
               worship
               him
               .
            
             The
             reason
             he
             adds
             ,
             
               God
               is
               a
               Spirit
               ,
               and
               they
               that
               worship
               him
               ,
            
             
             
               must
               worship
               him
               in
               Spirit
               and
               in
               Truth
               .
            
             What
             more
             powerful
             and
             clear
             testimony
             of
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             tries
             and
             elects
             Souls
             that
             worship
             him
             ,
             in
             spirit
             and
             truth
             ?
             If
             he
             himself
             doth
             choose
             them
             ,
             and
             call
             them
             to
             this
             new
             life
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             necessary
             ,
             that
             in
             pursuit
             of
             this
             election
             ,
             he
             give
             them
             grace
             necessary
             
             to
             arrive
             at
             such
             an
             estate
             ?
             Let
             us
             consider
             this
             passage
             ,
             and
             ponder
             all
             the
             words
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             shews
             us
             that
             our
             life
             must
             be
             holy
             ,
             and
             severed
             from
             the
             creature
             ,
             seeing
             that
             we
             must
             serve
             God
             
               in
               Truth
            
             ,
             without
             amusing
             our selves
             with
             the
             vanities
             and
             things
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             which
             are
             nothing
             but
             lying
             .
             
               In
               truth
            
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             conformable
             to
             the
             Greatness
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             that
             principle
             whence
             the
             Soul
             takes
             power
             to
             serve
             God
             ,
             the
             grace
             ,
             spirit
             ,
             and
             dispositions
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             Truth
             .
          
           
             We
             learn
             further
             ,
             that
             if
             perfection
             of
             this
             life
             is
             inward
             ,
             pure
             ,
             holy
             ,
             and
             absolutely
             divine
             ,
             seeing
             it
             is
             ,
             and
             subsists
             in
             the
             adoration
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             ,
             as
             
               he
               is
               a
               Spirit
               pure
               and
               holy
               ,
            
             will
             be
             served
             and
             adored
             
               in
               Spirit
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             teaches
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             wait
             upon
             him
             for
             this
             Grace
             ,
             necessary
             to
             accomplish
             his
             Commands
             ,
             who
             requiring
             of
             us
             a
             life
             so
             pure
             and
             perfect
             ,
             obliges
             himself
             to
             give
             us
             necessary
             Graces
             to
             arrive
             unto
             it
             ,
             since
             that
             without
             him
             ,
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             of
             that
             which
             he
             teaches
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             we
             see
             how
             much
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             require
             this
             grace
             ,
             to
             search
             after
             it
             ,
             to
             submit
             our selves
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             endeavour
             to
             become
             worthy
             of
             it
             .
             We
             must
             not
             in
             a
             matter
             so
             
             important
             ,
             as
             this
             of
             our
             salvation
             demurre
             in
             consideration
             of
             our
             impotency
             ,
             or
             experience
             of
             our
             own
             incapacity
             ,
             but
             raising
             our selves
             above
             our selves
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             Faith
             ,
             we
             must
             hope
             in
             him
             who
             commands
             nothing
             impossible
             ,
             who
             giveth
             grace
             abundantly
             ,
             to
             accomplish
             what
             he
             demands
             .
          
           
             These
             are
             the
             first
             dispositions
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             which
             those
             souls
             ,
             that
             have
             any
             desire
             to
             live
             Christianly
             ,
             ought
             first
             of
             all
             to
             learn.
             But
             it
             happens
             quite
             contrary
             ;
             the
             understanding
             of
             men
             is
             so
             corrupt
             ,
             that
             they
             desire
             not
             these
             internal
             solid
             vertues
             ,
             nor
             require
             them
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             ,
             which
             is
             worse
             ,
             many
             think
             it
             unnecessary
             to
             possess
             them
             ;
             and
             that
             such
             a
             life
             as
             we
             call
             interiour
             ,
             is
             for
             few
             persons
             ,
             as
             if
             Jesus
             Christ
             speaking
             to
             the
             Samaritan
             ,
             had
             spoken
             onely
             to
             Her
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             the
             whole
             Church
             .
             Others
             perswade
             themselves
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             attain
             them
             ,
             as
             not
             believing
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             who
             saith
             ,
             
               I
               can
               do
               all
               things
               through
               Christ
               which
               strengthens
               me
               ,
            
             
             a
             manifest
             error
             wherein
             many
             lose
             themselves
             ,
             in
             not
             sufficiently
             considering
             what
             they
             daily
             see
             by
             common
             experience
             set
             before
             their
             eyes
             .
             If
             weakest
             Women
             ,
             Virgins
             and
             Children
             ,
             have
             had
             strength
             sufficient
             ,
             notwithstanding
             their
             young
             and
             
             tender
             bodies
             ,
             to
             embrace
             tortures
             almost
             insupportable
             ,
             and
             have
             by
             Grace
             been
             strengthned
             to
             overcome
             those
             difficulties
             ,
             why
             should
             not
             we
             believe
             also
             ,
             that
             abandoning
             our selves
             to
             the
             power
             and
             conduct
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             becoming
             faithful
             to
             the
             designs
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             may
             have
             sufficient
             grace
             and
             capacity
             to
             acquire
             these
             vertues
             ?
             If
             by
             the
             help
             of
             grace
             they
             can
             attain
             strength
             of
             body
             to
             support
             the
             rigours
             of
             a
             penitent
             life
             ,
             wherefore
             by
             favour
             of
             the
             same
             grace
             ,
             may
             not
             we
             arrive
             to
             the
             possession
             of
             that
             true
             vertue
             wherein
             a
             Christian
             life
             doth
             consist
             ?
          
           
             What
             difficulty
             do
             we
             find
             in
             this
             kind
             of
             life
             ?
             all
             the
             obstacle
             ,
             (
             if
             we
             neerly
             consider
             it
             )
             proceeds
             from
             not
             understanding
             what
             is
             the
             interiour
             life
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             many
             believe
             it
             a
             kind
             of
             an
             abstract
             life
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             other
             World
             ,
             a
             life
             full
             of
             care
             ,
             a
             life
             which
             is
             an
             enemy
             to
             humane
             society
             .
             Others
             consider
             it
             as
             a
             life
             of
             insupportable
             solitude
             ,
             and
             inaccessible
             contemplation
             ;
             every
             one
             speaks
             of
             it
             as
             he
             pleases
             .
             Some
             condemn
             it
             ;
             others
             say
             it
             is
             impossible
             ,
             most
             believe
             it
             difficult
             .
             Let
             us
             not
             insist
             upon
             words
             ,
             they
             are
             explicated
             to
             all
             sences
             ;
             let
             us
             onely
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             life
             we
             call
             interiour
             ,
             is
             no
             other
             then
             the
             life
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             God
             ,
             the
             grace
             
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             the
             mother
             of
             all
             vertues
             .
             Thus
             then
             the
             interior
             life
             is
             no
             other
             then
             a
             vertuous
             Christian
             life
             ,
             to
             which
             life
             all
             Christians
             are
             obliged
             .
             An
             inward
             and
             spiritual
             man
             must
             fear
             God
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             must
             highly
             esteem
             of
             all
             that
             is
             in
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             must
             be
             vigilant
             to
             do
             nothing
             to
             displease
             God
             ,
             careful
             to
             preserve
             his
             Soul
             and
             Conscience
             in
             the
             purity
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             having
             a
             
               good
               Conscience
               in
               all
               things
            
             ,
             
             to
             have
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             that
             belongs
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             carry
             a
             mean
             esteem
             of
             himself
             and
             all
             Creatures
             .
             To
             live
             in
             this
             manner
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             I
             call
             an
             inward
             life
             ,
             the
             rest
             without
             this
             is
             nothing
             ,
             and
             to
             teach
             Souls
             any
             other
             life
             ,
             is
             to
             betray
             them
             .
          
           
             Now
             who
             sees
             not
             that
             all
             Christians
             are
             obliged
             to
             this
             kind
             of
             life
             ,
             if
             they
             will
             be
             saved
             ?
             who
             findes
             not
             now
             how
             much
             this
             life
             is
             easier
             then
             it
             was
             represented
             ,
             and
             all
             together
             contrary
             to
             what
             was
             expected
             ?
             Let
             us
             then
             take
             a
             firm
             resolution
             to
             embrace
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             our selves
             with
             all
             our
             Souls
             to
             him
             ,
             who
             hath
             given
             himself
             to
             us
             .
             He
             hath
             right
             and
             power
             to
             live
             in
             us
             ,
             to
             do
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             of
             us
             all
             that
             he
             pleases
             .
             Let
             us
             onely
             take
             care
             that
             we
             commit
             our selves
             
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             operation
             of
             his
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             being
             assisted
             by
             his
             Grace
             ;
             Let
             us
             chearfully
             endeavour
             the
             acquisition
             of
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ;
             Let
             us
             so
             order
             ,
             that
             
               grace
               may
               reign
               in
               us
            
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             design
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             God
             
               may
               dwell
               in
               us
               ,
               as
               in
               a
               living
               tabernacle
               ,
            
             which
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             consecrated
             by
             his
             blood
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             see
             by
             experience
             ,
             that
             with
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             
               We
               are
               able
               to
               do
               all
               things
               through
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               who
               strengtheneth
               us
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             That
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             is
             the
             end
             of
             a
             Christian
             life
             ,
             whereto
             we
             cannot
             arrive
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             Iesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             BEfore
             I
             proceed
             ,
             I
             must
             suppose
             that
             I
             speak
             to
             souls
             desirous
             to
             
               live
               vertuously
            
             and
             perfectly
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             according
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Law
             and
             Rule
             .
             My
             address
             is
             to
             such
             who
             are
             faithfull
             Dispensators
             of
             the
             gifts
             and
             graces
             of
             God
             ,
             will
             make
             use
             thereof
             according
             to
             the
             designes
             and
             intentions
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             endeavouring
             to
             profit
             a
             
               hundred
               fold
            
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             thing
             that
             I
             ask
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             ,
             
               What
               is
               the
               end
               of
               the
               life
               and
               actions
               of
               a
               Christian
            
             ?
             
             For
             as
             in
             things
             naturall
             &
             artificiall
             ,
             the
             first
             thought
             and
             knowledge
             of
             the
             workman
             ,
             is
             the
             end
             of
             his
             work
             ;
             so
             in
             Piety
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             and
             know
             the
             end
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             
               Christian
               actions
            
             ,
             that
             knowing
             them
             we
             may
             resolve
             couragiously
             to
             undertake
             them
             ,
             and
             promise
             our selves
             great
             fidelity
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             all
             that
             shall
             be
             proposed
             to
             us
             ,
             or
             is
             necessary
             for
             to
             arrive
             at
             so
             happy
             an
             estate
             .
          
           
             We
             know
             the
             end
             of
             a
             Christian
             soul
             is
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             
             who
             is
             
               he
               that
               filleth
               all
               in
               all
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             whom
             it
             seeketh
             to
             ,
             and
             possesseth
             as
             its
             sole
             happiness
             ,
             and
             to
             enjoy
             him
             for
             ever
             .
             None
             reject
             this
             truth
             ,
             though
             it
             appear
             high
             and
             extraordinary
             ;
             for
             they
             that
             discourse
             ordinarily
             of
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             say
             all
             that
             it
             consists
             in
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             
               perfect
               charity
            
             ,
             which
             is
             true
             .
             But
             if
             we
             consider
             what
             this
             love
             means
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             nothing
             but
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             of
             God
             hath
             priviledge
             and
             power
             to
             give
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             
               essentiall
               love
            
             .
             Thus
             considering
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             that
             
               perfection
               consists
               in
               love
            
             ,
             which
             love
             gives
             us
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             ;
             therefore
             the
             perfection
             of
             our
             soul
             must
             be
             the
             love
             of
             God
             :
             He
             that
             will
             comprehend
             the
             excellency
             of
             this
             ,
             must
             know
             the
             greatness
             and
             dignity
             of
             God
             ,
             from
             which
             knowledge
             he
             shall
             learn
             what
             the
             life
             of
             our
             souls
             must
             be
             ,
             what
             our
             entertainments
             ,
             
             and
             how
             holy
             our
             actions
             ought
             to
             be
             :
             For
             if
             the
             means
             be
             proportionable
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             it
             must
             necessarily
             follow
             ,
             that
             the
             end
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             being
             supernaturall
             ,
             and
             nothing
             less
             then
             God
             himself
             ,
             the
             means
             also
             that
             we
             must
             use
             to
             arrive
             to
             this
             end
             ,
             must
             be
             supernaturall
             and
             divine
             .
             They
             therefore
             who
             seek
             perfection
             in
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             this
             end
             ,
             must
             have
             a
             particular
             care
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             embrace
             all
             actions
             and
             uses
             which
             may
             conduct
             them
             ,
             but
             shun
             and
             contemne
             all
             vain
             and
             superfluous
             things
             ,
             which
             serve
             not
             to
             attain
             to
             this
             end
             ,
             and
             must
             detest
             them
             .
          
           
             We
             must
             remember
             that
             we
             cannot
             arrive
             at
             this
             end
             ;
             nor
             to
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             ,
             (
             who
             is
             the
             perfection
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             his
             fulness
             ,
             and
             the
             consummation
             of
             his
             soul
             )
             but
             by
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             himself
             ,
             by
             grace
             alone
             and
             mercy
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             testimony
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             none
             can
             arrive
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             by
             his
             
               divine
               Light
            
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             speciall
             Revelation
             :
             
             
               No
               man
               knoweth
               the
               Son
               ,
               but
               the
               Father
               ,
               neither
               knoweth
               any
               man
               the
               Father
               ,
               save
               the
               Son
               ,
               and
               he
               to
               whom
               the
               Son
               will
               reveal
               him
               .
            
             And
             when
             a
             man
             shall
             come
             to
             this
             knowledge
             ,
             he
             can
             make
             no
             good
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             unless
             he
             be
             aided
             with
             a
             new
             favour
             ;
             he
             cannot
             go
             to
             God
             ,
             nor
             enjoy
             his
             grace
             or
             spirit
             ,
             unless
             he
             be
             aided
             and
             guided
             by
             him
             who
             saith
             ,
             
             
               I
               am
               the
               Way
               ,
               the
               Truth
               ,
               and
               
               the
               Life
               ;
               no
               man
               cometh
               to
               the
               Father
               ,
               but
               by
               me
               .
            
             And
             that
             which
             shews
             our
             greatest
             impotency
             or
             need
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             his
             grace
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             without
             him
             ,
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             worthy
             and
             capable
             to
             approach
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             enable
             us
             to
             
               possess
               him
            
             :
             
             
               Without
               me
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               you
               can
               do
               nothing
            
             .
             On
             the
             one
             side
             the
             soul
             sees
             and
             confesses
             ,
             that
             God
             is
             her
             perfection
             ,
             her
             happiness
             and
             heritage
             ,
             that
             in
             him
             she
             hath
             all
             ;
             that
             he
             alone
             is
             her
             sufficiency
             ,
             her
             life
             and
             consummation
             .
             On
             the
             other
             side
             she
             finds
             ,
             that
             she
             cannot
             go
             to
             him
             ,
             nor
             
               enjoy
               him
            
             ,
             nor
             think
             of
             him
             ,
             but
             
               by
               him
            
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             
               by
               his
               grace
               ,
               by
               his
               infinite
               mercy
            
             ;
             she
             feels
             that
             she
             bears
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             her
             being
             ,
             not
             only
             
               incapacity
               ,
               impotency
            
             and
             feeblness
             ,
             but
             of
             opposition
             to
             grace
             ,
             to
             the
             gifts
             and
             work
             of
             God.
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             she
             carries
             the
             effects
             of
             Gods
             love
             ,
             she
             knows
             the
             power
             of
             God
             over
             her
             ,
             who
             can
             advance
             her
             to
             what
             degree
             of
             communications
             it
             shall
             please
             him
             ,
             and
             do
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             by
             her
             all
             that
             he
             pleases
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             consideration
             ,
             man
             must
             adore
             the
             secret
             
               Iudgements
               ,
               will
            
             ,
             and
             designes
             of
             God
             over
             his
             Creature
             ;
             he
             must
             humble
             himself
             in
             his
             nothing
             ,
             annihilate
             himself
             in
             his
             humility
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             knowledge
             see
             into
             the
             little
             he
             is
             ,
             the
             need
             he
             hath
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             misery
             of
             a
             
               Soul
               without
            
             grace
             .
             He
             must
             not
             content
             himselfe
             with
             the
             bare
             Knowledge
             of
             these
             
             truthes
             without
             making
             use
             thereof
             ;
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             can
             furnish
             him
             with
             severall
             ways
             to
             do
             it
             .
             Behold
             here
             three
             Acts
             very
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             to
             be
             done
             as
             often
             as
             we
             can
             with
             serious
             application
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             The
             soul
             must
             resign
             it self
             to
             grace
             ,
             to
             all
             the
             designes
             and
             counsels
             of
             God
             over
             it
             ,
             with
             a
             desire
             to
             depend
             efficaciously
             upon
             the
             spirit
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             follow
             all
             the
             ways
             ,
             to
             undergo
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             grace
             and
             dispensations
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             soul
             must
             produce
             an
             act
             ,
             whereby
             offering
             her
             consent
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             is
             required
             ;
             she
             must
             protest
             that
             she
             consents
             then
             and
             alwayes
             to
             all
             the
             operations
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             designes
             that
             he
             hath
             upon
             her
             ,
             of
             what
             kind
             estate
             and
             manner
             soever
             they
             be
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             She
             must
             renounce
             within
             her self
             fervently
             ,
             all
             her
             right
             over
             her self
             ,
             her
             
               inclinations
               ,
               interest
               ,
               obstruction
            
             ,
             and
             imperfections
             within
             her
             ,
             imploring
             the
             bounty
             of
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             to
             annihilate
             in
             her
             all
             her
             imperfections
             ,
             to
             take
             from
             her
             all
             hindrances
             ,
             opposite
             to
             the
             
               spirit
               ,
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             conduct
             of
             God.
             Lastly
             ,
             she
             must
             study
             the
             practice
             of
             vertues
             when
             occasion
             shall
             present
             them
             ,
             after
             the
             manner
             proposed
             ,
             whereof
             we
             now
             begin
             to
             treat
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             Of
             the
             practise
             and
             means
             whereby
             we
             may
             arrive
             to
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             his
             grace
             and
             spirit
             .
          
           
             IT
             much
             imports
             souls
             that
             seek
             after
             God
             ,
             and
             would
             live
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             that
             they
             endeavour
             to
             enter
             and
             settle
             themselves
             in
             good
             and
             solid
             dispositions
             ,
             for
             that
             God
             chiefly
             regards
             in
             us
             ;
             and
             we
             are
             not
             ignorant
             that
             the
             operations
             of
             Grace
             are
             alwayes
             proportioned
             to
             the
             disposition
             she
             puts
             or
             finds
             in
             the
             soul.
             Now
             amongst
             all
             dispositions
             ,
             the
             most
             solid
             and
             necessary
             ,
             the
             chief
             path
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             true
             vertue
             ,
             is
             Love
             and
             knowledge
             of
             truth
             .
             We
             must
             love
             truth
             ,
             and
             strongly
             adhere
             to
             it
             :
             we
             must
             wholly
             study
             to
             fill
             our
             spirits
             with
             the
             knowledge
             of
             this
             Truth
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             unto
             us
             a
             foundation
             to
             Christian
             life
             ,
             a
             light
             in
             the
             direction
             and
             conduct
             of
             our
             actions
             .
             Therefore
             before
             I
             propose
             any
             practise
             ,
             I
             alwayes
             put
             Truth
             for
             a
             foundation
             of
             Exercises
             necessary
             to
             our
             subject
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             then
             consider
             as
             a
             certain
             Principle
             that
             the
             more
             we
             act
             for
             our selves
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             Principles
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             and
             nature
             to
             conduct
             our selves
             ,
             or
             our
             own
             spirit
             ,
             the
             more
             
             we
             estrange
             our selves
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             from
             the
             end
             for
             which
             we
             are
             created
             ,
             from
             the
             perfection
             whereto
             we
             are
             obliged
             .
             The
             spirit
             which
             is
             in
             us
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             our
             nature
             ,
             the
             nature
             of
             Adam
             ,
             therefore
             is
             it
             a
             nature
             become
             damnable
             by
             sins
             ,
             a
             spirit
             infused
             into
             us
             by
             the
             Serpent
             ,
             possessing
             us
             in
             the
             consent
             of
             Adam
             .
             This
             spirit
             and
             nature
             is
             subject
             to
             the
             power
             and
             malice
             of
             the
             Devill
             and
             sinne
             ,
             and
             consequently
             cannot
             act
             but
             according
             to
             the
             power
             and
             malice
             whereto
             it
             is
             a
             slave
             ,
             for
             operation
             followes
             essence
             .
             As
             this
             being
             therefore
             is
             estranged
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             enemy
             to
             him
             ,
             
             for
             by
             nature
             we
             are
             born
             the
             
               children
               of
               wrath
            
             ,
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             )
             so
             it
             cannot
             act
             but
             against
             God.
             Now
             by
             this
             reducement
             ,
             man
             is
             drawn
             out
             of
             this
             Captivity
             ,
             freed
             from
             this
             bondage
             ,
             and
             made
             a
             new
             subject
             to
             Grace
             ;
             he
             acts
             no
             more
             according
             to
             the
             Principle
             of
             his
             own
             being
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             Principle
             of
             Grace
             ,
             which
             gives
             him
             a
             new
             being
             ,
             making
             him
             a
             new
             Creature
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             To
             arrive
             to
             this
             Liberty
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             the
             Liberty
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             children
             of
             God
             ,
             two
             things
             are
             requisite
             ,
             the
             mercy
             or
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             consent
             and
             co-operation
             of
             the
             soul.
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             that
             will
             live
             vertuously
             ,
             must
             first
             give
             himself
             to
             God
             ,
             offer
             him
             his
             will
             and
             
               intire
               consent
            
             to
             all
             the
             
             designes
             he
             hath
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             effects
             which
             he
             will
             by
             his
             grace
             operate
             in
             him
             :
             Then
             he
             must
             study
             and
             labour
             to
             withdraw
             himself
             from
             this
             bondage
             ,
             to
             shake
             off
             the
             yoak
             of
             sin
             ,
             which
             oppresses
             and
             drags
             him
             whither
             it
             will
             to
             free
             himself
             ,
             he
             must
             quit
             himself
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             his
             imperfections
             ,
             his
             
               passions
               ,
               inclinations
            
             ,
             and
             ,
             much
             more
             ,
             sinne
             ;
             he
             must
             kill
             this
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             pluck
             it
             up
             by
             the
             root
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             the
             better
             make
             room
             for
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ;
             that
             this
             holy
             spirit
             may
             live
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             act
             by
             him
             ,
             otherwise
             he
             can
             no
             way
             possess
             the
             true
             
               christian
               vertue
            
             ,
             nor
             attain
             the
             perfection
             ,
             whereto
             he
             is
             obliged
             ,
             nor
             the
             end
             whereto
             he
             is
             created
             ,
             the
             possession
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Whence
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             the
             first
             exercises
             whereto
             the
             soul
             must
             apply
             it self
             ,
             is
             to
             place
             it self
             in
             the
             liberty
             of
             grace
             ,
             to
             draw
             it self
             out
             of
             the
             bondage
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             to
             annihilate
             in
             it self
             the
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             which
             it
             carries
             in
             the
             very
             marrow
             of
             its
             bones
             .
             Here
             it
             must
             begin
             ,
             all
             other
             exercises
             are
             but
             unprofitable
             without
             this
             ,
             and
             all
             it
             does
             will
             be
             to
             no
             purpose
             ,
             unless
             it
             arrive
             to
             this
             point
             .
             For
             we
             must
             remember
             ,
             that
             the
             vertue
             to
             be
             truly
             Christian
             ,
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             who
             acts
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             perfection
             of
             a
             Christian
             consists
             in
             love
             ,
             a
             love
             that
             is
             never
             without
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             ;
             it
             is
             easie
             then
             to
             conclude
             
             and
             believe
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             will
             be
             vertuous
             ,
             and
             a
             perfect
             Christian
             ,
             must
             make
             room
             for
             God
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             there
             establish
             God
             ,
             there
             cause
             his
             spirit
             to
             rule
             and
             live
             .
             He
             must
             root
             out
             ,
             and
             expel
             all
             that
             is
             contrary
             and
             in
             enmity
             to
             God
             ,
             even
             all
             that
             is
             not
             God
             ;
             
             for
             
               he
               that
               is
               not
               with
               me
               ,
            
             saith
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             
               is
               against
               me
            
             .
             The
             true
             exercise
             and
             principall
             care
             of
             a
             Christian
             consists
             herein
             ,
             all
             others
             that
             abut
             not
             upon
             this
             ,
             we
             must
             despise
             ,
             saying
             with
             St.
             
               Paul
               ,
               in
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               neither
               circumcision
               availeth
               any
               thing
               ,
            
             
             
               nor
               uncircumcision
               ,
               but
               faith
               which
               is
               by
               love
               .
            
          
           
             Now
             the
             onely
             question
             is
             ,
             how
             we
             may
             arrive
             to
             this
             happiness
             ;
             herein
             is
             the
             difficulty
             .
             We
             say
             it
             is
             by
             inward
             and
             outward
             mortification
             ,
             by
             the
             senses
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             spirit
             ,
             by
             vigilancy
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             that
             we
             neither
             
               receive
               ,
               consult
            
             ,
             nor
             do
             any
             thing
             contrary
             to
             God
             ,
             or
             that
             may
             displease
             him
             ;
             by
             prayer
             ,
             by
             discourse
             .
             In
             fine
             ,
             it
             is
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             it
             belongs
             to
             God
             alone
             and
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             free
             ,
             and
             draw
             us
             out
             of
             the
             captivity
             of
             our selves
             and
             sin
             .
             
               If
               the
               Sonne
               shall
               make
               you
               free
               ,
            
             
             
               you
               shall
               be
               free
               indeed
            
             ,
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             It
             is
             an
             effect
             onely
             of
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             alone
             can
             give
             us
             a
             new
             estate
             ,
             and
             reestablish
             all
             in
             us
             .
             Wherefore
             when
             we
             have
             laboured
             and
             done
             all
             that
             we
             are
             able
             ,
             we
             must
             think
             that
             we
             have
             
             done
             nothing
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             recourse
             to
             grace
             ;
             we
             must
             enter
             into
             an
             humble
             resentment
             of
             our
             misery
             ,
             we
             must
             cry
             after
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             for
             our
             relief
             .
             Herein
             it
             is
             good
             to
             forme
             often
             these
             following
             acts
             ,
             or
             rather
             to
             carry
             them
             continually
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             hearts
             ;
             we
             must
             desire
             ,
             with
             a
             desire
             full
             of
             efficacy
             to
             be
             filled
             and
             possessed
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             submit
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             require
             this
             grace
             of
             him
             with
             humility
             ;
             to
             offer
             and
             present
             our selves
             to
             him
             for
             it
             ,
             giving
             him
             from
             this
             time
             ,
             and
             alwayes
             the
             consent
             that
             he
             requires
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             when
             we
             find
             that
             he
             gives
             us
             the
             
               first
               fruits
            
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             that
             he
             begins
             to
             live
             and
             move
             in
             us
             ,
             then
             we
             must
             be
             faithful
             in
             correspondence
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             preserve
             a
             great
             attention
             to
             his
             motions
             ,
             and
             divine
             and
             inward
             operations
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             must
             often
             renounce
             our selves
             ,
             our
             self-love
             ,
             and
             our
             spirit
             ,
             to
             sacrifice
             our selves
             before
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             renounce
             our
             own
             
               Intentions
               ,
               inclinations
            
             and
             dispositions
             ,
             to
             live
             no
             longer
             ,
             then
             in
             the
             holy
             
               will
               ,
               intentions
            
             ,
             divine
             and
             adorable
             dispositions
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             For
             as
             anciently
             ,
             the
             victime
             was
             not
             onely
             killed
             ,
             but
             also
             consumed
             before
             God
             ;
             so
             we
             must
             offer
             our selves
             after
             the
             same
             manner
             ,
             that
             God
             may
             annihilate
             and
             consume
             in
             us
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             of
             us
             ;
             we
             must
             aske
             it
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             out
             of
             self-interest
             &
             profit
             ,
             but
             for
             his
             glory
             ,
             out
             of
             a
             
             desire
             that
             his
             
               holy
               will
            
             may
             be
             fulfilled
             in
             us
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             We
             must
             pray
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             to
             work
             in
             us
             an
             effect
             of
             his
             power
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             wait
             after
             our
             infirmites
             ,
             to
             establish
             in
             us
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             his
             glory
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             his
             grace
             and
             spirit
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             We
             must
             by
             little
             and
             little
             ,
             with
             care
             mortifie
             our
             nature
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             same
             care
             effect
             a
             continuall
             annihilation
             ,
             of
             our
             spirit
             ,
             of
             our
             judgement
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             own
             motions
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             contrary
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             repugnant
             to
             our
             good
             .
          
           
             This
             being
             granted
             ,
             we
             shall
             see
             how
             much
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             alienate
             &
             defie
             our selves
             ,
             seeing
             that
             all
             that
             is
             of
             us
             ,
             as
             being
             of
             us
             ,
             strives
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             ;
             and
             therefore
             this
             that
             is
             of
             us
             ,
             must
             be
             mightly
             humbled
             ,
             when
             we
             see
             that
             the
             source
             of
             all
             our
             evils
             is
             in
             our selves
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             have
             a
             continuall
             inclination
             to
             evil
             .
             Let
             us
             weigh
             these
             truths
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             to
             bear
             these
             dispositions
             ,
             seeing
             they
             are
             necessary
             to
             perfection
             ,
             and
             to
             establish
             us
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Grace
             ;
             that
             so
             placing
             our selves
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             enabled
             to
             live
             in
             a
             perfect
             conformity
             to
             his
             
               holy
               Will.
            
             
          
           
             That
             we
             may
             be
             the
             more
             encouraged
             in
             this
             labour
             ,
             let
             us
             speak
             of
             the
             Motives
             that
             oblige
             us
             to
             seek
             this
             perfection
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           first
           Motive
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             That
             by
             Creation
             man
             is
             obliged
             to
             tend
             to
             this
             perfection
             ,
             and
             to
             resign
             himself
             to
             God.
             
          
           
             WHen
             we
             say
             that
             man
             is
             obliged
             to
             tend
             to
             perfection
             ,
             we
             impose
             not
             a
             new
             Law
             ,
             but
             propose
             the
             indispensible
             duty
             he
             oweth
             to
             his
             Creator
             .
             For
             as
             a
             creature
             he
             belongs
             to
             God
             his
             Creator
             ,
             he
             depends
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             (
             though
             he
             would
             not
             ,
             yet
             )
             must
             he
             subsist
             onely
             by
             him
             .
             In
             this
             quality
             he
             must
             live
             not
             only
             subject
             to
             his
             government
             and
             conduct
             ,
             but
             is
             obliged
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             all
             
               created
               beings
            
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             intention
             of
             his
             Authour
             ,
             and
             the
             end
             prescribed
             him
             :
             For
             as
             the
             creature
             hath
             no
             other
             being
             ,
             then
             what
             he
             received
             of
             his
             Creator
             ,
             so
             his
             being
             hath
             no
             other
             power
             nor
             end
             ,
             then
             what
             he
             ,
             who
             gave
             him
             that
             being
             ,
             giveth
             and
             prescribes
             to
             him
             .
             By
             the
             same
             Principle
             that
             he
             received
             his
             being
             from
             God
             ,
             he
             is
             obliged
             to
             act
             conformable
             to
             the
             power
             and
             end
             prescribed
             to
             him
             .
             All
             creatures
             employ
             themselves
             according
             to
             the
             capacity
             of
             their
             being
             ,
             
             in
             that
             for
             which
             God
             created
             them
             ;
             they
             tend
             directly
             (
             if
             they
             go
             not
             aside
             )
             to
             the
             end
             for
             which
             they
             were
             created
             and
             ordained
             .
             Man
             above
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             ought
             to
             do
             the
             same
             ,
             to
             live
             according
             to
             the
             capacity
             he
             hath
             received
             of
             God
             ,
             incessantly
             to
             tend
             to
             the
             end
             which
             the
             divine
             wisdome
             hath
             proposed
             to
             him
             :
             For
             God
             in
             the
             creation
             of
             the
             Vniverse
             ,
             seemed
             to
             have
             regard
             to
             nothing
             but
             man
             ;
             he
             stayd
             not
             till
             he
             had
             made
             him
             ,
             thought
             onely
             of
             perfecting
             him
             :
             he
             made
             the
             world
             ,
             saith
             Saint
             Basil
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             applyed
             not
             himself
             unto
             it
             ;
             he
             spake
             but
             a
             word
             ,
             and
             the
             World
             was
             made
             ;
             but
             man
             ,
             the
             work
             of
             his
             hands
             ,
             to
             which
             he
             applies
             his
             care
             ,
             he
             polisheth
             him
             with
             the
             touches
             of
             
               divine
               perfection
            
             ,
             makes
             him
             the
             Master-piece
             of
             his
             work
             ,
             the
             last
             draught
             of
             his
             
               created
               perfection
            
             ,
             framing
             him
             after
             his
             own
             Image
             ,
             and
             designing
             him
             for
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             In
             what
             respect
             soever
             then
             we
             consider
             man
             ,
             we
             shall
             see
             by
             the
             condition
             of
             his
             being
             ,
             and
             favour
             of
             his
             Creator
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             obliged
             to
             great
             perfection
             ,
             since
             the
             capacity
             and
             end
             of
             his
             being
             regards
             nothing
             but
             God.
             He
             is
             in
             a
             capacity
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             is
             created
             to
             possess
             him
             .
             O
             man
             !
             why
             dost
             thou
             not
             see
             the
             dignity
             of
             thy
             being
             ,
             the
             happiness
             which
             thou
             mayst
             possess
             ,
             the
             eminency
             of
             the
             condition
             whereto
             thou
             art
             created
             ?
             Thou
             
             onely
             of
             all
             creatures
             bearest
             the
             effects
             ,
             the
             favour
             and
             love
             of
             thy
             Creator
             ;
             thou
             onely
             art
             capable
             to
             love
             him
             ;
             that
             which
             he
             hath
             refused
             all
             other
             creatures
             ,
             he
             hath
             in
             
               abundance
               bestowed
            
             on
             thee
             .
             After
             so
             great
             a
             favour
             darest
             thou
             appear
             without
             love
             ?
             Canst
             thou
             live
             without
             loving
             him
             who
             created
             thee
             onely
             to
             love
             him
             ?
          
           
             When
             we
             say
             that
             man
             by
             the
             condition
             of
             his
             being
             hath
             a
             capacity
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             we
             mention
             the
             highest
             benefit
             ,
             the
             most
             signall
             favour
             that
             he
             hath
             received
             of
             his
             Creator
             ,
             for
             the
             capacity
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             giveth
             him
             power
             to
             possess
             him
             .
          
           
             All
             creatures
             ,
             indeed
             ,
             even
             the
             most
             insensible
             ,
             feel
             the
             Majesty
             and
             Power
             of
             their
             Creator
             ;
             they
             are
             left
             to
             the
             conduct
             and
             government
             of
             their
             God
             ,
             but
             not
             one
             hath
             power
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             but
             man
             ,
             who
             was
             created
             only
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             being
             made
             capable
             to
             love
             his
             Creator
             .
             Therewith
             God
             hath
             not
             only
             given
             him
             this
             capacity
             ,
             and
             the
             advantage
             of
             so
             noble
             and
             divine
             a
             quality
             ,
             but
             wills
             also
             that
             all
             that
             he
             hath
             created
             ,
             should
             further
             him
             in
             this
             love
             ,
             and
             serve
             as
             motives
             to
             teach
             him
             to
             love
             .
             Is
             not
             man
             then
             obliged
             to
             love
             ,
             so
             good
             ,
             so
             kind
             ,
             so
             liberall
             a
             Creator
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             be
             obliged
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             is
             he
             not
             as
             much
             obliged
             to
             perfection
             ,
             seeing
             this
             perfection
             consists
             in
             love
             ,
             which
             gives
             us
             God.
             
          
           
           
             God
             in
             creating
             man
             ,
             useth
             another
             meanes
             to
             oblige
             him
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             seek
             perfection
             in
             that
             ,
             besides
             making
             him
             capable
             to
             love
             his
             Creator
             ,
             he
             hath
             assigned
             as
             the
             end
             and
             perfection
             of
             his
             being
             the
             possession
             of
             his
             Creator
             .
             This
             resentment
             the
             Father
             of
             nature
             giveth
             us
             .
             Faith
             teaches
             us
             that
             the
             end
             of
             man
             is
             supernatural
             ,
             that
             this
             end
             is
             no
             other
             then
             God
             ,
             whom
             man
             must
             possess
             .
             Thus
             by
             Creation
             ,
             man
             is
             not
             onely
             in
             a
             capacity
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             (
             a
             most
             singular
             favour
             )
             but
             hath
             also
             for
             his
             end
             the
             possession
             of
             God
             himself
             .
             Whence
             we
             must
             conclude
             ,
             that
             as
             every
             thing
             seeketh
             its
             perfection
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             naturall
             and
             necessary
             instinct
             ,
             runs
             to
             its
             last
             end
             to
             enjoy
             it
             and
             repose
             there
             ;
             so
             man
             being
             created
             to
             possess
             God
             ,
             his
             ultimate
             end
             ,
             carries
             an
             instinct
             that
             drawes
             him
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             same
             Law
             whereby
             he
             is
             naturally
             obliged
             to
             seek
             perfection
             ,
             he
             is
             obliged
             to
             love
             and
             seek
             God
             in
             love
             and
             possession
             ,
             in
             whom
             consists
             his
             perfection
             .
             This
             instinct
             is
             naturall
             and
             proper
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             naturall
             to
             a
             stone
             to
             tend
             downward
             ,
             and
             to
             fire
             to
             mount
             upward
             ;
             whereby
             it
             is
             evident
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             promise
             our selves
             not
             onely
             in
             Heaven
             the
             fulfilling
             of
             this
             Law
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             begin
             it
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             first
             use
             of
             our
             reason
             ,
             observe
             this
             precept
             .
             Indeed
             this
             capacity
             of
             Love
             is
             fulfilled
             and
             
             perfected
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             onely
             in
             the
             state
             of
             glory
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             begin
             to
             love
             here
             .
             We
             must
             resign
             to
             God
             who
             is
             our
             end
             ,
             if
             in
             the
             end
             we
             will
             possess
             him
             ,
             
               for
               whatsoever
               a
               Man
               soweth
            
             ,
             
             
               that
               shall
               he
               also
               reap
               saith
               the
               Apostle
               .
            
             To
             this
             God
             invited
             us
             by
             the
             benefit
             of
             Creation
             ,
             to
             this
             he
             obliges
             us
             by
             an
             eternall
             Law
             ,
             a
             Law
             which
             he
             hath
             engraved
             in
             the
             Center
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             a
             Law
             which
             can
             by
             no
             meanes
             be
             defaced
             during
             our
             life
             ,
             a
             Law
             indispenceable
             .
             For
             man
             was
             onely
             created
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             and
             hath
             no
             capacity
             more
             naturall
             then
             that
             of
             Love
             ,
             his
             onely
             business
             both
             in
             Earth
             and
             Heaven
             ,
             is
             to
             love
             God
             and
             possess
             him
             ,
             wherein
             consisteth
             perfection
             .
          
           
             Considering
             these
             truths
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             conceive
             to
             what
             blindness
             the
             corruption
             of
             times
             have
             reduced
             the
             spirits
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             being
             born
             for
             Heaven
             onely
             ,
             spend
             all
             their
             thoughts
             on
             Earth
             ,
             and
             separating
             themselves
             from
             their
             God
             ,
             are
             so
             strongly
             fetter'd
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             that
             they
             know
             not
             what
             perfection
             is
             ,
             believing
             they
             have
             power
             to
             dispence
             with
             so
             holy
             a
             Law.
             But
             can
             this
             Law
             of
             Love
             be
             blotted
             out
             of
             our
             hearts
             ?
             Can
             we
             despise
             it
             ,
             notwithstanding
             the
             many
             reasons
             that
             oblige
             us
             to
             it
             ?
             Is
             there
             any
             thing
             more
             reasonable
             then
             to
             love
             them
             that
             love
             us
             ?
             what
             greater
             love
             could
             God
             testifie
             to
             us
             ,
             then
             to
             make
             us
             capable
             to
             
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             create
             us
             to
             possess
             him
             ?
             even
             nature
             obliges
             us
             hereto
             ,
             this
             benefit
             is
             an
             act
             of
             Love.
             God
             loving
             us
             to
             be
             beloved
             again
             ,
             we
             can
             do
             no
             lesse
             in
             acknowledgement
             of
             this
             benefit
             of
             love
             ,
             but
             perfectly
             love
             him
             ;
             we
             can
             never
             deny
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             this
             acknowledgement
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             not
             be
             convinced
             of
             ingratitude
             ,
             nor
             can
             we
             acknowledge
             it
             but
             by
             loving
             him
             .
             God
             who
             is
             all
             fulness
             and
             self-sufficiency
             ,
             can
             receive
             nothing
             of
             us
             but
             love
             ,
             and
             therefore
             by
             the
             same
             Law
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             acknowledge
             him
             our
             Creator
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             consequently
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             since
             perfection
             cannot
             be
             without
             love
             .
          
           
             God
             himself
             hath
             engraved
             this
             design
             ,
             imprinted
             this
             Law
             of
             Love
             in
             the
             Center
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             bottom
             of
             our
             hearts
             .
             Therefore
             as
             Thomas
             of
             Aquin
             observes
             ,
             the
             form
             of
             our
             heart
             beares
             the
             image
             of
             this
             Love
             ,
             it
             is
             large
             at
             the
             top
             ,
             and
             pointed
             at
             the
             bottom
             ,
             open
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             shut
             to
             Earth
             ,
             to
             shew
             us
             that
             we
             live
             onely
             for
             Heaven
             ,
             that
             our
             heart
             the
             seat
             of
             Love
             ,
             is
             open
             onely
             to
             receive
             and
             bear
             the
             influences
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             not
             capable
             to
             have
             any
             besides
             him
             ,
             who
             reignes
             in
             the
             Heavens
             :
             and
             the
             form
             of
             our
             body
             straight
             and
             tall
             ,
             tells
             us
             ,
             that
             Heaven
             onely
             is
             the
             object
             of
             our
             sight
             ,
             the
             subject
             of
             ous
             love
             .
          
           
           
             The
             soul
             by
             its
             most
             sensible
             inclinations
             ,
             is
             carried
             on
             to
             this
             love
             .
             By
             the
             same
             necessity
             that
             the
             part
             loves
             the
             whole
             ,
             the
             sonne
             his
             
               Father
               ,
               man
            
             is
             obliged
             to
             love
             his
             God
             ,
             by
             Creation
             his
             Father
             ,
             his
             all
             ;
             and
             were
             it
             not
             that
             the
             soul
             ruines
             these
             motions
             by
             strange
             love
             whereto
             she
             tyes
             her self
             ,
             she
             would
             feel
             her self
             so
             powerfully
             attracted
             thereby
             ,
             that
             she
             would
             not
             be
             able
             to
             restrain
             the
             violence
             ,
             or
             to
             stop
             the
             course
             thereof
             .
             This
             is
             so
             true
             ,
             that
             do
             she
             what
             she
             can
             ,
             though
             she
             do
             suffer
             her self
             to
             be
             transported
             with
             the
             love
             of
             Creatures
             ,
             to
             the
             prejudice
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             can
             she
             not
             root
             out
             these
             resentments
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             deep
             this
             Law
             of
             acknowledging
             her
             God
             is
             engraved
             in
             her
             being
             .
             For
             when
             she
             hath
             loved
             all
             but
             God
             ,
             she
             sees
             that
             she
             hath
             loved
             nothing
             ,
             she
             knowes
             that
             there
             is
             neither
             firm
             content
             ,
             assured
             repose
             ,
             nor
             true
             perfection
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             love
             of
             her
             Creator
             .
             Now
             though
             we
             would
             disingage
             our selves
             from
             this
             Obligation
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             impossible
             ,
             for
             God
             who
             wills
             that
             we
             love
             him
             ,
             maketh
             use
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             yea
             even
             of
             our
             self-love
             to
             attract
             us
             to
             his
             love
             .
             In
             loving
             our selves
             ,
             we
             love
             naturally
             what
             is
             good
             ,
             our
             own
             good
             .
             Now
             God
             is
             not
             onely
             the
             true
             Soveraign
             good
             ,
             but
             by
             creation
             he
             would
             be
             the
             onely
             good
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             love
             him
             in
             this
             quality
             ,
             for
             what
             is
             more
             to
             man
             then
             
               God
               ?
               The
               
               Lord
               is
               my
               heritage
               and
               my
               portion
               ,
            
             
             saith
             David
             .
             If
             naturally
             every
             thing
             loves
             his
             particular
             good
             ,
             why
             should
             not
             a
             man
             be
             obliged
             to
             love
             his
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             his
             true
             ,
             his
             
               onely
               good
            
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             be
             obliged
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             he
             is
             by
             consequence
             obliged
             to
             possess
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             possessing
             him
             ,
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             scope
             of
             this
             first
             Motive
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           second
           Motive
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             That
             Man
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             he
             is
             a
             Sinner
             ,
             and
             the
             child
             of
             Adam
             ,
             is
             obliged
             to
             seek
             God
             as
             the
             only
             remedy
             to
             his
             evils
             .
          
           
             WE
             are
             Criminals
             ,
             the
             children
             of
             death
             ,
             guilty
             
               Laesae
               Majstatis
               Divinae
            
             ;
             the
             World
             understood
             aright
             ,
             is
             but
             a
             Prison
             ,
             where
             we
             are
             detained
             ,
             during
             the
             excution
             of
             the
             Sentence
             pronounced
             against
             the
             children
             of
             Adam
             the
             Offender
             ,
             we
             being
             such
             ,
             have
             forfeited
             our
             right
             ,
             we
             are
             deprived
             ,
             and
             made
             unworthy
             of
             all
             sorts
             of
             
               graces
               ,
               forfeited
            
             our
             priviledges
             ;
             for
             as
             children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             as
             sinners
             ,
             as
             culpable
             before
             God
             ,
             we
             have
             no
             more
             any
             right
             our
             selves
             ,
             to
             our
             life
             ,
             to
             our
             
             actions
             ,
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             or
             to
             any
             creature
             ;
             but
             having
             lost
             all
             by
             Sin
             ,
             we
             are
             left
             wholly
             to
             the
             Iustice
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             by
             reason
             of
             our
             offence
             ,
             hath
             reason
             to
             dispoyl
             us
             of
             all
             the
             gifts
             of
             grace
             and
             nature
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             with
             us
             as
             pleases
             him
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             rigour
             of
             his
             
               equitable
               Iustice.
            
             Moreover
             ,
             as
             children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             we
             are
             so
             miserable
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             truly
             say
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             more
             unworthy
             ,
             more
             unprofitable
             ,
             more
             uncapable
             then
             man
             ;
             his
             unworthiness
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             think
             one
             thought
             of
             God
             ,
             be
             it
             never
             so
             little
             ,
             if
             God
             of
             his
             mercy
             doth
             not
             infuse
             it
             into
             him
             ;
             he
             is
             unworthy
             to
             present
             himself
             before
             his
             Creator
             ,
             to
             appear
             before
             the
             Throne
             of
             his
             soveraign
             Majesty
             even
             to
             demand
             grace
             and
             pardon
             for
             his
             sins
             .
             This
             unworthiness
             arrived
             to
             such
             a
             point
             ,
             that
             it
             was
             necessary
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             should
             be
             made
             man
             ;
             that
             
               God
               immortall
            
             should
             be
             clothed
             with
             our
             mortality
             ,
             to
             purchase
             for
             us
             by
             his
             blood
             and
             death
             ,
             a
             power
             to
             serve
             him
             ;
             to
             merit
             for
             us
             by
             his
             life
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             the
             graces
             necessary
             for
             us
             ,
             to
             produce
             good
             thoughts
             to
             obtain
             for
             us
             permission
             to
             present
             our selves
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             before
             him
             ,
             to
             re-instate
             us
             with
             a
             hope
             of
             pardon
             and
             trust
             in
             his
             Grace
             .
          
           
             Man
             as
             a
             Sinner
             ,
             is
             so
             unprofitable
             and
             uncapable
             ;
             that
             without
             Gods
             particular
             grace
             ,
             without
             an
             effect
             of
             his
             
               divine
               mercy
            
             he
             can
             
             do
             no
             good
             work
             ,
             nor
             hope
             for
             any
             blessing
             or
             favour
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             receive
             any
             ,
             if
             he
             find
             himself
             replenished
             with
             love
             and
             hope
             ,
             or
             capable
             of
             any
             good
             ,
             it
             is
             onely
             by
             the
             bounty
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             ,
             though
             justly
             provoked
             ,
             stayes
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             Iustice
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             tast
             the
             fruits
             of
             his
             inexhaustible
             goodness
             .
             Considering
             these
             motives
             and
             truths
             ,
             let
             us
             stand
             here
             before
             God
             ,
             as
             guilty
             of
             
               divinae
               Magistatis
               laesae
            
             :
             Let
             us
             look
             upon
             our selves
             as
             sinners
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             clearly
             see
             ,
             that
             by
             this
             estate
             we
             are
             left
             to
             
               Gods
               Iustice
            
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             of
             necessity
             leave
             our selves
             to
             his
             conduct
             and
             divine
             will.
             For
             if
             for
             civil
             crimes
             men
             worthy
             of
             death
             are
             left
             to
             the
             Lawes
             of
             Iustice
             ,
             and
             the
             will
             of
             their
             Prince
             ,
             who
             will
             dispose
             of
             their
             life
             and
             goods
             as
             pleases
             him
             ;
             certainly
             man
             ,
             as
             a
             sinner
             worthy
             of
             death
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             left
             to
             the
             will
             of
             his
             God
             to
             do
             with
             him
             according
             to
             the
             rigour
             of
             his
             Iustice
             ,
             or
             effects
             of
             his
             mercy
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             practick
             to
             be
             learned
             from
             this
             Motive
             ,
             for
             the
             soul
             in
             the
             consideration
             of
             these
             truths
             ,
             ought
             to
             do
             that
             in
             
               love
               ,
               humility
            
             ,
             and
             choyce
             ,
             which
             she
             cannot
             avoid
             upon
             constraint
             .
             A
             Christian
             ,
             as
             the
             child
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             so
             a
             sinner
             ,
             must
             put
             himself
             before
             God
             ,
             resign
             himself
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             with
             an
             humble
             submission
             and
             contentment
             of
             spirit
             ,
             receive
             from
             his
             most
             wise
             hand
             ,
             all
             
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             divine
             conduct
             ,
             and
             accept
             ,
             with
             a
             
               resignation
               ,
               good
            
             and
             
               evill
               ,
               privation
            
             and
             enjoyment
             ,
             all
             that
             may
             happen
             unto
             him
             .
             Above
             all
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             careful
             to
             continue
             in
             a
             profound
             humility
             before
             God
             ,
             exposing
             himself
             to
             the
             raies
             of
             his
             divine
             mercy
             ,
             to
             move
             him
             to
             pardon
             .
             From
             this
             Principle
             ,
             we
             draw
             a
             second
             practise
             ,
             seeing
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             God.
             For
             considering
             our selves
             to
             be
             so
             wretched
             and
             miserable
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             seek
             a
             remedy
             for
             our
             evills
             .
             Now
             as
             this
             cannot
             be
             found
             but
             in
             God
             ,
             the
             repairer
             of
             our
             faults
             ,
             the
             freer
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             it
             will
             follow
             ,
             that
             by
             the
             knowledge
             of
             our
             miseries
             ,
             and
             the
             weight
             of
             the
             iniquities
             which
             oppress
             us
             ,
             we
             are
             driven
             to
             have
             recourse
             unto
             God
             ,
             even
             by
             the
             same
             exigence
             whereunto
             sinne
             hath
             reduced
             us
             ,
             and
             are
             obliged
             to
             seek
             out
             God.
             Every
             way
             that
             man
             considers
             himself
             ,
             he
             finds
             himself
             in
             a
             want
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             consequently
             obliged
             to
             seek
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             onely
             happiness
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             the
             onely
             remedy
             of
             his
             evils
             .
          
           
             The
             better
             to
             understand
             this
             ,
             we
             must
             remember
             ,
             that
             by
             sinne
             ,
             man
             is
             equally
             miserable
             in
             two
             considerations
             ,
             the
             rigour
             and
             violence
             of
             sinne
             which
             oppress
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             evills
             and
             disorders
             whereinto
             sinne
             precipitates
             him
             ;
             from
             which
             
               two
               states
            
             ,
             he
             cannot
             get
             but
             by
             possessing
             of
             God.
             For
             the
             first
             ,
             faith
             teaches
             
             us
             ,
             that
             man
             cannot
             get
             out
             of
             sin
             ,
             do
             whatsoever
             he
             can
             ,
             if
             God
             himself
             come
             not
             to
             relieve
             and
             deliver
             him
             .
             Man
             ,
             of
             himself
             ,
             may
             lose
             himself
             ,
             may
             plunge
             himself
             ,
             may
             sell
             himself
             ,
             may
             enslave
             himself
             ,
             but
             he
             cannot
             free
             himself
             ,
             nor
             bestow
             himself
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             gave
             us
             his
             Son
             ,
             to
             re-establish
             all
             things
             in
             us
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             affirms
             .
             Now
             ,
             this
             re-establishment
             is
             done
             only
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             love
             and
             charity
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             in
             us
             ,
             given
             to
             us
             .
             From
             whence
             we
             see
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             will
             avoid
             his
             miseries
             ,
             and
             shake
             off
             the
             yoke
             of
             sin
             ,
             must
             necessarily
             possess
             God
             ,
             who
             onely
             can
             free
             him
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             may
             observe
             ,
             what
             a
             work
             the
             conversion
             of
             a
             soul
             to
             God
             is
             ,
             and
             the
             freeing
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             by
             what
             way
             soever
             it
             is
             wrought
             in
             man.
             To
             apprehend
             properly
             the
             importance
             of
             this
             work
             of
             grace
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             would
             be
             converted
             ,
             and
             delivered
             from
             sin
             ,
             must
             not
             onely
             go
             out
             of
             his
             sin
             ,
             but
             must
             also
             possess
             God
             ,
             and
             consequently
             by
             the
             same
             Motive
             that
             he
             desires
             to
             go
             out
             of
             his
             sin
             ,
             he
             is
             obliged
             to
             dispose
             himself
             to
             possess
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             become
             worthy
             of
             so
             holy
             an
             heritage
             ;
             for
             to
             confess
             his
             sin
             ,
             to
             turn
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             delivered
             from
             his
             sin
             ,
             and
             to
             possess
             God
             is
             all
             one
             thing
             ;
             wherein
             appears
             the
             need
             we
             have
             to
             seek
             God
             ,
             and
             how
             
             seriously
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             labour
             in
             an
             affaire
             ,
             wherein
             his
             eternal
             safety
             doth
             consist
             .
          
           
             The
             second
             state
             of
             our
             miseries
             ,
             doth
             no
             lesse
             oblige
             us
             to
             seek
             God
             then
             the
             former
             ,
             for
             by
             the
             effect
             of
             sinne
             ,
             and
             the
             Tyranny
             it
             exercises
             over
             us
             ,
             we
             are
             continually
             tossed
             about
             ,
             disorder'd
             made
             vagabonds
             ,
             and
             precipitated
             from
             imperfection
             to
             imperfection
             ,
             from
             sin
             to
             sin
             ,
             from
             trouble
             to
             trouble
             .
             This
             evil
             hath
             no
             remedy
             ,
             what
             resolution
             soever
             the
             soul
             takes
             ,
             what
             diligence
             soever
             it
             useth
             ,
             what
             habit
             soever
             it
             assumes
             ,
             it
             will
             never
             find
             
               calme
               ,
               rest
            
             ,
             or
             deliverance
             ,
             till
             it
             hath
             found
             and
             possesses
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             possessed
             of
             him
             .
             Never
             shall
             she
             be
             in
             true
             
               liberty
               ,
               Christian
               liberty
            
             ,
             the
             liberty
             of
             the
             children
             of
             God
             ,
             until
             she
             possesses
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ;
             wherein
             they
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             who
             to
             acquire
             the
             peace
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             true
             liberty
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
             use
             a
             thousand
             practises
             ,
             and
             a
             multitude
             of
             exercises
             ;
             peace
             and
             true
             
               Christian
               liberty
            
             ,
             being
             not
             to
             be
             found
             but
             in
             the
             possession
             of
             God.
             Many
             things
             indeed
             that
             we
             speak
             and
             do
             ,
             serve
             to
             lessen
             our
             trouble
             and
             thraldom
             ,
             but
             not
             one
             can
             give
             true
             liberty
             ,
             or
             the
             peace
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
             but
             the
             possession
             of
             God.
             The
             reason
             is
             demonstrative
             ;
             nothing
             can
             have
             
               peace
               ,
               liberty
            
             ,
             and
             repose
             ,
             but
             in
             its
             proper
             Centre
             .
             God
             is
             the
             Centre
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             therefore
             in
             God
             alone
             is
             her
             
               peace
               ,
               liberty
            
             ,
             and
             
             repose
             ,
             and
             as
             long
             as
             she
             is
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             possesses
             him
             ,
             she
             is
             in
             liberty
             and
             repose
             no
             longer
             .
             Whence
             we
             evidently
             conclude
             ,
             that
             while
             the
             soul
             is
             separated
             from
             God
             ,
             she
             is
             tyrannized
             over
             by
             the
             malice
             of
             sin
             ,
             continually
             drawn
             into
             
               circumstances
               ,
               terms
            
             ,
             and
             subversions
             .
             And
             souls
             that
             make
             shew
             to
             search
             after
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             in
             the
             purity
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             if
             they
             seek
             not
             God
             purely
             ,
             and
             seriously
             ;
             if
             he
             dwelleth
             not
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             their
             hearts
             ,
             shall
             never
             live
             but
             in
             disquiet
             ,
             and
             in
             trouble
             ,
             in
             scruples
             ,
             and
             in
             
               Pannick
               terrours
            
             :
             For
             it
             's
             an
             infallible
             
               maxime
               ,
               That
               man
               can
               never
               rest
               but
               in
               the
               possession
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               contre
               of
               his
               soul.
               
            
          
           
             In
             this
             we
             see
             the
             strict
             Obligation
             that
             we
             have
             to
             seek
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             study
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             which
             consists
             in
             the
             possession
             of
             God.
             This
             is
             the
             resentment
             ,
             the
             desire
             ,
             and
             demand
             of
             the
             Spouse
             ,
             when
             she
             runs
             after
             her
             God
             ,
             crying
             to
             him
             ,
             
             
               Tell
               me
               (
               O
               thou
               whom
               my
               soul
               loveth
               )
               where
               thou
               feedest
               ;
               where
               thou
               makest
               thy
               flock
               to
               rest
               at
               noon
               ,
               for
               why
               should
               I
               be
               as
               one
               that
               turneth
               aside
               by
               the
               flocks
               of
               thy
               companions
               ?
            
             This
             holy
             Lover
             knows
             ,
             that
             as
             long
             as
             she
             is
             separated
             from
             her
             God
             ,
             she
             shall
             be
             subjected
             to
             error
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             
               tyrannicall
               usurpation
            
             of
             sin
             :
             she
             knows
             by
             experience
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             is
             not
             with
             God
             in
             the
             pessession
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             shall
             alway
             be
             overwhelmed
             with
             all
             
             sorts
             of
             misfortunes
             ,
             led
             captive
             ,
             and
             dragged
             by
             his
             own
             lusts
             ,
             deceived
             and
             betrayed
             by
             the
             
               foolish
               love
            
             of
             the
             creatures
             ,
             and
             therefore
             she
             seeks
             her
             God
             ,
             with
             so
             much
             ardor
             and
             affection
             .
             They
             that
             will
             withdraw
             themselves
             from
             these
             evils
             ,
             and
             assure
             repose
             to
             their
             
               consciences
               ,
               peace
            
             to
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             quiet
             to
             their
             passions
             ,
             must
             do
             the
             like
             ;
             they
             must
             seek
             God
             
               purely
               ,
               sincerely
            
             ,
             and
             with
             perseverance
             ;
             they
             must
             endeavour
             to
             possess
             him
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             find
             in
             him
             a
             perfect
             liberty
             and
             assured
             peace
             .
             Saint
             Austin
             says
             all
             this
             in
             two
             words
             ;
             
               O
               Lord
               ,
               our
               heart
               is
               always
               unsettled
               and
               uquiet
               ,
               untill
               the
               time
               it
               shall
               repose
               in
               thee
               .
            
             Then
             again
             ,
             addressing
             his
             speech
             to
             
               men
               ;
               Wherefore
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               O
               men
               of
               nothing
               ,
               do
               you
               wander
               in
               the
               search
               of
               many
               things
               ?
               Wherefore
               doth
               your
               covetousness
               make
               you
               unconstant
               ,
               vagabonds
               in
               your
               thoughts
               and
               desires
               ,
               seek
               ,
               seek
               him
               who
               is
               all
               things
               ,
               in
               him
               you
               shall
               have
               all
               ,
               there
               you
               shall
               find
               rest
               and
               remedy
               for
               your
               miseries
               .
            
          
           
             This
             care
             we
             must
             have
             ;
             which
             cannot
             be
             sufficiently
             recommended
             to
             you
             ;
             therefore
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             of
             consequence
             ,
             we
             must
             proceed
             in
             discourse
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             Of
             the
             state
             of
             Man
             after
             the
             Sin
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             need
             he
             hath
             of
             his
             God.
             
          
           
             ALl
             the
             duties
             of
             the
             soul
             are
             comprised
             in
             these
             words
             of
             David
             ,
             
             
               Eschew
               evil
               ,
               and
               do
               good
            
             ;
             words
             that
             contain
             all
             Laws
             ,
             divine
             and
             humane
             ;
             for
             they
             onely
             forbid
             evil
             ,
             and
             command
             good
             ;
             words
             so
             absolute
             and
             generally
             true
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             keeps
             this
             Commandment
             ,
             shall
             certainly
             be
             perfect
             .
             It
             is
             not
             needfull
             to
             explicate
             this
             Proposition
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             naturall
             Precept
             ,
             a
             Law
             God
             hath
             graven
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             Reason
             ,
             that
             none
             might
             be
             ignorant
             of
             it
             ,
             that
             all
             might
             be
             without
             excuse
             before
             the
             Tribunall
             of
             God.
             Notwithstanding
             ,
             (
             O
             unhappiness
             of
             
               humane
               nature
            
             !
             )
             since
             the
             sin
             of
             Adam
             ,
             we
             are
             become
             so
             unworthy
             ,
             so
             criminall
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             ,
             without
             the
             favour
             of
             God
             ,
             either
             
               eschew
               evil
            
             ,
             or
             
               do
               good
            
             ,
             so
             evident
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             man
             hath
             need
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             As
             children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             we
             are
             children
             of
             malediction
             ,
             begotten
             in
             a
             generall
             condemnation
             ,
             conceived
             in
             sin
             ,
             born
             children
             of
             
               wrath
               .
               Adam
            
             indeed
             gave
             us
             nature
             and
             life
             ,
             but
             subject
             to
             the
             power
             and
             malice
             of
             sin
             ,
             which
             
             subjects
             us
             to
             the
             Devil
             ,
             confining
             us
             to
             his
             will
             and
             conduct
             .
             From
             the
             womb
             we
             bear
             the
             yoke
             of
             sin
             ,
             as
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             we
             are
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             death
             ,
             so
             far
             impotent
             and
             evil
             ,
             that
             without
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             but
             works
             of
             death
             and
             captivity
             ,
             wherein
             we
             see
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             God
             to
             avoid
             this
             misery
             .
             For
             if
             from
             our
             birth
             we
             are
             subjected
             to
             the
             tyranny
             of
             sin
             ,
             doubtless
             we
             should
             be
             drawn
             to
             all
             sorts
             of
             vice
             ;
             there
             is
             no
             sin
             which
             man
             would
             not
             commit
             ,
             if
             God
             did
             not
             withold
             him
             ;
             
               Every
               imagination
               of
               the
               thought
               of
               his
               heart
               is
               onely
               evil
               continually
            
             (
             sayes
             God
             of
             man
             )
             so
             evil
             ,
             
             that
             he
             would
             lose
             ,
             and
             
               incessantly
               precipitate
            
             himself
             in
             desires
             of
             sins
             and
             abominations
             ,
             if
             God
             by
             his
             power
             did
             not
             with-hold
             him
             ;
             so
             true
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             fly
             evil
             without
             Gods
             help
             ,
             we
             are
             so
             much
             slaves
             to
             it
             ,
             that
             only
             God
             can
             free
             and
             draw
             us
             out
             of
             this
             captivity
             .
          
           
             This
             it
             is
             Saint
             Austin
             means
             in
             his
             Confessions
             ,
             when
             he
             thanks
             God
             ,
             not
             onely
             for
             delivering
             him
             from
             the
             sins
             he
             committed
             ,
             but
             also
             for
             restraining
             him
             from
             all
             others
             .
             
               I
               ascribe
               it
               unto
               thy
               grace
               ,
            
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               that
               thou
               hast
               dissolved
               my
               sins
               ,
               as
               the
               Sun
               doth
               Ice
               .
            
             I
             refer
             to
             thy
             mercy
             ,
             all
             the
             sins
             which
             I
             have
             not
             committed
             .
             I
             confess
             that
             all
             hath
             been
             forgiven
             me
             ,
             as
             well
             that
             which
             I
             did
             of
             my
             own
             will
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             I
             did
             not
             commit
             ,
             
             being
             prevented
             and
             aided
             by
             thy
             grace
             .
             Where
             he
             teacheth
             us
             ,
             that
             without
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             we
             cannot
             shun
             evill
             ;
             thus
             is
             manifest
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             God.
             If
             the
             
               Lord
               of
               Sabboth
            
             (
             saith
             St.
             
               Paul
               out
               of
               the
               Prophet
            
             )
             
               had
               left
               us
               a
               seed
            
             ,
             
             
               we
               had
               been
               as
               Sodom
               ,
               and
               been
               made
               like
               unto
               Gomorrah
               .
            
          
           
             This
             is
             not
             hard
             to
             conceive
             ,
             if
             ,
             by
             the
             way
             we
             consider
             ,
             that
             man
             ,
             as
             the
             Sonne
             of
             Adam
             ,
             is
             degraded
             from
             the
             justice
             and
             holiness
             of
             God
             ,
             deprived
             of
             grace
             ,
             despoyl'd
             of
             all
             his
             gifts
             ,
             cruelly
             wounded
             in
             his
             nature
             ,
             is
             separated
             from
             God
             ,
             hath
             wholly
             converted
             himself
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             and
             being
             reduced
             to
             ,
             and
             plunged
             in
             this
             deplorable
             condition
             ,
             is
             so
             impotent
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             raise
             himself
             according
             to
             his
             end
             and
             perfection
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             unless
             assisted
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             onely
             can
             draw
             us
             out
             of
             the
             abysse
             of
             sinne
             ,
             reinvest
             us
             in
             holiness
             and
             mercy
             ,
             as
             with
             new
             gifts
             merited
             by
             his
             death
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             he
             alone
             can
             lead
             us
             to
             God
             ;
             and
             as
             without
             him
             ,
             we
             separate
             our selves
             continually
             from
             God
             ,
             so
             with
             his
             assistance
             we
             approach
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             we
             who
             were
             children
             of
             cursing
             ,
             are
             made
             children
             of
             God
             and
             of
             blessing
             .
             Wherein
             ,
             on
             one
             side
             appeareth
             the
             miserable
             estate
             whereunto
             we
             are
             reduced
             as
             children
             of
             Adam
             ;
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             the
             great
             need
             we
             have
             of
             God
             and
             
             his
             assistance
             .
             Now
             in
             considering
             these
             truths
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             any
             sense
             of
             salvation
             ,
             will
             we
             not
             immediately
             say
             that
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             seek
             God
             ,
             to
             implore
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             strongly
             to
             renounce
             the
             power
             of
             sinne
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             to
             resign
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             the
             grace
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             protesting
             and
             acknowledging
             before
             the
             throne
             of
             his
             mercies
             ,
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             him
             ,
             to
             eschew
             evill
             ,
             which
             is
             man's
             first
             duty
             ?
          
           
             If
             we
             examine
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             do
             good
             and
             
               practise
               vertue
            
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             our selves
             in
             the
             like
             indigence
             .
             Faith
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             do
             any
             work
             of
             salvation
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             not
             joyned
             to
             God
             by
             grace
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             saith
             ,
             
               as
               the
               branch
               cannot
               bear
               fruit
               except
               it
               abide
               in
               the
               vine
               ,
            
             
             
               no
               more
               can
               ye
               ,
               except
               ye
               abide
               in
               me
               .
            
             We
             can
             do
             nothing
             of
             our
             selves
             ,
             as
             our
             selves
             ,
             because
             sinne
             hath
             brought
             us
             into
             such
             a
             condition
             ,
             that
             being
             dispoiled
             of
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             made
             unworthy
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             we
             are
             reduced
             to
             such
             impotence
             ,
             that
             we
             can
             neither
             serve
             nor
             love
             God
             ,
             nor
             do
             any
             
               good
               work
            
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             not
             of
             him
             
               grace
               ,
               strength
            
             ,
             and
             merit
             to
             do
             it
             .
             He
             alone
             gives
             us
             the
             thought
             of
             good
             ,
             nor
             is
             that
             sufficient
             ,
             he
             must
             give
             us
             also
             the
             will
             and
             resolution
             to
             accomplish
             it
             ,
             which
             when
             we
             have
             also
             received
             ,
             if
             God
             
             himself
             give
             us
             not
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             it
             ,
             it
             is
             nothing
             .
             For
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             
               good
               will
            
             and
             resolutions
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             we
             shall
             never
             put
             them
             in
             practise
             without
             grace
             ,
             and
             after
             all
             this
             perseverance
             in
             good
             ,
             is
             necessary
             ,
             
               for
               he
               onely
               shall
               be
               crowned
               who
               continues
               to
               the
               end
               .
            
             
             Yet
             we
             cannot
             have
             ,
             nor
             merit
             it
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             gift
             onely
             of
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             pure
             effect
             of
             his
             bounty
             .
             Herein
             appears
             the
             extream
             need
             that
             we
             have
             of
             God
             ,
             how
             necessary
             this
             grace
             is
             to
             us
             ,
             not
             onely
             to
             
               do
               well
            
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             persevere
             .
             From
             these
             truths
             we
             learn
             that
             a
             Christian
             that
             will
             be
             saved
             ,
             must
             not
             onely
             have
             a
             
               good
               will
            
             ,
             or
             entertain
             a
             
               good
               intention
            
             ,
             but
             further
             he
             must
             seriously
             seek
             God
             ,
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             possess
             him
             ,
             since
             in
             him
             alone
             consisteth
             the
             grace
             that
             is
             necessary
             ,
             to
             
               do
               well
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               end
               well
            
             ,
             in
             a
             holy
             perseverance
             .
          
           
             Salvation
             is
             not
             a
             thing
             so
             easie
             as
             we
             conceive
             ,
             for
             we
             have
             nothing
             at
             all
             in
             our
             selves
             as
             our
             selves
             ,
             that
             can
             help
             to
             save
             us
             .
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             is
             in
             opposition
             to
             grace
             ,
             and
             by
             sinne
             conspires
             our
             ruine
             .
             He
             that
             will
             save
             himself
             ,
             must
             seek
             from
             without
             himself
             the
             way
             of
             his
             salvation
             ,
             the
             power
             to
             do
             works
             worthy
             of
             Paradise
             ,
             the
             power
             to
             serve
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             cannot
             find
             but
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             there
             he
             must
             seek
             it
             ,
             of
             him
             alone
             he
             must
             have
             the
             power
             to
             serve
             
             God
             ,
             the
             merit
             of
             his
             
               good
               works
            
             ,
             the
             grace
             of
             perseverance
             ,
             and
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             life
             :
             consequently
             ,
             he
             must
             possess
             and
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             if
             he
             will
             attain
             his
             happiness
             ,
             nothing
             else
             is
             of
             advantage
             ,
             
             seeing
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             saith
             himself
             ,
             
               Without
               me
               ye
               can
               do
               nothing
               .
            
          
           
             Rules
             and
             Constitutions
             may
             be
             given
             us
             ;
             Vses
             and
             Documents
             may
             be
             prescribed
             to
             practise
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             to
             attain
             to
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             but
             all
             will
             be
             without
             profit
             and
             stability
             ,
             if
             we
             go
             not
             out
             of
             our selves
             to
             possess
             Iesus
             his
             spirit
             and
             grace
             ,
             to
             receive
             in
             him
             and
             of
             him
             ,
             
               true
               Vertue
               ,
               stability
            
             and
             perseverance
             .
             For
             the
             grace
             of
             Iesus
             is
             wholly
             to
             have
             
               true
               Vertue
            
             and
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             perfectly
             to
             accomplish
             the
             actions
             and
             practises
             that
             are
             proposed
             to
             us
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             examine
             these
             principles
             of
             truth
             ,
             we
             shall
             immediately
             find
             from
             whence
             arriveth
             an
             evill
             commonly
             observable
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             many
             souls
             live
             in
             a
             good
             observance
             ,
             labour
             much
             ,
             and
             exercise
             themselves
             in
             the
             practise
             of
             the
             number
             of
             the
             Vertues
             ,
             yet
             make
             little
             or
             no
             progress
             towards
             the
             perfection
             that
             they
             desire
             ,
             and
             never
             arrive
             at
             the
             end
             which
             they
             propose
             to
             themselves
             .
             If
             a
             reason
             may
             be
             given
             for
             a
             misfortune
             so
             generall
             ,
             it
             appeareth
             ,
             that
             this
             cannot
             proceed
             from
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             that
             such
             souls
             seek
             not
             God
             purely
             ,
             nor
             resign
             
             themselves
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             to
             follow
             with
             simplicity
             and
             fidelity
             ,
             the
             order
             which
             God
             hath
             established
             on
             them
             ,
             but
             with
             a
             respect
             to
             themselves
             ,
             desirous
             to
             rise
             and
             arrive
             to
             an
             estate
             whereunto
             God
             doth
             not
             call
             them
             ;
             or
             they
             refuse
             to
             labour
             with
             fidelity
             ,
             to
             attain
             that
             whereunto
             God
             calls
             them
             .
             They
             regard
             not
             God
             ,
             they
             work
             not
             by
             grace
             ,
             nor
             seek
             it
             where
             it
             is
             ,
             but
             trust
             in
             their
             own
             strength
             ,
             and
             work
             not
             with
             submission
             to
             grace
             it self
             .
             They
             seek
             not
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               strength
            
             and
             power
             to
             work
             ,
             for
             they
             think
             not
             of
             it
             ,
             being
             so
             blind
             that
             they
             rely
             upon
             themselves
             ,
             and
             by
             secret
             esteem
             of
             their
             own
             actions
             and
             Labours
             ,
             easily
             perswade
             themselves
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             Vertue
             ,
             where
             none
             is
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             are
             in
             some
             estate
             of
             perfection
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             very
             far
             from
             it
             ,
             confiding
             in
             their
             own
             
               good
               will
            
             ,
             or
             in
             a
             simple
             intention
             ,
             which
             they
             think
             good
             .
             Believing
             this
             enough
             for
             them
             ,
             they
             neglect
             or
             despise
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             which
             is
             of
             greater
             importance
             .
          
           
             Now
             ,
             to
             remedy
             this
             evil
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             to
             be
             neglected
             ,
             you
             must
             practise
             what
             I
             shall
             tell
             you
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             We
             must
             be
             in
             will
             and
             perpetuall
             desire
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             a
             resolution
             not
             to
             love
             or
             act
             ,
             but
             by
             grace
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ;
             this
             desire
             is
             a
             disposition
             little
             known
             ,
             yet
             
             more
             important
             then
             it
             seems
             ;
             for
             God
             will
             be
             desired
             ,
             and
             takes
             pleasure
             to
             see
             a
             
               soul
               thirst
            
             and
             run
             after
             him
             :
             We
             see
             that
             he
             deferred
             his
             great
             mercies
             ,
             and
             gave
             not
             his
             sonne
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             till
             4000
             years
             after
             man
             had
             desired
             him
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             We
             must
             demand
             his
             spirit
             with
             earnestness
             ,
             crying
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             after
             Iesus
             the
             onely
             freer
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             the
             true
             principle
             of
             grace
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             All
             our
             recourse
             must
             be
             to
             Iesus
             ;
             not
             relying
             ,
             or
             confiding
             in
             any
             thing
             but
             his
             
               power
               ,
               vertue
            
             and
             grace
             ,
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             act
             by
             his
             dispositions
             .
             This
             is
             properly
             that
             we
             call
             acting
             by
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             by
             submission
             to
             grace
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             proceed
             to
             the
             consideration
             of
             truth
             to
             give
             our selves
             light
             ,
             and
             to
             let
             those
             that
             would
             be
             saved
             ,
             know
             the
             need
             they
             have
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             rule
             they
             ought
             to
             observe
             in
             their
             actions
             ,
             to
             render
             themselves
             worthy
             of
             God.
             Faith
             teacheth
             us
             ,
             that
             
               every
               good
               guift
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               every
               perfect
               guift
               is
               from
               above
               ,
               and
               cometh
               down
               from
               the
               Father
               of
               Lights
            
             ;
             that
             the
             eternal
             Father
             giveth
             us
             all
             by
             his
             Sonne
             and
             in
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             and
             consequently
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             is
             made
             all
             things
             to
             us
             ,
             
               in
               him
            
             we
             have
             all
             ,
             
               out
               of
               him
            
             we
             have
             nothing
             ,
             whence
             he
             is
             called
             
               the
               gift
               of
               God
            
             ;
             
             And
             St.
             Paul
             speaking
             of
             the
             eternall
             Father
             ,
             who
             gives
             us
             his
             
             Sonne
             ,
             saith
             ,
             
               that
               he
               is
               made
               all
               things
               unto
               us
            
             ;
             by
             him
             we
             are
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             
             who
             becomes
             unto
             us
             by
             God
             ,
             
               Wisdom
               ,
               and
               Righteousness
               ,
               and
               Sanctification
               ,
               and
               Redemption
               .
            
             These
             words
             represent
             unto
             us
             two
             
               truths
               .
               First
            
             ,
             That
             we
             are
             in
             Iesus
             ;
             which
             shews
             us
             the
             adherence
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             other
             that
             we
             have
             all
             in
             him
             ,
             as
             having
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             whom
             is
             
               true
               love
               ,
               true
               wisdom
            
             ,
             and
             assured
             salvation
             .
          
           
             By
             those
             truths
             we
             learn
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             being
             the
             true
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             have
             nothing
             if
             we
             possess
             not
             him
             .
             We
             must
             therefore
             labour
             to
             become
             fit
             to
             possess
             him
             with
             the
             effects
             that
             he
             will
             operate
             in
             us
             .
             Herein
             consists
             the
             practise
             of
             
               Christian
               life
            
             ,
             to
             receive
             Iesus
             as
             a
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             possess
             him
             as
             a
             great
             treasure
             ,
             to
             offer
             him
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             refer
             him
             to
             his
             Father
             ,
             and
             with
             him
             our
             Being
             ,
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             .
             Our
             soul
             must
             be
             continually
             employ'd
             in
             this
             double
             practise
             ,
             in
             these
             two
             continuall
             motions
             towards
             God
             ,
             one
             to
             receive
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             who
             is
             the
             grace
             of
             graces
             ,
             the
             other
             to
             offer
             him
             to
             his
             Father
             ,
             he
             being
             the
             gift
             of
             gifts
             ,
             and
             with
             him
             to
             refer
             our selves
             intirely
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             and
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             
               holy
               will.
            
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           third
           Motive
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             That
             a
             Christian
             is
             a
             Member
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             as
             such
             he
             must
             be
             ruled
             by
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             live
             the
             life
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             THe
             most
             noble
             Quality
             man
             can
             have
             on
             earth
             ,
             the
             most
             happy
             condition
             whereto
             he
             may
             be
             advanced
             ,
             is
             that
             of
             a
             Christian.
             By
             this
             state
             ,
             God
             alwayes
             good
             and
             full
             of
             mercy
             ,
             relieves
             him
             in
             his
             faults
             ,
             repairs
             his
             losses
             ,
             calls
             and
             associates
             him
             to
             his
             
               divine
               greatness
            
             .
             By
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             he
             is
             the
             child
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             member
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             capable
             of
             the
             life
             of
             his
             own
             Son
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             he
             will
             fill
             him
             with
             the
             spirit
             and
             perfections
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Thus
             the
             Apostle
             speaking
             of
             the
             
               Eternall
               Father
            
             ,
             
             saith
             ,
             
               that
               he
               hath
               sent
               forth
               the
               spirit
               of
               his
               Son
               into
               our
               hearts
               ,
            
             assuring
             us
             ,
             that
             by
             this
             spirit
             ,
             we
             are
             sons
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             he
             frequently
             calls
             Christians
             the
             
               members
               of
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
             This
             quality
             and
             motive
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             state
             and
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             that
             shews
             what
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             
             how
             eminent
             and
             accomplished
             the
             perfection
             is
             whereto
             he
             must
             arrive
             .
          
           
             Saint
             Paul
             tells
             us
             ,
             
             we
             are
             members
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             the
             Church
             is
             a
             body
             ,
             the
             
               mysticall
               body
            
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             whereof
             Iesus
             is
             the
             head
             ,
             
             and
             Christians
             the
             members
             ;
             Ye
             are
             the
             body
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             members
             of
             his
             members
             ,
             saith
             the
             
               Apostle
               ;
               Know
               ye
               not
               that
               your
               bodies
               are
               the
               members
               of
               Christ
               ?
            
             This
             Text
             is
             cleer
             ,
             which
             if
             we
             consider
             intentively
             ,
             it
             will
             furnish
             us
             with
             
               rich
               thoughts
            
             ,
             and
             lift
             us
             up
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             dignity
             of
             a
             Christian.
             I
             leave
             it
             to
             the
             piety
             of
             the
             reader
             to
             insist
             upon
             this
             subject
             .
             If
             according
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             we
             are
             
               members
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             must
             follow
             ,
             that
             we
             wholly
             belong
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             are
             to
             him
             in
             truth
             and
             by
             grace
             ,
             that
             which
             by
             nature
             the
             members
             are
             to
             their
             head
             .
             By
             the
             head
             the
             members
             are
             enlivened
             ;
             the
             head
             hath
             the
             care
             and
             guidance
             of
             them
             all
             :
             so
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             by
             Iesus
             ,
             we
             are
             enlivened
             ,
             guided
             ,
             and
             advanced
             ,
             
               of
               his
               fulness
               have
               we
               all
               received
               ,
            
             
             saith
             Saint
             
               Iohn
               ;
               he
               is
               our
               life
               ,
               the
               soul
               of
               our
               souls
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             
               Austin
               ,
               and
               much
               more
               ,
               then
               the
               soul
               is
               the
               life
               of
               our
               body
               .
            
             Now
             ,
             if
             the
             head
             and
             soul
             enliven
             ,
             guide
             ,
             animate
             ,
             and
             make
             the
             body
             to
             subsist
             ,
             if
             the
             body
             have
             a
             continuall
             dependance
             on
             the
             conduct
             and
             motions
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             also
             agreeable
             that
             a
             Christian
             be
             
             animated
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             which
             he
             possesseth
             ,
             and
             whereof
             he
             is
             wholly
             possessed
             ,
             that
             he
             be
             wholly
             left
             to
             the
             care
             and
             conduct
             ,
             and
             motions
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             of
             whom
             he
             is
             a
             member
             ?
          
           
             These
             are
             the
             two
             Estates
             wherein
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             be
             ;
             he
             must
             possess
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             resigned
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             God.
             We
             have
             already
             shewed
             how
             much
             he
             is
             obliged
             to
             seek
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             possess
             him
             ,
             if
             he
             will
             arrive
             to
             the
             perfection
             to
             which
             he
             is
             called
             .
             It
             remains
             that
             we
             know
             how
             he
             must
             resigne
             himself
             wholly
             to
             God.
             As
             members
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             are
             necessarily
             and
             essentially
             (
             if
             I
             may
             so
             speak
             )
             left
             to
             the
             
               love
               ,
               care
            
             ,
             and
             conduct
             of
             the
             
               heavenly
               Father
            
             ,
             which
             love
             is
             the
             same
             love
             which
             he
             hath
             for
             his
             Son
             ,
             the
             same
             conduct
             that
             he
             hath
             over
             him
             .
             For
             we
             are
             part
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             being
             his
             members
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             his
             fulness
             .
             The
             Church
             ,
             saith
             he
             is
             the
             body
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             the
             
               fulness
               of
               him
               that
               filleth
               all
               in
               all
               ,
            
             wherein
             we
             see
             the
             happy
             estate
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             being
             made
             a
             member
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             pursuit
             of
             his
             state
             is
             left
             to
             the
             same
             care
             ,
             the
             same
             conduct
             ,
             the
             same
             love
             that
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             hath
             for
             his
             Son.
             Being
             then
             arrived
             to
             this
             happiness
             ,
             what
             remains
             ,
             but
             to
             live
             with
             great
             vigilancy
             ,
             to
             put
             our selves
             ,
             to
             leave
             our
             
             selves
             ,
             and
             to
             maintain
             our selves
             in
             this
             love
             of
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             ,
             to
             abandon
             our selves
             ,
             soul
             and
             body
             ,
             to
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             ,
             to
             remain
             in
             this
             union
             and
             unity
             with
             his
             Son
             (
             for
             he
             looks
             on
             us
             in
             his
             Son
             ,
             as
             members
             and
             part
             of
             his
             Son
             )
             and
             also
             being
             united
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             to
             submit
             our selves
             to
             the
             disposall
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             motions
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             as
             the
             members
             are
             to
             the
             head
             .
          
           
             It
             was
             the
             request
             of
             Iesus
             to
             his
             Father
             the
             last
             day
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             the
             eve
             before
             his
             death
             ;
             for
             this
             he
             made
             that
             prayer
             full
             of
             love
             ,
             repeated
             at
             large
             by
             Saint
             Iohn
             ,
             wherein
             he
             begs
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             have
             the
             same
             love
             for
             us
             that
             he
             had
             for
             him
             from
             eternity
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             would
             be
             by
             grace
             to
             us
             ,
             what
             he
             is
             to
             him
             by
             nature
             ,
             that
             the
             same
             unity
             of
             love
             that
             binds
             them
             together
             ,
             may
             be
             in
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             not
             live
             but
             in
             this
             love
             ,
             in
             this
             uion
             and
             unity
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             live
             in
             him
             by
             his
             spirit
             and
             love
             ,
             as
             he
             lives
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             spirit
             and
             love
             of
             his
             Father
             .
             Words
             of
             love
             ,
             and
             of
             truth
             ,
             words
             of
             efficacy
             ,
             words
             which
             cleerly
             shew
             the
             
               designs
               Iesus
            
             hath
             over
             us
             ,
             what
             he
             hath
             merited
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             what
             ought
             to
             be
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             in
             whom
             consisteth
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             proceed
             a
             little
             further
             in
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             lights
             of
             Faith
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             a
             
             new
             light
             which
             discovers
             this
             truth
             .
             The
             Oeconomy
             and
             the
             works
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Mysterie
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             teach
             us
             that
             the
             whole
             conduct
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             all
             the
             regency
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             the
             government
             of
             all
             souls
             in
             generall
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             in
             particular
             is
             left
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             way
             ,
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             our
             souls
             .
             He
             is
             ,
             saith
             the
             
               Apostle
               ,
               our
               Fulness
            
             ;
             he
             is
             
               our
               All
            
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             raises
             the
             conduct
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             renders
             it
             admirable
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             accompanied
             with
             
               wisdom
               ,
               power
            
             ,
             and
             infinite
             love
             :
             For
             he
             employs
             his
             power
             wholly
             to
             furnish
             us
             ,
             to
             assist
             us
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             his
             wisdom
             leads
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             establishes
             us
             in
             the
             state
             and
             perfection
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             ;
             and
             he
             employs
             his
             love
             to
             enrich
             us
             with
             his
             treasures
             ,
             to
             enlighten
             us
             with
             his
             spirit
             ,
             to
             guide
             by
             his
             light
             ,
             and
             to
             communicate
             to
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             excess
             of
             his
             bounty
             ,
             his
             being
             ,
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             his
             greatness
             .
             Thus
             the
             quality
             whereto
             we
             are
             advanced
             by
             Christianity
             ,
             being
             made
             members
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             renders
             us
             worthy
             of
             the
             care
             and
             conduct
             of
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             ,
             and
             binding
             us
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             makes
             us
             by
             grace
             one
             with
             him
             ,
             partakers
             of
             his
             greatness
             .
          
           
             This
             expresseth
             the
             perfection
             whereto
             God
             hath
             called
             us
             ;
             These
             truths
             considered
             ,
             will
             cause
             us
             highly
             to
             esteem
             the
             grace
             and
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             These
             motives
             are
             
             so
             powerfull
             ,
             that
             they
             seem
             not
             only
             to
             invite
             ,
             but
             to
             constrain
             us
             by
             amorous
             allurements
             to
             resign
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             God.
             Let
             us
             adde
             a
             common
             Doctrine
             of
             Saint
             Bernard
             ,
             as
             the
             last
             draught
             of
             this
             admirable
             
               conduct
               .
               The
               conduct
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               of
               Iesus
               in
               us
               ,
               is
               admirable
               ,
               in
               that
               he
               hath
               as
               much
               care
               of
               one
               single
               soul
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               of
               all
               ;
               his
               wisdom
               is
               employed
               for
               one
               soul
               as
               well
               as
               for
               all
               ;
               and
               he
               loves
               one
               soul
               with
               the
               same
               infinite
               love
               wherewith
               he
               loves
               all
               ;
               yea
               ,
               he
               loves
               his
               elect
               and
               Christians
               ,
               with
               the
               same
               love
               wherewith
               he
               loveth
               himself
               .
            
             Here
             let
             us
             stop
             ,
             for
             more
             cannot
             be
             said
             ;
             Let
             us
             adore
             this
             love
             which
             operates
             with
             great
             things
             in
             the
             souls
             of
             the
             Elect.
             Let
             us
             love
             him
             who
             loves
             us
             so
             much
             ;
             and
             let
             us
             live
             the
             life
             of
             him
             who
             lives
             in
             us
             .
             If
             we
             reflect
             upon
             these
             truths
             ,
             justly
             may
             we
             be
             astonished
             at
             the
             obstinacy
             and
             blindness
             of
             those
             who
             make
             so
             many
             difficulties
             to
             resign
             themselves
             wholly
             both
             body
             and
             soul
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             absolutely
             to
             abandon
             themselves
             to
             the
             
               providence
               ,
               love
            
             and
             wisdom
             of
             Iesus
             .
             What
             ?
             can
             any
             man
             yet
             doubt
             of
             the
             bounty
             and
             love
             of
             God
             ?
             distrust
             his
             wisdom
             after
             so
             manifest
             a
             truth
             ?
             Is
             it
             possible
             a
             Christian
             can
             imagin
             that
             he
             is
             to
             take
             care
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             that
             humane
             prudence
             is
             necessary
             where
             God
             vouchsafes
             by
             his
             bounty
             to
             apply
             and
             employ
             his
             
               care
               ,
               wisdom
            
             ,
             and
             infinite
             goodness
             ?
             
             But
             only
             to
             apply
             himself
             to
             the
             way
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             with
             an
             application
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             perfect
             as
             God
             is
             
               perfect
               ;
               good
            
             ,
             as
             God
             is
             good
             ,
             accommodating
             himself
             ,
             notwithstanding
             to
             the
             commodity
             and
             feebleness
             of
             the
             creature
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             adhere
             to
             these
             truths
             ,
             it
             is
             fit
             ,
             that
             as
             members
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             live
             subject
             to
             his
             will
             ,
             abandon
             our selves
             to
             his
             loving
             conduct
             ,
             endeavouring
             nothing
             so
             much
             as
             to
             please
             and
             satisfie
             him
             .
             This
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             ;
             to
             this
             all
             Christians
             are
             obliged
             ;
             and
             therefore
             ,
             to
             profit
             by
             this
             third
             Motion
             ,
             let
             us
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             let
             us
             quit
             the
             care
             of
             our selves
             ,
             a
             care
             that
             nourishes
             nothing
             but
             complacency
             and
             self-satisfaction
             ,
             which
             altogether
             confides
             in
             the
             disordinate
             love
             of
             our selves
             :
             Let
             us
             resigne
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             his
             care
             and
             providence
             of
             him
             ,
             who
             uncessantly
             fixeth
             the
             eye
             of
             his
             infinite
             bounty
             upon
             us
             ;
             Let
             us
             trust
             in
             him
             who
             hath
             a
             heart
             all
             of
             love
             ,
             who
             onely
             thinks
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             be
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             ;
             Let
             us
             endeavour
             to
             have
             no
             satisfaction
             nor
             complacency
             but
             in
             him
             ,
             seeing
             he
             alone
             according
             to
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             
             
               Loves
               us
               from
               eternity
            
             ,
             calls
             and
             draws
             us
             lovingly
             to
             come
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             his
             .
             If
             you
             now
             require
             some
             forms
             for
             this
             Resignation
             ,
             I
             will
             propose
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Practises
             to
             help
             a
             Christian
             to
             live
             in
             subjection
             to
             Grace
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             Jesus
             .
          
           
             THe
             Christian
             who
             would
             profit
             by
             the
             Motive
             we
             last
             proposed
             ,
             must
             weigh
             the
             quality
             he
             hath
             in
             being
             a
             member
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             for
             Iesus
             being
             his
             head
             ,
             will
             unite
             himself
             to
             him
             ,
             appropriate
             himself
             to
             him
             ,
             possess
             him
             ,
             encline
             him
             ,
             infuse
             into
             him
             his
             own
             being
             and
             
               life
               ,
               guide
            
             him
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             redeem
             him
             on
             the
             Cross
             ;
             and
             by
             a
             particular
             
               bounty
               ,
               love
            
             him
             with
             the
             same
             love
             that
             he
             loves
             himself
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             head
             loveth
             his
             members
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             To
             make
             use
             of
             these
             thoughts
             ,
             the
             Christian
             seeing
             himself
             so
             
               chosen
               ,
               united
            
             ,
             and
             amorously
             drawn
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             must
             make
             a
             particular
             profession
             and
             protestation
             to
             adhere
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             to
             renounce
             all
             humane
             prudence
             ,
             all
             care
             and
             conduct
             of
             himself
             ,
             leave
             himself
             wholly
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             the
             
               power
               ,
               providence
            
             and
             conduct
             of
             Iesus
             .
             Farther
             ,
             he
             must
             yeild
             up
             all
             the
             right
             that
             God
             his
             Creator
             hath
             given
             him
             to
             his
             liberty
             to
             his
             life
             ,
             to
             his
             actions
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             inferiour
             creatures
             ,
             putting
             it
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             upon
             
             whom
             he
             must
             depend
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             protesting
             that
             he
             will
             use
             them
             no
             farther
             then
             as
             dependant
             on
             the
             
               conduct
               ,
               intentions
            
             and
             will
             of
             Iesus
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             true
             Christian
             must
             make
             a
             strong
             resolution
             to
             rely
             onely
             on
             God
             ,
             all
             other
             things
             being
             indifferent
             unto
             him
             ,
             whence
             he
             will
             endeavour
             to
             follow
             and
             accept
             with
             tranquillity
             of
             spirit
             ,
             all
             that
             God
             ordains
             ,
             and
             to
             establish
             himself
             wholly
             in
             this
             confidence
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             this
             conformity
             and
             relyance
             on
             the
             conduct
             of
             Iesus
             .
             He
             will
             study
             to
             bear
             in
             his
             heart
             and
             soul
             ,
             a
             contempt
             of
             all
             
               naturall
               prudence
            
             ,
             in
             making
             little
             account
             even
             of
             things
             that
             depend
             on
             his
             grace
             ,
             saying
             to
             himself
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             onely
             rely
             on
             Iesus
             who
             is
             his
             All
             ,
             and
             that
             whatever
             happen
             ,
             
               supernaturall
               grace
            
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             light
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             will
             never
             fail
             to
             give
             him
             as
             much
             knowledge
             and
             experience
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             necessary
             for
             him
             ,
             but
             far
             more
             profitably
             ,
             and
             more
             perfectly
             then
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             can
             do
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             As
             this
             manner
             of
             doing
             may
             have
             great
             and
             continuall
             oppositions
             ,
             so
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             desires
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             must
             endeavour
             to
             live
             with
             vigilancy
             over
             himself
             ,
             and
             particularly
             have
             a
             great
             care
             to
             mortifie
             the
             assaults
             of
             Nature
             ,
             the
             motions
             of
             the
             
               humane
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             the
             applications
             and
             agitations
             of
             the
             wisdom
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             all
             which
             opposeth
             
             the
             spirit
             of
             God.
             And
             because
             nature
             useth
             to
             insinuate
             amidst
             grace
             ,
             and
             ,
             disguising
             her self
             ,
             dissemble
             to
             be
             what
             she
             is
             not
             ,
             (
             we
             not
             knowing
             it
             ,
             and
             even
             contrary
             to
             our
             own
             intentions
             )
             to
             prevent
             this
             deceit
             ,
             and
             to
             assure
             our selves
             in
             a
             matter
             so
             dangerous
             ,
             yet
             hard
             to
             be
             discovered
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             that
             the
             Christian
             with
             a
             great
             humility
             ,
             and
             a
             desire
             full
             of
             efficacy
             ,
             renounce
             all
             the
             motions
             and
             effects
             of
             nature
             ,
             and
             give
             himself
             with
             all
             his
             heart
             to
             the
             spirit
             and
             grace
             of
             Iesus
             .
             After
             all
             which
             he
             must
             yet
             have
             a
             great
             vigilancy
             upon
             the
             bottom
             and
             the
             dispositions
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             that
             with
             a
             great
             fidelity
             he
             may
             live
             in
             the
             subjection
             he
             ought
             to
             the
             grace
             and
             conduct
             of
             Iesus
             .
          
           
             To
             help
             us
             in
             this
             practise
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             how
             important
             it
             is
             ;
             we
             must
             consider
             that
             the
             effect
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             may
             be
             reduced
             to
             one
             point
             :
             The
             designes
             of
             God
             upon
             our
             souls
             are
             reduced
             to
             one
             thing
             onely
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             their
             aim
             to
             effect
             in
             us
             .
             This
             point
             which
             God
             will
             do
             in
             us
             ,
             is
             to
             establish
             his
             
               sanctification
               ,
               glory
            
             and
             Kingdom
             in
             our
             souls
             .
             This
             is
             the
             end
             of
             his
             design
             ,
             whereto
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             grace
             and
             
               divine
               operations
            
             tend
             .
             Whence
             we
             may
             infer
             ,
             that
             if
             God
             requires
             nothing
             of
             us
             ,
             nor
             hath
             no
             other
             design
             on
             us
             ,
             but
             to
             establish
             in
             our
             souls
             his
             empire
             and
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             grace
             ,
             
             we
             also
             must
             have
             no
             other
             
               care
               ,
               desire
            
             ,
             or
             application
             ,
             then
             to
             subject
             our selves
             to
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             the
             obedience
             and
             conduct
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             grace
             .
             And
             as
             all
             the
             designs
             of
             God
             unite
             themselves
             in
             this
             one
             point
             ,
             so
             the
             Christian
             must
             labour
             in
             this
             point
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             be
             ,
             in
             all
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             least
             of
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             actions
             ,
             and
             smallest
             motions
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             subjected
             to
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God.
             Hereby
             I
             mean
             that
             all
             the
             
               motions
               ,
               thoughts
            
             and
             actions
             of
             a
             Christian
             must
             be
             ruled
             and
             subjected
             to
             the
             
               love
               ,
               power
               ,
               will
            
             ,
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             with
             peace
             and
             inward
             content
             ,
             he
             must
             receive
             the
             effects
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             walk
             with
             fidelity
             in
             the
             wayes
             God
             requires
             ,
             that
             God
             may
             raign
             perfectly
             in
             him
             by
             his
             love
             and
             grace
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             may
             raign
             here
             in
             all
             those
             wayes
             and
             manners
             ,
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             as
             gloriously
             )
             as
             he
             raigns
             with
             the
             Saints
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             proportionably
             notwithstanding
             to
             our
             present
             estate
             and
             meanness
             .
          
           
             I
             know
             not
             whether
             a
             true
             soul
             that
             hath
             true
             faith
             ,
             can
             make
             this
             point
             hard
             to
             it self
             .
             I
             cannot
             believe
             that
             a
             Christian
             will
             oppugne
             this
             Truth
             ,
             and
             lesse
             imagine
             that
             a
             soul
             it
             cannot
             arrive
             to
             the
             possession
             of
             a
             solid
             and
             
               Christian
               vertue
            
             ,
             if
             she
             walk
             not
             by
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             light
             of
             the
             truths
             proposed
             ,
             if
             she
             do
             not
             found
             her self
             upon
             this
             spirit
             .
             For
             
             if
             we
             consider
             and
             believe
             that
             we
             are
             members
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               true
            
             ,
             not
             imaginary
             members
             ,
             
               not
               of
               a
               man
            
             ,
             or
             Saint
             ,
             but
             of
             
               Iesus
               Son
            
             of
             the
             
               living
               God
            
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             this
             quality
             we
             are
             truly
             and
             immediately
             united
             to
             him
             ;
             if
             I
             say
             we
             consider
             our selves
             as
             such
             ,
             do
             we
             not
             at
             the
             same
             time
             see
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             united
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             such
             an
             union
             we
             must
             be
             animated
             by
             his
             
               spirit
               ,
               live
            
             by
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             be
             governed
             by
             his
             conduct
             .
             This
             is
             the
             first
             condition
             whereunto
             we
             are
             raised
             by
             Christianity
             ,
             the
             first
             grace
             we
             receive
             in
             Baptisme
             .
             What
             vertue
             and
             perfection
             can
             that
             soul
             have
             ,
             which
             lives
             not
             conformable
             to
             this
             estate
             ?
             what
             doth
             that
             soul
             learn
             which
             knowes
             not
             his
             truth
             ?
             To
             what
             end
             is
             the
             rest
             of
             our
             practise
             and
             this
             great
             fabrick
             of
             devotion
             which
             we
             propose
             to
             our selves
             ,
             if
             we
             lay
             not
             this
             first
             foundation
             which
             is
             so
             necessary
             ,
             that
             without
             it
             all
             the
             rest
             cannot
             subsist
             ?
             If
             we
             have
             God
             for
             us
             ;
             if
             we
             are
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             members
             to
             the
             head
             ;
             yet
             if
             we
             are
             not
             resigned
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             his
             
               infinite
               wisdom
            
             and
             
               loving
               conduct
            
             ,
             why
             do
             we
             trouble
             our selves
             with
             all
             the
             rest
             ?
             To
             what
             end
             so
             much
             care
             ,
             so
             much
             prudence
             ,
             and
             humane
             providence
             ?
             To
             what
             end
             so
             many
             
               desires
               ?
               He
               is
               too
               covetous
               ,
               whom
               God
               sufficeth
               not
               .
            
             What
             can
             a
             soul
             desire
             ,
             to
             whom
             its
             God
             and
             Creator
             is
             
             made
             
               all
               things
            
             ?
             And
             if
             it
             cannot
             find
             rest
             in
             this
             ,
             where
             can
             it
             find
             rest
             ?
             
               What
               can
               content
               him
               ,
               who
               is
               not
               content
               with
               God
               ,
            
             saith
             St.
             Prosper
             ?
             Certainly
             that
             soul
             is
             very
             blind
             and
             miserable
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             content
             with
             providence
             and
             the
             love
             of
             Iesus
             .
             I
             demand
             all
             that
             you
             would
             have
             of
             humane
             prudence
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             (
             we
             shall
             find
             but
             two
             many
             reasons
             to
             invite
             us
             )
             but
             a
             soul
             brought
             up
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             truths
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             nourish'd
             in
             the
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             will
             say
             with
             a
             holy
             person
             of
             our
             time
             ,
             that
             
               the
               poor
               Doves
               are
               more
               pleasing
               to
               God
               then
               the
               Serpents
               .
            
          
           
             Let
             us
             then
             raise
             our selves
             up
             to
             God
             ,
             trust
             in
             him
             ,
             adhere
             to
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             beg
             light
             of
             him
             to
             penetrate
             into
             these
             truths
             ,
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             grace
             to
             live
             faithfully
             in
             his
             wayes
             .
             There
             remains
             one
             motive
             more
             ,
             to
             see
             the
             obligations
             we
             have
             to
             belong
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             arrive
             at
             perfection
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           fourth
           Motive
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             That
             this
             Precept
             ,
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             doth
             oblige
             us
             to
             perfection
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             to
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             to
             be
             God's
             .
          
           
             COntinuing
             the
             designes
             we
             have
             undertaken
             in
             this
             
               second
               Part
            
             ,
             to
             shew
             by
             divers
             Motives
             the
             Obligations
             all
             men
             have
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             and
             to
             adhere
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             subjection
             and
             submission
             to
             his
             conduct
             and
             grace
             ;
             It
             remains
             that
             we
             consider
             in
             this
             last
             Motive
             ,
             the
             essentiall
             and
             
               indispensable
               Obligations
            
             ,
             that
             we
             all
             have
             to
             the
             Precept
             of
             Love
             ,
             and
             consequently
             to
             perfection
             ;
             to
             which
             end
             we
             must
             consider
             the
             two
             estates
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             estate
             of
             the
             
               ordinary
               Christian
            
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             the
             more
             Religious
             ,
             not
             to
             examine
             them
             ,
             but
             to
             behold
             the
             abuse
             of
             the
             former
             ,
             too
             lightly
             believing
             that
             perfection
             and
             solid
             vertue
             is
             not
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             losing
             themselves
             in
             this
             Errour
             ,
             perswade
             themselves
             that
             a
             Christian
             ,
             as
             Christian
             is
             not
             at
             all
             obliged
             to
             
               interiour
               life
            
             and
             vertue
             ,
             but
             that
             it
             is
             a
             work
             of
             supererogation
             ,
             and
             an
             unnecessary
             labour
             to
             be
             busied
             
             in
             acquisition
             of
             
               Christian
               vertue
            
             ,
             and
             possession
             of
             inward
             perfection
             ;
             a
             manifest
             Errour
             ,
             the
             more
             damageable
             in
             that
             it
             derogates
             from
             the
             honour
             of
             God
             ,
             gives
             license
             to
             the
             world
             ;
             and
             blinding
             their
             souls
             ,
             looses
             them
             ,
             and
             makes
             them
             slothfull
             in
             the
             search
             of
             the
             
               right
               way
            
             to
             salvation
             .
             To
             undeceive
             our selves
             then
             in
             a
             matter
             so
             important
             ,
             and
             to
             secure
             our
             salvation
             ,
             which
             otherwise
             would
             remain
             very
             doubtfull
             ,
             we
             must
             intentively
             observe
             the
             obligations
             of
             these
             two
             estates
             ,
             that
             by
             this
             knowledge
             we
             may
             know
             what
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             .
          
           
             Saint
             
               Thomas
               Aquinas
            
             teacheth
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             soul
             that
             professeth
             Religion
             ,
             enters
             into
             a
             stable
             and
             
               permanent
               estate
            
             wherein
             she
             seeks
             after
             true
             and
             
               solid
               perfection
            
             ,
             devesting
             her self
             of
             all
             that
             may
             hinder
             her
             arrivall
             to
             this
             perfection
             .
             By
             this
             solemn
             profession
             ,
             she
             renounces
             all
             things
             ,
             taking
             in
             this
             manner
             of
             life
             ,
             as
             saith
             Moses
             the
             Abbot
             ,
             the
             
               wayes
               ,
               instruments
            
             and
             means
             to
             attain
             certainly
             to
             this
             perfection
             ,
             so
             much
             commended
             and
             recommended
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             For
             this
             Reason
             she
             makes
             vowes
             to
             separate
             her self
             from
             her
             self
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             creatures
             ,
             to
             appropriate
             her self
             to
             God
             ;
             and
             if
             she
             take
             heed
             to
             all
             the
             circumstances
             which
             accompany
             this
             action
             ,
             or
             ,
             if
             lifting
             up
             her
             eyes
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             she
             considers
             the
             will
             of
             God
             towards
             her
             in
             her
             vocation
             ,
             
             she
             knows
             that
             by
             the
             estate
             of
             Religion
             ,
             she
             enters
             into
             a
             profession
             which
             must
             sever
             her
             from
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             is
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             to
             unite
             her
             to
             her
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             place
             her
             ,
             if
             we
             may
             so
             say
             ,
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             live
             upon
             earth
             ,
             the
             life
             that
             the
             Angels
             live
             in
             heaven
             ,
             to
             lead
             ,
             in
             a
             holy
             communion
             ,
             the
             life
             that
             God
             leads
             in
             his
             holiness
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             God
             in
             God
             ;
             For
             as
             God
             is
             busied
             wholly
             in
             the
             knowledge
             and
             love
             of
             himself
             ,
             so
             the
             soul
             which
             desireth
             to
             perfectionate
             her self
             ,
             is
             not
             busied
             in
             Religion
             ,
             but
             in
             a
             pure
             and
             continuall
             contemplation
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             acts
             of
             love
             ,
             which
             she
             doth
             with
             great
             care
             and
             vigilancy
             ;
             For
             ,
             for
             the
             soul
             to
             be
             as
             God
             would
             have
             her
             ,
             and
             arrive
             to
             the
             eminent
             and
             divine
             estate
             whereto
             God
             hath
             called
             her
             ,
             must
             be
             accidentally
             ,
             and
             by
             grace
             that
             which
             God
             is
             substantially
             ,
             and
             by
             nature
             .
             This
             is
             much
             in
             few
             words
             to
             extoll
             the
             Religious
             estate
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             see
             how
             holy
             it
             is
             whereto
             they
             are
             called
             .
             But
             we
             are
             to
             understand
             ,
             that
             what
             is
             said
             ,
             extends
             to
             all
             Christians
             ;
             for
             the
             estate
             of
             Christianity
             is
             an
             estate
             stable
             and
             permanent
             ,
             which
             calls
             and
             leads
             us
             to
             the
             participation
             of
             a
             
               divine
               life
            
             ,
             an
             estate
             permanent
             and
             indispensable
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             marked
             with
             the
             character
             of
             Baptisme
             ,
             which
             according
             to
             the
             Principles
             of
             our
             Faith
             ,
             can
             never
             be
             defaced
             ;
             an
             estate
             
             holy
             and
             of
             a
             particular
             sanctity
             ,
             which
             only
             appertains
             to
             Christianity
             ,
             since
             it
             is
             consecrated
             by
             the
             unction
             of
             the
             most
             
               holy
               Trinity
               ,
               confirmed
            
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             adoption
             ,
             and
             enriched
             with
             the
             fulness
             of
             the
             
               holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             who
             is
             given
             us
             by
             confirmation
             ,
             and
             conserved
             by
             the
             sacraments
             ;
             an
             estate
             permanent
             ,
             seeing
             it
             is
             indispensable
             ,
             for
             no
             Christian
             can
             go
             out
             of
             ,
             or
             have
             a
             dispensation
             from
             the
             obligation
             he
             hath
             to
             his
             perfection
             ,
             a
             perfection
             not
             indifferent
             ,
             but
             Evangelicall
             and
             Christian
             ,
             which
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             mentions
             in
             the
             Gospel
             with
             such
             high
             and
             divine
             words
             ,
             words
             not
             of
             counsel
             ,
             as
             many
             think
             ,
             but
             of
             command
             ,
             in
             cleer
             and
             express
             terms
             ,
             testifying
             his
             will
             ;
             words
             addressed
             not
             onely
             to
             the
             Religious
             ,
             but
             to
             all
             Christians
             :
             
             
               Be
               ye
               perfect
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               even
               as
               your
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               is
               perfect
               .
            
             What
             can
             be
             said
             more
             ?
             or
             spoke
             in
             more
             express
             terms
             ?
             How
             would
             we
             have
             more
             cleerly
             expressed
             what
             this
             perfection
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             then
             to
             say
             ,
             you
             must
             be
             perfect
             as
             your
             
               heavenly
               Father
            
             is
             perfect
             ?
          
           
             This
             perfection
             consists
             in
             the
             union
             of
             the
             soul
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             this
             union
             is
             made
             and
             accomplished
             by
             pure
             and
             
               perfect
               love
            
             ;
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             coming
             from
             God
             above
             ,
             which
             alone
             hath
             power
             to
             give
             God
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             God.
             All
             Christians
             in
             generall
             ,
             are
             called
             to
             the
             union
             which
             is
             made
             on
             earth
             by
             grace
             ,
             and
             in
             heaven
             by
             glory
             .
          
           
           
             Whence
             I
             first
             infer
             ,
             that
             as
             all
             christians
             are
             called
             to
             this
             union
             of
             the
             soul
             with
             God
             ,
             so
             are
             all
             obliged
             to
             that
             love
             which
             makes
             this
             union
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             to
             a
             
               love
               ,
               pure
               ,
               holy
            
             and
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             love
             express'd
             and
             lively
             ,
             represented
             by
             the
             mouth
             of
             God
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             
             
               Thou
               shalt
               love
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               with
               all
               thy
               heart
               :
            
             his
             words
             so
             express
             it
             ,
             that
             they
             speak
             all
             the
             perfection
             of
             love
             ,
             so
             generall
             ,
             that
             they
             oblige
             all
             to
             this
             love
             .
          
           
             I
             infer
             secondly
             ,
             that
             the
             perfection
             whereunto
             the
             Religious
             are
             called
             ,
             is
             not
             different
             from
             that
             whereto
             all
             christians
             are
             obliged
             ,
             wherein
             many
             deceive
             themselves
             .
             The
             reason
             is
             clear
             ,
             and
             the
             deduction
             of
             it
             is
             easie
             .
             For
             if
             perfection
             consists
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             soul
             with
             God
             ,
             an
             union
             wrought
             by
             true
             love
             ,
             and
             all
             christians
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Religious
             ,
             are
             called
             to
             this
             union
             made
             by
             grace
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             in
             Heaven
             by
             his
             glory
             .
             Finally
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             commanded
             to
             all
             christians
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             men
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Religious
             ,
             to
             love
             God
             with
             all
             their
             heart
             ,
             that
             is
             perfectly
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             as
             they
             can
             in
             this
             mortall
             life
             by
             the
             ayd
             of
             grace
             ,
             it
             followeth
             evidently
             ,
             that
             these
             
               two
               estates
            
             which
             appear
             so
             unlike
             ,
             are
             alike
             in
             the
             same
             obligation
             of
             seeking
             perfection
             ,
             though
             by
             different
             wayes
             .
          
           
             In
             fine
             ,
             who
             can
             doubt
             so
             manifest
             a
             truth
             ?
             no
             man
             can
             be
             ignorant
             that
             the
             
             Commandement
             of
             Love
             is
             common
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             of
             what
             estate
             soever
             they
             be
             .
             No
             man
             can
             deny
             but
             that
             
               Love
               is
               the
               bond
               of
               perfection
               ,
            
             so
             St.
             Paul
             calleth
             it
             .
             
             There
             is
             no
             difference
             then
             but
             in
             the
             way
             and
             means
             that
             we
             are
             to
             take
             ,
             to
             arrive
             to
             this
             perfection
             .
             There
             are
             divers
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             esteem
             all
             ,
             and
             regard
             them
             with
             respect
             .
             But
             if
             it
             be
             a
             question
             to
             make
             choice
             of
             some
             way
             to
             arrive
             to
             this
             love
             ,
             and
             if
             we
             must
             have
             Lawes
             and
             Maxims
             to
             conduct
             us
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             to
             conserve
             us
             therein
             ,
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             we
             cannot
             find
             them
             more
             pure
             ,
             more
             divine
             ,
             and
             more
             assured
             then
             in
             the
             Gospel
             where
             the
             
               Son
               of
               God
            
             himself
             as
             Authour
             of
             Christianity
             showes
             us
             the
             way
             ,
             gives
             us
             the
             rule
             ,
             and
             proposes
             to
             us
             the
             maxims
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             keep
             ,
             to
             guide
             us
             to
             this
             love
             which
             he
             commandeth
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             this
             union
             ,
             and
             to
             arrive
             to
             this
             perfection
             whereto
             we
             are
             called
             ,
             and
             therefore
             Christians
             living
             according
             to
             the
             rules
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             shall
             infallibly
             arrive
             to
             this
             high
             perfection
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             this
             most
             desirable
             union
             .
             So
             St.
             Paul
             speaking
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             
               In
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               neither
               circumcision
               availeth
               any
               thing
               ,
               nor
               incircumcision
               ,
               but
               a
               new
               Creature
               ,
            
             and
             
               as
               many
               as
               follow
               this
               rule
               ,
               grace
               be
               unto
               them
               and
               mercy
               .
            
             Under
             the
             name
             of
             Circumcision
             ,
             he
             teacheth
             us
             that
             nothing
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             no
             estate
             is
             worthy
             to
             be
             esteemed
             but
             that
             of
             
             a
             
               new
               Creature
               .
               Christianity
            
             onely
             ,
             giveth
             us
             the
             grace
             and
             power
             thereof
             ;
             wherefore
             that
             is
             the
             rule
             whereof
             the
             Apostle
             here
             speaks
             .
             Whence
             we
             learn
             the
             eminency
             of
             the
             state
             of
             christianity
             above
             all
             others
             .
             We
             see
             then
             how
             true
             it
             is
             that
             we
             are
             all
             without
             exception
             ,
             obliged
             and
             called
             of
             God
             to
             love
             and
             to
             perfection
             .
          
           
             This
             and
             more
             ,
             which
             might
             be
             said
             on
             this
             subject
             is
             true
             ;
             and
             yet
             notwithstanding
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             that
             
               christian
               perfection
            
             is
             as
             the
             Sun
             proposed
             to
             all
             christians
             in
             generall
             ,
             the
             
               Precept
               of
               Love
            
             is
             equally
             given
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             all
             are
             obliged
             to
             the
             same
             perfection
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             the
             Argument
             wherewith
             I
             would
             undeceive
             such
             christians
             as
             would
             exempt
             themselves
             from
             both
             .
          
           
             This
             granted
             ,
             it
             rests
             onely
             to
             consider
             the
             qualities
             of
             love
             ;
             it
             must
             be
             
               pure
               ,
               perfect
            
             ,
             and
             indissoluble
             ,
             the
             
               three
               properties
            
             of
             love
             in
             Christianity
             :
             Pure
             ,
             for
             it
             regards
             nothing
             but
             God
             ;
             if
             it
             regard
             any
             thing
             else
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             for
             God
             ,
             nor
             according
             to
             God
             ,
             whence
             it
             comes
             ,
             that
             that
             which
             regards
             
               pure
               love
            
             ,
             doth
             separate
             us
             from
             our
             selves
             ,
             from
             all
             our
             interests
             ,
             and
             alienates
             us
             from
             all
             creatures
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             they
             obstruct
             our
             love
             to
             God.
             This
             love
             makes
             us
             regard
             nothing
             but
             in
             the
             belief
             that
             God
             is
             there
             present
             by
             his
             
             immensity
             ;
             we
             neither
             tast
             nor
             feel
             them
             further
             then
             as
             they
             bear
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             ;
             for
             God
             being
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             the
             soul
             that
             loveth
             him
             ,
             enclines
             to
             him
             ,
             seeks
             him
             ,
             and
             finds
             him
             every
             where
             .
             This
             love
             must
             also
             be
             perfect
             ,
             God
             saith
             so
             expresly
             ;
             
               We
               must
               love
               him
               with
               all
               our
               soul
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               our
               strength
               :
            
             There
             is
             no
             need
             of
             explicating
             these
             words
             ,
             they
             are
             too
             cleer
             ,
             and
             evidently
             shew
             us
             that
             God
             will
             have
             us
             love
             him
             
               with
               all
               that
               which
               we
               are
               ,
            
             that
             is
             perfectly
             .
          
           
             This
             love
             must
             lastly
             be
             indissoluble
             ;
             no
             force
             must
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             no
             violence
             must
             tear
             this
             love
             from
             our
             hearts
             ;
             no
             creature
             in
             heaven
             or
             earth
             ;
             no
             fear
             of
             death
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             loss
             of
             all
             we
             enjoy
             ;
             no
             good
             ,
             either
             present
             or
             future
             ,
             must
             separate
             us
             from
             this
             love
             which
             must
             be
             in
             us
             
               more
               powerfull
               then
               death
               ,
               more
               indissoluble
               then
               unity
               .
            
          
           
             Now
             making
             use
             of
             all
             that
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             and
             reducing
             to
             practise
             all
             the
             proposed
             truths
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             what
             we
             sought
             in
             this
             tract
             ;
             we
             shall
             see
             that
             by
             a
             necessary
             consequence
             ,
             we
             are
             all
             obliged
             to
             divorce
             and
             separate
             our selves
             truly
             and
             strongly
             from
             all
             that
             hinders
             us
             from
             
               loving
               God
               perfectly
            
             .
             We
             are
             obliged
             to
             be
             
               perfect
               as
               our
               heavenly
               Father
               is
               perfect
            
             ;
             this
             perfection
             is
             not
             without
             the
             
               true
               love
               of
               God
            
             ;
             this
             love
             cannot
             be
             in
             us
             ,
             but
             in
             as
             much
             as
             we
             are
             separated
             from
             
             our
             selves
             ,
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             all
             Creatures
             .
             Whence
             we
             learn
             ,
             that
             a
             Christian
             obliged
             to
             the
             
               love
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             to
             perfection
             ,
             cannot
             arrive
             to
             this
             estate
             which
             he
             seeks
             and
             is
             commanded
             him
             ,
             if
             on
             the
             one
             side
             he
             be
             not
             wholly
             subjected
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             other
             altogether
             separated
             in
             
               spirit
               ,
               conduct
            
             ,
             and
             love
             from
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
             Therefore
             he
             must
             apply
             himself
             earnestly
             to
             this
             exercise
             of
             
               subjecting
               himself
               to
               God
            
             ,
             and
             devesting
             himself
             of
             himself
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             the
             soul
             can
             never
             acquire
             this
             
               divine
               spirit
            
             ,
             nor
             arrive
             to
             
               Evangelicall
               perfection
            
             ,
             if
             she
             stay
             in
             her selfe
             ,
             obey
             her
             
               own
               will
            
             ,
             and
             follow
             her
             
               own
               motions
            
             .
          
           
             To
             
               dwell
               in
               our selves
            
             is
             ,
             to
             think
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             
               take
               care
            
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             
               have
               a
               continuall
               regard
            
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             our
             self-Interests
             ,
             to
             
               use
               the
               powers
            
             of
             our
             souls
             for
             our selves
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             not
             purely
             to
             please
             God.
             To
             love
             thus
             is
             to
             wear
             the
             maske
             and
             
               false
               appearance
               of
               vertue
            
             ,
             but
             not
             to
             have
             the
             reality
             .
          
           
             By
             these
             
               Principles
               of
               piety
            
             ,
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             see
             ,
             how
             dangerously
             they
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             who
             speaking
             of
             Religious
             souls
             ,
             who
             are
             in
             a
             most
             pure
             and
             perfect
             estate
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             eminency
             of
             their
             vocation
             ,
             say
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             night
             Christians
             ,
             as
             Stars
             in
             the
             Firmament
             ,
             and
             perswade
             others
             that
             
             they
             are
             not
             obliged
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             
               inward
               vertues
            
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             enough
             for
             them
             to
             become
             punctuall
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             with
             order
             and
             fidelity
             in
             their
             
               exteriour
               conduct
            
             ,
             making
             them
             believe
             that
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             no
             more
             ;
             that
             this
             self-desertion
             is
             above
             their
             strength
             ,
             nay
             that
             it
             were
             folly
             so
             to
             leave
             themselves
             to
             live
             in
             such
             a
             general
             manner
             of
             
               abandoning
               themselves
            
             .
             This
             is
             a
             manifest
             errour
             ,
             for
             not
             onely
             the
             
               religious
               estate
            
             ,
             but
             even
             that
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             obligeth
             all
             Christians
             to
             the
             practise
             of
             these
             vertues
             ,
             seeing
             they
             are
             obliged
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Commandement
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             doth
             easily
             appear
             by
             all
             the
             Motives
             handled
             in
             this
             second
             Part.
             Now
             if
             all
             they
             who
             aim
             at
             perfection
             in
             any
             profession
             whatsoever
             ,
             must
             enter
             into
             this
             
               conduct
               of
               grace
               and
               subjection
            
             ,
             if
             they
             must
             live
             devesting
             themselves
             to
             obey
             God
             more
             perfectly
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             the
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             life
             of
             a
             
               true
               christian
            
             ,
             the
             true
             life
             of
             grace
             ;
             what
             ought
             those
             souls
             to
             do
             ,
             who
             by
             
               particular
               graces
            
             and
             allurements
             of
             speciall
             favour
             are
             called
             by
             God
             ,
             cherished
             and
             inriched
             with
             his
             gifts
             ?
             O
             how
             great
             will
             these
             obligations
             appeare
             to
             those
             that
             consider
             them
             ?
             O
             how
             ought
             such
             souls
             to
             take
             care
             ,
             and
             be
             vigilant
             to
             co-operate
             with
             the
             designs
             of
             God
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             become
             faithful
             ,
             according
             
             to
             the
             estate
             and
             
               fulness
               of
               grace
            
             communicated
             to
             them
             .
          
           
             This
             would
             require
             a
             long
             deduction
             ,
             for
             nothing
             is
             of
             more
             importance
             ,
             or
             needs
             a
             more
             ample
             discourse
             to
             content
             our
             spirits
             ,
             and
             satisfie
             our
             piety
             .
             But
             it
             shall
             suffice
             that
             we
             shew
             the
             fundation
             and
             principles
             thereof
             ;
             of
             which
             we
             shall
             now
             speak
             .
          
           
             
               The
               conclusion
               of
               the
               second
               Part.
               The
               care
               and
               vigilancy
               which
               a
               Soul
               must
               have
               which
               seeks
               perfection
               ,
               and
               would
               live
               in
               true
               subjection
               to
               the
               grace
               and
               conduct
               of
               Iesus
               Christ.
               
            
             
               WE
               have
               cleerly
               enough
               deduced
               and
               demonstrated
               by
               divers
               motives
               ,
               the
               obligation
               all
               Christans
               have
               to
               seek
               perfection
               ,
               and
               wholly
               to
               subject
               themselves
               to
               the
               spirit
               and
               conduct
               of
               God
               ;
               yet
               must
               we
               not
               understand
               this
               Doctrine
               so
               generally
               ,
               but
               that
               there
               is
               something
               more
               to
               be
               done
               ,
               and
               that
               we
               fail
               not
               in
               our
               care
               and
               vigilancy
               to
               cooporate
               with
               the
               work
               of
               God
               in
               us
               ,
               and
               to
               become
               faithfull
               to
               his
               conduct
               ;
               and
               here
               we
               will
               shew
               what
               this
               care
               and
               vigilancy
               ought
               to
               be
               .
            
             
               Let
               us
               first
               enter
               into
               consideration
               of
               the
               excellencies
               of
               our
               soul
               ,
               that
               knowing
               it
               ,
               
               we
               may
               be
               ravished
               with
               its
               
                 beauty
                 ,
                 elevated
              
               and
               excited
               to
               conserve
               it
               carefully
               ,
               in
               perfection
               according
               to
               the
               designe
               of
               God
               upon
               us
               .
               This
               knowledge
               is
               not
               easie
               ,
               for
               the
               soul
               is
               such
               a
               lively
               Image
               of
               the
               Divinity
               ,
               and
               God
               hath
               invested
               her
               with
               so
               many
               lights
               ,
               that
               our
               spirits
               are
               too
               feeble
               to
               sustain
               the
               beams
               thereof
               ,
               and
               to
               penetrate
               the
               splendor
               of
               this
               beauty
               .
               If
               we
               will
               speak
               of
               her
               ,
               we
               must
               say
               that
               she
               so
               perfectly
               represents
               her
               Prototype
               ,
               God
               ,
               that
               as
               we
               cannot
               better
               comprehend
               God
               ,
               then
               in
               averring
               he
               is
               incomprehensible
               ;
               so
               we
               cannot
               enter
               better
               into
               this
               knowledge
               of
               the
               
                 perfect
                 beauties
              
               of
               our
               soul
               ,
               then
               in
               saying
               ,
               
                 she
                 cannot
                 be
                 known
              
               .
               For
               all
               that
               we
               can
               say
               of
               her
               ,
               is
               below
               her
               ,
               so
               neer
               doth
               she
               approach
               to
               the
               infinite
               greatness
               ,
               and
               ineffable
               perfections
               of
               her
               Creator
               .
               The
               highest
               that
               we
               can
               say
               of
               her
               ,
               that
               seems
               to
               imply
               the
               last
               draught
               of
               her
               perfection
               ,
               is
               that
               she
               is
               a
               
                 capacity
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               an
               Image
               ,
               wherein
               the
               perfections
               of
               the
               Divinity
               are
               engraved
               ;
               so
               as
               we
               may
               compare
               it
               to
               a
               Seal
               ,
               wherein
               the
               Image
               of
               a
               Prince
               is
               perfectly
               and
               artificially
               cut
               :
               As
               the
               Seal
               is
               capable
               of
               receiving
               the
               soft
               wax
               applied
               to
               it
               ,
               and
               imprints
               thereon
               a
               second
               Image
               ;
               so
               our
               soul
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               Image
               of
               God
               ,
               is
               capable
               of
               
                 receiving
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               receiving
               him
               once
               ,
               she
               bears
               a
               continuall
               Image
               of
               him
               ,
               his
               true
               
               resemblance
               .
               The
               soul
               therefore
               ,
               in
               as
               much
               as
               she
               is
               the
               Image
               ,
               is
               also
               a
               
                 capacity
                 of
                 God
              
               ,
               since
               as
               the
               Image
               she
               is
               capable
               of
               receiving
               God.
               And
               this
               capacity
               is
               the
               ground
               of
               her
               being
               ,
               and
               containing
               in
               it
               all
               her
               perfections
               and
               beauty
               ,
               comprehending
               all
               that
               can
               be
               said
               of
               her
               .
            
             
               It
               is
               not
               hard
               to
               penetrate
               this
               truth
               ,
               if
               we
               consider
               the
               designs
               of
               God
               in
               the
               creation
               of
               the
               soul
               ,
               for
               Faith
               teaches
               us
               that
               God
               alone
               is
               the
               end
               of
               our
               soul
               ,
               her
               fulness
               ,
               that
               he
               hath
               created
               her
               to
               enjoy
               his
               greatness
               ,
               to
               associate
               her
               into
               his
               glory
               ,
               to
               communicate
               to
               her
               his
               
                 divine
                 perfections
              
               .
               In
               pursuit
               of
               this
               designe
               it
               was
               ,
               that
               he
               gave
               her
               so
               great
               an
               amplitude
               and
               capacity
               ,
               that
               she
               cannot
               be
               filled
               but
               with
               God
               ,
               which
               caused
               Saint
               Bernard
               to
               say
               ,
               
                 that
                 our
                 soul
                 may
                 be
                 occupated
                 by
                 all
                 things
                 in
                 the
                 world
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 she
                 cannot
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 any
                 but
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 created
                 her
                 for
                 himself
                 alone
                 ,
                 to
                 fill
                 ,
                 to
                 live
                 in
                 her
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 advance
                 her
                 to
                 the
                 enjoyment
                 not
                 of
                 gifts
                 ,
                 not
                 of
                 grace
                 onely
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 essence
                 of
                 Divinity
                 .
              
            
             
               All
               this
               begins
               upon
               earth
               ,
               and
               is
               consummated
               and
               perfected
               in
               heaven
               ;
               indeed
               it
               cannot
               be
               in
               heaven
               ,
               if
               it
               begin
               not
               upon
               earth
               ,
               since
               the
               soul
               after
               
                 death
                 enjoyes
              
               but
               what
               she
               hath
               merited
               in
               her
               life
               ,
               for
               we
               see
               that
               here
               below
               the
               soul
               receives
               her
               God
               by
               grace
               ,
               she
               receives
               him
               in
               his
               loving
               communication
               ,
               
               and
               she
               is
               filled
               of
               God
               by
               his
               Spirit
               which
               dwelleth
               in
               her
               ,
               and
               in
               Heaven
               she
               possesseth
               him
               fully
               by
               glory
               .
            
             
               By
               this
               possession
               ,
               all
               her
               capacity
               is
               filled
               according
               to
               all
               Gods
               designes
               upon
               her
               .
               Thus
               Saint
               
                 Iohn
                 ,
                 We
                 know
                 that
                 when
                 he
                 shall
                 appear
                 ,
              
               
               
                 we
                 shall
                 be
                 like
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 we
                 shall
                 see
                 him
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 .
              
               Now
               ,
               we
               cannot
               
                 see
                 God
              
               ,
               and
               
                 be
                 like
                 to
                 him
              
               in
               glory
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               pemanent
               estate
               without
               possessing
               him
               ;
               and
               we
               cannot
               possess
               him
               but
               in
               this
               capacity
               which
               is
               given
               us
               by
               God
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               foundation
               of
               our
               being
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               perfection
               of
               our
               soul
               ,
               so
               great
               a
               perfection
               ,
               that
               we
               conceive
               it
               farther
               then
               we
               know
               the
               greatness
               of
               God.
               For
               as
               God
               is
               great
               ,
               this
               capacity
               is
               
                 great
                 ,
                 ample
              
               ,
               and
               admirable
               .
               This
               deserves
               profound
               consideration
               ,
               and
               may
               serve
               to
               all
               men
               as
               a
               powerfull
               motive
               to
               sever
               themselves
               from
               
                 all
                 upon
                 the
                 earth
              
               ,
               and
               to
               seek
               
                 God
                 only
              
               .
               for
               whom
               alone
               we
               are
               created
               ,
               who
               alone
               is
               our
               fulness
               .
               This
               truth
               discovers
               the
               favour
               we
               receive
               from
               this
               infinite
               goodness
               ,
               the
               soul
               being
               a
               capacity
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               also
               continually
               regarded
               by
               him
               ,
               who
               sees
               her
               ;
               yea
               ,
               he
               sees
               her
               ,
               and
               he
               regards
               her
               to
               raise
               her
               to
               himself
               ,
               to
               fill
               her
               ,
               and
               fully
               and
               perfectly
               to
               possess
               her
               ,
               in
               a
               manner
               worthy
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               conformable
               to
               his
               love
               .
               He
               will
               be
               
                 all
                 things
              
               in
               this
               soul
               ,
               he
               will
               be
               her
               life
               ,
               her
               love
               ,
               her
               good
               ,
               her
               confidence
               ,
               
               her
               heart
               ,
               her
               spirit
               ,
               her
               power
               ,
               and
               her
               conduct
               ;
               briefly
               ,
               he
               will
               be
               her
               All
               ,
               her
               fulness
               upon
               earth
               by
               his
               graces
               ,
               and
               in
               heaven
               by
               his
               glory
               .
               Hence
               therefore
               may
               we
               take
               occasion
               to
               admire
               ,
               and
               eternally
               adore
               this
               infinite
               and
               inexhaustible
               bounty
               ,
               which
               deigns
               to
               
                 communicate
                 himself
              
               ,
               with
               such
               an
               exstreme
               profusion
               of
               himself
               ,
               who
               by
               an
               
                 incomprehensible
                 counsell
              
               of
               his
               eternall
               Wisdom
               ,
               hath
               created
               man
               upon
               the
               earth
               onely
               capable
               of
               his
               
                 divine
                 communications
              
               ,
               who
               only
               is
               a
               
                 pure
                 capacity
              
               of
               God
               ,
               who
               gives
               him
               power
               to
               receive
               the
               abundance
               of
               his
               gifts
               ,
               and
               to
               bear
               the
               greatness
               of
               his
               Divinity
               .
               Assoon
               as
               we
               reflect
               hereupon
               ,
               we
               shall
               see
               the
               duties
               of
               our
               soul
               ,
               what
               our
               care
               and
               vigilancy
               must
               be
               :
               For
               the
               soul
               being
               a
               capacity
               of
               God
               ,
               what
               remains
               for
               her
               to
               do
               ,
               but
               to
               render
               her self
               worthy
               to
               possess
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               filled
               with
               him
               ,
               and
               altogether
               to
               abandon
               her self
               to
               his
               conduct
               and
               grace
               .
               She
               is
               obliged
               to
               esteem
               nothing
               but
               him
               ,
               to
               live
               onely
               for
               him
               ,
               being
               created
               onely
               for
               him
               ;
               and
               this
               being
               the
               end
               of
               her
               being
               and
               life
               ,
               she
               must
               have
               no
               care
               upon
               earth
               ,
               but
               to
               suffer
               her self
               to
               be
               filled
               with
               God
               ,
               to
               be
               possessed
               and
               ruled
               by
               his
               spirit
               ,
               and
               by
               his
               power
               .
               Thus
               we
               are
               obliged
               to
               
                 two
                 things
              
               :
               one
               to
               have
               a
               care
               and
               vigilancy
               to
               take
               all
               away
               that
               may
               separate
               
               us
               from
               God
               ,
               and
               make
               us
               unworthy
               of
               his
               divine
               and
               loving
               communications
               .
               The
               other
               ,
               to
               have
               a
               like
               vigilancy
               over
               our
               selves
               ,
               over
               our
               motions
               ,
               over
               our
               desires
               ,
               over
               our
               intentions
               ,
               and
               over
               our
               actions
               ,
               that
               they
               depend
               on
               God
               ,
               and
               be
               wholly
               submitted
               to
               his
               loving
               conduct
               .
               Let
               us
               yet
               say
               this
               more
               cleerly
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               possible
               ,
               in
               two
               words
               :
               The
               soul
               ought
               to
               have
               no
               care
               ,
               but
               that
               God
               
                 be
                 in
                 her
              
               ,
               repose
               
                 in
                 her
              
               ,
               dwell
               
                 in
                 the
                 bottom
                 of
                 her
                 heart
                 ,
              
               fill
               and
               
                 possess
                 her
              
               ,
               according
               to
               all
               the
               designes
               that
               he
               hath
               
                 on
                 her
              
               .
               This
               done
               ,
               and
               the
               soul
               living
               in
               this
               care
               with
               fidelity
               ,
               God
               reposing
               
                 in
                 her
              
               ,
               as
               in
               the
               Throne
               of
               his
               love
               ,
               will
               communicate
               to
               her
               what
               gifts
               ,
               and
               enrich
               her
               with
               what
               graces
               he
               pleaseth
               ,
               and
               in
               fine
               ,
               conduct
               her
               in
               the
               wayes
               that
               he
               desires
               ,
               the
               soul
               having
               no
               other
               desire
               then
               that
               God
               may
               be
               
                 in
                 her
              
               ,
               and
               she
               
                 in
                 God
              
               ,
               that
               is
               ,
               after
               the
               manner
               that
               God
               ought
               ,
               and
               
                 will
                 be
              
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               greatness
               and
               excess
               of
               his
               love
               .
               This
               is
               the
               
                 One
                 thing
              
               that
               is
               necessary
               ,
               
               whereof
               Iesus
               speaks
               to
               Saint
               Martha
               ,
               the
               
                 source
                 of
                 all
                 happiness
              
               ,
               the
               
                 top
                 of
                 all
                 perfection
              
               ,
               which
               Iesus
               calleth
               in
               
                 Magdalen
                 ,
                 the
                 better
                 part
              
               .
               Let
               us
               pray
               to
               God
               to
               place
               us
               in
               this
               
                 happy
                 estate
              
               ,
               to
               make
               us
               penetrate
               his
               truths
               ;
               Let
               us
               give
               our selves
               to
               him
               to
               enter
               therein
               ,
               and
               banishing
               all
               care
               ,
               all
               thoughts
               ,
               all
               love
               ,
               
               let
               us
               onely
               regard
               Iesus
               ;
               Let
               us
               require
               nothing
               but
               Iesus
               ;
               Let
               us
               love
               none
               but
               him
               ,
               who
               loves
               us
               above
               his
               life
               ;
               Let
               us
               cast
               our selves
               at
               his
               feet
               like
               
                 Mary
                 Magdalen
              
               ,
               and
               there
               melt
               our
               hearts
               ,
               
               and
               consume
               the
               poyson
               that
               is
               in
               them
               with
               the
               beams
               of
               this
               Sun
               of
               love
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               replenish
               us
               with
               his
               grace
               ,
               with
               his
               love
               ,
               and
               with
               his
               spirit
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               live
               onely
               by
               Iesus
               ,
               
               and
               as
               another
               
                 Magdalen
                 ,
                 seek
                 nothing
                 but
                 Iesus
              
               ;
               Let
               us
               now
               propose
               the
               dispositions
               necessary
               to
               attain
               so
               happy
               and
               desireable
               a
               Being
               .
            
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           THIRD
           PART
           .
           Proposing
           divers
           DISPOSITIONS
           and
           VERTUES
           necessary
           for
           a
           Christian
           to
           arrive
           to
           that
           perfection
           whereto
           he
           is
           obliged
           by
           Christianity
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             What
             those
             DISPOSITIONS
             are
             ,
             and
             how
             necessary
             they
             are
             to
             the
             practise
             of
             VERTVE
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             now
             time
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             practise
             of
             that
             vertue
             whereof
             we
             treat
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             set
             our selves
             on
             work
             ,
             to
             acquire
             the
             spirit
             to
             live
             the
             life
             that
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             ,
             whereto
             we
             were
             called
             from
             the
             first
             time
             that
             we
             became
             Christians
             .
             To
             attain
             this
             
             happy
             estate
             ,
             there
             is
             need
             of
             continuall
             Application
             and
             travail
             ,
             for
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             think
             to
             arrive
             thereto
             at
             one
             leap
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             bring
             dispositions
             suitable
             to
             so
             worthy
             a
             subject
             ,
             and
             labour
             not
             onely
             to
             attain
             hereto
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             persevere
             therein
             ;
             which
             we
             must
             do
             the
             more
             willingly
             and
             couragiously
             ,
             in
             that
             we
             are
             certain
             ,
             this
             way
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             all
             our
             happiness
             ,
             the
             
               true
               way
            
             to
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             live
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             whereto
             we
             are
             called
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             thing
             whereto
             we
             must
             bend
             our
             study
             ,
             is
             to
             know
             and
             acquire
             the
             inward
             dispositions
             necessary
             to
             lead
             us
             to
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             live
             the
             
               life
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             
               true
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
            
             ;
             this
             we
             are
             to
             learn
             in
             this
             
               third
               Part.
            
             And
             for
             as
             much
             as
             this
             Doctrine
             is
             proper
             for
             all
             sorts
             of
             vertues
             ,
             we
             will
             speak
             first
             of
             it
             in
             generall
             ,
             as
             well
             that
             we
             may
             the
             more
             easily
             come
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             particular
             ,
             as
             because
             many
             seem
             to
             seek
             vertue
             ,
             and
             frequent
             the
             exercises
             of
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             yet
             think
             not
             upon
             a
             thing
             so
             necessary
             ,
             nor
             know
             what
             this
             disposition
             is
             ,
             or
             wherein
             the
             spirit
             of
             vertue
             doth
             consist
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             soul
             and
             form
             of
             action
             .
             So
             that
             laying
             hold
             onely
             on
             the
             outside
             of
             vertue
             ,
             and
             considering
             it
             but
             as
             a
             body
             without
             a
             soul
             ,
             they
             are
             deceived
             in
             their
             imaginations
             ;
             and
             believing
             they
             do
             much
             ,
             they
             
             promise
             to
             themselves
             
               great
               profit
            
             ,
             rendring
             themselves
             punctuall
             ,
             and
             taking
             a
             great
             heed
             to
             some
             
               exteriour
               practises
            
             of
             vertues
             which
             they
             propose
             to
             themselves
             .
             We
             see
             many
             with
             much
             vigilancy
             every
             day
             or
             week
             ,
             take
             some
             vertue
             to
             practice
             ,
             they
             watch
             if
             they
             are
             wanting
             to
             
               emergent
               occasions
            
             ,
             and
             carefully
             mark
             their
             defaults
             ,
             to
             accuse
             ,
             and
             ,
             (
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             )
             to
             amend
             themselves
             :
             but
             after
             long
             practise
             ,
             we
             see
             they
             make
             small
             profit
             ,
             because
             they
             forget
             the
             interiour
             ,
             and
             put
             not
             themselves
             into
             the
             spirit
             of
             vertue
             ,
             to
             practise
             it
             with
             necessary
             and
             convenient
             dispositions
             .
             To
             prevent
             therefore
             the
             inconveniences
             which
             occur
             in
             this
             subject
             ,
             we
             must
             observe
             that
             in
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             ,
             all
             estates
             wherein
             the
             
               Christian
               soul
            
             may
             find
             it self
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             vertues
             that
             she
             can
             practise
             ,
             have
             ordinarily
             the
             Dispositions
             which
             ought
             to
             accompany
             or
             precede
             her
             ,
             and
             vertue
             hath
             a
             spirit
             ,
             which
             is
             as
             its
             essence
             ,
             or
             rather
             as
             its
             soul
             ,
             which
             ,
             as
             a
             form
             doth
             enliven
             and
             
               perfectionate
               her
            
             .
          
           
             The
             soul
             that
             will
             live
             the
             
               life
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             will
             acquire
             solid
             and
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             must
             carefully
             have
             regard
             to
             
               such
               dispositions
            
             that
             she
             may
             possess
             them
             ,
             to
             do
             the
             action
             which
             she
             doth
             ,
             perfectly
             ;
             seeing
             that
             in
             her
             ,
             vertue
             is
             exteriour
             and
             superficiall
             .
          
           
             She
             must
             further
             acknowledge
             and
             
               seek
               
               out
            
             what
             is
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               vertue
            
             ,
             or
             (
             as
             some
             say
             )
             what
             is
             her
             essence
             ,
             that
             practising
             that
             vertue
             ,
             she
             may
             effect
             it
             in
             her
             spirit
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             beare
             inwardly
             the
             sense
             of
             that
             vertue
             ,
             as
             outwardly
             she
             produceth
             the
             action
             .
             Thus
             shall
             she
             
               practise
               vertue
            
             in
             her
             heart
             inwardly
             ,
             as
             she
             
               does
               practise
            
             it
             by
             her
             hands
             outwardly
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             founded
             upon
             generall
             principles
             ,
             that
             the
             exteriour
             is
             nothing
             without
             the
             interiour
             ;
             so
             that
             we
             must
             first
             labour
             to
             form
             and
             perfectionate
             our
             interiour
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             
               exteriour
               actions
            
             ,
             as
             the
             wheels
             of
             the
             Clock
             are
             to
             the
             weights
             ,
             or
             rather
             as
             the
             soul
             is
             to
             the
             body
             .
          
           
             All
             the
             World
             holds
             this
             for
             truth
             ;
             yet
             we
             seem
             not
             to
             consider
             enough
             ,
             what
             the
             meaning
             of
             interiour
             is
             ,
             that
             onely
             the
             intention
             must
             be
             good
             ,
             as
             many
             think
             and
             believe
             ;
             that
             it
             suffices
             in
             all
             things
             to
             have
             a
             
               good
               intention
            
             ,
             and
             
               simple
               regard
            
             to
             the
             Action
             .
             But
             when
             we
             speak
             of
             the
             interiour
             ,
             we
             mean
             the
             
               bottom
               of
               the
               soul
            
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             
               Christian
               actions
               life
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Earth
             is
             to
             the
             fruits
             she
             produceth
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             root
             is
             to
             the
             Tree
             ,
             which
             it
             nourisheth
             and
             enliveneth
             .
             The
             
               bottom
               of
               the
               soul
            
             is
             the
             true
             principle
             and
             life
             of
             all
             our
             actions
             .
             By
             
               the
               bottom
               of
               the
               soul
            
             ,
             we
             understand
             a
             
               true
               and
               reall
               goodness
            
             which
             is
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             a
             pure
             intention
             that
             accompanies
             her
             ;
             grace
             that
             assists
             her
             ,
             
               necessary
               and
               suitable
               
               dispositions
            
             to
             the
             vertues
             which
             are
             in
             her
             ,
             all
             
               this
               I
               call
               the
               bottom
               of
               the
               soul.
            
             What
             will
             it
             profit
             a
             man
             to
             practise
             an
             action
             of
             outward
             humility
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             it
             with
             a
             good
             intention
             ,
             if
             
               in
               the
               bottom
               of
               his
               soul
            
             he
             hath
             a
             proud
             will
             ?
             what
             doth
             it
             serve
             for
             in
             a
             Christian
             ,
             to
             get
             the
             true
             vertue
             of
             charity
             outwardly
             ,
             to
             give
             alms
             ,
             and
             be
             liberall
             ,
             and
             
               in
               the
               bottom
               of
               his
               soul
               ,
            
             to
             bear
             a
             heart
             pitiless
             and
             covetous
             ?
             It
             is
             certain
             ,
             that
             after
             this
             manner
             ,
             he
             shall
             never
             acquire
             vertue
             ,
             though
             he
             had
             all
             the
             
               good
               intentions
            
             in
             the
             world
             ;
             because
             the
             
               foundation
               of
               his
               soul
            
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             
               the
               true
               interiour
            
             )
             is
             not
             good
             :
             the
             first
             thing
             he
             must
             do
             ,
             is
             ,
             to
             perfectionate
             the
             
               bottom
               of
               his
               soul
            
             ,
             and
             to
             form
             his
             interiour
             after
             the
             manner
             proposed
             ,
             to
             know
             the
             essence
             and
             spirit
             of
             vertue
             .
             Let
             us
             propose
             a
             particular
             example
             of
             some
             vertue
             ,
             as
             a
             rule
             for
             all
             the
             rest
             ;
             we
             will
             take
             humility
             ,
             which
             is
             necessary
             for
             all
             Christians
             .
             If
             we
             would
             acquire
             this
             vertue
             ,
             and
             practise
             it
             ,
             we
             must
             first
             know
             wherein
             it
             consists
             ,
             that
             when
             we
             would
             produce
             the
             acts
             thereof
             ,
             we
             may
             form
             them
             in
             the
             
               interiour
               spirit
            
             of
             this
             vertue
             ,
             conformable
             to
             our
             knowledge
             of
             it
             .
             For
             how
             can
             we
             practise
             a
             vertue
             ,
             if
             we
             know
             it
             not
             ?
             How
             shall
             we
             perform
             an
             act
             of
             humility
             ,
             if
             we
             know
             not
             what
             humility
             is
             ?
             We
             must
             then
             study
             to
             know
             the
             vertue
             that
             we
             would
             acquire
             ,
             
             unless
             God
             himself
             incited
             by
             his
             bounty
             ,
             give
             us
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               it
            
             ,
             without
             knowing
             it
             .
             But
             speaking
             according
             to
             the
             ordinary
             wayes
             of
             the
             
               practise
               of
               vertues
            
             ,
             we
             must
             know
             them
             ,
             that
             when
             we
             would
             acquire
             them
             ,
             by
             practise
             ,
             we
             must
             endeavour
             to
             do
             the
             Acts
             ,
             and
             accompany
             them
             with
             a
             sense
             and
             thought
             of
             vertue
             .
          
           
             We
             must
             further
             yet
             put
             our selves
             into
             
               dispositions
               interiour
            
             and
             convenient
             to
             the
             vertue
             we
             would
             acquire
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             vertue
             of
             humility
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             in
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             alone
             ,
             in
             a
             
               mean
               opinion
            
             of
             our selves
             ,
             in
             a
             desire
             of
             confusion
             and
             contempt
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             this
             from
             the
             
               bottom
               of
               the
               soul.
            
             The
             soul
             being
             in
             these
             dispositions
             ,
             will
             endeavour
             to
             apply
             her
             thoughts
             thereto
             ,
             when
             it
             shall
             be
             time
             to
             do
             any
             
               outward
               actions
            
             thereof
             .
             For
             example
             ,
             If
             she
             do
             an
             act
             of
             
               outward
               humility
            
             ,
             it
             will
             excite
             in
             her
             heart
             a
             thought
             and
             a
             sense
             of
             humility
             ,
             and
             awaken
             in
             her
             some
             
               disposition
               conformable
               to
               this
               vertue
            
             ,
             
             and
             so
             she
             will
             do
             this
             
               exteriour
               Act
            
             ,
             by
             an
             esteem
             and
             pure
             desire
             of
             humility
             ,
             with
             
               mean
               esteem
            
             of
             her self
             .
             To
             do
             an
             action
             after
             this
             sort
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             I
             call
             to
             do
             it
             in
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             
               dispositions
               of
               vertue
            
             .
          
           
             To
             see
             how
             necessary
             this
             is
             ,
             we
             need
             no
             other
             Witness
             then
             Experience
             ;
             no
             other
             Judge
             then
             Reason
             ;
             for
             how
             can
             we
             (
             for
             
             example
             ,
             )
             get
             the
             vertue
             of
             humility
             ,
             though
             we
             should
             perform
             infinite
             and
             extraordinary
             acts
             of
             it
             ,
             if
             we
             know
             not
             this
             vertue
             ?
             and
             if
             in
             practising
             it
             outwardly
             ,
             we
             reflect
             not
             upon
             it self
             ?
             How
             can
             we
             conceive
             that
             a
             man
             can
             attain
             this
             vertue
             by
             any
             
               extraordinary
               practice
            
             whatsoever
             ,
             if
             we
             bring
             
               contrary
               dispositions
            
             ?
             It
             is
             evidently
             impossible
             .
             We
             must
             therefore
             take
             care
             to
             establish
             it
             in
             the
             dispositions
             of
             vertue
             ,
             and
             first
             labour
             to
             form
             her
             interiour
             ;
             for
             he
             that
             shall
             have
             an
             ill
             foundation
             in
             his
             soul
             ,
             cannot
             produce
             good
             fruits
             .
             Can
             we
             acquire
             humility
             ,
             if
             at
             the
             same
             time
             that
             we
             produce
             
               exteriour
               acts
               of
               humility
            
             ,
             our
             soul
             is
             filled
             with
             
               esteem
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             our
             spirit
             full
             of
             doubleness
             ,
             our
             sense
             given
             to
             curiosity
             ,
             our
             
               whole
               heart
            
             tyed
             to
             our
             
               proper
               interests
            
             ?
             It
             is
             cleer
             ,
             that
             in
             so
             doing
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             an
             
               impossible
               labour
            
             .
             We
             must
             then
             confess
             ,
             that
             to
             attain
             
               true
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             have
             
               inward
               care
            
             ,
             (
             that
             is
             to
             say
             )
             that
             the
             first
             thing
             we
             must
             study
             ,
             is
             
               to
               take
               care
            
             that
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             souls
             be
             good
             ;
             
             
               If
               the
               root
               be
               holy
               ,
               so
               are
               the
               branches
               .
            
             Then
             we
             must
             labour
             to
             acquire
             the
             dispositions
             necescessary
             to
             accompany
             vertue
             ;
             to
             do
             otherwise
             ,
             is
             to
             take
             the
             shadow
             ,
             and
             to
             leave
             the
             substance
             ,
             to
             bear
             the
             image
             of
             vertue
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             the
             reality
             of
             vice
             ;
             it
             is
             to
             pursue
             continually
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             nothing
             but
             flyes
             .
             We
             
             see
             the
             experience
             in
             them
             ,
             who
             think
             only
             of
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             care
             but
             of
             certain
             
               superficiall
               practices
            
             and
             rules
             ,
             that
             look
             not
             to
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             interiour
             ,
             but
             very
             little
             or
             afar
             off
             ;
             such
             souls
             are
             void
             of
             God
             and
             without
             vertue
             ,
             having
             only
             a
             
               deceitful
               appearance
            
             ,
             like
             false
             pearls
             ,
             which
             are
             filled
             but
             with
             wind
             ,
             mountains
             in
             shew
             ,
             but
             touch
             them
             ,
             and
             you
             shall
             see
             come
             out
             of
             them
             nothing
             but
             smoke
             .
             Vertue
             is
             an
             heritage
             too
             noble
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             bought
             with
             
               good
               money
            
             ,
             I
             mean
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             gain'd
             by
             practices
             suitable
             to
             her
             dignity
             .
             Let
             us
             apply
             our
             particular
             subject
             to
             that
             we
             have
             said
             in
             generall
             .
             We
             treat
             in
             the
             Discourse
             of
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             of
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             subjection
             wherein
             a
             soul
             ought
             to
             be
             towards
             God
             ;
             and
             it
             being
             proposed
             ,
             
               how
               to
               acquire
               true
               vertue
            
             ,
             it
             consequently
             treats
             of
             
               annihilating
               the
               spirit
            
             in
             our selves
             ,
             the
             care
             and
             conduct
             we
             have
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             resigne
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             live
             ,
             but
             in
             subjection
             to
             his
             spirit
             onely
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             grace
             .
             We
             have
             made
             the
             necessity
             of
             this
             estate
             sufficiently
             appear
             ,
             and
             the
             obligation
             that
             we
             have
             thereto
             ;
             there
             rests
             nothing
             but
             to
             shew
             the
             means
             whereby
             we
             may
             enter
             into
             these
             dispositions
             suitable
             to
             her
             ,
             without
             which
             we
             may
             truly
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             soul
             shall
             never
             attain
             the
             true
             and
             
               constant
               practice
            
             of
             vertue
             ,
             which
             yet
             is
             necessary
             to
             
             many
             who
             think
             not
             thereon
             ;
             For
             ,
             we
             may
             averr
             ,
             (
             not
             without
             fears
             and
             regret
             that
             a
             great
             number
             of
             
               souls
               shut
               the
               door
               of
               their
               hearts
            
             to
             God
             ,
             
               oppose
               themselves
            
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             and
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             will
             never
             arrive
             to
             perfection
             ,
             what
             pains
             soever
             they
             take
             ,
             because
             they
             neglect
             and
             disesteem
             the
             practices
             of
             true
             vertue
             ,
             and
             slight
             them
             ,
             to
             adhere
             too
             much
             to
             their
             own
             sense
             ,
             to
             love
             themselves
             too
             much
             ,
             and
             to
             seek
             too
             greedily
             their
             
               proper
               interests
            
             .
             This
             is
             that
             (
             to
             speak
             properly
             )
             which
             hinders
             them
             from
             resigning
             themselves
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             God.
             Hence
             it
             proceeds
             ,
             that
             by
             too
             much
             seeking
             after
             their
             own
             satistaction
             ,
             their
             profit
             ,
             and
             the
             contentment
             of
             their
             spirit
             ,
             they
             grieve
             
               the
               spirit
               of
               God
            
             ,
             captivate
             grace
             ,
             and
             lose
             themselves
             in
             seeking
             themselves
             ;
             and
             in
             stead
             of
             uniting
             themselves
             to
             God
             ,
             they
             separate
             themselves
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             (
             which
             is
             more
             to
             be
             feared
             )
             they
             go
             out
             of
             the
             
               ordinances
               of
               heaven
            
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             counsels
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             follow
             their
             
               own
               will
            
             ,
             their
             
               own
               desires
            
             ,
             and
             their
             
               own
               conduct
            
             ,
             to
             tye
             themselves
             to
             their
             
               own
               flattering
               affections
            
             .
             It
             is
             they
             must
             give
             remedy
             to
             their
             
               own
               mishap
            
             ;
             Let
             us
             leave
             them
             ,
             to
             speak
             to
             souls
             who
             will
             
               quit
               themselves
               wholly
            
             to
             acquire
             the
             happy
             possession
             of
             vertues
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             Severall
             practises
             ,
             whereof
             we
             may
             make
             use
             to
             attain
             
               Christian
               Vertues
            
             .
          
           
             SInce
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             must
             be
             a
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             a
             life
             representing
             the
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             expressing
             in
             man
             the
             perfections
             of
             Divinity
             ,
             it
             followeth
             that
             the
             actions
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             such
             a
             Principle
             ,
             be
             great
             and
             suitable
             to
             such
             an
             estate
             ,
             and
             worthy
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             dwels
             in
             it
             by
             the
             
               grace
               of
               adoption
            
             .
             And
             if
             the
             vertues
             of
             a
             Christian
             are
             so
             worthy
             and
             rare
             ;
             certainly
             the
             dispositions
             must
             be
             also
             great
             ,
             the
             way
             to
             obtain
             them
             singular
             ,
             and
             the
             practice
             extraordinary
             ;
             For
             as
             there
             is
             great
             difference
             between
             the
             
               morall
               vertues
            
             of
             Philosophy
             ,
             and
             the
             supernaturall
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             so
             must
             the
             practice
             hereof
             be
             different
             and
             extraordinary
             .
          
           
             The
             wisest
             of
             the
             times
             past
             ,
             gave
             Precepts
             to
             form
             man
             ,
             and
             instate
             him
             in
             the
             most
             
               perfect
               use
               of
               reason
            
             ;
             they
             prescribed
             Laws
             to
             overcome
             and
             subject
             the
             passions
             to
             the
             
               reasonable
               will
            
             ,
             the
             most
             noble
             part
             of
             the
             soul.
             But
             all
             this
             considered
             ,
             is
             no
             more
             then
             to
             make
             us
             
               perfect
               men
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             
               very
               reasonable
            
             ;
             but
             our
             business
             is
             to
             make
             our
             
             selves
             
               perfect
               Christians
            
             :
             and
             as
             it
             is
             much
             more
             to
             be
             Christians
             ,
             then
             to
             be
             men
             (
             there
             being
             a
             great
             difference
             between
             them
             ;
             )
             so
             the
             practises
             imposed
             for
             attaining
             these
             two
             estates
             ,
             are
             different
             ,
             one
             as
             much
             advanced
             above
             the
             other
             ,
             as
             the
             state
             of
             a
             Christian
             is
             above
             that
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             as
             grace
             is
             above
             nature
             .
             We
             must
             now
             build
             upon
             this
             foundation
             ,
             and
             advance
             the
             edifice
             of
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             upon
             the
             principles
             we
             intend
             to
             propose
             .
             Therefore
             we
             must
             speak
             and
             act
             as
             Christians
             ,
             not
             as
             Philosophers
             .
             I
             say
             then
             ,
             to
             attain
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             we
             must
             before
             all
             things
             ,
             have
             a
             great
             desire
             of
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             a
             resolution
             to
             labour
             in
             the
             acquisition
             of
             
               true
               vertues
            
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             is
             necessary
             ,
             and
             as
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             .
             This
             desire
             must
             be
             efficacious
             and
             permanent
             ,
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             heart
             .
             It
             is
             good
             also
             to
             awaken
             if
             often
             ,
             and
             to
             form
             acts
             thereof
             with
             
               application
               of
               spirit
            
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             means
             to
             obtain
             vertue
             is
             prayer
             .
             The
             soul
             that
             applies
             her self
             with
             perseverance
             to
             prayer
             ,
             cannot
             fail
             of
             the
             possession
             of
             vertue
             .
             Prayer
             is
             understood
             two
             wayes
             ;
             first
             
               as
               a
               demand
            
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             should
             say
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             demand
             vertue
             of
             God
             ,
             
             he
             will
             give
             it
             us
             .
             
               If
               any
               of
               you
               lack
               wisdom
               ,
               let
               him
               ask
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               giveth
               to
               all
               men
               liberally
               .
            
             This
             Proposition
             is
             true
             in
             this
             sense
             ;
             but
             this
             demand
             must
             be
             
             accompanyed
             with
             these
             considerations
             ,
             true
             desire
             of
             
               vertue
               ,
               perseverance
            
             in
             prayer
             ,
             a
             vigilancy
             to
             become
             faithful
             to
             the
             grace
             that
             God
             communicates
             to
             us
             ;
             otherwise
             our
             demand
             will
             be
             
               without
               effect
            
             ,
             our
             prayer
             without
             fruit
             .
             It
             is
             not
             sufficient
             for
             the
             soul
             that
             would
             be
             said
             to
             arrive
             at
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             to
             nourish
             in
             it self
             
               vertuous
               desires
            
             ,
             and
             to
             demand
             them
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             she
             be
             not
             also
             careful
             to
             demand
             them
             
               as
               she
               ought
            
             ,
             and
             if
             she
             doth
             not
             with
             vigilancy
             labour
             in
             the
             practise
             and
             exercise
             of
             these
             vertues
             .
             God
             will
             have
             us
             co-operate
             with
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             put
             to
             our
             hand
             to
             do
             
               with
               him
            
             what
             he
             will
             
               operate
               in
               us
            
             ;
             so
             that
             to
             obtain
             vertues
             ,
             we
             must
             demand
             them
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             in
             demanding
             them
             ,
             we
             must
             labour
             therein
             .
             Thus
             we
             must
             understand
             the
             
               acquisition
               of
               vertues
               by
               prayer
            
             .
             This
             Proposition
             is
             built
             upon
             this
             truth
             ,
             
               That
               we
               cannot
               have
               vertue
               unless
               God
               give
               it
               ,
               and
               God
               gives
               it
               not
               ,
            
             but
             with
             an
             intent
             that
             we
             should
             
               co-operate
               therein
            
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             should
             labour
             on
             
               our
               parts
            
             ,
             shewing
             in
             this
             co-operation
             ,
             the
             fidelity
             of
             our
             souls
             .
             For
             this
             end
             hath
             God
             given
             us
             
               free
               will.
            
             
          
           
             There
             is
             yet
             another
             way
             of
             
               obtaining
               vertues
               by
               prayer
            
             ,
             understanding
             by
             prayer
             meditation
             ,
             or
             as
             we
             say
             ordinarily
             ,
             
               mentall
               prayer
            
             .
             The
             soul
             ,
             which
             applies
             it self
             to
             this
             exercise
             ,
             considering
             the
             
               greatness
               of
               the
               Divinity
            
             ,
             
             the
             
               verities
               of
               Faith
            
             ,
             the
             
               beauty
               and
               stability
               of
               eternall
               things
               ,
            
             the
             
               inconstancy
               of
               temporall
            
             ,
             the
             
               vanity
               of
               all
               in
               the
               World
               ,
            
             easily
             apprehends
             the
             
               love
               of
               Truth
            
             ,
             and
             a
             
               contempt
               of
               vanity
            
             ,
             (
             two
             ,
             foundations
             necessary
             to
             the
             perfections
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             )
             the
             soul
             by
             this
             exercise
             ,
             remaining
             united
             and
             tyed
             to
             God
             ,
             receives
             the
             rayes
             of
             this
             
               divine
               light
            
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             life
             and
             way
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             if
             she
             persevere
             with
             fidelity
             ,
             must
             at
             last
             be
             wounded
             with
             this
             love
             which
             she
             so
             contemplates
             .
             By
             this
             means
             entring
             into
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             
               divine
               love
            
             (
             which
             is
             alwayes
             liberall
             of
             Communications
             ,
             )
             she
             will
             infallibly
             receive
             the
             Vertues
             necessary
             for
             her
             ,
             and
             be
             inriched
             with
             most
             
               pure
               gifts
            
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             the
             
               greatness
               of
               God
            
             ,
             who
             will
             give
             her
             more
             then
             sufficiently
             graces
             convenient
             for
             living
             in
             the
             
               perfection
               of
               Christian
               Vertues
            
             :
             wherein
             appeares
             the
             necessity
             and
             profit
             of
             this
             manner
             of
             prayer
             ,
             which
             elevates
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             causes
             us
             to
             enter
             into
             a
             conversation
             with
             God
             ,
             unites
             us
             to
             him
             ,
             enlightens
             us
             ,
             transforms
             us
             ,
             and
             disposes
             us
             to
             the
             
               life
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             leads
             us
             to
             the
             acquisition
             and
             possession
             of
             
               true
               Vertues
            
             .
             Food
             is
             not
             so
             necessary
             to
             the
             life
             of
             the
             body
             ,
             as
             this
             manner
             of
             prayer
             to
             the
             
               life
               of
               the
               soul
            
             ,
             and
             the
             acquisition
             of
             Vertues
             .
          
           
             The
             second
             meanes
             to
             acquire
             Christian
             
             vertues
             ,
             is
             mortification
             ,
             which
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             the
             soul
             that
             will
             live
             the
             
               life
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             Christianly
             .
             We
             must
             remember
             ,
             and
             intentively
             consider
             that
             we
             are
             all
             the
             
               Children
               of
               Adam
            
             ,
             living
             his
             life
             ,
             following
             the
             inclinations
             of
             the
             being
             of
             Adam
             ;
             to
             be
             christian
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             the
             Child
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             live
             his
             life
             ,
             wholly
             to
             follow
             the
             
               spirit
               ,
               motions
            
             ,
             and
             holy
             inclinations
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             :
             into
             this
             state
             and
             new-being
             ,
             we
             are
             put
             by
             Baptisme
             .
             
             
               As
               many
               of
               you
            
             (
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             )
             
               as
               have
               been
               baptized
               into
               Christ
               ,
               have
               put
               on
               Christ
               ,
            
             meaning
             they
             are
             made
             like
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ;
             they
             are
             by
             grace
             ,
             that
             which
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             by
             nature
             .
          
           
             This
             truth
             granted
             ,
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             comprehend
             the
             necessity
             of
             mortification
             .
             If
             to
             be
             christians
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             re-invested
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             
               live
               of
               his
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             follow
             his
             motions
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             then
             to
             arrive
             to
             this
             happiness
             ,
             we
             must
             uncloath
             our selves
             of
             the
             spirit
             and
             inclinations
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             ,
             to
             speak
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             
               Apostle
               ,
               Put
               off
               the
               old
               man
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               put
               on
               the
               new
               man
            
             ;
             this
             cannot
             be
             done
             but
             by
             mortification
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             more
             necessary
             ,
             in
             that
             the
             inclinations
             and
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             are
             as
             much
             different
             from
             those
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Heaven
             is
             distant
             from
             the
             Earth
             .
             These
             two
             spirits
             are
             as
             contrary
             one
             to
             the
             other
             ,
             as
             the
             animal
             is
             
             to
             the
             spirituall
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             who
             saith
             ,
             
             
               The
               first
               man
               is
               of
               the
               earth
               earthy
               ,
               the
               second
               man
               is
               from
               Heaven
               ,
            
             and
             cannot
             accord
             together
             .
             Now
             to
             argue
             by
             the
             
               rule
               of
               contraries
            
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             that
             to
             establish
             the
             one
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             annihilate
             the
             other
             ;
             to
             plant
             good
             ,
             we
             must
             root
             out
             evill
             :
             so
             he
             that
             would
             love
             christianity
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             and
             vertue
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             must
             take
             away
             and
             mortifie
             the
             spirit
             and
             inclinations
             of
             Adam
             ,
             which
             are
             in
             all
             ,
             alwayes
             contrary
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
               The
               Son
               of
               God
               came
               into
               the
               world
               ,
            
             
             as
             Saint
             Iohn
             saith
             ,
             
               to
               destroy
               the
               works
               of
               the
               Devill
               .
            
             The
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             is
             a
             sinner
             ,
             and
             his
             inclinations
             are
             but
             concupiscences
             ,
             works
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             therefore
             is
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             come
             to
             destroy
             them
             .
             We
             must
             also
             labour
             and
             co-operate
             with
             him
             to
             destroy
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             root
             out
             of
             us
             ,
             all
             that
             sin
             hath
             put
             in
             us
             ,
             wherein
             mortification
             assists
             us
             .
          
           
             This
             that
             Divinity
             which
             we
             call
             mysticall
             ,
             teaches
             us
             ,
             which
             requires
             that
             a
             christian
             to
             arrive
             to
             that
             perfection
             whereto
             God
             calleth
             him
             ,
             passeth
             through
             the
             
               purgative
               life
            
             ,
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             
               mortification
               ,
               annihilation
            
             and
             resignation
             ,
             that
             by
             this
             exercise
             ,
             the
             soul
             may
             purge
             and
             cleanse
             it self
             from
             all
             that
             is
             in
             her
             opposite
             to
             grace
             and
             the
             true
             
               possession
               of
               God.
            
             This
             Doctrine
             is
             founded
             on
             a
             Truth
             
             which
             most
             know
             ,
             but
             consider
             not
             sufficiently
             ;
             
               That
               the
               whole
               nature
               and
               being
               of
               man
               is
               corrupt
               ,
            
             all
             his
             inclinations
             turned
             to
             evill
             ,
             carrying
             the
             centre
             ,
             the
             source
             and
             seed
             of
             all
             vice
             and
             imperfection
             in
             it
             .
             Now
             to
             order
             it
             so
             ,
             as
             that
             this
             nature
             of
             
               Adam
               ,
               this
               being
            
             ,
             may
             be
             possessed
             of
             God
             ,
             replenished
             with
             vertuous
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             may
             have
             in
             himself
             true
             charity
             the
             seed
             and
             principle
             of
             all
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ;
             he
             must
             necessarily
             take
             from
             it
             the
             evill
             that
             is
             in
             it
             ,
             for
             the
             good
             and
             perfection
             cannot
             be
             there
             but
             in
             taking
             away
             ,
             and
             rooting
             out
             the
             corruption
             and
             imperfection
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             done
             without
             a
             serious
             and
             continuall
             mortification
             inward
             or
             outward
             .
             
               Whence
               we
               learn
            
             ,
             that
             to
             acquire
             
               christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             demand
             them
             of
             God
             by
             prayer
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             a
             demand
             ,
             nor
             to
             consider
             them
             in
             
               mentall
               prayers
            
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             good
             resolutions
             thereon
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             
               know
               them
            
             and
             
               desire
               them
            
             ,
             nor
             to
             
               do
               acts
               of
               them
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               produce
               many
               practises
            
             of
             them
             ;
             but
             we
             must
             also
             root
             out
             of
             the
             foundation
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             all
             that
             which
             is
             contrary
             to
             vertue
             .
             The
             man
             who
             desires
             to
             live
             a
             good
             christian
             ,
             and
             aspires
             to
             true
             vertue
             ,
             as
             the
             onely
             way
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             must
             not
             so
             much
             busie
             himself
             in
             the
             acquisition
             of
             vertues
             by
             the
             practise
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             he
             must
             labour
             to
             
               root
               out
            
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             pull
             out
             of
             
             the
             foundation
             of
             his
             being
             ,
             all
             
               oppositions
               ,
               inclinations
            
             and
             customs
             contrary
             to
             true
             vertue
             .
             For
             as
             soon
             as
             he
             hath
             emptied
             his
             heart
             of
             all
             that
             is
             displeasing
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             contrary
             to
             him
             ,
             God
             will
             from
             that
             
               moment
               ,
               replenish
            
             and
             possess
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             liberally
             extend
             to
             him
             the
             graces
             and
             vertues
             necessary
             for
             him
             ;
             but
             withall
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             in
             which
             God
             gives
             them
             to
             him
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             faithfull
             on
             one
             side
             to
             correspond
             with
             the
             grace
             given
             him
             ;
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             he
             must
             labour
             to
             render
             himself
             more
             and
             more
             capable
             of
             the
             spirit
             and
             possession
             of
             God
             ;
             he
             endeavouring
             to
             cleanse
             and
             purify
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             God
             continually
             replenishing
             ,
             and
             consecrating
             it
             for
             his
             own
             dwelling
             ,
             and
             sanctifying
             it
             by
             his
             grace
             .
          
           
             By
             this
             
               amorous
               combate
            
             ,
             God
             always
             gives
             ,
             and
             is
             always
             augmenting
             his
             gifts
             ,
             man
             receives
             ,
             and
             in
             receiving
             ,
             disposes
             himself
             more
             and
             more
             ,
             
               to
               receive
               more
               abundantly
            
             the
             
               sweet
               bounties
            
             of
             God
             ;
             all
             which
             is
             done
             in
             the
             soul
             proportionably
             to
             her
             purifying
             and
             mortifying
             her self
             from
             all
             that
             is
             disagreeable
             and
             contrary
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             God.
             By
             mortification
             and
             the
             
               purgative
               life
            
             ,
             we
             not
             onely
             understand
             
               corporall
               austerities
            
             ,
             such
             as
             affect
             the
             sense
             ;
             as
             
               macerations
               ,
               fastings
            
             ,
             and
             other
             exercises
             ,
             which
             rob
             the
             sense
             of
             what
             is
             most
             agreeable
             to
             it
             (
             which
             although
             they
             be
             good
             
             and
             profitable
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             necessary
             ,
             yet
             are
             they
             not
             principall
             )
             but
             we
             apply
             this
             Doctrine
             ,
             first
             to
             
               interiour
               mortifications
            
             ,
             whereby
             the
             
               soul
               purifies
            
             her
             heart
             ,
             annihilates
             her
             sources
             therein
             ,
             and
             pulls
             away
             the
             roots
             of
             imperfections
             ;
             and
             of
             all
             that
             is
             displeasing
             to
             God.
             By
             this
             exercise
             ,
             she
             stifles
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             she
             can
             ,
             the
             seeds
             of
             self-love
             ,
             though
             hid
             in
             every
             thing
             ;
             she
             strives
             to
             gain
             a
             perfect
             victory
             over
             her self
             ;
             her
             principall
             care
             is
             to
             annihilate
             her
             will
             ,
             her
             intentions
             ,
             her
             desires
             ,
             her
             thoughts
             and
             inclinations
             to
             those
             of
             God
             ;
             choosing
             in
             all
             things
             that
             which
             is
             most
             pure
             ,
             most
             conformable
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             most
             opposite
             and
             contrary
             to
             her
             own
             inclinations
             and
             unruly
             affections
             .
             Hereunto
             she
             wholly
             addicts
             her self
             ;
             herein
             she
             is
             very
             vigilant
             ;
             she
             knows
             it
             generally
             ,
             a
             maxime
             ,
             that
             the
             more
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             is
             filled
             with
             the
             creatures
             ,
             and
             the
             love
             and
             regard
             of
             himself
             ,
             the
             more
             she
             is
             separated
             from
             God
             ,
             voyd
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             
               true
               vertue
            
             :
             Therefore
             she
             endeavours
             to
             exercise
             her self
             in
             this
             
               interiour
               mortification
            
             :
             Another
             Reason
             which
             obligeth
             us
             to
             the
             spirit
             and
             exercise
             of
             mortification
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             
               the
               Devil
               makes
               use
               of
               our
               inclinations
               ,
            
             of
             our
             habits
             ,
             of
             our
             desires
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             self-love
             ;
             yea
             ,
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             our
             selves
             against
             our selves
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             nature
             ,
             subjected
             as
             well
             by
             the
             
               sin
               of
               Adam
            
             ,
             as
             our
             
             
               actuall
               sins
            
             ;
             he
             makes
             use
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             thereof
             to
             cast
             us
             away
             ,
             and
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             even
             in
             things
             most
             holy
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             interiour
             ,
             and
             therefore
             to
             avoid
             the
             perils
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             the
             weapons
             from
             the
             hands
             of
             our
             enemie
             ,
             whereof
             he
             makes
             use
             to
             
               undo
               us
            
             ,
             we
             must
             necessarily
             pass
             through
             the
             
               purgative
               life
            
             ;
             we
             must
             
               go
               out
            
             of
             our
             
               selves
               ,
               out
               of
            
             the
             life
             of
             Adam
             ,
             to
             be
             
               in
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             mortifie
             our selves
             to
             make
             place
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             take
             from
             our
             heart
             all
             that
             may
             displease
             him
             ,
             that
             is
             opposite
             to
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             by
             this
             exercise
             ,
             we
             shall
             easily
             arrive
             to
             the
             acquisition
             of
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             That
             the
             adherence
             of
             a
             Soul
             to
             Iesus
             Christ
             is
             the
             most
             perfect
             means
             to
             possess
             all
             Christian
             vertue
             .
          
           
             THat
             vertue
             which
             we
             call
             Christian
             ,
             is
             a
             
               hidden
               treasure
            
             ,
             hid
             in
             God
             ,
             the
             very
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             according
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             is
             such
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             Pearl
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             which
             he
             who
             would
             obtain
             heaven
             must
             seek
             and
             buy
             ;
             he
             must
             seek
             it
             in
             God
             with
             all
             diligence
             ,
             and
             buy
             it
             at
             the
             price
             of
             all
             the
             world
             .
             Nothing
             is
             more
             precious
             then
             true
             vertue
             ,
             
             which
             alone
             renders
             us
             like
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             worthy
             of
             Paradise
             ,
             all
             things
             else
             are
             nothing
             but
             
               vanity
               ,
               amuzement
               of
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             
               unprofitable
               travell
            
             .
          
           
             Of
             known
             and
             
               ordinary
               means
            
             to
             arrive
             at
             the
             possession
             of
             so
             rich
             a
             treasure
             ,
             there
             is
             one
             to
             be
             preferred
             before
             all
             others
             ,
             which
             though
             
               little
               considered
            
             ,
             and
             ,
             perhaps
             ,
             little
             known
             ,
             
               is
               most
               important
            
             ,
             without
             which
             all
             others
             are
             ineffectuall
             .
             This
             is
             
               the
               adherence
               of
               our
               soul
               to
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             This
             puts
             us
             into
             possession
             of
             vertues
             :
             He
             who
             adheres
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             is
             
               one
               spirit
               with
               him
               ,
               possesses
               him
               ,
            
             and
             in
             him
             
               all
               vertues
            
             .
          
           
             To
             comprehend
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             must
             remember
             that
             we
             said
             ,
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             our
             All
             ;
             whence
             it
             followeth
             ,
             he
             is
             
               our
               humility
               ,
               our
               love
               ,
               our
               patience
               ,
               our
               vertue
            
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             shall
             
               possess
               him
            
             ,
             shall
             
               possess
               all
            
             in
             him
             ;
             He
             is
             the
             foundation
             ,
             the
             treasure
             and
             riches
             of
             the
             soul
             ;
             
             
               He
               is
               made
               unto
               us
            
             ,
             saith
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               sanctification
               and
               redemption
               .
            
             Who
             then
             would
             have
             
               wisdom
               ,
               righteousness
            
             ,
             and
             other
             vertues
             ,
             let
             him
             adhere
             to
             Iesus
             ;
             He
             that
             would
             acquire
             and
             
               possess
               perfection
            
             ,
             
             let
             him
             
               possess
               Iesus
            
             ,
             for
             in
             him
             ,
             
               are
               hid
               all
               the
               treasures
               of
               wisdom
               and
               knowledge
               .
            
             The
             Apostle
             explains
             this
             further
             ,
             
             saying
             ,
             
               The
               eternall
               Father
               giveth
               us
               his
               Son
               ,
            
             and
             with
             him
             freely
             
               giveth
               us
               all
               things
            
             ;
             by
             which
             words
             ,
             
             he
             not
             onely
             implies
             ,
             that
             by
             his
             merits
             ,
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             love
             we
             have
             all
             ,
             but
             moreover
             ,
             that
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             (
             note
             the
             energy
             of
             this
             word
             ,
             with
             Iesus
             )
             we
             have
             all
             ,
             possessing
             him
             we
             possess
             all
             ;
             we
             must
             add
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             do
             not
             possess
             ,
             nor
             adhere
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             cannot
             have
             true
             
               christian
               vertue
            
             .
          
           
             This
             truth
             is
             not
             hard
             to
             conceive
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             the
             essence
             of
             
               christian
               vertue
            
             and
             perfection
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             or
             Iesus
             himself
             living
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             
               working
               in
               us
               that
               which
               is
               well
               pleasing
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
            
             
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             .
             Our
             ordinary
             manner
             of
             speaking
             ,
             teacheth
             us
             as
             much
             ,
             for
             we
             say
             ,
             vertue
             and
             
               christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             have
             their
             beginning
             in
             grace
             from
             whence
             they
             spring
             ,
             and
             what
             goes
             out
             of
             a
             just
             soul
             ,
             that
             we
             call
             grace
             .
             Now
             the
             soul
             cannot
             be
             in
             grace
             nor
             just
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             habitation
             of
             the
             holy
             spirit
             ,
             living
             and
             acting
             in
             her
             .
             So
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               The
               love
               of
               God
               is
               shed
               abroad
               in
               our
               hearts
               by
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
            
             
             
               which
               is
               given
               to
               us
            
             ,
             whence
             we
             infer
             ,
             that
             if
             to
             live
             in
             
               christian
               vertue
            
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             in
             grace
             ,
             and
             if
             grace
             be
             no
             other
             then
             the
             holy
             spirit
             ,
             living
             in
             us
             and
             there
             acting
             ,
             seeing
             the
             holy
             spirit
             is
             no
             other
             then
             the
             very
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             it
             followeth
             evidently
             ,
             that
             to
             live
             christianly
             ,
             we
             must
             possess
             true
             vertues
             ,
             and
             to
             possess
             them
             ,
             we
             must
             possess
             
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             for
             grace
             and
             righteousness
             consists
             in
             this
             possession
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             rise
             higher
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             the
             source
             hereof
             ,
             Faith
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             in
             Adam
             we
             are
             devested
             of
             innocence
             ,
             fallen
             from
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             and
             perfection
             ,
             whereto
             we
             were
             destined
             by
             Creation
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             first
             designes
             of
             God.
             By
             this
             fall
             we
             have
             lost
             for
             ever
             the
             vertues
             ,
             graces
             ,
             and
             supernaturall
             gifts
             ,
             wherewith
             the
             infinite
             goodness
             of
             God
             had
             inriched
             and
             cloathed
             the
             first
             man.
             At
             the
             sight
             of
             this
             misfortune
             ,
             God
             being
             moved
             ,
             onely
             by
             his
             own
             goodness
             to
             be
             merciful
             to
             us
             ,
             would
             raise
             us
             from
             this
             fall
             ,
             and
             inrich
             us
             more
             then
             ever
             with
             his
             graces
             and
             heavenly
             favours
             ;
             
               where
               sinne
               abounded
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             
               grace
               did
               much
               more
               abound
            
             .
             To
             raise
             us
             to
             this
             happiness
             ,
             he
             would
             give
             us
             a
             new
             beginning
             of
             life
             and
             grace
             ,
             his
             onely
             Sonne
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             being
             made
             man
             by
             the
             mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             is
             established
             Father
             and
             principle
             of
             that
             being
             and
             life
             of
             grace
             which
             should
             be
             in
             man.
             As
             we
             participate
             in
             sin
             of
             the
             evil
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             are
             with
             him
             despoiled
             of
             all
             vertues
             and
             grace
             ,
             adhering
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             our
             naturall
             principle
             ,
             and
             have
             with
             him
             his
             being
             and
             his
             nature
             .
             So
             adhering
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             as
             to
             our
             Head
             ,
             our
             
               new
               Principle
            
             ,
             we
             participate
             of
             his
             being
             ,
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             of
             his
             
             grace
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             vertues
             .
             This
             witnesseth
             the
             Forerunner
             of
             the
             Messiah
             ,
             who
             saith
             ,
             
               Of
               his
               fulness
               we
               have
               all
               received
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               grace
               for
               grace
            
             .
             From
             this
             being
             ,
             deliberately
             considered
             ,
             we
             may
             derive
             worthy
             documents
             to
             our
             subject
             :
             First
             ,
             we
             see
             how
             much
             we
             ought
             to
             adhere
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             live
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             participate
             his
             vertues
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             onely
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ;
             for
             in
             as
             much
             as
             we
             adhere
             to
             Adam
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             capable
             of
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             to
             live
             the
             life
             of
             sinners
             ,
             we
             have
             no
             right
             to
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             to
             practise
             or
             possess
             any
             
               Chrstian
               vertue
            
             .
             If
             we
             will
             live
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             obtain
             power
             to
             practise
             and
             
               possess
               vertue
            
             ,
             we
             must
             lay
             hold
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             it
             of
             him
             ,
             we
             must
             adhere
             to
             him
             ;
             for
             we
             cannot
             possess
             him
             ,
             but
             in
             adhering
             to
             him
             ;
             wherein
             appeareth
             also
             the
             necessity
             of
             this
             adherence
             .
             From
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             draw
             a
             
               second
               document
            
             ,
             how
             much
             they
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             who
             speak
             meanly
             and
             indifferently
             of
             true
             Christans
             ,
             or
             of
             a
             thing
             proportioned
             to
             our
             reason
             and
             being
             ;
             For
             according
             to
             the
             Principles
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             words
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             as
             Christians
             ,
             we
             must
             
               put
               on
               the
               Lord
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             gifts
             of
             the
             graces
             and
             vertues
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             in
             such
             manner
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             like
             unto
             him
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             degree
             of
             perfection
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             bear
             in
             us
             an
             expression
             and
             a
             
               lively
               image
            
             of
             the
             life
             
             and
             vertues
             of
             
               Iesus
               .
               Christian
               vertue
            
             ,
             is
             not
             animitation
             of
             the
             life
             and
             vertues
             of
             a
             perfect
             man
             ,
             not
             of
             Adam
             ,
             considered
             in
             his
             Innocency
             and
             originall
             Iustice
             ,
             to
             have
             vertues
             after
             this
             manner
             ,
             were
             not
             much
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             lively
             Image
             of
             the
             vertues
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             Man-God
             ;
             or
             to
             say
             better
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             life
             and
             vertue
             it self
             of
             Iesus
             in
             man
             :
             As
             men
             are
             distinguished
             by
             their
             habits
             ,
             so
             are
             true
             Christians
             from
             others
             ,
             by
             these
             vertues
             ;
             and
             these
             vertues
             are
             distinguished
             from
             all
             others
             (
             if
             there
             be
             any
             )
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             .
          
           
             Here
             then
             appears
             the
             divinity
             and
             perfection
             of
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             vertues
             of
             Iesus
             himself
             ,
             according
             to
             which
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             we
             are
             
               new
               creatures
            
             :
             As
             creatures
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             
             we
             must
             bear
             his
             Image
             which
             is
             divine
             and
             celestiall
             ,
             not
             that
             of
             Adam
             ,
             which
             is
             humane
             and
             terrestriall
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             our
             life
             and
             vertues
             must
             not
             be
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             but
             of
             God
             ;
             life
             and
             vertues
             as
             different
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             as
             heaven
             is
             distant
             from
             the
             earth
             ,
             as
             unlike
             as
             Iesus
             is
             to
             sinfull
             Adam
             .
          
           
             Finally
             ,
             by
             these
             Principles
             ,
             we
             learn
             (
             and
             it
             is
             that
             I
             would
             most
             perswade
             )
             that
             the
             way
             to
             obtain
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             the
             most
             powerfull
             means
             to
             arrive
             to
             perfection
             ,
             is
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             to
             prostrate
             our selves
             frequently
             before
             the
             Throne
             of
             his
             greatness
             ,
             
             to
             subject
             our selves
             to
             his
             soveraignty
             ,
             to
             give
             our selves
             to
             him
             and
             to
             his
             vertues
             ,
             to
             endeavour
             to
             be
             replenished
             with
             his
             spirit
             ,
             to
             bear
             him
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             centre
             is
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             its
             circumference
             ,
             he
             may
             be
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             as
             the
             centre
             of
             our
             being
             and
             our
             souls
             ;
             We
             must
             look
             upon
             this
             practice
             as
             very
             important
             to
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             adhering
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             possessing
             him
             ,
             she
             shall
             possess
             all
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             easily
             obtain
             all
             from
             him
             ;
             a
             truth
             none
             can
             be
             ignorant
             of
             that
             do
             acquire
             vertues
             ;
             We
             must
             have
             them
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             their
             onely
             principle
             ,
             Object
             and
             Prototype
             ,
             upon
             whom
             we
             must
             mould
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             form
             our
             life
             ;
             By
             him
             the
             eternall
             Father
             speaks
             to
             us
             ;
             by
             him
             he
             teacheth
             us
             ;
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             by
             him
             he
             giveth
             us
             this
             life
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             perfection
             ,
             the
             life
             which
             is
             no
             other
             then
             Iesus
             living
             in
             us
             ;
             
               He
               that
               hath
               the
               Son
            
             ,
             
             
               hath
               life
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               hath
               not
               the
               Son
               ,
               hath
               not
               life
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             beloved
             Disciple
             .
             What
             is
             there
             more
             cleer
             ?
             there
             onely
             remains
             to
             practise
             what
             we
             have
             said
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             The
             means
             whereby
             we
             may
             arrive
             to
             the
             adherence
             of
             our
             souls
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             obstacles
             which
             hinder
             it
             .
          
           
             TO
             know
             truth
             ,
             and
             not
             
               practise
               it
            
             ,
             avails
             little
             .
             God
             in
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             threatens
             
               many
               stripes
               to
               the
               servant
               that
               knoweth
               the
               will
               of
               his
               Lord
               and
               Master
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               doth
               not
               according
               to
               it
            
             ;
             To
             what
             purpose
             is
             it
             to
             love
             vertue
             and
             embrace
             vice
             ?
             to
             praise
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             follow
             evil
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             condemned
             out
             of
             our
             own
             mouths
             .
             We
             say
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             love
             ,
             to
             esteem
             and
             to
             
               know
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             as
             others
             do
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             them
             as
             God
             requires
             :
             We
             are
             therefore
             now
             to
             shew
             how
             we
             must
             practise
             what
             hath
             bin
             already
             said
             .
             To
             do
             a
             
               Christian
               action
            
             ,
             requireth
             not
             onely
             that
             it
             be
             good
             ,
             and
             done
             in
             grace
             ,
             but
             it
             must
             be
             done
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             he
             pours
             into
             us
             in
             such
             manner
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             vertue
             which
             is
             in
             us
             comes
             from
             him
             ,
             with
             such
             dependence
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             members
             receive
             of
             the
             Head
             ,
             so
             Iesus
             being
             our
             Head
             ,
             and
             we
             his
             members
             ,
             we
             can
             receive
             nothing
             but
             from
             him
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             true
             and
             necessary
             ,
             that
             
             he
             himself
             saith
             ,
             
               As
               the
               branch
               cannot
               bear
               fruit
               of
               it self
               ,
            
             
             
               except
               it
               abide
               in
               the
               Vine
               ,
               no
               no
               more
               can
               ye
               ,
               except
               ye
               abide
               with
               me
            
             ;
             our
             soul
             is
             barren
             ,
             and
             without
             the
             fruit
             of
             grace
             ,
             if
             she
             dwell
             not
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             take
             not
             
               from
               him
            
             all
             her
             
               juice
               ,
               life
            
             and
             true
             vertues
             .
             To
             adhere
             to
             this
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             ,
             a
             man
             must
             be
             devested
             of
             himself
             ,
             severed
             from
             the
             creatures
             ,
             not
             onely
             by
             will
             and
             
               good
               intention
            
             ,
             but
             by
             effect
             also
             ;
             he
             must
             have
             a
             continuall
             recourse
             by
             grace
             ,
             with
             a
             
               spirit
               of
               submission
            
             and
             dependency
             upon
             grace
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             have
             power
             to
             act
             freely
             in
             him
             ;
             we
             must
             regard
             the
             vertue
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             imitate
             it
             ,
             especially
             those
             vertues
             which
             are
             most
             eminent
             in
             his
             life
             ,
             the
             bases
             and
             foundation
             of
             solid
             perfection
             ,
             as
             profound
             
               humility
               ,
               purity
               of
               heart
               ,
               contempt
               of
               the
               world
               ,
            
             and
             the
             like
             solid
             vertues
             ,
             onely
             appearing
             in
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             But
             we
             must
             take
             heed
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             practice
             and
             exercise
             of
             vertues
             we
             seek
             them
             not
             so
             much
             because
             of
             their
             excellency
             ,
             nor
             to
             become
             thereby
             better
             or
             more
             perfect
             ,
             nor
             for
             our
             
               own
               interests
            
             ,
             but
             chiefly
             ,
             and
             
               above
               all
            
             ,
             for
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             the
             honour
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             imitating
             him
             in
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             live
             in
             a
             manner
             pleasing
             to
             him
             ;
             and
             since
             the
             end
             of
             our
             actions
             must
             be
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             convenient
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             no
             other
             design
             then
             to
             please
             and
             glorifie
             him
             .
             
             If
             you
             desire
             a
             more
             express
             practise
             ,
             I
             propose
             it
             thus
             .
             When
             we
             have
             formed
             some
             good
             resolution
             in
             prayer
             ,
             or
             that
             the
             doing
             of
             some
             act
             of
             vertue
             is
             in
             question
             ,
             we
             must
             presently
             give
             our selves
             up
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             accomplish
             this
             act
             of
             vertue
             ,
             according
             as
             he
             desires
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             designs
             of
             his
             Crosse
             ,
             it
             not
             being
             necessary
             to
             form
             any
             particular
             intention
             or
             design
             ;
             as
             for
             example
             ,
             being
             to
             form
             a
             resolution
             to
             practise
             humility
             ,
             let
             us
             say
             in
             our
             heart
             ,
             I
             give
             my self
             to
             thee
             my
             Iesus
             ,
             to
             enter
             into
             thy
             spirit
             of
             humility
             ,
             I
             will
             passe
             with
             thee
             all
             the
             dayes
             of
             my
             life
             in
             this
             
               holy
               vertue
            
             .
             I
             invoke
             the
             power
             of
             thy
             spirit
             upon
             me
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             abase
             my
             pride
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             keep
             my self
             with
             thee
             in
             humility
             ,
             I
             offer
             thee
             the
             opportunities
             of
             Humility
             ,
             which
             shall
             present
             themselves
             in
             my
             life
             ;
             blesse
             them
             if
             it
             so
             please
             thee
             ,
             I
             renounce
             my selfe
             and
             all
             things
             ,
             which
             may
             hinder
             me
             from
             having
             part
             in
             the
             grace
             of
             thy
             humility
             .
          
           
             The
             like
             may
             be
             done
             in
             all
             other
             vertues
             or
             good
             intentions
             which
             we
             offer
             to
             God
             ;
             in
             this
             manner
             they
             shall
             be
             founded
             on
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             made
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             ,
             not
             in
             our
             own
             spirit
             ,
             made
             truly
             christian
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             not
             contemn
             this
             practise
             ,
             neither
             as
             too
             much
             elevated
             ,
             nor
             as
             superfluous
             ,
             it
             is
             easie
             and
             necessary
             ;
             we
             speak
             not
             of
             
               humane
               
               action
            
             ,
             but
             a
             
               christian
               action
               ,
               perfect
            
             and
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             suitable
             to
             our
             condition
             and
             dignity
             ,
             whereto
             we
             are
             elevated
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             christianity
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             St.
             Peter
             calls
             us
             
               a
               chosen
               Generation
            
             ,
             
             
               a
               holy
               Nation
               ,
               a
               peculiar
               people
               ,
            
             and
             to
             crown
             all
             this
             ,
             St.
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             we
             
               are
               the
               members
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             and
             
               as
               such
            
             ,
             
             we
             must
             live
             no
             other
             life
             then
             his
             ,
             not
             act
             but
             by
             
               his
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             in
             
               his
               intentions
            
             .
             Upon
             this
             foundation
             ,
             may
             be
             built
             all
             that
             can
             be
             said
             or
             thought
             of
             the
             perfections
             and
             excellencies
             of
             christianity
             ;
             all
             is
             said
             ,
             when
             we
             say
             Iesus
             is
             our
             head
             ,
             and
             we
             his
             members
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             principle
             of
             the
             grace
             necessary
             for
             us
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             we
             must
             take
             all
             of
             him
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             end
             of
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             we
             must
             refer
             them
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             honour
             .
             In
             fine
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             prototype
             and
             the
             exemplary
             cause
             ,
             we
             must
             all
             regard
             ,
             and
             continually
             contemplate
             him
             ,
             not
             onely
             to
             imitate
             him
             ,
             but
             to
             imprint
             his
             life
             and
             vertues
             in
             us
             .
             This
             is
             the
             essence
             of
             
               christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             which
             St.
             Paul
             means
             in
             those
             words
             full
             of
             
               love
               ;
               My
               little
               children
            
             ,
             
             
               of
               whom
               I
               travel
               in
               birth
               again
               until
               Christ
               be
               formed
               in
               you
               .
            
             He
             would
             have
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             formed
             in
             us
             ,
             great
             words
             ,
             which
             represent
             to
             the
             life
             ,
             the
             excellency
             of
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             .
             This
             it
             is
             which
             I
             demand
             of
             fouls
             ,
             and
             would
             cause
             it
             to
             be
             understood
             if
             possible
             ,
             as
             being
             of
             importance
             to
             remedy
             
             many
             abuses
             ,
             and
             unprofitable
             things
             which
             we
             meet
             with
             in
             the
             practise
             and
             ordinary
             exercises
             of
             Christians
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             taking
             hold
             of
             things
             in
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             not
             entring
             into
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             ,
             for
             want
             whereof
             do
             we
             not
             see
             many
             souls
             who
             keep
             most
             holy
             constitutions
             and
             very
             good
             rules
             ,
             others
             that
             do
             frequent
             actions
             of
             vertue
             ,
             many
             who
             follow
             and
             oblige
             themselves
             to
             
               spirituall
               exercises
            
             and
             practises
             ,
             yet
             nevertheless
             ,
             advance
             not
             towards
             perfection
             ,
             nor
             have
             any
             solid
             vertue
             ;
             They
             alwayes
             labour
             ,
             but
             never
             gain
             any
             ;
             they
             continually
             travail
             ,
             but
             never
             arrive
             at
             their
             
               journeys
               end
            
             .
             Though
             all
             that
             they
             do
             ,
             seems
             to
             be
             done
             in
             grace
             ,
             and
             that
             ,
             (
             as
             is
             believed
             )
             they
             have
             not
             their
             conscience
             charged
             with
             any
             sinne
             ,
             yet
             they
             profit
             not
             in
             any
             manner
             ;
             all
             that
             can
             be
             said
             of
             such
             persons
             is
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             not
             the
             worst
             .
             What
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             this
             evill
             ?
             whence
             comes
             it
             ,
             that
             they
             profit
             nothing
             amidst
             so
             much
             care
             and
             Travel
             ?
             The
             evill
             comes
             from
             this
             ,
             that
             such
             souls
             have
             not
             sufficient
             recourse
             nor
             submission
             to
             grace
             ,
             they
             are
             not
             tyed
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             they
             scarce
             think
             that
             there
             is
             a
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             they
             have
             no
             distrust
             of
             themselves
             ;
             they
             seek
             not
             God
             ,
             but
             their
             self-satisfaction
             ,
             and
             their
             particular
             Interests
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             worse
             ,
             by
             a
             secret
             and
             dangerous
             consequence
             they
             rely
             upon
             their
             own
             courage
             ,
             
             upon
             their
             travel
             and
             exercises
             ,
             and
             promise
             to
             themselves
             too
             much
             of
             their
             own
             strength
             ,
             and
             tying
             themselves
             to
             divers
             practises
             whereof
             they
             make
             use
             ,
             they
             tye
             also
             their
             happiness
             thereto
             .
             If
             you
             demand
             whence
             it
             comes
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             not
             solid
             vertues
             ,
             it
             is
             easily
             perceiv'd
             ,
             it
             is
             because
             they
             amuse
             themselves
             much
             in
             unprofitable
             things
             ,
             trifles
             ,
             and
             exteriour
             things
             ,
             they
             enter
             not
             into
             the
             practise
             of
             true
             and
             solid
             vertues
             ,
             they
             esteem
             them
             not
             ,
             and
             hardly
             know
             them
             ;
             if
             they
             do
             practise
             them
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             superficially
             ,
             they
             have
             but
             the
             appearance
             of
             vertue
             ;
             all
             that
             they
             possess
             thereof
             ,
             is
             like
             the
             grasse
             upon
             the
             
               house
               top
            
             ,
             which
             withers
             away
             of
             it self
             ;
             of
             which
             we
             must
             take
             heed
             ,
             and
             carefully
             remedy
             it
             ,
             least
             passing
             our
             life
             so
             ,
             we
             travel
             in
             vain
             ,
             and
             run
             without
             arriving
             to
             our
             end
             ,
             and
             that
             under
             those
             fair
             appearances
             in
             the
             most
             part
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             
             we
             be
             not
             of
             the
             number
             of
             the
             
               foolish
               Virgins
            
             ,
             of
             them
             to
             whom
             God
             saith
             at
             the
             houre
             of
             death
             ,
             
               I
               know
               you
               not
            
             ,
             for
             God
             tells
             us
             ,
             
             
               not
               every
               one
               that
               saith
               unto
               me
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               shall
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               .
            
             And
             certainly
             ,
             there
             are
             an
             infinite
             number
             of
             christians
             ,
             who
             will
             find
             themselves
             deceived
             ,
             when
             God
             shall
             make
             
               manifest
               the
               secrets
               of
               hearts
            
             ,
             
             and
             judge
             the
             justice
             of
             men
             ,
             because
             that
             believing
             themselves
             
             rich
             in
             good
             works
             ,
             and
             charged
             with
             the
             fruits
             of
             christian
             penitence
             ,
             they
             shall
             find
             in
             their
             hands
             
               nothing
               but
               wind
            
             ,
             and
             shall
             see
             in
             their
             life
             ,
             
               nothing
               but
               appearances
               of
               Vertues
            
             .
             And
             therefore
             in
             an
             affaire
             so
             important
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             vigilant
             to
             act
             christianly
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             works
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             shall
             gain
             us
             the
             eternall
             possession
             of
             God.
             This
             subject
             being
             of
             high
             enterprise
             ,
             I
             will
             propose
             the
             dispositions
             ,
             which
             seem
             to
             be
             most
             necessary
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           first
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             Of
             the
             spirit
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             the
             necessity
             thereof
             .
          
           
             THE
             first
             and
             principall
             Disposition
             which
             the
             soul
             that
             will
             live
             Christianly
             ,
             must
             have
             ,
             is
             
               Faith
               ;
               He
               that
               cometh
               to
               God
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             
               must
               believe
               that
               he
               is
            
             ;
             and
             
               without
               Faith
               ,
               it
               is
               impossible
               to
               please
               him
               .
            
          
           
             This
             Disposition
             is
             not
             onely
             the
             first
             ,
             but
             cause
             of
             all
             other
             ;
             what
             the
             root
             is
             to
             the
             tree
             ,
             the
             foundation
             to
             the
             building
             ,
             the
             mother
             to
             the
             infant
             ,
             the
             same
             is
             Faith
             to
             all
             vertues
             ,
             and
             to
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             .
             Whence
             on
             the
             spirit
             of
             Faith
             ,
             depends
             all
             the
             happiness
             and
             perfection
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               soul
            
             ;
             or
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             
             from
             littleness
             of
             Faith
             ,
             springs
             all
             the
             evil
             ,
             all
             the
             abominations
             in
             the
             life
             of
             man.
             The
             soul
             that
             is
             guided
             by
             the
             spirit
             and
             light
             of
             faith
             ,
             knows
             what
             it
             is
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             what
             to
             detest
             ;
             for
             faith
             is
             nothing
             but
             truth
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             is
             properly
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               eternall
               truth
            
             ,
             wherein
             is
             seen
             the
             strength
             of
             faith
             .
             He
             therefore
             that
             hath
             faith
             hath
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             and
             by
             this
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             if
             he
             possess
             it
             ,
             and
             suffer
             it
             to
             guide
             him
             ,
             he
             easily
             discerns
             good
             from
             
               bad
               ,
               true
            
             from
             false
             ,
             the
             flesh
             from
             the
             spirit
             .
             This
             faith
             ,
             this
             spirit
             of
             truth
             shews
             the
             soul
             what
             the
             God
             is
             that
             she
             adoreth
             ;
             from
             thence
             she
             is
             carried
             on
             to
             
               love
               him
            
             ,
             to
             
               fear
               him
            
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             in
             a
             continuall
             respect
             of
             his
             divine
             presence
             .
             Faith
             ,
             saith
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             principle
             of
             all
             being
             ,
             the
             end
             and
             centre
             of
             all
             things
             ;
             that
             out
             of
             him
             ,
             all
             is
             but
             a
             dream
             ,
             that
             all
             creatures
             are
             vain
             ,
             that
             God
             is
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             
             that
             he
             gives
             life
             and
             being
             to
             all
             ;
             that
             all
             things
             depend
             on
             him
             .
             This
             makes
             the
             soul
             know
             that
             she
             ought
             to
             esteem
             God
             alone
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             belongs
             to
             God
             ;
             that
             all
             the
             rest
             is
             nothing
             but
             vanity
             and
             lies
             .
             This
             light
             and
             spirit
             of
             faith
             teacheth
             that
             God
             is
             
               eternall
               truth
            
             ,
             his
             works
             are
             truth
             ,
             his
             words
             and
             promises
             true
             and
             infallible
             .
             This
             causes
             the
             soul
             which
             is
             guided
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             constantly
             to
             adhere
             ,
             and
             strongly
             to
             relie
             on
             the
             truths
             and
             maxims
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             which
             
             are
             the
             works
             and
             the
             words
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             God
             and
             man
             ;
             she
             believes
             firmly
             ,
             that
             what
             he
             hath
             said
             will
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             what
             he
             hath
             promised
             is
             certain
             ,
             the
             truth
             that
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             hath
             revealed
             to
             us
             by
             his
             Son
             are
             infallible
             and
             eternally
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             truth
             uncreated
             ,
             is
             a
             God
             which
             can
             neither
             deceive
             nor
             lye
             .
          
           
             Hereupon
             the
             soul
             ,
             by
             this
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             remains
             indissolubly
             tyed
             to
             all
             that
             God
             hath
             said
             and
             revealed
             by
             his
             Son
             ,
             so
             as
             she
             cannot
             taste
             ,
             nor
             understand
             any
             humane
             reason
             or
             
               object
               ;
               she
            
             will
             not
             hearken
             nor
             adhere
             to
             any
             thing
             but
             to
             the
             truth
             of
             
               faith
               ;
               she
            
             will
             only
             follow
             the
             maximes
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             left
             us
             in
             his
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             imitate
             the
             example
             of
             his
             life
             &
             
               divine
               vertues
            
             ,
             the
             rest
             
               she
               despises
            
             as
             unworthy
             a
             
               Christian
               soul
            
             ,
             which
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             guided
             by
             ,
             nor
             live
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ;
             and
             certainly
             ,
             so
             the
             Christian
             must
             live
             .
             All
             the
             world
             confesseth
             ,
             that
             God
             alone
             is
             truth
             ,
             that
             the
             onely
             spirit
             of
             God
             is
             the
             only
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ;
             whence
             it
             appears
             ,
             that
             all
             that
             is
             not
             God
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             but
             vanity
             and
             lyes
             .
             This
             granted
             ,
             how
             can
             they
             live
             ,
             who
             have
             any
             other
             object
             then
             God
             ?
             Here
             let
             us
             make
             reflection
             on
             the
             point
             ,
             we
             shall
             shew
             how
             much
             they
             are
             deceived
             ,
             who
             in
             matters
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             conduct
             of
             their
             life
             separate
             themselves
             
             from
             this
             spirit
             of
             truth
             to
             seek
             
               humane
               reason
            
             ,
             wayes
             of
             
               prudence
               ,
               maximes
            
             of
             
               wise
               men
            
             ,
             who
             measure
             perfection
             and
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             proper
             sense
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             own
             spirits
             ,
             such
             souls
             cannot
             but
             fall
             into
             an
             abisse
             of
             errours
             and
             doubts
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             such
             persons
             believe
             little
             ,
             doubt
             of
             all
             
               things
               ,
               live
            
             a
             life
             more
             like
             Philosophers
             then
             Christians
             ,
             and
             make
             no
             great
             account
             of
             a
             thousand
             good
             things
             which
             are
             usefull
             in
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             To
             remedy
             this
             ,
             they
             must
             learn
             that
             faith
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             Christ
             ,
             must
             be
             the
             onely
             rule
             and
             guide
             of
             our
             actions
             and
             life
             ,
             in
             such
             manner
             ,
             that
             to
             go
             out
             of
             this
             rule
             and
             conduct
             ,
             either
             on
             the
             right
             hand
             or
             left
             ,
             is
             alwayes
             to
             erre
             from
             the
             
               right
               way
            
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             Considering
             what
             we
             have
             now
             said
             of
             truth
             ,
             we
             cleerly
             see
             how
             necessary
             it
             is
             to
             be
             established
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             truth
             for
             our
             object
             and
             conduct
             .
             All
             other
             spirits
             are
             deceitfull
             and
             lying
             ,
             whence
             it
             followeth
             ,
             that
             souls
             that
             will
             live
             in
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             must
             commence
             by
             this
             exercise
             ,
             and
             must
             necessarily
             lay
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             as
             the
             foundation
             of
             vertue
             ,
             if
             they
             would
             obtain
             any
             .
             As
             faith
             is
             the
             door
             whereby
             we
             enter
             into
             the
             house
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             made
             children
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             so
             must
             she
             be
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             
             the
             spirit
             wherewith
             he
             lives
             ,
             and
             endeavours
             to
             acquire
             vertue
             :
             Where
             we
             must
             mark
             in
             the
             conduct
             of
             souls
             ,
             how
             necessary
             it
             is
             to
             establish
             them
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             to
             accustom
             them
             to
             walk
             in
             the
             light
             of
             truth
             .
             This
             is
             the
             first
             Lesson
             we
             must
             propose
             to
             them
             in
             this
             point
             ,
             wherein
             we
             must
             keep
             and
             exercise
             them
             ,
             as
             that
             which
             is
             onely
             profitable
             ,
             and
             without
             which
             nothing
             is
             stable
             or
             true
             ,
             not
             to
             entertain
             and
             amuse
             (
             I
             dare
             not
             say
             ,
             to
             deceive
             )
             them
             by
             so
             much
             prudence
             ;
             by
             the
             consideration
             of
             so
             many
             
               humane
               reasons
            
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             example
             and
             actions
             of
             men
             ;
             a
             hard
             case
             ,
             that
             the
             devout
             of
             this
             age
             take
             so
             much
             care
             to
             recommend
             and
             obtain
             morall
             and
             civil
             Vertues
             ,
             and
             mention
             not
             ,
             nor
             consider
             but
             superficially
             the
             divine
             and
             necessary
             .
             Let
             us
             learn
             and
             say
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             Truth
             alone
             shall
             save
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             truth
             must
             be
             the
             foundation
             &
             establishment
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             live
             true
             Christians
             .
          
           
             Hence
             the
             soul
             ,
             that
             will
             arrive
             to
             
               christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             must
             shut
             her
             eares
             ,
             divert
             her
             thoughts
             from
             all
             that
             the
             humane
             
               spirit
               ,
               reason
            
             and
             self-love
             ,
             can
             inwardly
             represent
             ,
             and
             must
             not
             hearken
             to
             them
             who
             regard
             not
             God
             purely
             ,
             but
             measure
             the
             greatness
             of
             Heaven
             with
             the
             eyes
             of
             flesh
             ,
             by
             the
             smallness
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             speak
             of
             vertues
             and
             
               christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             own
             
             sense
             ,
             more
             like
             Philosophers
             then
             Christians
             .
             Such
             persons
             by
             their
             discourse
             and
             conference
             study
             to
             destroy
             the
             maxims
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             establish
             humane
             prudence
             ,
             and
             use
             their
             uttermost
             to
             abase
             vertue
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             humane
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             they
             onely
             labour
             to
             make
             man
             reasonable
             ,
             not
             to
             make
             him
             a
             
               perfect
               christian
            
             .
             Upon
             such
             occasions
             ,
             the
             soul
             that
             seeketh
             
               true
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             will
             follow
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             must
             stand
             upon
             her
             guard
             ,
             and
             avoid
             such
             persons
             ,
             and
             with
             great
             care
             ,
             must
             prevent
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             from
             annihilating
             in
             her
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             the
             esteem
             of
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             If
             it
             happen
             that
             a
             soul
             see
             her self
             among
             such
             persons
             ,
             and
             shall
             understand
             their
             discourse
             to
             be
             such
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             good
             at
             that
             instant
             ,
             by
             a
             sweet
             elevation
             of
             spirit
             ,
             to
             give
             her self
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             renew
             if
             she
             can
             ,
             her
             esteem
             of
             Truth
             in
             a
             thought
             of
             God
             ,
             renouncing
             the
             perswasions
             of
             the
             
               humane
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             protesting
             that
             she
             will
             receive
             no
             other
             conduct
             or
             light
             then
             that
             of
             Faith
             ,
             nor
             other
             interiour
             dispositions
             then
             those
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             truths
             that
             he
             hath
             left
             to
             his
             Church
             .
          
           
             If
             notwithstanding
             all
             this
             ,
             the
             soul
             remain
             in
             fear
             ,
             or
             trouble
             of
             spirit
             ,
             or
             feel
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             to
             diminish
             in
             her
             ,
             then
             
               she
               shall
               give
               her self
               more
               strongly
               to
               God
               ,
            
             and
             recollecting
             her self
             ,
             she
             shall
             with
             an
             humble
             spirit
             ,
             stir
             up
             in
             
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             a
             confidence
             in
             God
             alone
             ,
             and
             a
             diffidence
             of
             all
             things
             .
             In
             fine
             ,
             she
             shall
             divert
             her self
             from
             all
             thoughts
             which
             trouble
             the
             repose
             of
             her
             spirit
             ;
             and
             captivate
             her
             judgement
             ,
             her
             reason
             ,
             and
             humane
             essence
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ;
             she
             shall
             undergo
             with
             an
             humble
             patience
             the
             pains
             which
             she
             feels
             ,
             contenting
             her self
             by
             an
             act
             of
             her
             will
             to
             subject
             her
             spirit
             to
             all
             that
             Iesus
             hath
             said
             ,
             without
             regarding
             any
             other
             thing
             ;
             and
             in
             this
             manner
             she
             shall
             keep
             her self
             united
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             secret
             silence
             shall
             imploy
             her self
             in
             him
             ,
             not
             about
             the
             business
             in
             question
             .
          
           
             This
             act
             is
             heroick
             ,
             because
             his
             disposition
             is
             hard
             ,
             and
             strikes
             our
             senses
             rudely
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             it
             is
             painfull
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             withall
             certain
             and
             pleasing
             to
             God.
             It
             is
             not
             painfull
             otherwise
             then
             as
             our
             reason
             ,
             our
             judgement
             ,
             and
             the
             love
             of
             our
             own
             interests
             is
             living
             in
             us
             .
             If
             we
             would
             annihilate
             all
             that
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             easie
             for
             to
             overcome
             ,
             and
             to
             believe
             rather
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             then
             in
             men
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             sense
             ,
             yet
             must
             we
             not
             (
             whatsoever
             difficulty
             we
             meet
             with
             )
             neglect
             this
             labour
             ;
             for
             as
             the
             soul
             hath
             nothing
             more
             assured
             then
             faith
             ,
             nothing
             more
             profitable
             ,
             or
             more
             powerfull
             then
             truth
             ,
             so
             the
             Devil
             fails
             not
             also
             all
             the
             wayes
             that
             he
             can
             ,
             to
             draw
             us
             from
             the
             conduct
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             to
             annihilate
             in
             us
             the
             light
             ,
             and
             to
             force
             
             us
             from
             the
             adherence
             to
             truth
             ,
             if
             not
             all
             at
             once
             ,
             yet
             at
             least
             by
             little
             and
             little
             .
             The
             soul
             therefore
             must
             take
             heed
             ,
             she
             be
             not
             here
             deceived
             ,
             seeing
             all
             her
             happiness
             consists
             in
             walking
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             light
             of
             the
             truth
             .
             This
             exercise
             is
             important
             ;
             let
             us
             see
             how
             we
             are
             to
             behave
             our selves
             therein
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             Of
             the
             use
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             how
             we
             may
             practise
             it
             .
          
           
             THe
             soul
             may
             be
             guided
             two
             wayes
             ,
             by
             the
             naturall
             light
             of
             reason
             ,
             which
             is
             weak
             and
             deceitful
             ,
             ever
             fallible
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             light
             of
             faith
             which
             is
             infallible
             ,
             powerful
             ,
             certain
             ,
             proportioned
             to
             that
             state
             of
             glory
             whereat
             we
             aim
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             
               supernaturall
               light
            
             given
             by
             God
             to
             guide
             us
             to
             Heaven
             .
             The
             first
             is
             common
             to
             the
             souls
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             by
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             
             stiled
             
               children
               of
               the
               flesh
            
             ;
             the
             second
             proper
             to
             souls
             ,
             which
             live
             
               perfect
               christians
            
             ,
             who
             resign
             themselves
             to
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             who
             trust
             onely
             in
             God
             ,
             adhere
             to
             nothing
             but
             to
             the
             faith
             which
             they
             have
             in
             the
             words
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Maxims
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             It
             is
             the
             property
             of
             a
             christian
             to
             live
             and
             guide
             himself
             ,
             according
             
             to
             the
             light
             and
             truths
             of
             
               Faith
               ,
               lights
            
             much
             above
             the
             naturall
             light
             of
             Reason
             ,
             to
             this
             end
             is
             he
             made
             a
             Christian.
             'T
             is
             true
             ,
             the
             way
             of
             faith
             is
             hard
             ,
             because
             it
             captivates
             the
             judgement
             ,
             it
             is
             above
             our
             sense
             ,
             it
             combates
             
               humane
               reason
            
             ,
             it
             is
             hidden
             ,
             and
             very
             spirituall
             ,
             yet
             must
             we
             ,
             nevertheless
             ,
             follow
             and
             embrace
             it
             ,
             because
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             gives
             it
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             certain
             and
             infallible
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             suitable
             to
             the
             wayes
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             leads
             men
             in
             this
             world
             through
             obscurity
             ,
             having
             reserved
             knowledge
             and
             light
             for
             heaven
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             ,
             who
             will
             think
             that
             the
             soul
             may
             be
             deceived
             by
             this
             way
             ,
             our
             spirits
             being
             too
             feeble
             ,
             this
             way
             too
             eminent
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             occasions
             a
             perpetuall
             combate
             in
             the
             spirit
             :
             As
             it
             is
             troublesome
             to
             a
             man
             to
             walk
             in
             darkness
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             hard
             for
             the
             soul
             to
             go
             this
             way
             of
             Faith
             ,
             which
             is
             obscure
             and
             hidden
             .
             But
             if
             we
             would
             learn
             it
             well
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             the
             contrary
             ,
             all
             other
             wayes
             are
             uncertain
             ,
             and
             
               deceitfull
               ,
               vertue
            
             alone
             is
             infallible
             ,
             we
             shall
             never
             be
             deceived
             ,
             if
             we
             stick
             to
             it
             .
             It
             were
             to
             have
             a
             
               mean
               esteem
            
             of
             Gods
             graces
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             ignorant
             of
             the
             Principles
             of
             our
             salvation
             ,
             to
             believe
             that
             the
             faith
             God
             hath
             given
             us
             to
             conduct
             us
             ,
             is
             capable
             of
             loosing
             us
             .
             Let
             us
             remember
             that
             God
             hath
             given
             us
             the
             light
             of
             faith
             to
             guide
             our
             reason
             ,
             and
             that
             our
             reason
             must
             submit
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             in
             respect
             of
             
             Faith
             ,
             be
             annihilated
             ,
             as
             Saint
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             
               We
               walk
               by
               faith
               ,
               not
               by
               sight
            
             ;
             meaning
             ,
             that
             to
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ,
             
             we
             must
             let
             our
             reason
             be
             guided
             by
             faith
             ,
             not
             
               faith
               by
               reason
            
             ;
             wherein
             we
             see
             the
             designes
             of
             God
             in
             the
             rule
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             the
             necessity
             of
             our
             walking
             by
             the
             light
             of
             this
             torch
             ,
             or
             according
             to
             the
             ordinary
             manner
             of
             speech
             ,
             see
             how
             necessary
             it
             is
             for
             him
             that
             will
             live
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             to
             follow
             onely
             the
             light
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             to
             learn
             to
             make
             use
             of
             
               Evangelicall
               truth
            
             .
          
           
             If
             at
             any
             time
             the
             souls
             who
             take
             this
             way
             are
             deceived
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             that
             they
             go
             out
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             (
             being
             perswaded
             by
             the
             Devil
             ,
             or
             self-love
             ,
             or
             the
             vanity
             of
             the
             
               humane
               spirit
            
             ,
             which
             esteems
             it self
             in
             every
             thing
             )
             withdraw
             themselves
             from
             the
             conduct
             of
             faith
             to
             follow
             that
             of
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             choosing
             to
             be
             guided
             by
             the
             rules
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             worldly
             vanity
             ,
             rather
             then
             by
             the
             maxims
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               heavenly
               truth
            
             .
             Thus
             indeed
             they
             find
             themselves
             deceived
             ,
             and
             fall
             into
             misfortunes
             ,
             not
             for
             having
             taken
             this
             way
             of
             faith
             ,
             but
             for
             having
             quitted
             it
             ,
             and
             adhered
             to
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             and
             the
             light
             of
             reason
             ,
             which
             like
             an
             
               ignis
               fatuus
            
             ,
             will
             lead
             us
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             unless
             we
             be
             aided
             by
             a
             supernaturall
             force
             ,
             and
             guided
             by
             a
             more
             sure
             light
             ,
             such
             as
             is
             this
             of
             faith
             .
             But
             to
             the
             soul
             that
             is
             faithfull
             ,
             
             applying
             her self
             to
             the
             truths
             of
             Faith
             and
             Maxims
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             that
             seeks
             God
             with
             simplicity
             and
             humility
             ,
             there
             must
             necessarily
             arrive
             great
             profit
             and
             advantage
             in
             
               christian
               perfection
            
             .
             We
             must
             not
             therefore
             condemn
             this
             way
             ,
             and
             reject
             it
             as
             too
             high
             ,
             too
             difficult
             ,
             and
             too
             painfull
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             the
             way
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             himself
             hath
             left
             to
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             commanded
             all
             his
             children
             .
             But
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             we
             must
             teach
             it
             every
             one
             ,
             accommodating
             our selves
             to
             their
             several
             capacities
             ,
             and
             giving
             them
             all
             the
             means
             to
             pursue
             it
             ,
             without
             going
             out
             of
             it
             ,
             least
             they
             be
             deceived
             .
             If
             we
             find
             here
             any
             difficulty
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             our selves
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             two
             things
             in
             man
             which
             hinder
             his
             progress
             this
             way
             ,
             one
             is
             esteem
             of
             himself
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             own
             spirit
             ;
             the
             other
             is
             the
             
               Love
               that
               he
               bears
               himself
            
             ,
             and
             ,
             for
             his
             own
             sake
             ,
             to
             the
             Creatures
             .
             To
             pursue
             this
             way
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             use
             of
             Faith
             ,
             he
             must
             go
             out
             of
             himself
             ,
             and
             renounce
             his
             own
             spirit
             ,
             and
             raise
             himself
             above
             all
             Creatures
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             truth
             ,
             to
             believe
             and
             to
             make
             use
             of
             what
             he
             did
             believe
             ;
             he
             must
             renounce
             his
             judgement
             ,
             his
             reason
             and
             his
             sense
             ▪
             and
             annihilate
             them
             .
             If
             our
             
               reason
               ,
               sense
            
             ,
             and
             judgement
             ,
             repugne
             the
             truth
             proposed
             to
             our
             belief
             ,
             we
             must
             quit
             our
             reason
             and
             our
             sense
             ,
             to
             unite
             our selves
             to
             the
             truth
             .
             If
             ,
             for
             instance
             ,
             it
             is
             
             proposed
             ,
             that
             the
             
               uncreated
               eternall
               word
            
             become
             man
             ;
             that
             God
             
               died
               ;
               reason
            
             and
             sense
             oppose
             this
             
               truth
               ;
               Reason
            
             cannot
             comprehend
             that
             the
             
               eternall
               God
            
             should
             make
             himself
             subject
             to
             Time
             ,
             the
             immortall
             submit
             himself
             to
             Death
             ;
             yet
             to
             believe
             this
             ,
             our
             Will
             moved
             by
             grace
             ,
             notwithstanding
             the
             opposition
             of
             reason
             and
             sense
             ,
             must
             say
             ,
             I
             will
             believe
             and
             adhere
             to
             the
             truth
             proposed
             .
             The
             will
             adhering
             hereto
             commands
             reason
             and
             judgement
             ,
             which
             obeying
             her
             ,
             believe
             what
             she
             proposes
             ;
             the
             understanding
             which
             useth
             to
             command
             and
             be
             free
             ,
             renders
             it self
             captive
             and
             obedient
             ,
             annihilating
             its
             own
             thoughts
             and
             reason
             ,
             that
             so
             it
             may
             adhere
             to
             the
             truth
             proposed
             ,
             and
             form
             an
             act
             of
             Faith.
             
          
           
             Thus
             we
             are
             to
             understand
             that
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             
             
               bringing
               into
               captivity
               every
               thought
               to
               the
               obedience
               of
               Christ.
            
             By
             faith
             the
             understanding
             which
             useth
             to
             command
             ,
             is
             made
             captive
             and
             obedient
             to
             the
             Will
             ;
             therefore
             the
             soul
             in
             the
             practise
             of
             Faith
             ,
             goes
             out
             of
             her selfe
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             obeys
             her
             judgement
             or
             sense
             ,
             she
             no
             more
             regards
             her self
             ,
             but
             the
             truth
             onely
             ,
             which
             she
             embraces
             as
             her
             object
             ,
             adhering
             and
             uniting
             her self
             thereto
             .
             Thus
             by
             Faith
             ,
             the
             soul
             is
             elevated
             above
             her self
             ,
             to
             be
             tyed
             and
             united
             to
             the
             eternall
             and
             infallible
             truth
             revealed
             and
             proposed
             to
             her
             .
          
           
           
             This
             well
             considered
             ,
             will
             shew
             us
             the
             excellency
             and
             dignity
             of
             faith
             ,
             by
             which
             knowledge
             we
             shall
             learn
             how
             much
             we
             are
             to
             esteem
             the
             state
             of
             christianity
             in
             generall
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             a
             christian
             in
             particular
             ,
             seeing
             ,
             that
             according
             to
             Gods
             designes
             ,
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             the
             christian
             as
             christian
             must
             live
             and
             be
             guided
             ,
             onely
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             and
             light
             of
             faith
             ,
             which
             being
             divine
             and
             supernaturall
             ,
             drawes
             us
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             unite
             and
             tye
             us
             to
             God
             who
             is
             truth
             .
             We
             shall
             moreover
             see
             by
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             
               that
               faith
               is
               not
               what
               we
               think
            
             ;
             it
             consists
             not
             in
             great
             learning
             ,
             in
             many
             reasons
             ,
             and
             severall
             Arguments
             ;
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             
               it
               is
               for
               the
               simple
            
             ,
             and
             for
             those
             who
             can
             go
             out
             of
             themselves
             ,
             who
             can
             annihilate
             themselves
             in
             their
             reason
             ,
             and
             quitting
             the
             regard
             of
             themselves
             and
             other
             creatures
             ,
             adhere
             and
             follow
             the
             truth
             of
             faith
             .
             Therefore
             it
             is
             said
             commonly
             ,
             that
             the
             learned
             and
             wise
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             who
             have
             most
             prudence
             ,
             most
             reason
             ,
             the
             most
             
               solid
               judgement
            
             and
             capacity
             of
             spirit
             ,
             have
             likewise
             most
             opposition
             to
             faith
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             lesse
             able
             to
             go
             out
             of
             themselves
             ,
             to
             annihilate
             their
             
               own
               spirits
            
             and
             judgements
             .
             Thus
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             after
             he
             had
             summed
             up
             the
             truths
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             described
             the
             contentments
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             just
             ,
             
             concludes
             with
             an
             Enthusiasme
             of
             
               truth
               .
               I
               thank
               thee
               O
               Father
               ,
            
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               Lord
               of
               Heaven
               
               and
               Earth
               ,
               because
               thou
               hast
               hid
               these
               things
               ,
            
             (
             these
             truths
             )
             
               from
               the
               wise
               and
               prudent
               ,
               and
               hast
               revealed
               them
               unto
               babes
               ,
            
             to
             the
             humble
             and
             meek
             .
             Which
             shews
             that
             the
             
               knowledge
               of
               truth
            
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             is
             a
             
               gift
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             God
             gives
             it
             to
             the
             humble
             and
             
               little
               ones
            
             ;
             that
             to
             
               adhere
               to
               it
            
             ,
             we
             must
             humble
             and
             abase
             our selves
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             to
             make
             use
             of
             the
             truth
             and
             faith
             conceived
             ,
             we
             
               must
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             esteem
             of
             our selves
             .
             Let
             us
             practise
             this
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             our
             
               principall
               design
            
             .
          
           
             To
             
               make
               use
               of
               faith
            
             and
             truths
             conceived
             ,
             we
             must
             first
             consider
             
               what
               faith
               proposes
            
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             consider
             it
             barely
             and
             simply
             without
             any
             discourse
             upon
             it
             ;
             we
             must
             adhere
             thereto
             ,
             and
             having
             adhered
             to
             it
             ,
             we
             must
             act
             and
             do
             all
             things
             in
             pursuit
             of
             this
             adherence
             .
             Let
             us
             propose
             an
             example
             in
             common
             things
             ,
             to
             facilitate
             the
             practice
             .
             I
             look
             upon
             God
             ,
             I
             consider
             his
             
               infinite
               essence
            
             ;
             I
             see
             that
             in
             respect
             of
             his
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             ,
             all
             creatures
             are
             as
             nothing
             .
             Having
             taken
             and
             imprinted
             this
             thought
             in
             my
             spirit
             ,
             I
             believe
             ,
             and
             immediately
             adhere
             thereunto
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               it
               is
               true
            
             .
             Then
             
               making
               use
            
             of
             this
             truth
             which
             I
             believe
             ,
             I
             despise
             all
             that
             is
             not
             
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             that
             belongs
             not
             
               to
               God
            
             ,
             for
             the
             
               act
               of
               faith
            
             which
             I
             performed
             ,
             teacheth
             me
             that
             all
             the
             rest
             is
             nothing
             ,
             all
             creatures
             are
             nothing
             before
             God.
             In
             like
             manner
             ,
             amidst
             my
             actions
             ,
             making
             use
             
             of
             the
             truth
             that
             I
             profess
             and
             believe
             ,
             sometimes
             I
             despise
             
               one
               thing
            
             ,
             sometimes
             another
             ,
             esteeming
             God
             onely
             ,
             but
             accounting
             all
             the
             rest
             as
             nothing
             .
             Thus
             I
             act
             in
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               Truth
            
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             Faith.
             Let
             us
             give
             an
             example
             more
             common
             .
          
           
             I
             would
             form
             in
             my self
             the
             
               presence
               of
               God
            
             by
             the
             
               principles
               of
               Faith.
            
             Hereupon
             I
             will
             rouse
             up
             in
             my
             spirit
             the
             thought
             of
             that
             truth
             which
             teaches
             me
             
               God
               is
               present
               every
               where
            
             ,
             and
             thence
             infer
             ,
             that
             consequently
             
               he
               is
               in
               my
               heart
            
             ,
             with
             the
             same
             greatness
             and
             Majesty
             that
             he
             is
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             amidst
             the
             Cherubims
             and
             Saints
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             the
             same
             God.
             Having
             conceived
             this
             truth
             ,
             I
             adhere
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             say
             
               it
               is
               true
            
             ;
             then
             making
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             I
             find
             my self
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             in
             my
             heart
             ;
             I
             hold
             my self
             before
             him
             in
             great
             reverence
             ;
             I
             walk
             with
             recollection
             of
             spirit
             ,
             and
             a
             sweet
             application
             of
             my
             soul
             to
             God
             who
             is
             present
             .
             Now
             I
             look
             on
             him
             with
             love
             ,
             next
             I
             adore
             him
             ,
             doing
             all
             these
             actions
             by
             the
             
               principle
               of
               truth
            
             .
             This
             is
             to
             
               make
               use
               of
               Truth
            
             .
             The
             thing
             is
             not
             hard
             ,
             we
             must
             onely
             apply
             our selves
             heartily
             hereunto
             .
             For
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             that
             we
             advance
             and
             
               perfectionate
               our selves
            
             in
             this
             exercise
             ,
             shall
             our
             actions
             be
             perfect
             ,
             and
             performed
             in
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               truth
            
             .
             This
             is
             a
             point
             of
             much
             importance
             ;
             I
             wish
             I
             could
             perswade
             all
             christians
             to
             it
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             the
             foundation
             
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             the
             
               cause
               ,
               root
            
             and
             source
             of
             all
             good
             actions
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             Of
             the
             effects
             that
             Faith
             produceth
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             esteem
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             
             WHen
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               Faith
               is
               the
               substance
               of
               things
               hoped
               for
               ,
            
             he
             would
             compare
             faith
             to
             substance
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             that
             as
             substance
             is
             the
             support
             of
             all
             Accidents
             ,
             so
             faith
             is
             the
             support
             and
             basis
             of
             all
             Vertues
             and
             
               Graces
               .
               Faith
            
             is
             the
             first
             
               gift
               of
               heaven
            
             ,
             and
             the
             eldest
             of
             the
             
               graces
               of
               God
            
             ;
             she
             contains
             and
             substains
             all
             the
             vertues
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             faith
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             use
             we
             make
             thereof
             ,
             are
             we
             vertuous
             ,
             and
             advanced
             in
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             .
             As
             this
             is
             the
             first
             of
             Gods
             gifts
             ,
             so
             the
             first
             care
             of
             a
             Christian
             must
             be
             to
             compass
             so
             fruitfull
             and
             profitable
             a
             grace
             .
             This
             is
             a
             talent
             whereof
             God
             will
             demand
             a
             most
             exact
             account
             ,
             when
             we
             shall
             appear
             before
             the
             tribunall
             of
             his
             
               divine
               justice
            
             .
             God
             gives
             us
             not
             so
             great
             a
             grace
             but
             to
             profit
             thereby
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             it
             .
             It
             belongs
             to
             God
             alone
             to
             give
             faith
             ,
             to
             
               move
               our
               will
            
             ,
             to
             
               illuminate
               our
               understanding
            
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             in
             man
             to
             
               make
               use
            
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             shew
             by
             his
             works
             
             the
             faith
             he
             hath
             received
             of
             God.
             In
             fine
             ,
             what
             advantage
             is
             it
             to
             
               possess
               faith
            
             ,
             which
             is
             an
             
               infused
               habit
            
             ,
             and
             to
             let
             it
             sleep
             in
             us
             ,
             to
             
               possess
               truth
            
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             it
             under
             
               restraint
               ?
               Faith
            
             ,
             we
             say
             ,
             is
             a
             
               supernaturall
               habit
            
             ,
             a
             
               light
               of
               grace
            
             ;
             we
             must
             therefore
             put
             it
             in
             action
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             this
             light
             to
             walk
             forward
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             grace
             and
             path
             of
             vertue
             .
             This
             is
             the
             designe
             of
             God
             ,
             evident
             in
             the
             mysteries
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
               sent
            
             and
             gave
             us
             his
             Son
             ,
             the
             uncreated
             and
             
               essentiall
               truth
            
             to
             speak
             to
             us
             ,
             &
             conduct
             us
             in
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               truth
            
             ;
             the
             Son
             conversed
             among
             men
             to
             
               bear
               witness
            
             ,
             
             (
             as
             he
             himself
             saith
             )
             
               unto
               the
               truth
            
             ;
             the
             same
             Son
             of
             God
             ascending
             into
             heaven
             ,
             sent
             to
             us
             the
             
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               truth
            
             ,
             to
             enlighten
             us
             ,
             and
             teach
             us
             the
             truth
             .
             And
             why
             hath
             God
             so
             great
             a
             care
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             
               know
               the
               truth
            
             ,
             but
             because
             the
             knowledge
             of
             that
             might
             
               save
               us
            
             ,
             and
             
               make
               us
               free
            
             ;
             that
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             light
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             might
             draw
             us
             from
             vice
             and
             sin
             ,
             to
             lead
             and
             confirm
             us
             in
             the
             acquisition
             and
             possession
             of
             vertues
             .
          
           
             Look
             upon
             a
             
               soul
               ,
               guided
            
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             faith
             ,
             you
             shall
             see
             that
             immediately
             she
             
               detests
               ill
            
             ,
             and
             
               embraceth
               good
            
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             property
             of
             it
             to
             engender
             and
             
               form
               acts
            
             of
             vertue
             .
             If
             the
             
               soul
               knows
            
             the
             greatness
             of
             God
             ,
             making
             use
             of
             the
             knowledge
             of
             this
             truth
             ,
             she
             will
             presently
             
             be
             carried
             to
             a
             great
             esteem
             of
             God.
             From
             this
             esteem
             springs
             
               reverence
               ,
               reverence
            
             operates
             
               love
               ,
               love
               brings
            
             the
             soul
             to
             God
             ;
             the
             soul
             so
             united
             by
             love
             ,
             fears
             to
             displease
             him
             ;
             This
             fear
             ,
             which
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             love
             ,
             brings
             into
             the
             soul
             ,
             a
             vigilancy
             not
             to
             offend
             him
             ;
             she
             loveth
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             to
             please
             him
             in
             all
             things
             .
             This
             vigilancy
             forms
             a
             purity
             in
             the
             soul
             ;
             this
             purity
             renders
             us
             worthy
             to
             possess
             God.
             Thus
             faith
             summons
             al
             the
             vertues
             ,
             
             embraces
             them
             ,
             and
             binds
             them
             all
             together
             ,
             and
             as
             she
             is
             
               mother
               ,
               so
            
             is
             she
             also
             nurse
             of
             them
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             she
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             
               Christian
               life
            
             ,
             the
             nourishment
             of
             all
             good
             actions
             :
             This
             is
             the
             meaning
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             who
             said
             ,
             
               The
               just
               shall
               live
               by
               faith
            
             ;
             the
             reason
             is
             plain
             ;
             Faith
             is
             a
             light
             of
             truth
             ;
             he
             then
             that
             walks
             in
             the
             light
             of
             faith
             ,
             walketh
             in
             the
             truth
             ;
             and
             to
             walk
             in
             truth
             ,
             is
             to
             hate
             sin
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             lyer
             .
             This
             is
             to
             live
             in
             the
             practice
             and
             possession
             of
             true
             vertue
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             terms
             of
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             
             who
             is
             
               the
               way
               ,
               the
               truth
               ,
               and
               the
               life
               .
            
             It
             therefore
             greatly
             importeth
             souls
             which
             will
             live
             good
             Christians
             ,
             and
             obtain
             true
             vertue
             ,
             to
             establish
             themselves
             in
             the
             spirit
             and
             use
             of
             faith
             ,
             to
             demand
             it
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             referre
             all
             their
             good
             exercises
             thereunto
             ,
             which
             is
             truly
             the
             foundation
             of
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             the
             principle
             ,
             the
             entertainer
             and
             supporter
             of
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ;
             this
             exercise
             is
             very
             large
             .
             
             Faith
             and
             truth
             have
             effects
             almost
             innumerable
             ;
             He
             who
             applies
             himself
             thereto
             ,
             shall
             taste
             the
             fruits
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             care
             therein
             .
             But
             if
             we
             would
             know
             the
             most
             important
             where
             we
             must
             begin
             ,
             I
             answer
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             wherein
             the
             soul
             must
             entertain
             it self
             much
             ,
             and
             lay
             a
             good
             foundation
             to
             arrive
             at
             this
             esteem
             .
             It
             is
             not
             necessary
             to
             enter
             into
             a
             high
             and
             
               extraordinary
               knowledge
            
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             to
             make
             use
             of
             the
             Principles
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             a
             frequent
             loving
             and
             
               affectionate
               consideration
            
             of
             God
             ;
             we
             must
             never
             speake
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             of
             any
             thing
             that
             concerns
             him
             ,
             but
             in
             words
             worthy
             of
             the
             subject
             ,
             with
             a
             sense
             full
             of
             respect
             and
             reverence
             ,
             when
             we
             speak
             or
             think
             of
             the
             things
             of
             heaven
             ,
             we
             must
             believe
             they
             are
             ineffahle
             ,
             far
             above
             all
             that
             we
             can
             think
             or
             speak
             ;
             We
             must
             not
             make
             
               small
               account
            
             of
             what
             concerns
             God
             ,
             but
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             a
             great
             esteem
             and
             belief
             of
             all
             that
             God
             hath
             done
             ,
             of
             all
             he
             hath
             said
             ,
             and
             of
             that
             which
             he
             hath
             left
             to
             his
             Church
             .
             In
             
               God
               there
               is
               nothing
               little
            
             ;
             God
             is
             as
             adorable
             and
             estimable
             in
             the
             least
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             greatest
             .
             Finally
             ,
             it
             is
             very
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             to
             the
             soul
             that
             giveth
             it self
             to
             this
             exercise
             ,
             to
             draw
             from
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             upon
             every
             subject
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             form
             in
             heart
             ,
             solid
             and
             serious
             
             thoughts
             thereof
             .
             To
             assist
             us
             in
             this
             practice
             ,
             and
             to
             advance
             us
             in
             this
             vertue
             ,
             we
             ordinarily
             make
             use
             of
             
               reading
               ,
               prayer
            
             ,
             and
             meditation
             .
             But
             it
             is
             good
             to
             take
             heed
             how
             we
             are
             guided
             in
             this
             exercise
             of
             prayer
             ;
             how
             we
             make
             use
             of
             the
             thoughts
             ,
             the
             light
             and
             knowledge
             we
             receive
             herein
             .
             Many
             seeking
             only
             their
             own
             satisfaction
             in
             it
             ,
             do
             nothing
             but
             busie
             their
             own
             spirit
             ;
             they
             seek
             and
             aim
             at
             nothing
             but
             relishes
             and
             resentments
             ;
             they
             leap
             from
             one
             subject
             to
             another
             ;
             they
             run
             from
             the
             
               first
               point
            
             to
             the
             second
             ,
             and
             apply
             themselves
             sometimes
             to
             one
             affection
             ,
             sometimes
             to
             another
             ,
             spending
             the
             whole
             time
             in
             a
             multiplicity
             and
             disturbance
             of
             thoughts
             .
          
           
             To
             profit
             herein
             ,
             we
             must
             proceed
             otherwise
             ;
             for
             in
             these
             exercises
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             ,
             we
             must
             onely
             seek
             to
             know
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             esteem
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             our selves
             worthy
             the
             graces
             necessary
             to
             accomplish
             his
             will
             ,
             and
             to
             please
             his
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             ;
             and
             having
             put
             our selves
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             the
             Principle
             of
             faith
             ,
             we
             must
             lay
             hold
             upon
             truth
             ,
             we
             must
             rest
             therein
             nakedly
             and
             simply
             ,
             we
             must
             adhere
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             keep
             our selves
             firm
             in
             this
             first
             view
             ,
             with
             care
             quietly
             to
             leave
             our
             spirits
             to
             be
             replenished
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             bathing
             our selves
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             in
             this
             thought
             ,
             we
             must
             unite
             our selves
             to
             this
             knowledge
             ,
             imprinting
             by
             degrees
             in
             our
             hearts
             ,
             the
             
               light
               ,
               
               strength
            
             ,
             and
             knowledge
             of
             the
             proposed
             truth
             ;
             whether
             the
             knowledge
             be
             great
             or
             little
             ,
             we
             must
             always
             keep
             our
             heart
             and
             spirit
             open
             and
             free
             to
             receive
             the
             thoughts
             thereof
             .
             These
             will
             put
             us
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             ;
             by
             this
             esteem
             ,
             we
             shall
             easily
             be
             carried
             to
             an
             
               humble
               respect
            
             and
             desire
             to
             serve
             and
             love
             so
             high
             a
             Majesty
             ;
             and
             we
             need
             not
             doubt
             ,
             but
             that
             many
             things
             will
             be
             done
             in
             the
             soul
             by
             Christ
             ,
             if
             she
             dispose
             her self
             thereto
             as
             she
             ought
             ;
             if
             she
             leave
             her self
             to
             be
             guided
             by
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             abandon
             her self
             to
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             grace
             ,
             attending
             them
             with
             an
             
               humble
               patience
            
             .
             But
             ,
             Oh
             the
             misfortune
             of
             our
             self-love
             !
             the
             soul
             seeking
             her self
             ,
             and
             her
             own
             satisfaction
             ,
             withdrawes
             and
             separates
             her self
             from
             God
             ,
             to
             follow
             her
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             to
             content
             her
             sense
             ,
             and
             to
             employ
             her self
             in
             what
             she
             pleases
             ,
             making
             her self
             hereby
             unworthy
             to
             feel
             the
             grace
             of
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             truth
             .
          
           
             It
             were
             easie
             to
             deduce
             all
             into
             particulars
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             necessary
             ;
             but
             not
             to
             trouble
             my self
             with
             all
             the
             failings
             that
             happen
             in
             this
             exercise
             ,
             it
             suffices
             ,
             that
             I
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             first
             study
             of
             the
             soul
             must
             be
             to
             
               know
               God
            
             according
             to
             the
             lights
             and
             truths
             of
             faith
             ,
             to
             adhere
             strongly
             to
             this
             knowledge
             ,
             to
             enter
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             his
             greatness
             ,
             and
             then
             to
             honour
             
             and
             adore
             him
             with
             an
             honour
             worthy
             of
             God.
             These
             words
             express
             much
             ,
             and
             include
             the
             first
             duties
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             shew
             wherein
             she
             must
             employ
             her self
             with
             care
             before
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             may
             learn
             ,
             that
             their
             practise
             is
             not
             good
             ,
             who
             as
             soon
             as
             they
             enter
             into
             some
             knowledge
             and
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             receive
             some
             light
             in
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             
               truths
               of
               faith
            
             ,
             whereby
             they
             feel
             themselves
             moved
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             were
             drawn
             by
             an
             
               humble
               respect
            
             and
             
               inward
               reverence
            
             before
             God
             ,
             instead
             of
             staying
             and
             receiving
             at
             leisure
             this
             little
             touch
             ,
             this
             sweet
             
               beam
               of
               Heaven
            
             ,
             following
             this
             little
             interiour
             light
             ,
             and
             annihilating
             themselves
             before
             the
             supreme
             Majesty
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             retire
             from
             it
             under
             pretence
             of
             a
             false
             humility
             ,
             to
             apply
             themselves
             to
             other
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             fearing
             evill
             on
             purpose
             to
             lose
             time
             and
             be
             deceived
             ,
             or
             to
             lose
             themselves
             in
             their
             estate
             ,
             they
             shut
             the
             eare
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             their
             eyes
             to
             the
             light
             ,
             to
             entertain
             themselves
             in
             their
             own
             conceptions
             and
             imaginations
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             consideration
             of
             themselves
             .
             We
             see
             by
             experience
             that
             this
             way
             is
             ill
             ,
             we
             may
             easily
             observe
             ,
             that
             such
             souls
             never
             advance
             ,
             or
             if
             there
             appear
             some
             advancement
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             in
             appearance
             ,
             besides
             that
             ,
             it
             is
             alwayes
             in
             fear
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             spirit
             of
             self-love
             ,
             never
             in
             
               solid
               vertue
            
             ;
             the
             reason
             is
             
             manifest
             .
             If
             prayer
             be
             an
             elevation
             and
             
               union
               of
               our
               heart
            
             ,
             a
             speaking
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             hard
             to
             conceive
             how
             we
             may
             advise
             to
             quit
             this
             application
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             torment
             her
             imagination
             ,
             and
             cast
             her
             into
             the
             consideration
             of
             exteriour
             things
             ,
             into
             the
             examination
             of
             divers
             circumstances
             ,
             into
             a
             continual
             regard
             of
             what
             we
             are
             ,
             and
             what
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             ?
          
           
             But
             wherefore
             all
             this
             ,
             seeing
             it
             pertains
             to
             the
             matter
             of
             prayer
             ?
             let
             us
             leave
             it
             to
             them
             who
             treat
             thereof
             ,
             and
             content
             our selves
             to
             conclude
             with
             that
             which
             we
             would
             perswade
             that
             the
             first
             thing
             that
             he
             must
             practise
             ,
             who
             will
             live
             a
             
               perfect
               christian
            
             ,
             is
             to
             
               live
               in
               the
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               walk
               in
               the
               light
               of
               faith
               ,
            
             and
             by
             this
             light
             to
             enter
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             supported
             upon
             the
             knowledge
             of
             his
             greatness
             ,
             and
             of
             
               what
               he
               is
            
             .
             What
             course
             we
             must
             take
             to
             obtain
             this
             knowledge
             ,
             we
             will
             proceed
             to
             speak
             of
             in
             the
             subject
             of
             Humility
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           second
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Of
             Humility
             ,
             and
             the
             meanes
             to
             obtain
             it
             .
          
           
             THe
             design
             of
             this
             Discourse
             is
             to
             draw
             to
             the
             life
             ,
             the
             Picture
             of
             a
             
               true
               Christian
            
             ,
             describing
             one
             after
             another
             ,
             not
             all
             the
             vertues
             ,
             but
             those
             onely
             which
             are
             most
             necessary
             ,
             and
             the
             bases
             and
             foundations
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             the
             Mothers
             and
             Nurses
             of
             the
             rest
             .
             Faith
             leads
             the
             way
             ,
             humility
             followeth
             ,
             for
             ,
             
               as
               much
            
             as
             we
             know
             and
             esteem
             of
             
               God
               ,
               so
               far
            
             are
             we
             humble
             .
             Faith
             makes
             us
             know
             God
             ,
             humility
             leads
             us
             to
             God
             ;
             Faith
             disposes
             us
             ,
             and
             shews
             us
             
               true
               vertues
               ,
               humility
            
             acquires
             them
             ,
             and
             being
             acquired
             conserves
             them
             .
             This
             is
             she
             that
             opens
             and
             makes
             plain
             the
             way
             to
             charity
             ,
             and
             who
             is
             as
             it
             were
             the
             Mistriss
             of
             Gods
             House
             ;
             she
             alone
             layes
             up
             ,
             and
             keeps
             safe
             the
             
               divine
               gifts
            
             .
             St.
             Paul
             by
             way
             of
             excellency
             ,
             calls
             her
             the
             
               vertue
               of
               Iesus
            
             ;
             for
             besides
             that
             ,
             this
             vertue
             appertains
             to
             him
             ,
             more
             then
             to
             any
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             whole
             course
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             mysteries
             of
             his
             sufferings
             were
             ever
             accomplish'd
             in
             humility
             ;
             it
             is
             moreover
             his
             vertue
             in
             that
             he
             publish'd
             it
             ,
             and
             recommended
             
             it
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             wills
             that
             his
             humility
             be
             the
             object
             and
             example
             of
             the
             
               life
               of
               men
            
             :
             
             
               Learn
               of
               me
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               for
               I
               am
               meek
               and
               lowly
               of
               heart
               .
            
             It
             is
             he
             that
             hath
             thundred
             and
             pronounced
             this
             sentence
             ;
             
             
               Whosoever
               shall
               exalt
               himself
               ,
               shall
               be
               abased
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               shall
               humble
               himself
               ,
               shall
               be
               exalted
            
             ;
             naturall
             and
             powerfull
             words
             pronounced
             by
             the
             mouth
             of
             Truth
             .
             Why
             should
             we
             seek
             further
             evidence
             ,
             how
             acceptable
             this
             is
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             how
             he
             rewardeth
             this
             truth
             ,
             and
             how
             necessary
             it
             is
             for
             him
             that
             will
             be
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ?
             Let
             us
             no
             further
             demurre
             upon
             this
             subject
             ,
             but
             examine
             wherein
             it
             consists
             ;
             let
             us
             learn
             what
             humility
             is
             ,
             that
             is
             it
             we
             are
             most
             ignorant
             of
             .
          
           
             Humility
             is
             truth
             ;
             to
             be
             humble
             ,
             is
             to
             walk
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             .
             I
             say
             ,
             humility
             is
             truth
             ,
             because
             true
             humility
             consists
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             God
             by
             his
             
               infinite
               bounty
            
             ,
             by
             his
             operations
             of
             love
             and
             grace
             infuses
             into
             the
             soul
             ,
             a
             light
             which
             makes
             it
             see
             the
             truth
             in
             all
             things
             ▪
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             as
             it
             pleases
             God.
             This
             light
             ,
             which
             brings
             with
             it
             
               knowledge
               ,
               abaseth
            
             &
             annihilateth
             the
             soul
             in
             her self
             ,
             and
             causes
             that
             in
             all
             things
             she
             annihilate
             her self
             ,
             because
             this
             truth
             teacheth
             her
             
               what
               God
               is
            
             ,
             and
             
               what
               the
               creature
               is
            
             ;
             so
             that
             this
             grace
             ,
             which
             I
             call
             
               the
               light
               of
               truth
            
             ,
             gives
             not
             onely
             knowledge
             ,
             
             but
             also
             actually
             annihilates
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             detains
             her
             in
             her
             lowness
             ,
             in
             her
             nothing
             ;
             and
             being
             in
             her
             nothing
             ,
             she
             is
             truly
             where
             she
             ought
             to
             be
             ;
             for
             hereby
             she
             
               is
               in
               the
               truth
            
             ,
             and
             acting
             in
             this
             state
             ,
             she
             walks
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             same
             ,
             as
             to
             act
             with
             humility
             .
             Many
             will
             wonder
             hereat
             ,
             who
             thinking
             they
             have
             humility
             ,
             have
             it
             not
             ,
             who
             thinking
             to
             attain
             it
             by
             certain
             exercises
             of
             humiliation
             ,
             do
             but
             
               deceive
               themselves
            
             ;
             not
             but
             that
             their
             exercises
             are
             good
             ,
             and
             conduce
             to
             humility
             ,
             but
             if
             we
             pass
             no
             further
             ,
             if
             we
             possess
             not
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             acting
             by
             the
             same
             spirit
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             simplicity
             ,
             we
             may
             make
             many
             acts
             of
             humility
             ,
             but
             we
             shall
             not
             have
             humility
             ;
             for
             humility
             ,
             in
             its
             formality
             and
             essence
             ,
             consisteth
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             and
             simplicity
             ;
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             and
             simplicity
             is
             God.
             To
             be
             humble
             then
             ,
             we
             must
             act
             in
             this
             spirit
             ;
             I
             will
             explicate
             ,
             and
             make
             this
             more
             intelligible
             .
          
           
             Humility
             is
             a
             
               supernaturall
               light
            
             ,
             which
             I
             call
             the
             
               light
               of
               truth
            
             ,
             because
             it
             maketh
             us
             know
             things
             as
             they
             are
             .
             
               On
               one
               side
            
             it
             drawes
             and
             
               advances
               us
            
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             
               infinite
               goodness
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             other
             his
             
               divine
               perfections
            
             ;
             and
             by
             this
             knowledge
             ,
             forms
             in
             us
             an
             esteem
             of
             the
             
               supreme
               Majesty
            
             of
             
               God
               ;
               On
               the
               other
               side
               ,
            
             the
             same
             light
             causes
             us
             to
             
               see
               what
               we
               are
            
             ,
             our
             own
             
               meanness
               ,
               unworthiness
               ,
               
               impotency
               ,
               indigence
               ,
            
             the
             truth
             of
             our
             nothing
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             ,
             before
             God
             ,
             she
             makes
             us
             see
             the
             truth
             ,
             which
             consisteth
             in
             the
             
               knowledge
               of
               God
            
             and
             
               of
               our selves
            
             .
             This
             truth
             so
             conceived
             ,
             possessing
             our
             spirit
             ,
             and
             and
             acting
             in
             our
             
               soul
               ,
               annihilates
            
             and
             debases
             us
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             in
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             with
             so
             much
             facility
             ,
             that
             the
             soul
             can
             do
             no
             otherwise
             ;
             for
             she
             cannot
             but
             act
             according
             to
             her
             knowledge
             ;
             so
             that
             acting
             wholly
             according
             to
             this
             light
             ,
             and
             taking
             all
             things
             as
             she
             conceives
             them
             ,
             she
             walks
             in
             humility
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             we
             say
             ,
             
               humbles
               her self
            
             ,
             and
             in
             effect
             ,
             she
             doth
             
               humble
               her self
            
             ,
             not
             knowing
             it
             ;
             for
             she
             hath
             no
             eyes
             but
             to
             see
             
               the
               truth
            
             ,
             no
             power
             ,
             but
             to
             act
             according
             to
             truth
             .
          
           
             I
             call
             here
             humility
             ,
             a
             light
             ,
             and
             a
             light
             of
             truth
             ,
             for
             so
             in
             effect
             she
             is
             ;
             whence
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             by
             humility
             ,
             we
             arrive
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             truth
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Sun
             we
             see
             the
             Sun
             ;
             so
             by
             the
             light
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             wherein
             consists
             humility
             ,
             we
             see
             truth
             .
             Thus
             we
             understand
             it
             ;
             when
             we
             say
             that
             God
             revealeth
             his
             
               divine
               secrets
            
             and
             greatness
             ,
             and
             teacheth
             the
             truths
             to
             
               humble
               souls
            
             .
             
             
               Thou
               hast
               hid
               these
               things
               from
               the
               wise
               and
               prudent
               ,
               and
               hast
               revealed
               them
               unto
               babes
               ,
            
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             the
             humble
             ,
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             his
             Father
             .
          
           
             Whence
             we
             infer
             ,
             that
             to
             understand
             the
             Catholique
             and
             
               supernaturall
               truths
            
             ,
             and
             to
             possess
             
             them
             ,
             we
             must
             
               go
               to
               them
               with
               humility
            
             ,
             not
             sufficiency
             ,
             nor
             capacity
             ,
             much
             less
             curiosity
             ;
             God
             is
             pleased
             with
             
               little
               ones
            
             ;
             so
             much
             reading
             ,
             so
             much
             curiosity
             ,
             so
             many
             Questions
             ,
             so
             many
             Reasons
             ,
             wherein
             men
             take
             pains
             ,
             are
             
               unprofitable
               labours
            
             ;
             and
             rather
             separate
             us
             from
             
               Christian
               truth
            
             ,
             then
             bring
             us
             neerer
             to
             it
             ;
             
             for
             God
             
               dwels
               with
               the
               humble
               spirit
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Oracle
             of
             heaven
             ;
             so
             that
             retyring
             our selves
             from
             the
             truth
             ,
             is
             to
             make
             us
             uncapable
             of
             humility
             ,
             and
             without
             humility
             ,
             we
             cannot
             come
             to
             heaven
             ;
             whence
             we
             may
             imagine
             what
             danger
             the
             spirits
             of
             this
             Age
             run
             into
             .
          
           
             Further
             ,
             we
             may
             learn
             from
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             will
             acquire
             
               Christian
               humility
            
             ,
             must
             not
             stop
             at
             
               exteriour
               actions
            
             of
             meanness
             and
             humiliations
             ,
             nor
             at
             words
             of
             confusion
             and
             abasement
             ,
             nor
             at
             some
             submissions
             ,
             and
             accommodations
             ,
             although
             they
             be
             frequent
             and
             profitable
             ;
             but
             we
             must
             pass
             further
             ,
             and
             penetrate
             the
             centre
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
             there
             to
             establish
             the
             
               throne
               of
               truth
            
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             our
             heart
             the
             
               treasury
               of
               the
               light
               of
               God.
            
             To
             be
             humble
             ,
             we
             must
             endavour
             to
             know
             the
             truth
             ;
             we
             must
             possess
             it
             ,
             we
             must
             act
             by
             the
             Principle
             of
             truth
             ;
             which
             being
             done
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             easie
             to
             come
             to
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             and
             to
             produce
             infinite
             acts
             of
             humility
             and
             annihilation
             ;
             for
             we
             cannot
             have
             humility
             ,
             without
             doing
             all
             these
             actions
             ;
             
             but
             a
             man
             may
             do
             all
             these
             actions
             without
             having
             humility
             .
             But
             we
             must
             now
             know
             ,
             how
             we
             may
             acquire
             the
             knowledge
             of
             truth
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             Of
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             and
             our selves
             .
          
           
             THe
             knowledge
             of
             truth
             consists
             in
             
               knowing
               God
            
             and
             our selves
             ;
             a
             man
             may
             arrive
             at
             this
             knowledge
             two
             wayes
             ,
             by
             infusion
             ,
             by
             acquisition
             .
             The
             first
             comes
             from
             God
             alone
             ,
             who
             communicates
             and
             infuses
             into
             our
             soul
             a
             light
             springing
             from
             truth
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             the
             spirit
             and
             light
             of
             faith
             .
             This
             light
             brings
             and
             gives
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             and
             of
             our selves
             ;
             and
             this
             knowledge
             as
             well
             as
             the
             light
             ,
             is
             an
             operation
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             by
             this
             
               divine
               light
            
             which
             he
             spreads
             in
             us
             ,
             annihilates
             our
             soul
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             detains
             it
             wholly
             in
             this
             annihilation
             ,
             wherein
             consists
             humility
             :
             Thus
             is
             humility
             a
             
               grace
               infused
            
             ,
             and
             a
             
               pure
               operation
            
             of
             God
             alone
             ;
             this
             operation
             is
             greater
             or
             lesser
             ,
             according
             as
             God
             pleases
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             communication
             of
             this
             
               divine
               light
               ,
               consummateth
            
             and
             annihilateth
             the
             soul
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             as
             he
             pleases
             ,
             for
             his
             glory
             .
             This
             first
             manner
             is
             for
             
               few
               persons
            
             ,
             because
             few
             are
             advanced
             to
             this
             
               way
               ,
               few
            
             render
             themselves
             worthy
             of
             such
             grace
             .
          
           
           
             The
             second
             ,
             and
             more
             ordinary
             is
             acquired
             .
             We
             propose
             divers
             means
             to
             acquire
             the
             
               knowledge
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             the
             most
             common
             and
             easie
             whereof
             ,
             is
             consideration
             and
             application
             assisted
             by
             grace
             ,
             without
             which
             nothing
             can
             be
             done
             .
             We
             arrive
             to
             the
             
               knowledge
               of
               God
            
             ,
             not
             by
             
               sublime
               penetration
            
             of
             the
             Attributes
             of
             Divinity
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             necessary
             ,
             and
             few
             are
             capable
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             by
             faith
             .
             When
             the
             soul
             considers
             God
             as
             he
             is
             simple
             ,
             proposed
             in
             the
             Creed
             to
             us
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             bare
             and
             simple
             signification
             of
             the
             words
             ,
             as
             
               all
               good
               ,
               all
               wise
               ,
               all
               mighty
               ,
            
             this
             manner
             is
             sufficient
             .
             Therefore
             we
             must
             accustom
             our selves
             to
             make
             use
             of
             that
             which
             Faith
             proposes
             ,
             and
             after
             excite
             in
             our selves
             the
             thought
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             entertain
             our selves
             therein
             ,
             not
             by
             speculation
             ,
             but
             by
             obedience
             and
             affection
             which
             is
             that
             we
             call
             an
             
               affective
               thought
               of
               God
            
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             should
             say
             in
             our
             hearts
             ;
             
               yea
               my
               God
               ,
               thou
               art
               wholly
               wise
               ,
               and
               wholly
               good
               ,
               I
               will
               leave
               my self
               to
               thy
               conduct
               ,
               I
               will
               submit
               my self
               to
               thy
               divine
               will.
            
             By
             these
             frequent
             thoughts
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             soul
             unites
             it self
             to
             God
             ,
             adheres
             to
             his
             truths
             ,
             and
             by
             little
             and
             little
             ,
             ascends
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God.
             This
             manner
             is
             not
             hard
             ,
             neither
             requires
             it
             any
             rule
             ,
             we
             must
             onely
             be
             vigilant
             often
             to
             apply
             our selves
             thereto
             ,
             when
             any
             thing
             gives
             occasion
             thereof
             .
             To
             arrive
             to
             the
             
               knowledge
               
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             it
             suffices
             not
             ,
             to
             consider
             our
             own
             impotency
             ,
             our
             feebleness
             and
             our
             imperfections
             ,
             we
             see
             them
             ,
             and
             know
             them
             but
             too
             much
             ,
             we
             make
             a
             custom
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             this
             truth
             will
             never
             lead
             us
             to
             humility
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             elevate
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             the
             
               knowledge
               of
               God
            
             ,
             thus
             .
             The
             soul
             must
             present
             it self
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             having
             conceived
             as
             well
             as
             she
             can
             the
             
               infinite
               being
            
             ,
             and
             
               soveraign
               Majesty
            
             of
             the
             Divinity
             before
             which
             she
             is
             ,
             she
             regards
             him
             ,
             she
             adores
             him
             ;
             then
             she
             begins
             to
             compare
             her
             being
             with
             that
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             entertains
             her self
             in
             this
             thought
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             regard
             ,
             and
             presently
             acknowledging
             the
             
               exaltation
               of
               the
               divine
               essence
               above
               her
               own
               ,
            
             she
             accounts
             her self
             as
             if
             she
             were
             not
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             infinite
             distance
             she
             sees
             betwixt
             God
             and
             her
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             view
             she
             regards
             her self
             ,
             rather
             in
             a
             
               not
               being
            
             ,
             and
             a
             nothing
             then
             in
             a
             being
             .
             The
             soul
             filling
             her self
             with
             this
             thought
             ,
             and
             possessed
             with
             this
             truth
             ,
             humbles
             her self
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             her
             nothing
             ,
             and
             abases
             her self
             as
             much
             as
             she
             can
             .
             For
             having
             conceived
             the
             greatness
             of
             God
             throughout
             ,
             she
             sees
             that
             she
             is
             a
             
               meer
               nothing
            
             .
             This
             truth
             annihilates
             all
             creatures
             ,
             yea
             the
             most
             perfect
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             the
             Saints
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             forc'd
             by
             this
             principle
             ,
             humble
             themselves
             ,
             and
             make
             themselves
             
               as
               nothing
            
             ,
             before
             the
             supreme
             and
             
             
               incomprehensible
               Majesty
               of
               God
            
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             whom
             
               all
               creatures
            
             together
             ,
             are
             not
             so
             much
             as
             one
             grain
             of
             Sand.
             The
             soul
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             this
             truth
             ,
             must
             say
             in
             her self
             ;
             
               If
               all
               creatures
               are
               nothing
               before
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               what
               am
               I
               who
               am
               the
               least
               ?
               And
               if
               I
               am
               nothing
               before
               God
               ,
               can
               I
               make
               my self
               any
               thing
               ?
               If
               before
               the
               Creator
               ,
               I
               find
               not
               my self
               ,
               by
               reason
               I
               am
               so
               much
               plung'd
               into
               nothing
               ,
               would
               I
               to
               the
               prejudice
               of
               truth
               ,
               appear
               to
               be
               something
               before
               the
               Creature
               ?
            
             In
             the
             consideration
             of
             this
             truth
             ,
             the
             spirit
             is
             vanquished
             ,
             the
             soul
             knowes
             what
             she
             is
             ,
             and
             is
             constrained
             to
             humble
             her self
             .
             We
             must
             passe
             farther
             ,
             and
             enter
             into
             the
             consideration
             of
             the
             totall
             and
             absolute
             dependance
             wherein
             the
             soul
             is
             in
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             dependance
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             she
             holds
             onely
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             subsisteth
             not
             ,
             nor
             moveth
             but
             in
             God
             ,
             with
             so
             much
             necessity
             ,
             that
             the
             beames
             subsist
             not
             by
             ,
             nor
             depend
             more
             on
             the
             Sun
             ,
             then
             the
             soul
             doth
             on
             her
             God
             :
             O
             happy
             dependance
             ,
             which
             gives
             us
             God
             ,
             and
             binds
             us
             to
             God!
             In
             considering
             this
             truth
             ,
             the
             soul
             finds
             that
             she
             
               is
               nothing
            
             ,
             and
             that
             she
             
               hath
               nothing
            
             ,
             either
             in
             the
             order
             of
             the
             
               essence
               created
            
             ,
             or
             
               in
               the
               order
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             for
             all
             is
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             depend
             on
             God
             in
             such
             manner
             ,
             that
             if
             God
             should
             wholly
             withdraw
             himself
             ,
             she
             should
             leave
             to
             be
             that
             which
             she
             is
             ,
             and
             should
             find
             her self
             in
             her
             nothing
             .
             So
             that
             if
             
             she
             have
             any
             thing
             ,
             she
             sees
             that
             it
             is
             in
             God
             ,
             not
             in
             her self
             ;
             
               in
               him
            
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             
               we
               live
               and
               move
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               have
               our
               being
            
             .
             Reflecting
             hereupon
             ,
             she
             saith
             in
             her
             heart
             ,
             
               If
               all
               that
               I
               have
               belong
               not
               to
               me
               ,
               nor
               is
               of
               me
               ,
               but
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               belongs
               to
               God
               ,
               then
               am
               I
               nothing
               ,
               nor
               have
               any
               thing
               .
               Wherefore
               do
               I
               flatter
               my self
               ,
               and
               believe
               my self
               to
               be
               something
               ,
               when
               in
               truth
               I
               am
               nothing
               ?
               why
               do
               I
               glorifie
               my self
               ,
               and
               please
               my self
               in
               that
               which
               belongs
               not
               to
               me
               ?
               wherefore
               should
               I
               attribute
               to
               my self
               ,
               the
               honour
               ,
               contentment
               and
               glory
               ,
               which
               belongs
               onely
               to
               my
               Lord
               ?
               No
               no
               ,
               I
               will
               keep
               in
               my
               meanness
               ,
               I
               will
               hide
               my self
               in
               the
               abysse
               of
               my
               nothing
               ,
               and
               if
               God
               be
               merciful
               unto
               me
               ,
               and
               out
               of
               his
            
             bounty
             
               give
               me
               something
               ,
               I
               will
               hold
               it
               of
               him
               ,
               I
               will
               onely
               keep
               it
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               I
               resolve
               from
               this
               time
               ,
               and
               to
               all
               eternity
               ,
               I
               will
               live
               in
               the
               dependance
               that
               I
               owe
               to
               the
               regard
               of
               my
               Lord
               and
               God.
               
            
          
           
             Let
             us
             not
             stay
             here
             ,
             but
             advance
             forward
             to
             the
             
               light
               of
               truth
            
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             cast
             our
             eyes
             upon
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             what
             we
             are
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             are
             nothing
             ,
             nor
             have
             nothing
             ,
             as
             having
             received
             all
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             we
             possess
             nothing
             ,
             either
             temporall
             or
             spirituall
             ,
             in
             nature
             or
             in
             grace
             ,
             but
             onely
             that
             which
             God
             reserves
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             should
             be
             pleased
             to
             withdraw
             his
             gifts
             ,
             or
             cease
             to
             preserve
             them
             ,
             we
             should
             find
             our selves
             like
             Adam
             ,
             naked
             and
             poor
             ,
             and
             should
             return
             to
             our
             nothing
             .
          
           
           
             Let
             us
             behold
             our selves
             then
             so
             naked
             and
             devested
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             pause
             upon
             this
             thought
             ,
             and
             upon
             this
             consideration
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             be
             ashamed
             to
             look
             upon
             our selves
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             be
             forced
             ,
             whether
             we
             will
             or
             not
             ,
             to
             humble
             our selves
             ,
             but
             with
             a
             humility
             full
             of
             love
             and
             confidence
             ,
             which
             shall
             make
             us
             lift
             up
             our
             eyes
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             to
             behold
             him
             on
             whom
             we
             so
             absolutely
             depend
             from
             whose
             hands
             we
             have
             received
             all
             ,
             and
             must
             yet
             every
             moment
             receive
             
               influence
               ,
               conduct
               ,
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             stability
             ,
             and
             that
             so
             necessarily
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             happen
             to
             separate
             our selves
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             but
             stop
             his
             assistance
             and
             his
             concourse
             ,
             leaving
             us
             to
             our selves
             ,
             we
             assuredly
             shall
             fall
             ,
             and
             in
             an
             instant
             lose
             all
             ,
             in
             what
             state
             soever
             we
             are
             of
             Sanctity
             and
             grace
             .
             O
             most
             
               powerful
               Truth
            
             ,
             to
             humble
             us
             if
             considered
             ;
             a
             truth
             that
             humbles
             the
             most
             holy
             and
             just
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             which
             annihilates
             the
             Angels
             and
             Seraphims
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             a
             truth
             which
             makes
             the
             
               glorious
               spirits
               ,
               Angels
            
             and
             Saints
             who
             enjoy
             God
             ,
             to
             acknowledge
             that
             they
             have
             nothing
             but
             of
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             have
             no
             stability
             but
             in
             God
             ;
             an
             acknowledgement
             so
             strong
             ,
             that
             it
             were
             able
             to
             pluck
             them
             ,
             and
             unite
             them
             to
             him
             indissolubly
             ,
             if
             otherwise
             they
             were
             not
             ty'd
             to
             him
             by
             the
             state
             of
             glory
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             very
             state
             of
             a
             soul
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             
             who
             knowing
             the
             greatness
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             seeing
             himself
             his
             Creature
             penetrating
             those
             truths
             by
             a
             light
             springing
             from
             the
             personall
             union
             of
             the
             word
             ,
             a
             light
             worthy
             of
             the
             
               glory
               of
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               ,
            
             humbles
             it self
             but
             with
             a
             humility
             that
             shall
             be
             eternall
             ,
             a
             humility
             more
             profound
             then
             that
             of
             all
             the
             Saints
             and
             Angels
             ,
             a
             humility
             which
             alone
             is
             worthy
             to
             honour
             and
             adore
             the
             infinite
             Essence
             ,
             and
             the
             supreme
             Majesty
             of
             God.
             So
             that
             these
             truths
             annihilating
             all
             the
             spirits
             ,
             and
             humbling
             all
             the
             Seraphims
             ,
             nothing
             but
             man
             shuts
             his
             eyes
             against
             so
             great
             a
             
               light
               .
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             and
             these
             Seraphims
             ,
             humble
             themselves
             in
             the
             throne
             of
             their
             glory
             ,
             and
             men
             glorifie
             themselves
             sitting
             on
             the
             Dunghill
             of
             their
             vices
             .
             O
             hardness
             and
             obstinacy
             of
             humane
             spirits
             !
             O
             the
             power
             of
             the
             
               blind
               ambition
            
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             see
             and
             confess
             these
             truths
             ,
             who
             bear
             the
             marks
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             feel
             the
             violence
             of
             them
             ,
             yet
             remain
             insensible
             ,
             triumph
             in
             their
             wickedness
             ,
             and
             refuse
             to
             act
             by
             love
             and
             vertue
             ,
             what
             they
             shall
             be
             constrained
             to
             do
             by
             Iustice
             and
             rigour
             ,
             for
             those
             who
             exalt
             themselves
             shall
             be
             humbled
             ,
             but
             humbled
             by
             the
             revengefull
             hand
             of
             Almighty
             God.
             Let
             us
             open
             our
             eyes
             and
             acknowledge
             ;
             let
             us
             descend
             into
             our selves
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             nothing
             ,
             cry
             to
             God
             that
             he
             would
             give
             us
             that
             light
             of
             truth
             .
             Let
             
             us
             adore
             this
             truth
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             resign
             our selves
             over
             to
             his
             power
             ,
             and
             invoke
             the
             force
             and
             spirit
             of
             his
             humility
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             consume
             in
             us
             the
             vanity
             and
             ambition
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             that
             lives
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             communicate
             to
             us
             so
             necessary
             a
             vertue
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           third
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             Of
             an
             effectuall
             desire
             to
             be
             GOD'S
             .
          
           
             AS
             the
             spirit
             of
             Faith
             is
             great
             in
             us
             ,
             so
             let
             us
             make
             use
             thereof
             ,
             and
             esteem
             God
             according
             to
             the
             same
             proportion
             ,
             and
             enter
             into
             this
             Disposition
             ,
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             all
             souls
             who
             go
             the
             wayes
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             abandon
             themselves
             wholly
             to
             our
             Lord.
             This
             Disposition
             is
             a
             pure
             and
             perfect
             desire
             to
             belong
             to
             God
             at
             any
             price
             whatsoever
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             his
             purely
             without
             any
             other
             regard
             then
             of
             the
             greatness
             and
             
               soveraign
               Majesty
            
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             deserves
             to
             be
             
               loved
               ,
               served
            
             and
             adored
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             God
             ,
             and
             shutting
             the
             eye
             to
             all
             considerations
             ,
             to
             all
             hopes
             and
             all
             profit
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             and
             bear
             in
             heart
             this
             truth
             ,
             
               I
               will
               be
               Gods
               for
               his
               own
               sake
               .
            
             This
             desire
             will
             not
             be
             so
             difficult
             as
             it
             appeares
             ,
             if
             faith
             be
             living
             
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             if
             we
             bear
             a
             true
             esteem
             of
             God.
             But
             we
             must
             proceed
             further
             ,
             this
             desire
             must
             not
             be
             in
             the
             mouth
             onely
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             heart
             ;
             to
             be
             pure
             ,
             it
             must
             regard
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             infinite
             without
             limitation
             or
             restriction
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             should
             say
             ,
             
               I
               will
               be
               Gods
               in
               all
               that
               he
               wills
               ,
            
             and
             in
             sign
             of
             the
             perfection
             whereinto
             I
             desire
             to
             enter
             ,
             I
             will
             know
             nothing
             of
             all
             that
             he
             desireth
             of
             me
             ,
             I
             content
             my self
             to
             be
             in
             a
             bare
             abandoning
             of
             my self
             to
             all
             the
             thoughts
             ,
             all
             the
             designes
             ,
             all
             the
             Counsels
             he
             hath
             formed
             of
             me
             in
             the
             Cabinet
             of
             his
             
               eternall
               wisdom
            
             ,
             to
             all
             the
             
               thoughts
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             had
             of
             me
             on
             the
             Altar
             of
             his
             Crosse
             ,
             sacrificing
             himself
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             and
             offering
             vvith
             himself
             the
             souls
             of
             his
             Elect.
             I
             offer
             my self
             to
             him
             to
             be
             all
             that
             he
             vvill
             ,
             and
             to
             leave
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             
               divine
               pleasure
            
             ,
             be
             it
             of
             Iustice
             or
             of
             love
             of
             abandoning
             or
             enjoying
             ,
             of
             abundance
             or
             privation
             ,
             of
             fervour
             or
             of
             drought
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             I
             will
             have
             no
             other
             desire
             but
             to
             be
             Gods
             ,
             to
             be
             all
             that
             
               he
               will
            
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             be
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             adorable
             estate
             into
             which
             the
             soul
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             entred
             the
             first
             instant
             of
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             it
             was
             united
             to
             the
             Word
             ,
             for
             in
             the
             same
             moment
             his
             soul
             produced
             an
             act
             of
             obligation
             of
             him
             to
             be
             wholly
             Gods
             ,
             wholly
             obedient
             to
             his
             
               divine
               decrees
            
             in
             all
             the
             wayes
             which
             he
             
             ordained
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             upon
             his
             life
             ,
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             humiliation
             ,
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             of
             
               privation
               ,
               cross
            
             and
             death
             .
             This
             is
             also
             the
             estate
             and
             first
             disposition
             whereinto
             the
             soul
             must
             enter
             that
             seeks
             God
             ,
             and
             will
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ;
             but
             she
             must
             remain
             herein
             with
             such
             stability
             and
             constancy
             ,
             that
             she
             may
             render
             her self
             immutable
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             his
             disposition
             :
             For
             in
             whatsoever
             change
             she
             finds
             her self
             ,
             she
             must
             never
             quit
             this
             disposition
             ;
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             it
             is
             herein
             that
             she
             must
             establish
             and
             settle
             her self
             more
             and
             more
             ,
             and
             all
             her
             care
             must
             be
             ,
             to
             bear
             it
             ,
             not
             in
             her
             mouth
             ,
             nor
             in
             her
             will
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             her
             heart
             ,
             and
             centre
             of
             her
             soul.
             
          
           
             We
             have
             said
             ,
             that
             this
             desire
             to
             be
             God's
             ,
             must
             be
             
               pure
               ,
               simple
               ,
               naked
            
             ,
             and
             absolute
             ;
             therefore
             ,
             to
             forme
             this
             desire
             and
             make
             it
             perfect
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             receive
             into
             our
             spirit
             ,
             any
             reason
             ,
             any
             consideration
             ,
             any
             interest
             ,
             but
             onely
             say
             ,
             and
             say
             it
             truly
             ,
             
               I
               will
               be
               Gods
               for
               Gods
               sake
               ,
            
             according
             as
             God
             will
             have
             me
             ,
             and
             in
             such
             manner
             as
             shall
             please
             him
             .
          
           
             This
             Disposition
             thus
             explained
             ,
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             seek
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             resign
             themselves
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             the
             state
             that
             pleaseth
             him
             ,
             must
             not
             desire
             to
             know
             or
             understand
             what
             God
             will
             do
             with
             them
             ,
             nor
             what
             he
             will
             say
             to
             all
             the
             motions
             which
             they
             think
             ,
             or
             in
             all
             that
             they
             
             understand
             ,
             nor
             in
             all
             the
             diverse
             estates
             spirituall
             or
             temporall
             ,
             wherein
             they
             find
             themselves
             ;
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             neither
             necessary
             ,
             nor
             profitable
             )
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             to
             desire
             to
             know
             and
             understand
             all
             that
             passeth
             ,
             and
             examine
             whence
             it
             comes
             ,
             and
             whither
             it
             tends
             ;
             this
             were
             to
             draw
             her self
             out
             of
             resignation
             ,
             and
             to
             go
             out
             of
             the
             purity
             of
             this
             Disposition
             ,
             it
             is
             onely
             necessary
             that
             the
             soul
             have
             a
             great
             vigilancy
             to
             recive
             all
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             it
             in
             the
             manner
             that
             God
             requires
             of
             her
             ,
             and
             to
             bear
             it
             with
             the
             spirit
             as
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             use
             of
             it
             with
             the
             purity
             that
             it
             merits
             .
             In
             this
             point
             consists
             the
             fidelity
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             the
             perfection
             of
             this
             estate
             .
          
           
             To
             facilitate
             this
             ,
             it
             is
             good
             for
             the
             soul
             to
             present
             her self
             often
             before
             God
             ,
             exciting
             in
             her self
             an
             
               efficacious
               desire
            
             to
             do
             the
             pure
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             it
             in
             the
             disposition
             and
             manner
             that
             he
             requires
             ,
             without
             knowing
             what
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             she
             shall
             often
             offer
             her self
             to
             God
             for
             this
             end
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             it
             is
             very
             profitable
             to
             offer
             our selves
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             form
             a
             generall
             will
             to
             practise
             all
             sorts
             of
             good
             ,
             though
             we
             have
             no
             light
             nor
             feeling
             ,
             contenting
             our selves
             with
             a
             resignation
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             taking
             care
             to
             follow
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             co-operate
             faithfully
             with
             the
             graces
             and
             motions
             we
             receive
             from
             him
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Maxime
             in
             Piety
             ,
             that
             the
             soul
             must
             
             not
             seek
             any
             sense
             ,
             any
             light
             ,
             nothing
             of
             particular
             ,
             but
             keep
             and
             conserve
             it self
             in
             a
             
               pure
               estate
            
             to
             be
             Gods
             ,
             to
             do
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             her self
             faithfull
             to
             his
             graces
             ,
             remembering
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             nothing
             to
             do
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             but
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             receive
             his
             gifts
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             them
             again
             unto
             him
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           fourth
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             Of
             the
             Purity
             of
             the
             Heart
             .
          
           
             WE
             proceed
             in
             our
             designe
             of
             drawing
             the
             picture
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             which
             consists
             in
             representing
             the
             principal
             vertues
             wherewith
             he
             must
             be
             invested
             ,
             and
             the
             dispositions
             wherein
             he
             must
             be
             ,
             to
             become
             fit
             to
             bear
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             onely
             upon
             the
             spirit
             and
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             Church
             he
             is
             fed
             with
             the
             body
             ,
             and
             drinks
             the
             blood
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             Among
             the
             true
             vertus
             ,
             which
             we
             must
             possess
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             as
             the
             gold
             ,
             and
             enamel
             of
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             is
             purity
             ,
             a
             vertue
             altogether
             necessary
             ,
             yet
             either
             despised
             ,
             or
             little
             known
             .
             If
             we
             would
             see
             the
             necessity
             thereof
             ,
             let
             us
             
             onely
             consider
             what
             is
             the
             end
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             wherein
             consists
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             The
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             live
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             he
             must
             carry
             God
             ,
             he
             must
             possess
             God
             ;
             
             
               If
               any
               man
               love
               me
            
             ,
             saith
             Christ
             ,
             
               he
               will
               keep
               my
               words
               ,
               and
               my
               Father
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               we
               will
               come
               into
               him
               ,
               and
               make
               our
               abode
               with
               him
            
             ;
             which
             we
             must
             not
             onely
             understand
             of
             justifying
             ,
             and
             
               inherent
               grace
            
             ,
             a
             gift
             created
             and
             given
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             of
             the
             reall
             true
             habitation
             and
             presence
             of
             God
             in
             our
             souls
             .
             The
             soul
             of
             the
             just
             ,
             saith
             the
             
               Wise
               man
            
             ,
             is
             the
             Throne
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             the
             Apostle
             sayes
             often
             ,
             that
             our
             souls
             and
             bodies
             are
             Temples
             of
             God
             :
             
             
               Know
               ye
               not
               that
               your
               body
               is
               the
               Temple
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ?
            
          
           
             Reflecting
             on
             this
             so
             manifest
             a
             truth
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             to
             receive
             and
             possess
             God
             in
             our
             soul
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             the
             purity
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             without
             flattering
             our selves
             with
             vain
             hopes
             ,
             and
             disguizing
             or
             covering
             the
             truth
             ,
             let
             us
             consider
             a
             little
             seriously
             what
             the
             place
             ought
             to
             be
             where
             the
             Majesty
             of
             a
             God
             will
             dwell
             for
             ever
             ;
             what
             ought
             his
             dwelling
             to
             be
             of
             whom
             David
             saith
             ,
             
               Thou
               dwelst
               in
               the
               sanctuary
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               in
               the
               holy
               of
               holies
               ?
            
             What
             ought
             the
             heart
             of
             a
             man
             to
             be
             where
             God
             hath
             made
             himself
             a
             seat
             which
             he
             hath
             chosen
             and
             consecrated
             to
             be
             the
             throne
             of
             
             his
             love
             ?
             We
             must
             believe
             God
             will
             require
             in
             us
             a
             purity
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             seeing
             he
             who
             is
             purity
             it self
             ,
             will
             
               dwell
               eternally
            
             in
             us
             .
             This
             purity
             that
             God
             demands
             ,
             and
             whereof
             he
             is
             worthy
             is
             so
             divine
             ,
             that
             our
             strength
             cannot
             arrive
             unto
             it
             ,
             he
             must
             give
             it
             ,
             he
             must
             assist
             our
             importance
             ;
             there
             is
             nothing
             but
             the
             fire
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             the
             lightning
             of
             his
             light
             ,
             the
             force
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             that
             can
             
               purge
               ,
               expiate
            
             ,
             and
             consume
             all
             in
             us
             that
             is
             contrary
             to
             this
             purity
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             it
             belongs
             to
             God
             alone
             to
             place
             us
             in
             the
             purity
             that
             he
             requires
             of
             us
             :
             This
             shews
             how
             much
             those
             souls
             are
             deceived
             ,
             who
             think
             to
             possess
             God
             ,
             and
             
               be
               well
               with
               him
            
             ,
             yet
             are
             more
             remote
             from
             him
             then
             heaven
             is
             from
             earth
             .
             We
             need
             not
             but
             to
             behold
             and
             judge
             by
             the
             effects
             ,
             what
             its
             cause
             is
             .
             Now
             ,
             as
             this
             purity
             is
             altogether
             necessary
             to
             possess
             God
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             our
             part
             to
             desire
             and
             to
             demand
             it
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             our
             principall
             care
             must
             be
             to
             purify
             our
             heart
             ,
             to
             make
             it
             to
             bear
             God
             ,
             we
             must
             offer
             it
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             bring
             to
             our selves
             the
             effect
             of
             this
             saying
             of
             God
             to
             his
             Spouse
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             others
             ;
             
               My
               son
               ,
               give
               me
               thy
               heart
               ,
            
             we
             must
             give
             and
             resigne
             it
             to
             him
             alone
             ,
             
             it
             is
             his
             desire
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             ,
             and
             our
             happiness
             ,
             if
             he
             will
             vouchsafe
             to
             accept
             it
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             his
             when
             he
             pleaseth
             to
             make
             it
             such
             as
             he
             requires
             it
             .
             This
             is
             not
             all
             ,
             we
             must
             co-operate
             herein
             ,
             and
             labour
             
             with
             care
             and
             vigilancy
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             employ
             our selves
             herein
             with
             courage
             ,
             and
             labour
             with
             profit
             ;
             let
             us
             therefore
             see
             wherein
             this
             purity
             consists
             .
          
           
             The
             purity
             of
             the
             heart
             may
             be
             understood
             
               two
               wayes
            
             ;
             one
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             purifie
             our
             heart
             from
             all
             sorts
             of
             sins
             ,
             and
             voluntary
             imperfections
             .
             God
             enters
             not
             into
             a
             malicious
             soul
             ,
             nor
             inhabits
             in
             a
             body
             enslav'd
             to
             sin
             ;
             we
             mean
             ,
             not
             only
             gross
             sins
             ,
             but
             ordinary
             failings
             ,
             even
             all
             faults
             ,
             be
             they
             never
             so
             little
             :
             For
             ,
             God
             being
             purity
             it self
             ,
             cannot
             inhabit
             in
             a
             heart
             ,
             if
             he
             find
             not
             ,
             or
             put
             not
             therein
             this
             purity
             ;
             and
             being
             
               infinitely
               good
            
             ,
             he
             infinitly
             hates
             evil
             ,
             whatsoever
             it
             be
             ,
             and
             though
             the
             least
             faults
             drive
             not
             God
             out
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             yet
             they
             make
             a
             division
             and
             unsettle
             the
             soul
             from
             God
             ,
             they
             make
             great
             spoil
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             they
             
               undermine
               it
            
             ,
             they
             brand
             it
             ,
             they
             indispose
             it
             ;
             and
             being
             so
             ,
             it
             is
             disagreeable
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             becomes
             the
             object
             of
             his
             Iustice.
             The
             soul
             that
             knowes
             how
             to
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             bears
             any
             impression
             of
             his
             purity
             ,
             will
             think
             more
             then
             I
             say
             ,
             and
             never
             consent
             to
             the
             least
             imperfection
             ,
             all
             is
             insupportable
             to
             her
             that
             she
             knows
             to
             be
             disacceptable
             to
             God
             ,
             she
             hath
             no
             consideration
             of
             
               estate
               ,
               honour
            
             ,
             her
             own
             good
             ;
             or
             of
             men
             ,
             where
             she
             sees
             there
             is
             any
             thing
             capable
             to
             offend
             the
             eyes
             and
             heart
             of
             her
             God
             ;
             all
             her
             
             care
             is
             to
             detest
             and
             extirpate
             ,
             not
             onely
             the
             least
             faults
             ,
             but
             to
             
               quit
               ,
               renounce
            
             and
             separate
             her self
             from
             whatsoever
             she
             knowes
             to
             be
             displeasing
             to
             God.
             It
             is
             the
             chief
             advice
             of
             St.
             
               Augustine
               ;
               Before
               any
               work
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               be
               sure
               to
               purify
               the
               heart
               ,
               and
               take
               from
               it
               all
               that
               you
               observe
               displeasing
               to
               God.
            
             When
             he
             would
             have
             us
             take
             from
             our
             hearts
             all
             that
             is
             displeasing
             to
             God
             ,
             he
             discovers
             a
             great
             secret
             ;
             he
             would
             have
             us
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             take
             out
             of
             us
             all
             that
             is
             of
             Adam
             ;
             he
             would
             have
             us
             annihilate
             our
             inclinations
             ,
             because
             whatsoever
             is
             of
             Adam
             ,
             is
             impure
             ,
             and
             opposite
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             ever
             contrary
             to
             him
             ;
             whence
             we
             conclude
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             would
             possess
             Iesus
             ,
             must
             do
             all
             he
             can
             possible
             ,
             to
             dispossess
             himself
             of
             ,
             and
             to
             drive
             away
             Adam
             ,
             this
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             his
             inclinations
             can
             no
             more
             subsist
             in
             the
             soul
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             then
             the
             Idol
             Dagon
             could
             stand
             before
             the
             Ark
             of
             the
             Covenant
             .
             All
             that
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             of
             God
             is
             impure
             and
             unworthy
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             out
             of
             God
             ,
             can
             produce
             no
             good
             ,
             nor
             any
             thing
             worthy
             of
             God
             ;
             these
             are
             great
             truths
             ,
             such
             as
             might
             transport
             our
             spirits
             ,
             yet
             let
             us
             not
             be
             astonish'd
             at
             this
             Proposition
             as
             too
             high
             and
             impossible
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             see
             that
             therein
             is
             nothing
             too
             much
             ,
             but
             rather
             far
             less
             then
             so
             worthy
             a
             
             subject
             merits
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             how
             pure
             that
             soul
             must
             be
             that
             would
             please
             God
             ,
             be
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             possess
             God
             ,
             and
             what
             purity
             it
             must
             have
             to
             be
             one
             with
             God
             ,
             for
             thereon
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             happily
             terminates
             .
             O
             great
             God
             ,
             how
             many
             deceive
             themselves
             !
             O
             God
             of
             
               adorable
               purity
            
             ,
             how
             few
             are
             fit
             to
             
               possess
               Thee
            
             !
          
           
             By
             the
             light
             of
             these
             truths
             we
             may
             discover
             the
             abuse
             and
             deceits
             in
             
               christian
               devotion
            
             .
             Some
             think
             that
             they
             hold
             God
             by
             the
             hand
             already
             ,
             and
             believe
             themselves
             well
             advanced
             in
             perfection
             ,
             in
             that
             they
             communicate
             ,
             in
             that
             they
             fast
             and
             pray
             every
             day
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             such
             like
             things
             ,
             wherein
             they
             exercise
             themselves
             ,
             they
             have
             the
             taste
             and
             sense
             of
             devotion
             ,
             they
             speak
             well
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             if
             you
             will
             believe
             them
             ,
             they
             say
             they
             are
             ravished
             in
             God.
             But
             consider
             them
             well
             ,
             you
             shall
             find
             they
             live
             wholly
             according
             to
             their
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             they
             mind
             onely
             their
             own
             Interest
             ,
             they
             care
             onely
             to
             
               satisfie
               themselves
            
             ,
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             they
             are
             but
             themselves
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             self-love
             ,
             you
             shall
             know
             these
             Trees
             by
             their
             fruits
             ,
             and
             the
             end
             will
             let
             you
             see
             ,
             that
             do
             but
             touch
             these
             Mountains
             ,
             and
             nothing
             will
             come
             out
             but
             smoke
             .
             God
             dwells
             not
             with
             Baal
             ;
             let
             us
             not
             go
             
               two
               wayes
            
             ,
             the
             soul
             who
             will
             possess
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             purity
             ,
             must
             be
             pure
             ,
             must
             purge
             and
             take
             from
             it self
             ,
             all
             
             that
             
               displeases
               God
            
             ,
             for
             flesh
             and
             blood
             possess
             not
             God.
             
          
           
             There
             is
             another
             deceit
             whereto
             we
             must
             take
             heed
             ,
             which
             is
             of
             those
             that
             believe
             they
             
               do
               much
            
             ,
             and
             think
             that
             God
             is
             endebted
             to
             them
             ,
             when
             their
             Conscience
             troubles
             them
             not
             with
             any
             
               deadly
               sin
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             when
             they
             themselves
             say
             they
             avoid
             them
             all
             for
             that
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             truth
             of
             this
             proposition
             simply
             taken
             ,
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             he
             who
             dies
             without
             
               mortall
               sin
            
             ,
             shall
             be
             a
             Saint
             .
             But
             laying
             aside
             many
             things
             that
             may
             be
             said
             against
             this
             abuse
             ,
             I
             will
             onely
             make
             it
             appeare
             ,
             that
             they
             
               support
               themselves
            
             upon
             a
             Reed
             ,
             for
             I
             advise
             all
             those
             souls
             that
             speak
             so
             ,
             to
             acquaint
             themselves
             with
             their
             own
             state
             ,
             because
             that
             to
             know
             the
             state
             of
             our
             Consciences
             and
             our
             faults
             as
             they
             are
             ,
             we
             must
             know
             what
             they
             are
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             light
             of
             God.
             We
             cannot
             have
             this
             knowledge
             ,
             but
             in
             as
             much
             as
             we
             are
             filled
             with
             the
             light
             of
             truth
             ,
             and
             as
             we
             esteem
             God
             and
             his
             greatness
             :
             But
             if
             we
             did
             esteem
             God
             ,
             and
             acknowledge
             his
             greatness
             ,
             and
             if
             we
             did
             live
             in
             the
             light
             of
             the
             truth
             ,
             we
             would
             never
             speak
             thus
             .
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             we
             should
             not
             onely
             shun
             mortall
             sin
             ,
             but
             even
             the
             least
             faults
             ,
             for
             knowing
             God
             ,
             and
             esteeming
             his
             greatness
             ,
             we
             love
             him
             ,
             loving
             him
             ,
             we
             fear
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             that
             may
             displease
             him
             ,
             be
             it
             never
             so
             triviall
             ,
             and
             
             they
             therefore
             who
             onely
             regard
             and
             fear
             the
             
               grossest
               sins
            
             ,
             and
             care
             not
             for
             the
             rest
             ,
             assuredly
             ,
             neither
             know
             nor
             
               esteem
               God.
            
             They
             know
             him
             not
             ,
             for
             they
             cannot
             know
             the
             state
             of
             their
             Consciences
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             they
             deceive
             themselves
             when
             they
             ground
             their
             assurance
             on
             a
             pretence
             that
             they
             are
             not
             troubled
             with
             
               mortall
               sins
            
             ,
             and
             that
             so
             much
             the
             more
             in
             that
             they
             care
             not
             for
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             believing
             they
             are
             well
             assur'd
             of
             their
             salvation
             .
             Alass
             ,
             who
             is
             he
             that
             can
             be
             assured
             he
             is
             worthy
             of
             love
             or
             hate
             ?
             what
             presumption
             is
             it
             in
             men
             of
             this
             age
             ,
             to
             assure
             themselves
             amidst
             so
             many
             dangers
             ?
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             the
             mirrour
             of
             Sanctity
             said
             of
             himself
             ,
             
               I
               know
               nothing
               by
               my self
               ,
               yet
               I
               am
               not
               hereby
               justified
            
             ;
             and
             elsewhere
             he
             sayes
             ,
             
             
               that
               he
               runs
               and
               labours
               alwayes
               ,
               because
               he
               is
               not
               arrived
               to
               that
               perfection
               God
               requires
               of
               him
               .
            
             
             We
             must
             say
             the
             same
             in
             what
             state
             soever
             we
             are
             .
             Whence
             I
             conclude
             ,
             that
             to
             live
             in
             the
             purity
             that
             God
             requires
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             he
             must
             not
             onely
             shun
             all
             sin
             ,
             but
             further
             have
             a
             generall
             care
             and
             particular
             vigilance
             to
             do
             nothing
             ,
             which
             may
             displease
             God
             ,
             whatsoever
             it
             be
             ,
             and
             must
             neglect
             nothing
             conducing
             thereto
             ;
             and
             herein
             consisteth
             purity
             in
             the
             first
             sense
             .
          
           
             Purity
             taken
             in
             the
             second
             manner
             ,
             implies
             no
             other
             thing
             then
             a
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             
             man
             to
             God
             ,
             be
             it
             for
             the
             soul
             or
             for
             the
             body
             .
             This
             purity
             is
             greatly
             important
             ,
             and
             altogether
             necessary
             to
             those
             who
             would
             live
             as
             
               perfect
               Christians
            
             ,
             by
             this
             purity
             ,
             the
             soul
             regards
             onely
             God
             ,
             she
             doth
             nothing
             but
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             seeks
             nothing
             but
             his
             Will
             ,
             if
             she
             love
             ,
             it
             is
             onely
             God
             ,
             if
             she
             affect
             any
             thing
             else
             ,
             it
             is
             onely
             for
             God
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             God
             ,
             in
             every
             thing
             
               she
               seeks
            
             his
             glory
             and
             satisfaction
             ,
             all
             creatures
             are
             before
             her
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             not
             ;
             in
             this
             consists
             the
             essence
             of
             this
             vertue
             .
             Perhaps
             we
             shall
             make
             it
             better
             known
             by
             proposing
             the
             wayes
             and
             meanes
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             arrive
             to
             the
             acquisition
             of
             so
             divine
             a
             vertue
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             I
             place
             in
             
               purity
               and
               simplicity
               of
               intention
            
             ,
             when
             the
             soul
             in
             all
             that
             she
             does
             ,
             annihilates
             all
             her
             intentions
             ,
             her
             desires
             ,
             her
             motions
             ,
             her
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             admits
             none
             but
             the
             
               pure
               desire
            
             of
             complying
             with
             God.
             I
             call
             this
             intention
             simple
             ,
             because
             it
             must
             be
             clear
             and
             naked
             ,
             without
             consulting
             Reason
             in
             any
             thing
             .
             This
             intention
             is
             simple
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             one
             wholly
             ,
             and
             alwayes
             equall
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             it
             
               regards
               God
            
             onely
             ,
             and
             him
             continually
             ;
             in
             brief
             ,
             this
             intention
             and
             regard
             is
             simple
             ,
             because
             it
             onely
             rests
             upon
             God
             ;
             the
             soul
             that
             seeks
             this
             vertue
             ,
             seeks
             onely
             God.
             O
             how
             desirable
             is
             this
             vertue
             !
             how
             happy
             is
             this
             manner
             of
             life
             !
             This
             is
             that
             which
             
             unites
             the
             soul
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             which
             pleaseth
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             fit
             to
             bear
             God.
             
          
           
             The
             second
             meanes
             to
             arrive
             at
             the
             possession
             of
             this
             vertue
             is
             ,
             by
             
               denying
               our selves
            
             ,
             when
             we
             renounce
             our selves
             ,
             and
             admit
             no
             resentment
             that
             beares
             impurity
             and
             respect
             to
             our selves
             or
             the
             creature
             ,
             as
             the
             esteem
             of
             our
             own
             merit
             ,
             of
             our
             capacity
             ,
             of
             our
             vocation
             ,
             the
             content
             of
             a
             Neighbour
             ,
             the
             profit
             of
             Friends
             ,
             the
             acquisition
             of
             Vertue
             and
             such
             other
             things
             that
             cause
             us
             to
             stray
             from
             God.
             We
             must
             annihilate
             all
             these
             resentments
             and
             thoughts
             to
             persist
             in
             the
             unity
             and
             bare
             simplicity
             of
             the
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             pleasure
             of
             God
             ,
             
               his
               glory
            
             and
             
               his
               content
            
             is
             a
             thing
             more
             important
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             of
             more
             worth
             then
             can
             be
             imagin'd
             ,
             yea
             ,
             then
             the
             salvation
             of
             all
             men
             .
             The
             soul
             therefore
             that
             seeks
             God
             and
             perfection
             (
             for
             that
             is
             all
             one
             )
             must
             carefully
             take
             heed
             to
             this
             manner
             of
             purity
             ,
             for
             to
             regard
             any
             thing
             but
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             love
             out
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             to
             love
             unworthily
             ,
             and
             to
             love
             any
             other
             thing
             with
             God
             whatsoever
             it
             be
             ,
             to
             think
             thereon
             ,
             to
             seek
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             care
             for
             it
             ,
             is
             to
             make
             too
             little
             account
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             esteem
             his
             love
             too
             meanly
             .
             Men
             addicted
             to
             this
             World
             ,
             will
             passe
             over
             this
             lightly
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             with
             contempt
             ,
             but
             I
             wish
             all
             that
             heartily
             seek
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             in
             the
             number
             of
             those
             whom
             God
             holds
             in
             his
             hand
             ,
             and
             regards
             
             to
             all
             eternity
             with
             a
             regard
             of
             love
             and
             
               good
               will
            
             ,
             that
             they
             think
             of
             what
             worth
             this
             eternall
             regard
             of
             God
             is
             ,
             who
             regards
             us
             without
             ceasing
             ,
             that
             they
             consider
             what
             God
             deserves
             ,
             and
             demand
             of
             God
             that
             which
             he
             pleases
             for
             this
             regard
             of
             his
             love
             ;
             I
             am
             confident
             that
             these
             thoughts
             would
             lead
             them
             to
             
               true
               piety
            
             .
          
           
             The
             third
             meanes
             to
             attain
             this
             Vertue
             ,
             is
             vigilancy
             ,
             whereby
             we
             take
             heed
             to
             that
             which
             God
             does
             in
             us
             ,
             to
             correspond
             faithfully
             with
             the
             designes
             he
             hath
             to
             purifie
             us
             ,
             for
             by
             this
             vertue
             he
             is
             infused
             ,
             and
             God
             by
             his
             operations
             incessantly
             purifies
             us
             .
             It
             is
             the
             duty
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             to
             watch
             the
             occasions
             that
             God
             giveth
             her
             ,
             I
             say
             to
             watch
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             is
             very
             cunning
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             apply
             us
             to
             our
             senses
             ,
             under
             pretence
             of
             vertue
             and
             necessity
             .
             The
             
               devout
               soul
            
             must
             seriously
             take
             heed
             ,
             least
             she
             destroy
             in
             her self
             the
             works
             of
             God.
             This
             is
             the
             design
             of
             Satan
             ,
             they
             are
             his
             ordinary
             subtleties
             that
             deceive
             the
             most
             fervent
             ,
             by
             this
             meanes
             ,
             destroying
             in
             them
             all
             that
             God
             intended
             .
             It
             requires
             a
             very
             quick
             sight
             to
             perceive
             these
             snares
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             vigilancy
             to
             correspond
             with
             the
             work
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             act
             with
             the
             purity
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             to
             this
             point
             it
             must
             arrive
             .
             To
             this
             end
             will
             contribute
             much
             the
             second
             means
             we
             have
             proposed
             ,
             
             which
             makes
             us
             renounce
             our
             selves
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             in
             us
             all
             regard
             to
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             God
             alone
             may
             be
             the
             object
             ,
             the
             hope
             ,
             the
             confidence
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             of
             our
             soul.
             
          
           
             The
             brightness
             and
             beauty
             of
             this
             vertue
             ,
             will
             hurt
             their
             eyes
             ,
             who
             too
             much
             love
             themselves
             ,
             for
             they
             must
             quit
             all
             to
             possess
             it
             ,
             they
             must
             have
             neither
             heart
             nor
             eyes
             for
             themselves
             or
             the
             creatures
             ,
             and
             this
             they
             cannot
             digest
             ,
             who
             esteem
             themselves
             perfect
             enough
             ,
             and
             think
             they
             hold
             
               God
               inchain'd
            
             by
             the
             chains
             of
             their
             devotions
             ,
             which
             they
             love
             even
             to
             idolatry
             ,
             despising
             and
             neglecting
             this
             vertue
             which
             gives
             us
             God
             ,
             out
             of
             an
             opinion
             that
             they
             already
             possess
             him
             .
             The
             sloathful
             will
             not
             regard
             it
             ,
             because
             it
             exacts
             two
             much
             care
             and
             vigilance
             ,
             it
             is
             for
             them
             who
             
               love
               God
            
             ,
             or
             who
             seriously
             desire
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             to
             esteem
             this
             vertue
             ,
             and
             to
             seek
             it
             fervently
             ;
             for
             where
             love
             is
             ,
             there
             the
             eyes
             are
             ,
             and
             we
             desire
             not
             to
             please
             but
             where
             we
             love
             .
             Let
             us
             love
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             nothing
             difficult
             .
             Is
             it
             not
             an
             intolerable
             blindness
             ,
             to
             see
             so
             many
             refusalls
             as
             we
             make
             to
             so
             great
             a
             happiness
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             difficulties
             ,
             when
             God
             will
             love
             our
             
               souls
               ,
               when
            
             he
             will
             replenish
             them
             with
             himself
             .
             He
             
               will
               provide
            
             for
             them
             ,
             he
             
               will
               conduct
            
             them
             ,
             therefore
             he
             
               will
               separate
            
             them
             from
             themselves
             and
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             the
             heart
             may
             be
             pure
             ,
             and
             
             fit
             to
             receive
             him
             who
             is
             purity
             it self
             ?
             O
             soul
             !
             saith
             Saint
             
               Cyprian
               ,
               If
               thou
               suffice
               God
               ,
               let
               God
               suffice
               thee
               ,
               if
               God
               love
               thee
               ,
               love
               thou
               him
               ,
               if
               he
               regard
               thee
               ,
               do
               thou
               regard
               him
               .
            
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           fifth
           Disposition
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             Of
             Self-deniall
             ,
             and
             the
             necessity
             thereof
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             impossible
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             not
             God's
             ;
             we
             cannot
             be
             God's
             unless
             he
             possess
             us
             and
             replenish
             us
             with
             his
             spirit
             .
             To
             attain
             this
             happiness
             ,
             we
             must
             necessarily
             
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             into
             a
             
               true
               denial
            
             of
             our selves
             ;
             for
             as
             much
             as
             we
             are
             emptied
             of
             our selves
             and
             the
             creature
             ,
             so
             much
             shall
             we
             be
             filled
             of
             God
             ,
             from
             whence
             this
             maxime
             so
             remarkable
             in
             
               Christian
               piety
               ,
               Abnegation
               ,
               and
               annihilation
               leads
               us
               to
               the
               fulness
               of
               God.
               
            
          
           
             This
             vertue
             is
             almost
             unknown
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             to
             be
             lamented
             ,
             even
             those
             that
             make
             it
             their
             business
             to
             follow
             Piety
             ,
             regard
             it
             not
             ,
             and
             yet
             there
             is
             no
             vertue
             more
             indispensable
             ,
             or
             more
             
               necessary
               .
               Self-deniall
            
             is
             the
             first
             Disposition
             whereto
             the
             creature
             must
             put
             himself
             before
             the
             Majesty
             of
             his
             Creator
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             estate
             which
             the
             soul
             must
             be
             in
             ,
             if
             it
             will
             turn
             to
             God.
             In
             brief
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             centre
             of
             
             Christianity
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             founded
             upon
             a
             true
             and
             
               pure
               annihilation
            
             .
             We
             know
             the
             creatures
             before
             the
             Majesty
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             but
             as
             a
             grain
             of
             sand
             ;
             The
             Vniverse
             is
             but
             as
             a
             drop
             of
             
               morning
               dew
            
             ;
             
             and
             according
             to
             the
             saying
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               Philosopher
               ,
               The
               whole
               earth
               is
               but
               as
               a
               point
               of
               a
               point
            
             ;
             None
             but
             God
             can
             say
             ,
             
               I
               am
               that
               I
               am
            
             .
             
             All
             creatures
             ought
             to
             annihilate
             themselves
             at
             his
             word
             ,
             and
             to
             account
             themselves
             before
             this
             infinite
             being
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             not
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             use
             hereof
             was
             made
             by
             the
             Angels
             ,
             when
             in
             the
             revolt
             that
             was
             in
             heaven
             ,
             Saint
             Michael
             the
             Archangel
             ,
             and
             all
             good
             Angels
             ,
             according
             to
             their
             duties
             ,
             re-doubled
             this
             Protestation
             of
             
               annihilation
               ,
               Who
               is
               like
               unto
               God
               ?
            
             words
             that
             made
             the
             Angels
             go
             out
             of
             themselves
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             themselves
             before
             the
             Majesty
             of
             God
             ;
             words
             shewing
             that
             self-deniall
             and
             annihilation
             is
             the
             first
             duty
             the
             Angels
             rendred
             to
             God.
             It
             is
             likewise
             the
             first
             thing
             that
             man
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             use
             of
             his
             soul
             is
             to
             annihilate
             her self
             before
             the
             Majesty
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             protest
             he
             will
             go
             out
             of
             his
             being
             ,
             and
             
               renounce
               himself
            
             ,
             to
             be
             what
             God
             will
             have
             him
             .
             The
             Reverence
             and
             Religion
             which
             men
             have
             professed
             ,
             shew
             this
             annihilation
             of
             the
             creature
             before
             God
             ;
             for
             from
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             World
             by
             an
             instinct
             inspired
             from
             
             
               heaven
               ,
               Altars
            
             have
             been
             
               erected
               ,
               Sacrifices
            
             and
             
               Holocausts
               offered
            
             ,
             wherein
             the
             being
             of
             the
             thing
             sacrificed
             is
             annihilated
             as
             in
             protestation
             made
             by
             the
             creature
             ,
             that
             its
             being
             is
             dependant
             on
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             ought
             to
             annihilate
             himself
             at
             sight
             of
             the
             incomprehensible
             and
             adorable
             Majesty
             of
             his
             Creator
             .
             What
             difficulty
             can
             there
             be
             in
             a
             thing
             so
             evident
             ?
             Can
             there
             be
             any
             creature
             or
             spirit
             so
             ambitious
             ,
             as
             to
             advance
             it self
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             esteem
             it self
             something
             before
             his
             infinite
             being
             ?
             If
             then
             before
             God
             ,
             man
             may
             not
             esteem
             himself
             
               any
               thing
            
             without
             losing
             himself
             with
             Lucifer
             ,
             he
             must
             necessarily
             annihilate
             himself
             ,
             his
             condition
             constrains
             him
             thereunto
             whether
             he
             will
             or
             not
             .
             Herein
             appears
             the
             truth
             of
             what
             we
             said
             ,
             that
             Abnegation
             is
             a
             disposition
             which
             no
             creature
             ,
             no
             man
             ,
             neither
             can
             ,
             or
             must
             eternally
             go
             out
             of
             :
             Self-deniall
             is
             the
             first
             estate
             wherein
             the
             soul
             that
             would
             turn
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             receive
             the
             grace
             of
             Iustification
             ,
             must
             be
             ,
             the
             reason
             is
             manifest
             .
             Man
             by
             sin
             is
             turned
             and
             separated
             from
             God
             ,
             to
             
               turn
               ,
               unite
            
             ,
             and
             apply
             himself
             to
             the
             creature
             ;
             To
             go
             out
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             turn
             himself
             to
             God
             ,
             he
             must
             necessarily
             
               go
               out
            
             of
             himself
             ,
             renounce
             himself
             ,
             and
             all
             creatures
             ,
             and
             must
             separate
             and
             dis-unite
             himself
             from
             himself
             ,
             if
             he
             will
             be
             united
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             
               perfectly
               converted
            
             .
             This
             is
             to
             
             be
             done
             by
             self-deniall
             ,
             whereby
             the
             
               soul
               renounceth
            
             the
             creature
             ,
             and
             annihilateth
             in
             her self
             all
             that
             she
             is
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             she
             goes
             out
             of
             her self
             ,
             to
             return
             unto
             God
             ,
             which
             she
             does
             ,
             assisted
             by
             grace
             ,
             which
             draws
             her
             back
             ,
             and
             separates
             her
             from
             what
             diverts
             her
             from
             God.
             
          
           
             Let
             us
             consider
             this
             first
             truth
             ,
             by
             the
             principle
             and
             light
             of
             faith
             ;
             Since
             the
             fall
             of
             Adam
             we
             are
             not
             sanctified
             ,
             but
             by
             ,
             and
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             cannot
             be
             sanctfied
             as
             children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             but
             as
             
               members
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               and
               as
               the
               new
               creature
               in
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             This
             Principle
             of
             faith
             granted
             ,
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             if
             we
             will
             take
             part
             with
             grace
             and
             holiness
             ,
             and
             be
             sanctified
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             must
             necessarily
             renounce
             our selves
             ,
             and
             cease
             to
             be
             to
             our selves
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             but
             by
             self-deniall
             .
             This
             was
             the
             state
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             at
             his
             conversion
             ,
             and
             the
             sense
             of
             his
             words
             ,
             
             when
             he
             sayes
             ,
             
               I
               live
               ,
               yet
               not
               I
               ,
               but
               Christ
               liveth
               in
               me
               .
            
             Thus
             we
             must
             understand
             these
             words
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             directed
             to
             all
             Christians
             :
             
             
               If
               any
               man
               will
               come
               after
               me
               ,
               let
               him
               deny
               himself
            
             ;
             wherein
             appears
             how
             necessary
             this
             vertue
             is
             to
             all
             souls
             that
             would
             follow
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             turn
             to
             God.
             
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             self-deniall
             is
             the
             centre
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             Let
             us
             consider
             it
             from
             it's
             birth
             ,
             and
             
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             founded
             his
             Church
             ,
             accomplished
             our
             Redemption
             ,
             and
             will
             save
             the
             World
             by
             the
             wayes
             of
             annihilation
             .
             The
             whole
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             and
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             the
             preaching
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             the
             propagation
             of
             the
             Faith
             ,
             and
             the
             Conquest
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             have
             been
             onely
             effected
             by
             the
             debasement
             of
             the
             Word
             into
             our
             humanity
             ,
             by
             annihilating
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             all
             his
             works
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             which
             brings
             nothing
             but
             debasement
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             said
             elsewhere
             .
             Whence
             it
             comes
             ,
             that
             all
             Christians
             who
             would
             participate
             of
             this
             grace
             ,
             who
             subsist
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             live
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             must
             resolve
             to
             enter
             into
             this
             way
             of
             abnegation
             ,
             and
             annihilation
             ,
             in
             regard
             that
             all
             the
             life
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             grace
             they
             can
             hope
             is
             in
             the
             life
             and
             grace
             flowing
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             of
             whose
             fulness
             we
             have
             all
             received
             .
             If
             this
             life
             and
             grace
             flow
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             consonant
             to
             his
             life
             ,
             it
             must
             bear
             his
             qualities
             and
             properties
             ,
             as
             the
             River
             hath
             no
             water
             but
             that
             of
             the
             source
             ,
             leaving
             the
             tast
             and
             qualities
             thereof
             .
             So
             all
             our
             graces
             being
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             as
             their
             Fountain
             and
             Principle
             ,
             they
             must
             necessarily
             be
             all
             conformable
             ,
             and
             like
             to
             him
             .
             Now
             no
             man
             can
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             graces
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             in
             lowness
             
             and
             annihilation
             .
             The
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             the
             foundation
             and
             
               first
               principle
            
             of
             
               christian
               grace
            
             ,
             was
             operated
             in
             ,
             stiled
             by
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               The
               making
               himself
               of
               no
               Reputation
               (
               exinanition
               :
               )
            
             
             The
             Word
             of
             God
             is
             in
             the
             silence
             of
             infancy
             ,
             his
             strength
             in
             feebleness
             ,
             the
             Throne
             of
             his
             greatness
             supported
             on
             lowness
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             what
             greater
             annihilation
             then
             that
             of
             the
             Crosse
             ?
             All
             the
             life
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             ,
             all
             his
             graces
             are
             in
             annihilation
             ,
             thence
             we
             derive
             all
             those
             graces
             whereby
             we
             are
             assisted
             and
             sanctified
             .
             What
             then
             may
             this
             operate
             in
             us
             ?
             what
             can
             it
             require
             of
             us
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             it self
             is
             in
             its
             source
             and
             
               principle
               ,
               annihilation
               ,
               devesting
            
             and
             abnegation
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             it
             can
             operate
             nothing
             else
             ,
             for
             he
             that
             hath
             grace
             and
             its
             effects
             ,
             must
             be
             in
             abnegation
             and
             annihilation
             .
             All
             the
             works
             of
             God
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             are
             by
             annihilation
             little
             or
             much
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             of
             grace
             and
             faith
             in
             the
             soul
             that
             receives
             it
             .
             Let
             us
             ascend
             to
             the
             source
             of
             this
             Truth
             .
             Consider
             ,
             that
             as
             God
             hath
             created
             so
             many
             and
             so
             different
             creatures
             ,
             for
             the
             beauty
             of
             the
             materiall
             World
             ,
             so
             in
             the
             order
             of
             grace
             ,
             he
             hath
             made
             different
             wayes
             to
             come
             to
             him
             ,
             one
             grace
             for
             Angels
             ,
             another
             for
             man
             ,
             another
             for
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             became
             capable
             of
             grace
             ,
             but
             of
             a
             grace
             proportion'd
             to
             
             the
             order
             and
             state
             of
             his
             incarnation
             ;
             that
             of
             the
             Angels
             is
             not
             for
             us
             ,
             that
             of
             men
             was
             lost
             in
             Adam
             ,
             there
             resteth
             no
             other
             for
             us
             then
             that
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             whereby
             he
             repaires
             and
             sanctifies
             us
             .
             Now
             as
             this
             grace
             is
             superiour
             and
             neerer
             to
             God
             ,
             because
             made
             for
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             not
             for
             men
             ,
             it
             followes
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             will
             participate
             of
             it
             ,
             must
             be
             elevated
             above
             their
             first
             capacity
             ,
             and
             be
             united
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             be
             by
             him
             united
             to
             God.
             Thus
             the
             grace
             that
             sanctifies
             us
             is
             by
             a
             
               holy
               Iesus
            
             ,
             worthy
             and
             proportioned
             to
             the
             greatness
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             infinitely
             elevated
             above
             our
             being
             and
             capacity
             .
             If
             then
             we
             would
             participate
             of
             this
             grace
             ,
             we
             must
             necessarily
             be
             elevated
             to
             an
             union
             with
             Iesus
             ,
             forced
             above
             our
             own
             capacities
             ,
             to
             be
             made
             capable
             to
             receive
             and
             bear
             this
             grace
             .
             If
             I
             would
             arrive
             to
             this
             union
             and
             capacity
             ,
             I
             must
             go
             out
             of
             my self
             to
             be
             united
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             I
             must
             die
             to
             my self
             to
             live
             in
             Iesus
             .
             This
             is
             the
             work
             of
             self-denyall
             and
             annihilation
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             effect
             of
             grace
             ,
             for
             one
             is
             not
             without
             the
             other
             ,
             no
             more
             then
             the
             effect
             can
             be
             without
             the
             cause
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             point
             St.
             Paul
             speaks
             of
             ,
             when
             he
             calls
             
               christians
               ,
               Sacrifices
            
             ,
             to
             shew
             that
             the
             state
             of
             christianity
             ,
             
             brings
             death
             and
             self-deniall
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             christian
             must
             be
             continually
             before
             God
             ,
             as
             
               a
               living
               Sacrifice
               holy
               and
               
               acceptable
            
             to
             him
             .
             So
             he
             speaks
             all
             along
             ;
             
               ye
               are
               dead
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               your
               life
               is
               hid
               with
               Christ
               in
               God
            
             ;
             and
             elsewhere
             ,
             that
             christians
             are
             dead
             and
             buried
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             living
             in
             him
             and
             with
             him
             ,
             
             we
             are
             buried
             with
             him
             by
             Baptisme
             ,
             in
             whom
             also
             we
             are
             raised
             up
             again
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             this
             Oracle
             of
             Truth
             ,
             every
             where
             shewes
             ,
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             christianity
             is
             a
             spirit
             of
             death
             ,
             of
             self-denyall
             and
             annihilation
             .
             Whence
             we
             must
             conclude
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             would
             live
             according
             to
             
               christian
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             acquit
             himself
             of
             the
             Protestations
             and
             promises
             he
             made
             in
             Baptisme
             ,
             must
             be
             in
             self-denyal
             and
             annihilation
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             What
             Abnegation
             is
             ,
             and
             the
             meanes
             to
             attain
             it
             .
          
           
             THE
             precedent
             Discourse
             ,
             shewes
             the
             necessity
             of
             abnegation
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             be
             perfect
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             
               Centre
               of
               christianity
            
             ,
             it
             followes
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             would
             embrace
             
               true
               vertue
            
             and
             
               solid
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             participate
             of
             
               christian
               grace
            
             ,
             must
             first
             exercise
             himself
             in
             this
             vertue
             ,
             and
             practise
             it
             ,
             without
             so
             much
             busying
             himself
             in
             
               other
               exercises
            
             lesse
             profitable
             .
             It
             is
             hard
             to
             teach
             ,
             and
             to
             perswade
             
             many
             souls
             to
             this
             vertue
             ,
             who
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             says
             ,
             traffique
             with
             piety
             ,
             and
             seek
             only
             themselves
             in
             all
             they
             do
             ,
             
             but
             more
             hard
             to
             convince
             those
             that
             are
             drown'd
             in
             
               worldly
               affairs
            
             ,
             or
             buried
             in
             their
             own
             lusts
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             ,
             what
             is
             said
             of
             this
             vertue
             ,
             though
             little
             in
             comparison
             of
             that
             which
             God
             merits
             ,
             and
             requires
             of
             us
             ,
             appears
             
               too
               high
            
             and
             speculative
             to
             those
             who
             already
             seem
             to
             boast
             of
             perfection
             ,
             and
             believe
             the
             
               way
               of
               heaven
            
             more
             easie
             then
             it
             is
             .
             To
             all
             this
             ,
             nothing
             can
             be
             better
             opposed
             ,
             then
             the
             command
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               ;
               Be
               you
               perfect
               ,
               as
               your
               Father
               is
               perfect
               :
            
             Now
             ,
             if
             your
             perfection
             take
             it's
             aim
             so
             high
             ,
             't
             is
             not
             so
             mean
             and
             common
             as
             some
             think
             it
             ;
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             if
             we
             find
             this
             annihilation
             new
             ,
             and
             think
             it
             too
             difficult
             ,
             let
             us
             consider
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             pronounced
             with
             much
             energie
             and
             efficacie
             ;
             
             
               Verily
               I
               say
               unto
               you
               ,
               except
               you
               be
               converted
               ,
               and
               become
               as
               little
               children
               ,
               ye
               shall
               not
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               heaven
               .
            
             What
             more
             cleer
             and
             greater
             annihilation
             can
             God
             require
             ,
             then
             to
             command
             the
             greatest
             and
             mightiest
             ,
             to
             become
             as
             children
             ?
             St.
             Paul
             wishes
             those
             that
             think
             themselves
             wise
             ,
             
             to
             become
             fools
             ;
             For
             ,
             
               the
               wisdom
               of
               this
               world
               is
               foolishness
               with
               God.
            
             He
             that
             believes
             ,
             must
             captivate
             his
             judgement
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             common
             saying
             ,
             annihilate
             his
             reason
             ,
             whereby
             we
             acknowledged
             that
             
             annihilation
             and
             self-deniall
             is
             a
             
               vertue
               recommended
            
             and
             necessary
             to
             all
             Christians
             ,
             to
             all
             that
             will
             be
             saved
             ,
             not
             an
             
               indifferent
               annihilation
            
             ,
             but
             proportioned
             to
             the
             grace
             and
             glory
             that
             a
             man
             would
             possess
             .
             This
             supposed
             ,
             let
             us
             examine
             
               what
               it
               is
            
             ,
             and
             the
             means
             to
             attain
             it
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             is
             an
             
               efficacious
               desire
            
             of
             this
             vertue
             ;
             we
             must
             desire
             it
             ,
             and
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             necessary
             for
             him
             that
             would
             be
             in
             grace
             ,
             proper
             and
             convenient
             for
             a
             Christian.
             We
             must
             often
             excite
             this
             desire
             in
             our
             heart
             ,
             and
             form
             in
             our
             soul
             an
             alienation
             and
             displeasure
             of
             too
             great
             a
             love
             born
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             of
             that
             adherence
             and
             fastning
             which
             we
             have
             for
             the
             creature
             .
             And
             for
             as
             much
             as
             one
             of
             the
             greatest
             hindrances
             to
             vertue
             ,
             is
             to
             think
             tacitely
             or
             actually
             that
             we
             have
             vertue
             ,
             we
             must
             believe
             that
             we
             are
             at
             a
             great
             distance
             from
             the
             purity
             and
             perfection
             God
             demands
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             are
             filled
             with
             our
             selves
             ,
             the
             affection
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             and
             voyd
             of
             God.
             Hence
             we
             proceed
             and
             raise
             in
             our selves
             a
             
               continuall
               hunger
            
             after
             God
             ,
             a
             desire
             and
             a
             firm
             purpose
             to
             approach
             unto
             him
             ,
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             separate
             our selves
             from
             our
             selves
             ,
             and
             from
             all
             creatures
             .
             We
             must
             think
             upon
             these
             words
             ,
             
             
               Thou
               sayest
               ,
               I
               am
               rich
               ,
               and
               encreased
               with
               goods
               ,
               and
               have
               need
               of
               nothing
               ,
               and
               knowest
               not
               thou
               art
               wretched
               and
               miserable
               
               and
               poor
               ,
               and
               blind
               ,
               and
               naked
               .
            
             In
             fine
             ,
             as
             all
             
               Evangelick
               perfection
            
             practised
             and
             preached
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             consisteth
             in
             
               two
               points
            
             ,
             in
             
               love
               of
               God
               only
            
             ,
             and
             in
             
               hate
               of
               our selves
            
             ;
             we
             must
             study
             to
             establish
             and
             advance
             our selves
             in
             these
             
               two
               Principles
            
             ,
             we
             must
             vigilantly
             
               seek
               God
            
             ,
             in
             all
             occurrences
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             our selves
             upon
             all
             occasions
             and
             objects
             presented
             to
             us
             .
          
           
             The
             second
             Practise
             must
             be
             
               actuall
               abnegation
            
             ,
             we
             must
             study
             to
             annihilate
             and
             
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
            
             .
             This
             may
             be
             
               done
               two
               wayes
               ;
               One
            
             ,
             when
             we
             seek
             
               occasions
               to
               practise
               self-deniall
            
             ,
             or
             choose
             some
             exercise
             upon
             this
             subject
             .
             This
             is
             for
             those
             who
             have
             courage
             and
             a
             great
             desire
             to
             be
             God's
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             good
             Christians
             :
             But
             many
             belive
             not
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             renounce
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             sufficient
             courage
             to
             seek
             occasions
             to
             annihilate
             themselves
             .
             There
             is
             another
             manner
             whereby
             they
             may
             profit
             by
             this
             exercise
             ,
             which
             is
             
               to
               receive
               with
               a
               spirit
               of
               self-deniall
               whatever
               happens
               to
               them
               ,
            
             and
             to
             
               entertain
               it
            
             as
             from
             the
             hands
             of
             God
             ,
             without
             which
             nothing
             can
             happen
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             whom
             all
             the
             
               powers
               of
               the
               earth
            
             are
             subject
             :
             Here
             the
             soul
             must
             have
             a
             care
             to
             be
             faithfull
             to
             God
             when
             any
             occasions
             occurre
             to
             practise
             the
             interiour
             or
             
               exteriour
               self-deniall
            
             ,
             to
             make
             
               good
               use
            
             of
             it
             ,
             
             as
             God
             shall
             give
             him
             power
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             objects
             God
             shall
             cause
             them
             to
             be
             presented
             to
             him
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Lesson
             that
             all
             Christians
             ought
             to
             learn
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             obliged
             ,
             and
             it
             must
             be
             our
             continuall
             endeavour
             to
             
               destroy
               in
               us
               the
               old
               man
               ,
            
             even
             in
             the
             least
             things
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             have
             the
             
               new
               Adam
               ,
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             to
             live
             in
             us
             .
          
           
             If
             it
             be
             demanded
             what
             self-deniall
             is
             ,
             since
             it
             concerns
             us
             so
             much
             to
             practise
             it
             ;
             I
             answer
             ,
             to
             
               practise
               self-deniall
            
             ,
             is
             to
             
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               sever
               our selves
            
             from
             the
             creature
             ,
             to
             employ
             our
             heart
             ,
             and
             make
             our selves
             fit
             to
             bear
             God
             ,
             for
             our
             heart
             is
             God's
             ,
             and
             he
             created
             it
             by
             his
             power
             ,
             he
             consecrated
             it
             by
             his
             grace
             to
             dwell
             there
             ,
             and
             be
             there
             as
             a
             Father
             in
             his
             family
             ;
             the
             Sun
             in
             the
             heavens
             ,
             a
             King
             in
             his
             
               kingdom
               ;
               Sin
            
             drives
             him
             from
             thence
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             our
             selves
             and
             the
             creature
             holds
             the
             place
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             hath
             the
             boldness
             and
             rashness
             to
             seat
             it self
             in
             the
             Throne
             of
             God.
             This
             love
             of
             our selves
             and
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             reignes
             tyrannically
             in
             us
             ,
             usurps
             the
             right
             of
             divinity
             ,
             does
             all
             there
             that
             God
             ought
             to
             do
             .
             The
             duty
             of
             a
             Christian
             is
             to
             
               establish
               God
               in
               his
               Throne
            
             ,
             to
             
               re-place
               him
               in
               his
               heart
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               let
               him
               raign
               in
               his
               soul.
            
             To
             do
             this
             we
             must
             necessarily
             drive
             away
             this
             love
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             extirpate
             our
             affection
             to
             the
             creature
             .
             This
             is
             the
             office
             of
             self-denyall
             ,
             
             which
             annihilates
             us
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             clear
             our
             heart
             to
             replace
             therein
             the
             fulness
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             
               To
               practise
               self-denyall
            
             ,
             and
             for
             a
             man
             to
             go
             out
             of
             himself
             ,
             is
             
               to
               have
               no
               other
               desire
               then
               purely
               to
               please
               God
               ,
               to
               have
               no
               other
               will
               then
               his
               ,
               to
               have
               nothing
               but
               God
               before
               his
               eyes
               ,
               and
               to
               quit
               all
               considerations
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               onely
               to
               seek
               the
               glory
               of
               God.
            
             To
             
               go
               out
               of
               our selves
            
             is
             to
             
               lose
               the
               care
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             either
             of
             the
             soul
             or
             body
             ,
             
               to
               commit
               our selves
               wholly
               to
               the
               will
               of
               God
               ,
               to
               abandon
               our selves
               wholly
               to
               his
               conduct
               ,
            
             and
             the
             order
             he
             hath
             established
             from
             all
             eternity
             over
             our
             life
             .
             It
             is
             to
             think
             no
             more
             of
             that
             which
             concerns
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             desire
             no
             more
             that
             any
             love
             us
             ,
             or
             esteem
             us
             ,
             no
             more
             to
             seek
             our
             own
             interests
             or
             satisfaction
             ,
             but
             onely
             the
             pure
             will
             of
             God.
             
               So
               to
               live
            
             ,
             is
             to
             
               go
               out
               of
               ,
               and
               to
               annihilate
               our selves
            
             ;
             for
             the
             soul
             by
             these
             practises
             ,
             renounces
             and
             annihilates
             in
             her self
             all
             affections
             ,
             all
             respects
             ,
             all
             care
             of
             the
             Creature
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             not
             God
             or
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             renders
             her self
             capable
             to
             possess
             God.
             
          
           
             To
             attain
             this
             practise
             of
             this
             vertue
             ,
             besides
             the
             meanes
             already
             supposed
             ,
             a
             third
             may
             be
             added
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             when
             God
             himself
             operates
             in
             the
             soul
             the
             annihilation
             he
             would
             have
             there
             ,
             and
             there
             are
             two
             ordinary
             wayes
             that
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             herein
             ,
             one
             
             by
             christian
             and
             
               justifying
               grace
            
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             till
             he
             drive
             thence
             ,
             and
             annihilates
             what
             is
             contrary
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             as
             far
             as
             it
             reigns
             herein
             ,
             and
             possesses
             the
             heart
             it
             proportionably
             annihilates
             in
             us
             this
             
               love
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Creature
             so
             truly
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             say
             ,
             there
             is
             
               as
               much
            
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             little
             of
             the
             other
             ,
             for
             grace
             and
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             cannot
             reign
             together
             ,
             one
             drives
             away
             the
             other
             .
             Besides
             grace
             ,
             God
             makes
             use
             of
             divers
             favours
             and
             communications
             secret
             and
             interiour
             ,
             as
             
               lights
               ,
               motions
            
             and
             other
             divine
             and
             loving
             operations
             ,
             whereby
             he
             infallibly
             operates
             self-denyall
             and
             annihilation
             in
             us
             .
             It
             is
             a
             true
             principle
             ,
             that
             
               God
               never
               operates
               any
               effects
               which
               bring
               not
               purity
               ,
               self-denyall
               ,
               and
               annihilation
               into
               the
               soule
            
             ;
             where
             these
             effects
             meet
             not
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             certain
             mark
             that
             it
             is
             not
             the
             
               work
               of
               God
            
             ,
             for
             God
             who
             is
             purity
             ,
             cannot
             operate
             but
             purely
             ,
             he
             is
             alwayes
             like
             himself
             .
             If
             there
             be
             an
             
               operation
               of
               God
            
             ,
             there
             is
             purity
             ,
             and
             consequently
             annihilation
             ,
             for
             purity
             annihilates
             impurity
             .
             If
             in
             the
             operation
             which
             the
             soul
             bears
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             the
             effect
             of
             purity
             and
             annihilation
             ,
             't
             is
             not
             an
             operation
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             an
             effect
             of
             grace
             ,
             but
             an
             effect
             of
             proper
             or
             naturall
             love
             ,
             or
             else
             
               of
               the
               Devill
               ,
               who
               can
               transform
               himself
               into
               an
               Angel
               of
               light
               ,
               but
               he
               cannot
               give
               the
               soul
               the
               effects
               of
               light
               ,
            
             
             which
             is
             to
             be
             observed
             thereby
             ,
             to
             know
             how
             to
             discern
             
               naturall
               operations
            
             from
             those
             of
             grace
             .
          
           
             This
             truth
             will
             appear
             most
             clear
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             the
             designs
             of
             God
             in
             his
             divine
             and
             loving
             communications
             .
             We
             know
             that
             God
             doth
             not
             communicate
             himself
             ,
             nor
             work
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             but
             to
             prepare
             and
             render
             them
             worthy
             and
             capable
             to
             receive
             him
             ;
             being
             therein
             received
             ,
             he
             will
             possess
             and
             fill
             them
             with
             his
             fulness
             .
             How
             can
             all
             this
             be
             done
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             if
             God
             at
             first
             by
             his
             operations
             doth
             not
             purifie
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             separate
             it
             from
             all
             things
             ?
             without
             doubt
             ,
             if
             God
             operate
             ,
             you
             shall
             see
             all
             these
             effects
             ,
             and
             therefore
             the
             soul
             that
             will
             be
             perfect
             ,
             must
             narrowly
             look
             into
             all
             this
             ,
             and
             have
             an
             extraordinary
             vigilancy
             to
             become
             faithfull
             and
             attentive
             to
             the
             operations
             of
             God
             in
             her
             ,
             on
             one
             side
             to
             correspond
             thereto
             ,
             and
             to
             labour
             after
             the
             manner
             God
             inspires
             her
             with
             ,
             on
             the
             other
             to
             annihilate
             
               her self
               ,
               not
               the
               works
               of
               God
               ,
            
             for
             if
             we
             oppose
             not
             our selves
             to
             grace
             and
             the
             effects
             thereof
             ,
             if
             we
             do
             not
             annihilate
             the
             works
             of
             God
             in
             us
             ,
             God
             will
             certainly
             work
             great
             things
             in
             us
             .
             But
             alas
             !
             the
             wayes
             whereby
             we
             make
             use
             of
             devotion
             in
             this
             age
             ,
             are
             more
             capable
             to
             drive
             God
             away
             ,
             then
             to
             invite
             him
             into
             our
             hearts
             .
             I
             shall
             describe
             them
             unto
             you
             .
          
           
           
             The
             soul
             blinded
             with
             
               naturall
               love
            
             to
             her
             self
             ,
             desires
             to
             be
             brought
             up
             in
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             would
             enjoy
             him
             ,
             and
             would
             love
             what
             seems
             good
             and
             profitable
             to
             her
             ;
             she
             fills
             her self
             with
             divers
             desires
             ,
             she
             tyes
             her self
             thereto
             ,
             and
             will
             continually
             act
             and
             attain
             ,
             she
             puts
             her self
             into
             all
             employments
             and
             motions
             ,
             she
             seeks
             them
             ,
             she
             pleases
             her self
             with
             a
             satisfaction
             that
             her
             own
             love
             takes
             in
             things
             most
             holy
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             very
             operation
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             seeks
             her self
             therein
             ,
             she
             elevates
             her self
             thereto
             .
             In
             this
             manner
             ,
             she
             opposes
             her self
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             annihilateth
             the
             
               work
               of
            
             God
             ,
             who
             would
             onely
             live
             in
             her
             ,
             onely
             occupate
             her
             spirit
             ,
             onely
             possess
             her
             ,
             desiring
             by
             the
             power
             of
             his
             love
             to
             annihate
             in
             her
             all
             that
             is
             of
             her
             .
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             would
             
               take
               away
            
             ,
             and
             this
             soul
             will
             
               add
               to
            
             ,
             God
             would
             dispossess
             and
             spoyl
             ,
             and
             she
             would
             acquire
             and
             possess
             .
             Thus
             she
             hinders
             and
             destroyes
             the
             workes
             of
             God
             ,
             driving
             God
             out
             of
             her
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             her
             spirit
             ,
             to
             cause
             her
             own
             love
             to
             raign
             there
             ,
             her
             own
             satisfaction
             and
             will
             ,
             a
             vanity
             ordinary
             to
             such
             souls
             as
             are
             wholly
             consumed
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             .
             They
             therefore
             who
             tend
             to
             perfection
             ,
             must
             go
             with
             all
             purity
             and
             simplicity
             ,
             they
             must
             seek
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             
             but
             above
             all
             ,
             they
             must
             be
             very
             circumspect
             and
             attentive
             to
             his
             inward
             operations
             ,
             having
             a
             great
             care
             and
             fidelity
             to
             leave
             the
             spirit
             to
             act
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             in
             them
             .
             As
             all
             this
             is
             very
             secret
             and
             interiour
             ,
             and
             often
             is
             in
             the
             very
             
               centre
               of
               the
               soul
            
             ,
             so
             must
             we
             take
             heed
             thereto
             ,
             and
             besides
             the
             vigilance
             necessary
             ,
             it
             is
             good
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ,
             to
             practise
             these
             ensuing
             acts
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             to
             give
             our selves
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             bear
             the
             spirit
             and
             effects
             of
             this
             self-denyall
             ,
             after
             the
             manner
             that
             pleaseth
             him
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             to
             renounce
             our selves
             ,
             our
             secret
             vanity
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             in
             us
             opposite
             to
             grace
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             
               operations
               of
               God.
            
             
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             to
             be
             attentive
             to
             the
             motions
             and
             operations
             of
             God
             in
             us
             ,
             especially
             when
             he
             acts
             by
             self-denyall
             and
             privation
             ,
             as
             well
             interiour
             as
             exteriour
             ,
             to
             co-operate
             therewith
             ,
             either
             by
             action
             if
             it
             be
             necessary
             ,
             or
             by
             consent
             of
             the
             soul
             giving
             her self
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             receive
             what
             God
             shall
             operate
             in
             her
             ,
             when
             the
             soul
             shall
             feel
             divers
             motions
             ,
             or
             meet
             several
             occasions
             to
             practise
             vertue
             ,
             she
             shall
             alwayes
             choose
             those
             where
             there
             shall
             be
             privation
             and
             self-denyall
             ,
             as
             the
             most
             
               assured
               way
            
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             acceptable
             to
             God
             ,
             most
             for
             the
             
               honour
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             most
             conformable
             to
             his
             
               humane
               life
            
             .
          
           
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             she
             shall
             
               pray
               to
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             vouchsafe
             to
             operate
             and
             put
             into
             her
             all
             that
             he
             wills
             ,
             and
             to
             annihilate
             in
             her
             all
             that
             he
             requireth
             ,
             to
             prevent
             in
             her
             by
             his
             light
             and
             love
             ,
             the
             time
             of
             death
             and
             judgement
             ,
             whereto
             he
             must
             annihilate
             the
             thoughts
             and
             
               judgements
               of
               men
            
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           abridgement
           of
           the
           
             third
             Part.
          
           
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             Treating
             of
             the
             dependance
             of
             the
             Soul
             upon
             God.
             
          
           
             IT
             is
             easie
             to
             see
             ,
             that
             amongst
             Christians
             ,
             even
             those
             who
             think
             they
             have
             vertue
             enough
             to
             fave
             them
             ,
             many
             deceive
             ,
             and
             altogether
             lose
             themselves
             ,
             taking
             the
             shadow
             of
             vertue
             for
             the
             
               substance
               ,
               apparence
            
             for
             truth
             ,
             like
             the
             Dog
             in
             the
             Fable
             ,
             who
             let
             go
             the
             
               good
               morsell
            
             he
             had
             hold
             of
             ,
             to
             catch
             a
             shadow
             ,
             these
             neglect
             the
             solid
             vertues
             and
             principall
             foundations
             of
             piety
             to
             insist
             on
             certain
             
               exteriour
               actions
            
             ,
             which
             have
             no
             substance
             but
             in
             the
             air
             of
             imagination
             ;
             they
             exercise
             themselves
             in
             
               morall
               vertues
            
             ,
             and
             despise
             the
             Christian
             ;
             they
             compose
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             and
             form
             
             their
             demeanour
             ,
             and
             neglect
             the
             interiour
             ;
             they
             fear
             to
             displease
             men
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             to
             satisfie
             their
             kindred
             and
             friends
             ,
             but
             care
             no
             more
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             then
             they
             fear
             to
             displease
             him
             ;
             they
             would
             seem
             good
             ,
             but
             care
             not
             to
             be
             so
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             they
             choose
             the
             most
             beautifull
             and
             best
             ,
             and
             will
             have
             nothing
             but
             what
             is
             good
             ;
             but
             for
             their
             souls
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             least
             best
             contents
             them
             ;
             they
             seek
             but
             that
             which
             is
             necessary
             ,
             what
             gives
             them
             greatest
             liberty
             and
             satisfaction
             ,
             they
             embrace
             with
             all
             their
             heart
             .
          
           
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             truth
             ,
             is
             not
             satisfied
             with
             these
             feignings
             ,
             and
             wills
             ,
             that
             we
             serve
             him
             in
             spirit
             and
             truth
             ,
             he
             detests
             a
             lye
             ,
             and
             
               curses
               those
               that
               serve
               him
               with
               the
               mouth
               onely
            
             ;
             if
             he
             love
             ,
             
             he
             will
             be
             beloved
             ;
             and
             as
             his
             love
             is
             most
             pure
             and
             perfect
             ,
             he
             will
             have
             ours
             to
             be
             such
             also
             .
             Whence
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             comprehend
             ,
             that
             to
             be
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             and
             friend
             to
             God
             ,
             requires
             great
             qualities
             .
             He
             must
             have
             a
             
               golden
               key
            
             that
             will
             enter
             into
             the
             
               Kings
               chamber
            
             ;
             he
             that
             will
             come
             to
             a
             
               royall
               feast
            
             ,
             must
             be
             clothed
             with
             a
             
               wedding
               garment
            
             ,
             
             lest
             he
             be
             
               bound
               hand
               and
               foot
               ,
               and
               cast
               into
               prison
               and
               utter
               darkness
               .
            
          
           
             To
             be
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             slight
             a
             business
             as
             some
             think
             it
             ,
             it
             belongs
             to
             God
             only
             to
             make
             a
             man
             just
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             
               work
               of
               his
               hand
            
             ,
             and
             greater
             then
             the
             
               creation
               of
               the
               
               world
            
             ,
             at
             least
             in
             this
             ,
             God
             shews
             himself
             more
             powerfull
             in
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             more
             admirable
             in
             his
             mercies
             .
             Therefore
             ,
             when
             we
             speak
             of
             a
             good
             and
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             we
             speak
             of
             Gods
             handy-work
             ,
             of
             a
             man
             worthy
             to
             be
             a
             Saint
             ,
             for
             to
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             Saint
             ,
             is
             one
             and
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             Now
             ,
             what
             ought
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             Saint
             to
             be
             ,
             who
             must
             one
             day
             
               see
               God
               ,
               live
               with
               God
               ,
            
             (
             saith
             St.
             Bernard
             in
             his
             Meditations
             )
             
               and
               be
               eternally
               in
               unity
               with
               God
               ;
               what
               must
               the
               perfection
               of
               a
               soul
               be
               ,
               that
               shall
               become
               worthy
               so
               infinite
               and
               incomprehensible
               a
               happiness
               ,
               whereto
               all
               aspire
               that
               would
               be
               saved
               ?
            
             I
             leave
             it
             to
             their
             thoughts
             ,
             who
             know
             how
             to
             esteem
             of
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             make
             account
             of
             the
             greatness
             of
             Paradise
             ,
             and
             shall
             onely
             tell
             those
             languishing
             and
             easie
             spirits
             ,
             with
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             
             
               Be
               not
               deceived
               ,
               God
               is
               not
               mocked
               ;
               for
               whatsoever
               a
               man
               soweth
               ,
               that
               shall
               he
               reap
               also
               ;
               for
               he
               that
               soweth
               to
               the
               flesh
               ,
               shall
               of
               the
               flesh
               reap
               corruption
               ;
               but
               he
               that
               soweth
               to
               the
               spirit
               ,
               shall
               of
               the
               spirit
               reap
               life
               everlasting
               .
            
             Whereupon
             we
             must
             reflect
             ,
             that
             Christians
             ,
             who
             are
             to
             reap
             the
             incorruption
             of
             the
             
               life
               everlasting
            
             ,
             if
             they
             will
             arrive
             to
             their
             hope
             ,
             must
             
               sow
               in
               the
               spirit
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             sayes
             ,
             and
             do
             actions
             worthy
             so
             great
             a
             recompence
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             way
             that
             this
             
               third
               part
            
             sheweth
             ,
             where
             are
             deduced
             and
             advanced
             those
             
             dispositions
             and
             vertues
             which
             lead
             us
             to
             this
             estate
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             perfect
             .
             Indeed
             many
             other
             vertues
             might
             be
             proposed
             ,
             but
             these
             contain
             all
             ,
             and
             infallibly
             guide
             to
             the
             estate
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             .
             Faith
             makes
             us
             know
             and
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             shews
             us
             the
             way
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             leads
             us
             to
             the
             
               knowledge
               of
               our selves
            
             ;
             this
             knowledge
             draws
             us
             to
             humility
             ,
             that
             humbles
             us
             and
             disposes
             us
             
               to
               receive
               God
            
             ;
             the
             
               good
               desire
            
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             efficacious
             ,
             draws
             us
             to
             God
             ;
             purity
             makes
             us
             worthy
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             self-deniall
             brings
             to
             the
             fulness
             of
             God.
             He
             that
             hath
             God
             ,
             hath
             all
             ,
             he
             is
             perfect
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             hath
             not
             God
             ,
             is
             nothing
             ,
             and
             hath
             nothing
             .
             Do
             what
             he
             can
             ,
             though
             he
             should
             do
             miracles
             ,
             (
             as
             Iudas
             probably
             did
             )
             he
             can
             do
             nothing
             that
             is
             perfect
             ,
             no
             work
             
               worthy
               of
               heaven
            
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             God
             onely
             that
             
               works
               in
               us
               the
               works
               of
               grace
               ,
            
             and
             who
             is
             the
             principle
             of
             our
             merits
             (
             
               which
               must
               be
               well
               noted
            
             )
             therefore
             he
             that
             will
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             become
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             aim
             only
             at
             this
             point
             .
             All
             that
             we
             have
             proposed
             serve
             hereunto
             .
             The
             first
             thing
             demanded
             ,
             is
             
               to
               endeavour
               to
               have
               a
               good
               foundation
               ,
            
             and
             a
             
               sincere
               uncorrupted
               interiour
            
             ,
             to
             conduct
             us
             according
             to
             the
             principles
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             the
             maximes
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             to
             regard
             God
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             ,
             not
             to
             displease
             him
             ,
             with
             particular
             care
             to
             annihilate
             
             the
             spirit
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             enemies
             to
             God
             ,
             they
             can
             no
             more
             dwell
             together
             ,
             then
             Iacob
             and
             Esau.
             After
             all
             these
             dispositions
             ,
             the
             soul
             must
             depend
             upon
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             wholly
             left
             to
             his
             operations
             and
             conduct
             ,
             and
             be
             very
             vigilant
             to
             shew
             her self
             faithfull
             to
             correspond
             with
             the
             graces
             and
             operations
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             withdraw
             her self
             from
             his
             conduct
             ,
             and
             the
             order
             he
             would
             take
             with
             her
             .
          
           
             This
             last
             point
             is
             of
             great
             consequence
             ,
             and
             deserves
             to
             be
             a
             little
             more
             insisted
             upon
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             the
             
               last
               touch
            
             we
             shall
             give
             to
             the
             Image
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian.
            
             We
             must
             observe
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             
               order
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             as
             in
             the
             
               order
               of
               Nature
            
             .
             In
             nature
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             most
             dependant
             on
             it's
             cause
             is
             the
             most
             imperfect
             ,
             as
             the
             sound
             and
             voice
             which
             is
             so
             dependant
             on
             its
             cause
             ,
             that
             it
             ceases
             to
             be
             when
             it
             ceases
             to
             be
             produced
             :
             In
             nature
             ,
             that
             is
             esteemed
             most
             perfect
             which
             hath
             the
             least
             dependance
             .
             It
             is
             otherwise
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             that
             is
             most
             perfect
             which
             is
             neerest
             and
             the
             most
             dependant
             on
             its
             cause
             and
             principle
             God
             ;
             so
             that
             he
             that
             tends
             to
             perfection
             ,
             must
             be
             in
             a
             great
             dependance
             on
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             act
             but
             in
             this
             disposition
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             generall
             
               resignation
               of
               himself
               to
               God
            
             :
             To
             put
             and
             establish
             himself
             in
             this
             estate
             ,
             he
             must
             have
             
               a
               pure
               regard
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             he
             must
             hold
             all
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             
             have
             no
             other
             object
             but
             God
             in
             his
             thoughts
             or
             actions
             .
             When
             he
             perceives
             any
             
               care
               ,
               desire
               ,
               motion
            
             ,
             &c.
             arising
             in
             him
             ,
             which
             he
             believes
             not
             to
             be
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             must
             annihilate
             and
             renounce
             it
             ,
             protesting
             to
             will
             nothing
             but
             him
             and
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             
               divine
               will.
            
             A
             soul
             that
             would
             live
             in
             resignation
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             true
             dependance
             on
             God
             ,
             must
             live
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             object
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             having
             
               regard
               only
            
             to
             God
             ,
             herein
             consists
             the
             true
             dependance
             whereof
             we
             speak
             ,
             she
             must
             not
             go
             out
             of
             this
             disposition
             ,
             to
             regard
             what
             she
             doth
             ,
             or
             what
             she
             
               shall
               do
            
             ,
             not
             so
             much
             as
             what
             may
             happen
             to
             her
             upon
             any
             manner
             of
             occasion
             ;
             she
             shall
             have
             all
             care
             possibly
             ,
             that
             she
             enter
             not
             into
             these
             
               thoughts
               ,
               contradictions
            
             and
             afflictions
             wherein
             she
             is
             ,
             or
             which
             may
             happen
             to
             her
             ,
             but
             she
             must
             receive
             all
             from
             the
             hand
             of
             God
             with
             gentleness
             and
             patience
             ,
             regarding
             him
             as
             the
             Authour
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             submiting
             her self
             in
             all
             and
             by
             all
             to
             his
             most
             
               amiable
               will
            
             ,
             saying
             with
             a
             fervent
             
               spirit
               ,
               What
               have
               I
               in
               heaven
               ,
               or
               what
               have
               I
               desired
               in
               the
               earth
               besides
               thee
               ,
               my
               Iesus
               .
            
             It
             is
             not
             sufficient
             for
             her
             to
             be
             in
             this
             
               interiour
               disposition
            
             ,
             nor
             that
             in
             prayer
             ,
             or
             her
             
               good
               desire
            
             she
             remain
             in
             this
             nakedness
             ,
             but
             she
             must
             also
             walk
             in
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               simplicity
            
             by
             an
             
               exteriour
               conduct
            
             ,
             abandoning
             and
             remitting
             her
             actions
             and
             affairs
             .
             and
             all
             manner
             of
             success
             to
             
             the
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             a
             perfect
             confidence
             in
             the
             love
             and
             
               divine
               providence
            
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             not
             seeking
             in
             any
             thing
             either
             satisfaction
             or
             profit
             ,
             much
             less
             cansolation
             ,
             but
             desiring
             purely
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             according
             as
             he
             hath
             ordained
             her
             .
             To
             make
             this
             disposition
             more
             
               perfect
               ,
               she
            
             must
             not
             onely
             submit
             her
             actions
             to
             the
             
               pure
               will
            
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             also
             all
             her
             secret
             and
             smallest
             motions
             ,
             as
             well
             of
             nature
             as
             of
             grace
             ,
             that
             so
             she
             may
             be
             wholly
             resigned
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             bare
             and
             
               simple
               dependance
            
             .
             It
             is
             not
             necessary
             that
             she
             regard
             her
             progress
             and
             advantage
             ,
             nor
             that
             she
             desire
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             but
             onely
             that
             by
             
               esteem
               ,
               respect
            
             and
             confiding
             in
             the
             love
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             she
             abandon
             her self
             entirely
             and
             purely
             to
             the
             care
             and
             prudence
             that
             he
             hath
             for
             her
             .
          
           
             To
             conclude
             ,
             as
             the
             soul
             most
             purely
             walks
             in
             the
             wayes
             wherein
             God
             will
             lead
             her
             ,
             so
             must
             she
             also
             endeavovr
             to
             follow
             the
             
               light
               of
               Faith
            
             ,
             and
             maximes
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             shall
             serve
             her
             as
             a
             guide
             ;
             thus
             shall
             her
             heart
             become
             pure
             and
             neat
             ,
             having
             no
             other
             intention
             ,
             nor
             other
             hope
             ,
             but
             to
             
               be
               to
               God
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               please
               God
               ,
               caring
            
             for
             nothing
             else
             ;
             she
             shall
             fill
             her
             spirit
             with
             a
             great
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             respect
             to
             his
             greatness
             and
             the
             infinite
             power
             of
             the
             divinity
             ,
             and
             sense
             of
             her
             own
             meanness
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             humility
             abandon
             
             her self
             
               to
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             be
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             altogether
             in
             a
             dependance
             on
             his
             
               holy
               will
            
             and
             divine
             Ordinances
             .
             The
             soul
             living
             in
             these
             dispositions
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             easie
             to
             avoyd
             all
             sorts
             of
             disquiets
             ;
             she
             shall
             remain
             in
             a
             
               holy
               indifferency
            
             ;
             she
             shall
             not
             trouble
             her self
             with
             her
             ordinary
             imperfections
             ,
             neither
             take
             care
             to
             change
             or
             not
             to
             change
             ,
             to
             converse
             ,
             hold
             ,
             or
             be
             conducted
             by
             this
             or
             that
             .
             She
             shall
             be
             so
             little
             sensible
             of
             parents
             ,
             her
             friends
             ,
             her
             desires
             ;
             yea
             ,
             the
             
               supernaturall
               graces
            
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             ,
             that
             her
             onely
             regard
             being
             to
             God
             on
             whom
             she
             depends
             ,
             and
             to
             whom
             she
             is
             wholly
             abandoned
             ,
             her
             only
             
               solace
               ,
               end
            
             and
             contentment
             ,
             shall
             be
             to
             
               please
               him
            
             ,
             and
             to
             
               leave
               her self
            
             to
             the
             perfect
             and
             pure
             submission
             of
             her
             will
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             his
             
               divine
               wisdome
            
             .
          
           
             For
             want
             of
             this
             disposition
             ,
             there
             are
             many
             ,
             (
             alas
             too
             many
             )
             who
             live
             in
             disquiet
             ,
             perplexity
             and
             agitations
             of
             spirit
             .
             The
             want
             of
             this
             vertue
             ,
             causing
             so
             many
             complaints
             and
             repinings
             ,
             so
             many
             inward
             and
             outward
             difficulties
             (
             among
             souls
             who
             follow
             devotion
             )
             so
             many
             
               cares
               ,
               doubts
               ,
               desires
            
             ,
             and
             propositions
             ;
             which
             proceed
             not
             from
             the
             perfection
             that
             we
             possess
             ,
             nor
             from
             
               solid
               vertue
            
             ,
             whereof
             we
             have
             not
             one
             grain
             ,
             but
             from
             self-love
             ,
             from
             adhering
             to
             our
             own
             
             wills
             ,
             from
             wamt
             of
             mortification
             ,
             and
             most
             commonly
             from
             
               secret
               vanity
            
             .
             We
             fall
             not
             into
             these
             evils
             ,
             but
             because
             we
             have
             not
             sought
             God
             purely
             ,
             but
             our
             selves
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             satisfactions
             ;
             and
             for
             not
             endeavouring
             the
             possession
             of
             solid
             and
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             .
             The
             remedy
             of
             all
             this
             ,
             you
             shall
             find
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             which
             I
             here
             present
             to
             your
             view
             :
             Consider
             the
             vertues
             which
             imbellish
             him
             ;
             labour
             to
             attain
             
               them
               ;
               see
            
             the
             dispositions
             wherein
             he
             is
             ,
             how
             pure
             and
             solid
             they
             are
             ,
             endeavour
             to
             enter
             into
             them
             ,
             and
             concern
             your self
             therein
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             confident
             ,
             that
             you
             shall
             find
             a
             
               stable
               peace
            
             ,
             you
             shall
             put
             a
             Paradise
             into
             your
             heart
             ,
             you
             shall
             find
             in
             all
             that
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             the
             foundation
             of
             this
             pourtraict
             ,
             and
             the
             interiour
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian.
            
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           FOURTH
           PART
           .
           Sheweth
           how
           we
           must
           guide
           our selves
           in
           all
           occurrences
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           estates
           of
           humane
           life
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             Of
             the
             care
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             have
             to
             perfect
             his
             exteriour
             .
          
           
             TO
             draw
             the
             last
             lines
             of
             our
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             we
             must
             present
             likewise
             his
             
               outward
               appearance
            
             ,
             for
             therein
             also
             consisteth
             his
             perfection
             .
          
           
             The
             interiour
             and
             the
             exteriour
             are
             two
             estates
             so
             conjoyned
             ,
             and
             dependant
             one
             upon
             another
             ,
             that
             the
             perfection
             of
             a
             man
             cannot
             be
             intire
             ,
             if
             those
             two
             estates
             are
             not
             in
             all
             things
             conformable
             .
             One
             is
             the
             image
             of
             the
             other
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             ancient
             divine
             Philosopher
             
             said
             ,
             
               Beauty
               is
               a
               flash
               of
               goodness
               ,
            
             as
             all
             flowers
             and
             leaves
             take
             their
             beauty
             from
             the
             root
             ,
             so
             all
             that
             is
             
               outwardly
               fair
            
             in
             man
             ,
             is
             but
             a
             beam
             of
             his
             
               inward
               goodness
            
             ,
             the
             fruits
             and
             leaves
             of
             his
             perfect
             and
             
               vertuous
               actions
            
             ,
             are
             but
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             root
             of
             
               inward
               perfection
            
             .
          
           
             
               Inward
               perfection
            
             begets
             the
             outward
             ,
             one
             cannot
             be
             without
             the
             other
             .
             Good
             if
             it
             be
             perfect
             ,
             must
             be
             such
             in
             all
             parts
             ,
             if
             one
             fail
             ,
             this
             defect
             takes
             away
             its
             vertue
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             vicious
             .
             Man
             is
             a
             whole
             composed
             of
             parts
             ,
             neither
             all
             soul
             nor
             all
             body
             ,
             but
             consisting
             of
             both
             .
             To
             be
             good
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             perfect
             in
             both
             ,
             in
             the
             soul
             the
             interiour
             ,
             in
             the
             body
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             in
             the
             actions
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             as
             the
             faculties
             of
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             St.
             Ambrose
             speaking
             of
             the
             
               Mother
               of
               God
            
             ,
             the
             pattern
             of
             vertue
             ,
             saith
             ,
             that
             her
             
               exteriour
               Beauty
            
             ,
             her
             demeanour
             ,
             and
             the
             actions
             of
             her
             life
             ,
             were
             images
             of
             the
             vertues
             and
             incomparable
             perfections
             of
             her
             soul
             ;
             and
             although
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             by
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             meant
             to
             hide
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             Divinity
             ,
             in
             the
             lowness
             of
             our
             nature
             ,
             and
             hid
             himself
             
               thirty
               years
            
             in
             an
             obscure
             life
             ,
             yet
             it
             alwayes
             appeared
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ,
             nor
             could
             he
             avoid
             it
             ,
             but
             that
             his
             face
             ,
             his
             body
             and
             actions
             ,
             discover'd
             what
             he
             was
             .
             Nor
             indeed
             could
             it
             be
             otherwise
             ,
             for
             the
             exteriour
             
             can
             have
             no
             good
             but
             what
             it
             borrows
             of
             the
             interiour
             as
             of
             its
             root
             ,
             and
             the
             interiour
             cannot
             be
             perfect
             ,
             but
             the
             exteriour
             will
             bear
             and
             manifest
             the
             effects
             thereof
             .
             Vertue
             if
             it
             be
             true
             ,
             hath
             a
             lustre
             like
             the
             Emerald
             which
             sparkles
             in
             the
             obscurest
             night
             ,
             it
             can
             no
             more
             be
             hid
             ,
             then
             fire
             can
             be
             retain'd
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             which
             will
             force
             a
             way
             to
             its
             centre
             ;
             or
             the
             light
             of
             the
             Sun
             be
             clouded
             by
             any
             shade
             so
             thick
             ,
             but
             its
             beams
             will
             break
             through
             .
             So
             likewise
             is
             it
             impossible
             for
             a
             man
             to
             have
             a
             good
             vertuous
             interiour
             ,
             and
             the
             splendor
             of
             his
             vertues
             not
             appear
             to
             the
             eyes
             of
             men
             ,
             through
             the
             most
             secret
             of
             his
             actions
             .
             This
             is
             the
             intention
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             sign
             that
             the
             vertue
             we
             have
             is
             heavenly
             ,
             for
             it
             tends
             alwayes
             to
             its
             centre
             .
             And
             as
             the
             needle
             touched
             by
             the
             Loadstone
             ,
             is
             in
             perpetuall
             motion
             ,
             till
             it
             hath
             found
             her
             North
             :
             So
             the
             soul
             touched
             by
             the
             
               vertue
               of
               Heaven
            
             ,
             is
             alwayes
             in
             action
             ,
             seeking
             every
             where
             till
             she
             have
             found
             her
             God.
             
          
           
             
               Men
               light
               not
               a
               Candle
               to
               put
               it
               under
               a
               Bushel
               ,
            
             God
             gives
             not
             vertue
             to
             smother
             it
             ;
             he
             will
             
               glorifie
               himself
               in
               his
               Elect.
            
             
             If
             our
             vertue
             be
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             will
             manifest
             the
             effects
             thereof
             ,
             causing
             it self
             to
             be
             honour'd
             and
             acknowledg'd
             .
          
           
             For
             this
             reason
             ,
             they
             who
             have
             any
             sense
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             who
             love
             the
             truth
             ,
             and
             walk
             
             sincerely
             ,
             never
             approve
             those
             who
             dissemble
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             appear
             evill
             or
             lesse
             good
             ,
             not
             regarding
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             so
             they
             have
             a
             good
             intention
             ,
             let
             the
             rest
             go
             as
             it
             will.
             (
             It
             is
             sufficient
             (
             they
             say
             )
             that
             God
             knowes
             them
             ,
             )
             they
             alwayes
             condemn
             those
             who
             out
             of
             
               reasons
               of
               state
            
             ,
             or
             private
             considerations
             outwardly
             appear
             either
             evil
             or
             indifferent
             ,
             hide
             themselves
             when
             they
             pray
             ,
             dare
             not
             
               communicate
               in
               publick
            
             ,
             or
             do
             any
             act
             of
             vertue
             ,
             in
             view
             of
             their
             Neighbours
             .
          
           
             We
             must
             not
             indeed
             endeavour
             to
             be
             seen
             ,
             much
             lesse
             to
             be
             esteemed
             ,
             or
             affect
             the
             sight
             of
             men
             ,
             but
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             fear
             them
             .
             We
             are
             oblig'd
             to
             have
             an
             exteriour
             as
             well
             as
             an
             interiour
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             please
             and
             
               honour
               God
            
             ,
             as
             well
             by
             the
             exteriour
             as
             by
             the
             interiour
             .
             Every
             one
             will
             grant
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             allowed
             any
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             and
             to
             appear
             evill
             ;
             it
             is
             scandalous
             ,
             nay
             further
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             and
             commit
             evill
             actions
             ,
             for
             
               a
               good
               Tree
               cannot
               bring
               forth
               evill
               fruit
               .
               If
               we
               live
               in
               the
               spirit
            
             (
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             )
             
               let
               us
               also
               walk
               in
               the
               spirit
            
             ;
             he
             meanes
             ,
             our
             life
             is
             a
             life
             of
             God
             ,
             
             for
             spirit
             with
             St.
             Paul
             signifies
             God
             ,
             and
             if
             our
             interiour
             be
             truly
             perfect
             ,
             according
             to
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             whereof
             we
             have
             sufficiently
             spoken
             ,
             our
             
               exteriour
               actions
            
             must
             also
             be
             in
             spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             divine
             spirit
             ,
             and
             must
             bear
             the
             
             image
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             lives
             in
             us
             .
          
           
             This
             may
             be
             more
             clearly
             understood
             by
             the
             advice
             of
             the
             same
             St.
             Paul
             ;
             we
             
               walk
               not
            
             (
             saith
             he
             ,
             speaking
             of
             good
             Christians
             )
             
               after
               the
               flesh
               ,
               but
               after
               the
               spirit
               .
            
             He
             then
             that
             will
             be
             a
             good
             Christian
             ,
             
             must
             order
             his
             outward
             actions
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             who
             lives
             in
             us
             ,
             not
             after
             the
             flesh
             and
             the
             World
             ,
             enemies
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             God.
             To
             be
             vertuous
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             acts
             of
             vice
             ,
             to
             have
             light
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             actions
             of
             darkness
             ,
             to
             be
             in
             the
             Temple
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             sacrifice
             to
             Baal
             ,
             can
             neither
             be
             comprehended
             by
             man
             ,
             nor
             approved
             by
             reason
             .
             To
             desire
             to
             please
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             circumcised
             and
             worship
             the
             Moon
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             a
             Samaritan
             .
             God
             loves
             
               simplicity
               ,
               sincerity
            
             ,
             and
             curses
             the
             double
             heart
             .
             He
             then
             that
             will
             be
             a
             perfect
             Christian
             ,
             
             must
             have
             his
             heart
             in
             his
             hands
             ,
             and
             his
             hands
             in
             his
             heart
             ;
             if
             he
             esteem
             God
             truly
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             he
             must
             shew
             it
             in
             his
             works
             ;
             if
             he
             fear
             God
             in
             his
             soul
             ,
             why
             doth
             he
             not
             testifie
             it
             in
             his
             actions
             ?
             what
             can
             we
             love
             thee
             well
             ,
             O
             God
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             yet
             make
             shew
             to
             hate
             thee
             ?
             Can
             we
             have
             thee
             in
             our
             hearts
             ,
             and
             thy
             enemy
             the
             World
             in
             our
             hands
             and
             mouth
             ?
             No
             no
             ,
             a
             Christian
             ,
             if
             he
             fear
             God
             at
             home
             in
             his
             own
             house
             ,
             will
             fear
             him
             abroad
             in
             the
             Kings
             Palace
             .
             The
             devout
             soul
             ,
             who
             beholds
             God
             
             in
             her
             heart
             ,
             and
             sees
             nothing
             but
             God
             there
             ,
             beholds
             him
             every
             where
             .
             She
             knowes
             not
             that
             the
             World
             sees
             her
             ,
             she
             onely
             knowes
             her
             God
             ,
             beholds
             her
             ,
             and
             she
             her
             God
             ;
             that
             suffices
             her
             .
             If
             a
             Christian
             love
             his
             God
             ,
             he
             will
             love
             him
             every
             where
             ,
             and
             not
             considering
             men
             ,
             he
             will
             say
             with
             the
             spouse
             ,
             my
             God
             
               is
               mine
               and
               I
               am
               his
               .
            
             
             The
             Christian
             Master
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             gives
             us
             a
             good
             lesson
             upon
             this
             subject
             ,
             and
             in
             divers
             places
             furnishes
             us
             with
             reasons
             to
             perswade
             us
             to
             the
             care
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             of
             the
             outward
             man
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             actions
             that
             appear
             to
             the
             eyes
             of
             men
             ,
             he
             sayes
             ,
             that
             first
             we
             owe
             to
             God
             ,
             the
             care
             of
             perfecting
             our
             exteriour
             ,
             for
             God
             will
             be
             honoured
             by
             our
             actions
             .
             This
             object
             we
             must
             have
             continually
             before
             our
             eyes
             ,
             this
             thought
             must
             never
             go
             out
             of
             our
             souls
             ;
             
             the
             reason
             that
             the
             Apostle
             gives
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             not
             our
             own
             but
             Gods
             ,
             
               whether
               we
               live
               or
               die
               ,
               we
               are
               the
               Lords
               ,
            
             saith
             he
             ,
             and
             consequently
             in
             all
             our
             
               exteriour
               actions
            
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             a
             regard
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             if
             I
             should
             say
             ,
             whether
             at
             Court
             ,
             in
             publick
             or
             private
             ,
             in
             happiness
             or
             misfortune
             ,
             in
             what
             estate
             soever
             I
             am
             in
             of
             death
             or
             life
             ,
             what
             condition
             soever
             I
             live
             in
             ,
             I
             am
             Gods
             ,
             and
             therefore
             must
             so
             order
             my self
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             conditions
             and
             estates
             ,
             I
             may
             honour
             God
             by
             my
             actions
             ,
             that
             my
             exteriour
             may
             be
             as
             agreeable
             to
             him
             as
             my
             
               interiour
               .
               Know
               
               you
               not
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             that
             
               your
               body
               is
               the
               Temple
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               which
               is
               in
               you
               ,
            
             
             
               which
               ye
               have
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               ye
               are
               not
               your
               own
               ,
               for
               ye
               are
               bought
               with
               a
               price
               ,
               therefore
               glorifie
               God
               in
               your
               Body
               .
            
             By
             the
             first
             words
             ,
             he
             shewes
             the
             dignity
             of
             our
             bodies
             ,
             seeing
             that
             they
             possess
             the
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             ;
             by
             the
             rest
             ,
             the
             obligation
             we
             have
             to
             take
             care
             of
             our
             exteriour
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             give
             God
             the
             honour
             he
             expects
             .
             This
             Doctrine
             stops
             the
             mouth
             of
             all
             the
             reasons
             ,
             or
             rather
             excuses
             of
             those
             who
             dissemble
             what
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             (
             not
             esteeming
             the
             exteriour
             )
             content
             themselves
             with
             good
             intentions
             .
             We
             must
             ,
             say
             they
             ,
             live
             among
             the
             living
             ,
             we
             must
             accommodate
             our selves
             to
             men
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             such
             nicities
             to
             which
             there
             need
             no
             other
             answer
             then
             that
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             you
             are
             not
             for
             your
             selves
             or
             your
             own
             Interests
             ,
             nor
             for
             your
             friends
             ,
             nor
             for
             the
             World
             ;
             give
             unto
             God
             what
             you
             owe
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             Caesar
             what
             you
             owe
             unto
             Caesar.
             
          
           
             If
             this
             reason
             be
             not
             sufficient
             ,
             Saint
             Paul
             gives
             you
             another
             ,
             taken
             from
             the
             condition
             of
             Christians
             ,
             and
             which
             they
             profess
             ,
             holy
             and
             perfect
             .
             As
             a
             Gentleman
             is
             oblig'd
             to
             live
             like
             a
             Gentleman
             ,
             a
             Prince
             like
             a
             Prince
             ,
             every
             one
             according
             to
             his
             quality
             ;
             so
             a
             Christian
             must
             live
             according
             to
             the
             quality
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             his
             exteriour
             life
             must
             be
             
             conformable
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             which
             he
             professeth
             .
             I
             have
             shewed
             you
             ,
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             and
             prayed
             you
             to
             
               walk
               worthy
               of
               God
            
             ,
             
             
               who
               hath
               called
               you
               to
               his
               Kingdom
               and
               to
               his
               glory
               .
            
             As
             the
             quality
             of
             a
             Christian
             is
             most
             noble
             that
             man
             can
             be
             advanced
             unto
             ,
             in
             which
             quality
             ,
             he
             must
             appear
             before
             the
             Tribunall
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             receive
             judgement
             and
             recompence
             of
             his
             actions
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             necessary
             his
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             his
             government
             and
             conversation
             ,
             be
             conformable
             and
             worthy
             of
             so
             high
             and
             divine
             a
             quality
             ,
             whereto
             the
             same
             Apostle
             exhorts
             us
             ,
             
               I
               beseech
               you
               that
               you
               walk
               worthy
               of
               the
               vocation
               wherewith
               ye
               are
               called
               .
            
             This
             is
             all
             that
             is
             required
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             that
             in
             what
             estate
             ,
             condition
             ,
             or
             manner
             of
             life
             soever
             he
             be
             ,
             he
             live
             after
             a
             manner
             
               worthy
               of
               Christianity
            
             .
             Let
             this
             be
             his
             first
             design
             ,
             the
             subject
             of
             his
             examen
             ;
             let
             all
             his
             care
             be
             to
             profess
             what
             he
             is
             by
             his
             actions
             .
             The
             first
             thing
             that
             a
             Christian
             must
             regard
             in
             his
             actions
             and
             exteriour
             ,
             is
             not
             to
             see
             if
             he
             be
             conformable
             to
             the
             rank
             he
             holds
             among
             men
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             condition
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             rather
             to
             be
             conformable
             to
             the
             state
             he
             professes
             before
             God
             ;
             herein
             consists
             the
             fidelity
             and
             courage
             of
             a
             Christian.
             This
             care
             of
             our
             exteriour
             is
             not
             an
             indifferent
             instruction
             ,
             but
             a
             Law
             from
             Heaven
             pronounced
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             
             
               Let
               your
               light
               so
               shine
               before
               men
               ,
               that
               
               they
               may
               see
               your
               good
               works
               ,
               and
               glorifie
               your
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               heaven
               .
            
             He
             will
             have
             us
             concerned
             in
             our
             neighbours
             ,
             and
             for
             love
             of
             them
             strive
             to
             
               live
               well
            
             ,
             to
             be
             unto
             them
             a
             
               mirror
               of
               vertue
            
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             not
             therefore
             an
             advice
             ,
             but
             an
             obligation
             to
             give
             
               good
               example
            
             ,
             and
             by
             our
             
               good
               actions
            
             ,
             to
             shew
             others
             what
             they
             ought
             to
             do
             :
             Example
             by
             sweetness
             of
             attraction
             wins
             the
             heart
             ,
             binds
             the
             will
             ,
             captivates
             the
             affections
             ,
             if
             vertuous
             ,
             it
             makes
             vertue
             to
             be
             deified
             ,
             it
             constrains
             us
             to
             love
             it
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             rule
             it
             bears
             over
             our
             
               hearts
               ,
               innsinuates
            
             and
             instills
             the
             vertue
             which
             it
             
               exerciseth
               ;
               For
               men
            
             (
             said
             the
             Morall
             Philosopher
             )
             
               give
               more
               credit
               to
               their
               eyes
               then
               to
               their
               ears
               .
            
             From
             this
             principle
             is
             derived
             our
             obligation
             ,
             to
             
               let
               our
               light
               shine
               before
               men
               ,
            
             to
             preserve
             a
             vertuous
             and
             exemplary
             exteriour
             ;
             
             
               We
               are
               a
               sweet
               savour
               of
               Christ
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             teaching
             us
             ,
             that
             our
             exteriour
             should
             have
             the
             odour
             of
             the
             vertue
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             have
             the
             savour
             ,
             but
             be
             the
             
               very
               savour
               it self
            
             ;
             so
             much
             God
             desires
             the
             perfection
             of
             our
             
               works
               ,
               words
               ,
               recreation
               ,
               conversation
               ,
               employments
               ,
               affairs
               .
            
             In
             brief
             ,
             all
             our
             actions
             must
             savor
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             bear
             the
             
               odor
               of
               his
               vertues
            
             :
             we
             must
             not
             pervert
             this
             counsel
             to
             formall
             affectation
             .
             True
             vertue
             is
             masculine
             and
             noble
             ,
             every
             where
             it
             rules
             with
             modesty
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             walketh
             with
             Majesty
             
             in
             humility
             ;
             all
             that
             we
             require
             ,
             is
             to
             
               profess
               vertue
            
             every
             where
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             ashamed
             to
             
               shew
               that
               we
               are
               God's
            
             ,
             that
             we
             respect
             his
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             ,
             that
             we
             fear
             his
             Iudgements
             .
             He
             that
             hath
             a
             
               good
               interiour
            
             ,
             let
             him
             shew
             it
             by
             the
             exteriour
             ;
             let
             him
             dissemble
             nothing
             ,
             but
             walk
             alwayes
             in
             sincerity
             ,
             remembering
             that
             he
             is
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             
               God
               ,
               Angels
            
             and
             men
             ,
             who
             behold
             him
             ,
             and
             shall
             one
             day
             be
             his
             Iudges
             .
             By
             the
             same
             reason
             that
             we
             labour
             to
             perfect
             our
             interiour
             ,
             we
             must
             endeavour
             to
             perfect
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             for
             common
             sense
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             by
             our
             exteriour
             ,
             we
             must
             please
             God
             ,
             and
             render
             him
             as
             much
             honour
             as
             by
             the
             interiour
             .
          
           
             To
             recollect
             and
             profit
             by
             what
             is
             said
             ,
             let
             us
             learn
             to
             perfect
             our
             exteriour
             ,
             and
             have
             regard
             to
             God
             onely
             ,
             to
             conform
             our
             actions
             to
             the
             state
             and
             dignity
             of
             Christianity
             .
             Let
             us
             remember
             ,
             that
             the
             rule
             whereby
             God
             will
             judge
             us
             at
             the
             hour
             of
             death
             ,
             will
             not
             be
             that
             of
             honour
             ,
             nor
             of
             men
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             much
             less
             that
             of
             our
             Interests
             ,
             but
             of
             his
             will
             and
             his
             honour
             :
             we
             are
             only
             in
             the
             world
             for
             his
             honour
             ,
             to
             do
             his
             
               holy
               will
            
             ,
             we
             are
             his
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             reason
             we
             should
             render
             to
             God
             what
             we
             owe
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             That
             in
             all
             our
             Actions
             we
             must
             follow
             the
             conduct
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             THe
             Creature
             ,
             by
             the
             condition
             of
             it's
             being
             ,
             subsisteth
             only
             in
             resigning
             it self
             to
             the
             conduct
             and
             will
             of
             God
             ;
             for
             as
             it
             belongs
             to
             God
             alone
             to
             give
             being
             to
             all
             things
             ,
             so
             is
             he
             alone
             the
             preserver
             and
             governour
             of
             them
             .
             Whence
             as
             the
             creature
             bears
             God
             in
             its
             depth
             and
             its
             centre
             ,
             so
             it
             bears
             in
             the
             same
             depth
             ,
             a
             capacity
             ,
             all
             that
             he
             operates
             in
             and
             by
             it
             ,
             which
             capacity
             ,
             the
             Philosopher
             calls
             
               obedientiall
               power
            
             ,
             whereby
             all
             that
             is
             created
             is
             left
             to
             the
             power
             of
             its
             Creator
             ,
             and
             resigned
             to
             his
             conduct
             .
          
           
             Man
             must
             be
             subject
             to
             this
             indispensable
             Law
             ,
             he
             cannot
             exempt
             himself
             from
             this
             subjection
             whereto
             he
             is
             bound
             by
             the
             necessity
             of
             being
             created
             ,
             a
             necessity
             so
             absolute
             ,
             in
             what
             estate
             soever
             he
             be
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             or
             the
             other
             ,
             in
             time
             or
             eternity
             ,
             that
             he
             must
             be
             subject
             to
             the
             power
             of
             his
             Creator
             ,
             whether
             in
             the
             rigour
             of
             his
             Iustice
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             sweetness
             of
             his
             Mercy
             ;
             and
             though
             his
             
               depraved
               nature
            
             cause
             him
             sometimes
             to
             separate
             himself
             from
             his
             God
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             the
             disorder
             of
             his
             
             own
             will
             ,
             contrary
             to
             the
             order
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             he
             cannot
             absolutely
             withdraw
             himself
             from
             the
             order
             of
             his
             
               divine
               providence
            
             ,
             nor
             avoid
             the
             arm
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             comprehends
             all
             things
             ,
             disposes
             them
             ,
             and
             causes
             them
             to
             arrive
             to
             the
             end
             that
             he
             hath
             proposed
             them
             ,
             for
             this
             order
             and
             power
             is
             so
             generall
             ,
             that
             the
             malice
             of
             men
             cannot
             be
             exempted
             from
             it
             ,
             so
             much
             is
             the
             creature
             subject
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             Creator
             .
             Necessity
             exacts
             it
             of
             us
             ,
             the
             Laws
             of
             love
             and
             acknowledgement
             oblige
             us
             thereto
             ,
             and
             that
             very
             strictly
             .
             For
             God
             who
             hath
             a
             particular
             providence
             ,
             and
             an
             extraordinary
             care
             of
             man
             ,
             conducts
             him
             also
             ,
             and
             loving
             him
             excessively
             ,
             becomes
             his
             
               Father
               ,
               King
            
             ,
             and
             Prince
             ,
             &
             his
             All
             ,
             that
             being
             all
             things
             to
             man
             ,
             man
             may
             the
             more
             willingly
             resigne
             himself
             to
             his
             
               loving
               conduct
            
             ,
             not
             by
             constraint
             or
             necessity
             ,
             but
             through
             a
             spirit
             of
             freedom
             ,
             by
             an
             esteem
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             by
             a
             holy
             and
             loving
             election
             .
          
           
             These
             truths
             no
             man
             can
             be
             ignorant
             of
             ,
             yet
             we
             make
             no
             use
             of
             them
             ,
             for
             man
             despiseth
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             God
             ,
             shuts
             his
             eyes
             to
             the
             light
             of
             grace
             ,
             neglects
             his
             most
             wholsome
             Laws
             ,
             his
             certain
             counsels
             ,
             his
             divine
             motions
             ,
             withdraws
             himself
             from
             the
             disposall
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             adhere
             wholly
             to
             himself
             ,
             to
             his
             own
             thoughts
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             to
             the
             suggestion
             of
             his
             own
             spirit
             ,
             to
             follow
             the
             false
             maximes
             of
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             the
             motions
             of
             his
             passions
             ,
             the
             alurement
             of
             self-love
             .
             
             The
             perfect
             Christian
             must
             take
             heed
             that
             he
             do
             nothing
             inwardly
             or
             outwardly
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             of
             God.
             Man
             in
             all
             his
             actions
             and
             motions
             ,
             must
             necessarily
             be
             either
             in
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             of
             himself
             ;
             if
             he
             adhere
             to
             one
             ,
             he
             is
             opposite
             to
             the
             other
             ;
             for
             those
             he
             conducts
             ,
             are
             in
             themselves
             absolutely
             contrary
             .
             The
             conduct
             that
             man
             takes
             of
             himself
             ,
             is
             a
             turning
             from
             God
             ,
             a
             way
             that
             separates
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             quite
             loseth
             us
             .
             The
             reason
             of
             this
             is
             ,
             the
             state
             of
             man
             after
             his
             fall
             ,
             whose
             spirit
             is
             turned
             from
             God
             ,
             subject
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             ,
             bearing
             the
             seed
             of
             all
             faults
             and
             errors
             .
             He
             is
             so
             engulfed
             in
             this
             state
             of
             misery
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             get
             out
             of
             it
             ,
             though
             he
             endeavour
             all
             he
             can
             ,
             if
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             draw
             him
             not
             out
             of
             it
             ;
             he
             cannot
             return
             to
             God
             ,
             if
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             do
             not
             lead
             him
             ;
             
               No
               man
               cometh
               unto
               the
               Father
               but
               by
               me
               .
            
             
             Now
             man
             who
             follows
             his
             own
             conduct
             ,
             his
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             motions
             and
             will
             ,
             withdraws
             himself
             from
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             as
             his
             spirit
             is
             turned
             from
             his
             God
             ,
             by
             the
             law
             of
             sin
             ,
             so
             he
             withdraws
             himself
             from
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             by
             his
             own
             will
             and
             actions
             .
             How
             can
             he
             but
             turn
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             separate
             himself
             more
             and
             more
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             so
             powerfully
             ,
             that
             so
             long
             as
             he
             remains
             in
             his
             
               humane
               condition
            
             ,
             he
             shall
             never
             be
             able
             to
             return
             to
             God
             ,
             nor
             do
             any
             thing
             that
             may
             lead
             him
             to
             
             God
             ,
             if
             he
             do
             not
             resigne
             himself
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             to
             be
             aided
             by
             his
             grace
             and
             mercy
             ?
             This
             is
             the
             meaning
             of
             the
             words
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             when
             he
             said
             ,
             
               The
               carnall
               mind
               is
               enmity
               with
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               for
               it
               is
               not
               subject
               to
               the
               Law
               of
               God
               ,
               neither
               indeed
               can
               be
               ,
            
             and
             that
             
               to
               be
               carnall
               minded
               ,
               is
               death
            
             ;
             
             since
             he
             loses
             himself
             who
             governs
             himself
             by
             his
             own
             spirit
             ,
             and
             onely
             follows
             his
             own
             conduct
             .
          
           
             All
             the
             
               divine
               Oracles
            
             cry
             out
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             
               experience
               teacheth
            
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             greatest
             evil
             that
             can
             happen
             to
             man
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             left
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             abandoned
             to
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             to
             his
             own
             motions
             ,
             naturall
             inclinations
             and
             will.
             For
             a
             man
             so
             abandoned
             of
             God
             ,
             lives
             a
             dangerous
             life
             ,
             
             and
             must
             expect
             a
             miserable
             fall
             ,
             Wo
             ,
             saith
             God
             to
             them
             ,
             
               when
               I
               shall
               be
               separated
               from
               them
            
             ;
             wo
             indeed
             ,
             yea
             ,
             a
             threefold
             wo
             ,
             seeing
             that
             when
             God
             leaves
             a
             soul
             to
             its
             own
             
               counsels
               ,
               motions
               ,
               inclinations
            
             ,
             and
             will
             ,
             she
             is
             at
             the
             same
             instant
             made
             captive
             ,
             dragg'd
             ,
             and
             led
             in
             triumph
             to
             her
             passions
             and
             appetite
             ;
             for
             the
             
               passions
               ,
               will
            
             ,
             and
             inclinations
             of
             men
             ,
             are
             rebellious
             ,
             and
             hurried
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             .
             Now
             ,
             from
             the
             time
             that
             man
             is
             abandoned
             ,
             and
             the
             conduct
             of
             Gods
             grace
             withdrawn
             from
             him
             ,
             he
             can
             be
             no
             other
             then
             rebellious
             ,
             falling
             into
             a
             thousand
             errors
             ,
             and
             will
             infallibly
             lose
             himself
             ,
             if
             God
             have
             
               not
               pity
            
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             call
             him
             home
             .
             Therefore
             
             for
             God
             to
             abandon
             us
             thus
             to
             our
             own
             conduct
             and
             will
             ,
             is
             the
             greatest
             evill
             that
             can
             arrive
             to
             man
             ,
             the
             greatest
             punishment
             whereby
             God
             can
             revenge
             himself
             of
             the
             sins
             of
             men
             .
             
               My
               people
               would
               not
               hear
               my
               voyce
            
             (
             saith
             God
             being
             angry
             ,
             
             )
             
               and
               Israel
               would
               not
               obey
               me
               ,
               so
               I
               gave
               them
               up
               unto
               their
               own
               hearts
               lust
               ,
               and
               let
               them
               follow
               their
               own
               imaginations
               .
            
             And
             St.
             Paul
             assures
             us
             ,
             that
             Gods
             most
             rigorous
             punishment
             of
             the
             ingratitude
             of
             men
             ,
             hath
             been
             to
             leave
             them
             to
             their
             
               own
               desires
               and
               appetites
            
             ;
             
             
               God
               gave
               them
               up
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             holy
             Apostle
             ,
             
               to
               uncleanness
               ,
               through
               the
               lusts
               of
               their
               own
               hearts
               .
            
          
           
             It
             imports
             him
             therefore
             who
             would
             be
             a
             good
             Christian
             ,
             and
             make
             his
             salvation
             sure
             ,
             to
             forsake
             his
             own
             conduct
             ,
             to
             
               annihilate
               his
               inclinations
               ,
               passions
               ,
               appetites
               ,
            
             to
             confound
             his
             own
             will
             ,
             to
             withdraw
             himself
             from
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             and
             from
             his
             own
             reason
             ,
             to
             follow
             the
             conduct
             of
             grace
             ,
             which
             is
             above
             reason
             ,
             and
             illuminates
             and
             guides
             ,
             that
             he
             do
             nothing
             but
             according
             to
             the
             
               spirit
               ,
               law
            
             ,
             and
             will
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             To
             be
             guided
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             we
             must
             separate
             our selves
             ,
             renounce
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             our
             own
             wills
             .
             Our
             prudence
             and
             reason
             is
             faulty
             in
             every
             point
             ,
             for
             in
             as
             much
             as
             it
             comes
             from
             us
             ,
             it
             separates
             us
             from
             God
             as
             much
             
             as
             it
             can
             .
             
               Humane
               nature
            
             and
             the
             will
             of
             man
             ,
             in
             the
             corruption
             of
             sin
             ,
             regards
             onely
             it self
             ,
             not
             God
             its
             supernaturall
             end
             ;
             the
             will
             inclines
             to
             self-love
             ,
             and
             cannot
             advance
             it self
             to
             a
             true
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             guided
             and
             aided
             by
             grace
             .
             There
             is
             another
             principle
             of
             misfortune
             in
             us
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             love
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             which
             lives
             of
             the
             substance
             of
             our
             souls
             raigning
             in
             our
             hearts
             ,
             and
             commanding
             our
             actions
             .
             This
             love
             acts
             for
             it self
             ,
             not
             for
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             so
             opposite
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             as
             another
             Antichrist
             ,
             it
             labours
             onely
             to
             destroy
             the
             works
             of
             grace
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             ruine
             his
             
               divine
               love
               ,
               spirit
            
             and
             conduct
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             see
             what
             a
             misery
             it
             is
             ,
             what
             danger
             there
             is
             in
             being
             withdrawn
             from
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             live
             according
             to
             our
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             according
             to
             
               humane
               conduct
            
             ,
             which
             the
             Apostle
             calls
             
               the
               wisdom
               of
               this
               world
            
             .
             
             For
             what
             must
             his
             life
             be
             ,
             who
             submits
             himself
             to
             this
             
               sworn
               enemy
            
             of
             God
             ?
             what
             must
             his
             actions
             be
             ,
             who
             hath
             no
             other
             principle
             nor
             conduct
             then
             his
             own
             will
             ,
             onely
             confident
             in
             self-love
             ,
             who
             onely
             followes
             the
             
               motions
               ,
               inclinations
            
             and
             thoughts
             of
             his
             reason
             ?
             a
             reason
             deprav'd
             and
             dim
             falls
             irrecoverably
             .
             I
             will
             appeal
             to
             man
             himself
             ;
             how
             often
             his
             
               prudence
               ,
               reason
            
             ,
             and
             conduct
             have
             deceived
             him
             ?
             Into
             how
             many
             errours
             have
             his
             inclinations
             and
             his
             passions
             precipitated
             
             him
             ?
             let
             him
             but
             consult
             his
             own
             Conscience
             .
             I
             beseech
             him
             to
             see
             whither
             he
             goes
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             good
             time
             he
             renounce
             
               humane
               wisdom
            
             and
             his
             feeble
             reason
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             God
             requires
             it
             ,
             to
             follow
             the
             foolishness
             of
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             
             the
             conduct
             of
             grace
             ,
             for
             there
             is
             no
             other
             way
             of
             perfection
             ,
             nor
             meanes
             to
             arrive
             at
             God
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             power
             and
             humility
             of
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             our
             way
             and
             our
             life
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             would
             know
             what
             this
             conduct
             of
             God
             is
             ,
             wherein
             it
             consists
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             it
             two
             wayes
             .
             The
             first
             ,
             generall
             and
             common
             to
             all
             ,
             when
             all
             that
             a
             Christian
             does
             ,
             is
             according
             to
             the
             rule
             of
             the
             Law
             of
             God.
             Thus
             we
             say
             ,
             the
             actions
             of
             men
             are
             all
             submitted
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             done
             according
             to
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             conformable
             to
             his
             will
             and
             the
             maxims
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             So
             David
             lived
             ,
             
             when
             he
             said
             ,
             
               Thy
               word
               is
               a
               Lamp
               unto
               my
               feet
               ,
               and
               a
               light
               unto
               my
               paths
               .
            
             For
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             proposeth
             the
             right
             end
             ,
             the
             just
             meanes
             and
             measure
             of
             every
             action
             in
             particular
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             in
             generall
             .
             The
             true
             Christian
             must
             have
             no
             other
             conduct
             of
             his
             actions
             ,
             then
             this
             divine
             Law
             given
             by
             God
             to
             be
             the
             rule
             of
             mans
             life
             and
             principle
             of
             his
             actions
             ,
             he
             must
             follow
             the
             knowledge
             and
             maxims
             which
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             taught
             upon
             earth
             ,
             as
             a
             watch-tower
             and
             light
             to
             the
             spirits
             of
             
             men
             ,
             who
             being
             left
             to
             themselves
             ,
             walk
             in
             darkness
             and
             
               ignorance
               .
               Counsel
               is
               mine
               ,
               equity
               is
               mine
               ,
               wisdom
               is
               mine
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             spirit
             of
             God.
             He
             then
             that
             will
             live
             according
             to
             prudence
             ,
             according
             to
             equity
             and
             justice
             ,
             that
             will
             follow
             good
             counsels
             ,
             must
             have
             them
             from
             God
             ,
             for
             
               true
               prudence
            
             and
             
               true
               justice
            
             belongs
             to
             God.
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             there
             ought
             to
             be
             prudence
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             it
             must
             be
             the
             prudence
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             we
             cannot
             have
             but
             by
             observing
             the
             Law
             of
             God.
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             hast
             made
             me
             wise
             by
             thy
             word
             ,
             said
             David
             ,
             who
             had
             try'd
             it
             .
             We
             must
             take
             counsel
             ,
             for
             the
             difficulty
             of
             affaires
             perplexeth
             all
             things
             ,
             but
             this
             counsel
             must
             come
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             conformable
             to
             his
             
               divine
               Lawes
            
             .
             
             So
             did
             David
             alwayes
             in
             his
             affaires
             of
             greatest
             importance
             .
             
               Thy
               Testimonies
               are
               my
               delight
               and
               my
               Counsellors
               .
            
          
           
             We
             ought
             indeed
             to
             uphold
             our selves
             ,
             but
             it
             must
             be
             by
             the
             justice
             of
             God
             ,
             
             not
             that
             of
             men
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             concurs
             with
             the
             law
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             all
             the
             Commandments
             of
             God
             ,
             are
             righteousness
             ,
             saith
             David
             .
             So
             the
             Christian
             doing
             all
             things
             with
             this
             respect
             ,
             and
             doing
             nothing
             against
             the
             Law
             and
             Maxims
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             shall
             live
             in
             the
             
               perfect
               conduct
            
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             happy
             estate
             whereto
             all
             Christians
             ought
             to
             aspire
             ,
             and
             wherein
             they
             ought
             to
             continue
             ,
             professing
             even
             to
             death
             ,
             they
             have
             
             no
             other
             rule
             or
             conduct
             of
             their
             actions
             then
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             and
             spirit
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             a
             rule
             wherein
             they
             must
             maintain
             themselves
             so
             powerfully
             and
             so
             inseparably
             ,
             that
             no
             creature
             friend
             or
             Interest
             ,
             can
             make
             them
             desire
             or
             do
             any
             thing
             contrary
             to
             this
             
               heavenly
               conduct
            
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             another
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             more
             hidden
             and
             invisible
             ,
             when
             God
             vouchsafes
             by
             the
             motions
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             his
             inspirations
             and
             
               loving
               communications
            
             to
             
               conduct
               souls
            
             to
             perfection
             ,
             and
             takes
             a
             particular
             care
             of
             them
             .
             Here
             the
             soul
             must
             take
             a
             great
             and
             vigilant
             care
             ,
             that
             she
             quench
             not
             in
             her
             these
             lights
             ,
             and
             resist
             not
             this
             divine
             and
             
               amorous
               conduct
            
             .
             This
             way
             is
             for
             souls
             who
             give
             themselves
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             are
             wholly
             out
             of
             themselves
             ,
             devested
             of
             ,
             and
             severed
             from
             the
             Creature
             ,
             who
             have
             annihilated
             their
             
               desires
               ,
               inclinations
            
             and
             passions
             ,
             who
             are
             wholly
             abandon'd
             to
             God
             ,
             professing
             to
             live
             no
             longer
             then
             under
             the
             conduct
             of
             this
             
               divine
               spirit
            
             .
          
           
             They
             who
             are
             thus
             happy
             ,
             must
             take
             great
             care
             to
             maintain
             their
             spirits
             in
             a
             neere
             alliance
             and
             unity
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             do
             nothing
             but
             by
             his
             conduct
             ;
             they
             must
             take
             heed
             they
             admit
             not
             any
             thing
             ,
             nor
             receive
             any
             other
             spirit
             which
             may
             separate
             them
             from
             that
             of
             God.
             In
             brief
             ,
             they
             must
             annihilate
             all
             that
             is
             of
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             Creature
             ,
             
             if
             they
             will
             live
             in
             a
             
               perfect
               conduct
            
             ,
             and
             an
             intire
             resignation
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             that
             which
             is
             desired
             in
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             as
             being
             the
             meanes
             to
             arrive
             at
             perfection
             .
          
           
             When
             we
             consider
             these
             truths
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             it
             hard
             to
             comprehend
             ,
             and
             impossible
             to
             approve
             the
             method
             of
             those
             who
             would
             get
             perfection
             ,
             attain
             true
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             and
             possess
             God
             ,
             yet
             in
             all
             their
             conducts
             ,
             study
             nothing
             but
             
               humane
               wisdom
            
             ,
             act
             nothing
             but
             by
             humane
             respects
             ,
             speak
             not
             without
             equivocation
             ,
             are
             nothing
             but
             outward
             ceremonies
             ,
             regard
             nothing
             but
             outward
             formality
             ,
             aim
             at
             nothing
             but
             advancement
             .
             Let
             them
             speak
             what
             they
             please
             ,
             
               humane
               wisdom
            
             is
             but
             foolishness
             before
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             and
             of
             Iesus
             is
             a
             spirit
             of
             
               truth
               ,
               simplicity
            
             and
             sincerity
             .
             Those
             then
             that
             guide
             themselves
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             must
             live
             and
             act
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               truth
               ,
               simplicity
            
             and
             sincerity
             .
             for
             no
             other
             conduct
             is
             the
             conduct
             of
             God.
             
               Let
               no
               man
               abuse
               himself
            
             ,
             saith
             St.
             
               Paul
               ,
               if
               any
               among
               you
               think
               to
               be
               wise
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               let
               him
               become
               a
               fool
               that
               he
               may
               be
               wise
               ,
               for
               the
               wisdom
               of
               this
               world
               is
               foolishness
               before
               God.
            
             1
             Cor.
             3.18
             ,
             19.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             That
             a
             Christian
             must
             do
             all
             his
             actions
             for
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             for
             God.
             
          
           
             THe
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             not
             so
             much
             consider
             what
             he
             does
             ,
             as
             the
             manner
             of
             doing
             ;
             for
             men
             consider
             the
             face
             ,
             God
             the
             heart
             .
             It
             is
             a
             maxime
             in
             Morality
             ,
             that
             it
             suffices
             not
             to
             do
             
               good
               actions
            
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             do
             them
             well
             ,
             as
             the
             Philosopher
             saith
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             do
             
               just
               things
            
             ,
             but
             they
             must
             be
             done
             justly
             ,
             meaning
             ,
             that
             an
             action
             to
             be
             good
             and
             just
             ,
             must
             be
             accomplished
             with
             all
             these
             circumstances
             which
             are
             so
             necessary
             ,
             that
             if
             this
             fail
             ,
             all
             the
             rest
             will
             be
             
               deficient
               ;
               good
            
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             
               true
               good
            
             ,
             must
             be
             accomplished
             in
             every
             point
             .
          
           
             Now
             ,
             our
             Question
             is
             not
             only
             of
             an
             
               action
               good
            
             and
             just
             ,
             but
             which
             is
             more
             ,
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               action
            
             ,
             suitable
             to
             the
             eminence
             and
             purity
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             of
             an
             action
             worthy
             heaven
             and
             God.
             If
             it
             be
             reall
             ,
             it
             must
             have
             circumstances
             onely
             pure
             and
             perfect
             ,
             and
             chiefly
             it
             is
             requisite
             they
             have
             a
             proportionate
             object
             ;
             for
             as
             actions
             are
             specified
             by
             their
             objects
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             necessary
             that
             the
             doing
             and
             denomination
             of
             a
             
               true
               Christian
               action
            
             be
             
             to
             consider
             ,
             what
             is
             it's
             object
             which
             must
             be
             proportioned
             to
             the
             
               dignity
               ,
               sanctity
            
             and
             purity
             of
             an
             action
             worthy
             God
             ;
             which
             being
             supposed
             ,
             this
             object
             can
             be
             no
             other
             then
             God
             himself
             ,
             and
             therefore
             we
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             as
             all
             the
             actions
             of
             Christians
             must
             be
             conformable
             to
             their
             state
             ,
             all
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             must
             they
             have
             God
             only
             for
             their
             object
             ,
             and
             consequently
             a
             Christian
             to
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ,
             must
             have
             respect
             onely
             to
             God
             in
             all
             his
             actions
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             nothing
             but
             with
             intention
             to
             please
             him
             .
             This
             is
             the
             wish
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             when
             he
             prayed
             to
             God
             for
             the
             
               new
               Christians
            
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             writ
             ,
             
               That
               you
               might
               walk
            
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
             
               worthy
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               as
               unto
               all
               pleasing
               .
            
             This
             counsell
             ought
             to
             be
             engraven
             in
             the
             memory
             of
             men
             ;
             for
             either
             they
             think
             not
             of
             it
             ,
             or
             are
             ignorant
             of
             it
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             altogether
             necessary
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             then
             suppose
             this
             to
             our
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             that
             to
             do
             acts
             truly
             Christian
             ,
             and
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             must
             regard
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             other
             intent
             then
             to
             please
             him
             .
             The
             reason
             is
             from
             the
             commandment
             of
             love
             ,
             for
             by
             the
             same
             principle
             that
             we
             are
             oblieged
             to
             love
             God
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             also
             to
             please
             him
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             seek
             onely
             his
             
               honour
               ,
               glory
            
             ,
             and
             pleasure
             .
             He
             that
             knows
             how
             to
             love
             ,
             will
             easily
             comprehend
             the
             truth
             of
             this
             counsell
             ;
             For
             love
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             true
             ,
             
             makes
             us
             quit
             our
             own
             Interests
             and
             respects
             ,
             to
             engage
             us
             in
             the
             interests
             and
             respects
             of
             the
             thing
             beloved
             .
             Again
             ,
             to
             love
             (
             according
             to
             the
             
               Angelical
               Doctor
            
             )
             is
             to
             
               wish
               well
            
             .
             Now
             ,
             what
             good
             ,
             what
             interest
             can
             God
             have
             in
             our
             action
             ,
             but
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             will
             and
             pleasure
             ?
             God
             hath
             no
             need
             of
             us
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             all-sufficient
             of
             himself
             .
             As
             by
             our
             sins
             we
             cannot
             diminish
             his
             glory
             ,
             or
             pleasure
             ,
             so
             neither
             can
             we
             augment
             them
             by
             the
             vertue
             of
             our
             actions
             ;
             and
             that
             he
             makes
             them
             meritorious
             &
             worthy
             the
             possession
             of
             heaven
             ,
             that
             he
             receives
             them
             as
             acceptable
             to
             the
             eyes
             of
             his
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             effect
             of
             his
             bounty
             ,
             not
             the
             power
             of
             necessity
             ;
             it
             is
             by
             dignifying
             ,
             not
             by
             duty
             or
             obligation
             ;
             by
             love
             ,
             not
             by
             interest
             ,
             it
             is
             because
             he
             vouchsafes
             to
             regard
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             them
             ;
             it
             is
             only
             because
             we
             do
             in
             them
             what
             his
             will
             is
             ,
             we
             employ
             our selves
             in
             his
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             accomplish
             his
             designes
             .
          
           
             This
             Deduction
             and
             Principle
             being
             considered
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             seeing
             God
             receives
             nothing
             of
             us
             ,
             or
             of
             our
             actions
             but
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             
               divine
               Will
            
             ;
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             a
             Christian
             ,
             who
             will
             love
             his
             
               God
               ,
               cannot
               express
            
             this
             love
             ,
             but
             in
             performing
             the
             works
             of
             God
             in
             respect
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             employing
             himself
             in
             the
             duties
             that
             God
             proposes
             to
             him
             :
             
             
               He
               that
               hath
               my
               commandments
            
             ,
             saith
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               and
               
               keepeth
               them
               ,
               he
               it
               is
               that
               loveth
               me
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               loveth
               me
               ,
               shall
               be
               loved
               of
               my
               Father
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               love
               him
               ,
               and
               will
               manifest
               my self
               to
               him
            
             ;
             which
             shews
             ,
             that
             the
             duty
             of
             a
             Christian
             consists
             in
             doing
             the
             works
             which
             God
             proposes
             and
             puts
             into
             his
             hand
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             condition
             and
             estate
             ,
             to
             do
             it
             according
             to
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             with
             an
             intent
             to
             do
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             In
             this
             the
             Christian
             shews
             his
             love
             to
             God
             ;
             this
             is
             the
             means
             whereby
             his
             actions
             become
             worthy
             to
             possess
             God.
             
          
           
             To
             comprehend
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             must
             observe
             that
             all
             the
             creatures
             are
             nothing
             in
             themselves
             ;
             they
             are
             as
             but
             a
             drop
             of
             water
             drawn
             up
             by
             the
             Sun.
             
          
           
             Now
             ,
             if
             all
             creatures
             are
             nothing
             ,
             man
             is
             yet
             less
             ;
             and
             man
             being
             so
             small
             a
             thing
             ,
             his
             action
             can
             be
             no
             more
             ;
             but
             if
             the
             creatures
             ,
             if
             man
             and
             his
             actions
             are
             any
             thing
             before
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             onely
             in
             as
             much
             as
             they
             regard
             God
             ,
             and
             have
             relation
             to
             him
             ;
             For
             nothing
             is
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             for
             God.
             Heaven
             ,
             the
             world
             ,
             the
             earth
             ,
             are
             nothing
             ,
             
             yet
             are
             they
             esteemed
             worthy
             of
             honour
             ,
             because
             
               heaven
               is
               the
               throne
               of
               God
               ,
               earth
               is
               his
               footstool
               .
            
             We
             may
             say
             as
             much
             of
             man
             ,
             although
             he
             be
             nothing
             in
             himself
             ,
             or
             in
             his
             actions
             ,
             yet
             they
             are
             most
             worthy
             by
             this
             relation
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             regard
             of
             God.
             For
             as
             mean
             and
             prophane
             things
             are
             respected
             ,
             
             being
             consecrated
             and
             dedicated
             to
             God
             ,
             so
             our
             actions
             ,
             though
             they
             be
             mean
             and
             unworthy
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             being
             referred
             and
             dedicated
             to
             his
             honour
             ,
             and
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             will
             ,
             they
             are
             raised
             up
             ,
             and
             become
             pleasing
             to
             God.
             Whence
             we
             acknowledge
             ,
             that
             all
             is
             nothing
             ,
             not
             our
             actions
             ,
             if
             they
             regard
             not
             God
             in
             this
             purity
             ,
             and
             though
             they
             regard
             God
             ,
             yet
             they
             conferre
             nothing
             to
             God
             ,
             they
             are
             onely
             pleasing
             to
             him
             ,
             because
             he
             vouchsafes
             to
             regard
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             them
             ;
             he
             advanceth
             and
             sanctifieth
             them
             by
             this
             relation
             ,
             such
             is
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             .
             Herein
             appears
             the
             abuse
             of
             those
             who
             fill
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             perplex
             their
             thoughts
             with
             severall
             intentions
             .
             By
             this
             Principle
             ,
             we
             see
             how
             much
             they
             separate
             themselves
             from
             their
             duty
             ,
             who
             in
             their
             actions
             and
             devotions
             ,
             seek
             any
             thing
             else
             but
             to
             please
             God
             ;
             for
             all
             our
             actions
             are
             onely
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             onely
             pleasing
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             nothing
             is
             worthy
             of
             him
             ,
             nor
             pleasing
             to
             his
             
               divine
               eyes
            
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             .
             Therefore
             one
             of
             the
             greatest
             faults
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             piety
             ,
             which
             makes
             us
             most
             unworthy
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             want
             of
             this
             regard
             of
             God.
             Many
             instead
             of
             referring
             all
             things
             to
             God
             ,
             seek
             nothing
             but
             themselves
             ,
             labour
             onely
             for
             themselves
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             that
             they
             do
             ,
             think
             onely
             of
             themselves
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             should
             examine
             themselves
             
             as
             they
             ought
             ,
             they
             would
             find
             that
             the
             end
             of
             their
             life
             and
             actions
             is
             nothing
             but
             their
             own
             Interest
             ,
             and
             going
             on
             in
             the
             Labyrinth
             of
             these
             confusions
             ,
             they
             will
             find
             ,
             that
             seeking
             to
             do
             their
             own
             will
             ,
             they
             do
             what
             God
             requires
             not
             ,
             and
             fail
             to
             do
             that
             which
             he
             commands
             .
             By
             this
             abuse
             it
             appeares
             that
             such
             souls
             design
             their
             own
             health
             and
             profit
             to
             be
             their
             end
             and
             the
             object
             of
             their
             actions
             .
             By
             so
             doing
             ,
             God
             is
             no
             more
             their
             
               ultimate
               end
            
             ,
             nor
             the
             centre
             of
             their
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             but
             their
             own
             interests
             and
             profit
             take
             the
             place
             of
             God
             ,
             an
             errour
             so
             manifest
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             perceive
             ,
             and
             necessary
             to
             condemn
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             remember
             a
             principle
             very
             common
             ,
             that
             teacheth
             us
             ,
             if
             there
             were
             neither
             Heaven
             nor
             Hell
             to
             recompence
             or
             punish
             ,
             yet
             we
             were
             obliged
             to
             devote
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             fulfill
             his
             designes
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             him
             honour
             in
             every
             thing
             .
             This
             is
             an
             indispensable
             obligation
             whereto
             we
             are
             bound
             by
             the
             condition
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             for
             as
             such
             we
             are
             Gods
             ,
             being
             Gods
             ,
             we
             ought
             to
             refer
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             be
             onely
             for
             him
             .
             The
             fruit
             is
             his
             to
             whom
             the
             Tree
             belongs
             ;
             if
             we
             belong
             wholly
             to
             God
             ,
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             consequently
             must
             be
             referred
             to
             his
             honour
             ,
             and
             wholly
             employed
             in
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             Will.
             In
             effect
             ,
             none
             can
             
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             but
             that
             we
             are
             in
             the
             World
             to
             do
             the
             work
             that
             God
             hath
             put
             into
             our
             hands
             ,
             according
             to
             our
             vocation
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             manner
             that
             he
             proposeth
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             end
             that
             he
             hath
             ordained
             us
             .
          
           
             Nothing
             is
             more
             evident
             ;
             for
             what
             have
             we
             to
             do
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             what
             should
             our
             soul
             aim
             at
             ,
             but
             to
             accomplish
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             all
             our
             actions
             according
             to
             the
             designes
             ,
             and
             order
             established
             by
             the
             
               eternall
               wisdom
            
             ?
             why
             are
             we
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             if
             we
             please
             not
             God
             ?
             How
             shall
             we
             please
             him
             ,
             if
             we
             do
             not
             his
             will
             ,
             and
             live
             not
             in
             the
             order
             he
             hath
             prescribed
             ?
             To
             what
             end
             serves
             all
             the
             rest
             ?
             whereto
             are
             directed
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             not
             acceptable
             to
             God
             ?
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             onely
             point
             of
             our
             happiness
             ,
             the
             principall
             care
             that
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             have
             ,
             to
             regard
             God
             in
             all
             his
             Actions
             ,
             and
             to
             perform
             them
             in
             a
             pure
             desire
             to
             please
             him
             .
             Let
             us
             endeavour
             onely
             to
             content
             God
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             provide
             for
             all
             the
             ●est
             ,
             
               Them
               that
               honour
               me
               ,
               I
               will
               honour
               ,
               and
               they
               that
               despise
               me
               ,
            
             
             
               shall
               be
               lightly
               esteemed
            
             ;
             saith
             God
             to
             Eliah
             .
             O
             how
             happy
             shall
             that
             soul
             be
             ,
             which
             at
             the
             houre
             of
             death
             shall
             be
             able
             to
             say
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             
             My
             God
             and
             my
             Father
             ,
             
               I
               have
               glorified
               thee
               on
               the
               Earth
               ,
               I
               have
               finished
               the
               work
               ,
               which
               thou
               gavest
               me
               to
               do
               ?
            
             Happy
             is
             the
             soul
             that
             forgets
             her self
             to
             think
             onely
             
             on
             God
             ,
             which
             loseth
             it self
             in
             all
             concernments
             ,
             to
             seek
             onely
             the
             pleasure
             of
             God.
             Happy
             are
             those
             Christians
             who
             can
             say
             in
             all
             their
             actions
             ,
             we
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             ,
             and
             do
             all
             things
             which
             are
             pleasing
             before
             him
             .
             For
             in
             effect
             ,
             the
             Christian
             hath
             nothing
             else
             to
             do
             in
             the
             World.
             We
             are
             obliged
             thereto
             by
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             St.
             Paul
             gives
             us
             a
             very
             evident
             reason
             ,
             
             when
             he
             sayes
             ,
             speaking
             of
             the
             sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             
               He
               died
               for
               all
               ,
               that
               they
               which
               live
               should
               not
               henceforth
               live
               unto
               themselves
               ,
               but
               unto
               him
               which
               died
               for
               them
               &
               rose
               again
               ,
            
             wherein
             is
             comprised
             all
             the
             duty
             of
             Christianity
             .
             The
             Apostle
             saying
             that
             Christians
             should
             not
             live
             to
             themselves
             ,
             shewes
             the
             obligation
             they
             have
             to
             live
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             their
             actions
             ,
             they
             ought
             onely
             to
             seek
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             all
             other
             thoughts
             are
             repugnant
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             The
             Sonne
             of
             God
             himself
             teaching
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             in
             them
             his
             Church
             what
             to
             demand
             ,
             
             proposes
             to
             us
             chiefly
             the
             sanctification
             of
             the
             name
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             establishment
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             &
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             shewing
             us
             by
             this
             lesson
             ,
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             repeat
             daily
             what
             our
             
               thoughts
               ,
               intentions
            
             ,
             and
             prayers
             should
             be
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             chiefly
             desire
             the
             
               glory
               ,
               pleasure
            
             ,
             and
             will
             of
             God.
             After
             so
             divine
             a
             precept
             ,
             what
             have
             we
             to
             seek
             ?
             why
             so
             many
             exercises
             ,
             
             so
             many
             intentions
             ,
             such
             multiplicity
             of
             thoughts
             ?
             Let
             us
             seek
             to
             please
             God
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             take
             a
             continuall
             vigilancy
             ,
             that
             we
             do
             nothing
             disacceptable
             to
             God
             ,
             or
             that
             is
             not
             conformable
             to
             the
             state
             and
             vocation
             wherein
             God
             hath
             placed
             us
             .
             How
             can
             so
             many
             complaisances
             ,
             accommodations
             ,
             correspondencies
             ,
             affectations
             of
             
               humane
               prudence
            
             ,
             tend
             to
             piety
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             displeasing
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             loves
             nothing
             but
             purity
             ?
             This
             is
             an
             evill
             that
             destroyes
             the
             purity
             of
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             an
             abuse
             that
             deceives
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             Christians
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             Of
             the
             complacency
             and
             self-satisfaction
             which
             drawes
             us
             from
             the
             pure
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             purity
             of
             intentions
             which
             must
             be
             in
             our
             actions
             .
          
           
             
               IF
               thine
               eye
               be
               single
               ,
               thy
               whole
               body
               shall
               be
               full
               of
               light
               ,
               but
               if
               thine
               eye
               be
               evil
               ,
               thy
               whole
               body
               shall
               be
               full
               of
               darkness
               ,
            
             
             saith
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             the
             dispositions
             and
             intentions
             wherewith
             Christians
             ought
             to
             do
             all
             their
             actions
             ,
             shewing
             by
             the
             similitude
             of
             the
             eye
             ,
             that
             the
             intention
             must
             necessarily
             be
             pure
             ,
             if
             the
             action
             permit
             it
             .
             For
             as
             the
             eye
             being
             single
             ,
             makes
             the
             body
             full
             of
             light
             ,
             so
             the
             intention
             being
             
             pure
             ,
             makes
             the
             
               action
               pure
            
             ;
             the
             end
             and
             object
             is
             that
             which
             advanceth
             or
             depresseth
             the
             action
             ,
             giving
             it
             the
             quality
             it
             beares
             .
             Now
             because
             the
             intention
             ,
             to
             be
             pure
             and
             simple
             ,
             must
             have
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             no
             regard
             but
             that
             of
             God
             the
             onely
             object
             of
             its
             action
             ,
             a
             regard
             which
             seeks
             onely
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             to
             accomplish
             upon
             the
             Earth
             and
             in
             Heaven
             his
             
               divine
               Ordinances
            
             ,
             desiring
             no
             other
             estate
             then
             a
             bare
             simple
             subjection
             to
             his
             loving
             conduct
             ,
             this
             is
             that
             we
             call
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             purity
             of
             intention
             .
          
           
             To
             transgress
             this
             regard
             and
             purity
             of
             intention
             ,
             is
             to
             forsake
             the
             Sun
             to
             go
             into
             darkness
             ,
             to
             destroy
             the
             perfection
             and
             purity
             which
             makes
             an
             action
             truly
             Christian.
             We
             ought
             therefore
             to
             have
             continually
             in
             our
             heart
             the
             prayer
             of
             
               David
               ,
               Turn
               away
               mine
               eyes
               ,
            
             
             
               least
               they
               behold
               vanity
            
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             should
             say
             ,
             Lord
             withdraw
             my
             thoughts
             and
             intentions
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             eyes
             of
             my
             soul
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             removed
             from
             all
             Creatures
             ,
             which
             are
             but
             vanity
             ,
             to
             be
             employed
             on
             thee
             alone
             who
             art
             the
             Truth
             .
             We
             have
             reason
             to
             require
             this
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             this
             purity
             of
             intention
             ,
             this
             pure
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             
               beautifull
               piece
            
             ,
             the
             most
             behovefull
             to
             a
             Christian
             life
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             onely
             mark
             that
             distinguishes
             night
             from
             
               day
               ,
               darkness
            
             from
             light
             .
             In
             this
             point
             alone
             ,
             the
             greatest
             part
             
             of
             Christians
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             taking
             the
             shadow
             for
             the
             
               substance
               ,
               vanity
            
             for
             verity
             ;
             this
             is
             it
             we
             must
             examine
             .
          
           
             One
             of
             the
             greatest
             retardments
             that
             the
             soul
             finds
             in
             the
             way
             to
             perfection
             in
             any
             vocation
             or
             estate
             ,
             is
             quitting
             the
             
               pure
               regard
            
             ,
             and
             going
             out
             of
             the
             purity
             of
             intention
             to
             seek
             complacency
             and
             satisfaction
             in
             something
             out
             of
             God.
             By
             reason
             of
             that
             complacency
             and
             satisfaction
             the
             soul
             can
             never
             taste
             God
             ,
             nor
             arrive
             at
             perfection
             .
             We
             need
             no
             other
             proofs
             of
             this
             ,
             then
             the
             difference
             between
             pleasing
             God
             and
             the
             Creature
             ,
             between
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             and
             our
             own
             satisfaction
             ;
             they
             are
             two
             paths
             so
             contrary
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             as
             impossible
             for
             them
             to
             subsist
             together
             ,
             as
             truth
             and
             falshood
             ,
             or
             bitter
             and
             sweet
             without
             corrupting
             .
             The
             soul
             who
             seeks
             her
             own
             satisfaction
             ,
             to
             please
             her
             self
             in
             her
             self
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             thing
             ,
             is
             as
             far
             from
             pleasing
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             Creature
             is
             from
             God.
             Wherein
             appeares
             the
             abuse
             of
             those
             ,
             who
             make
             no
             scruple
             to
             do
             their
             actions
             in
             regard
             of
             the
             Creature
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             desire
             but
             to
             please
             either
             themselves
             or
             some
             other
             .
          
           
             Reason
             it self
             shewes
             us
             that
             those
             complacencies
             and
             self-satisfactions
             ,
             are
             unworthy
             a
             heart
             that
             God
             hath
             created
             onely
             for
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             consecrated
             to
             his
             glory
             and
             honour
             ;
             of
             a
             heart
             I
             say
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             possess
             ,
             and
             
             shall
             possess
             God
             to
             all
             eternity
             .
             They
             are
             unworthy
             of
             God
             ,
             opposite
             to
             the
             purity
             of
             his
             love
             .
             As
             God
             is
             pure
             in
             his
             entertainments
             ,
             and
             jealous
             in
             his
             love
             ,
             he
             never
             suffers
             such
             an
             evill
             ,
             seeing
             it
             is
             not
             becoming
             his
             greatness
             to
             divide
             his
             glory
             and
             contentment
             ,
             to
             mingle
             his
             honour
             with
             self-satisfaction
             and
             the
             complacency
             of
             the
             creature
             .
             The
             law
             of
             love
             forbids
             this
             division
             ;
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             love
             God
             with
             all
             our
             heart
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             perfectly
             ,
             for
             as
             he
             that
             loves
             well
             ,
             cannot
             love
             two
             things
             ;
             so
             he
             that
             will
             satisfie
             himself
             ,
             and
             please
             the
             creature
             ,
             cannot
             
               satisfie
               God
            
             ,
             or
             conform
             himself
             to
             his
             
               divine
               will.
            
             
          
           
             The
             state
             of
             Christianity
             teaches
             this
             purity
             :
             for
             if
             we
             are
             Gods
             ,
             and
             love
             only
             for
             God
             ,
             why
             then
             all
             these
             satisfactions
             ?
             The
             soul
             that
             desires
             to
             be
             saved
             ,
             must
             onely
             seek
             perfection
             ,
             that
             is
             God
             ;
             for
             true
             perfection
             consists
             in
             the
             possession
             and
             seeking
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             must
             have
             
               no
               regard
            
             ,
             but
             that
             of
             God
             ,
             no
             other
             intention
             ,
             but
             to
             please
             him
             .
             The
             Christian
             that
             pleaseth
             himself
             ,
             and
             seeketh
             complacency
             in
             any
             thing
             besides
             God
             ,
             does
             quite
             contrary
             ,
             he
             turns
             from
             the
             
               will
               of
               God
            
             ,
             to
             seek
             that
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             or
             to
             satisfie
             himself
             and
             loses
             the
             regard
             to
             God
             ,
             (
             the
             most
             pure
             employment
             of
             his
             soul
             )
             to
             regard
             the
             creature
             ,
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             from
             that
             very
             time
             that
             he
             suffers
             himself
             to
             be
             transported
             
             with
             this
             imperfection
             he
             turns
             from
             God
             ,
             to
             turn
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             greatest
             misfortune
             that
             can
             befall
             a
             Christian.
             For
             turning
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             he
             makes
             himself
             unworthy
             the
             favours
             of
             heaven
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             continue
             so
             ,
             it
             will
             never
             be
             possible
             for
             him
             to
             taste
             God
             ,
             or
             to
             possess
             the
             purity
             of
             
               vertue
               .
               If
               I
               yet
            
             ,
             (
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             )
             
               pleased
               men
               ,
               I
               should
               not
               be
               the
               servant
               of
               Christ.
            
             
             The
             word
             complacency
             is
             of
             great
             extent
             ,
             it
             comprehends
             all
             that
             is
             
               not
               God
            
             ,
             nor
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             includes
             also
             the
             gifts
             of
             
               God
               ,
               naturall
            
             and
             supernaturall
             ,
             of
             capacity
             and
             of
             grace
             ,
             wherein
             it
             is
             never
             permitted
             to
             please
             our selves
             ,
             or
             to
             seek
             our
             
               own
               satisfaction
            
             .
             The
             reason
             is
             ,
             because
             God
             dispenseth
             not
             his
             gifts
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             settle
             our selves
             upon
             them
             ,
             or
             make
             them
             the
             objects
             of
             our
             love
             ,
             or
             the
             subjects
             of
             our
             satisfaction
             and
             complacency
             .
             He
             gives
             them
             only
             ,
             because
             he
             loves
             us
             ,
             and
             would
             make
             us
             worthy
             of
             his
             
               regard
               ,
               love
            
             ,
             and
             favour
             :
             He
             gives
             them
             to
             make
             us
             capable
             to
             love
             and
             please
             him
             ,
             such
             is
             the
             desire
             of
             God
             in
             this
             his
             liberality
             ,
             whence
             we
             may
             thus
             argue
             :
             If
             God
             gives
             nothing
             but
             to
             obliege
             us
             to
             love
             and
             please
             him
             ,
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             to
             use
             his
             gifts
             otherwise
             ,
             be
             they
             naturall
             or
             supernaturall
             ,
             is
             to
             overthrow
             his
             intentions
             ,
             and
             to
             destroy
             his
             work
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             a
             kind
             of
             Idolatry
             to
             regard
             the
             gift
             more
             then
             the
             giver
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             it
             is
             
             to
             make
             us
             unworthy
             of
             his
             favours
             ,
             and
             to
             stop
             the
             course
             of
             his
             
               divine
               communications
            
             ;
             and
             if
             we
             consider
             well
             ,
             we
             shall
             confess
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             chief
             reason
             that
             oblieges
             God
             to
             withdraw
             his
             gifts
             and
             graces
             ,
             and
             to
             turn
             away
             his
             eyes
             from
             us
             ;
             whence
             we
             cannot
             expect
             less
             then
             a
             
               miserable
               fall
            
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             abandoned
             of
             God
             ,
             either
             
               for
               ever
            
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             
               for
               a
               time
            
             .
             So
             fell
             Lucifer
             ,
             so
             was
             the
             
               first
               man
            
             lost
             ,
             and
             with
             him
             all
             
               humane
               nature
            
             .
             By
             the
             same
             fault
             many
             Christians
             are
             fallen
             from
             the
             state
             and
             capacity
             of
             grace
             ,
             whereto
             God
             had
             elected
             them
             .
          
           
             The
             world
             is
             astonished
             when
             it
             sees
             some
             fall
             into
             great
             enormities
             ,
             others
             into
             afflictions
             intolerable
             ,
             agitations
             dangerous
             ,
             and
             insupportable
             desertions
             .
             We
             demand
             whence
             these
             evils
             proceed
             ,
             who
             hath
             precipitated
             so
             many
             souls
             from
             the
             heighth
             of
             grace
             and
             perfection
             ?
             We
             may
             say
             what
             we
             please
             ,
             but
             assuredly
             ,
             this
             proceeds
             not
             from
             the
             
               ordinary
               course
            
             ,
             but
             onely
             because
             we
             regard
             nothing
             but
             our
             own
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             quit
             the
             regard
             of
             God
             and
             
               pure
               desire
            
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             to
             regard
             the
             creature
             to
             satisfie
             our selves
             ,
             and
             take
             pleasure
             therein
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             weigh
             this
             offence
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             it
             a
             great
             undervaluing
             of
             God
             ,
             an
             injury
             to
             his
             gifts
             ;
             it
             is
             to
             hold
             unjustly
             the
             favours
             and
             graces
             of
             heaven
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             put
             God
             beneath
             
             himself
             and
             the
             creature
             ;
             Hence
             it
             happens
             to
             such
             souls
             ,
             as
             at
             
               other
               times
            
             it
             hapned
             to
             the
             
               wise
               of
               the
               world
            
             ,
             
             
               who
               when
               they
               knew
               God
               ,
               glorified
               him
               not
               as
               God
               ,
               neither
               were
               thankfull
               ;
               wherefore
               God
               also
               gave
               them
               up
               to
               uncleaness
               through
               the
               lusts
               of
               their
               own
               hearts
               .
            
             He
             will
             do
             the
             same
             to
             Christians
             ,
             who
             after
             they
             have
             received
             so
             many
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             regard
             rather
             the
             gifts
             then
             him
             ,
             that
             gave
             them
             ,
             and
             convert
             them
             to
             their
             own
             satisfaction
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             greater
             crime
             before
             God
             then
             we
             imagine
             .
          
           
             If
             it
             be
             not
             permitted
             to
             delight
             our selves
             in
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             nor
             to
             seek
             satisfaction
             therein
             ,
             what
             shall
             we
             say
             of
             those
             who
             make
             use
             of
             them
             to
             enter
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             themselves
             ,
             and
             who
             
               glorifie
               themselves
            
             in
             the
             endowments
             which
             God
             hath
             bestowed
             on
             them
             ?
             How
             shall
             we
             judge
             of
             those
             who
             so
             exceedingly
             
               please
               themselves
            
             ,
             and
             who
             
               glorifie
               themselves
            
             in
             the
             capacity
             that
             God
             hath
             given
             them
             therein
             ,
             in
             their
             exercises
             ,
             in
             their
             vocation
             ,
             in
             their
             
               happy
               estate
            
             ,
             who
             cannot
             entertain
             themselves
             with
             any
             thing
             else
             ?
             What
             piety
             can
             those
             souls
             have
             who
             are
             taken
             only
             with
             those
             that
             flatter
             and
             praise
             them
             ,
             and
             believe
             none
             but
             those
             that
             esteem
             them
             ,
             and
             study
             to
             give
             them
             all
             manner
             of
             satisfaction
             ?
             They
             have
             all
             cause
             to
             fear
             ,
             for
             assuredly
             ,
             (
             continuing
             such
             )
             they
             shall
             never
             taste
             God
             or
             possess
             the
             spirit
             of
             true
             
             piety
             .
             Saint
             Augustine
             confesseth
             this
             with
             tears
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               O
               Lord
               ,
               I
               was
               putrified
               whilest
               that
               I
               took
               contentment
               in
               my self
               ,
               and
               endeavoured
               to
               please
               the
               eyes
               of
               men
               .
            
          
           
             Let
             us
             profit
             by
             these
             truths
             ,
             remedy
             our
             abuses
             ,
             and
             establish
             our selves
             in
             
               solid
               piety
            
             ;
             let
             us
             lift
             up
             our
             eyes
             to
             heaven
             ,
             and
             recollect
             what
             we
             have
             said
             ;
             Let
             us
             consider
             that
             God
             alone
             is
             the
             centre
             and
             end
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             that
             as
             the
             inclinations
             of
             all
             creatures
             tend
             to
             their
             centre
             ,
             and
             the
             end
             drives
             and
             moves
             us
             to
             action
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             rest
             and
             perfection
             of
             the
             work
             ;
             so
             let
             us
             direct
             all
             our
             inclinations
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             destroy
             all
             those
             that
             are
             contrary
             to
             him
             ;
             since
             he
             alone
             is
             our
             end
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             also
             our
             
               chief
               regard
            
             ,
             our
             
               first
               intention
            
             ,
             the
             only
             
               desire
               of
               our
               souls
            
             ;
             Let
             us
             do
             all
             our
             actions
             according
             to
             our
             estate
             and
             vocation
             ,
             as
             God
             shall
             give
             us
             the
             inspiration
             and
             means
             ,
             but
             in
             doing
             them
             ,
             let
             us
             regard
             nothing
             but
             God.
             Let
             us
             endeavour
             to
             have
             no
             other
             intention
             ,
             but
             to
             do
             the
             work
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             accomplish
             his
             
               holy
               will
            
             ,
             to
             please
             and
             satisfie
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             Let
             us
             learn
             that
             God
             regards
             not
             whether
             we
             do
             little
             or
             much
             ,
             so
             that
             what
             we
             do
             be
             
               conformable
               to
               his
               will
            
             ,
             and
             worthy
             of
             his
             love
             .
             This
             is
             all
             can
             be
             required
             of
             those
             who
             seek
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             would
             make
             themselves
             worthy
             to
             
               possess
               God
               in
               heaven
            
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             Of
             the
             care
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             have
             to
             do
             all
             his
             actions
             according
             to
             his
             vocation
             ,
             and
             to
             maintain
             himself
             in
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             NExt
             
               interiour
               dispositions
            
             necessary
             to
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             it
             is
             convenient
             to
             speak
             of
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             to
             make
             our
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             see
             how
             he
             must
             comport
             himself
             to
             be
             
               perfect
               in
               all
               things
            
             .
             We
             have
             already
             spoken
             of
             the
             care
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             to
             appear
             vertuous
             and
             exemplary
             and
             to
             
               walk
               uprightly
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             sayes
             ,
             
               according
               to
               the
               truth
               of
               the
               Gospel
               .
            
             Next
             we
             have
             shewed
             how
             all
             his
             actions
             must
             be
             squared
             to
             the
             
               Law
               of
               God
            
             ,
             
             subject
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Law
             of
             his
             
               divine
               inspirations
            
             .
             Lastly
             ,
             we
             have
             proved
             ,
             that
             to
             do
             actions
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             conformable
             to
             his
             sanctity
             and
             the
             
               state
               of
               Christianity
            
             ,
             they
             must
             regard
             God
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             intention
             but
             to
             
               please
               him
            
             .
             It
             remains
             that
             we
             shew
             what
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             perfection
             ,
             the
             most
             considerable
             in
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             how
             all
             our
             actions
             should
             be
             done
             according
             to
             our
             vocation
             .
          
           
             The
             life
             of
             man
             is
             a
             circle
             that
             
               comes
               forth
            
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             must
             return
             to
             God.
             God
             alone
             is
             the
             Principle
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             
             and
             of
             our
             action
             ,
             &
             as
             he
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
             them
             ,
             so
             is
             he
             the
             end
             thereof
             .
             He
             is
             the
             Principle
             does
             all
             in
             us
             ,
             he
             is
             our
             end
             ,
             and
             recalls
             us
             unto
             himself
             ,
             so
             that
             we
             
               have
               all
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             
               recalled
               back
            
             to
             God
             ,
             for
             the
             creature
             bears
             a
             right
             capacity
             and
             inclination
             which
             can
             never
             be
             annihilated
             ,
             which
             causes
             it
             to
             subsist
             ,
             calls
             it
             back
             to
             it
             's
             God
             ,
             there
             to
             adhere
             as
             to
             its
             repose
             and
             
               ultimate
               perfection
            
             .
          
           
             Herein
             we
             find
             two
             things
             remarkable
             which
             belong
             to
             our
             subject
             ;
             one
             ,
             that
             God
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             the
             other
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             the
             end
             .
             He
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             because
             there
             is
             no
             good
             in
             us
             which
             
               God
               does
               not
            
             ;
             of
             him
             we
             have
             the
             
               motion
               ,
               thought
            
             ,
             and
             will
             to
             
               do
               well
            
             ;
             he
             gives
             us
             the
             effect
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             gives
             us
             the
             power
             to
             
               do
               it
            
             ,
             but
             himself
             
               does
               it
            
             in
             us
             ,
             so
             truely
             that
             he
             is
             more
             the
             Authour
             of
             a
             
               good
               work
            
             then
             we
             our selves
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             we
             should
             say
             to
             God
             ,
             
               Lord
               ,
               thou
               hast
               wrought
               all
               our
               works
               in
               us
               .
               It
               is
               God
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               that
               worketh
               in
               us
               ,
            
             
             
               both
               to
               will
               and
               to
               do
               ,
               of
               his
               good
               pleasure
            
             ;
             implying
             ,
             not
             onely
             that
             
               God
               gives
               us
               his
               grace
            
             and
             
               good
               motions
            
             ,
             
             which
             joyned
             with
             our
             consent
             effect
             the
             work
             ,
             but
             that
             
               by
               grace
               ,
               God
               is
               in
               us
            
             after
             a
             new
             and
             speciall
             manner
             united
             to
             our
             souls
             which
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             this
             union
             and
             adherence
             God
             fills
             the
             capacity
             which
             the
             soul
             hath
             to
             
             good
             and
             to
             vertue
             ,
             and
             operates
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             by
             her
             the
             
               action
               of
               vertue
            
             ,
             but
             so
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             he
             who
             operates
             more
             then
             
               we
               :
               We
               operate
            
             ,
             saith
             Saint
             
               Augustine
               ;
               but
               it
               is
               God
               who
               operates
               in
               us
               this
               operation
               .
            
             Thus
             is
             God
             the
             Author
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             the
             beginning
             of
             them
             ,
             whence
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             also
             the
             end
             of
             our
             being
             and
             operations
             ;
             the
             end
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             the
             Creator
             thereof
             ,
             for
             according
             to
             the
             
               order
               of
               nature
            
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
             a
             thing
             is
             also
             the
             end
             thereof
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             order
             that
             God
             holds
             in
             his
             loving
             operations
             ,
             he
             cannot
             act
             ,
             but
             he
             must
             be
             the
             end
             of
             his
             action
             ,
             and
             as
             he
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             being
             ,
             action
             and
             perfection
             of
             man
             ,
             so
             is
             he
             the
             
               end
               thereof
            
             .
          
           
             This
             Principle
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             as
             God
             alone
             is
             the
             end
             of
             man
             ,
             so
             he
             alone
             gives
             the
             meanes
             ,
             and
             prescribes
             the
             order
             that
             he
             must
             keep
             to
             come
             to
             God
             his
             end
             .
             For
             as
             the
             Creature
             hath
             not
             power
             to
             draw
             it self
             from
             nothing
             ,
             so
             hath
             it
             not
             the
             right
             to
             propose
             an
             end
             to
             it self
             ,
             nor
             to
             prescribe
             to
             it self
             the
             
               order
               ,
               way
            
             and
             meanes
             to
             come
             to
             this
             end
             ;
             that
             appertains
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             alone
             can
             give
             the
             
               being
               ,
               propose
            
             the
             end
             ,
             and
             prescribe
             the
             means
             .
             And
             when
             God
             hath
             prescribed
             the
             end
             and
             ordained
             the
             meanes
             thereto
             ,
             yet
             cannot
             we
             follow
             the
             way
             ,
             nor
             keep
             this
             order
             ,
             if
             God
             himself
             doth
             not
             act
             in
             
             us
             ,
             conduct
             us
             ,
             and
             work
             in
             us
             what
             is
             necessary
             to
             attain
             our
             end
             ,
             for
             he
             alone
             is
             the
             beginning
             of
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             he
             performs
             both
             the
             will
             and
             the
             
               deed
               ,
               We
               are
               his
               Workmanship
               ,
            
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             (
             speaking
             of
             God
             )
             
               created
               in
               Christ
               Iesus
               unto
               good
               works
               ,
               which
               God
               hath
               before
               ordained
               ,
            
             
             
               that
               we
               should
               walk
               in
               them
               .
            
             Hereby
             the
             Apostle
             sheweth
             ,
             that
             God
             hath
             regulated
             the
             life
             of
             man
             ,
             ordained
             all
             his
             actions
             ,
             prepared
             all
             the
             good
             works
             wherein
             he
             wills
             that
             he
             should
             employ
             himself
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             God
             who
             does
             all
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             are
             his
             workmanship
             ,
             so
             all
             our
             safety
             consists
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             God
             is
             our
             
               end
               ,
               God
            
             alone
             hath
             ordained
             the
             meanes
             to
             arrive
             at
             our
             
               end
               ;
               God
            
             alone
             must
             conduct
             and
             operate
             in
             us
             
               works
               necessary
            
             to
             that
             end
             whereto
             we
             are
             called
             .
             Herein
             consisteth
             all
             the
             happiness
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             all
             the
             duty
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             whence
             all
             the
             piety
             ,
             all
             the
             care
             we
             must
             have
             ,
             consists
             in
             these
             
               three
               points
            
             ,
             which
             contain
             the
             foundation
             of
             all
             the
             rest
             ;
             to
             tend
             towards
             God
             continually
             ,
             to
             continue
             in
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             entertain
             all
             the
             
               divine
               operations
            
             ;
             to
             let
             God
             act
             ,
             who
             conducts
             us
             in
             that
             order
             he
             hath
             established
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             operates
             in
             us
             incessantly
             the
             works
             which
             he
             prepared
             from
             all
             eternity
             .
             In
             these
             
               three
               points
            
             ,
             consisteth
             all
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             life
             and
             actions
             of
             Christianity
             .
             Therefore
             we
             
             must
             take
             great
             care
             herein
             ,
             though
             they
             are
             unknown
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             their
             use
             appear
             difficult
             ,
             yet
             we
             must
             endeavour
             to
             
               know
               them
            
             ,
             and
             demand
             of
             God
             light
             and
             grace
             ;
             we
             must
             follow
             them
             with
             fidelity
             ,
             and
             embrace
             them
             with
             vigilancy
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             very
             least
             ,
             for
             in
             what
             concerns
             God
             ,
             his
             glory
             and
             will
             ,
             nothing
             is
             little
             ,
             all
             is
             great
             and
             inestimable
             .
             Here
             we
             must
             consider
             how
             we
             may
             be
             deceived
             in
             a
             subject
             so
             important
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             avoid
             the
             snares
             prepared
             for
             us
             on
             all
             sides
             .
             All
             the
             evill
             that
             can
             befall
             us
             herein
             ,
             comes
             either
             from
             the
             Devill
             or
             from
             our selves
             ,
             and
             more
             from
             our selves
             then
             from
             the
             other
             ,
             for
             we
             are
             the
             
               principall
               instruments
            
             of
             our
             own
             ruine
             .
             The
             Devill
             incited
             by
             his
             
               ordinary
               malice
            
             ,
             being
             crafty
             ,
             and
             having
             a
             thousand
             
               subtle
               wayes
            
             to
             annoy
             us
             ,
             continually
             considers
             the
             
               wayes
               of
               God
            
             ,
             over
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             little
             knowledge
             he
             hath
             thereof
             ,
             can
             easily
             represent
             something
             of
             Gods
             Ordinance
             over
             us
             ,
             of
             his
             designes
             and
             wayes
             to
             
               save
               us
            
             .
             Having
             considered
             these
             ,
             he
             
               goeth
               about
            
             ,
             he
             makes
             it
             his
             perpetuall
             business
             to
             persecute
             us
             ,
             and
             precipitate
             us
             .
             The
             first
             effect
             of
             his
             malice
             is
             
               to
               ruine
               in
               us
               the
               works
               of
               God
               ,
            
             and
             to
             shut
             our
             heart
             against
             the
             
               motions
               of
               grace
            
             ;
             he
             particularly
             labours
             to
             divert
             us
             from
             the
             
               Ordinances
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             go
             out
             of
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             
             which
             he
             knowes
             God
             hath
             established
             over
             us
             .
             He
             employes
             a
             thousand
             surprises
             to
             further
             his
             treachery
             ;
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             our selves
             ,
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             which
             are
             as
             the
             wise
             man
             sayes
             ,
             
               snares
               for
               the
               feet
               of
               fools
               ,
            
             he
             offers
             us
             pleasure
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             his
             malice
             omits
             nothing
             that
             he
             can
             make
             use
             of
             to
             ruine
             us
             .
             To
             those
             souls
             that
             have
             a
             little
             desire
             of
             good
             ,
             some
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             who
             have
             made
             some
             progress
             in
             vertue
             ,
             he
             redoubles
             his
             circumventions
             ,
             and
             concealing
             his
             aim
             ,
             does
             not
             represent
             to
             them
             either
             sin
             ,
             the
             World
             or
             pleasure
             ,
             for
             that
             would
             advantage
             him
             nothing
             ,
             but
             he
             proposes
             change
             ,
             he
             gives
             them
             divers
             desires
             ,
             he
             inflames
             their
             hearts
             with
             fervours
             ,
             and
             transported
             Devotions
             ,
             he
             inspires
             them
             with
             other
             actions
             ,
             with
             other
             exercises
             ,
             with
             some
             other
             manner
             of
             living
             ,
             which
             in
             appearance
             ,
             carry's
             some
             
               great
               perfection
            
             ,
             but
             look'd
             into
             narrowly
             all
             their
             motions
             and
             manners
             will
             prove
             to
             be
             nothing
             but
             deceit
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Devill
             strives
             but
             to
             engage
             the
             soul
             in
             a
             labyrinth
             and
             disorder
             .
             Those
             who
             ordinarily
             consent
             to
             this
             temptation
             ,
             we
             find
             to
             be
             rash
             ,
             inconstant
             ,
             and
             easily
             drawn
             aside
             to
             quit
             their
             vocation
             ,
             self-wil'd
             ,
             adhearing
             much
             to
             their
             own
             judgement
             ,
             disturbed
             in
             spirit
             ,
             unquiet
             ;
             in
             brief
             ,
             they
             are
             full
             of
             perpetuall
             agitations
             ,
             the
             marks
             and
             effects
             of
             a
             malignant
             spirit
             and
             temptation
             .
          
           
           
             By
             these
             effects
             ,
             we
             know
             that
             the
             Devill
             with
             all
             his
             subtleties
             ,
             onely
             seeks
             to
             separate
             the
             soul
             from
             God
             and
             from
             the
             
               peace
               of
               the
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             to
             draw
             it
             from
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             lead
             it
             as
             he
             would
             ,
             knowing
             the
             soul
             being
             out
             of
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             in
             danger
             ,
             and
             altogether
             
               loseth
               her self
            
             ,
             or
             else
             for
             some
             long
             time
             estrangeth
             her self
             from
             God.
             For
             it
             is
             a
             
               generall
               maxime
               ,
               that
               we
               are
               nothing
               but
               what
               we
               are
               in
               God
               ,
            
             and
             that
             going
             out
             of
             the
             order
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             cannot
             but
             fall
             into
             evident
             danger
             ,
             and
             pernicious
             disorder
             .
             And
             therefore
             one
             of
             the
             greatest
             cares
             the
             soul
             must
             have
             ,
             is
             to
             beware
             of
             these
             
               secret
               crafts
            
             of
             the
             Devill
             to
             keep
             her self
             in
             the
             conduct
             and
             order
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             what
             condition
             or
             vocation
             soever
             she
             be
             .
             For
             as
             the
             Devill
             labours
             onely
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             our
             end
             and
             perfection
             ,
             seeking
             continually
             to
             annihilate
             in
             us
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             the
             
               works
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             to
             draw
             us
             from
             the
             order
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             must
             we
             be
             very
             vigilant
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             to
             receive
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             his
             divine
             operations
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             in
             the
             order
             of
             God
             ,
             according
             to
             our
             vocation
             and
             estate
             .
          
           
             Not
             onely
             the
             Devill
             deceives
             us
             ,
             and
             separates
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             but
             also
             the
             
               love
               of
               our
               own
               selves
            
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             Inclinations
             .
             This
             
             
               seed
               of
               sin
            
             which
             remains
             in
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             
               principall
               Authour
            
             of
             our
             harm
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             most
             violently
             drawes
             us
             from
             the
             
               order
               of
               God.
            
             The
             experience
             is
             but
             too
             ordinary
             ,
             the
             reason
             evident
             ;
             for
             the
             order
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             follow
             ,
             is
             an
             
               order
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             that
             advances
             us
             above
             our selves
             to
             God.
             Self-love
             depresseth
             man
             ,
             and
             converts
             him
             wholly
             to
             himself
             ,
             the
             
               order
               of
               God
            
             conducts
             him
             to
             unity
             ,
             for
             God
             is
             
               unity
               :
               Self-love
            
             leads
             us
             into
             a
             Labyrinth
             ;
             the
             works
             of
             God
             are
             alwayes
             pure
             ,
             holy
             ,
             and
             perfect
             ,
             for
             God
             is
             alwayes
             like
             to
             himself
             ,
             he
             operates
             in
             us
             purity
             and
             sanctity
             ,
             for
             he
             
               hath
               chosen
               us
               that
               we
               should
               be
               holy
               and
               without
               blame
               before
               him
               ,
               in
               love
               ,
            
             
             saith
             Saint
             Paul.
             
          
           
             The
             
               love
               of
               our selves
            
             ,
             destroyes
             the
             
               work
               of
               God
            
             ,
             instills
             nothing
             into
             us
             but
             impurity
             and
             imperfection
             .
             By
             this
             
               love
               ,
               Adam
            
             went
             out
             of
             the
             
               order
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             forfeited
             the
             grace
             which
             God
             had
             given
             him
             .
             We
             do
             the
             same
             and
             worse
             ,
             for
             by
             sin
             we
             are
             enclin'd
             to
             our selves
             and
             the
             Creature
             ,
             we
             are
             brought
             to
             take
             that
             in
             our selves
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Creature
             ,
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             take
             onely
             in
             God.
             Our
             pleasure
             ,
             repose
             ,
             abundance
             and
             all
             other
             good
             that
             we
             are
             capable
             of
             ,
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             seek
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             receive
             at
             his
             hands
             ,
             we
             seek
             
               in
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             
               Creatures
               ,
               separating
            
             our selves
             from
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             
             our
             end
             ,
             we
             
               draw
               our selves
            
             from
             his
             conduct
             ,
             we
             annihilate
             in
             our selves
             all
             his
             
               divine
               communications
            
             and
             operations
             of
             grace
             ,
             to
             turn
             to
             our selves
             and
             the
             
               Creatures
               .
               Grace
            
             and
             all
             the
             motions
             of
             God
             have
             no
             effect
             in
             our
             souls
             but
             to
             
               unite
               us
               to
               God
            
             ,
             to
             draw
             us
             from
             our
             selves
             ,
             and
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             no
             more
             love
             or
             regard
             them
             then
             
               according
               to
               God
            
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             as
             they
             are
             
               in
               God.
            
             And
             the
             operation
             of
             God
             in
             us
             ,
             drawes
             us
             so
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             it
             makes
             us
             leave
             and
             hate
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             is
             needfull
             ,
             both
             our
             selves
             and
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             so
             that
             we
             regard
             them
             not
             ,
             but
             as
             they
             are
             Gods
             ,
             and
             use
             them
             not
             but
             as
             if
             we
             had
             forsaken
             them
             ,
             according
             to
             our
             Saviour's
             words
             ,
             
               If
               any
               man
               come
               to
               me
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               hateth
               not
               his
               Father
               and
               Mother
               ,
               and
               Wife
               and
               Children
               ,
               and
               Brethren
               and
               Sisters
               ,
               yea
               and
               his
               own
               life
               also
               ,
               he
               cannot
               be
               my
               Disciple
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             What
             the
             Directors
             of
             souls
             ought
             to
             be
             .
          
           
             FRom
             all
             that
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             may
             be
             drawn
             two
             very
             considerable
             documents
             for
             those
             that
             seek
             their
             salvation
             .
             The
             first
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             not
             willingly
             fill
             the
             soul
             with
             a
             
             multiplicity
             of
             desires
             ,
             nor
             seek
             to
             do
             sometimes
             
               one
               thing
            
             ,
             sometimes
             another
             ,
             for
             all
             that
             is
             well
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             good
             ,
             is
             not
             proper
             to
             every
             person
             ,
             and
             although
             it
             seem
             good
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             not
             alwayes
             desirable
             .
             Some
             will
             say
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             prudence
             to
             make
             choice
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             express
             our selves
             more
             christianly
             or
             clearly
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             that
             when
             any
             good
             is
             presented
             us
             to
             practise
             ,
             we
             must
             lift
             up
             our
             eyes
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             demand
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             be
             pleased
             to
             let
             us
             know
             what
             we
             should
             do
             ,
             for
             to
             speak
             properly
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             any
             good
             which
             is
             pleasing
             unto
             God
             ,
             further
             then
             in
             that
             he
             takes
             pleasure
             that
             we
             should
             do
             
               his
               will
            
             ,
             and
             suffer
             him
             to
             act
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             persevere
             in
             the
             order
             whereto
             he
             hath
             predestin'd
             us
             .
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             who
             would
             assure
             his
             salvation
             ,
             must
             be
             disposed
             to
             do
             all
             sorts
             of
             
               good
               works
            
             .
             His
             heart
             must
             be
             open
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             receive
             all
             
               divine
               operations
            
             and
             holy
             communications
             ;
             but
             when
             it
             is
             question'd
             to
             fettle
             him
             in
             the
             
               one
               exercise
            
             or
             the
             other
             ,
             he
             must
             regard
             that
             which
             is
             conformable
             to
             his
             vocation
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             ,
             consider
             what
             is
             consonant
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             for
             he
             must
             more
             satisfie
             and
             regard
             himself
             as
             a
             Christian
             ,
             then
             as
             a
             Gentleman
             ,
             or
             Merchant
             ,
             &c.
             he
             must
             offer
             himself
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             do
             his
             will
             ,
             and
             finally
             receive
             the
             motions
             God
             shall
             operate
             in
             his
             soul
             ,
             and
             
             accordingly
             seek
             alwayes
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             never
             minding
             his
             own
             
               particular
               advantage
            
             .
          
           
             And
             in
             as
             much
             as
             great
             difficulties
             ordinarily
             happen
             herein
             ,
             we
             take
             for
             a
             
               second
               document
            
             the
             necessity
             we
             have
             to
             ask
             counsel
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             a
             Director
             ,
             for
             this
             is
             an
             affair
             of
             very
             great
             consequence
             ,
             seeing
             it
             acts
             towards
             the
             
               salvation
               of
               the
               soul.
            
             And
             the
             chief
             of
             this
             affair
             consists
             in
             
               conducting
               Christians
            
             in
             the
             wayes
             which
             God
             hath
             established
             to
             advance
             them
             to
             perfection
             worthy
             of
             the
             purity
             and
             sanctity
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             which
             may
             render
             them
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             capable
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             glory
             that
             God
             hath
             prepared
             for
             them
             to
             all
             eternity
             .
          
           
             This
             conduct
             must
             not
             be
             indifferent
             ,
             but
             the
             same
             with
             that
             of
             God.
             The
             Director
             must
             not
             guide
             after
             one
             manner
             ,
             and
             God
             after
             another
             ;
             for
             so
             the
             poor
             soul
             were
             lost
             ,
             or
             tyranniz'd
             over
             .
             He
             that
             giveth
             counsel
             ,
             must
             take
             heed
             that
             the
             matter
             he
             treats
             of
             have
             an
             immediate
             respect
             to
             the
             order
             and
             designs
             of
             God
             over
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             consider
             that
             he
             is
             upon
             either
             the
             ruine
             ,
             or
             establishment
             of
             grace
             and
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             point
             of
             great
             consequence
             ,
             which
             makes
             us
             see
             what
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             whom
             God
             hath
             
               established
               in
               so
               high
               an
               office
               ,
            
             and
             who
             enter
             into
             so
             
               sacred
               a
               ministry
            
             .
          
           
           
             He
             that
             will
             conduct
             and
             counsel
             a
             soul
             ,
             must
             know
             the
             designes
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             over
             this
             soul
             ;
             he
             must
             consider
             the
             order
             God
             keeps
             to
             govern
             it
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             great
             and
             hidden
             in
             God
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             a
             secret
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             soul
             cannot
             without
             much
             difficulty
             know
             it
             .
             It
             is
             necessary
             that
             he
             who
             conducts
             and
             counsells
             ,
             be
             full
             of
             grace
             and
             light
             ,
             that
             he
             strongly
             adhere
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             
               Father
               of
               lights
            
             ;
             otherwise
             ,
             what
             knowledge
             or
             experience
             soever
             he
             may
             have
             ,
             he
             will
             be
             deceived
             in
             the
             conduct
             .
             The
             more
             he
             shall
             be
             able
             and
             experienced
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             shall
             be
             in
             hazard
             to
             
               deceive
               souls
            
             ;
             for
             though
             knowledge
             and
             experience
             be
             necessary
             ,
             yet
             must
             we
             not
             confide
             therein
             ,
             much
             less
             presume
             thereupon
             ;
             for
             God
             abhors
             the
             presumptuous
             ,
             and
             forsakes
             those
             who
             are
             
               over-confident
               of
               themselves
            
             .
             In
             the
             
               conduct
               of
               souls
            
             ,
             there
             must
             always
             be
             new
             succours
             from
             heaven
             ,
             and
             new
             lights
             .
             He
             who
             would
             conduct
             or
             counsell
             another
             in
             that
             which
             concerns
             his
             conscience
             ,
             must
             remember
             himself
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             an
             Instrument
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             must
             not
             ,
             either
             counsel
             or
             act
             in
             this
             soul
             ,
             but
             what
             God
             will
             
               establish
               therein
            
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             he
             that
             conducts
             a
             soul
             ,
             and
             who
             giveth
             counsel
             ,
             must
             consider
             ,
             that
             in
             truth
             and
             in
             conscience
             ,
             he
             ought
             to
             have
             no
             other
             intention
             or
             desire
             ,
             then
             to
             follow
             the
             
             very
             truth
             ,
             to
             establish
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             to
             lead
             the
             soul
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             in
             
               that
               soul
            
             ,
             the
             work
             of
             God
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             intention
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             establish
             nothing
             therein
             but
             what
             God
             will.
             For
             which
             reason
             he
             is
             obliged
             to
             labour
             much
             to
             the
             end
             that
             he
             may
             annihilate
             in
             the
             soul
             of
             any
             Christian
             whatsoever
             hinders
             the
             
               work
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             kingdom
             of
             grace
             ;
             and
             for
             his
             part
             ,
             he
             must
             have
             a
             right
             intention
             and
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             respecting
             or
             desiring
             any
             thing
             but
             his
             glory
             ,
             seeking
             neither
             honour
             nor
             
               esteem
               ,
               favour
            
             ,
             nor
             advantage
             of
             those
             whom
             he
             conducts
             .
             And
             truly
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             what
             it
             is
             to
             conduct
             a
             soul
             in
             the
             design
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             conserve
             it
             in
             the
             order
             which
             God
             hath
             appointed
             it
             from
             all
             eternity
             ,
             we
             shall
             see
             that
             it
             is
             no
             
               indifferent
               business
            
             ,
             but
             the
             most
             noble
             and
             most
             important
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             must
             apply
             our selves
             thereto
             ,
             with
             exceeding
             great
             charity
             ,
             with
             purity
             of
             intentions
             ,
             and
             a
             
               zeal
               to
               Gods
               glory
            
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             for
             this
             that
             principally
             they
             who
             conduct
             shall
             render
             an
             account
             .
          
           
             Hence
             proceed
             the
             evil
             which
             falls
             out
             when
             those
             who
             
               conduct
               ,
               lead
            
             and
             
               counsel
               souls
            
             negligently
             and
             with
             indifference
             ,
             without
             endeavouring
             to
             find
             out
             
               what
               God
               requires
            
             of
             them
             ,
             in
             what
             state
             or
             condition
             soever
             they
             be
             ,
             and
             without
             troubling
             themselves
             
             to
             establish
             therein
             the
             
               Kingdom
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             grace
             :
             and
             we
             see
             in
             what
             
               danger
               souls
            
             are
             ,
             when
             they
             conduct
             them
             according
             to
             their
             
               own
               sense
            
             ,
             or
             lead
             them
             by
             those
             wayes
             ,
             give
             them
             the
             same
             exercises
             ,
             form
             them
             by
             their
             own
             spirit
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             worse
             ,
             mold
             them
             to
             their
             own
             humour
             .
             We
             must
             proceed
             quite
             otherwise
             ,
             for
             souls
             have
             
               different
               wayes
            
             ,
             and
             are
             called
             to
             divers
             states
             of
             graces
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             predestinated
             to
             divers
             degrees
             of
             glory
             ;
             and
             consequently
             he
             must
             conduct
             them
             according
             to
             the
             designes
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             must
             endeavour
             to
             know
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             their
             vocation
             ,
             and
             he
             must
             comport
             himself
             in
             the
             conduct
             of
             every
             soul
             in
             the
             same
             manner
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             did
             know
             from
             point
             to
             point
             the
             decrees
             which
             the
             
               eternall
               wisdom
            
             hath
             formed
             upon
             this
             soul
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             particular
             wayes
             whereby
             God
             leads
             them
             .
          
           
             To
             know
             things
             so
             secret
             and
             so
             hidden
             ,
             it
             is
             needfull
             to
             have
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               God
            
             ,
             to
             use
             much
             prayer
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             a
             great
             
               purity
               of
               intention
            
             ;
             I
             say
             ,
             
               purity
               of
               intention
            
             :
             For
             he
             who
             takes
             upon
             him
             the
             conduct
             of
             souls
             ,
             and
             will
             counsel
             and
             direct
             the
             consciences
             of
             men
             ,
             must
             take
             heed
             that
             he
             follow
             not
             his
             
               own
               spirit
            
             ,
             that
             he
             think
             not
             of
             his
             
               own
               interests
            
             ,
             that
             he
             seek
             not
             his
             
               own
               satisfaction
            
             ,
             and
             suffer
             not
             himself
             to
             be
             carried
             away
             with
             complacency
             
             and
             naturall
             motions
             and
             inclination
             .
             For
             in
             such
             a
             case
             ,
             he
             may
             be
             assured
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             no
             longer
             God
             that
             conducts
             the
             soul
             nor
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             that
             governs
             it
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             by
             this
             manner
             of
             conduct
             he
             shall
             not
             establish
             the
             grace
             or
             kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             the
             flesh
             ,
             the
             kingdom
             of
             sin
             .
             He
             who
             conducts
             ,
             holds
             the
             place
             of
             God
             ,
             both
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             conduct
             ;
             so
             that
             this
             were
             to
             do
             great
             wrong
             to
             the
             
               grace
               ,
               power
            
             and
             Majesty
             of
             God.
             If
             we
             say
             there
             is
             danger
             in
             the
             soul
             that
             
               conducts
               it self
            
             ,
             that
             
               follows
               her
               own
               spirit
               ,
               self-love
               ,
               inclinations
               ,
               humour
            
             and
             will
             ,
             
             which
             Saint
             Paul
             calls
             
               the
               desire
               of
               the
               flesh
            
             ;
             we
             must
             also
             affirm
             that
             the
             danger
             is
             greater
             ,
             when
             he
             who
             conducts
             suffers
             himself
             to
             be
             carried
             away
             with
             his
             
               own
               inclinations
            
             ,
             and
             onely
             follows
             his
             
               own
               will
            
             and
             spirit
             .
             And
             if
             the
             Christian
             be
             obliged
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             shewed
             ,
             to
             seek
             nothing
             in
             all
             his
             actions
             but
             to
             
               please
               God
            
             ;
             if
             he
             must
             have
             a
             particular
             vigilancy
             to
             establish
             the
             
               Kingdom
               of
               God
            
             in
             his
             soul
             ,
             to
             cooperate
             with
             his
             work
             ,
             and
             to
             remain
             in
             the
             order
             wherein
             he
             conducts
             him
             ;
             with
             far
             greater
             reason
             ,
             he
             who
             conducts
             a
             
               Christian
               soul
            
             in
             any
             profession
             or
             condition
             is
             obliged
             to
             have
             the
             same
             vigilancy
             ,
             the
             same
             purity
             of
             intention
             ,
             and
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             ought
             often
             to
             consider
             .
          
           
             From
             all
             these
             truths
             we
             may
             easily
             comprehend
             
             how
             much
             they
             are
             deceived
             ,
             who
             are
             guided
             by
             their
             
               own
               nature
            
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             inclinations
             and
             motions
             of
             their
             
               own
               spirit
            
             ,
             without
             considering
             what
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             demands
             of
             them
             ,
             without
             any
             regard
             of
             the
             grace
             that
             God
             presents
             unto
             them
             ,
             yea
             ,
             without
             taking
             heed
             to
             the
             state
             whereto
             God
             hath
             called
             them
             .
             As
             likewise
             their
             error
             who
             can
             bear
             nothing
             but
             what
             is
             pleasing
             to
             them
             ,
             nor
             agree
             with
             any
             but
             those
             that
             flatter
             them
             ,
             and
             suffer
             them
             to
             live
             at
             their
             
               own
               pleasure
            
             ,
             and
             who
             best
             
               accommodate
               them
            
             to
             their
             
               inclinations
               ,
               desires
               ,
               humours
            
             ,
             and
             such
             things
             ,
             which
             are
             but
             too
             too
             ordinary
             .
             All
             this
             is
             dangerous
             ,
             and
             an
             evident
             mark
             that
             such
             souls
             seek
             not
             God
             ,
             nor
             true
             vertue
             ,
             but
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             their
             
               own
               spirit
            
             .
             You
             shall
             find
             their
             
               hearts
               void
               of
               God
               ,
               full
               of
               self-love
            
             ;
             their
             actions
             inconstant
             ,
             their
             thoughts
             in
             continuall
             changings
             .
             In
             fine
             ,
             they
             are
             nothing
             but
             
               disquiets
               ,
               complaints
            
             and
             murmurings
             .
             Look
             upon
             their
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             a
             
               pastime
               ,
               unprofitableness
            
             ,
             and
             the
             vanities
             of
             the
             age
             ;
             and
             having
             considered
             it
             all
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             be
             hard
             for
             you
             to
             know
             whether
             those
             souls
             have
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             and
             the
             knowledge
             of
             vertue
             ,
             yet
             in
             appearance
             they
             make
             a
             great
             shew
             ,
             &
             we
             know
             not
             whether
             is
             to
             blame
             ,
             those
             who
             are
             conducted
             and
             directed
             or
             the
             Directors
             .
             But
             how
             ever
             it
             be
             ,
             
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             would
             be
             saved
             ,
             must
             labour
             herein
             seriously
             ,
             and
             neither
             fear
             pains
             nor
             mortifications
             ,
             but
             seek
             to
             be
             conducted
             by
             the
             wayes
             that
             God
             hath
             ordained
             ,
             and
             passing
             above
             all
             considerations
             ,
             and
             all
             sorts
             of
             difficulties
             prove
             constant
             and
             complyant
             with
             the
             order
             that
             God
             hath
             established
             over
             him
             ,
             he
             must
             every
             day
             renew
             his
             good
             resolutions
             ,
             and
             pray
             to
             God
             to
             let
             him
             know
             and
             be
             acquainted
             with
             the
             designes
             he
             hath
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             give
             him
             grace
             in
             every
             point
             to
             follow
             them
             ,
             and
             with
             fidelity
             to
             accomplish
             them
             .
             And
             seeing
             that
             his
             fidelity
             is
             now
             in
             question
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             altogether
             necessary
             to
             all
             Christians
             ,
             it
             were
             but
             necessary
             we
             made
             some
             discourse
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             Of
             the
             fidelity
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             of
             its
             necessity
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             the
             actions
             of
             a
             Christian.
             
          
           
             TO
             speak
             of
             Fidelity
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             how
             much
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             all
             Christians
             ,
             we
             must
             reflect
             upon
             the
             truths
             already
             proposed
             ,
             and
             remember
             that
             man
             was
             created
             for
             God
             who
             is
             his
             end
             ,
             that
             God
             alone
             can
             conduct
             him
             to
             this
             end
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             the
             
             same
             God
             who
             onely
             operates
             in
             him
             all
             the
             
               good
               works
            
             which
             are
             necessary
             to
             make
             him
             Gods
             ,
             and
             to
             arrive
             at
             this
             end
             which
             is
             God.
             From
             these
             principles
             of
             truth
             ,
             we
             enter
             into
             our
             subject
             ,
             and
             presently
             see
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             not
             any
             thing
             more
             important
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             then
             to
             
               go
               to
               God
            
             ,
             to
             co-operate
             with
             the
             works
             which
             God
             does
             in
             us
             to
             save
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             accomplish
             with
             fidelity
             ,
             that
             which
             he
             requires
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             spirit
             and
             disposition
             that
             he
             desires
             ,
             every
             one
             applying
             himself
             faithfully
             to
             the
             way
             that
             God
             proposes
             ,
             and
             the
             works
             of
             his
             vocation
             ,
             that
             the
             Priest
             live
             according
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             his
             estate
             ,
             the
             Christian
             as
             Christian
             ,
             in
             brief
             ,
             that
             all
             men
             live
             so
             as
             at
             the
             
               houre
               of
               death
            
             they
             may
             say
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             My
             
               Father
               ,
               I
               have
               glorified
               thee
               upon
               the
               Earth
               ,
               I
               have
               finish'd
               the
               work
               thou
               hast
               ordained
               me
               to
               do
               .
            
          
           
             This
             fidelity
             which
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             ,
             must
             be
             in
             our
             soul
             from
             the
             time
             we
             were
             born
             .
             Though
             there
             were
             neither
             Heaven
             nor
             Hell
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             live
             according
             to
             the
             
               will
               of
               our
               Creator
            
             ,
             what
             aversness
             soever
             the
             creature
             may
             have
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             allwayes
             subject
             to
             the
             
               order
               of
               God
            
             ,
             either
             in
             the
             way
             of
             justice
             or
             mercy
             .
             If
             we
             would
             be
             saved
             ,
             it
             cannot
             be
             ,
             unless
             we
             co-operate
             with
             the
             works
             that
             God
             will
             do
             in
             us
             ,
             unless
             we
             become
             faithfull
             to
             his
             graces
             ,
             and
             follow
             
             the
             order
             that
             God
             hath
             prescrib'd
             ,
             wherein
             he
             will
             conduct
             us
             to
             salvation
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             concerns
             us
             more
             then
             we
             think
             ,
             to
             take
             heed
             to
             the
             designes
             that
             God
             hath
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             vocation
             whereto
             he
             hath
             called
             us
             ,
             to
             the
             motions
             and
             inspirations
             he
             gives
             us
             ,
             to
             make
             use
             with
             fidelity
             of
             the
             graces
             he
             offers
             ,
             least
             drawing
             our selves
             from
             the
             order
             and
             offer
             of
             his
             mercy
             ,
             we
             enter
             into
             that
             of
             his
             Iustice
             ,
             and
             one
             day
             he
             say
             to
             us
             in
             the
             rigour
             of
             his
             
               determined
               Decree
            
             ,
             as
             he
             said
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             
               I
               will
               choose
               their
               delusions
               ,
               and
               bring
               their
               feares
               upon
               them
               ,
               because
               when
               I
               called
               ,
               none
               did
               answer
               ,
               when
               I
               spake
               ,
               they
               did
               not
               hear
               ,
               but
               they
               did
               evill
               in
               my
               sight
               ,
               and
               chose
               that
               in
               which
               I
               delighted
               not
               .
            
             Isa.
             66.4
             .
          
           
             When
             we
             speak
             of
             the
             vocation
             and
             use
             we
             are
             to
             make
             of
             the
             graces
             and
             benefits
             of
             God
             we
             speak
             of
             Paradise
             ;
             to
             despise
             them
             ,
             is
             to
             neglect
             salvation
             .
             Therefore
             the
             Christian
             must
             consider
             what
             he
             does
             ,
             as
             well
             in
             that
             which
             concerns
             the
             vocation
             he
             must
             choose
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             use
             of
             the
             graces
             and
             favours
             he
             receives
             of
             God
             ,
             seeing
             thereon
             depends
             all
             his
             happiness
             or
             misery
             ;
             we
             must
             take
             heed
             we
             chuse
             not
             what
             God
             
               would
               not
            
             have
             us
             ,
             nor
             despise
             what
             he
             would
             have
             us
             to
             embrace
             .
          
           
             This
             point
             is
             the
             most
             important
             of
             all
             in
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             a
             mystery
             the
             most
             secret
             
             of
             any
             in
             Christianity
             .
             The
             vocation
             of
             a
             soul
             is
             as
             much
             hidden
             as
             her
             election
             ,
             which
             none
             can
             know
             or
             easily
             discern
             by
             her
             conduct
             .
             The
             wayes
             of
             God
             are
             as
             much
             elevated
             above
             ours
             ,
             as
             Heaven
             above
             Earth
             ,
             and
             yet
             (
             O
             wonderfull
             !
             )
             God
             wills
             that
             we
             follow
             his
             wayes
             ,
             and
             none
             shall
             be
             saved
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             vocation
             whereto
             God
             from
             all
             time
             hath
             called
             him
             .
             What
             remedy
             ?
             seeing
             on
             the
             one
             side
             necessity
             constrains
             us
             ,
             and
             on
             the
             other
             the
             incertainty
             and
             obscurity
             deters
             us
             .
             O
             just
             God
             ,
             God
             of
             all
             bounty
             ,
             who
             shall
             enlighten
             us
             in
             this
             darkness
             ?
             who
             shall
             resolve
             us
             in
             an
             affaire
             so
             doubtfull
             ?
             who
             shall
             assure
             us
             amidst
             so
             many
             doubts
             ?
             nothing
             but
             thy
             light
             O
             God
             ,
             the
             onely
             refuge
             of
             our
             souls
             can
             conduct
             us
             ,
             nothing
             but
             thy
             spirit
             can
             teach
             us
             ,
             but
             thy
             truth
             can
             assure
             us
             ,
             and
             but
             thy
             infinite
             mercy
             can
             protect
             us
             .
          
           
             This
             lets
             us
             see
             in
             what
             danger
             they
             put
             themselves
             ,
             who
             so
             long
             neglect
             the
             
               motions
               ,
               graces
            
             and
             favours
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             make
             such
             
               ill
               use
            
             of
             his
             benefits
             .
             From
             these
             truths
             we
             learn
             the
             esteem
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             of
             our
             vocation
             ,
             and
             with
             what
             circumspection
             we
             must
             make
             choice
             thereof
             ,
             and
             if
             we
             will
             make
             our selves
             worthy
             to
             receive
             of
             God
             the
             light
             and
             conduct
             necessary
             in
             an
             affaire
             of
             so
             great
             consequence
             for
             our
             salvation
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             very
             
             profitable
             to
             enter
             into
             these
             following
             dispositions
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Christian
             must
             have
             a
             pure
             desire
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             resolution
             to
             do
             in
             every
             thing
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             being
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             his
             Heart
             wholly
             resigned
             to
             his
             will
             and
             conduct
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             He
             must
             have
             a
             great
             sence
             of
             his
             weakness
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             in
             an
             estate
             of
             humility
             before
             God
             ,
             not
             esteeming
             himself
             worthy
             or
             capable
             of
             any
             thing
             ,
             for
             the
             humble
             shall
             never
             perish
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             Esay
             saith
             ,
             God
             looketh
             
               to
               him
               that
               is
               poor
               ,
               and
               of
               a
               contrite
               spirit
               ,
               and
               trembleth
               at
               his
               word
               .
            
             
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             He
             must
             renounce
             his
             
               own
               interests
            
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             
               particular
               concernments
            
             ,
             he
             must
             not
             regard
             his
             
               own
               safety
            
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             have
             no
             object
             but
             the
             
               pure
               will
            
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             in
             such
             manner
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             resolves
             to
             remain
             so
             faithfully
             and
             constantly
             in
             the
             order
             and
             designes
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             proposes
             to
             make
             hereafter
             use
             of
             Gods
             
               gifts
               ,
               graces
            
             and
             benefits
             ,
             and
             regards
             not
             
               perfection
               ,
               advancement
               ,
               vertue
            
             ,
             not
             Heaven
             it self
             ,
             must
             not
             content
             himself
             with
             a
             
               thought
               to
               please
               God
            
             ,
             (
             for
             alas
             ,
             who
             is
             worthy
             thereof
             )
             but
             cleansing
             and
             purifying
             his
             
               intentions
               ,
               thoughts
            
             and
             dispositions
             ,
             he
             must
             onely
             regard
             God
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             desire
             to
             be
             in
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             the
             will
             of
             God
             in
             him
             ,
             without
             having
             other
             interest
             
             or
             intention
             then
             the
             
               good
               pleasure
               of
               God
            
             ,
             In
             this
             disposition
             which
             is
             pure
             and
             Christian
             ,
             the
             soul
             will
             never
             fail
             to
             feel
             the
             help
             of
             her
             God
             ,
             for
             those
             who
             seek
             God
             with
             purity
             of
             heart
             shall
             be
             worthy
             to
             possess
             him
             .
          
           
             In
             fine
             ,
             we
             must
             pray
             to
             God
             continually
             ,
             and
             in
             an
             affaire
             so
             important
             as
             is
             fidelity
             to
             grace
             ,
             and
             the
             employment
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             we
             must
             demand
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             instantly
             ,
             his
             light
             to
             know
             what
             he
             would
             of
             us
             ,
             his
             grace
             to
             accomplish
             it
             ,
             his
             mercy
             and
             
               particular
               assistance
            
             to
             persevere
             in
             it
             ,
             for
             he
             alone
             ,
             who
             perseveres
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             shall
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             we
             know
             that
             without
             the
             favour
             and
             assistance
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             .
          
           
             After
             this
             ,
             the
             Christian
             who
             will
             proceed
             further
             ,
             and
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ,
             must
             be
             very
             vigilant
             to
             
               root
               up
               ,
               take
               away
            
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             all
             that
             may
             alienate
             him
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             draw
             him
             from
             his
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             .
             He
             must
             alwayes
             have
             a
             
               watchfull
               regard
            
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             make
             use
             with
             purity
             and
             fidelity
             of
             the
             graces
             and
             gifts
             he
             receives
             of
             him
             .
             I
             say
             fidelity
             ,
             not
             one
             or
             other
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             amplitude
             and
             state
             of
             grace
             that
             God
             communicates
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             with
             purity
             of
             love
             and
             esteem
             of
             God.
             For
             we
             are
             obliged
             not
             onely
             to
             be
             faithfull
             to
             grace
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             the
             manner
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             extent
             of
             the
             operation
             of
             God
             in
             us
             .
             So
             that
             our
             fidelity
             and
             co-operation
             
             must
             be
             correspondent
             and
             proportionable
             to
             the
             designes
             of
             God.
             We
             may
             fail
             in
             fidelity
             ,
             and
             destroy
             the
             work
             of
             God
             in
             us
             three
             wayes
             ;
             in
             absolutely
             refusing
             the
             grace
             God
             offers
             ,
             as
             when
             he
             said
             ,
             
               I
               have
               called
               ,
               and
               ye
               refused
               ;
               I
               have
               stretched
               out
               my
               hand
               ,
               and
               no
               man
               regarded
            
             ;
             
             or
             being
             unfaithfull
             ,
             repressing
             all
             the
             grace
             we
             have
             of
             God
             like
             him
             in
             the
             Parable
             ,
             
             who
             hid
             his
             Masters
             Talent
             under
             ground
             ;
             or
             lastly
             ,
             we
             are
             unfaithful
             ,
             not
             running
             out
             all
             the
             race
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             onely
             a
             part
             ,
             straying
             from
             him
             to
             apply
             our
             selves
             to
             our
             selves
             or
             the
             Creature
             ,
             like
             him
             who
             desired
             he
             might
             
               take
               leave
            
             of
             his
             friends
             at
             home
             ,
             
             and
             see
             them
             before
             he
             followed
             Christ.
             These
             three
             states
             of
             infidelities
             ,
             God
             severely
             punishes
             .
             
             He
             abandons
             the
             first
             ,
             and
             leaves
             them
             to
             their
             own
             conduct
             and
             counsels
             ,
             protesting
             that
             he
             will
             mock
             them
             in
             the
             day
             of
             their
             affliction
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             of
             their
             death
             .
             From
             the
             second
             ,
             he
             takes
             away
             the
             Talent
             ,
             and
             throwes
             them
             from
             before
             his
             face
             ,
             
             confines
             them
             to
             that
             place
             of
             darkness
             ,
             
             whereof
             the
             
               holy
               Scripture
            
             makes
             mention
             ,
             a
             place
             full
             of
             horrour
             and
             lamentation
             .
             Of
             the
             third
             ,
             Christ
             saith
             ,
             
               no
               man
               having
               put
               his
               hand
               to
               the
               Plough
               ,
            
             and
             looking
             
               back
               is
               fit
               for
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God.
            
             
             Whence
             we
             may
             learn
             ,
             how
             much
             the
             Christian
             must
             suffer
             ,
             who
             leads
             a
             life
             which
             we
             call
             common
             ,
             who
             endeavours
             
             onely
             to
             recreate
             himself
             ,
             to
             deceive
             the
             time
             ,
             and
             hath
             no
             care
             or
             leasure
             to
             consider
             what
             he
             does
             ,
             or
             what
             may
             befall
             him
             for
             the
             small
             esteem
             he
             makes
             of
             God
             and
             his
             graces
             .
             He
             is
             assured
             that
             such
             souls
             must
             apprehend
             some
             great
             evill
             ,
             
             
               for
               whosoever
               hath
               ,
               to
               him
               shall
               be
               given
               ,
               and
               he
               shall
               have
               more
               abundance
               ,
               but
               whosoever
               hath
               not
               ,
               from
               him
               ,
               shall
               be
               taken
               away
               even
               that
               he
               hath
               .
            
             These
             words
             shew
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             to
             Christians
             ,
             who
             make
             so
             little
             account
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             receive
             his
             graces
             so
             indifferently
             ,
             who
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               count
               the
               blood
               of
               the
               Covenant
               wherewith
               they
               were
               sanctified
               ,
            
             
             
               an
               unholy
               thing
               ,
               and
               have
               done
               despight
               unto
               the
               spirit
               of
               grace
            
             ;
             words
             that
             shew
             the
             need
             we
             have
             to
             be
             faithfull
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             what
             a
             high
             crime
             it
             is
             to
             injure
             in
             us
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             destroy
             his
             works
             ,
             to
             annihilate
             his
             graces
             ,
             and
             to
             prophane
             his
             gifts
             and
             benefits
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             Of
             Infidelity
             to
             grace
             ,
             and
             how
             a
             man
             ought
             to
             live
             in
             his
             Vocation
             .
          
           
             THe
             consideration
             of
             this
             
               great
               evil
            
             ,
             which
             draws
             along
             with
             it
             the
             peril
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             obliges
             us
             to
             find
             out
             by
             what
             way
             ,
             and
             after
             what
             manner
             we
             come
             to
             ruine
             ,
             and
             extinguish
             the
             operations
             of
             God
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             what
             the
             
               principall
               subject
            
             or
             object
             is
             that
             causes
             us
             to
             
               refuse
               his
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             
               despise
               his
               love
            
             ,
             who
             loves
             us
             more
             then
             his
             own
             life
             ,
             seeing
             that
             Infidelity
             to
             the
             graces
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             
               onely
               evil
               of
               our
               soul
            
             ;
             this
             must
             be
             a
             point
             of
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             advise
             :
             hereunto
             we
             must
             apply
             the
             greatest
             vigilancy
             of
             our
             life
             .
             To
             understand
             so
             
               necessary
               a
               Doctrine
            
             ,
             we
             are
             onely
             to
             consider
             grace
             in
             it's
             essence
             ,
             and
             regard
             what
             God
             intends
             to
             do
             in
             us
             by
             his
             gifts
             and
             operations
             :
             we
             have
             spoken
             of
             it
             elsewhere
             ,
             but
             we
             will
             briefly
             repeat
             it
             upon
             the
             present
             subject
             .
          
           
             God
             by
             his
             
               love
               ,
               operations
            
             ,
             and
             grace
             gives
             himself
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             possesseth
             us
             ;
             he
             wills
             that
             we
             be
             wholly
             his
             as
             he
             is
             ours
             ,
             he
             is
             
               in
               us
            
             ,
             and
             lives
             
               in
               us
            
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             live
             
               in
               him
            
             ,
             and
             by
             an
             excessive
             bounty
             ,
             
               elevates
               us
            
             to
             the
             participation
             of
             his
             
               divine
               essence
            
             ,
             and
             associates
             us
             
             to
             all
             his
             
               divine
               greatness
            
             .
             For
             this
             he
             created
             us
             ,
             and
             hath
             given
             us
             the
             capacity
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             loving
             him
             ,
             to
             possess
             him
             ;
             and
             all
             that
             he
             doth
             in
             us
             ,
             all
             the
             graces
             that
             he
             gives
             ,
             are
             to
             no
             other
             end
             ,
             but
             to
             accomplish
             all
             this
             
               in
               us
            
             .
             This
             therefore
             being
             granted
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             motions
             of
             grace
             and
             operations
             of
             God
             must
             produce
             two
             things
             
               in
               us
               ;
               one
            
             to
             draw
             us
             
               from
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             separate
             us
             from
             the
             
               creature
               ;
               the
               other
            
             ,
             to
             draw
             us
             
               to
               God
            
             ,
             to
             give
             us
             
               to
               God
            
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             
               one
               with
               him
            
             .
          
           
             Behold
             in
             few
             words
             ,
             the
             being
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             
               designs
               of
               God.
            
             This
             being
             considered
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             easie
             for
             us
             to
             see
             and
             know
             that
             we
             annihilate
             the
             graces
             of
             God
             and
             his
             works
             ,
             when
             we
             remain
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             adhere
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             embrace
             the
             creature
             ;
             for
             in
             this
             
               doctrine
               of
               piety
            
             ,
             we
             must
             say
             ,
             that
             as
             
               grace
               separates
            
             us
             from
             our selves
             and
             the
             creatures
             ,
             and
             unites
             us
             onely
             to
             God
             ,
             so
             we
             separate
             our selves
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             destroy
             his
             work
             when
             we
             
               are
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             adhere
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             and
             consequently
             we
             are
             
               less
               Gods
            
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             are
             
               our
               own
            
             ;
             so
             that
             to
             ruine
             the
             
               work
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             his
             grace
             ,
             is
             nothing
             else
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             our selves
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             to
             follow
             our
             own
             inclinations
             ;
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             to
             
               love
               our selves
            
             .
             This
             is
             a
             powerfull
             truth
             ,
             which
             should
             beget
             in
             our
             
             
               hearts
               hate
            
             and
             horror
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             detestation
             of
             all
             creatures
             ,
             seeing
             the
             only
             cause
             of
             our
             loss
             and
             
               love
               of
               our selves
            
             is
             the
             onely
             Instrument
             of
             our
             ruine
             .
             This
             truth
             we
             should
             have
             alwayes
             before
             our
             eye
             ,
             to
             put
             us
             in
             mind
             of
             the
             danger
             it
             is
             to
             follow
             
               our
               own
               appetites
               ,
               inclinations
            
             and
             wills
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             the
             
               complacency
               ,
               esteem
            
             ,
             and
             love
             of
             the
             creature
             .
             For
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             
               love
               our selves
            
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             are
             
               divided
               from
               God
            
             ;
             the
             more
             we
             follow
             our
             own
             wills
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             adhere
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             destroy
             in
             us
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             his
             gifts
             and
             graces
             .
             This
             is
             an
             evil
             that
             cannot
             be
             sufficiently
             deplored
             ,
             since
             that
             for
             the
             regard
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             we
             lose
             the
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             love
             a
             thing
             of
             nothing
             ,
             we
             ruine
             in
             us
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             for
             a
             wretched
             and
             
               miserable
               thing
            
             like
             our selves
             ,
             the
             
               brood
               of
               sin
            
             ,
             and
             the
             
               food
               of
               death
            
             ,
             we
             destroy
             in
             us
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             love
             .
             Briefly
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             our
             own
             
               wills
               ,
               inclinanations
            
             and
             sentiments
             (
             Oh
             who
             can
             speak
             it
             without
             a
             
               torrent
               of
               tears
            
             ?
             )
             we
             separate
             our selves
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             draw
             our selves
             from
             the
             order
             and
             designes
             of
             the
             
               eternall
               wisdom
            
             .
             Truly
             we
             ought
             to
             weep
             ,
             and
             weep
             tears
             of
             blood
             ,
             when
             we
             consider
             the
             weak
             condition
             of
             man.
             What
             ?
             this
             Man
             ,
             who
             is
             capable
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             hath
             right
             to
             possess
             God
             
             and
             to
             be
             by
             grace
             what
             God
             is
             by
             
               nature
               ,
               immortall
               ,
               eternall
               ,
               perfect
               ,
            
             and
             to
             possess
             an
             entire
             and
             
               eternall
               rest
            
             ,
             and
             a
             fulness
             of
             all
             good
             ,
             a
             
               true
               solid
            
             and
             
               permanent
               good
            
             ,
             for
             him
             I
             say
             ,
             (
             O
             misfortune
             of
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ,
             and
             weakness
             of
             our
             spirits
             !
             )
             to
             renounce
             all
             his
             happiness
             ,
             and
             lose
             his
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             follow
             his
             own
             disorder'd
             inclinations
             ,
             to
             do
             his
             own
             
               corrupt
               will
            
             ,
             and
             to
             please
             and
             adhere
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             which
             is
             nothing
             but
             vanity
             ,
             to
             enjoy
             a
             fleeting
             transitory
             good
             .
             He
             must
             neither
             have
             heart
             nor
             faith
             ,
             that
             cannot
             grieve
             at
             this
             our
             blindness
             ,
             nor
             apprehend
             an
             evil
             so
             common
             and
             deplorable
             ;
             he
             must
             be
             more
             obstinate
             then
             Pharao
             ,
             that
             would
             not
             draw
             his
             soul
             out
             of
             this
             darkness
             ,
             and
             deliver
             it
             out
             of
             this
             captivity
             ,
             to
             set
             it
             at
             liberty
             ,
             to
             go
             to
             serve
             and
             adore
             the
             true
             God
             ,
             and
             quit
             the
             Leeks
             and
             Onions
             of
             AEgypt
             :
             
             
               O
               that
               I
               had
               wings
               like
               a
               Dove
               ,
               for
               then
               would
               I
               fly
               away
               ,
               and
               be
               at
               rest
               ;
               lo
               ,
               then
               would
               I
               get
               me
               away
               afar
               off
               ,
               and
               remain
               in
               the
               wilderness
               .
            
             O
             Iesus
             ,
             who
             art
             our
             Deliverer
             ,
             break
             these
             bonds
             that
             bind
             us
             ,
             and
             permit
             not
             the
             weakness
             of
             our
             wills
             ,
             and
             malice
             of
             our
             spirits
             ,
             to
             oppose
             the
             power
             of
             thy
             grace
             .
             My
             Iesus
             ,
             the
             only
             light
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             who
             camest
             into
             the
             world
             
               to
               enlighten
               those
               that
               walk
               in
               the
               shadow
               of
               death
               ,
            
             come
             and
             defer
             no
             longer
             to
             give
             life
             and
             liberty
             to
             those
             whom
             thou
             hast
             chosen
             to
             be
             thy
             children
             .
          
           
           
             But
             let
             us
             put
             a
             stop
             to
             our
             zeal
             and
             not
             be
             transported
             with
             the
             motions
             and
             resentments
             of
             this
             just
             grief
             .
             Let
             us
             rather
             remedy
             the
             evil
             ,
             and
             see
             what
             we
             must
             do
             to
             be
             faithfull
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             that
             which
             he
             would
             have
             us
             .
             First
             ,
             the
             Christian
             must
             take
             his
             vocation
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             men
             ;
             for
             as
             we
             have
             formerly
             said
             ,
             God
             only
             hath
             power
             to
             ordain
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             the
             greatest
             mark
             of
             his
             Omnipotency
             for
             himself
             to
             choose
             and
             ordain
             the
             lives
             and
             actions
             of
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             principally
             to
             give
             to
             his
             Elect
             ,
             and
             to
             propose
             to
             them
             the
             way
             and
             light
             whereby
             he
             will
             perfect
             them
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             conduct
             them
             to
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             the
             glory
             he
             hath
             prepared
             for
             them
             .
             So
             said
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             to
             his
             Apostles
             and
             
               Disciples
               ,
               Ye
               have
               not
               chosen
               me
               ,
               but
               I
               have
               chosen
               you
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               ordained
               you
               that
               you
               should
               go
               and
               bring
               forth
               fruit
               ,
               and
               that
               your
               fruit
               should
               remain
            
             ;
             shewing
             it
             is
             he
             alone
             that
             calleth
             us
             ,
             and
             
               employs
               us
            
             in
             the
             actions
             for
             which
             we
             were
             created
             .
          
           
             When
             therefore
             the
             Christan
             is
             at
             the
             point
             to
             make
             choice
             of
             his
             vocation
             ,
             he
             must
             ask
             it
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             regard
             only
             God
             in
             his
             desire
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             him
             capable
             of
             so
             important
             a
             grace
             ,
             he
             must
             make
             an
             entire
             &
             
               true
               resignation
            
             and
             annihilation
             of
             his
             will
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             use
             of
             his
             liberty
             ,
             and
             neither
             have
             choice
             of
             liberty
             or
             will
             in
             any
             thing
             that
             concerns
             him
             ,
             as
             
             having
             no
             will
             but
             that
             of
             God
             ,
             leaving
             to
             God
             alone
             the
             power
             and
             care
             to
             
               choose
               ,
               ordain
            
             and
             establish
             all
             according
             to
             his
             
               holy
               wil
            
             ,
             considering
             nothing
             therein
             but
             the
             
               pure
               glory
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             reserving
             a
             desire
             to
             accomplish
             what
             God
             by
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             hath
             ordained
             him
             ,
             proposing
             to
             do
             all
             that
             he
             should
             know
             to
             be
             the
             
               will
               of
               God.
            
             
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             when
             the
             Christian
             is
             in
             a
             
               settled
               estate
            
             and
             profession
             ,
             then
             he
             must
             live
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             and
             grace
             of
             his
             estate
             and
             vocation
             ,
             and
             apply
             himself
             wholly
             to
             God
             in
             the
             use
             and
             wayes
             proportioned
             to
             his
             estate
             ,
             wherein
             consists
             the
             ground
             of
             the
             
               souls
               fidelity
            
             .
             To
             comprehend
             this
             advice
             ,
             we
             must
             know
             that
             in
             the
             life
             of
             every
             one
             ,
             there
             are
             considerable
             
               two
               estates
               ;
               one
            
             generall
             ,
             which
             is
             common
             to
             all
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             the
             other
             particular
             ,
             which
             consists
             in
             the
             condition
             he
             professes
             in
             the
             world
             .
             The
             perfect
             Christian
             ,
             who
             would
             be
             faithfull
             to
             God
             ,
             must
             first
             have
             a
             care
             to
             agree
             with
             the
             state
             and
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             the
             most
             noble
             of
             all
             professions
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             the
             ground
             whereon
             we
             must
             of
             necessity
             raise
             the
             whole
             edifice
             of
             Perfection
             ,
             in
             what
             condition
             soever
             a
             man
             be
             .
             For
             what
             is
             a
             man
             the
             better
             for
             being
             a
             perfect
             and
             an
             
               accomplish'd
               Gentleman
            
             ,
             and
             a
             
               wicked
               Christian
            
             ?
             to
             what
             end
             serves
             it
             to
             be
             excellent
             in
             some
             condition
             and
             estate
             ?
             
             to
             
               seem
               good
            
             in
             some
             vocation
             ?
             to
             be
             esteemed
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             to
             satisfie
             ones
             own
             conscience
             ,
             if
             in
             truth
             ,
             and
             before
             God
             he
             be
             not
             perfect
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ?
             He
             must
             then
             be
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             before
             he
             seek
             or
             think
             to
             be
             perfect
             in
             any
             other
             condition
             or
             estate
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             first
             thing
             he
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             who
             would
             be
             faithfull
             to
             God
             ,
             must
             be
             to
             live
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             
               Laws
               ,
               maxims
            
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             strive
             to
             accomplish
             and
             
               become
               faithfull
            
             in
             all
             that
             is
             taught
             and
             required
             in
             this
             estate
             ,
             with
             such
             purity
             and
             sincerity
             ,
             that
             he
             neglect
             nothing
             ,
             but
             make
             account
             of
             all
             that
             is
             in
             Christianity
             .
             For
             ,
             as
             we
             say
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             
               little
               in
               Religion
            
             ,
             but
             all
             in
             it
             
               is
               great
            
             ,
             all
             is
             here
             to
             be
             esteemed
             ,
             and
             all
             is
             here
             of
             importance
             to
             him
             who
             will
             
               live
               perfectly
            
             in
             such
             an
             estate
             :
             so
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Christiany
             ,
             we
             must
             esteem
             all
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             will
             be
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             must
             make
             account
             of
             all
             that
             is
             proposed
             in
             Christianity
             ,
             when
             he
             is
             in
             this
             estate
             ,
             he
             must
             study
             to
             perfect
             himself
             in
             the
             
               particular
               profession
            
             he
             takes
             upon
             himself
             ,
             be
             it
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             or
             out
             of
             the
             condition
             of
             seculars
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             the
             soul
             seeing
             her self
             in
             a
             profession
             and
             vocation
             ,
             must
             wholly
             apply
             her self
             thereto
             ,
             so
             as
             if
             there
             were
             no
             other
             ,
             and
             although
             she
             esteem
             of
             all
             other
             vocations
             ,
             
             of
             all
             the
             wayes
             whereby
             God
             guides
             his
             Church
             and
             Christians
             ,
             yet
             must
             she
             onely
             apply
             her self
             to
             her
             vocation
             ,
             and
             step
             onely
             in
             the
             way
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             being
             without
             taste
             and
             voluntary
             knowledge
             of
             all
             others
             ,
             as
             not
             being
             willing
             to
             make
             use
             of
             any
             way
             ,
             but
             this
             that
             God
             hath
             ordained
             for
             her
             ,
             whereto
             she
             is
             called
             .
             By
             this
             practise
             ,
             the
             soul
             remains
             in
             her
             unity
             of
             application
             ,
             and
             begins
             to
             be
             in
             the
             
               perfect
               adherence
            
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God.
             To
             live
             faithfully
             in
             those
             wayes
             wherein
             she
             believes
             God
             will
             conduct
             her
             ,
             she
             will
             be
             carefull
             to
             employ
             all
             her
             power
             to
             destroy
             and
             annihilate
             her self
             into
             God
             in
             those
             wayes
             wherein
             he
             governs
             her
             ,
             without
             thinking
             of
             any
             other
             ,
             resigning
             her self
             wholly
             to
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             by
             his
             
               divine
               power
            
             ,
             secretly
             and
             intimately
             operate
             in
             her
             a
             true
             annihilation
             ,
             which
             separating
             her
             from
             her self
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             ,
             shall
             perfect
             her
             ,
             and
             put
             her
             into
             a
             capacity
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             shall
             render
             her
             worthy
             and
             capable
             to
             bear
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             filled
             with
             him
             ,
             who
             from
             thenceforth
             will
             be
             all
             in
             all
             in
             her
             by
             grace
             and
             love
             ,
             (
             which
             is
             the
             condition
             of
             the
             Saints
             in
             the
             
               state
               of
               glory
            
             )
             yet
             after
             a
             manner
             proportioned
             to
             the
             baseness
             of
             earth
             .
             The
             Christian
             living
             in
             this
             faithfull
             application
             ,
             shall
             not
             want
             the
             favour
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             motions
             to
             draw
             him
             more
             and
             more
             to
             
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             him
             perfect
             .
             Let
             us
             now
             see
             how
             he
             must
             comport
             himself
             in
             the
             exteriour
             use
             of
             all
             things
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             How
             the
             Christian
             ought
             to
             comport
             himself
             in
             the
             exteriour
             use
             of
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             point
             of
             great
             consequence
             in
             the
             
               life
               of
               a
               Christian
            
             ,
             to
             take
             heed
             to
             the
             use
             and
             seeking
             after
             of
             
               exteriour
               things
            
             ,
             for
             besides
             that
             he
             must
             shun
             as
             Hell
             whatsoever
             is
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             abstain
             from
             all
             that
             displeases
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             also
             necessary
             to
             see
             how
             he
             comports
             himself
             in
             
               exteriour
               things
            
             ,
             though
             lawfull
             .
             Every
             employment
             out
             of
             God
             diverts
             us
             from
             him
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             not
             ready
             and
             formed
             in
             the
             
               exercise
               of
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             conducted
             by
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               truth
            
             .
             
             
               All
               things
               are
               lawfull
               ,
               but
               all
               things
               are
               not
               expedient
               ,
            
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             signifying
             that
             all
             that
             is
             lawfull
             is
             not
             alwayes
             good
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             that
             for
             divers
             circumstances
             ,
             a
             man
             must
             retain
             and
             deprive
             himself
             of
             that
             which
             is
             permitted
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             use
             and
             acquisition
             of
             
               exteriour
               things
            
             ,
             even
             of
             those
             that
             appear
             lawfull
             ,
             we
             may
             fail
             in
             divers
             manners
             ,
             for
             the
             employment
             diverts
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             the
             use
             and
             possession
             
             brings
             care
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             
               adhering
               to
               them
            
             divides
             us
             from
             our selves
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             divide
             them
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             as
             it
             is
             in
             the
             Parable
             many
             refuse
             to
             go
             to
             the
             Marriage
             ,
             
             and
             to
             the
             heavenly
             Banquet
             whereto
             they
             are
             invited
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             they
             refuse
             the
             graces
             and
             Heaven
             it self
             ,
             because
             they
             turn
             themselves
             to
             the
             Creature
             .
             Some
             ,
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             go
             to
             their
             possessions
             and
             farms
             ,
             
             others
             employ
             themselves
             in
             their
             affaires
             ,
             some
             to
             buy
             ,
             others
             to
             sell
             ,
             and
             busying
             themselves
             in
             these
             occupations
             ,
             think
             no
             more
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             or
             ,
             if
             they
             have
             thoughts
             or
             desires
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             stifled
             in
             the
             confusion
             of
             affaires
             .
             So
             that
             if
             God
             offer
             them
             graces
             ,
             and
             cause
             them
             to
             feel
             good
             motions
             ,
             either
             they
             refuse
             them
             ,
             or
             think
             not
             seriously
             of
             them
             .
             Thus
             they
             extinguish
             in
             themselves
             the
             resentments
             of
             their
             salvation
             ,
             the
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             little
             and
             little
             ,
             make
             themselves
             insensible
             of
             the
             graces
             and
             favours
             of
             Heaven
             .
             This
             evill
             is
             whereinto
             they
             fall
             in
             employing
             themselves
             too
             much
             in
             things
             which
             appear
             lawfull
             ,
             and
             whereof
             they
             have
             not
             any
             fear
             .
             But
             the
             
               Son
               of
               God
            
             adds
             these
             dreadful
             and
             menacing
             words
             ,
             
               that
               none
               of
               those
               men
               which
               were
               bidden
               ,
            
             
             
               shall
               taste
               of
               my
               Supper
            
             ;
             words
             worthy
             to
             be
             weighed
             ,
             and
             examined
             by
             Christians
             ,
             which
             make
             us
             to
             know
             sufficiently
             ,
             what
             circumspection
             we
             must
             have
             in
             
             the
             use
             and
             exercise
             of
             
               exteriour
               things
            
             ,
             seeing
             they
             are
             capable
             to
             make
             us
             lose
             ,
             and
             neglect
             his
             graces
             and
             vocation
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             no
             example
             more
             clearer
             to
             demonstrate
             this
             truth
             ,
             then
             the
             fall
             of
             Lucifer
             and
             Adam
             ,
             who
             fell
             from
             the
             
               heighth
               of
               perfection
            
             and
             grace
             ,
             to
             turn
             to
             themselves
             and
             the
             Creature
             ;
             and
             because
             they
             had
             a
             will
             to
             contemplate
             and
             employ
             themselves
             in
             their
             own
             perfection
             ,
             they
             were
             withdrawn
             from
             beholding
             God
             ,
             and
             lost
             themselves
             in
             searching
             into
             themselves
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Creature
             ,
             that
             which
             they
             ought
             to
             lay
             hold
             of
             ,
             and
             seek
             in
             God
             alone
             .
             And
             to
             this
             day
             ,
             sin
             is
             committed
             onely
             ,
             because
             the
             soul
             is
             diverted
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             converted
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             and
             seeks
             in
             the
             Creature
             for
             her
             own
             particular
             interest
             and
             satisfaction
             ,
             what
             she
             ought
             to
             seek
             onely
             in
             God
             and
             for
             God.
             
          
           
             Hence
             we
             may
             easily
             conjecture
             the
             hazards
             which
             happen
             ,
             and
             the
             failings
             which
             they
             commit
             ,
             in
             the
             use
             and
             research
             of
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             for
             as
             much
             as
             it
             is
             the
             snare
             wherein
             all
             souls
             are
             intrapped
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             beware
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             cause
             all
             men
             to
             see
             it
             .
             See
             then
             in
             particulars
             ,
             how
             a
             man
             ought
             to
             comport
             himself
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             Christian
             who
             will
             live
             perfectly
             in
             any
             estate
             or
             profession
             ,
             must
             have
             a
             care
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             do
             
               nothing
               that
               may
               displease
               
               God
               ,
            
             for
             this
             motive
             is
             the
             touchstone
             of
             
               true
               perfection
            
             ,
             the
             foundation
             and
             principle
             of
             
               solid
               vertue
            
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             absolutely
             necessary
             for
             a
             Christian.
             For
             if
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             elsewhere
             said
             ,
             he
             must
             do
             all
             for
             the
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             must
             also
             by
             the
             same
             consequence
             ,
             take
             need
             of
             doing
             any
             thing
             against
             the
             pleasure
             of
             God.
             In
             this
             advice
             ,
             there
             are
             
               two
               things
            
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             very
             important
             to
             
               Christian
               Piety
            
             ,
             one
             when
             it
             is
             said
             we
             must
             have
             a
             care
             to
             do
             
               nothing
               ,
               sin
            
             nor
             
               any
               thing
               which
               displeaseth
               God
            
             ;
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             we
             must
             learn
             ,
             that
             this
             care
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             ,
             so
             necessary
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             onely
             care
             wherein
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             live
             .
             For
             the
             soul
             which
             must
             do
             nothing
             to
             displease
             God
             ,
             and
             detests
             all
             that
             may
             displease
             him
             ,
             shall
             never
             fail
             to
             be
             acceptable
             to
             his
             
               divine
               eyes
            
             ,
             who
             contemplating
             her
             in
             this
             purity
             ,
             will
             love
             her
             ,
             loving
             her
             will
             possess
             her
             ,
             possessing
             her
             will
             inrich
             her
             with
             his
             gifts
             and
             graces
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             and
             designes
             .
             Therefore
             in
             the
             acquisition
             of
             true
             and
             solid
             piety
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             study
             so
             much
             to
             do
             as
             to
             
               take
               away
            
             ,
             nor
             labour
             so
             much
             to
             acquire
             and
             act
             ,
             as
             to
             
               devest
               our selves
            
             ,
             and
             do
             nothing
             
               displeasing
               to
               God.
            
             
          
           
             The
             other
             point
             is
             ,
             when
             we
             say
             that
             we
             must
             do
             
               nothing
               to
               displease
               God
            
             ;
             by
             this
             advice
             ,
             we
             shew
             what
             the
             duty
             of
             the
             soul
             is
             ,
             
             that
             will
             live
             in
             
               Christian
               purity
            
             ,
             which
             consisteth
             in
             that
             she
             is
             obliged
             to
             
               regard
               God
            
             ,
             and
             the
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             of
             God
             in
             all
             
               her
               actions
            
             .
             The
             reason
             of
             this
             duty
             is
             grounded
             in
             that
             we
             are
             not
             for
             our selves
             ,
             neither
             our
             life
             nor
             actions
             ,
             but
             we
             are
             
               for
               God
            
             ,
             by
             consequence
             we
             must
             employ
             our
             life
             ,
             actions
             ,
             and
             selves
             for
             God.
             For
             this
             reason
             ,
             God
             demands
             an
             account
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             least
             moment
             of
             our
             time
             ,
             unto
             the
             least
             thought
             of
             our
             heart
             ,
             the
             slightest
             word
             of
             our
             tongue
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             smallest
             action
             of
             our
             life
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             he
             will
             demand
             an
             account
             of
             our selves
             from
             our selves
             ,
             because
             that
             we
             being
             not
             our
             own
             but
             Gods
             ,
             we
             must
             employ
             our selves
             all
             for
             God
             ,
             for
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             and
             glory
             .
             He
             that
             will
             examine
             the
             
               precept
               of
               love
            
             ,
             will
             ingeniously
             confess
             that
             which
             we
             say
             ,
             for
             we
             cannot
             
               love
               God
               with
               all
               our
               heart
               ,
               with
               all
               our
               soul
               ,
               and
               withall
               our
               strength
               ,
            
             but
             in
             seeking
             to
             please
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             even
             the
             least
             ,
             much
             more
             in
             those
             which
             we
             call
             indifferent
             ,
             though
             in
             truth
             they
             are
             not
             so
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             shew
             hereafter
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             The
             Christian
             must
             avoid
             in
             his
             actions
             ,
             the
             multiplicity
             and
             confusion
             which
             occurs
             ordinarily
             in
             affaires
             ,
             even
             in
             those
             which
             are
             good
             and
             appear
             charitable
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             ,
             he
             must
             exempt
             himself
             from
             that
             which
             concerns
             him
             not
             ,
             and
             is
             not
             of
             his
             
             office
             ,
             nor
             suitable
             to
             his
             profession
             and
             vocation
             ,
             and
             especially
             those
             which
             are
             above
             his
             capacity
             and
             power
             .
             This
             advice
             is
             to
             be
             weighed
             and
             cleared
             ,
             for
             the
             most
             serious
             may
             be
             deceived
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             zealous
             may
             lose
             themselves
             in
             their
             occupations
             ;
             by
             this
             way
             the
             Devill
             withdrawes
             away
             many
             souls
             from
             vertue
             and
             the
             purity
             of
             their
             vocation
             .
             It
             is
             easie
             for
             us
             to
             be
             lost
             in
             this
             snare
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             not
             a
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             continuall
             vigilancy
             ,
             we
             fall
             ordinarily
             into
             this
             evill
             .
             Sometimes
             a
             
               false
               zeal
            
             of
             charity
             transports
             us
             ,
             sometimes
             we
             are
             seduced
             by
             complacency
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             curiosity
             and
             our
             own
             inclination
             ,
             which
             is
             much
             given
             to
             change
             and
             variety
             ,
             and
             takes
             pleasure
             in
             all
             that
             it
             employes
             it self
             in
             ,
             busies
             it self
             therein
             with
             much
             content
             ,
             fastens
             it self
             thereto
             ,
             insomuch
             ,
             that
             the
             soul
             becomes
             at
             last
             so
             disordered
             that
             she
             finds
             no
             more
             repose
             in
             her
             spirit
             ,
             no
             more
             attention
             in
             her
             self
             ,
             but
             feels
             her
             self
             wholly
             estranged
             from
             God
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             most
             
               holy
               exercises
            
             of
             her
             vocation
             .
             Being
             in
             this
             condition
             ,
             she
             is
             disquieted
             ,
             and
             this
             disquiet
             causes
             a
             distaste
             and
             alienation
             from
             vertue
             ,
             whereupon
             losing
             the
             reins
             ,
             she
             more
             and
             more
             abandons
             her self
             to
             
               exteriour
               things
            
             ,
             and
             infallibly
             loseth
             her self
             ,
             if
             she
             have
             not
             a
             care
             to
             withdraw
             her self
             in
             good
             time
             ,
             and
             if
             God
             preserve
             her
             
             not
             ,
             and
             behold
             her
             with
             the
             eye
             of
             mercy
             .
             The
             soul
             therefore
             that
             seeks
             perfection
             ,
             and
             the
             inward
             peace
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             must
             be
             vigilant
             herein
             ,
             and
             not
             suffer
             her self
             to
             be
             
               inconsiderately
               transported
            
             under
             any
             pretence
             whatsoever
             ,
             for
             it
             concerns
             her
             salvation
             .
          
           
             The
             state
             of
             
               true
               love
            
             and
             grace
             ,
             alwayes
             withdrawes
             the
             soul
             from
             all
             multiplicity
             ,
             and
             separates
             her
             from
             all
             things
             ;
             for
             
               so
               much
            
             as
             she
             hath
             of
             love
             and
             
               grace
               ,
               so
               far
            
             is
             she
             separated
             and
             estranged
             from
             the
             Creature
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             she
             is
             to
             God
             ,
             the
             more
             she
             flyes
             and
             detests
             
               all
               things
               else
            
             ;
             the
             more
             grace
             raigns
             in
             her
             ,
             the
             more
             it
             separates
             her
             from
             her
             self
             and
             the
             
               world
               .
               Self-love
            
             drawes
             us
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             and
             involves
             us
             in
             a
             multiplicity
             ;
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             the
             
               love
               of
               God
            
             separates
             us
             from
             the
             Creature
             ,
             and
             puts
             us
             into
             unity
             .
             This
             most
             true
             principle
             ,
             may
             serve
             us
             as
             a
             plummet
             to
             sound
             the
             depth
             and
             interiour
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             He
             who
             is
             subject
             to
             grace
             ,
             and
             hath
             but
             any
             
               pure
               love
            
             ,
             needs
             not
             to
             be
             perswaded
             to
             this
             ,
             because
             the
             
               love
               of
               God
            
             and
             grace
             ,
             makes
             him
             hate
             ,
             fly
             ,
             and
             detest
             both
             the
             World
             and
             the
             affaires
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             assuredly
             ,
             he
             will
             shew
             it
             by
             the
             effects
             ,
             for
             he
             cannot
             do
             otherwise
             .
             Whence
             it
             will
             be
             hard
             to
             approve
             the
             opinion
             of
             those
             ,
             who
             would
             be
             truly
             devout
             ,
             and
             perswade
             themselves
             they
             
             have
             true
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             yet
             charge
             themselves
             with
             cares
             ,
             with
             affaires
             and
             trouble
             perplexing
             themselves
             in
             
               thoughts
               ,
               desire
            
             ,
             and
             bringing
             about
             divers
             designes
             .
             To
             convince
             and
             enlighten
             them
             if
             they
             be
             capable
             ,
             we
             must
             resume
             our
             principle
             ,
             and
             onely
             say
             to
             them
             ,
             that
             the
             
               love
               of
               God
            
             speaks
             unity
             ,
             and
             the
             
               love
               of
               our selves
               multiplicity
            
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             There
             are
             many
             actions
             necessary
             in
             many
             affaires
             wherewith
             we
             cannot
             dispense
             for
             that
             they
             are
             necessary
             ,
             and
             wherein
             our
             nature
             and
             spirit
             may
             be
             satisfied
             and
             content
             .
             But
             we
             must
             renounce
             this
             pleasure
             and
             content
             ,
             for
             God
             must
             have
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             Christianly
             and
             purely
             ,
             we
             must
             do
             it
             onely
             for
             
               his
               good
               pleasure
            
             ,
             so
             that
             if
             we
             mingle
             with
             it
             other
             pretences
             or
             contentments
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             
               purely
               for
               God
            
             ,
             but
             we
             share
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             we
             
               rob
               him
            
             of
             all
             that
             part
             that
             we
             take
             therein
             .
             But
             if
             the
             actions
             we
             do
             be
             naturall
             ,
             as
             to
             eat
             ,
             sleep
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             fulfill
             them
             by
             the
             instinct
             and
             appetite
             of
             nature
             ,
             which
             forces
             us
             to
             satisfie
             both
             her
             necessity
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             perform
             them
             out
             of
             a
             
               pure
               desire
            
             to
             do
             the
             
               will
               of
               God
            
             ,
             which
             obligeth
             us
             to
             this
             necessity
             ;
             this
             desire
             must
             be
             exclusive
             ,
             as
             to
             any
             other
             instinct
             and
             will.
             For
             in
             actions
             naturall
             and
             necessary
             ,
             there
             is
             great
             difference
             between
             the
             rule
             and
             end
             of
             the
             action
             ▪
             
             The
             rule
             is
             humane
             and
             naturall
             ,
             the
             end
             must
             alwayes
             be
             supernaturall
             ,
             as
             for
             example
             .
             We
             do
             some
             
               necessary
               act
            
             ,
             as
             to
             eat
             ,
             sleep
             ,
             or
             the
             like
             ,
             the
             necessity
             is
             the
             rule
             ,
             but
             God
             must
             be
             the
             end
             of
             this
             action
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             the
             end
             of
             all
             the
             actions
             of
             man
             ,
             both
             free
             and
             necessary
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             direct
             all
             our
             actions
             to
             their
             
               supernaturall
               ends
            
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             advice
             of
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             
             
               Whether
               ye
               eat
               or
               drink
               ,
               or
               whatsoever
               ye
               do
               ,
               let
               all
               be
               done
               to
               the
               glory
               of
               God.
            
             This
             truth
             is
             most
             evident
             ,
             for
             if
             God
             were
             not
             the
             end
             of
             such
             actions
             ,
             it
             must
             necessarily
             be
             ,
             that
             man
             himself
             is
             the
             end
             thereof
             ,
             which
             would
             be
             a
             kind
             of
             Idolatry
             and
             errour
             to
             affirm
             .
             We
             must
             then
             conclude
             and
             say
             with
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               Whatsoever
               ye
               do
               in
               word
               or
               deed
               ,
            
             
             
               do
               all
               in
               the
               name
               of
               the
               Lord
               Iesus
               ,
               giving
               thanks
               to
               God
               and
               the
               Father
               by
               him
               .
            
             In
             all
             lawfull
             actions
             ,
             therefore
             we
             must
             regard
             the
             rule
             and
             the
             end
             of
             necessity
             ,
             which
             must
             be
             no
             other
             then
             the
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             and
             
               pure
               will
            
             of
             God.
             But
             if
             in
             these
             actions
             there
             should
             happen
             some
             displeasure
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             should
             be
             contrary
             to
             our
             Honour
             ,
             or
             if
             they
             be
             full
             of
             bitterness
             ,
             then
             we
             must
             couragiously
             embrace
             them
             ,
             and
             with
             an
             affection
             and
             love
             ready
             for
             the
             displeasure
             which
             might
             happen
             ,
             offering
             our selves
             to
             God
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             bitterness
             ,
             as
             often
             and
             as
             long
             as
             it
             shall
             please
             his
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             ;
             So
             in
             all
             
             the
             actions
             of
             man
             wherein
             he
             may
             take
             pleasure
             or
             displeasure
             ,
             in
             what
             manner
             soever
             they
             are
             ,
             we
             may
             frame
             
               three
               acts
               .
               The
               first
            
             is
             an
             
               act
               of
               obedience
            
             ,
             making
             such
             an
             action
             very
             naturall
             and
             necessary
             by
             submission
             and
             obedience
             to
             the
             
               pure
               will
               of
               God
            
             ,
             who
             hath
             ordained
             all
             things
             after
             the
             best
             manner
             that
             best
             pleaseth
             him
             .
             The
             second
             is
             of
             abnegation
             ,
             renouncing
             the
             pleasure
             ,
             or
             accepting
             the
             displeasure
             which
             may
             be
             therein
             .
             The
             third
             of
             resignation
             ,
             giving
             our selves
             up
             to
             the
             
               will
               of
               God
            
             ,
             to
             be
             in
             a
             continuall
             suffering
             of
             displeasure
             ,
             if
             it
             shall
             so
             happen
             ,
             and
             that
             for
             
               as
               long
            
             ,
             and
             in
             
               what
               manner
            
             it
             shall
             please
             God
             ;
             For
             the
             soul
             must
             have
             
               no
               will
            
             but
             to
             accept
             the
             
               will
               of
            
             God.
             
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             we
             may
             fail
             ,
             yet
             in
             the
             use
             and
             research
             of
             things
             ,
             not
             onely
             lawfull
             ,
             but
             also
             vertuous
             ,
             by
             adherence
             and
             inclination
             thereto
             .
             It
             is
             a
             fault
             ordinary
             enough
             ,
             and
             which
             we
             must
             avoid
             ,
             because
             our
             soul
             must
             be
             free
             and
             not
             tyed
             but
             to
             God
             onely
             and
             to
             his
             
               pure
               will.
            
             For
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             nothing
             but
             
               for
               God
            
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             
               Spirit
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             true
             and
             onely
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             so
             we
             must
             not
             act
             by
             our
             own
             inclinations
             or
             passions
             .
             Whence
             they
             are
             deceived
             ,
             who
             employ
             themselves
             in
             those
             actions
             which
             they
             are
             most
             inclin'd
             to
             ,
             and
             shun
             those
             they
             fear
             ,
             and
             embrace
             most
             willingly
             
             the
             occupations
             and
             exercises
             whereto
             their
             inclination
             carrries
             them
             .
             Thus
             we
             see
             some
             have
             an
             inclination
             to
             
               exterior
               penitence
            
             ,
             others
             to
             compassion
             ,
             and
             some
             to
             penance
             ;
             one
             is
             prone
             to
             the
             love
             of
             things
             regulated
             ,
             another
             is
             pleased
             with
             solitude
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             And
             we
             know
             that
             ordinarily
             ,
             every
             man
             follows
             the
             motions
             ,
             and
             most
             willingly
             chooses
             the
             manner
             to
             live
             according
             to
             his
             inclination
             .
             It
             is
             a
             great
             advantage
             and
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             have
             received
             a
             
               good
               soul
            
             ,
             as
             the
             
               Wise
               man
            
             saith
             ;
             but
             to
             embrace
             the
             good
             ,
             and
             do
             it's
             actions
             ,
             because
             the
             inclination
             or
             passion
             carries
             us
             thereto
             ,
             though
             they
             be
             good
             ,
             this
             is
             not
             to
             
               act
               Christianly
            
             ;
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             this
             is
             to
             
               live
               bruitishly
            
             ,
             for
             beasts
             follow
             their
             passions
             ;
             or
             at
             best
             ,
             to
             act
             but
             humanely
             ,
             when
             the
             inclination
             is
             conformable
             to
             reason
             .
             He
             therefore
             that
             wil
             do
             a
             
               Christian
               action
            
             ,
             must
             take
             a
             
               supernaturall
               principle
            
             ,
             which
             is
             grace
             ,
             and
             never
             do
             his
             actions
             ,
             because
             passions
             and
             his
             inclinations
             carry
             him
             thereto
             ,
             but
             onely
             because
             it
             is
             the
             will
             and
             order
             of
             God
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             because
             such
             actions
             are
             acceptable
             to
             God.
             
          
           
             Thus
             he
             that
             will
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ,
             must
             never
             undertake
             any
             thing
             which
             he
             believes
             is
             not
             the
             
               will
               of
               God
            
             ;
             if
             he
             do
             any
             
               good
               action
            
             ,
             he
             must
             do
             it
             
               for
               God
            
             ;
             if
             he
             choose
             a
             manner
             of
             life
             ,
             he
             shall
             
               regard
               God
            
             onely
             ,
             and
             
             strive
             to
             do
             only
             what
             is
             most
             perfect
             in
             him
             ,
             most
             conformable
             to
             the
             life
             and
             actions
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             most
             contrary
             to
             his
             own
             inclinations
             and
             
               naturall
               affections
            
             .
             But
             if
             he
             find
             himself
             in
             doubt
             ,
             or
             perplexity
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             desire
             to
             judge
             his
             actions
             ,
             his
             resentments
             ,
             and
             intentions
             ,
             to
             know
             if
             they
             be
             good
             ,
             and
             truly
             Christian
             ,
             then
             shall
             he
             have
             recourse
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             chief
             truth
             and
             rule
             of
             our
             lives
             and
             actions
             ;
             he
             shall
             demand
             light
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             taking
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             for
             the
             object
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             for
             his
             rule
             ,
             he
             shall
             consider
             whether
             his
             intentions
             and
             actions
             be
             conformable
             to
             the
             truth
             ,
             whether
             they
             be
             like
             to
             those
             of
             the
             
               Son
               of
               God
            
             ,
             whether
             he
             act
             in
             the
             perfection
             and
             purity
             that
             God
             demands
             of
             him
             according
             to
             his
             vocation
             ,
             and
             conformable
             to
             the
             sanctity
             of
             the
             estate
             of
             Christianity
             .
             The
             Christian
             living
             in
             this
             manner
             shall
             become
             acceptable
             to
             God
             ,
             shall
             arrive
             at
             the
             perfection
             which
             God
             requires
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             shall
             do
             all
             his
             actions
             with
             the
             purity
             he
             ought
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             
               Principall
               point
            
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             Of
             Sufferings
             ,
             and
             the
             esteem
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             TO
             act
             ,
             and
             to
             suffer
             ,
             are
             the
             two
             estates
             of
             the
             
               life
               of
               man
            
             ,
             and
             like
             two
             Pillars
             ,
             sustain
             him
             .
             He
             that
             will
             
               live
               perfectly
            
             ,
             must
             know
             the
             use
             of
             the
             one
             as
             well
             as
             the
             other
             ;
             as
             he
             must
             
               act
               Christianly
            
             ,
             so
             must
             he
             
               suffer
               Christianly
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             holily
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             manner
             ,
             worthy
             the
             estate
             of
             
               Christianity
               .
               This
            
             is
             that
             which
             we
             have
             left
             to
             examine
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             last
             draught
             of
             the
             Picture
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian.
            
             We
             have
             already
             spoken
             of
             his
             foundation
             ,
             of
             his
             interiour
             ,
             of
             the
             purity
             of
             his
             actions
             ;
             it
             remains
             that
             we
             treat
             now
             of
             his
             sufferings
             .
             This
             is
             a
             point
             which
             we
             must
             look
             upon
             as
             the
             most
             essentiall
             in
             Christianity
             ;
             for
             suffering
             is
             the
             
               first
               state
            
             which
             a
             Christian
             must
             expect
             ,
             and
             wherein
             he
             is
             to
             continue
             .
             We
             are
             born
             in
             sufferings
             ,
             we
             live
             in
             solitude
             among
             temptations
             ,
             and
             shall
             die
             in
             pain
             .
             It
             is
             the
             portion
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             the
             most
             ordinary
             food
             of
             our
             souls
             .
             It
             behooves
             us
             therefore
             to
             know
             how
             to
             make
             use
             and
             profit
             thereof
             .
             He
             hath
             made
             a
             great
             progress
             in
             perfection
             who
             can
             suffer
             ,
             and
             bear
             
             couragiously
             all
             that
             can
             befall
             him
             ,
             such
             a
             one
             God
             owns
             as
             a
             
               friend
               .
               Fire
            
             tries
             gold
             and
             silver
             ,
             but
             men
             are
             tried
             in
             the
             Furnace
             of
             humiliation
             .
             Here
             the
             fidelity
             of
             our
             soul
             appears
             ;
             for
             the
             Christian
             ought
             to
             follow
             Christ
             as
             willingly
             to
             
               mount
               Calvary
            
             ,
             as
             to
             
               mount
               Thabor
            
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             here
             the
             purity
             of
             our
             actions
             and
             intentions
             do
             best
             appear
             what
             we
             do
             of
             our selves
             ,
             be
             it
             in
             
               penitence
               ,
               good
               works
            
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             ,
             is
             for
             the
             most
             part
             full
             of
             our
             own
             spirit
             ,
             and
             evil
             ,
             it
             follows
             our
             inclinations
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             regard
             of
             our
             selves
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             Interests
             proportioned
             to
             self-love
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             most
             part
             concerns
             our selves
             .
             But
             in
             all
             that
             happens
             to
             us
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             if
             we
             know
             how
             to
             lay
             hold
             of
             him
             ,
             when
             he
             puts
             forth
             his
             hand
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             To
             learn
             so
             good
             and
             profitable
             a
             Doctrine
             ,
             we
             must
             propose
             these
             truths
             for
             a
             
               foundation
               .
               First
            
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             God
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             his
             wife
             providence
             embraced
             all
             the
             world
             ,
             his
             
               divine
               eyes
            
             surveigh'd
             all
             things
             ,
             his
             infinite
             wisdom
             ordained
             the
             whole
             ;
             and
             his
             wisdom
             ,
             sayes
             the
             
               Wise
               man
            
             ,
             stayes
             in
             his
             force
             from
             one
             end
             to
             the
             other
             ,
             and
             
               sweetly
               disposes
               all
               things
            
             ,
             
             and
             he
             not
             onely
             ordains
             and
             disposes
             all
             ,
             but
             he
             makes
             all
             the
             good
             and
             the
             
               evil
               ,
               life
            
             and
             
               death
               ,
               poverty
            
             and
             riches
             come
             from
             God.
             Now
             ,
             the
             works
             of
             God
             are
             holy
             ,
             his
             will
             is
             
             just
             ,
             his
             decrces
             equitable
             ,
             his
             ordinances
             amiable
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             things
             we
             must
             adore
             and
             seek
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             .
             What
             remains
             then
             ,
             but
             that
             we
             receive
             all
             things
             from
             the
             fatherly
             and
             loving
             
               hand
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             we
             kiss
             the
             hand
             that
             strikes
             ,
             since
             it
             is
             the
             
               hand
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             we
             bear
             with
             an
             humble
             and
             quiet
             submission
             all
             events
             ,
             be
             they
             painfull
             or
             easie
             ,
             good
             or
             bad
             ,
             prejudiciall
             or
             profitable
             ?
             and
             we
             must
             entertain
             them
             not
             onely
             with
             an
             equality
             of
             spirit
             ,
             and
             
               inward
               peace
            
             ,
             but
             with
             respect
             and
             essence
             ,
             as
             coming
             
               from
               God
            
             ,
             nothing
             being
             done
             but
             by
             his
             order
             .
             It
             is
             just
             we
             should
             esteem
             this
             conduct
             as
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             subject
             our selves
             to
             it
             ,
             not
             onely
             with
             patience
             ,
             but
             with
             respect
             and
             honour
             ,
             for
             all
             that
             comes
             from
             God
             ,
             must
             be
             highly
             
               esteemed
               .
               Souls
            
             that
             
               live
               enlightened
            
             by
             faith
             ,
             and
             walk
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             hold
             it
             a
             great
             honour
             ,
             and
             much
             
               esteem
               sufferings
            
             ,
             as
             being
             the
             work
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             will
             ,
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             honour
             and
             esteem
             ,
             as
             well
             in
             sufferings
             as
             in
             quiet
             ,
             in
             privation
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             fruition
             ,
             in
             evil
             ,
             as
             in
             good
             ;
             for
             in
             all
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             
               will
               of
               God
            
             ,
             a
             will
             adorable
             ,
             to
             be
             esteemed
             above
             all
             the
             world
             ,
             a
             will
             more
             worthy
             then
             the
             life
             and
             salvation
             of
             all
             mankind
             .
             We
             must
             not
             regard
             the
             evils
             and
             sufferings
             in
             themselves
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             consider
             them
             in
             the
             
               will
               of
               God
            
             ;
             There
             we
             shall
             see
             what
             
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             the
             esteem
             that
             God
             makes
             of
             them
             .
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             wills
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             speaking
             to
             them
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             to
             receive
             them
             without
             fear
             ,
             and
             with
             esteem
             ,
             and
             wills
             ,
             that
             they
             be
             unto
             them
             sweet
             and
             pleasing
             ;
             
             Because
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               the
               hairs
               of
               your
               head
               are
               numbred
               ,
               and
               not
               one
               of
               them
               shall
               fall
               to
               the
               ground
               without
               the
               will
               of
               your
               Father
               :
            
             He
             said
             ,
             
               that
               God
               is
               our
               Father
            
             ,
             to
             engrave
             in
             our
             hearts
             a
             
               respect
               ,
               confidence
            
             ,
             and
             love
             ;
             He
             sayes
             ,
             
               that
               our
               hairs
               are
               numbred
            
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             keeps
             an
             account
             of
             them
             to
             perswade
             us
             ,
             that
             Gods
             care
             of
             us
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             hath
             a
             care
             of
             us
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             
               least
               things
            
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               that
               a
               hair
               shall
               not
               fall
               to
               the
               ground
               without
               his
               order
               ,
            
             to
             shew
             that
             all
             the
             
               losses
               ,
               privations
               ,
               sufferings
            
             ,
             all
             events
             ,
             loss
             of
             goods
             ,
             of
             honour
             ,
             of
             life
             ,
             happen
             not
             but
             by
             the
             order
             of
             God
             who
             is
             
               our
               Father
            
             .
          
           
             What
             greater
             reason
             to
             
               esteem
               sufferings
            
             ,
             and
             to
             conduct
             our
             souls
             to
             peace
             and
             repose
             amidst
             the
             perplexities
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             then
             the
             
               assurance
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ?
             It
             is
             enough
             for
             a
             Christian
             (
             if
             he
             be
             a
             Christian
             )
             when
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             sayes
             to
             him
             ,
             
               Fear
               not
               ,
               for
               a
               hair
               shall
               not
               fall
               to
               the
               ground
               without
               your
               Father
            
             ;
             how
             full
             of
             love
             and
             consolation
             are
             the
             words
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             to
             the
             Ephesians
             ;
             
             
               I
               beseech
               you
               that
               you
               walk
               worthy
               the
               vocation
               wherewith
               ye
               are
               called
            
             :
             The
             Reason
             he
             adds
             ;
             
               There
               is
               
               but
               one
               Lord
               ,
               one
               faith
               ,
               one
               Baptisme
               ,
               one
               God
               and
               Father
               of
               all
               ,
               who
               is
               above
               all
               ,
               and
               through
               all
               ,
               and
               in
               you
               all
               .
            
             These
             words
             are
             sufficient
             to
             establish
             us
             christianly
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             suffering
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             to
             bear
             all
             with
             sweetness
             ,
             peace
             and
             tranquillity
             of
             spirit
             ,
             even
             with
             esteem
             and
             respect
             .
             We
             need
             no
             other
             object
             for
             our
             eyes
             ,
             nor
             other
             thought
             in
             our
             heart
             ,
             but
             there
             is
             but
             
               one
               Lord
            
             ,
             this
             Lord
             is
             God
             ,
             this
             God
             is
             our
             Father
             ,
             this
             Father
             is
             
               above
               all
            
             .
             In
             these
             words
             we
             shall
             learn
             in
             what
             
               respect
               ,
               subjection
            
             and
             esteem
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             all
             the
             contrarieties
             and
             sufferings
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             We
             may
             look
             upon
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             examine
             what
             is
             the
             essence
             of
             the
             true
             spirit
             of
             piety
             ;
             we
             shall
             find
             that
             sufferings
             is
             the
             principall
             ,
             its
             life
             ,
             and
             its
             continuance
             ,
             and
             its
             
               maintenance
               .
               My
               Son
            
             ,
             sayes
             the
             wise
             man
             ,
             
             going
             to
             the
             service
             of
             God
             ,
             
               keep
               thy self
               just
               and
               in
               fear
               ,
               and
               prepare
               thy
               soul
               to
               temptation
               ,
            
             adding
             ,
             
               Take
               all
               that
               shall
               be
               imposed
               on
               thee
               ,
               suffer
               pain
               with
               patience
               and
               humility
               .
            
             St.
             Paul
             more
             clearly
             describes
             this
             ,
             when
             speaking
             of
             the
             persecutions
             he
             had
             suffered
             ,
             
             he
             adds
             ,
             
               And
               all
               those
            
             also
             ,
             
               who
               will
               live
               godly
               in
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               shall
               suffer
               persecution
               ,
            
             which
             must
             be
             understood
             of
             all
             sorts
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             both
             inward
             and
             outward
             .
             For
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             is
             no
             other
             
             then
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             .
             This
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             common
             phrase
             ,
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               grace
            
             .
             Jesus
             was
             alwayes
             in
             humiliation
             ,
             and
             sufferings
             ;
             he
             loved
             from
             all
             eternity
             ,
             seeing
             that
             from
             all
             eternity
             he
             was
             resolved
             to
             
               be
               man
            
             ;
             he
             is
             reinvested
             therein
             
               becoming
               man
               ,
               humiliation
            
             and
             sufferings
             were
             the
             centre
             of
             his
             life
             .
             It
             is
             enough
             to
             honour
             pains
             ,
             humiliation
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             to
             say
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               hath
               born
               them
            
             ;
             and
             as
             the
             Christian
             must
             be
             the
             image
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             so
             must
             he
             bear
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             all
             sorts
             of
             commotions
             ,
             pains
             ,
             humiliations
             and
             sufferings
             .
             
             
               As
               we
               have
               born
               the
               earthly
               Image
               of
               the
               earthly
            
             Adam
             ,
             let
             us
             
               also
               bear
               the
               image
               of
               the
               heavenly
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             meaning
             that
             we
             must
             reinvest
             us
             with
             his
             Vertues
             ,
             that
             
               our
               life
            
             may
             be
             an
             express
             image
             of
             
               his
               life
            
             ,
             which
             appearing
             alwayes
             in
             
               desertions
               ,
               lowness
            
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             so
             ours
             must
             be
             but
             the
             same
             state
             of
             sufferings
             .
             What
             honour
             is
             it
             to
             a
             Christian
             to
             weare
             the
             Livery
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ?
             what
             happiness
             to
             follow
             his
             steps
             ?
             we
             are
             his
             members
             ,
             he
             is
             our
             Head
             ;
             were
             it
             not
             a
             shame
             to
             see
             the
             body
             decked
             with
             flowers
             ,
             bathed
             in
             delights
             ,
             and
             the
             head
             crowned
             with
             Thorns
             ?
             we
             are
             his
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             must
             possess
             one
             heritage
             with
             him
             ;
             is
             it
             not
             reason
             then
             that
             we
             should
             be
             like
             him
             ,
             and
             imitate
             his
             conflicts
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             participate
             
             of
             his
             
               Triumphs
               ?
               We
               are
               co-heires
               with
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             saith
             the
             
               Apostle
               ,
               if
               we
               suffer
               with
               him
               ,
               that
               we
               may
               be
               also
               glorified
               with
               him
               .
            
             Whatsoever
             it
             be
             ,
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             hath
             so
             ordered
             it
             in
             Christianity
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             will
             
               follow
               him
            
             ,
             must
             
               renounce
               himself
            
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             his
             Crosse.
             They
             are
             deceived
             ,
             who
             think
             to
             attain
             
               true
               piety
            
             with
             delights
             ,
             who
             refuse
             all
             sorts
             of
             pains
             and
             mortifications
             ,
             who
             take
             care
             for
             peace
             ,
             repose
             and
             health
             ,
             who
             onely
             study
             to
             frame
             to
             themselves
             an
             
               easie
               life
            
             ;
             and
             seek
             for
             ease
             in
             their
             labours
             ,
             and
             quiet
             in
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             think
             thereby
             to
             make
             a
             great
             progress
             in
             perfection
             .
             No
             no!
             vertue
             walks
             onely
             amongst
             the
             thorns
             ;
             and
             amidst
             the
             travails
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             flesh
             ,
             and
             the
             vices
             of
             the
             world
             .
             She
             must
             tame
             her self
             by
             watchings
             and
             mortifications
             ;
             and
             the
             happiness
             of
             a
             Christian
             is
             onely
             in
             the
             Crosse.
             It
             is
             the
             Livery
             of
             the
             Children
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             mark
             of
             their
             election
             ,
             the
             Plummet
             of
             their
             fidelity
             ,
             and
             the
             onely
             way
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             for
             saith
             St.
             
               Paul
               ,
               We
               must
               enter
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               through
               many
               tribulations
               .
            
             
          
           
             The
             third
             reason
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             can
             operate
             no
             other
             effect
             then
             annihilation
             and
             suffering
             ,
             for
             to
             be
             
               in
               grace
            
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             
               subject
               to
               graces
            
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             grace
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             be
             in
             the
             Crosse.
             For
             
               so
               much
            
             as
             the
             soul
             hath
             of
             
               grace
               ,
               so
               much
            
             she
             
             must
             have
             of
             the
             Crosse.
             The
             Fathers
             of
             the
             Church
             call
             the
             life
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             a
             
               hidden
               Martyrdom
            
             ,
             which
             is
             easie
             to
             conceive
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             consisteth
             in
             a
             
               crucifying
               love
            
             ,
             a
             love
             like
             that
             of
             the
             spouse
             ,
             
             who
             cryes
             ,
             
               I
               charge
               you
               O
               ye
               Daughters
               of
               Ierusalem
               ,
               if
               you
               find
               my
               beloved
               ,
               that
               you
               tell
               him
               ,
               that
               I
               am
               sick
               of
               love
               ,
            
             love
             which
             pierceth
             the
             soul
             ,
             which
             transports
             and
             transforms
             it
             into
             its
             
               object
               Iesus
            
             ;
             love
             which
             combates
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             triumphs
             over
             death
             .
             Behold
             this
             combate
             of
             love
             .
             God
             loves
             us
             ,
             gives
             us
             his
             love
             ,
             makes
             us
             suffer
             to
             prove
             the
             faithfulness
             of
             our
             love
             ;
             the
             soul
             that
             suffereth
             
               because
               she
               loves
            
             ,
             willingly
             throwes
             her self
             into
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             defies
             all
             labours
             ,
             that
             in
             her
             sufferings
             she
             may
             express
             her
             
               love
               .
               Iesus
            
             did
             so
             at
             the
             evening
             of
             his
             death
             ,
             when
             he
             went
             to
             sacrifice
             himself
             upon
             the
             Altar
             of
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             when
             he
             said
             to
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             
             
               To
               the
               end
               ,
               the
               World
               may
               know
               that
               I
               love
               my
               Father
               ,
               and
               do
               as
               he
               hath
               commanded
               me
               ,
               arise
               and
               let
               us
               go
               hence
               ,
            
             whence
             he
             went
             to
             the
             Garden
             of
             Olives
             ,
             to
             
               deliver
               himself
            
             willingly
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             his
             enemies
             :
             where
             he
             shewed
             that
             love
             was
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             sufferings
             ,
             his
             sufferings
             the
             marks
             of
             his
             love
             .
             Howsoever
             it
             be
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             Christian
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             love
             God
             ,
             cannot
             stand
             together
             ,
             and
             to
             
               love
               God
            
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             suffer
             is
             impossible
             .
          
           
           
             The
             spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             proper
             grace
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             puts
             us
             into
             this
             necessity
             ;
             for
             the
             first
             and
             most
             
               inseparable
               effect
            
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             is
             to
             destroy
             in
             us
             the
             
               old
               man
            
             ,
             and
             to
             crucifie
             him
             ,
             there
             to
             make
             the
             
               new
               man
            
             to
             live
             ,
             who
             according
             to
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             is
             no
             other
             then
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             we
             know
             that
             grace
             must
             necessarily
             destroy
             our
             evill
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             will
             purifie
             and
             consume
             ,
             after
             the
             manner
             that
             he
             pleases
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             as
             
               he
               will
            
             ,
             the
             being
             and
             life
             of
             Adam
             ,
             who
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             there
             to
             establish
             a
             being
             and
             a
             life
             of
             God.
             Now
             this
             cannot
             be
             but
             by
             sufferings
             ,
             by
             subversions
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             long
             and
             painfull
             death
             ,
             and
             therefore
             the
             Master
             of
             Christians
             said
             to
             the
             
               Galatians
               ,
               Those
               that
               are
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               have
               crucify'd
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             
             the
             sins
             ,
             the
             passions
             and
             concupiscenses
             ,
             shewing
             that
             those
             who
             are
             Gods
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             grace
             ,
             are
             crucify'd
             ,
             and
             must
             necessarily
             be
             in
             the
             state
             of
             sufferings
             and
             subversions
             .
             And
             immediately
             after
             ,
             he
             tells
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             Christians
             and
             
               Children
               of
               God
            
             ,
             not
             onely
             to
             live
             in
             this
             estate
             ,
             but
             withall
             ,
             by
             a
             necessity
             so
             absolute
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             say
             ,
             that
             those
             who
             are
             belonging
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             are
             known
             to
             be
             such
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             crucified
             and
             mortified
             their
             flesh
             and
             passions
             ,
             more
             then
             those
             who
             have
             not
             mortification
             ,
             and
             who
             avoid
             and
             
               neglect
               it
            
             ,
             and
             therefore
             belong
             
             long
             not
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             conclusion
             is
             manifest
             in
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             who
             said
             ,
             
               If
               any
               of
               you
               have
               not
               the
               spirit
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             
               he
               is
               none
               of
               his
            
             .
             Now
             this
             spirit
             is
             no
             other
             then
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               sufferings
               ,
               subversions
               ,
               contrarieties
               ,
               oppositions
            
             and
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             and
             therefore
             he
             that
             will
             be
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             must
             resolve
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             though
             he
             be
             not
             oblig'd
             to
             demand
             it
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             he
             must
             embrace
             it
             with
             esteem
             ,
             and
             receive
             it
             with
             love
             and
             courage
             ,
             when
             it
             befalls
             him
             ,
             for
             that
             it
             is
             necessary
             to
             establish
             him
             in
             vertue
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             may
             see
             what
             deceipt
             is
             crept
             into
             Christians
             ,
             who
             making
             profession
             of
             some
             piety
             ,
             instead
             of
             profiting
             by
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             receiving
             them
             with
             esteem
             have
             no
             greater
             care
             then
             to
             exempt
             themselves
             from
             them
             ,
             seeking
             nothing
             but
             their
             own
             inward
             and
             
               outward
               content
            
             ,
             and
             labouring
             to
             live
             in
             a
             satisfaction
             and
             
               repose
               of
               spirit
            
             ,
             they
             fly
             all
             sorts
             of
             pains
             ,
             and
             remove
             themselves
             as
             much
             as
             they
             can
             from
             all
             trouble
             ,
             be
             it
             never
             so
             little
             ,
             and
             renounce
             and
             avoid
             all
             occupations
             and
             occasions
             that
             may
             mortifie
             them
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             cannot
             help
             themselves
             ,
             nor
             find
             any
             remedy
             ,
             then
             there
             is
             nothing
             but
             
               vexation
               of
               spirit
            
             ,
             murmuring
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             impatient
             in
             their
             words
             ,
             and
             excessive
             in
             their
             plaints
             ,
             suffering
             themselves
             to
             fall
             into
             a
             dulness
             and
             weakness
             ,
             unworthy
             a
             Christian
             .
             
             To
             live
             so
             as
             to
             become
             uncapable
             of
             any
             
               solid
               vertues
            
             is
             the
             mark
             of
             a
             heart
             which
             is
             
               not
               Gods
            
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             soul
             which
             loves
             but
             it self
             .
             Let
             us
             then
             hearken
             to
             the
             decree
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             
             
               He
               that
               loves
               his
               life
               shall
               lose
               it
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               hates
               his
               life
               in
               this
               world
               ,
               shall
               keep
               it
               unto
               life
               eternall
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             How
             the
             fear
             of
             suffering
             drawes
             us
             from
             the
             way
             of
             perfection
             .
          
           
             HAving
             in
             describing
             the
             way
             to
             perfection
             ,
             shewed
             the
             obstacles
             therein
             ,
             it
             will
             not
             be
             necessary
             to
             speak
             farther
             of
             it
             ,
             were
             it
             not
             that
             the
             subject
             of
             sufferings
             obliges
             us
             thereto
             .
             Hitherto
             we
             have
             seen
             how
             all
             that
             is
             of
             Adam
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             life
             of
             Adam
             ,
             hinders
             us
             from
             pleasing
             God
             ,
             for
             man
             as
             the
             Child
             of
             Adam
             is
             the
             child
             of
             wrath
             ,
             the
             object
             of
             divine
             Iustice
             ,
             degraded
             from
             all
             favours
             ;
             his
             fall
             is
             so
             deplorable
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             uncapable
             of
             raising
             himself
             up
             to
             God
             his
             
               supernaturall
               end
            
             ,
             if
             not
             aided
             by
             grace
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             were
             not
             engrafted
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             the
             stock
             into
             the
             vine
             ,
             and
             lived
             not
             his
             life
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             
               life
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             a
             life
             that
             the
             Apostle
             calls
             the
             life
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
             
             
               for
               they
               that
               are
               in
               the
               flesh
               ,
               cannot
               
               please
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               works
            
             of
             the
             flesh
             are
             called
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             
             
               dead
               works
            
             .
             Now
             if
             we
             contemplate
             this
             world
             in
             the
             curse
             of
             sin
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             that
             all
             creatures
             have
             conspired
             against
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             aire
             is
             full
             of
             our
             enemies
             ,
             that
             all
             things
             may
             be
             the
             instruments
             of
             our
             ruine
             ,
             wherefore
             our
             obstructions
             in
             the
             way
             of
             perfection
             are
             infinite
             ,
             but
             the
             greatest
             are
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             of
             our selves
             .
          
           
             One
             of
             the
             greatest
             is
             ,
             a
             fear
             to
             suffer
             pains
             ,
             an
             apprehension
             of
             shame
             and
             confusion
             .
             For
             commonly
             ,
             we
             stand
             in
             fear
             of
             crosses
             and
             
               travails
               ,
               self-love
            
             causing
             us
             to
             shun
             all
             that
             humbles
             us
             ,
             making
             us
             to
             fly
             what
             ever
             is
             low
             ,
             and
             hindring
             us
             from
             embracing
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             difficult
             .
             This
             fear
             is
             a
             great
             obstacle
             to
             vertue
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             attain'd
             but
             by
             travel
             ,
             nor
             preserv'd
             but
             by
             viglancy
             ,
             nor
             perfected
             but
             in
             humility
             and
             privation
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             common
             resentment
             of
             all
             men
             .
             We
             see
             also
             by
             experience
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             
               fears
               labour
            
             and
             suffering
             ,
             often
             fails
             of
             goodness
             ,
             and
             willingly
             renounces
             it
             ,
             when
             he
             finds
             any
             trouble
             to
             conserve
             it
             .
             He
             easily
             quits
             the
             rudder
             when
             he
             sees
             the
             least
             storm
             of
             temptation
             ,
             or
             opposite
             action
             arise
             ,
             and
             rather
             then
             suffer
             humiliation
             ,
             he
             will
             quit
             vertue
             ,
             and
             if
             there
             be
             occasion
             ,
             renounce
             his
             portion
             of
             Paradise
             ,
             rather
             then
             the
             pleasure
             and
             content
             he
             takes
             in
             doing
             his
             own
             
             will
             ,
             rather
             then
             his
             own
             quiet
             and
             repose
             .
             We
             see
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             Christians
             dare
             not
             enter
             into
             consideration
             of
             their
             
               lives
               past
            
             ,
             nor
             reflect
             seriously
             on
             their
             sins
             ,
             nor
             think
             of
             death
             ,
             or
             
               future
               estate
            
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             meerly
             by
             reason
             of
             fear
             to
             suffer
             sorrow
             for
             their
             sins
             .
             That
             they
             may
             not
             be
             sensible
             of
             the
             apprehension
             they
             ought
             to
             have
             of
             God's
             Iudgements
             ,
             they
             will
             not
             so
             much
             as
             think
             thereon
             .
             Hereupon
             they
             persevere
             in
             their
             malice
             ,
             and
             remain
             finally
             obstinate
             in
             their
             sins
             ,
             living
             in
             ignorance
             of
             things
             necessary
             to
             salvation
             ;
             so
             true
             it
             is
             that
             the
             least
             fear
             of
             pains
             withdraws
             them
             from
             vertue
             .
          
           
             To
             see
             how
             much
             this
             fear
             is
             prejudiciall
             ,
             let
             us
             consider
             that
             to
             the
             acquisition
             and
             conservation
             of
             vertues
             two
             things
             are
             necessary
             which
             require
             both
             travel
             and
             pain
             .
             First
             ,
             we
             must
             destroy
             ill
             habits
             ,
             next
             ,
             we
             must
             acquire
             vertuous
             habits
             ;
             We
             cannot
             ruine
             the
             evil
             without
             mortification
             ,
             and
             consequently
             pains
             and
             sufferings
             ;
             we
             cannot
             root
             them
             out
             without
             privation
             and
             resignation
             ,
             wherein
             is
             both
             travel
             and
             the
             cross
             .
             But
             if
             we
             will
             obtain
             good
             habits
             ,
             and
             practise
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ,
             and
             all
             in
             grace
             ,
             then
             we
             must
             have
             a
             great
             
               care
               ,
               vigilancy
            
             and
             strength
             of
             courage
             to
             resist
             all
             oppositions
             ,
             that
             
               nature
               ,
               inclinations
            
             ,
             or
             occasions
             present
             unto
             us
             .
             And
             although
             vertue
             be
             
               beautifull
               ,
               sweet
            
             ,
             
             and
             acceptable
             ,
             yet
             she
             finds
             contrarieties
             ,
             and
             then
             she
             needs
             resolution
             to
             use
             violence
             ,
             
             and
             to
             come
             to
             the
             point
             whereof
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             spake
             ,
             when
             he
             said
             ,
             
               If
               thy
               right
               eye
               offend
               thee
               ,
               pluck
               it
               out
               ,
               and
               cast
               it
               behind
               thee
               ;
               if
               thy
               right
               hand
               offend
               thee
               ,
               cut
               if
               off
            
             ;
             words
             which
             shew
             the
             pain
             and
             travel
             a
             Christian
             is
             obliged
             to
             undergo
             to
             root
             out
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             tear
             from
             his
             soul
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             contrary
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             God
             and
             vertue
             ,
             words
             which
             condemn
             our
             delicates
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             
               fear
               labour
            
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             excusing
             themselves
             by
             their
             
               weakness
               of
               nature
            
             .
             To
             comprehend
             the
             importance
             of
             this
             advice
             ;
             Let
             us
             lift
             up
             our
             eyes
             to
             the
             contemplation
             of
             the
             truth
             and
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             there
             we
             shall
             learn
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             
               God
               ,
               that
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               heaven
               is
               gained
               by
               violence
               ,
            
             that
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             is
             grounded
             upon
             suffering
             ,
             that
             the
             perfection
             is
             in
             love
             ,
             in
             
               love
               crucifying
            
             ;
             that
             all
             the
             wayes
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             operations
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             consist
             in
             privation
             and
             resignation
             ,
             and
             consequently
             in
             the
             cross
             .
             Whence
             it
             necessarily
             follows
             ,
             that
             they
             who
             fly
             sufferings
             and
             humiliation
             ,
             seeking
             onely
             a
             sweet
             
               pleasant
               life
            
             ,
             fearing
             pains
             and
             travel
             ,
             do
             by
             this
             fear
             ,
             make
             themselves
             
               unworthy
               of
               God
            
             ,
             who
             reigneth
             on
             the
             cross
             ,
             and
             is
             onely
             found
             in
             the
             thorns
             of
             the
             
               fiery
               bush
            
             .
             They
             withdraw
             themselves
             from
             the
             
               Kingdom
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             which
             agrees
             with
             annihilation
             ;
             
             they
             shut
             their
             heart
             against
             love
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             more
             to
             be
             lamented
             ,
             go
             out
             of
             the
             
               order
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             conformity
             ,
             they
             ought
             to
             have
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             crucified
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             object
             ,
             the
             way
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             
               perfect
               Christians
            
             ,
             and
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             cannot
             conduct
             our
             selves
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             way
             of
             annihilating
             ,
             of
             suffering
             and
             humiliation
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             way
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             his
             life
             and
             essence
             .
             Here
             may
             these
             
               delicate
               persons
            
             see
             how
             their
             faint-heartedness
             deceives
             them
             .
             Let
             us
             then
             take
             heed
             ,
             and
             seriously
             consider
             the
             sentence
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             pronounces
             against
             them
             :
             
               He
               that
               takes
               not
               up
               his
               cross
               and
               follows
               me
               ,
            
             
             
               is
               not
               worthy
               of
               me
            
             .
             To
             fear
             sufferings
             to
             fly
             humiliation
             ,
             to
             refuse
             the
             communication
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             to
             make
             our selves
             unworthy
             and
             uncapable
             of
             all
             his
             
               divine
               operations
            
             of
             grace
             ;
             for
             God
             cannot
             communicate
             himself
             to
             the
             soul
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             grace
             ,
             but
             he
             will
             cause
             therein
             annihilation
             and
             humility
             .
             All
             the
             operations
             of
             grace
             can
             have
             no
             effects
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             but
             those
             of
             
               humility
               ,
               abnegation
            
             and
             
               death
               .
               Grace
            
             must
             operate
             in
             the
             souls
             ,
             that
             which
             death
             doth
             in
             the
             body
             .
             This
             is
             so
             known
             a
             truth
             ,
             that
             all
             that
             speak
             of
             grace
             ,
             unless
             that
             it
             's
             proper
             and
             principall
             effect
             ,
             is
             to
             give
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             make
             God
             live
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             place
             therein
             his
             love
             and
             favour
             .
             It
             is
             impossible
             for
             God
             to
             operate
             all
             that
             in
             us
             ,
             without
             
               annihilations
               ,
               
               subversions
               ,
               humiliations
            
             and
             death
             ;
             unless
             he
             pluck
             the
             love
             of
             our
             selves
             and
             the
             Creatures
             from
             our
             hearts
             ,
             he
             cannot
             plant
             his
             own
             therein
             .
             If
             he
             kill
             not
             in
             us
             the
             
               old
               Adam
            
             ,
             never
             will
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             live
             in
             us
             .
             God
             cannot
             dwell
             in
             us
             ,
             if
             he
             do
             not
             annihilate
             and
             consume
             the
             impurities
             and
             malice
             of
             our
             souls
             .
             Thus
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             to
             produce
             its
             effects
             in
             us
             ,
             requires
             an
             estate
             of
             submission
             and
             death
             .
             They
             therefore
             deceive
             themselves
             ,
             who
             think
             they
             are
             in
             grace
             ,
             yet
             bear
             no
             mark
             at
             all
             of
             this
             grace
             ,
             for
             if
             it
             be
             in
             a
             soul
             ,
             it
             will
             infallibly
             produce
             the
             effects
             proper
             to
             it
             ,
             if
             it
             produce
             nothing
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             sign
             it
             is
             not
             there
             .
          
           
             Herein
             also
             appeares
             the
             wrong
             that
             the
             fear
             of
             suffering
             causeth
             to
             Christians
             ,
             How
             much
             do
             souls
             separate
             themselves
             from
             God
             ,
             who
             seek
             no
             other
             consolation
             ,
             satisfaction
             and
             enjoyment
             but
             their
             own
             ,
             and
             labour
             onely
             to
             put
             themselves
             into
             a
             certain
             repose
             ,
             thinking
             that
             perfection
             consists
             in
             this
             false
             rest
             ,
             and
             never
             to
             suffer
             any
             
               crosse
               ,
               affliction
            
             or
             temptation
             .
             No
             no
             ,
             Earth
             is
             the
             place
             of
             
               combate
               ;
               Christian
               life
            
             is
             the
             death
             of
             man
             ;
             
               perfect
               love
            
             ,
             like
             the
             Phenix
             ,
             seeks
             death
             ,
             and
             findes
             life
             in
             the
             same
             flames
             ;
             the
             Crosse
             gave
             grace
             ,
             grace
             now
             giveth
             the
             crosse
             ,
             the
             sacred
             spouse
             saith
             ,
             she
             is
             fair
             but
             brown
             ,
             
             scorched
             with
             the
             burning
             beauty
             of
             
               divine
               
               love
            
             .
             He
             that
             cannot
             suffer
             ,
             cannot
             love
             ,
             he
             that
             cannot
             love
             ,
             is
             not
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             the
             name
             of
             a
             Christian.
             It
             is
             love
             that
             triumph'd
             over
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             annihilated
             him
             to
             the
             condition
             of
             our
             mortality
             ,
             it
             is
             love
             that
             humbled
             him
             ,
             even
             to
             our
             lowness
             and
             infirmities
             ,
             it
             is
             love
             that
             crucified
             him
             ;
             Christianity
             hath
             no
             other
             love
             or
             grace
             .
          
           
             If
             then
             the
             Christian
             will
             love
             ,
             if
             he
             will
             be
             subject
             to
             the
             
               Kingdom
               of
               grace
            
             ,
             he
             must
             defie
             all
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             couragiously
             embrace
             all
             that
             shall
             befall
             him
             ,
             for
             love
             overthrowes
             all
             ,
             and
             triumphs
             over
             the
             soul.
             If
             she
             flatter
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             hurt
             ,
             if
             it
             hurt
             it
             is
             to
             kill
             ,
             so
             they
             who
             seek
             true
             and
             solid
             piety
             ,
             must
             not
             behold
             God
             but
             in
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             nor
             consider
             grace
             but
             in
             humility
             and
             
               sufferings
               .
               My
               well-beloved
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             spouse
             in
             the
             Canticles
             ,
             
             
               is
               a
               bundle
               of
               myrrhe
            
             ;
             she
             confesses
             she
             fainted
             and
             dyed
             in
             the
             communications
             of
             love
             ,
             she
             received
             from
             her
             God.
             For
             when
             the
             spouse
             had
             given
             her
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             ordained
             charity
             in
             her
             ,
             she
             instantly
             adds
             ,
             
               stay
               me
               with
               flaggons
            
             ,
             
             
               comfort
               me
               with
               apples
               ,
               for
               I
               am
               sick
               of
               love
               .
            
             The
             greatness
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             infinity
             of
             his
             being
             ,
             his
             divine
             spirit
             are
             so
             powerful
             ,
             that
             if
             he
             never
             so
             little
             communicate
             himself
             to
             the
             soul
             by
             the
             purity
             of
             love
             and
             grace
             ,
             He
             is
             able
             to
             annihilate
             and
             consume
             her
             .
             For
             if
             he
             apply
             himself
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             without
             
             proportioning
             himself
             to
             its
             capacity
             ,
             he
             cannot
             be
             supported
             ,
             for
             he
             overwhelms
             and
             ruines
             the
             created
             ,
             being
             by
             this
             power
             infinite
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             predominating
             over
             a
             being
             so
             small
             ,
             so
             subjected
             to
             his
             power
             .
             In
             fine
             ,
             it
             would
             swallow
             up
             and
             consume
             it
             ,
             if
             he
             did
             not
             proportion
             his
             operation
             to
             our
             weakness
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             gave
             us
             not
             a
             capacity
             and
             force
             to
             bear
             it
             .
             But
             whatsoever
             he
             doth
             ,
             if
             he
             communicate
             himself
             ,
             he
             alwayes
             annihilates
             ,
             if
             he
             giveth
             grace
             ,
             he
             changeth
             the
             man
             ,
             if
             he
             giveth
             light
             ,
             he
             humbles
             him
             ,
             if
             he
             make
             him
             to
             bear
             his
             love
             he
             wounds
             him
             .
             Thus
             the
             soul
             that
             will
             love
             God
             ,
             must
             love
             sufferings
             ;
             he
             that
             will
             love
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             must
             lose
             himself
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             himself
             to
             receive
             
               divine
               operations
            
             .
             He
             that
             will
             beare
             the
             light
             of
             truth
             ,
             must
             humble
             himself
             ,
             seeing
             God
             doth
             not
             manifest
             himself
             but
             to
             the
             humble
             of
             spirit
             ,
             and
             that
             all
             the
             works
             of
             God
             bear
             his
             Crosse
             in
             humility
             .
             Hence
             we
             learn
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             necessary
             we
             esteem
             the
             Crosse
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             embrace
             them
             with
             joy
             and
             fervour
             of
             spirit
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             further
             observe
             that
             
               sufferings
               ,
               subversions
               ,
               losses
            
             and
             humiliations
             ,
             and
             other
             misfortunes
             of
             humane
             life
             ,
             are
             necessary
             to
             a
             Christian
             ,
             to
             keep
             him
             steadfast
             amidst
             the
             deceits
             and
             blandishments
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             subtleties
             and
             surprizes
             of
             the
             Devill
             .
             By
             these
             
             wayes
             which
             we
             call
             rigorous
             ,
             God
             severs
             us
             from
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             takes
             us
             from
             kindness
             to
             the
             creatures
             ;
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             these
             losses
             and
             subversions
             as
             of
             gall
             and
             bitterness
             to
             mingle
             with
             the
             sweets
             that
             the
             creatures
             present
             to
             us
             .
             He
             uses
             humiliation
             and
             affliction
             to
             abate
             our
             pride
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             do
             leave
             us
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             humble
             us
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             this
             ,
             he
             is
             most
             mercifull
             to
             us
             ,
             whereof
             they
             are
             unworthy
             ,
             who
             fear
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             for
             love
             of
             themselves
             ,
             oppose
             the
             love
             that
             God
             bears
             them
             ,
             and
             destroy
             what
             God
             would
             do
             for
             their
             good
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             by
             these
             losses
             and
             eversions
             ,
             by
             sufferings
             and
             
               humiliations
               ,
               privations
            
             and
             abnegations
             ,
             God
             delivers
             us
             from
             the
             nets
             and
             snares
             of
             the
             Devil
             .
             This
             enemy
             of
             our
             salvation
             seldom
             tempts
             us
             but
             in
             the
             Principles
             of
             nature
             ,
             and
             our
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             against
             our selves
             .
             Now
             he
             is
             unable
             to
             do
             us
             evil
             ,
             and
             is
             deceived
             in
             his
             malice
             .
             When
             God
             vouchsafes
             to
             annihilate
             us
             ,
             and
             put
             us
             into
             the
             wayes
             of
             suffering
             ,
             of
             desertion
             ,
             of
             humiliations
             ;
             or
             when
             of
             our
             selves
             we
             give
             our
             selves
             to
             the
             study
             of
             mortifications
             ,
             to
             exercises
             of
             humility
             and
             to
             the
             practice
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
             of
             repentance
             ;
             for
             through
             these
             mortifications
             ,
             we
             destroy
             in
             us
             whatsoever
             is
             evil
             ,
             and
             pluck
             from
             our
             selves
             that
             which
             serves
             as
             
             an
             instrument
             of
             the
             Devil
             to
             loose
             us
             and
             deceive
             us
             .
          
           
             In
             fine
             ,
             by
             sufferings
             and
             humiliations
             ,
             we
             put
             our
             selves
             out
             of
             hazard
             ,
             and
             are
             shielded
             from
             the
             dangerous
             darts
             ,
             and
             most
             forcible
             temptations
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             a
             thing
             so
             noble
             and
             so
             worthy
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             to
             suffer
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             above
             nature
             ,
             &
             the
             common
             order
             .
             Whence
             it
             comes
             to
             pass
             ,
             that
             the
             Devil
             ,
             who
             cannot
             tempt
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             order
             of
             nature
             ,
             knows
             not
             how
             to
             take
             the
             soul
             that
             lives
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             cross
             .
             But
             if
             he
             will
             assault
             her
             ,
             (
             as
             he
             will
             not
             fail
             to
             do
             )
             it
             will
             be
             against
             her
             sufferings
             ,
             endeavouring
             to
             destroy
             in
             the
             soul
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             suggesting
             to
             her
             temptations
             of
             impatience
             ,
             of
             envy
             ,
             of
             vexation
             ,
             giving
             her
             occasion
             to
             make
             ill
             use
             thereof
             .
             For
             he
             knows
             that
             the
             soul
             is
             in
             assurance
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             danger
             so
             long
             as
             she
             shall
             remain
             faithfull
             to
             her
             sufferings
             ,
             to
             her
             eversions
             and
             humiliations
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             state
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             this
             
               evangelicall
               spirit
            
             is
             a
             wall
             of
             fire
             which
             invironeth
             the
             soul
             ,
             a
             cloud
             that
             covers
             her
             ,
             a
             huckler
             that
             protects
             her
             ,
             and
             humility
             is
             the
             foundation
             that
             upholds
             her
             .
          
           
             Reflecting
             upon
             what
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             we
             see
             it
             is
             a
             great
             impediment
             to
             the
             way
             of
             perfection
             to
             decline
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             care
             
             to
             make
             advantage
             of
             all
             that
             happens
             to
             us
             ,
             to
             receive
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             bear
             all
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             .
             And
             by
             these
             Principles
             ,
             we
             shall
             know
             how
             far
             pusillanimous
             and
             fearfull
             soules
             stray
             from
             
               solid
               vertue
            
             ,
             who
             fear
             all
             things
             ,
             who
             seek
             nothing
             but
             
               delight
               ,
               consolation
            
             and
             satisfaction
             .
             To
             remedy
             these
             abuses
             ,
             let
             us
             see
             with
             what
             dispositions
             we
             must
             receive
             all
             the
             emergencies
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             and
             in
             what
             spirit
             we
             must
             bear
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             Of
             the
             Dispositions
             wherewith
             we
             must
             bear
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             adversities
             of
             humane
             life
             .
          
           
             WHat
             way
             sover
             we
             look
             upon
             man
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             him
             condemn'd
             to
             a
             thousand
             disturbances
             and
             evils
             ;
             his
             life
             is
             a
             perpetuall
             warfare
             ,
             his
             dwelling
             ,
             in
             the
             land
             of
             his
             enemies
             ,
             his
             estate
             consists
             in
             the
             adversities
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             which
             like
             a
             sea
             ,
             full
             of
             rocks
             and
             storms
             ,
             tosseth
             him
             perpetually
             up
             and
             down
             ,
             and
             holds
             him
             in
             
               continuall
               fear
               .
               Dangers
            
             threaten
             him
             ,
             
               miseries
               ,
               sickness
            
             ,
             and
             death
             are
             the
             portion
             of
             his
             
               life
               ,
               sadness
            
             and
             sighes
             his
             ordinary
             entertainment
             ;
             in
             his
             
               greatest
               pleasures
            
             ,
             he
             finds
             a
             
               bitter
               sweet
            
             ,
             some
             misfurtune
             
             is
             always
             present
             ,
             or
             some
             apprehension
             seizes
             him
             ,
             which
             mingles
             the
             sweet
             of
             his
             pleasure
             with
             the
             gall
             of
             some
             misfortune
             ,
             it
             is
             common
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             none
             are
             exempt
             ,
             not
             Kings
             by
             their
             power
             ,
             nor
             the
             Learned
             by
             their
             prudence
             ;
             it
             was
             said
             by
             a
             King
             in
             his
             greatest
             and
             most
             just
             resentments
             ,
             
             
               Truly
               ,
               every
               man
               living
               is
               altogether
               vanity
               :
            
             But
             if
             he
             be
             a
             Christian
             ,
             he
             is
             yet
             more
             subject
             to
             sufferings
             ,
             though
             in
             another
             respect
             ,
             as
             a
             member
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             he
             must
             ,
             like
             his
             head
             ,
             bear
             thorns
             ,
             and
             the
             cross
             ,
             being
             by
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             the
             grace
             flowing
             from
             the
             cross
             ,
             associated
             to
             the
             
               conditions
               ,
               crosses
            
             ,
             and
             sufferings
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             he
             is
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             partakes
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             life
             .
             In
             this
             sense
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             Saint
             Chrysostom
             expounds
             that
             passage
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             
             
               God
               is
               faithfull
               ,
               by
               whom
               you
               have
               been
               called
               to
               the
               fellowship
               of
               his
               son
               Iesus
               Christ
               our
               Lord.
            
             The
             holy
             Apostle
             teaches
             us
             that
             a
             Christian
             is
             associated
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             as
             such
             ,
             he
             must
             have
             no
             other
             portion
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             
               temptations
               ,
               sufferings
            
             ,
             and
             
               desertions
               .
               Let
               no
               man
            
             (
             saith
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             to
             his
             new
             convert
             )
             
               be
               moved
               by
               these
               afflictions
            
             ,
             
             
               for
               your selves
               know
               that
               we
               are
               appointed
               thereunto
               .
            
          
           
             
               Temptations
               ,
               adversities
               ,
               humiliations
            
             ,
             and
             eversions
             are
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             to
             his
             elect
             ,
             tokens
             of
             his
             love
             and
             favour
             ,
             to
             which
             purpose
             
             Saint
             Mark
             furnishes
             us
             with
             a
             pertinent
             Text
             ,
             
             where
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             promising
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             all
             those
             that
             would
             follow
             him
             ,
             rewards
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             proportionable
             to
             his
             Love
             ,
             reckons
             up
             many
             ,
             adding
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             give
             them
             crosses
             and
             persecutions
             ,
             as
             an
             additionall
             of
             his
             love
             and
             favour
             .
             This
             is
             the
             way
             that
             God
             takes
             to
             lead
             us
             to
             heaven
             ,
             the
             means
             he
             uses
             to
             establish
             our
             salvation
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             agreeable
             to
             his
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             .
          
           
             The
             
               Wise
               man
            
             speaking
             of
             the
             just
             ,
             saith
             ,
             
               he
               hath
               tried
               them
               like
               gold
               in
               the
               furnace
               ,
            
             
             and
             hath
             received
             them
             as
             a
             burnt-offering
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             victims
             sacrificed
             to
             the
             supreme
             Essence
             of
             God
             by
             crosses
             and
             humiliations
             .
             God
             operates
             our
             sanctification
             ,
             conserves
             us
             ,
             confirms
             us
             ,
             in
             his
             
               divine
               mercies
            
             .
             There
             needs
             no
             other
             witness
             then
             the
             
               Angel
               Raphael
            
             ,
             when
             he
             said
             to
             
               Tobit
               ,
               Because
               thou
               art
               pleasing
               to
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               it
               was
               necessary
               that
               temptation
               should
               try
               thee
               .
            
             This
             is
             evident
             ,
             that
             the
             state
             of
             sufferings
             is
             necessary
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             it
             imports
             us
             to
             esteem
             of
             them
             ,
             to
             hear
             them
             with
             affection
             ,
             and
             make
             use
             of
             them
             with
             profit
             ,
             for
             God
             hath
             greater
             designes
             over
             souls
             by
             sufferings
             ,
             then
             by
             all
             other
             wayes
             of
             grace
             that
             we
             could
             represent
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             state
             that
             most
             purely
             and
             holily
             honours
             his
             
               divine
               being
            
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             in
             brief
             ,
             
             it
             is
             the
             life
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             therefore
             he
             must
             know
             how
             to
             drink
             of
             the
             cup
             of
             blessing
             ,
             he
             must
             learn
             to
             ascend
             the
             ladder
             that
             reacheth
             from
             earth
             to
             the
             arms
             of
             God.
             And
             to
             apply
             our selves
             thereto
             with
             method
             and
             facility
             ,
             we
             will
             divide
             this
             matter
             into
             three
             dispositions
             which
             accompany
             our
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             the
             state
             of
             the
             soul
             in
             her
             crosses
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             We
             may
             suffer
             according
             to
             divine
             wayes
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             By
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             In
             the
             zeal
             of
             Iustice
             against
             sin
             .
             In
             these
             three
             Dispositions
             we
             shall
             find
             all
             the
             rest
             .
             To
             suffer
             according
             to
             divine
             ways
             belongs
             onely
             to
             souls
             who
             are
             truly
             Gods
             ,
             who
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             dissolved
             in
             his
             love
             .
             To
             suffer
             this
             way
             is
             wholly
             divine
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             wholly
             God's
             ,
             love
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             and
             be
             in
             the
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God.
             To
             have
             this
             
               Disposition
               perfect
            
             ,
             the
             soul
             in
             its
             
               sufferings
               ,
               eversions
            
             and
             humiliation
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             the
             contrarieties
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             must
             have
             no
             other
             thought
             nor
             
               interiour
               state
            
             ,
             but
             to
             suffer
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             the
             pleasure
             of
             God
             she
             should
             suffer
             .
             This
             I
             call
             a
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God
             ,
             she
             suffers
             onely
             to
             praise
             God
             ,
             onely
             because
             God
             hath
             delight
             to
             see
             her
             suffer
             ,
             and
             wills
             that
             she
             should
             suffer
             .
             This
             Dispositition
             is
             the
             state
             that
             the
             
               Wise
               man
            
             calls
             the
             
               Sacrifice
               of
               the
               Holocaust
            
             ,
             
             a
             sacrifice
             killed
             
             and
             layd
             whole
             on
             the
             Altar
             ;
             as
             the
             holocaust
             is
             all
             consumed
             and
             annihilated
             to
             the
             
               glory
               ,
               content
            
             ,
             and
             honour
             of
             God
             alone
             ,
             without
             the
             Creatures
             having
             any
             part
             therein
             ;
             so
             the
             soul
             suffering
             in
             this
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God
             ,
             sacrifices
             her self
             wholly
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             wholly
             consumed
             in
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             God
             ,
             without
             her
             bringing
             or
             receiving
             any
             other
             
               intention
               thought
            
             or
             state
             wherein
             her
             happiness
             doth
             consist
             .
             For
             God
             seeing
             the
             soul
             suffer
             onely
             for
             his
             content
             and
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             gives
             her
             a
             sufficiency
             and
             capacity
             to
             suffer
             with
             so
             much
             liberty
             and
             amplitude
             ,
             that
             she
             no
             longer
             regards
             what
             she
             suffers
             ,
             nor
             thinks
             more
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             but
             only
             thinks
             to
             do
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             God.
             So
             that
             she
             undergoes
             not
             sufferings
             with
             pain
             ,
             but
             with
             love
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             disposition
             that
             beares
             in
             it
             more
             of
             love
             then
             of
             sufferance
             in
             the
             suffering
             it self
             ,
             resigning
             her self
             wholly
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             grace
             ,
             how
             vigorous
             soever
             they
             may
             be
             ,
             thinking
             no
             more
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             but
             believing
             and
             loving
             ;
             and
             in
             this
             disposition
             ,
             love
             is
             the
             life
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             sufferings
             are
             the
             object
             of
             love
             ,
             of
             a
             
               love
               pure
            
             and
             perfect
             .
          
           
             To
             suffer
             according
             to
             divine
             wayes
             ,
             may
             yet
             be
             understood
             in
             another
             manner
             ,
             when
             in
             
               sufferings
               ,
               mortifications
            
             and
             humiliations
             ,
             the
             soul
             is
             such
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             so
             firmly
             united
             ,
             
             that
             all
             things
             in
             the
             World
             are
             painfull
             to
             her
             ,
             all
             is
             unsupportable
             to
             her
             ,
             and
             her
             own
             body
             causes
             her
             to
             sigh
             and
             lament
             ,
             saying
             with
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             
               We
               groan
               within
               our selves
               ,
               waiting
               for
               the
               adoption
               ,
               to
               wit
               ,
               the
               redemption
               of
               our
               body
               .
            
             Every
             where
             she
             findes
             contrariety
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             she
             lives
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             the
             more
             she
             feels
             the
             weight
             of
             the
             Creature
             ;
             all
             her
             repose
             is
             to
             be
             Gods
             ,
             she
             seeks
             not
             ,
             nor
             findes
             any
             thing
             but
             pain
             and
             contrariety
             ,
             for
             she
             findes
             all
             her
             pleasure
             ,
             all
             her
             repose
             and
             content
             to
             be
             in
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             In
             this
             disposition
             the
             soul
             must
             be
             really
             lost
             in
             God
             ,
             for
             she
             no
             more
             beares
             all
             the
             adversities
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             with
             a
             
               divine
               patience
            
             ,
             that
             is
             in
             the
             same
             manner
             that
             God
             beares
             them
             ,
             or
             if
             you
             will
             in
             the
             spirit
             wherewith
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             suffered
             our
             nature
             ,
             our
             sins
             and
             the
             Worlds
             ,
             a
             patience
             which
             we
             must
             adore
             and
             imitate
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             for
             he
             did
             not
             onely
             beare
             them
             ,
             but
             also
             (
             which
             is
             admirable
             in
             the
             excess
             of
             his
             love
             )
             gave
             his
             life
             ,
             a
             
               divine
               life
            
             for
             our
             sins
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             same
             patience
             ,
             bearing
             the
             contrariety
             that
             his
             divine
             and
             
               infinite
               essence
            
             hath
             to
             all
             impure
             and
             
               limited
               creatures
            
             ,
             he
             acted
             with
             the
             creature
             ,
             laboured
             and
             died
             for
             it
             .
          
           
             This
             patience
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             is
             the
             beginning
             and
             cause
             of
             our
             happiness
             ,
             this
             patience
             
             is
             the
             cause
             that
             all
             the
             just
             and
             holy
             that
             ever
             were
             in
             the
             
               Church
               militant
            
             ,
             have
             born
             all
             adversities
             with
             peace
             and
             meekness
             ;
             this
             patience
             must
             alwayes
             make
             us
             to
             suffer
             all
             the
             rigours
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             but
             after
             a
             manner
             so
             much
             more
             perfect
             and
             divine
             as
             the
             soul
             hath
             received
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             is
             advanced
             in
             the
             way
             of
             perfection
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             that
             the
             soul
             is
             possessed
             of
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             the
             same
             measure
             the
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             ,
             must
             be
             pure
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             she
             must
             remain
             more
             resign'd
             to
             the
             designes
             of
             God
             ,
             more
             divided
             from
             all
             Creatures
             .
             In
             this
             point
             consisteth
             the
             
               principall
               subject
            
             to
             be
             examined
             ,
             whereby
             to
             know
             the
             fidelity
             of
             the
             soul.
             He
             that
             would
             know
             the
             way
             to
             make
             use
             of
             this
             
               divine
               spirit
            
             ,
             must
             learn
             it
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             rule
             and
             example
             of
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             all
             that
             he
             did
             ,
             all
             that
             he
             suffered
             ,
             had
             relation
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             to
             the
             exaltation
             of
             his
             name
             ,
             to
             the
             establishment
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             in
             our
             souls
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             he
             lived
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             dyed
             upon
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             onely
             to
             do
             the
             good
             pleasure
             and
             will
             of
             his
             
               Father
               .
               My
               meat
            
             (
             said
             he
             to
             his
             Apostles
             )
             
               is
               to
               do
               the
               will
               of
               him
               that
               sent
               me
            
             :
             
             This
             was
             the
             end
             of
             his
             coming
             and
             of
             his
             incarnation
             .
             Let
             us
             do
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             remember
             ,
             that
             as
             we
             must
             have
             purity
             of
             intention
             in
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             so
             
             must
             we
             in
             all
             our
             suffering
             ,
             have
             a
             pure
             regard
             to
             the
             will
             and
             good
             pleasure
             of
             God.
             When
             we
             shall
             suffer
             (
             whatsoever
             it
             be
             )
             let
             us
             suffer
             it
             ,
             because
             God
             permits
             it
             ,
             or
             so
             appoints
             it
             ,
             or
             because
             he
             will
             shew
             his
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             will
             be
             glorified
             in
             our
             subjection
             .
             Let
             us
             not
             regard
             our
             own
             interest
             ,
             but
             undervalue
             all
             things
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             God.
             Let
             us
             endure
             them
             onely
             in
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             since
             it
             is
             his
             will
             ,
             since
             he
             takes
             pleasure
             to
             see
             us
             in
             sufferings
             and
             in
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             will
             shew
             his
             power
             in
             our
             submission
             .
             Let
             us
             reduce
             all
             our
             intentions
             hither
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             good
             ,
             but
             this
             includes
             all
             the
             rest
             .
             In
             this
             
               disposition
               ,
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             prepared
             himself
             for
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             and
             presented
             himself
             to
             his
             Father
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             offering
             and
             the
             sacrifice
             of
             the
             holocaust
             ,
             
             a
             propitiation
             for
             our
             
               sins
               .
               Thy
               will
               be
               done
               ,
            
             said
             he
             ,
             and
             no
             more
             ;
             let
             us
             say
             the
             same
             in
             all
             events
             ,
             let
             us
             settle
             the
             foundation
             of
             our
             soul
             in
             this
             estate
             and
             disposition
             .
          
           
             To
             this
             we
             must
             add
             a
             
               remarkable
               admonition
            
             for
             those
             who
             will
             profit
             by
             
               sufferings
               ,
               humiliations
            
             ,
             and
             other
             adversities
             of
             humane
             life
             ,
             and
             bear
             them
             with
             faithfulness
             .
             And
             that
             is
             this
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             conditions
             of
             life
             ,
             in
             all
             that
             may
             happen
             to
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             endeavour
             to
             find
             out
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             ,
             the
             designes
             which
             God
             hath
             over
             us
             ,
             in
             all
             that
             he
             does
             or
             permits
             
             to
             be
             done
             ;
             and
             we
             are
             to
             be
             very
             carefull
             to
             receive
             them
             ,
             and
             co-operate
             faithfully
             with
             them
             .
             For
             as
             God
             in
             all
             he
             does
             or
             permits
             ,
             hath
             alwayes
             some
             design
             worthy
             of
             his
             greatness
             and
             goodness
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             the
             duty
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             submit
             her self
             thereto
             ,
             to
             subject
             her self
             according
             to
             all
             her
             capacity
             ,
             that
             with
             an
             intire
             consent
             ,
             she
             may
             act
             with
             God
             ,
             if
             need
             be
             ,
             and
             receive
             with
             fidelity
             all
             things
             according
             to
             the
             designes
             and
             intentions
             of
             God
             :
             as
             for
             instance
             .
             There
             happens
             losses
             and
             ruines
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             see
             if
             God
             by
             these
             losses
             ,
             would
             separate
             and
             sever
             us
             from
             the
             Creatures
             .
             If
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             we
             must
             accept
             them
             with
             this
             disposition
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             our
             endeavour
             to
             sever
             and
             deprive
             our selves
             of
             the
             love
             of
             all
             things
             created
             ,
             because
             that
             by
             the
             losses
             and
             disgraces
             which
             befall
             us
             ,
             we
             see
             that
             this
             is
             the
             design
             of
             God.
             Or
             else
             if
             by
             humiliations
             ,
             and
             interiour
             or
             exteriour
             eversions
             ,
             God
             will
             annihilate
             us
             ,
             let
             us
             consent
             to
             this
             annihilation
             ,
             and
             applying
             our selves
             thereto
             ,
             co-operate
             with
             the
             work
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             extent
             and
             power
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             and
             so
             let
             us
             do
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             diversity
             of
             the
             objects
             .
          
           
             This
             advice
             is
             not
             contrary
             to
             the
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             God
             which
             we
             must
             have
             in
             all
             sufferings
             ,
             for
             in
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             that
             he
             permits
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             the
             end
             for
             
             which
             God
             does
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             cause
             that
             moves
             him
             either
             to
             permit
             it
             or
             
               do
               it
            
             .
             The
             end
             of
             the
             works
             of
             God
             is
             his
             honour
             and
             glory
             ,
             but
             the
             cause
             that
             moves
             him
             in
             his
             operations
             ,
             and
             
               divine
               permissions
            
             ,
             is
             the
             salvation
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             the
             establishment
             and
             communication
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             his
             graces
             ,
             and
             his
             vertues
             .
             We
             must
             here
             do
             as
             before
             ,
             we
             must
             suffer
             ,
             having
             no
             end
             but
             the
             pure
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             glory
             .
             But
             because
             God
             requires
             fidelity
             ,
             and
             will
             establish
             his
             Kingdom
             and
             power
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             it
             is
             also
             our
             duty
             to
             co-operate
             with
             his
             intentions
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             all
             things
             not
             onely
             because
             such
             is
             his
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             but
             also
             in
             the
             manner
             that
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             use
             thereof
             according
             to
             his
             pleasure
             .
          
           
             The
             perfection
             therefore
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             ,
             consisteth
             not
             in
             receiving
             all
             things
             indifferently
             ;
             a
             soul
             is
             not
             perfect
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             insensible
             of
             all
             accidents
             ,
             be
             they
             never
             so
             sad
             and
             miserable
             .
             Perfection
             consists
             not
             in
             a
             
               Stoicall
               apathy
            
             ,
             but
             if
             there
             be
             a
             perfection
             and
             purity
             in
             suffering
             ,
             it
             is
             when
             we
             receive
             all
             things
             in
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             holy
             &
             
               divine
               dispositions
            
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             bear
             them
             after
             that
             manner
             that
             God
             wills
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             designs
             and
             intentions
             of
             God.
             And
             herein
             consists
             the
             first
             and
             
               noblest
               Disposition
            
             ,
             which
             must
             accompany
             
             our
             sufferings
             .
             We
             come
             now
             to
             the
             second
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             How
             we
             ought
             to
             suffer
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             .
          
           
             
             
               IF
               when
               you
               do
               well
               ,
               and
               suffer
               for
               it
               ,
               you
               take
               it
               patiently
               ,
               it
               is
               acceptable
               to
               God
               ,
               for
               hereunto
               were
               you
               called
               ,
               because
               Christ
               also
               suffered
               for
               us
               ,
               leaving
               us
               an
               example
               that
               we
               should
               follow
               his
               steps
               .
            
             In
             these
             words
             full
             of
             efficacy
             and
             truth
             ,
             the
             Prince
             of
             the
             Apostles
             proposes
             the
             motives
             which
             obliege
             us
             to
             suffer
             patiently
             all
             adversities
             and
             afflictions
             which
             occur
             in
             all
             conditions
             of
             this
             life
             .
             He
             saith
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             called
             thereto
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             consequence
             ,
             the
             proper
             condition
             and
             quality
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             binds
             us
             to
             the
             Crosse.
             It
             is
             not
             necessary
             to
             alledge
             proofs
             of
             this
             ,
             seeing
             we
             have
             said
             enough
             already
             .
             For
             the
             
               spirit
               ,
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             whereby
             he
             uses
             to
             save
             us
             ,
             is
             no
             other
             then
             that
             of
             annihilations
             and
             humiliations
             ,
             and
             afflictions
             .
             God
             hath
             try'd
             them
             ,
             and
             found
             them
             worthy
             of
             him
             .
          
           
             The
             Crosse
             and
             sufferings
             is
             then
             the
             lot
             of
             Christians
             ,
             it
             is
             their
             portion
             ,
             and
             they
             must
             make
             such
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             as
             to
             bear
             it
             Christianly
             .
             But
             the
             most
             powerfull
             motive
             the
             Apostle
             
             makes
             use
             of
             to
             teach
             us
             patience
             is
             ,
             when
             he
             sayes
             ,
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             suffered
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             must
             imitate
             him
             ,
             and
             follow
             his
             steps
             ,
             after
             this
             we
             cannot
             in
             reason
             find
             any
             thing
             hard
             .
             If
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             from
             his
             birth
             to
             his
             death
             ,
             hath
             espoused
             the
             sufferings
             and
             embraced
             the
             Cross
             ,
             wherefore
             should
             we
             refuse
             being
             his
             Children
             to
             live
             and
             dye
             as
             he
             did
             ?
             we
             know
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             came
             from
             Heaven
             to
             Earth
             ,
             to
             suffer
             the
             humiliations
             and
             pains
             due
             to
             sins
             and
             sinners
             ,
             and
             that
             He
             would
             by
             this
             low
             estate
             ,
             honour
             his
             Father
             ;
             but
             withall
             ,
             he
             left
             upon
             the
             Earth
             the
             same
             spirit
             to
             honour
             God
             ;
             that
             as
             in
             Heaven
             God
             is
             honoured
             by
             exaltation
             ,
             he
             might
             be
             honoured
             upon
             Earth
             by
             humiliation
             .
             In
             pursuance
             of
             this
             design
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             must
             as
             Christians
             honour
             God
             by
             our
             lowness
             and
             annihilation
             .
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             seeing
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             dyed
             for
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             dye
             for
             him
             ;
             if
             he
             be
             the
             example
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             sayes
             ,
             we
             must
             imitate
             him
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             be
             born
             our
             head
             ,
             according
             to
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             we
             must
             ,
             as
             his
             members
             ,
             bear
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             follow
             his
             motions
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             if
             we
             raign
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             must
             suffer
             with
             him
             ,
             There
             remains
             then
             no
             more
             ,
             then
             to
             know
             the
             spirit
             and
             dispositions
             ,
             where
             with
             we
             must
             receive
             and
             
               bear
               sufferings
            
             .
          
           
           
             We
             have
             said
             ,
             that
             the
             2
             d.
             Disposition
             necessary
             to
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             to
             
               live
               faithfully
            
             in
             the
             adversities
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             is
             to
             bear
             them
             in
             a
             Christian
             way
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             .
             Now
             we
             suffer
             in
             
               Christan
               ways
            
             ,
             when
             we
             suffer
             what
             befalls
             us
             as
             an
             order
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             as
             an
             estate
             prepared
             for
             Christians
             ,
             and
             by
             which
             God
             will
             conduct
             us
             to
             the
             heritage
             of
             Christians
             ;
             so
             that
             according
             to
             this
             Disposition
             ,
             we
             make
             no
             reflection
             at
             all
             on
             our
             sufferings
             ,
             nor
             upon
             the
             estates
             and
             overturnings
             wherein
             we
             are
             ,
             our
             spirit
             onely
             remains
             settled
             and
             fastened
             upon
             the
             thought
             of
             this
             
               truth
               ,
               I
               am
               a
               Christian
               ,
            
             and
             as
             such
             ,
             I
             belong
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             puts
             me
             into
             what
             estate
             he
             pleases
             ;
             and
             because
             I
             am
             oblig'd
             to
             do
             his
             good
             pleasure
             ,
             I
             will
             have
             no
             other
             thought
             then
             to
             resign
             my self
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             do
             with
             me
             according
             to
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             .
             By
             adhering
             to
             this
             truth
             ,
             by
             this
             Disposition
             and
             
               interiour
               estate
            
             ,
             the
             soul
             is
             united
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             the
             members
             are
             to
             their
             head
             ,
             and
             she
             remains
             subject
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             without
             further
             care
             or
             thought
             ,
             then
             that
             she
             is
             God's
             because
             God
             wills
             it
             .
             Herein
             consisteth
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             the
             duty
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian.
            
             
          
           
             This
             Disposition
             is
             pure
             and
             simple
             ,
             and
             produceth
             in
             the
             soul
             a
             
               perfect
               peace
            
             ,
             calm
             and
             repose
             ;
             the
             reason
             of
             it
             consisteth
             in
             that
             
             the
             
               sufferings
               ,
               humiliations
            
             and
             contempts
             are
             the
             centre
             of
             the
             
               Christian
               soul
            
             ,
             as
             things
             created
             have
             no
             repose
             but
             in
             their
             centre
             ,
             so
             the
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             cannot
             have
             the
             true
             repose
             of
             the
             soul
             but
             in
             sufferings
             ;
             and
             in
             this
             Disposition
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             centre
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             because
             the
             
               eternall
               Word
            
             was
             pleased
             to
             place
             his
             estate
             and
             whole
             life
             in
             humiliation
             .
             He
             was
             born
             in
             poverty
             ,
             he
             lived
             in
             contempt
             ,
             he
             died
             upon
             the
             cross
             ,
             all
             the
             passages
             of
             his
             
               way-faring
               life
            
             were
             in
             continuall
             sufferings
             and
             lowness
             ;
             and
             also
             when
             he
             was
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             in
             the
             throne
             of
             the
             greatness
             of
             the
             Divinity
             ,
             he
             entertain'd
             thoughts
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             he
             consents
             to
             death
             ,
             and
             prepares
             himself
             for
             sufferings
             ,
             when
             that
             from
             all
             eternity
             he
             resolv'd
             to
             be
             made
             man
             ,
             and
             to
             invest
             himself
             with
             the
             infirmities
             of
             our
             nature
             ;
             so
             true
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             conditions
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             were
             in
             sufferings
             and
             lowness
             .
             This
             also
             the
             
               centre
               ,
               repose
            
             and
             life
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             the
             estate
             and
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             and
             his
             estates
             are
             contained
             in
             adversities
             ,
             in
             lowness
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             thoughts
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             it
             consequently
             follows
             ,
             that
             the
             centre
             ,
             the
             repose
             of
             a
             Christian
             cannot
             be
             but
             in
             this
             estate
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             same
             condition
             of
             suffering
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             was
             here
             upon
             earth
             .
          
           
           
             When
             we
             say
             that
             the
             centre
             and
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             is
             no
             other
             then
             the
             
               cross
               ,
               annihilations
            
             and
             adversities
             ,
             we
             must
             conceive
             it
             in
             the
             highest
             ,
             and
             consider
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             came
             into
             the
             World
             for
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             to
             satisfie
             his
             
               divine
               Iustice
            
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             sanctification
             of
             our
             souls
             .
             These
             were
             his
             designes
             ,
             desires
             ,
             and
             thoughts
             .
             Now
             ,
             the
             thoughts
             and
             intentions
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             are
             eternall
             and
             permanent
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             divine
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             the
             property
             of
             the
             essence
             and
             of
             
               divine
               actions
            
             to
             be
             immutable
             and
             permanent
             .
             Seeing
             then
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             chosen
             the
             cross
             from
             all
             eternity
             ,
             &
             lived
             upon
             earth
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             ,
             he
             remains
             alwayes
             in
             the
             thoughts
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             in
             the
             desires
             of
             humiliation
             and
             the
             rigour
             of
             death
             ,
             the
             zeal
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             goes
             not
             from
             his
             heart
             ,
             but
             he
             preserves
             this
             spirit
             ,
             and
             offers
             himself
             to
             his
             Father
             ,
             to
             bear
             it
             eternally
             ,
             and
             to
             suffer
             the
             effects
             of
             it
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             .
             This
             zeal
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             unfruitfull
             ;
             this
             offer
             is
             not
             to
             be
             refused
             ,
             and
             yet
             the
             estate
             of
             his
             greatness
             ,
             and
             the
             condition
             of
             his
             glory
             cannot
             permit
             it
             .
             What
             remedy
             ?
             Love
             ,
             alwayes
             wise
             and
             inventive
             ,
             hath
             found
             out
             a
             means
             to
             satisfie
             the
             equity
             of
             his
             desires
             ,
             and
             
               divine
               affection
            
             ,
             and
             the
             Majesty
             of
             his
             glory
             ,
             for
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             hath
             given
             his
             Son
             a
             mysticall
             body
             ,
             
             which
             is
             his
             Church
             ,
             he
             hath
             appointed
             him
             Head
             over
             all
             his
             Church
             ,
             which
             is
             his
             body
             ,
             &
             all
             Christians
             are
             members
             of
             this
             body
             ,
             
             true
             members
             ,
             as
             the
             body
             is
             a
             true
             body
             ,
             though
             a
             
               mysticall
               body
               .
               We
               are
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               members
               of
               his
               body
               ,
               of
               his
               flesh
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               bones
               .
            
             Now
             to
             this
             body
             ,
             and
             these
             members
             ,
             the
             spirit
             and
             zeal
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             communicates
             it self
             by
             the
             designe
             and
             speciall
             counsel
             of
             the
             
               blessed
               Trinity
            
             ;
             In
             pursuit
             of
             this
             divine
             counsel
             ,
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             pours
             into
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             upon
             Christians
             ,
             the
             zeal
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             and
             the
             love
             of
             justice
             ;
             he
             pours
             ,
             it
             out
             as
             he
             pleases
             ,
             distributing
             his
             gifts
             according
             to
             his
             
               holy
               will.
            
             To
             some
             he
             communicates
             his
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             and
             crosses
             ,
             to
             others
             that
             of
             death
             ;
             and
             to
             speak
             more
             generally
             ,
             he
             communicates
             his
             estates
             and
             spirit
             to
             whom
             he
             pleases
             ,
             and
             as
             he
             pleases
             .
             
             So
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               I
               fill
               up
               that
               which
               is
               behind
               of
               the
               afflictions
               of
               Christ
               in
               my
               flesh
            
             ;
             Reflecting
             on
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             shall
             cleerly
             see
             ,
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             is
             no
             other
             then
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             which
             he
             communicates
             to
             his
             Church
             ,
             being
             the
             head
             ,
             and
             to
             Christians
             his
             members
             .
             And
             as
             this
             spirit
             is
             no
             other
             then
             a
             desire
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             love
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             and
             zeal
             of
             justice
             ,
             it
             follows
             ,
             they
             who
             will
             be
             good
             Christians
             ,
             must
             necessarily
             bear
             this
             spirit
             ,
             and
             be
             in
             this
             
             estate
             of
             annihilation
             and
             the
             cross
             ,
             and
             embrace
             all
             adversities
             that
             they
             meet
             with
             ,
             yea
             ,
             embrace
             them
             couragiously
             as
             an
             order
             of
             
               God
               established
            
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             as
             an
             estate
             ,
             which
             is
             singularly
             proper
             for
             them
             :
             In
             this
             Disposition
             they
             shall
             find
             the
             centre
             and
             repose
             of
             their
             souls
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             subjection
             to
             the
             cross
             ,
             they
             shall
             obtain
             the
             peace
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             acquired
             for
             us
             by
             his
             cross
             .
          
           
             We
             may
             also
             say
             ,
             that
             to
             suffer
             Christianly
             ,
             is
             to
             bear
             all
             things
             with
             cheerfulness
             of
             spirit
             ,
             doing
             like
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             who
             
               departed
               ,
               rejoycing
               that
               they
               were
               accounted
               worthy
               to
               suffer
               shame
               for
               his
               Names
               sake
            
             ;
             
             and
             like
             the
             first
             Christians
             ,
             
             who
             took
             joyfully
             the
             spoyling
             of
             their
             goods
             ,
             defied
             torments
             ,
             and
             the
             cruelty
             of
             beasts
             ,
             like
             Saint
             Ignatius
             ;
             the
             burning
             of
             fire
             ,
             as
             Saint
             Lawrence
             ;
             the
             violence
             of
             torments
             ,
             as
             Saint
             Agnes
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Churches
             first
             beginning
             their
             zeal
             to
             suffer
             ,
             was
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             it
             made
             the
             Apostle
             Saint
             Iames
             to
             say
             ,
             
             
               Count
               it
               all
               joy
               when
               you
               fall
               into
               divers
               temptations
               .
            
             This
             advice
             will
             seem
             hard
             ,
             for
             the
             rigours
             of
             the
             cross
             and
             pains
             of
             this
             life
             are
             too
             piercing
             ,
             but
             if
             we
             love
             ,
             all
             will
             be
             easie
             ;
             for
             where
             love
             is
             ,
             saith
             Saint
             Bernard
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             but
             sweetness
             ,
             and
             nothing
             is
             difficult
             to
             him
             that
             loves
             ;
             though
             
               thornes
               guard
            
             and
             encompass
             the
             Rose
             ,
             we
             gather
             it
             notwithstanding
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             its
             beauty
             and
             
             odour
             .
             
             Iacob
             sayes
             ,
             
               he
               served
               seven
               years
               for
               Rachel
               ,
               and
               they
               seemed
               unto
               him
               but
               a
               few
               dayes
               ,
            
             because
             he
             loved
             her
             so
             much
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             insensible
             of
             the
             travail
             .
             He
             also
             that
             will
             suffer
             Christianly
             must
             love
             ,
             for
             he
             that
             cannot
             love
             ,
             cannot
             suffer
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             can
             neither
             suffer
             nor
             love
             ,
             is
             no
             Christian
             ,
             seeing
             that
             love
             is
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             sufferance
             the
             spirit
             of
             love
             .
          
           
             This
             principle
             considered
             ,
             no
             rigours
             that
             we
             find
             in
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             can
             appear
             difficult
             ,
             and
             misfortunes
             and
             pains
             are
             onely
             
               irk
               some
            
             to
             us
             for
             want
             of
             love
             .
             Let
             us
             then
             but
             love
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             all
             be
             easie
             ;
             by
             love
             ,
             the
             sufferings
             of
             Christians
             are
             distinguished
             from
             those
             of
             others
             .
             For
             it
             is
             common
             to
             all
             men
             to
             suffer
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             condition
             of
             their
             being
             ,
             and
             portion
             of
             their
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             they
             think
             themselves
             secure
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             are
             surprised
             with
             misfortunes
             ,
             but
             it
             belongs
             onely
             to
             Christians
             to
             suffer
             with
             love
             .
             The
             sinner
             is
             drawn
             by
             the
             neck
             like
             a
             slave
             ,
             to
             do
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             good
             man
             willingly
             followes
             him
             ,
             and
             findes
             no
             pain
             in
             any
             thing
             ;
             but
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             he
             finds
             comfort
             in
             travail
             ,
             and
             repose
             in
             displeasure
             .
             In
             this
             sense
             the
             Apostle
             cryes
             out
             upon
             sight
             of
             the
             wounds
             and
             scarrs
             he
             endured
             for
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             
             
               Henceforth
               let
               no
               man
               trouble
               me
               ,
               for
               I
               bear
               in
               my
               body
               the
               marks
               of
               the
               Lord
               Iesus
               .
            
             
             And
             elsewhere
             ,
             
               I
               will
               glory
               willingly
               in
               my
               infirmities
               ,
            
             
             
               that
               the
               power
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               may
               dwell
               in
               me
               .
            
             To
             suffer
             in
             this
             disposition
             ,
             is
             to
             suffer
             Christianly
             ,
             or
             else
             let
             us
             say
             ,
             that
             to
             
               suffer
               Christianly
            
             ,
             is
             to
             suffer
             with
             an
             esteem
             of
             sufferings
             .
             There
             are
             divers
             reasons
             why
             we
             should
             take
             and
             well
             esteem
             them
             ,
             but
             the
             principall
             consisteth
             ,
             in
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             chosen
             this
             manner
             of
             life
             as
             a
             way
             that
             honoureth
             more
             divinely
             the
             Majesty
             of
             God
             then
             any
             other
             estate
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             chosen
             this
             way
             from
             all
             eternity
             ,
             and
             by
             consequence
             from
             all
             eternity
             he
             beares
             the
             thoughts
             and
             love
             of
             the
             Cross.
             He
             hath
             chosen
             the
             Cross
             ,
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             he
             hath
             embraced
             it
             from
             the
             first
             moment
             of
             his
             incarnation
             ,
             and
             by
             an
             excess
             of
             love
             ,
             he
             began
             to
             suffer
             as
             soon
             as
             he
             was
             born
             .
             And
             that
             which
             is
             to
             be
             observed
             ,
             is
             that
             by
             the
             election
             of
             his
             
               divine
               wisdom
            
             which
             never
             fails
             ,
             he
             hath
             made
             choyce
             of
             confusion
             and
             contempt
             ,
             rather
             then
             greatness
             and
             contentment
             .
             So
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             we
             find
             it
             in
             his
             
               divine
               Mysteries
            
             .
             And
             from
             hence
             comes
             the
             esteem
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             thereof
             ,
             and
             the
             reverence
             we
             should
             bear
             to
             this
             estate
             ,
             for
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             having
             chosen
             the
             Crosse
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             having
             united
             to
             his
             
               divine
               person
            
             by
             his
             
               incarnation
               ,
               meanness
            
             ,
             and
             infirmities
             ,
             and
             adversities
             of
             humane
             life
             ,
             he
             
             hath
             made
             them
             divine
             ,
             and
             ennobled
             them
             .
             So
             that
             we
             must
             regard
             them
             much
             more
             for
             the
             dignity
             which
             they
             receive
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             to
             speak
             properly
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             sufferings
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             for
             we
             are
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             we
             are
             members
             of
             his
             
               body
               ,
               flesh
            
             of
             his
             
               flesh
               ,
               bone
            
             of
             his
             bone
             ,
             and
             by
             reason
             of
             this
             unity
             ,
             they
             are
             no
             more
             our
             sufferings
             then
             the
             sufferings
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             seeing
             they
             are
             more
             to
             Iesus
             then
             to
             our selves
             .
             Whence
             Saint
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             
             
               as
               the
               sufferings
               of
               Christ
               abound
               in
               you
               ,
               so
               our
               consolation
               abounds
               by
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             Apostle
             highly
             advancing
             the
             sufferings
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             calls
             them
             the
             
               sufferings
               of
               Iesus
            
             .
             St.
             Peter
             speaks
             in
             the
             same
             manner
             ;
             
               Rejoyce
               in
               as
               much
               as
               you
               are
               partakers
               of
               Christ's
               sufferings
               .
            
             
             And
             therefore
             when
             we
             see
             all
             that
             is
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             all
             the
             adversities
             and
             vicissitudes
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             passe
             them
             over
             indifferently
             ,
             or
             as
             men
             without
             grace
             and
             vertue
             ,
             stop
             at
             our
             own
             resentments
             ,
             and
             loose
             our selves
             in
             our
             weakness
             and
             
               naturall
               passions
            
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             lift
             up
             our
             eyes
             and
             thoughts
             ,
             to
             the
             consideration
             of
             
               Catholick
               truths
            
             ,
             and
             making
             use
             of
             the
             light
             of
             Faith
             ,
             endeavour
             to
             use
             all
             things
             according
             to
             the
             manner
             God
             requires
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             power
             he
             hath
             given
             us
             .
             If
             we
             suffer
             ,
             let
             us
             not
             suffer
             as
             slaves
             and
             criminalls
             ,
             but
             as
             the
             Children
             and
             true
             
               Servants
               of
               God.
            
             Let
             us
             suffer
             with
             esteem
             ,
             
             and
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             a
             
               spirit
               holy
            
             and
             divine
             ,
             a
             
               spirit
               powerfull
            
             and
             couragious
             ,
             and
             which
             onely
             belongs
             to
             the
             chosen
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             
               greatest
               friends
            
             .
             Hence
             the
             Apostle
             summing
             up
             the
             graces
             that
             the
             new
             Christians
             had
             received
             of
             God
             ,
             puts
             sufferings
             in
             the
             first
             place
             ,
             and
             accounts
             them
             as
             a
             
               singular
               favour
               .
               He
               hath
               given
               you
               ,
            
             
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               not
               onely
               to
               believe
               on
               him
               ,
               but
               to
               suffer
               for
               him
               ,
            
             thereby
             shewing
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             a
             benefit
             of
             God
             to
             be
             called
             to
             the
             state
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             how
             to
             make
             use
             thereof
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             view
             of
             these
             truths
             ,
             let
             us
             beg
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             part
             of
             his
             spirit
             of
             the
             Crosse
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             his
             grace
             to
             support
             us
             under
             them
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             bear
             them
             with
             the
             spirit
             ,
             with
             joy
             ,
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             let
             us
             say
             with
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             and
             often
             repeat
             this
             Prayer
             in
             our
             heart
             ,
             
               That
               the
               Lord
               would
               prepare
               our
               hearts
               to
               the
               love
               of
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               to
               the
               patience
               of
               Iesus
               Christ.
               
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             That
             we
             must
             suffer
             out
             of
             a
             zeal
             to
             the
             Iustice
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             WE
             suffer
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             sinners
             and
             for
             the
             zeal
             of
             Iustice
             (
             which
             is
             the
             third
             Disposition
             that
             we
             have
             proposed
             )
             when
             we
             enter
             into
             the
             zeal
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             brings
             him
             to
             do
             justice
             upon
             sin
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             all
             things
             we
             exercise
             upon
             our selves
             ,
             the
             judgement
             that
             God
             exerciseth
             therein
             ,
             in
             bearing
             in
             our
             hearts
             a
             true
             desire
             and
             an
             
               effectuall
               will
            
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             justice
             of
             God
             ,
             before
             whom
             we
             are
             sinners
             ,
             before
             whom
             we
             have
             offended
             so
             many
             ways
             .
             By
             this
             Disposition
             ,
             the
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             undergo
             all
             sorts
             of
             pains
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             regard
             the
             adversities
             and
             inconveniencies
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             as
             effects
             of
             God's
             Iustice
             on
             him
             as
             a
             sinner
             ,
             whereby
             he
             would
             destroy
             sin
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             root
             out
             imperfections
             .
             With
             this
             spirit
             and
             Disposition
             he
             must
             endure
             all
             naturall
             incommodities
             ,
             as
             
               cold
               ,
               heat
               ,
               poverty
               ,
               sickness
               ,
               afflictions
               ,
            
             and
             such
             accidents
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             attendants
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             regarding
             and
             bearing
             them
             with
             this
             zeal
             to
             the
             Iustice
             of
             God
             upon
             sin
             .
             This
             thought
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             solid
             
             and
             well
             settled
             in
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             will
             make
             all
             pain
             sweet
             and
             easie
             .
             For
             what
             can
             we
             suffer
             ,
             but
             we
             deserve
             much
             more
             ,
             if
             we
             weigh
             our
             afflictions
             ,
             our
             
               sufferings
               ,
               travails
            
             and
             adversities
             ,
             with
             the
             number
             of
             our
             sins
             ?
             Who
             will
             not
             see
             the
             deformity
             and
             weight
             of
             our
             sins
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             they
             surpass
             the
             rigour
             and
             weight
             of
             our
             sufferings
             ?
             If
             we
             consider
             the
             hate
             God
             bears
             to
             sin
             ,
             and
             to
             sinners
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             sin
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             confess
             ,
             that
             our
             crimes
             are
             much
             greater
             then
             our
             pains
             ;
             that
             amongst
             our
             afflictions
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             even
             the
             greatest
             and
             most
             insupportable
             ,
             the
             mercy
             of
             God
             appears
             more
             then
             his
             justice
             ?
             What
             more
             manifest
             example
             of
             Gods
             hatred
             against
             a
             sinner
             ,
             then
             the
             rigour
             wherewith
             the
             
               divine
               justice
            
             ,
             which
             is
             alwayes
             equitable
             ,
             punished
             sin
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ?
             And
             if
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Prophet
             saith
             ,
             so
             rigorously
             
               chastised
               his
               Son
            
             ,
             
             
               for
               the
               sins
               of
               his
               people
               ,
            
             what
             should
             he
             not
             do
             to
             us
             ?
             If
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             who
             is
             holiness
             it self
             ,
             sanctity
             ,
             uncreated
             and
             incarnate
             ,
             becoming
             a
             pledge
             and
             offering
             for
             our
             sins
             ,
             was
             subjected
             not
             onely
             to
             our
             miseries
             and
             naturall
             infirmities
             ,
             which
             are
             great
             ,
             but
             to
             
               adversities
               ,
               afflictions
               ,
               poverty
               ,
               contempt
               ,
               accusations
               ,
               ignominy
               ,
            
             even
             to
             the
             rigour
             of
             the
             cross
             ,
             what
             ought
             we
             to
             suffer
             ,
             who
             are
             sinners
             and
             objects
             of
             the
             hatred
             
             and
             justice
             of
             God
             ?
             
             If
             this
             be
             done
             to
             the
             green
             wood
             ,
             what
             will
             be
             done
             to
             the
             dry
             ?
             If
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             eternall
             and
             true
             wisdom
             ,
             chose
             this
             estate
             ,
             voluntarily
             subjected
             himself
             to
             all
             miseries
             ,
             incited
             by
             zeal
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             and
             to
             satisfie
             
               divine
               Iustice
            
             ,
             what
             ought
             not
             we
             to
             do
             ?
             what
             pains
             and
             rigours
             ,
             should
             not
             we
             embrace
             who
             are
             the
             guilty
             ,
             to
             appease
             this
             angry
             God
             ,
             to
             satisfie
             and
             allay
             his
             provoked
             wrath
             ,
             to
             restore
             to
             glory
             what
             we
             have
             ravish'd
             from
             him
             ?
          
           
             Let
             us
             enter
             into
             this
             disposition
             and
             zeal
             of
             submitting
             our selves
             to
             the
             stroke
             of
             Gods
             Iustice
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             see
             all
             things
             will
             be
             easie
             to
             indure
             ,
             we
             shall
             not
             complain
             whatever
             befalls
             us
             ,
             whatsoever
             is
             done
             unto
             us
             ,
             we
             shall
             not
             take
             it
             as
             a
             wrong
             ,
             nothing
             will
             appear
             harsh
             unto
             us
             ,
             nothing
             insupportable
             ,
             the
             quality
             of
             sinners
             ,
             and
             multitude
             of
             our
             offences
             will
             tell
             us
             that
             we
             deserve
             more
             ,
             we
             shall
             bless
             God
             for
             the
             favour
             he
             does
             us
             ,
             in
             giving
             us
             the
             meanes
             to
             honour
             him
             by
             our
             sufferings
             .
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             must
             have
             a
             care
             to
             bear
             all
             adversities
             ,
             all
             changes
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             all
             sorts
             of
             
               afflictions
               ,
               losses
            
             and
             misfortunes
             ,
             yea
             all
             incommodities
             ,
             and
             naturall
             vexations
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             with
             an
             intention
             to
             glorifie
             God
             to
             submit
             to
             
               divine
               Iustice
            
             against
             sin
             .
             O
             how
             great
             must
             be
             
             the
             courage
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             how
             invincible
             his
             constancy
             in
             all
             changes
             and
             misfortunes
             ,
             if
             he
             professeth
             this
             zeal
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             animated
             with
             the
             hatred
             God
             beares
             to
             sin
             !
             How
             easie
             would
             all
             things
             appear
             ,
             if
             in
             them
             we
             had
             no
             intent
             but
             to
             act
             and
             suffer
             onely
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             with
             a
             full
             resignation
             of
             our selves
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             to
             his
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             .
          
           
             To
             facilitate
             this
             disposition
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             more
             generall
             ,
             we
             must
             remember
             that
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             God
             rules
             all
             this
             great
             World
             ,
             and
             hath
             a
             generall
             and
             particular
             superintendency
             over
             all
             things
             .
             Nothing
             happens
             by
             chance
             to
             God
             ,
             all
             is
             foreseen
             by
             his
             praescience
             ,
             and
             ruled
             by
             his
             providence
             .
             In
             this
             wise
             conduct
             he
             is
             Soveraign
             ,
             and
             meanes
             to
             shew
             his
             power
             ,
             and
             subject
             men
             to
             his
             will
             ,
             and
             as
             Soveraign
             he
             disposes
             all
             ,
             and
             as
             wise
             ,
             he
             ordains
             all
             ,
             it
             belongs
             to
             him
             to
             ruine
             or
             build
             up
             ,
             to
             advance
             or
             debase
             ,
             and
             to
             us
             to
             entertain
             .
             So
             that
             in
             disgraces
             and
             misfortunes
             ,
             we
             must
             regard
             God
             as
             our
             Soveraign
             and
             Master
             ,
             and
             therefore
             must
             receive
             them
             with
             the
             greatest
             submission
             and
             zeal
             of
             Iustice
             ,
             which
             will
             that
             God
             dispose
             of
             all
             as
             he
             pleases
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             receive
             all
             according
             to
             his
             dispensation
             .
             This
             is
             the
             zeal
             and
             submission
             that
             God
             requires
             of
             us
             ,
             whereby
             the
             most
             just
             and
             holy
             embrace
             all
             manner
             of
             accidents
             ,
             acknowledging
             the
             Soveraignty
             of
             
             God
             ,
             and
             confessing
             their
             dependance
             .
             I
             call
             this
             
               disposition
               ,
               zeal
               to
               Iustice
            
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             just
             that
             God
             should
             do
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             with
             us
             ,
             all
             that
             he
             pleases
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             should
             be
             content
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             so
             essentiall
             to
             man
             ,
             so
             just
             in
             the
             disposall
             of
             the
             Universe
             ,
             that
             we
             shall
             easily
             see
             in
             the
             works
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             that
             
               Soveraign
               Majesty
            
             will
             be
             acknowledged
             ,
             and
             adored
             in
             afflictions
             with
             so
             much
             necessity
             ,
             that
             he
             never
             stops
             the
             course
             of
             his
             Iustice
             ,
             nor
             withholds
             sufferings
             and
             other
             pains
             ,
             till
             the
             soul
             submit
             and
             freely
             render
             her self
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             untill
             she
             do
             so
             submit
             her self
             ,
             she
             will
             still
             be
             under
             the
             rod.
             So
             said
             Daniel
             ,
             threatning
             the
             great
             
               Nebuchadnezar
               ,
               God
               will
               humble
               thee
               ,
            
             
             
               till
               thou
               know
               that
               the
               most
               high
               ruleth
               in
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               men
               .
            
             The
             impious
             Antiochus
             ,
             made
             a
             publick
             confession
             ,
             which
             the
             chastisement
             of
             God
             as
             a
             Rack
             extorted
             from
             his
             guilty
             mouth
             ,
             
               That
               truly
               it
               was
               a
               just
               thing
               to
               submit
               himself
               to
               God.
            
             The
             first
             disposition
             then
             wherein
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             all
             sufferings
             and
             adversities
             ,
             in
             all
             sorts
             of
             estates
             and
             chances
             ,
             is
             to
             subject
             himself
             to
             God
             ,
             
               because
               he
               is
               God.
            
             Upon
             this
             subjection
             ,
             he
             must
             ground
             his
             desire
             and
             zeal
             ,
             to
             abandon
             himself
             wholly
             to
             the
             
               divine
               justice
            
             ,
             seeing
             all
             that
             is
             miserable
             and
             painful
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             his
             justice
             ,
             and
             the
             reward
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             we
             see
             
             that
             all
             the
             chances
             that
             happen
             in
             this
             World
             are
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             power
             and
             conduct
             .
          
           
             This
             being
             supposed
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             bear
             them
             ,
             and
             receive
             them
             with
             a
             zeal
             and
             desire
             to
             appease
             that
             Iustice
             which
             requires
             that
             we
             be
             subject
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             suffer
             for
             our
             sins
             .
             Herein
             consists
             the
             disposition
             we
             speak
             of
             .
             If
             we
             would
             practise
             this
             disposition
             ,
             it
             is
             thus
             .
             First
             the
             Christian
             must
             accept
             of
             all
             adversities
             and
             afflictions
             ,
             which
             are
             or
             may
             be
             in
             the
             life
             of
             man
             ,
             as
             a
             mark
             of
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             an
             effect
             of
             his
             Iustice
             upon
             him
             ;
             he
             must
             them
             embrace
             ,
             and
             bear
             them
             in
             this
             sense
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             desire
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             and
             submit
             to
             his
             
               divine
               Iustice
            
             ,
             who
             vouchsafes
             to
             manifest
             himself
             in
             these
             painfull
             and
             laborious
             wayes
             ;
             he
             must
             regard
             them
             as
             naturall
             and
             necessary
             ,
             not
             considering
             whence
             they
             come
             ,
             and
             who
             is
             the
             immediate
             cause
             thereof
             ,
             but
             shutting
             his
             eyes
             to
             all
             considerations
             ,
             he
             must
             look
             up
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             accept
             them
             of
             his
             fatherly
             hands
             .
             If
             there
             happen
             any
             motion
             contrary
             to
             the
             disposition
             ,
             he
             must
             say
             with
             the
             penitent
             and
             afflicted
             King
             ,
             
               Righteous
               art
               thou
               O
               Lord
               ,
               and
               upright
               are
               thy
               Iudgements
               .
            
             
             Nor
             must
             he
             content
             himself
             with
             this
             ;
             but
             passing
             farther
             ,
             he
             must
             offer
             himself
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             bear
             all
             his
             chastisements
             after
             the
             manner
             that
             
               God
               wills
            
             ,
             and
             as
             long
             as
             shall
             please
             him
             .
             And
             since
             the
             
             true
             Christian
             always
             distrusts
             his
             
               own
               strength
            
             ,
             he
             must
             beg
             grace
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             sustain
             them
             according
             to
             the
             intention
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             fidelity
             to
             make
             such
             use
             of
             them
             as
             he
             requires
             .
             For
             as
             it
             suffices
             not
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             to
             conform
             himself
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             what
             God
             wills
             ,
             but
             he
             must
             accomplish
             it
             
               after
               the
               manner
               that
               God
               wills
               ,
            
             and
             according
             to
             the
             vocation
             and
             grace
             wherein
             God
             hath
             established
             him
             ,
             so
             in
             suffering
             ,
             which
             is
             an
             
               estate
               more
               noble
            
             and
             certain
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             sufficient
             to
             suffer
             patiently
             ,
             (
             for
             Philosophy
             and
             generosity
             can
             produce
             this
             effect
             ,
             and
             make
             the
             greatest
             rigours
             embraceable
             )
             but
             we
             must
             suffer
             Christianly
             ,
             after
             the
             manner
             that
             God
             wills
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             designes
             ,
             conformable
             to
             the
             grace
             the
             soul
             receives
             of
             him
             ,
             which
             ought
             to
             be
             seriously
             considered
             by
             those
             who
             are
             most
             advanced
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             who
             owe
             a
             great
             fidelity
             to
             God.
             And
             since
             to
             discern
             this
             is
             difficult
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             soul
             may
             commit
             in
             it
             great
             impurities
             ,
             and
             much
             infidelity
             ,
             it
             suffices
             ,
             to
             be
             exempted
             of
             the
             miscarriages
             which
             may
             happen
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             seriously
             looks
             after
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             and
             endeavours
             to
             please
             God
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             be
             carefull
             to
             preserve
             himself
             in
             an
             absolute
             resignation
             of
             himself
             to
             the
             power
             and
             will
             of
             God
             ;
             in
             which
             estate
             if
             it
             be
             
               firmly
               setled
            
             ,
             
             there
             is
             nothing
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             but
             all
             these
             will
             prove
             easie
             ,
             in
             regard
             that
             patience
             in
             suffering
             and
             purity
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             proportionable
             to
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             wherein
             the
             soul
             is
             ,
             and
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             of
             a
             great
             purity
             ,
             when
             the
             grace
             is
             singular
             and
             transcendent
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             The
             continuance
             of
             the
             precedent
             Chapter
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             repentance
             .
          
           
             TO
             suffer
             all
             things
             out
             of
             zeal
             to
             God's
             justice
             ,
             is
             not
             onely
             a
             Disposition
             ,
             but
             a
             spirit
             of
             penitence
             ,
             necessary
             to
             all
             ,
             since
             all
             have
             sinned
             ,
             and
             need
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             profitable
             to
             a
             Christian
             ,
             as
             repentance
             is
             necessary
             .
             True
             penitence
             hath
             no
             end
             but
             God
             ,
             no
             regard
             but
             to
             
               satisfie
               God.
            
             To
             repent
             ,
             is
             to
             enter
             into
             a
             regard
             of
             our selves
             in
             zeal
             to
             God's
             justice
             ,
             who
             will
             punish
             sin
             in
             us
             .
             We
             must
             take
             heed
             that
             the
             true
             spirit
             of
             
               repentance
               operate
            
             in
             us
             a
             resentment
             of
             the
             state
             whereto
             we
             are
             reduced
             by
             sin
             ,
             a
             state
             which
             displeases
             God
             ,
             and
             draws
             us
             from
             the
             
               amity
               ,
               presence
            
             ,
             and
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             state
             whereinto
             we
             put
             our selves
             through
             our
             own
             fault
             ,
             to
             satisfie
             our
             own
             inclinations
             and
             passions
             .
             The
             soul
             seeing
             her self
             so
             estranged
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             being
             sensible
             of
             this
             misfortune
             ,
             is
             
             grieved
             extremely
             ,
             and
             enters
             into
             a
             desire
             to
             be
             reveng'd
             of
             her self
             ,
             and
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             whom
             she
             hath
             offended
             ,
             she
             doth
             protest
             to
             love
             him
             above
             all
             things
             ;
             for
             if
             she
             could
             not
             love
             him
             ,
             she
             could
             not
             desire
             to
             please
             him
             .
             This
             love
             elevates
             her
             into
             an
             esteem
             ,
             by
             this
             esteem
             and
             love
             ,
             she
             finds
             it
             easie
             to
             bear
             all
             
               pains
               ,
               rigours
            
             ,
             or
             difficulties
             whatsoever
             ;
             she
             overcomes
             them
             couragiously
             ;
             she
             onely
             minds
             to
             please
             God
             ,
             whom
             she
             hath
             offended
             ;
             so
             that
             by
             this
             zeal
             to
             his
             justice
             ,
             all
             things
             are
             easie
             to
             her
             ;
             the
             contrarieties
             of
             this
             present
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             unexpected
             rigours
             and
             disgrace
             are
             light
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             animated
             with
             this
             zeal
             ,
             she
             willingly
             embraces
             all
             that
             may
             happen
             unto
             her
             ,
             and
             receives
             it
             as
             a
             
               speciall
               favour
            
             .
             The
             reason
             is
             ,
             because
             such
             a
             
               soul
               loves
            
             God
             ,
             loving
             God
             ,
             she
             esteems
             him
             ;
             esteeming
             him
             ,
             she
             will
             not
             displease
             him
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             as
             she
             hath
             displeased
             him
             by
             her
             offences
             ,
             she
             desires
             to
             glorifie
             him
             ;
             and
             this
             desire
             bears
             her
             to
             a
             zeal
             of
             Gods
             justice
             ;
             and
             finally
             ,
             this
             
               zeal
               animates
            
             her
             to
             support
             all
             things
             patiently
             ,
             and
             to
             embrace
             them
             freely
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             learn
             ,
             that
             the
             
               true
               spirit
            
             of
             Repentance
             consisteth
             not
             onely
             in
             sorrow
             for
             sins
             committed
             ,
             and
             a
             hatred
             of
             all
             sins
             ,
             but
             also
             it
             contains
             a
             desire
             to
             glorifie
             God
             ;
             for
             we
             can
             no
             more
             enter
             into
             Paradise
             without
             
             this
             ,
             then
             without
             repentance
             ;
             Herein
             they
             must
             have
             a
             care
             ,
             who
             perform
             indeed
             some
             acts
             of
             mortification
             ,
             and
             suffer
             many
             things
             ,
             but
             with
             certain
             dissemblings
             ,
             or
             out
             of
             some
             private
             considerations
             or
             concernments
             ,
             and
             many
             times
             out
             of
             curiosity
             .
             Let
             them
             take
             heed
             they
             build
             not
             with
             straw
             ;
             for
             true
             repentance
             hath
             no
             eyes
             but
             for
             God
             ;
             no
             other
             regard
             but
             to
             content
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             glorifie
             his
             
               divine
               justice
            
             .
             The
             more
             love
             the
             soul
             hath
             ,
             the
             more
             ardent
             is
             her
             zeal
             ,
             so
             that
             if
             she
             love
             much
             ,
             she
             desires
             to
             sorrow
             much
             ,
             and
             believes
             she
             hath
             never
             done
             enough
             ,
             for
             true
             love
             is
             never
             satisfied
             .
             Such
             a
             
               soul
               esteemeth
            
             all
             pains
             sweet
             ,
             injuries
             ,
             truth
             ,
             contempt
             ,
             honour
             ,
             and
             labours
             the
             enjoyments
             of
             her
             spirit
             .
             O
             how
             good
             it
             is
             to
             suffer
             thus
             ,
             for
             who
             knows
             how
             to
             love
             ,
             knows
             how
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             transported
             with
             the
             love
             of
             sufferings
             ,
             cryes
             out
             with
             the
             penitent
             
               King
               ,
               Lord
               ,
               prove
               me
               and
               try
               me
               ,
            
             
             
               search
               my
               reins
               and
               heart
            
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             throughly
             acquainted
             with
             true
             repentance
             ,
             we
             must
             further
             consider
             the
             effects
             of
             it
             ;
             for
             if
             it
             be
             true
             ,
             the
             effects
             of
             it
             shall
             be
             as
             certain
             ,
             and
             will
             be
             great
             and
             true
             .
             True
             
               repentance
               ,
               annihilates
            
             us
             ,
             and
             destroys
             sin
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             fountains
             of
             sin
             ;
             as
             also
             our
             
               evil
               inclinations
            
             and
             
               vicious
               habits
            
             ;
             it
             roots
             out
             of
             our
             hearts
             all
             that
             divides
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             all
             that
             displeaseth
             him
             ;
             it
             converts
             
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             it
             drawes
             us
             neer
             to
             him
             ,
             it
             gives
             us
             God
             ,
             and
             separates
             us
             from
             the
             creatures
             ,
             and
             our selves
             .
             For
             the
             
               true
               penitent
            
             is
             crucified
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             dead
             to
             himself
             ,
             of
             a
             death
             to
             sin
             ,
             which
             giveth
             him
             life
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             makes
             him
             lead
             a
             new
             life
             ,
             altered
             in
             himself
             and
             in
             his
             actions
             .
             This
             is
             the
             true
             meaning
             of
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             where
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               As
               you
               have
               yeilded
               your
               members
               servants
               to
               uncleanness
               ,
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               to
               iniquity
               even
               so
               now
               yeild
               your
               members
               servants
               to
               righteousness
               ,
               unto
               holiness
               .
            
             Which
             shews
             the
             great
             change
             and
             conversion
             which
             repentance
             must
             operate
             in
             us
             ,
             seeing
             our
             members
             ,
             which
             have
             been
             servants
             to
             sin
             ,
             must
             now
             be
             onely
             servants
             to
             righteousness
             ,
             and
             to
             serve
             God
             ,
             after
             a
             manner
             which
             operates
             in
             us
             sanctification
             ,
             and
             serves
             as
             an
             instrument
             to
             our
             glory
             .
          
           
             Further
             ,
             
               true
               repentance
            
             unites
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             puts
             us
             into
             a
             new
             and
             particular
             relation
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             He
             acquires
             a
             
               new
               right
            
             over
             us
             ,
             when
             we
             participate
             of
             his
             mercies
             ,
             and
             applies
             to
             us
             the
             merits
             of
             his
             death
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             pardoning
             our
             sin
             .
             He
             acquires
             a
             
               new
               right
            
             over
             us
             ,
             because
             he
             applies
             to
             us
             the
             price
             of
             his
             blood
             ,
             by
             the
             merits
             of
             his
             death
             .
             He
             withdraws
             us
             from
             the
             empire
             of
             sin
             ,
             whereto
             we
             had
             subjected
             and
             sold
             our selves
             ;
             he
             delivers
             us
             from
             the
             captivity
             and
             slavery
             of
             vice
             ,
             to
             put
             us
             into
             the
             liberty
             of
             
             his
             children
             ,
             into
             the
             possession
             of
             his
             spirit
             ;
             so
             that
             from
             the
             time
             that
             he
             delivered
             us
             from
             the
             tyranny
             of
             sin
             ,
             we
             belong
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             his
             children
             ,
             his
             captives
             ,
             his
             heritage
             ;
             we
             are
             so
             many
             times
             his
             ,
             as
             he
             pardons
             our
             sins
             ,
             as
             many
             sins
             as
             he
             pardons
             ,
             so
             many
             times
             he
             offers
             himself
             to
             his
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             ,
             to
             pay
             the
             price
             of
             our
             misdeeds
             ,
             and
             offereth
             him
             the
             merit
             and
             satisfaction
             of
             his
             death
             for
             the
             redemption
             of
             offences
             .
             Thus
             he
             purchaseth
             us
             anew
             as
             often
             as
             he
             pardoneth
             our
             sins
             .
          
           
             Repentance
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             true
             ,
             gives
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             a
             new
             right
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             draws
             us
             from
             the
             right
             we
             have
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             put
             us
             into
             new
             propriety
             as
             to
             him
             ,
             whence
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             the
             sins
             which
             separated
             us
             from
             God
             by
             our
             own
             default
             ,
             serve
             by
             the
             bands
             of
             repentance
             ,
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             God
             by
             the
             new
             
               right
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             to
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             band
             of
             love
             which
             we
             have
             to
             him
             .
             
               Many
               sins
               are
               forgiven
               her
            
             ,
             
             
               for
               she
               loved
               much
               ,
               and
               he
               to
               whom
               less
               is
               pardoned
               loved
               less
               ,
            
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             True
             repentance
             produceth
             two
             admirable
             
               effects
               ,
               one
            
             in
             relation
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             comprehends
             an
             abnegation
             from
             the
             creature
             and
             our selves
             to
             be
             God's
             and
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             ,
             to
             whom
             we
             must
             be
             the
             more
             united
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             hath
             pardoned
             us
             .
             
               The
               Father
               is
               an
               effect
               of
               love
               ,
            
             which
             issues
             from
             this
             union
             &
             adherence
             .
             
             He
             that
             is
             most
             
               united
               ,
               loves
            
             most
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             he
             loves
             ,
             the
             faster
             he
             ties
             himself
             .
             
               Mary
               Magdalen
            
             is
             an
             example
             hereof
             ,
             who
             was
             no
             sooner
             converted
             ,
             but
             she
             fastened
             her self
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             crucifie
             her self
             in
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             no
             longer
             then
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             .
             If
             we
             will
             examine
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             easie
             to
             see
             ,
             that
             many
             persons
             deceive
             themselves
             in
             this
             business
             of
             so
             great
             concernment
             ,
             I
             mean
             ,
             Repentance
             ,
             who
             go
             so
             negligently
             ,
             and
             indifferently
             to
             this
             Sacrament
             ,
             that
             being
             they
             are
             sensible
             neither
             of
             the
             effect
             nor
             advantage
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             much
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             lest
             they
             find
             at
             the
             hour
             of
             death
             ,
             rather
             the
             penitence
             of
             a
             perfidious
             Iudas
             ,
             of
             an
             impious
             Antiochus
             ,
             of
             a
             sensuall
             Esau
             ,
             then
             of
             a
             Saint
             Peter
             ,
             or
             a
             
               Mary
               Magdalen
            
             .
             However
             ,
             if
             be
             ,
             let
             him
             apprehend
             the
             menaces
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             
               If
               ye
               do
               not
               repent
            
             ,
             
             
               ye
               shall
               likewise
               perish
            
             .
             He
             speaks
             of
             the
             
               true
               repentance
            
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             true
             ,
             if
             it
             have
             not
             the
             
               true
               effects
            
             ,
             else
             it
             is
             not
             repentance
             .
             Herein
             the
             Christian
             must
             take
             heed
             ,
             as
             the
             most
             important
             thing
             of
             his
             salvation
             .
             If
             we
             apply
             these
             principles
             of
             truth
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             that
             it
             hath
             been
             no
             digression
             to
             speak
             of
             Repentance
             ,
             but
             that
             by
             the
             same
             principles
             which
             oblige
             us
             to
             bear
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               true
               penitence
            
             ,
             we
             have
             the
             grace
             and
             faculty
             to
             
               live
               patiently
            
             and
             Christianly
             ,
             amidst
             all
             contrarieties
             
             and
             disturbances
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             and
             in
             pursuit
             of
             that
             ,
             we
             may
             make
             use
             ,
             with
             profit
             ,
             of
             all
             accidents
             we
             meet
             with
             in
             the
             world
             .
             He
             that
             lives
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             repentance
             ,
             as
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             ought
             not
             onely
             to
             suffer
             with
             ease
             and
             cheerfulness
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             subject
             himself
             to
             the
             
               divine
               will
            
             and
             honour
             of
             God
             ,
             wherein
             consists
             the
             spirit
             of
             repentance
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             he
             makes
             his
             profit
             of
             all
             as
             a
             faithfull
             steward
             of
             
               God's
               gifts
            
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             he
             makes
             profit
             ,
             knowing
             it
             is
             a
             favour
             received
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             all
             sufferings
             and
             adversities
             in
             this
             world
             are
             profitable
             to
             us
             ,
             being
             sanctified
             by
             the
             pretious
             sufferings
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             may
             serve
             to
             satisfie
             the
             justice
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             must
             be
             looked
             upon
             as
             a
             particular
             mercy
             and
             favour
             which
             Iesus
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             obtain'd
             for
             us
             by
             his
             incarnation
             and
             death
             .
             For
             if
             we
             consider
             naturally
             the
             sufferings
             and
             afflictions
             of
             mans
             life
             ,
             they
             can
             no
             way
             profit
             us
             ,
             because
             as
             men
             and
             sinners
             ,
             and
             the
             children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             we
             are
             subject
             to
             all
             the
             miseries
             of
             nature
             ,
             we
             are
             condemned
             to
             eat
             our
             bread
             in
             the
             sweat
             of
             our
             brows
             ,
             and
             undergo
             all
             the
             maledictions
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             we
             know
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             evils
             incident
             to
             nature
             ,
             and
             that
             happen
             to
             us
             in
             the
             course
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             are
             but
             the
             guerdon
             of
             our
             crimes
             ,
             the
             portion
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             the
             effect
             of
             sin
             ,
             wherein
             we
             are
             born
             .
          
           
           
             So
             that
             these
             evills
             deserve
             not
             that
             God
             should
             regard
             them
             of
             themselves
             ,
             as
             being
             incapable
             to
             satisfie
             God's
             Iustice
             ,
             were
             it
             not
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             making
             himself
             man
             ,
             and
             charging
             himself
             with
             our
             nature
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             infirmities
             ,
             hath
             sanctified
             them
             in
             his
             person
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             use
             of
             them
             .
             So
             that
             bearing
             them
             in
             his
             spirit
             ,
             we
             bear
             them
             with
             blessing
             and
             happiness
             ,
             since
             that
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             made
             a
             sacrifice
             for
             our
             sins
             ,
             and
             became
             a
             propitiation
             to
             appease
             the
             wrath
             of
             God
             for
             our
             offences
             ,
             he
             suffered
             the
             pain
             of
             death
             due
             to
             sin
             ,
             whereby
             it
             was
             blessed
             and
             sanctified
             ,
             and
             by
             an
             effect
             worthy
             his
             bounty
             ,
             he
             would
             that
             the
             sufferings
             of
             men
             ,
             which
             were
             but
             the
             effects
             and
             punishments
             of
             sin
             ,
             should
             merit
             grace
             ,
             and
             find
             acceptation
             ,
             when
             we
             support
             them
             in
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             
               divine
               dispositions
            
             .
             
             This
             St.
             Paul
             teaches
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Ye
               know
               the
               grace
               of
               our
               Lord
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               that
               though
               he
               was
               rich
               ,
               yet
               for
               our
               sakes
               he
               became
               poor
               ,
               that
               you
               through
               his
               poverty
               might
               be
               made
               rich
               .
            
             For
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             making
             himself
             man
             ,
             is
             subject
             to
             our
             necessities
             and
             labours
             ,
             that
             in
             our
             labours
             and
             necessities
             ,
             we
             might
             be
             made
             rich
             in
             good
             works
             ,
             in
             patience
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             Repentance
             .
          
           
             When
             therefore
             we
             consider
             the
             sufferrings
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             humiliations
             and
             disgraces
             that
             may
             befall
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             look
             upon
             them
             two
             wayes
             .
          
           
           
             First
             ,
             As
             an
             effect
             and
             punishment
             of
             sin
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             As
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             as
             sanctified
             and
             made
             divine
             in
             his
             
               sacred
               person
            
             .
             The
             first
             are
             not
             profitable
             ,
             nor
             are
             they
             proper
             ,
             but
             for
             the
             wicked
             who
             are
             in
             chastisements
             and
             sufferings
             by
             way
             of
             Iustice
             ,
             suffering
             what
             they
             have
             merited
             .
             But
             the
             second
             are
             full
             of
             blessedness
             and
             happiness
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             in
             them
             and
             by
             them
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             sanctifies
             us
             ,
             that
             he
             dwells
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             establishes
             in
             our
             souls
             the
             works
             of
             
               grace
               .
               If
               ye
               be
               reproached
               for
               the
               name
               of
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             
               happy
               are
               ye
               ,
               for
               the
               spirit
               of
               glory
               and
               of
               God
               resteth
               on
               you
               .
            
             Words
             which
             tell
             us
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             his
             grace
             and
             glory
             inhabit
             in
             souls
             who
             suffer
             for
             love
             of
             him
             .
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             that
             suffers
             ,
             must
             take
             heed
             to
             this
             vertue
             ,
             that
             he
             suffer
             not
             
               as
               a
               criminall
            
             ,
             that
             is
             by
             necessity
             and
             force
             ,
             but
             
               as
               a
               Christian
            
             ,
             and
             in
             
               necessary
               dispositions
            
             .
             For
             since
             God
             hath
             given
             a
             blessing
             to
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             mercy
             spring
             from
             these
             sufferings
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             may
             profit
             by
             the
             disadvantages
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             unprofitably
             let
             slip
             the
             occasions
             ,
             nor
             indifferently
             passe
             over
             the
             
               necessity
               ,
               pains
            
             ,
             and
             severall
             estates
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             but
             make
             profit
             thereof
             ,
             seeing
             God
             will
             have
             it
             so
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             gives
             us
             power
             to
             do
             so
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             must
             we
             endeavour
             to
             bear
             them
             in
             the
             spirit
             
             and
             in
             the
             blessing
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             given
             them
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             use
             he
             would
             have
             us
             to
             make
             of
             them
             .
             The
             Christian
             that
             lives
             in
             this
             care
             and
             vigilance
             ,
             may
             hope
             for
             the
             recompence
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             having
             gone
             through
             the
             combate
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             
             which
             to
             the
             good
             is
             but
             a
             continuall
             Martyrdom
             ,
             may
             say
             with
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               I
               have
               fought
               a
               good
               fight
               ,
               I
               have
               finished
               my
               course
               ,
               I
               have
               kept
               the
               Faith
               ,
               henceforth
               there
               is
               laid
               up
               for
               me
               a
               Crown
               of
               righteousness
               ,
               which
               the
               Lord
               the
               righteous
               Iudge
               shall
               give
               me
               at
               that
               day
               .
            
          
           
             In
             fine
             ,
             the
             most
             assured
             mark
             we
             have
             of
             the
             perfection
             of
             a
             soul
             ,
             is
             sufferings
             ,
             which
             are
             continual
             and
             abundant
             to
             the
             just
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             be
             lawfull
             to
             take
             any
             Argument
             of
             our
             salvation
             ,
             or
             any
             sign
             of
             our
             election
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             sufferings
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             manner
             of
             bearing
             them
             .
             
             So
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             calls
             those
             happy
             that
             
               suffer
               for
               his
               sake
            
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             glory
             ,
             and
             we
             may
             say
             of
             such
             souls
             as
             Saul
             said
             of
             David
             ,
             when
             seeing
             him
             so
             patient
             in
             the
             greatest
             violence
             of
             his
             afflictions
             ,
             
             he
             cryed
             out
             with
             teares
             ,
             
               Now
               I
               know
               for
               certain
               ,
               that
               thou
               shalt
               be
               surely
               King
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Israel
               shall
               be
               established
               in
               thy
               hand
               .
            
             We
             may
             say
             the
             same
             of
             a
             
               patient
               Christian
            
             ,
             but
             let
             us
             leave
             him
             in
             this
             hope
             ,
             and
             propose
             to
             him
             some
             entertainments
             of
             Piety
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
             The
             Abridgement
             of
             the
             
               fourth
               part
            
             ,
             teaching
             of
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             .
          
           
             CHrist
             saith
             ,
             we
             are
             all
             
               ingraffed
               in
               him
            
             ,
             as
             the
             scien
             is
             in
             the
             Vine-stock
             ,
             
             we
             are
             
               bone
               of
               his
               bone
               ,
               flesh
               of
               his
               flesh
               ,
            
             as
             the
             Apostle
             sayes
             ;
             
             for
             we
             are
             his
             body
             ,
             we
             are
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             with
             him
             .
             This
             truth
             alone
             shews
             how
             much
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             
               live
               holily
            
             and
             perfectly
             ,
             to
             be
             regulated
             in
             our
             actions
             ,
             in
             our
             
               exteriour
               ,
               modest
            
             and
             holy
             ,
             being
             united
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             our
             life
             must
             be
             an
             expression
             of
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             as
             Iesus
             ,
             being
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             nature
             is
             the
             Image
             of
             his
             Father
             ;
             so
             a
             Christian
             being
             the
             child
             of
             God
             by
             grace
             must
             be
             the
             Image
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             an
             Image
             so
             perfect
             and
             divine
             ,
             as
             cannot
             be
             fully
             expressed
             :
             For
             on
             the
             one
             side
             the
             life
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             is
             a
             life
             hid
             from
             the
             eyes
             of
             man
             ,
             spirituall
             and
             invisible
             ,
             and
             therefore
             infinitely
             remov'd
             from
             the
             capacity
             of
             the
             children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             who
             are
             materiall
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               carnall
               and
               animal
            
             .
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             this
             life
             is
             a
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             a
             
               divine
               life
            
             ,
             a
             life
             of
             God
             in
             man
             ,
             a
             life
             full
             of
             secrets
             ,
             operated
             by
             God
             
             in
             the
             depth
             of
             the
             soul.
             Our
             weak
             nature
             hath
             not
             termes
             proportionable
             to
             the
             greatness
             and
             Majesty
             of
             divine
             things
             ,
             and
             therefore
             all
             that
             we
             can
             say
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             life
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             doth
             but
             derogate
             from
             ,
             and
             deface
             the
             value
             of
             this
             work
             which
             cannot
             appear
             in
             its
             lustre
             ,
             but
             to
             their
             eyes
             who
             have
             the
             
               true
               light
            
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             nor
             can
             be
             conceived
             or
             comprehended
             but
             by
             souls
             that
             are
             chosen
             of
             God.
             We
             must
             notwithstanding
             ,
             draw
             the
             last
             lines
             of
             our
             Christian
             image
             ,
             and
             lightly
             passing
             over
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             to
             sweeten
             that
             which
             appeares
             either
             
               too
               high
            
             or
             
               too
               harsh
            
             ,
             that
             so
             we
             may
             benefit
             those
             who
             will
             see
             things
             in
             perspective
             and
             superficially
             ,
             we
             must
             also
             fix
             our
             eyes
             and
             thoughts
             upon
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             which
             will
             make
             us
             apprehend
             the
             truth
             of
             what
             hath
             been
             proposed
             ,
             and
             ,
             if
             we
             can
             understand
             it
             ,
             will
             cause
             us
             to
             admire
             the
             indulgence
             and
             communications
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             out
             of
             the
             excess
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             the
             more
             advanceth
             men
             and
             sinners
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             were
             debased
             by
             the
             greatness
             of
             their
             ingratitude
             ,
             that
             grace
             might
             superabound
             where
             sin
             had
             abounded
             ,
             that
             love
             might
             triumph
             over
             us
             .
             Let
             us
             then
             descend
             to
             the
             particularities
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             examine
             the
             properties
             and
             effects
             thereof
             .
          
           
             The
             grace
             which
             we
             receive
             and
             sanctifies
             
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             grace
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             flowes
             from
             his
             fulness
             ,
             and
             communicates
             to
             our
             
               souls
               grace
            
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             onely
             supernaturall
             ,
             but
             was
             made
             for
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             is
             proportioned
             to
             his
             Soveraignty
             and
             
               infinite
               dignity
            
             ,
             whence
             we
             are
             called
             Christians
             .
             It
             hath
             all
             its
             
               being
               ,
               dignity
            
             ,
             and
             residence
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             it
             is
             above
             our
             nature
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             rank
             of
             supernaturall
             things
             ,
             in
             an
             order
             soveraign
             and
             particular
             ,
             worthy
             of
             the
             soveraignty
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             proportioned
             to
             his
             
               Filiation
               ,
               order
            
             and
             grace
             ,
             very
             different
             from
             the
             originall
             Iustice
             ,
             which
             was
             given
             to
             the
             first
             man.
             For
             though
             the
             grace
             of
             Adam
             were
             supernatural
             ,
             yet
             was
             it
             an
             order
             very
             inferiour
             to
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             being
             proportioned
             to
             his
             nature
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             in
             the
             state
             of
             innocency
             .
             All
             men
             as
             well
             as
             Adam
             ,
             had
             been
             sanctified
             in
             the
             order
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             order
             of
             nature
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             naturall
             uses
             thereof
             .
             But
             it
             is
             not
             so
             in
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             for
             that
             is
             not
             proportioned
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             above
             it
             ,
             wholly
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             wholly
             for
             him
             ,
             it
             issues
             out
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             ,
             by
             an
             effect
             proper
             and
             particular
             to
             it
             ,
             drawes
             us
             from
             our selves
             ,
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             members
             to
             the
             head
             ,
             and
             being
             united
             ,
             sanctifies
             us
             in
             Him
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             as
             that
             we
             are
             no
             more
             in
             the
             quality
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             Children
             of
             Adam
             ,
             but
             as
             Children
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             members
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             
             grace
             proper
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ;
             of
             whose
             fulness
             we
             have
             all
             received
             .
          
           
             Whence
             we
             infer
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             would
             be
             sanctified
             ,
             and
             partake
             of
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             must
             be
             united
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             the
             branch
             to
             the
             Tree
             ,
             the
             graft
             to
             the
             stock
             ,
             the
             members
             to
             the
             head
             ,
             and
             if
             united
             ,
             must
             also
             be
             one
             with
             him
             ,
             as
             the
             head
             and
             members
             make
             up
             but
             one
             body
             ,
             and
             consequently
             by
             reason
             of
             that
             unity
             ,
             must
             not
             onely
             partake
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             but
             also
             his
             spirit
             and
             life
             in
             the
             same
             manner
             as
             we
             say
             ,
             the
             members
             move
             not
             themselves
             nor
             live
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             life
             of
             their
             head
             .
             This
             being
             considered
             ,
             we
             see
             that
             to
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             say
             that
             we
             must
             be
             in
             grace
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             live
             in
             the
             spirit
             and
             life
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             for
             grace
             produceth
             this
             effect
             ,
             for
             as
             much
             as
             by
             the
             same
             principle
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             united
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             as
             members
             to
             their
             head
             ,
             we
             must
             live
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             be
             guided
             by
             his
             spirit
             .
             And
             as
             it
             is
             the
             property
             of
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             the
             effect
             of
             the
             same
             grace
             ,
             to
             rule
             us
             by
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             live
             his
             life
             ,
             wherein
             appeares
             how
             perfect
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             in
             grace
             should
             be
             ,
             how
             exemplary
             and
             holy
             his
             actions
             must
             be
             ,
             how
             regular
             his
             motions
             ,
             and
             how
             pure
             his
             intentions
             ,
             seeing
             it
             is
             a
             life
             of
             grace
             which
             unites
             us
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             making
             us
             one
             with
             
             him
             ,
             causes
             us
             to
             live
             in
             his
             spirit
             and
             life
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             enter
             further
             into
             the
             consideration
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             see
             ,
             that
             according
             to
             the
             
               Apostle
               ,
               Grace
            
             is
             a
             
               participation
               of
               the
               divine
               nature
            
             .
             
             These
             words
             contain
             the
             excellency
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             describe
             all
             that
             can
             be
             said
             of
             grace
             .
             The
             Apostle
             implies
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             accidentally
             what
             God
             is
             substantially
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             agrees
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             proper
             to
             him
             according
             to
             his
             
               divine
               nature
            
             is
             appropriated
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             convenient
             for
             us
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             :
             so
             that
             by
             grace
             we
             are
             elevated
             from
             our
             own
             baseness
             to
             the
             fellowship
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             put
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             receive
             a
             
               new
               being
            
             in
             God.
             Can
             any
             thing
             be
             said
             more
             admirable
             or
             great
             ?
             If
             we
             reflect
             on
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             must
             needs
             confess
             ,
             that
             to
             live
             according
             to
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             bear
             it's
             effects
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             we
             must
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             be
             no
             more
             our
             own
             ,
             nor
             in
             our selves
             .
             When
             we
             say
             ,
             we
             must
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             we
             would
             intimate
             ,
             that
             the
             Christian
             ,
             to
             live
             like
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             must
             regard
             nothing
             but
             God
             ,
             mind
             no
             Interest
             but
             that
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             please
             none
             but
             God
             ,
             have
             no
             desire
             ,
             but
             to
             accomplish
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             In
             brief
             ,
             he
             must
             renounce
             himself
             ,
             and
             the
             love
             of
             all
             things
             to
             love
             none
             but
             God.
             To
             live
             so
             ,
             as
             to
             go
             out
             of
             ones
             
             self
             ,
             is
             in
             two
             words
             ,
             all
             that
             we
             have
             proposed
             in
             the
             
               fourth
               Part.
            
             
          
           
             This
             is
             a
             Point
             may
             be
             thought
             hard
             ,
             and
             
               too
               high
            
             ,
             yet
             the
             practice
             thereof
             is
             necessary
             ,
             according
             to
             those
             words
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             
               God
               ,
               He
               that
               will
               follow
               me
               ,
               let
               him
               deny
               himself
            
             ;
             
             where
             we
             see
             how
             much
             a
             Christian
             is
             obliged
             to
             renounce
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             
               go
               out
               of
               himself
            
             after
             the
             manner
             we
             have
             declared
             ,
             which
             will
             appear
             more
             cleer
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             the
             essence
             of
             the
             Precept
             of
             love
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             of
             Christianity
             is
             a
             love
             ,
             says
             Dionysius
             the
             
               Areopagite
               ,
               extatick
            
             ,
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             it
             raiseth
             us
             to
             a
             contempt
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             all
             things
             ,
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             
               essentially
               love
            
             and
             charity
             ;
             so
             that
             by
             the
             perfection
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             are
             drawn
             from
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             and
             the
             creature
             ,
             to
             be
             onely
             God's
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             enjoy
             our selves
             in
             any
             thing
             but
             in
             God.
             
          
           
             Thus
             ,
             which
             way
             soever
             we
             consider
             Christianity
             ,
             we
             find
             ,
             that
             both
             love
             and
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             causes
             us
             to
             go
             out
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             make
             us
             partakers
             of
             his
             
               divine
               Nature
            
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           SEQUELE
           .
        
         
           FRom
           the
           Principle
           of
           Truth
           ,
           last
           explained
           ,
           we
           learn
           the
           great
           difference
           between
           the
           state
           of
           Innocency
           in
           Adam
           ,
           and
           the
           Christian
           righteousness
           in
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ;
           for
           Adam
           had
           a
           power
           over
           all
           things
           ,
           it
           was
           permitted
           him
           to
           enjoy
           the
           whole
           world
           ,
           and
           to
           rejoyce
           therein
           .
           Original
           righteousness
           ,
           and
           the
           grace
           of
           the
           first
           man
           ,
           was
           in
           that
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           
             lawfull
             use
          
           of
           all
           things
           ,
           but
           
             Christian
             grace
          
           is
           quite
           contrary
           ;
           for
           God
           wills
           not
           any
           more
           that
           man
           rejoyce
           and
           content
           himself
           in
           any
           thing
           but
           in
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           live
           not
           but
           for
           him
           ;
           that
           he
           alone
           be
           his
           possession
           and
           heritage
           .
           Besides
           ,
           the
           state
           of
           Adam
           was
           in
           exaltation
           ,
           in
           the
           possession
           ,
           in
           the
           satisfaction
           and
           pleasure
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           lawfully
           take
           in
           the
           creatures
           that
           were
           subjected
           to
           him
           ,
           during
           the
           time
           that
           he
           remained
           in
           obedience
           to
           God.
           But
           the
           state
           of
           Christianity
           is
           wholly
           opposite
           ,
           it
           consists
           altogether
           in
           privations
           ,
           in
           humiliations
           ,
           in
           dejections
           ,
           and
           in
           summ
           ,
           it
           devests
           man
           of
           all
           power
           ,
           even
           that
           which
           he
           hath
           of
           himself
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           wholly
           
             Iesus
             Christ's
          
           ,
           that
           separating
           himself
           from
           the
           creatures
           ,
           and
           from
           himself
           ,
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           might
           be
           
           his
           All
           ,
           and
           his
           Fulness
           ,
           that
           by
           
             Christian
             grace
          
           he
           might
           enter
           into
           society
           with
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           and
           by
           him
           ,
           with
           his
           Father
           ,
           according
           to
           what
           the
           beloved
           Apostle
           promised
           us
           ,
           when
           he
           said
           ,
           
           
             That
             your
             fellowship
             be
             with
             the
             Father
             and
             Iesus
             Christ
             his
             Son.
             
          
        
         
           Thus
           all
           the
           
             fruition
             ,
             satisfaction
             ,
             pleasure
          
           ,
           and
           exaltation
           that
           man
           took
           in
           the
           creature
           by
           originall
           righteousness
           he
           takes
           in
           God
           ,
           making
           a
           happy
           change
           and
           possessing
           the
           Creator
           for
           the
           creature
           ,
           wherein
           is
           verified
           the
           word
           of
           Saint
           Paul
           ,
           
           
             where
             sin
             did
             abound
             ,
             grace
             did
             superabound
             .
          
           By
           
             Christian
             grace
          
           ,
           we
           are
           drawn
           from
           the
           creature
           ,
           and
           from
           our selves
           ,
           to
           be
           in
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           to
           possess
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           no
           content
           or
           satisfaction
           ,
           but
           in
           God.
           The
           Christian
           by
           this
           grace
           ,
           takes
           all
           in
           God
           ,
           lives
           not
           but
           for
           God
           ,
           and
           lives
           the
           life
           of
           Iesus
           the
           Son
           of
           God.
           In
           this
           sense
           ,
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           fill'd
           with
           this
           grace
           ,
           saith
           ,
           
             I
             live
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             no
             more
             I
             that
             live
             ,
          
           
           
             but
             Iesus
             Christ
             who
             liveth
             in
             me
             .
          
           We
           should
           all
           say
           the
           same
           ,
           for
           
             Christian
             grace
          
           makes
           us
           to
           live
           of
           the
           life
           of
           Iesus
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           true
           ,
           that
           we
           see
           the
           life
           of
           a
           Christian
           hath
           for
           it's
           sole
           conservation
           and
           food
           ,
           the
           very
           body
           and
           blood
           of
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ;
           for
           ,
           if
           according
           to
           the
           ordinary
           maximes
           of
           things
           naturall
           ,
           we
           say
           that
           every
           thing
           draws
           it's
           nutriment
           ,
           from
           whence
           it
           draws
           its
           being
           ,
           since
           the
           food
           of
           a
           Christian
           is
           no
           
           other
           then
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           it
           followes
           by
           a
           necessary
           consequence
           ,
           that
           his
           being
           and
           life
           must
           be
           the
           same
           
             Iesus
             Christ.
             A
             truth
             great
             and
             admirable
             ,
          
           which
           shewes
           us
           the
           excellencies
           of
           the
           state
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           and
           teaches
           us
           how
           holy
           and
           perfect
           the
           life
           of
           a
           Christian
           ought
           to
           be
           .
           If
           we
           further
           consider
           the
           same
           grace
           ,
           we
           shall
           discover
           a
           new
           secret
           in
           
             Christian
             life
          
           ;
           for
           having
           said
           that
           grace
           makes
           us
           live
           the
           life
           of
           Iesus
           ,
           we
           ought
           to
           know
           what
           his
           life
           is
           .
           The
           life
           of
           Iesus
           is
           divinely-humane
           ,
           and
           humanely-divine
           ;
           He
           is
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           and
           therefore
           lives
           a
           
             life
             divine
          
           ,
           and
           a
           
             life
             humane
          
           .
           As
           God
           he
           lives
           the
           life
           of
           God
           in
           the
           bosom
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           a
           life
           of
           
             Glory
             ,
             Power
          
           and
           Majesty
           ;
           as
           man
           he
           lives
           the
           life
           of
           man
           ,
           in
           
             lowness
             ,
             humiliation
          
           ,
           in
           impotence
           ,
           in
           sufferings
           .
           So
           that
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ,
           he
           is
           living
           in
           the
           bosom
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           and
           dying
           on
           the
           Arms
           of
           the
           Crosse.
           There
           he
           raigns
           and
           governs
           ,
           and
           judges
           all
           the
           World
           ;
           here
           he
           is
           
             accused
             ,
             condemned
          
           ,
           and
           crucified
           .
           At
           the
           same
           instant
           ,
           he
           is
           in
           the
           exaltation
           and
           greatness
           of
           his
           Majesty
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           lowness
           and
           humiliation
           of
           our
           humanity
           .
           Such
           also
           ought
           the
           Christian
           life
           to
           be
           ;
           on
           the
           one
           side
           it
           is
           great
           ,
           seeing
           grace
           makes
           us
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           elevates
           and
           unites
           us
           to
           God
           ,
           makes
           us
           partakers
           of
           the
           proprieties
           and
           qualities
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           a
           word
           ,
           deifies
           
           us
           ,
           and
           makes
           us
           as
           little
           gods
           .
           On
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           the
           same
           life
           is
           
             obscured
             ,
             dejected
          
           ,
           wholly
           in
           the
           spirit
           of
           humiliation
           and
           privation
           ;
           for
           grace
           cannot
           reign
           in
           the
           soul
           without
           operating
           therein
           
             annihilation
             ,
             death
          
           and
           humility
           .
           Moreover
           ,
           the
           life
           of
           a
           Christian
           is
           exposed
           to
           
             temptations
             ,
             derided
          
           by
           men
           ,
           condemned
           by
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           greatest
           cherishing
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           is
           agitated
           by
           the
           cross
           of
           love
           .
           God
           enlightens
           the
           soul
           by
           grace
           ,
           it
           is
           granted
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           in
           annihilation
           ,
           he
           upholds
           her
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           in
           confounding
           her
           ,
           he
           unites
           her
           to
           him
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           in
           separating
           her
           ;
           and
           the
           love
           it self
           which
           she
           
             enjoys
             ,
             unites
          
           her
           to
           God
           ;
           she
           remains
           separated
           from
           God
           ,
           as
           long
           as
           she
           remains
           upon
           
             earth
             ,
             While
             we
             are
             in
             the
             body
             ,
             we
             are
             absent
             from
             the
             Lord
          
           ;
           
           so
           is
           she
           at
           once
           united
           and
           separated
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           the
           conduct
           of
           God
           over
           his
           Church
           ,
           nay
           ,
           if
           we
           reflect
           upon
           the
           highest
           works
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           ,
           he
           puts
           not
           the
           ornament
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           the
           foundation
           of
           her
           estate
           ,
           but
           in
           lowness
           ;
           his
           grace
           ,
           his
           gifts
           ,
           his
           spirit
           ,
           and
           his
           communication
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           in
           humiliation
           ,
           when
           he
           established
           the
           Sacraments
           ,
           which
           are
           
             conduit
             pipes
          
           whereby
           he
           conveighs
           his
           graces
           to
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           into
           our
           souls
           .
           He
           hath
           chosen
           
             bread
             ,
             water
          
           ,
           and
           such
           things
           as
           are
           
             mean
             ,
             little
          
           ,
           or
           nothing
           esteemed
           among
           men
           .
           In
           the
           birth
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           he
           took
           the
           cross
           for
           
           the
           throne
           of
           his
           Empire
           ,
           a
           Calvary
           for
           his
           seat-royall
           ;
           he
           rejected
           an
           estate
           by
           
             poverty
             ,
             sufferings
          
           ,
           and
           martyrdom
           ,
           and
           at
           this
           day
           he
           does
           the
           same
           in
           the
           regency
           of
           his
           Church
           .
           It
           is
           true
           that
           this
           littleness
           is
           not
           now
           known
           ,
           this
           martyrdom
           is
           within
           ,
           all
           this
           holiness
           is
           hidden
           ,
           it
           appears
           no
           more
           to
           the
           eyes
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           of
           old
           by
           the
           triumphs
           of
           Saints
           ,
           who
           became
           victorious
           and
           glorious
           in
           the
           effusion
           of
           their
           blood
           ,
           and
           yet
           notwithwanding
           ,
           she
           cannot
           be
           exempted
           from
           undergoing
           her
           humiliations
           ,
           her
           heresies
           and
           persecutions
           .
        
         
           According
           to
           the
           proceedings
           of
           God
           in
           the
           conduct
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           is
           likewise
           his
           carriage
           in
           the
           sanctification
           and
           government
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           he
           leads
           them
           by
           the
           cross
           ,
           he
           retires
           from
           them
           ,
           he
           hides
           himself
           ,
           he
           leaves
           them
           in
           privations
           ,
           he
           humbles
           them
           ,
           annihilates
           them
           ,
           smites
           them
           ,
           overthrows
           them
           .
           The
           
             perfect
             Christian
          
           must
           resolve
           to
           fight
           with
           ,
           and
           bear
           his
           sufferings
           in
           such
           manner
           as
           we
           have
           said
           ,
           but
           sufferings
           that
           are
           hidden
           to
           men
           ,
           are
           known
           to
           God
           ,
           which
           do
           glorifie
           him
           only
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           Angels
           .
           Wherin
           is
           discovered
           how
           they
           are
           deceived
           who
           in
           their
           devotions
           and
           exercises
           seek
           
             resentment
             ,
             enjoyments
             ,
             content
          
           and
           satisfaction
           ,
           and
           would
           know
           and
           feel
           the
           excellency
           and
           elevations
           of
           grace
           .
           I
           call
           it
           a
           deceit
           ,
           for
           
             Christian
             grace
          
           consists
           ,
           chiefly
           
             in
             privations
          
           ,
           in
           lowness
           ,
           in
           rigours
           ,
           and
           
           that
           is
           it
           they
           stand
           most
           in
           fear
           of
           and
           avoid
           .
           Now
           ,
           as
           the
           life
           of
           Iesus
           begun
           in
           poverty
           ,
           and
           ended
           on
           the
           cross
           ,
           so
           a
           
             perfect
             Christian
          
           ,
           who
           would
           live
           a
           life
           of
           grace
           ,
           must
           resolve
           to
           walk
           amongst
           thornes
           ,
           to
           bear
           privations
           and
           sustain
           desertions
           ;
           for
           the
           cross
           and
           thornes
           are
           things
           proper
           to
           
             Christian
             grace
          
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           love
           of
           Iesus
           .
        
         
           To
           abridge
           therefore
           the
           life
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           hath
           been
           proposed
           ,
           let
           us
           say
           ,
           that
           the
           Christian
           to
           live
           and
           
             walk
             worthily
          
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           vocation
           whereto
           he
           is
           called
           ,
           must
           
             go
             out
             of
             himself
          
           to
           live
           in
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           his
           centre
           must
           be
           the
           bosome
           of
           God
           ,
           his
           life
           ,
           a
           hidden
           martyrdom
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           actions
           and
           sufferings
           must
           be
           pure
           ,
           and
           referred
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ;
           his
           intentions
           must
           look
           onely
           upon
           God
           ,
           his
           desires
           must
           be
           onely
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           his
           care
           onely
           to
           follow
           God
           ,
           his
           contentment
           wholly
           in
           God.
           In
           brief
           ,
           his
           thoughts
           ,
           his
           designes
           ,
           his
           works
           must
           bear
           the
           Image
           of
           
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           the
           foundation
           of
           his
           being
           must
           be
           onely
           of
           God
           ,
           all
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           all
           for
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           say
           with
           the
           Master
           of
           Christians
           ,
           
           
             To
             me
             to
             live
             is
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             die
             is
             gain
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           THE
           FIFTH
           PART
           .
           Treating
           of
           true
           Piety
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           particular
           Duties
           of
           a
           Christian
           towards
           
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           our
           Lord.
           
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             What
             Devotion
             is
             ,
             and
             wherein
             true
             Piety
             consisteth
             .
          
           
             SAINT
             Paul
             proposes
             to
             his
             young
             Timothy
             ,
             divers
             admonitions
             to
             be
             used
             in
             the
             particular
             conduct
             of
             himself
             and
             government
             of
             his
             Church
             .
             The
             first
             which
             he
             most
             recommends
             is
             piety
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
             
               Exercise
               thy self
               unto
               godliness
            
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             should
             say
             ,
             Truly
             all
             vertues
             are
             good
             ,
             and
             suitable
             to
             the
             state
             of
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             the
             
             practise
             thereof
             profitable
             ,
             the
             acquisition
             usefull
             and
             necessary
             ,
             but
             his
             chief
             care
             and
             exercise
             must
             be
             piety
             ,
             
             for
             he
             adds
             ,
             
               godliness
               is
               profitable
               unto
               all
               things
               ,
               having
               the
               promise
               of
               the
               life
               that
               now
               is
               ,
               and
               of
               that
               which
               is
               to
               come
               .
            
          
           
             The
             advice
             which
             the
             Apostle
             gives
             his
             Disciple
             ,
             we
             must
             here
             propose
             to
             our
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             having
             already
             spoken
             of
             vertues
             ,
             the
             most
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             There
             remains
             then
             no
             more
             to
             commend
             unto
             him
             ,
             but
             a
             true
             and
             solid
             
               Christian
               Piety
            
             ,
             for
             this
             Piety
             is
             the
             Ornament
             or
             Mistriss
             of
             all
             other
             vertues
             .
             I
             mean
             the
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             dispose
             us
             ,
             assist
             us
             ,
             and
             put
             us
             into
             a
             capacity
             agreeable
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             honour
             him
             ,
             they
             are
             necessary
             for
             us
             to
             make
             us
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             shew
             us
             the
             way
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             Piety
             leads
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             makes
             use
             of
             all
             vertues
             to
             conduct
             us
             thither
             ,
             and
             having
             no
             object
             but
             God
             ,
             teaches
             us
             the
             worship
             and
             honour
             that
             we
             must
             render
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             like
             a
             good
             Mistriss
             ,
             puts
             us
             into
             a
             ready
             and
             easie
             practise
             of
             
               true
               vertues
            
             ,
             and
             entertains
             us
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             actions
             that
             honour
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             acceptable
             to
             him
             :
             In
             brief
             ,
             she
             enables
             us
             to
             pay
             God
             what
             we
             owe
             him
             .
          
           
             This
             Piety
             is
             the
             first
             use
             ,
             and
             exercise
             of
             a
             soul
             ;
             as
             the
             first
             motion
             ,
             the
             first
             instinct
             ,
             the
             
             first
             light
             we
             have
             from
             nature
             to
             know
             God
             ,
             so
             the
             first
             exercise
             she
             inspires
             us
             with
             ,
             is
             to
             honour
             the
             same
             God
             ,
             to
             render
             him
             that
             worship
             and
             service
             which
             the
             Creature
             owes
             its
             Creator
             .
             This
             Piety
             teaches
             ,
             to
             this
             she
             incites
             us
             ,
             this
             she
             produces
             in
             us
             :
             Whence
             we
             may
             apprehend
             ,
             how
             necessary
             it
             is
             to
             know
             wherein
             this
             
               true
               piety
            
             consisteth
             ,
             and
             to
             establish
             our
             selves
             therein
             .
             For
             above
             all
             that
             we
             have
             said
             already
             ,
             which
             is
             very
             considerable
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             ,
             that
             this
             
               true
               piety
            
             is
             one
             of
             the
             principall
             foundations
             whereby
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             is
             supported
             .
             In
             the
             conduct
             of
             men
             all
             actions
             and
             exercises
             of
             their
             life
             ,
             are
             ruled
             according
             to
             piety
             ,
             and
             as
             we
             commonly
             say
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             devotion
             they
             have
             .
             If
             then
             their
             piety
             be
             not
             founded
             upon
             a
             solid
             foundation
             ,
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             
               Christian
               life
            
             will
             be
             unconstant
             ,
             and
             its
             exercises
             very
             
               uncertain
               ,
               superficiall
            
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             ,
             wholly
             unprofitable
             ,
             
             as
             we
             see
             in
             the
             devotions
             of
             many
             which
             is
             onely
             in
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             who
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               having
               the
               form
               of
               godliness
               ,
               despise
               the
               power
               thereof
               .
            
             In
             such
             souls
             we
             see
             nothing
             solid
             ,
             nothing
             but
             inconstancy
             in
             their
             
               lives
               ,
               imperfection
            
             in
             their
             
               actions
               ,
               disquiet
               ,
               disturbance
            
             ,
             and
             adherence
             to
             severall
             Creatures
             in
             their
             spirits
             ,
             a
             small
             blast
             of
             adversities
             overturns
             them
             .
             If
             we
             consider
             all
             their
             life
             ,
             it
             is
             nothing
             but
             an
             appearance
             and
             shadow
             
             of
             piety
             ,
             counterfeit
             Pearls
             ,
             that
             make
             a
             fair
             glittering
             shew
             ,
             but
             are
             fully
             onely
             of
             wind
             .
             Some
             fall
             into
             this
             evill
             
               by
               ignorance
            
             ,
             others
             
               by
               default
            
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             direct
             both
             into
             the
             truth
             .
          
           
             It
             concerns
             us
             therefore
             ,
             to
             examine
             wherein
             piety
             and
             
               true
               Christian
               devotion
            
             consists
             .
             Severall
             persons
             speak
             of
             it
             severally
             ,
             every
             one
             adds
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             appropriates
             it
             to
             his
             own
             
               inclinations
               ,
               humour
            
             ,
             and
             
               particular
               affections
            
             .
             But
             according
             to
             
               Catholick
               truth
            
             ,
             the
             foundation
             of
             solid
             and
             
               true
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             consisteth
             in
             the
             soul's
             being
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             ,
             and
             belonging
             to
             him
             ,
             by
             a
             relation
             of
             love
             and
             
               charity
               .
               True
               piety
            
             consisteth
             in
             the
             
               knowledge
               ,
               esteem
               ,
               adherence
            
             ,
             and
             subjection
             of
             our
             souls
             to
             
               Iesus
               Chrst
            
             ,
             from
             which
             
               esteem
               ,
               adherence
            
             and
             subjection
             ,
             all
             our
             
               exercises
               ,
               actions
            
             of
             devotion
             and
             piety
             ,
             must
             proceed
             as
             heat
             from
             the
             fire
             ,
             the
             effect
             from
             the
             cause
             .
          
           
             This
             description
             of
             Piety
             may
             seem
             new
             ,
             but
             it
             will
             appear
             manifest
             ,
             if
             we
             weigh
             with
             patience
             the
             deduction
             thereof
             ,
             and
             consider
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             our
             Mediator
             ,
             by
             whom
             we
             have
             access
             to
             God
             ,
             by
             whom
             we
             honour
             God
             ,
             render
             our
             duties
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             relation
             to
             the
             most
             high
             and
             most
             
               adorable
               Trinity
            
             ,
             and
             refer
             our
             
               life
               actions
            
             ,
             and
             our
             selves
             thereto
             .
             Herein
             consisteth
             true
             piety
             ,
             for
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             we
             are
             acceptable
             to
             
             him
             ,
             by
             him
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             all
             sufficient
             in
             himself
             ,
             vouchsafes
             to
             accept
             our
             wills
             ,
             to
             sanctifie
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             recompense
             our
             
               good
               works
            
             .
             St.
             Paul
             teacheth
             this
             ,
             when
             he
             sayes
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               is
               all
               our
               glory
               .
            
             
             It
             is
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             that
             we
             live
             ,
             in
             him
             we
             merit
             ,
             and
             satisfie
             by
             fruits
             worthy
             repentance
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             him
             that
             they
             are
             meritorious
             ,
             it
             is
             he
             that
             offers
             them
             to
             his
             Father
             (
             consider
             these
             words
             )
             and
             his
             
               Father
               accepts
            
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             acceptable
             to
             him
             for
             his
             sake
             .
             What
             more
             clear
             or
             more
             to
             our
             purpose
             ?
             Hence
             we
             conclude
             ,
             that
             devotion
             and
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             cannot
             be
             in
             a
             soul
             ,
             if
             that
             soul
             be
             not
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             ,
             if
             it
             adhere
             not
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             be
             subject
             to
             his
             spirit
             .
             For
             if
             we
             live
             not
             ,
             if
             we
             merit
             not
             ,
             nor
             can
             satisfie
             God
             but
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             necessarily
             follows
             ,
             we
             cannot
             live
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             not
             
               Iesus
               Christs
               .
               He
               therefore
            
             saith
             Saint
             Iohn
             ,
             
             
               who
               hath
               not
               the
               Sonne
               hath
               not
               life
               ,
            
             implying
             ,
             he
             hath
             nothing
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             he
             hath
             no
             capacity
             to
             honour
             and
             serve
             God
             ,
             wherein
             consisteth
             
               true
               piety
            
             .
             Whence
             we
             may
             conclude
             that
             to
             acquire
             true
             devotion
             ,
             we
             must
             begin
             with
             this
             esteem
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             by
             an
             adherence
             and
             subjection
             to
             his
             spirit
             and
             conduct
             .
          
           
             Let
             us
             more
             particularly
             explain
             wherein
             this
             
               true
               piety
               consists
            
             .
             To
             know
             it
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             stop
             at
             
               exteriour
               things
            
             ,
             or
             at
             actions
             which
             
             have
             nothing
             but
             appearance
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             enter
             into
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             regard
             true
             devotion
             onely
             in
             the
             centre
             of
             the
             heart
             ▪
             The
             proper
             office
             and
             principall
             duty
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             is
             to
             cause
             us
             to
             regard
             God
             ,
             to
             induce
             us
             to
             render
             to
             God
             what
             we
             owe
             him
             .
             It
             is
             necessary
             that
             we
             enter
             into
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             by
             speculation
             or
             sublime
             knowledge
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             light
             of
             Faith.
             This
             knowledge
             leads
             us
             to
             esteem
             God
             ,
             by
             this
             esteem
             we
             enter
             into
             a
             propriety
             and
             a
             true
             and
             
               absolute
               subjection
            
             to
             his
             greatness
             and
             will
             ,
             all
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             
               true
               devotion
            
             ,
             for
             as
             much
             as
             we
             cannot
             render
             to
             God
             the
             
               honour
               ,
               love
            
             ,
             and
             service
             we
             owe
             him
             ,
             but
             in
             as
             much
             as
             we
             esteem
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             subject
             to
             him
             .
             Seeing
             then
             Piety
             consisteth
             in
             rendring
             to
             God
             the
             
               honour
               ,
               love
            
             ,
             and
             service
             we
             owe
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             cannot
             otherwise
             honour
             or
             serve
             him
             then
             as
             we
             esteem
             him
             ,
             and
             depend
             of
             him
             and
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ;
             it
             followes
             that
             to
             be
             
               truly
               devout
            
             ,
             we
             must
             act
             according
             to
             the
             truths
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             follow
             this
             supernaturall
             light
             ,
             we
             must
             conceive
             a
             great
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             great
             subjection
             to
             his
             Law
             and
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             ,
             and
             so
             to
             live
             ,
             is
             to
             live
             in
             the
             
               true
               spirit
            
             of
             piety
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             
               truly
               devout
            
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             is
             not
             all
             ,
             we
             must
             proceed
             further
             .
             The
             Christian
             being
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             
             his
             soul
             and
             heart
             ,
             disposed
             after
             the
             manner
             we
             mention
             ,
             feels
             a
             
               spirituall
               vivacity
            
             ,
             an
             easiness
             and
             promptitude
             which
             drives
             him
             to
             the
             practise
             of
             all
             vertues
             ,
             and
             incites
             him
             to
             shew
             outwardly
             ,
             in
             all
             sorts
             of
             actions
             ,
             the
             
               worship
               ,
               reverence
            
             ,
             and
             
               love
               interiour
            
             ,
             which
             he
             beares
             his
             God.
             This
             motion
             is
             so
             powerfull
             ,
             this
             vivacity
             so
             efficacious
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             but
             outwardly
             express
             what
             he
             carries
             in
             the
             centre
             of
             his
             heart
             and
             soul
             ,
             as
             fire
             that
             cannot
             be
             hid
             ,
             but
             will
             break
             forth
             in
             flames
             .
             This
             inward
             
               true
               piety
            
             cannot
             be
             concealed
             ,
             but
             will
             appear
             by
             its
             effects
             ,
             by
             the
             exercises
             of
             devotion
             ,
             and
             by
             severall
             actions
             of
             vertue
             ,
             according
             as
             occasion
             and
             time
             permits
             .
             We
             must
             observe
             that
             these
             exercises
             of
             devotion
             are
             the
             more
             
               pure
               sincere
            
             and
             perfect
             ,
             the
             more
             the
             soul
             esteems
             God
             ;
             her
             vertues
             are
             the
             more
             solid
             and
             Christian
             ,
             the
             more
             she
             is
             subject
             to
             the
             soveraignty
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             submits
             her self
             to
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             she
             encreases
             in
             the
             light
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             esteem
             of
             her
             God
             ,
             and
             establishes
             her self
             in
             this
             submission
             and
             subjection
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             much
             doth
             she
             receive
             
               capacity
               ,
               motion
            
             ,
             and
             facility
             to
             all
             sorts
             of
             exercises
             of
             piety
             ,
             and
             the
             practise
             of
             all
             vertues
             .
             The
             more
             this
             
               inward
               estate
            
             is
             augmented
             and
             perfected
             in
             her
             ,
             the
             more
             her
             inward
             and
             outward
             actions
             are
             
               pure
               ,
               holy
            
             ,
             and
             
               perfect
               ,
               not
               that
               she
               believes
               Devotion
               to
               
               be
               in
               outward
               things
            
             ;
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             
               she
               esteems
               them
               nothing
            
             ,
             but
             feels
             her self
             driven
             to
             these
             exercises
             ,
             and
             believes
             that
             she
             owes
             all
             that
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             render
             him
             the
             honour
             and
             service
             whereto
             she
             is
             obliged
             ;
             she
             regards
             not
             what
             she
             does
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             her
             to
             consider
             or
             esteem
             of
             it
             ,
             she
             onely
             regards
             God
             whom
             she
             ought
             to
             honour
             and
             love
             with
             all
             her
             strength
             ,
             and
             serve
             as
             much
             as
             she
             can
             with
             purity
             and
             
               infinite
               perfection
            
             .
             This
             advice
             is
             much
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             in
             this
             case
             ,
             that
             we
             can
             easily
             discover
             by
             what
             spirit
             the
             soul
             is
             guided
             in
             her
             devotions
             :
             by
             this
             a
             man
             may
             truly
             judge
             of
             his
             state
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             progress
             he
             makes
             in
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             .
          
           
             To
             summe
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             we
             see
             that
             in
             
               true
               piety
            
             there
             are
             two
             things
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             one
             the
             interiour
             and
             bottom
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             the
             other
             ,
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             which
             consisteth
             in
             its
             actions
             .
             The
             interiour
             we
             look
             upon
             as
             the
             principalll
             root
             and
             cause
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ;
             the
             exteriour
             is
             but
             as
             the
             blossome
             and
             fruit
             ;
             as
             the
             actions
             of
             devotion
             which
             appear
             to
             men
             ,
             are
             but
             the
             mark
             of
             piety
             ,
             and
             makes
             shew
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             
               true
               piety
            
             consisteth
             in
             the
             interiour
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             said
             .
             They
             therefore
             who
             study
             onely
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             care
             but
             to
             produce
             actions
             fair
             in
             appearance
             ,
             have
             the
             image
             and
             shadow
             of
             piety
             ,
             and
             are
             able
             to
             deceive
             our
             eyes
             ,
             and
             to
             
             delude
             the
             judgements
             of
             men
             ,
             who
             see
             but
             the
             outside
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             ,
             before
             the
             eyes
             of
             that
             
               divine
               spirit
            
             which
             penetrates
             the
             centre
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             they
             are
             neither
             devout
             ,
             nor
             acceptable
             to
             him
             ,
             for
             all
             their
             great
             performances
             ;
             unless
             these
             actions
             of
             piety
             ,
             which
             appeare
             outwardly
             proceed
             from
             the
             very
             bottome
             ,
             from
             a
             good
             foundation
             ,
             from
             an
             interiour
             such
             as
             we
             have
             described
             .
             A
             Christian
             who
             would
             be
             devout
             ,
             to
             acquire
             a
             solid
             and
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             before
             all
             things
             bear
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             truly
             esteem
             God
             ,
             he
             will
             make
             account
             of
             all
             that
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             will
             honour
             all
             that
             is
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             any
             condition
             or
             estate
             will
             accept
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             providence
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             will
             resigne
             himself
             to
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             ,
             endeavour
             to
             enter
             into
             an
             
               indissoluble
               relation
            
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             having
             obtained
             this
             interiour
             ,
             he
             easily
             practises
             vertue
             ,
             and
             feels
             a
             promptitude
             to
             embrace
             all
             sorts
             of
             exercises
             of
             devotion
             .
             By
             this
             we
             know
             
               true
               piety
            
             .
          
           
             When
             all
             these
             qualifications
             we
             have
             mentioned
             do
             not
             meet
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             she
             is
             then
             far
             from
             devotion
             .
             For
             what
             piety
             can
             there
             be
             in
             a
             soul
             which
             is
             not
             God's
             ?
             what
             resentment
             of
             devotion
             can
             be
             found
             in
             a
             Christian
             who
             lives
             in
             a
             state
             unworthy
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             displeasing
             to
             his
             goodness
             ?
             shall
             we
             call
             
             them
             devout
             ,
             who
             flatter
             ,
             haply
             glorify
             themselves
             in
             their
             
               fair
               appearances
            
             ,
             and
             only
             study
             the
             exteriour
             ,
             despising
             all
             the
             rest
             ?
             who
             honour
             God
             with
             their
             hands
             in
             some
             exercises
             whereto
             they
             oblige
             themselves
             ,
             praising
             him
             with
             the
             mouth
             by
             selected
             prayers
             ,
             and
             often
             affected
             ,
             and
             yet
             dishonour
             him
             in
             their
             life
             ,
             and
             blaspheme
             him
             in
             their
             hearts
             ?
             God
             may
             say
             of
             most
             Christians
             ,
             
             and
             of
             his
             Israel
             ,
             what
             he
             once
             said
             of
             the
             
               Iews
               ;
               This
               people
               draw
               nigh
               unto
               me
               with
               their
               mouth
               ,
               and
               honour
               me
               with
               their
               lips
               ,
               but
               their
               heart
               is
               far
               from
               me
               .
            
             For
             which
             reason
             we
             must
             fear
             what
             Christ
             immediately
             adds
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               but
               in
               vain
               do
               they
               worship
               me
            
             ;
             
             for
             God
             vouchsafes
             not
             to
             look
             upon
             these
             devotions
             ,
             and
             cannot
             but
             detest
             these
             Christians
             ,
             who
             like
             the
             Samaritans
             will
             on
             the
             one
             side
             
               adore
               vanity
            
             ,
             and
             idolatrize
             their
             own
             lusts
             ;
             and
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             profess
             the
             worship
             of
             the
             
               true
               God
            
             ,
             
             who
             
               appear
               like
               sepulchres
               ,
               painted
               without
               ,
               but
               have
               nothing
               within
               but
               ashes
               and
               rottenness
               .
            
             These
             Christ
             severely
             reprehends
             ,
             these
             we
             advise
             by
             this
             Discourse
             ,
             out
             of
             a
             desire
             to
             propose
             the
             remedy
             ,
             and
             show
             them
             the
             truth
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             The
             necessity
             we
             have
             to
             be
             
               Jesus
               Christ's
            
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             attain
             true
             devotion
             .
          
           
             
               NO
               man
               cometh
               to
               the
               Father
               ,
            
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               but
               by
               me
            
             ;
             to
             shew
             us
             that
             no
             man
             hath
             access
             to
             God
             ,
             
             but
             by
             his
             inttercession
             .
             By
             these
             words
             ,
             he
             shews
             us
             the
             need
             we
             have
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             impotence
             wherein
             we
             all
             are
             .
             The
             impotence
             appears
             ,
             in
             that
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             without
             him
             ,
             and
             cannot
             return
             to
             God
             but
             
               by
               him
            
             ;
             For
             sin
             hath
             not
             onely
             separated
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             but
             also
             taken
             from
             us
             the
             power
             and
             right
             to
             return
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             effect
             ,
             we
             would
             never
             have
             access
             to
             his
             Majesty
             justly
             provoked
             by
             our
             sins
             ,
             if
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             by
             his
             
               divine
               mercy
            
             did
             not
             conduct
             and
             bring
             us
             ,
             to
             receive
             grace
             and
             favour
             .
             The
             eternall
             Father
             receives
             us
             not
             ,
             accepts
             not
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             is
             not
             pleased
             with
             our
             devotions
             and
             homage
             ,
             otherwise
             then
             by
             his
             Son
             ,
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             ,
             God
             triumphs
             over
             us
             .
             By
             him
             we
             speak
             to
             God
             ,
             by
             him
             ,
             we
             see
             God
             ,
             by
             him
             ,
             we
             offer
             our selves
             to
             God
             ;
             so
             true
             is
             it
             ,
             
               that
               without
               him
               we
               can
               do
               nothing
               ,
            
             we
             cannot
             have
             access
             to
             the
             throne
             of
             
               divine
               mercy
            
             ,
             nor
             be
             acceptable
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             by
             him
             .
             Hence
             we
             must
             
             confess
             ,
             that
             the
             Christian
             who
             would
             acquire
             
               true
               vertue
            
             ,
             and
             desireth
             to
             live
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             his
             estate
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             obliged
             ,
             must
             necessarily
             be
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             .
             He
             must
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             appertain
             to
             him
             ,
             be
             subjected
             to
             his
             spirit
             and
             conduct
             ,
             and
             much
             more
             particularly
             ,
             if
             he
             would
             have
             
               true
               devotion
            
             ;
             For
             seeing
             
               true
               piety
            
             consisteth
             principally
             in
             being
             God's
             ,
             and
             rendring
             to
             his
             most
             sacred
             and
             
               soveraign
               Majesty
            
             ,
             the
             
               worship
               ,
               honour
            
             ,
             and
             service
             due
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             otherwise
             we
             are
             unworthy
             and
             uncapable
             to
             do
             all
             that
             ,
             without
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             by
             whom
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             we
             are
             God's
             ,
             without
             whom
             we
             can
             neither
             
               honour
               God
            
             ,
             nor
             be
             acceptable
             to
             him
             ;
             It
             follows
             ,
             that
             the
             foundation
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             consisteth
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             in
             the
             adherence
             and
             relation
             of
             our
             souls
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             submission
             of
             our
             being
             and
             life
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             grace
             ;
             for
             by
             that
             adhering
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             being
             subjected
             to
             him
             ,
             we
             are
             pleasing
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             receive
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             the
             capacity
             of
             honouring
             and
             serving
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             proper
             effect
             ,
             and
             chief
             duty
             of
             piety
             and
             devotion
             .
          
           
             The
             truth
             would
             need
             no
             proof
             ,
             but
             that
             few
             persons
             think
             thereof
             ,
             and
             that
             many
             are
             ignorant
             of
             it
             ,
             therefore
             it
             seems
             to
             be
             to
             purpose
             ,
             to
             speak
             thereof
             more
             at
             large
             in
             the
             
               Principles
               of
               Christianity
            
             .
             Without
             
             out
             going
             any
             further
             ,
             let
             us
             consider
             ,
             that
             to
             be
             a
             Christian
             ,
             we
             must
             
               put
               off
               the
               old
               man
               ,
               with
               his
               deeds
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               put
               on
               the
               new
               man
               ,
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Apostle
             whereon
             we
             must
             found
             our
             Discourse
             .
             If
             to
             be
             a
             Christian
             ,
             we
             must
             
               crucify
               and
               put
               off
               the
               old
               man
               ,
            
             to
             
               put
               on
               the
               new
            
             ,
             with
             much
             more
             reason
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             good
             and
             
               devout
               Christian
            
             we
             must
             
               crucify
               and
               put
               off
               the
               first
               ,
            
             to
             invest
             us
             with
             the
             second
             .
             When
             we
             say
             that
             we
             must
             be
             clothed
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             shew
             we
             must
             be
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             
               garment
               adheres
            
             to
             the
             body
             ,
             and
             is
             united
             to
             it
             ;
             so
             must
             we
             be
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             ,
             but
             much
             more
             perfectly
             then
             this
             comparison
             expresses
             .
          
           
             Reason
             and
             Faith
             will
             easily
             convince
             us
             of
             this
             truth
             ,
             if
             we
             doubt
             of
             it
             ;
             for
             faith
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             it
             belongs
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             to
             give
             us
             grace
             and
             strength
             ,
             to
             
               put
               off
               the
               old
               man
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             draw
             us
             from
             our
             imperfections
             ,
             to
             deliver
             us
             from
             our
             sins
             ,
             and
             annihilate
             our
             
               evil
               inclinations
            
             .
             It
             is
             the
             same
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             invests
             us
             with
             the
             new
             ,
             gives
             us
             his
             
               spirit
               ,
               grace
            
             and
             vertue
             ;
             for
             and
             according
             to
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               Iesus
               Christ
               hath
               been
               to
               us
               wisdom
               ,
               and
               righteousness
               ,
            
             
             
               sanctification
               ,
               and
               redemption
            
             ;
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             
               all
               in
               all
            
             to
             us
             .
             Now
             ,
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             may
             operate
             in
             us
             all
             that
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             that
             we
             be
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             
             
               be
               subjected
            
             to
             his
             designes
             ,
             his
             will
             and
             
               divine
               operations
            
             .
             Who
             can
             deny
             so
             manifest
             a
             truth
             ?
             If
             Iesus
             annihilate
             our
             evill
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             root
             sin
             out
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             ought
             not
             we
             to
             be
             subject
             to
             his
             conduct
             and
             spirit
             ,
             and
             so
             receive
             his
             operations
             of
             mercy
             ?
             If
             we
             participate
             of
             his
             grace
             and
             vertue
             ,
             and
             live
             according
             to
             his
             Commandements
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             necessary
             we
             should
             be
             united
             to
             him
             ?
             And
             how
             should
             we
             be
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             but
             by
             a
             true
             relation
             and
             faithful
             adherence
             to
             him
             ?
             This
             deduction
             is
             easie
             ,
             and
             clearly
             shewes
             how
             true
             it
             is
             that
             the
             foundation
             of
             true
             piety
             consisteth
             in
             unity
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             adherence
             and
             dependance
             of
             the
             soul
             on
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             it
             is
             acknowledg'd
             by
             all
             that
             devotion
             cannot
             be
             true
             ,
             if
             we
             be
             not
             exempted
             from
             our
             vices
             and
             imperfections
             ,
             and
             filled
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             assisted
             with
             his
             grace
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             worthy
             to
             honour
             and
             serve
             God.
             We
             cannot
             perceive
             in
             that
             devotion
             ,
             nor
             practise
             the
             exercises
             thereof
             ,
             if
             the
             same
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             be
             not
             operating
             in
             us
             the
             will
             ,
             and
             perfecting
             according
             to
             his
             will.
             
          
           
             This
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             said
             to
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             in
             them
             to
             all
             Christians
             ,
             
             
               Abide
               in
               me
               and
               I
               in
               you
               ;
               as
               the
               branch
               cannot
               bear
               fruit
               of
               itself
               ,
               except
               it
               abide
               in
               the
               vine
               ,
               no
               more
               can
               ye
               ,
               except
               ye
               abide
               in
               me
               ,
            
             adding
             ,
             
               he
               that
               abideth
               in
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               in
               him
               ,
               the
               same
               bringeth
               forth
               much
               
               fruit
               ,
               for
               without
               me
               ye
               can
               do
               nothing
               .
            
             O
             words
             of
             love
             !
             words
             spoken
             the
             eve
             of
             his
             death
             ,
             to
             shew
             us
             the
             excess
             of
             his
             love
             that
             proceeded
             from
             his
             heart
             ,
             wholly
             divine
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             tenderness
             ,
             whereby
             being
             moved
             ,
             he
             further
             said
             unto
             them
             ,
             
               Abide
               in
               my
               love
            
             .
             So
             infinitely
             was
             he
             desirous
             to
             possess
             our
             hearts
             ,
             and
             to
             triumph
             over
             us
             by
             his
             love
             ,
             whence
             he
             often
             repeats
             the
             same
             words
             ,
             to
             engrave
             and
             imprint
             this
             care
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             proceedings
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             oblige
             us
             to
             love
             him
             again
             .
             This
             indeed
             is
             a
             thing
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             continually
             in
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             for
             all
             the
             happiness
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             consisteth
             in
             this
             relation
             ,
             and
             this
             amorous
             dwelling
             of
             our
             souls
             in
             Iesus
             .
             All
             our
             good
             is
             in
             this
             union
             ,
             since
             that
             by
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             adherence
             we
             have
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             we
             become
             his
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             we
             receive
             a
             power
             and
             capacity
             to
             bear
             the
             fruits
             of
             
               good
               works
            
             ,
             to
             practise
             vertue
             ,
             and
             to
             passe
             our
             life
             in
             the
             exercises
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             and
             
               Christian
               devotion
            
             ,
             which
             make
             us
             hope
             for
             the
             reward
             which
             God
             promises
             to
             those
             that
             serve
             him
             .
             Without
             this
             relation
             and
             union
             ,
             we
             shall
             continue
             in
             our
             weakness
             and
             incapacity
             ,
             our
             life
             is
             unprofitable
             ,
             barren
             ,
             unfruitfull
             ,
             
             and
             in
             evident
             
               perill
               .
               If
               any
               man
               abide
               not
               in
               me
               ,
            
             saith
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             
               he
               is
               cast
               forth
               as
               a
               branch
               ,
               and
               is
               withered
               ,
               and
               men
               gather
               them
               and
               cast
               them
               into
               the
               fire
               .
            
          
           
           
             If
             we
             will
             come
             to
             the
             experience
             of
             what
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             let
             us
             examine
             
               God's
               conduct
            
             of
             such
             souls
             as
             he
             will
             save
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             that
             the
             first
             knowledge
             he
             gives
             them
             ,
             is
             that
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             proposing
             to
             them
             his
             Crosse
             ,
             or
             some
             Mystery
             of
             
               his
               life
            
             ;
             the
             first
             motions
             ,
             the
             first
             thoughts
             of
             piety
             that
             he
             inspires
             them
             with
             ,
             are
             those
             of
             a
             certain
             compassion
             and
             sympathy
             with
             his
             Crosse
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             or
             those
             of
             love
             and
             tenderness
             in
             consideration
             of
             his
             benefits
             .
             If
             on
             the
             other
             side
             we
             intentively
             consider
             souls
             ,
             even
             the
             most
             ignorant
             ,
             we
             shall
             easily
             know
             they
             have
             a
             secret
             resentment
             ,
             and
             an
             inclination
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             though
             they
             know
             him
             not
             .
             But
             God
             alwayes
             begins
             these
             
               divine
               Communications
            
             and
             effects
             of
             his
             mercy
             by
             this
             first
             grace
             .
             The
             reason
             is
             manifest
             in
             Divinity
             ,
             which
             teaches
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             eternall
             Father
             doth
             nothing
             but
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               operates
            
             nothing
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             no
             more
             then
             in
             nature
             ,
             but
             by
             his
             Sonne
             .
             The
             first
             favour
             therefore
             the
             elect
             soul
             chooses
             to
             receive
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             that
             the
             eternall
             Father
             hath
             given
             it
             to
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             and
             there
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             accepts
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             appropriates
             it
             to
             himself
             .
             Now
             as
             God
             demands
             our
             co-operation
             ,
             which
             yet
             we
             cannot
             give
             without
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             therefore
             inspires
             the
             soul
             with
             a
             resentment
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             gently
             insinuating
             into
             it
             a
             certain
             attraction
             
             which
             sweetly
             drawes
             it
             to
             a
             knowledge
             and
             piety
             towards
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             so
             our
             soul
             begins
             to
             be
             
               Iesus
               Christs
            
             ,
             perfecting
             her self
             in
             the
             state
             of
             christianity
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             that
             he
             advances
             in
             this
             affection
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             relation
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             The
             Sonne
             of
             God
             speaking
             to
             the
             Iewes
             ,
             obstinate
             in
             their
             errours
             ,
             saith
             ,
             
               None
               can
               come
               unto
               me
               ,
               if
               the
               Father
               who
               hath
               sent
               me
               doth
               not
               draw
               him
               .
            
             And
             to
             shew
             the
             manner
             that
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             uses
             to
             lead
             our
             souls
             to
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             
             he
             adds
             ,
             
               Every
               man
               that
               hath
               heard
               of
               the
               Father
               cometh
               unto
               me
               .
            
             
             These
             words
             include
             the
             secrets
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             are
             full
             of
             Mystery
             .
             They
             teach
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             drawes
             us
             and
             guides
             us
             to
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             he
             speaks
             to
             us
             by
             his
             inspirations
             in
             the
             interiour
             of
             our
             souls
             ;
             he
             shewes
             us
             that
             we
             are
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             .
             Is
             not
             this
             to
             say
             all
             that
             we
             have
             proposed
             ?
             That
             the
             design
             of
             God
             to
             save
             us
             ,
             is
             no
             other
             then
             to
             give
             
               us
               his
               Sonne
            
             ,
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             him
             by
             the
             powerfull
             attractions
             of
             
               his
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             to
             cause
             us
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             by
             love
             and
             the
             exercises
             of
             a
             life
             truly
             christian
             ;
             herein
             doth
             true
             piety
             consist
             .
             We
             must
             therefore
             continually
             elevate
             our
             hearts
             and
             spirits
             to
             this
             Iesus
             ,
             the
             onely
             happiness
             of
             our
             souls
             ;
             we
             must
             entreat
             him
             to
             accomplish
             in
             us
             the
             designs
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             an
             absolute
             power
             over
             us
             .
             We
             
             must
             so
             offer
             our
             selves
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             have
             no
             other
             
               intention
               ,
               will
            
             ,
             nor
             conduct
             but
             his
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             by
             a
             true
             relation
             ,
             verifie
             what
             Saint
             Paul
             said
             ,
             
             
               All
               is
               yours
               ,
               you
               are
               Christs
               ,
            
             and
             
               Christ
               is
               Gods.
            
             Let
             us
             so
             think
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             so
             do
             ,
             that
             from
             henceforth
             our
             hearts
             and
             mouths
             may
             neither
             speak
             nor
             think
             ,
             but
             of
             him
             ,
             that
             all
             things
             else
             may
             be
             of
             no
             savour
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             nothing
             enter
             our
             spirit
             ,
             which
             resenteth
             not
             the
             spirit
             and
             odor
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             respires
             not
             his
             honour
             and
             glory
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             let
             us
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             ,
             by
             an
             indissoluble
             and
             eternall
             
               union
               ,
               dwell
               in
               him
            
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             
               dwell
               in
               us
            
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             eternally
             bear
             the
             effect
             of
             his
             holy
             word
             .
             
               He
               that
               is
               joyned
               unto
               the
               Lord
               is
               the
               one
               spirit
               .
            
             
             O
             how
             happy
             is
             the
             soul
             that
             is
             called
             to
             this
             happiness
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             truly
             in
             the
             power
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             in
             the
             possession
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             direction
             of
             his
             grace
             .
             This
             is
             the
             state
             whereto
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             must
             arrive
             ,
             the
             foundation
             of
             piety
             and
             true
             devotion
             .
             But
             because
             many
             think
             not
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             many
             know
             it
             not
             ,
             we
             must
             treat
             of
             it
             more
             at
             large
             ,
             and
             propose
             the
             motives
             that
             most
             oblige
             us
             to
             this
             Devotion
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             Of
             Piety
             to
             Iesus
             Christ
             and
             its
             principall
             effects
             .
          
           
             WHAT
             we
             have
             already
             said
             of
             the
             
               Sonne
               of
               God
            
             ,
             is
             sufficient
             to
             make
             us
             know
             what
             we
             owe
             unto
             him
             ,
             but
             the
             importance
             of
             this
             subject
             ,
             requires
             that
             for
             our
             better
             information
             ,
             we
             explain
             particularly
             the
             principles
             of
             this
             piety
             ,
             and
             the
             meanes
             necessary
             to
             attain
             it
             .
             But
             before
             we
             enter
             into
             this
             subject
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             that
             devotion
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             (
             wherein
             we
             are
             to
             imitate
             all
             Christians
             )
             is
             not
             so
             to
             limit
             our
             souls
             ,
             as
             to
             withdraw
             them
             from
             what
             they
             owe
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             the
             exercise
             of
             this
             piety
             is
             necessary
             to
             conduct
             us
             more
             worthily
             ,
             and
             holily
             to
             God
             ,
             because
             by
             piety
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             attain
             a
             capacity
             and
             power
             to
             honour
             God.
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             our
             way
             ,
             by
             him
             alone
             we
             go
             to
             God
             ;
             he
             is
             our
             life
             ,
             by
             him
             we
             live
             the
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             a
             life
             which
             onely
             makes
             us
             worthy
             to
             honour
             God.
             He
             is
             our
             Truth
             ,
             in
             him
             alone
             ,
             as
             the
             spirit
             of
             truth
             ,
             we
             know
             God
             ,
             we
             adore
             him
             and
             serve
             him
             in
             truth
             ;
             according
             to
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             he
             is
             our
             
               All
               ,
               in
               him
            
             and
             
             
               by
               him
            
             we
             have
             all
             things
             :
             by
             the
             Son
             the
             Father
             gives
             us
             all
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Son
             ,
             we
             render
             all
             to
             the
             Father
             .
             This
             is
             the
             gift
             we
             receive
             
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             the
             gift
             we
             give
             
               to
               God
            
             ,
             for
             all
             is
             operated
             and
             subsists
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             Church
             offers
             nothing
             to
             ,
             demands
             nothing
             of
             the
             
               blessed
               Trinity
            
             ,
             but
             by
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             We
             must
             imitate
             the
             Church
             in
             
               pious
               customs
            
             .
          
           
             Piety
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             requires
             not
             so
             much
             
               exteriour
               exercises
            
             ,
             as
             interiour
             and
             permanent
             estate
             doth
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             nor
             demands
             it
             any
             novelty
             of
             affection
             ,
             but
             a
             newness
             of
             spirit
             ,
             a
             new
             disposition
             ,
             enclining
             our
             souls
             to
             employ
             themselves
             in
             the
             thought
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             regard
             him
             ,
             to
             love
             him
             ,
             to
             honour
             him
             as
             the
             object
             and
             end
             of
             our
             
               life
               ,
               actions
            
             ,
             and
             devotions
             .
             It
             requires
             that
             the
             actions
             of
             the
             religious
             should
             be
             devout
             ,
             those
             of
             the
             
               ordinary
               Christians
               vertuous
            
             ,
             those
             of
             a
             
               private
               person
            
             ,
             familiar
             in
             this
             object
             ,
             without
             changing
             his
             spirit
             ,
             but
             directing
             his
             intentions
             and
             dispositions
             to
             the
             
               pure
               regard
            
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             For
             example
             ,
             let
             us
             do
             all
             that
             we
             do
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             honour
             ,
             and
             love
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             if
             we
             suffer
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             to
             imitate
             and
             render
             honour
             to
             his
             sufferings
             ;
             what
             ever
             happens
             to
             us
             ,
             let
             us
             receive
             it
             by
             a
             dependance
             on
             ,
             and
             submission
             to
             his
             power
             and
             conduct
             .
             If
             we
             will
             insist
             upon
             any
             
               good
               thoughts
            
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             consider
             his
             greatness
             ,
             the
             mysteries
             
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             his
             vertues
             ,
             his
             benefits
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             he
             hath
             over
             us
             .
             By
             these
             
               sweet
               entertainments
            
             ,
             by
             these
             
               regards
               of
               honour
               and
               love
            
             ,
             the
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             advances
             himself
             ,
             is
             confirm'd
             in
             the
             piety
             we
             speak
             of
             .
             To
             know
             what
             this
             piety
             is
             ,
             and
             how
             we
             must
             apply
             our selves
             thereto
             ,
             let
             us
             consider
             ,
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             the
             principle
             ,
             the
             centre
             ,
             the
             end
             of
             all
             
               Christian
               souls
            
             ;
             for
             as
             faith
             teaches
             us
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             all
             the
             good
             that
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             the
             spring
             of
             all
             the
             graces
             we
             
               possess
               ,
               Author
            
             of
             the
             life
             which
             we
             live
             in
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             being
             the
             principle
             ,
             he
             is
             also
             consequently
             the
             end
             thereof
             .
             For
             according
             to
             the
             order
             established
             in
             nature
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             the
             principle
             of
             a
             thing
             is
             also
             its
             end
             ,
             and
             nature
             follows
             invariably
             the
             order
             God
             hath
             prefixt
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             well
             ordered
             motions
             ,
             gently
             leads
             ,
             and
             if
             not
             diverted
             ,
             infallibly
             conducts
             all
             things
             to
             the
             principle
             whence
             she
             draws
             them
             :
             
             So
             the
             waters
             ,
             saith
             the
             
               Wise
               man
               ,
               return
               to
               the
               ocean
               ,
            
             as
             to
             their
             
               mothers
               womb
            
             ;
             and
             according
             to
             the
             mysteries
             of
             faith
             ,
             we
             say
             all
             things
             
               return
               to
               God
            
             ,
             because
             they
             all
             
               came
               out
               of
               God.
            
             It
             is
             the
             same
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             grace
             :
             If
             then
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             be
             the
             principle
             of
             the
             
               being
               ,
               life
            
             ,
             and
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             also
             the
             end
             ;
             so
             that
             our
             
               being
               ,
               life
            
             ,
             and
             estate
             regard
             the
             same
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             are
             referred
             to
             him
             as
             the
             end
             ,
             and
             if
             the
             end
             ,
             the
             
             centre
             also
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             .
             In
             him
             our
             souls
             find
             their
             repose
             and
             perfection
             ;
             
             
               in
               him
               ,
               by
               him
               ,
               and
               of
               him
               are
               all
               things
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             Paul.
             
          
           
             This
             Principle
             alone
             considered
             ,
             shews
             us
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             full
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             his
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             respect
             of
             his
             
               divine
               greatness
            
             ,
             and
             
               supreme
               power
            
             over
             all
             as
             
               God
               ,
               Saviour
            
             and
             Redeemer
             ,
             as
             purchaser
             of
             us
             with
             his
             most
             
               precious
               blood
            
             ,
             and
             his
             of
             
               life-giving
               death
            
             ,
             but
             also
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             the
             
               principle
               ,
               centre
            
             and
             end
             of
             the
             life
             and
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             In
             this
             relation
             he
             hath
             
               soveraign
               power
            
             over
             us
             ,
             having
             given
             us
             being
             and
             grace
             ,
             consecrated
             us
             to
             his
             glory
             and
             honour
             ,
             in
             such
             absolute
             manner
             ,
             that
             the
             Christian
             cannot
             make
             use
             either
             of
             himself
             or
             any
             other
             thing
             ,
             without
             abuse
             of
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             if
             not
             for
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             his
             designe
             and
             intentions
             .
             This
             is
             St.
             Pauls
             meaning
             ,
             when
             he
             says
             ,
             
             
               You
               are
               not
               your
               own
            
             ;
             and
             again
             ,
             
               you
               have
               no
               power
               on
               your selves
               .
            
             This
             
               power
               obliges
            
             us
             to
             refer
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             the
             first
             thought
             and
             thing
             to
             be
             done
             in
             
               Christian
               piety
               ,
               being
            
             ,
             to
             believe
             we
             have
             no
             right
             to
             our selves
             ,
             but
             are
             wholly
             Christ's
             ,
             and
             ,
             having
             conceived
             in
             the
             depth
             of
             our
             souls
             this
             belief
             ,
             to
             have
             a
             
               vigilant
               care
            
             ,
             that
             in
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             we
             draw
             not
             our selves
             from
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             to
             make
             use
             of
             our
             selves
             and
             the
             creatures
             to
             
             our
             own
             content
             and
             
               particular
               interests
            
             .
             For
             according
             to
             the
             principle
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             we
             have
             no
             right
             to
             appropriate
             any
             thing
             to
             our
             selves
             .
             This
             belief
             is
             the
             ground
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             Saint
             Paul
             teacheth
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
             
               The
               Son
               of
               God
               died
               ,
               that
               those
               that
               live
               might
               live
               no
               longer
               to
               themselves
               ,
               but
               to
               him
               who
               died
               for
               them
               .
            
          
           
             On
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             ought
             often
             to
             reflect
             .
             For
             as
             the
             foundation
             of
             it
             consisteth
             in
             a
             true
             dependance
             and
             love
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             his
             
               soveraign
               power
            
             over
             us
             ;
             so
             the
             
               principall
               care
            
             of
             him
             who
             seeks
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             be
             to
             continue
             in
             this
             dependance
             ,
             to
             live
             with
             such
             fidelity
             ,
             that
             he
             appropriate
             nothing
             to
             himself
             ,
             either
             as
             to
             his
             life
             or
             actions
             ,
             or
             yet
             of
             the
             creatures
             ,
             and
             assuredly
             ,
             he
             must
             make
             great
             account
             of
             this
             care
             and
             fidelity
             .
             But
             whereto
             serves
             it
             ?
             To
             bear
             in
             his
             heart
             a
             sensible
             desire
             to
             belong
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             every
             day
             to
             renew
             his
             resolutions
             and
             
               good
               purposes
            
             .
             What
             doth
             it
             profit
             our
             soul
             ,
             to
             have
             the
             knowledge
             of
             so
             high
             a
             truth
             ,
             if
             in
             the
             actions
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             and
             exercises
             of
             piety
             ,
             we
             withdraw
             our selves
             from
             this
             dependance
             on
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             apply
             us
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             seek
             in
             our
             own
             business
             and
             exercises
             our
             content
             and
             satisfaction
             .
             This
             were
             ,
             by
             our
             own
             actions
             to
             belie
             the
             resentments
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             to
             profess
             piety
             ,
             and
             follow
             
             impiety
             ,
             to
             bear
             a
             double
             heart
             ,
             to
             have
             vertue
             only
             in
             the
             mouth
             .
             For
             if
             we
             are
             truly
             devout
             ,
             we
             can
             not
             but
             be
             
               Iesus
               Christ's
            
             ,
             and
             if
             we
             are
             his
             ,
             our
             
               principall
               care
            
             will
             certainly
             be
             to
             continue
             our
             dependance
             on
             him
             ,
             not
             onely
             in
             that
             which
             concerns
             our
             condition
             ,
             but
             in
             all
             the
             
               dispositions
               ,
               intentions
               ,
               actions
            
             ,
             and
             circumstances
             of
             our
             life
             .
          
           
             The
             same
             
               Principle
               operates
            
             in
             our
             souls
             a
             
               second
               effect
            
             of
             piety
             in
             that
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             belonging
             properly
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             their
             beginning
             and
             end
             ,
             ought
             accordingly
             to
             be
             submitted
             to
             his
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             ,
             to
             be
             ordered
             after
             what
             manner
             he
             pleases
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             light
             of
             his
             
               loving
               communications
            
             .
             It
             is
             but
             reason
             that
             all
             good
             depend
             on
             him
             from
             whom
             it
             proceeds
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             be
             ruled
             ,
             not
             according
             to
             our
             
               own
               wills
            
             ,
             which
             are
             blind
             ,
             and
             transported
             with
             affection
             and
             self-love
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             intentions
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             cause
             ,
             and
             ought
             necessarily
             to
             be
             the
             rule
             thereof
             .
          
           
             Thus
             the
             second
             
               interiour
               estate
            
             whereto
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             seeks
             
               true
               piety
            
             must
             arrive
             ,
             is
             a
             Resignation
             of
             himself
             ,
             to
             the
             conduct
             and
             direction
             of
             the
             grace
             and
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             being
             so
             subjected
             ,
             he
             may
             perform
             all
             his
             actions
             in
             a
             
               pure
               regard
            
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             
               divine
               intentions
            
             .
             This
             Resignation
             ,
             
             if
             true
             ,
             makes
             us
             bear
             with
             patience
             and
             
               inward
               peace
            
             ,
             all
             estates
             we
             may
             possibly
             arrive
             to
             ;
             it
             gives
             us
             liberty
             of
             
               spirit
               ,
               capacity
            
             and
             strength
             to
             follow
             and
             embrace
             that
             only
             which
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             God
             ;
             it
             puts
             us
             into
             a
             great
             fidelity
             to
             the
             motions
             of
             grace
             ,
             in
             such
             manner
             ,
             that
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             of
             our
             increase
             in
             this
             resignation
             ,
             we
             advance
             in
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             live
             with
             greater
             liberty
             and
             fidelity
             of
             soul.
             
          
           
             This
             indeed
             appears
             something
             difficult
             ,
             and
             many
             believing
             it
             an
             estate
             onely
             for
             the
             most
             perfect
             ,
             pass
             by
             it
             as
             a
             thing
             impossible
             for
             them
             .
             But
             if
             we
             consider
             well
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             it
             easie
             ,
             and
             acknowledge
             it
             common
             to
             all
             souls
             ,
             who
             live
             in
             grace
             .
             To
             do
             an
             action
             of
             piety
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             aided
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             encourages
             &
             assists
             us
             in
             all
             
               good
               works
            
             so
             necessary
             ,
             that
             without
             this
             grace
             ,
             we
             can
             neither
             think
             ,
             nor
             act
             any
             good
             .
          
           
             He
             then
             that
             will
             be
             devout
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             have
             this
             grace
             ,
             whence
             it
             follows
             he
             must
             cooperate
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             give
             himself
             up
             to
             be
             conducted
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             will
             operate
             that
             
               good
               wo●k
            
             in
             him
             ,
             otherwise
             it
             will
             be
             impossible
             for
             him
             to
             
               live
               well
            
             ,
             since
             that
             without
             grace
             we
             can
             do
             no
             good
             .
          
           
             
             
               No
               man
               can
               say
               that
               Iesus
               is
               the
               Lord
               ,
               but
               by
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             Paul
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             
             grace
             that
             doth
             
               all
               in
               all
            
             ,
             and
             therefore
             we
             say
             ,
             he
             that
             will
             live
             according
             to
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             take
             care
             to
             resigne
             himself
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             this
             grace
             ,
             and
             with
             great
             circumspection
             become
             faithfull
             therein
             .
             The
             Principle
             of
             devotion
             consists
             in
             being
             faithfull
             to
             the
             graces
             and
             motions
             that
             Iesus
             offers
             and
             inspires
             us
             with
             .
             Herein
             we
             must
             take
             great
             care
             every
             one
             according
             to
             his
             state
             and
             vocation
             .
             Whence
             we
             easily
             learn
             ,
             that
             true
             and
             
               essentiall
               piety
            
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             doth
             not
             consist
             barely
             in
             actions
             of
             homage
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             or
             in
             giving
             our selves
             to
             him
             by
             certain
             practices
             ,
             and
             employing
             us
             in
             severall
             exercises
             ,
             though
             in
             it self
             all
             be
             profitable
             ,
             but
             the
             
               true
               essence
            
             and
             ground
             of
             this
             devotion
             consists
             in
             the
             dependance
             of
             our
             soul
             on
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             true
             subjecting
             of
             our
             life
             to
             his
             conduct
             by
             a
             faithfull
             cooperation
             with
             his
             grace
             and
             motions
             :
             this
             is
             the
             ground
             and
             state
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             to
             comprehend
             which
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             that
             all
             we
             do
             is
             acceptable
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             onely
             because
             we
             are
             his
             ,
             all
             our
             actions
             and
             exercises
             as
             good
             ,
             being
             derived
             from
             his
             grace
             ,
             inspired
             and
             conducted
             by
             his
             spirit
             .
             We
             may
             do
             a
             thing
             two
             wayes
             ,
             according
             to
             
               naturall
               motions
            
             and
             inclinations
             of
             the
             
               old
               man
            
             ,
             or
             according
             to
             the
             motions
             and
             
               holy
               inclinations
            
             of
             the
             
               new
               man
               ,
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             if
             what
             we
             do
             ,
             though
             it
             seem
             good
             ,
             be
             according
             
             to
             the
             motions
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             of
             the
             
               old
               man
            
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             of
             little
             value
             ,
             being
             at
             the
             most
             but
             naturall
             and
             
               humane
               actions
            
             .
             But
             if
             it
             issue
             from
             motions
             of
             grace
             ,
             then
             is
             it
             truly
             Christian
             .
             Hence
             we
             say
             ,
             the
             foundation
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             consists
             in
             the
             subjection
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             grace
             and
             the
             conduct
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             for
             if
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             do
             not
             conduct
             the
             soul
             by
             grace
             ,
             nor
             direct
             her
             by
             his
             spirit
             ,
             she
             can
             do
             nothing
             considerable
             .
          
           
             Hence
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             many
             deceive
             and
             flatter
             themselves
             in
             their
             imperfections
             ,
             passing
             their
             lives
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             many
             exercises
             ,
             neglecting
             the
             principall
             ,
             and
             thinking
             they
             do
             wonders
             ,
             when
             they
             do
             nothing
             ,
             because
             all
             their
             
               actions
               are
               rather
               effects
               of
               their
               own
               inclinations
               ,
               humours
               ,
               or
               self-love
               then
               of
               grace
               .
            
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             ,
             if
             he
             seek
             perfection
             ,
             must
             take
             heed
             hereto
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             observe
             as
             a
             maxime
             in
             
               Catholique
               vertues
            
             ,
             that
             
               Christian
               vertue
            
             and
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             consist
             not
             in
             being
             conformable
             to
             reason
             ,
             and
             to
             a
             
               humane
               spirit
            
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             spirit
             and
             intention
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             
               infallible
               rule
            
             of
             our
             actions
             .
             This
             advice
             is
             of
             importance
             ;
             We
             shall
             speak
             of
             it
             elswhere
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             convinced
             the
             more
             
               difficult
               spirits
            
             ,
             and
             made
             them
             see
             the
             
               right
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             to
             us
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             The
             right
             which
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             hath
             to
             us
             ;
             Motives
             obliging
             us
             to
             be
             his
             ,
             and
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             by
             true
             piety
             .
          
           
             WHich
             way
             soever
             we
             consider
             our selves
             ,
             we
             belong
             unto
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             this
             is
             our
             happiness
             .
             We
             belong
             unto
             him
             after
             a
             singular
             manner
             ;
             
               in
               the
               state
               of
               nature
            
             he
             hath
             a
             right
             to
             us
             ,
             
               all
               things
               being
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Evangelist
             saith
             ,
             
               made
               by
               him
               .
               In
               the
               being
               of
               grace
               ,
            
             we
             belong
             to
             him
             ;
             in
             
               the
               being
               of
               glory
            
             ,
             we
             are
             his
             ;
             by
             him
             all
             are
             raised
             to
             glory
             ;
             by
             a
             grace
             springing
             from
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             and
             proper
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             he
             is
             our
             Head
             ,
             we
             his
             Members
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             Father
             ,
             we
             his
             Children
             ,
             he
             our
             spouse
             ,
             we
             his
             
               heart
               and
               delight
            
             ,
             he
             our
             Doctor
             ,
             we
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             he
             our
             Pastor
             ,
             we
             his
             sheep
             ,
             he
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             we
             his
             Captives
             ,
             he
             our
             King
             ,
             we
             his
             subjects
             ,
             he
             the
             Sacrificer
             ,
             we
             his
             sacrifices
             ;
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             
               he
               is
               our
               All
            
             ,
             the
             way
             ,
             the
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             salvation
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             as
             St.
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             
             
               he
               is
               our
               fulness
            
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             his
             by
             the
             price
             of
             his
             blood
             and
             possession
             of
             his
             spirit
             .
             We
             are
             so
             much
             the
             Son
             's
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             be
             God's
             ,
             without
             being
             first
             Iesus's
             ,
             
             who
             refers
             us
             to
             his
             Father
             .
             If
             the
             Father
             accept
             us
             ,
             and
             behold
             us
             with
             the
             eyes
             of
             mercy
             ,
             it
             is
             in
             the
             Sonne
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             we
             are
             his
             Members
             ,
             and
             united
             unto
             him
             .
          
           
             This
             union
             ,
             whereby
             we
             belong
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             so
             necessary
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
               loves
               us
            
             not
             but
             for
             his
             Sonne
             's
             sake
             ,
             nor
             regards
             us
             but
             in
             him
             ,
             so
             cannot
             our
             actions
             be
             acceptable
             to
             him
             ,
             nor
             all
             our
             exercises
             of
             piety
             please
             him
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             not
             done
             by
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             
               spirit
               of
               his
               Sonne
            
             ,
             and
             by
             adherence
             and
             union
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             though
             they
             may
             otherwise
             seem
             good
             and
             perfect
             .
             
               He
               that
               is
               not
               with
               me
               ,
            
             
             saith
             Christ
             ,
             
               is
               against
               me
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               gathereth
               not
               with
               me
               ,
               scattereth
               .
            
             This
             property
             is
             grounded
             upon
             the
             principles
             of
             Faith
             ,
             which
             teach
             us
             ,
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             onely
             became
             man
             ,
             not
             the
             Father
             nor
             the
             
               holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             he
             alone
             performs
             the
             office
             of
             Mediator
             ,
             in
             the
             redemption
             of
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ;
             he
             alone
             is
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             our
             Mediator
             ,
             and
             our
             Head.
             In
             this
             quality
             we
             are
             his
             Captives
             and
             Members
             ;
             he
             is
             the
             Father
             of
             the
             Ages
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             his
             children
             ,
             for
             he
             alone
             begot
             us
             by
             his
             blood
             and
             death
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             Pelican
             ,
             he
             gives
             us
             life
             by
             the
             effusion
             of
             his
             blood
             ,
             and
             animates
             us
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             his
             Crosse
             ;
             in
             the
             Crosse
             he
             begot
             us
             ,
             by
             his
             death
             he
             giveth
             us
             that
             life
             we
             lost
             by
             the
             envy
             of
             the
             Serpent
             .
          
           
           
             Thus
             in
             all
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             Faith
             ,
             we
             adore
             the
             
               Sonne
               of
               God
            
             ,
             being
             
               of
               the
               divine
               persons
               the
               onely
               incarnate
               ,
            
             living
             and
             dying
             for
             us
             ,
             he
             onely
             redeeming
             us
             from
             the
             captivity
             of
             our
             sins
             ,
             being
             God
             ,
             became
             man
             ,
             that
             men
             might
             become
             Gods
             ,
             all
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             his
             life
             accomplished
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             were
             onely
             to
             sanctifie
             us
             ,
             his
             dying
             upon
             the
             crosse
             ,
             makes
             him
             the
             onely
             victime
             and
             holocaust
             of
             our
             propitiation
             .
             Are
             not
             these
             motives
             sufficient
             to
             shew
             us
             that
             we
             are
             his
             in
             a
             singular
             manner
             ,
             belonging
             to
             him
             by
             extraordinary
             relations
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             reason
             we
             should
             acknowledge
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             particular
             fidelity
             ,
             profess
             our selves
             his
             ,
             and
             carefully
             endeavour
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             true
             piety
             ,
             to
             render
             him
             the
             
               honour
               ,
               love
            
             ,
             and
             service
             ,
             that
             his
             benefits
             obliege
             us
             to
             .
          
           
             This
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             Christians
             think
             not
             of
             ;
             as
             being
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             their
             impiety
             ,
             ignorant
             of
             their
             benefactor
             ,
             as
             the
             Ancients
             were
             through
             their
             Idolatry
             of
             their
             Creator
             .
             It
             is
             a
             strange
             ingratitude
             ,
             that
             man
             should
             be
             so
             blind
             in
             these
             dayes
             ,
             as
             not
             know
             his
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             passing
             his
             life
             away
             carelesly
             ,
             neglect
             to
             acknowledge
             him
             in
             his
             greatness
             ,
             to
             adore
             him
             in
             his
             works
             ,
             and
             to
             honour
             him
             in
             his
             
               humane
               divine
               life
            
             .
             Our
             business
             then
             must
             be
             to
             reform
             this
             ignorance
             ,
             and
             therefore
             we
             will
             propose
             the
             
               principall
               rights
            
             which
             he
             
             hath
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             learn
             with
             what
             piety
             and
             devotion
             we
             ought
             to
             follow
             and
             serve
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             those
             souls
             who
             neglect
             or
             despise
             this
             piety
             ,
             may
             re-enter
             into
             themselves
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             from
             henceforth
             ,
             to
             render
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             the
             
               honour
               ,
               love
            
             and
             service
             ,
             whereto
             they
             are
             by
             so
             many
             just
             relations
             obliged
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             right
             that
             Jesus
             Christ
             hath
             to
             man
             ,
             is
             derived
             from
             his
             Quality
             of
             being
             God-man
             ,
             for
             such
             is
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             onely
             in
             regard
             of
             his
             Divinity
             ,
             but
             also
             according
             to
             his
             humanity
             .
             In
             this
             quality
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ
             by
             a
             power
             of
             excellency
             ,
             ought
             to
             rule
             and
             command
             all
             that
             is
             and
             shall
             be
             created
             ,
             a
             power
             that
             the
             eternal
             Father
             gave
             him
             at
             the
             first
             minute
             of
             his
             Incarnation
             ;
             besides
             that
             ,
             by
             this
             Mystery
             ,
             the
             Son
             changing
             his
             condition
             for
             the
             
               glory
               of
               his
               Father
            
             ,
             and
             abasing
             himself
             to
             honour
             him
             ,
             the
             Father
             also
             will
             needs
             honour
             him
             ,
             constituting
             him
             from
             thenceforward
             ,
             the
             
               principle
               of
               life
               ,
               grace
               and
               glory
               ,
            
             proclaiming
             him
             
               Soveraign
               of
               the
               universe
            
             ,
             and
             replenishing
             his
             humane
             nature
             with
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             Divinity
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             states
             of
             glory
             possibly
             communicable
             to
             him
             as
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             
               Sonne
               honoured
            
             his
             Father
             in
             debasing
             himself
             ,
             so
             did
             the
             
               Father
               honour
               the
               Sonne
            
             ,
             in
             exalting
             him
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             he
             makes
             him
             his
             
             equall
             in
             
               power
               ,
               greatness
            
             and
             Majesty
             ,
             and
             invests
             him
             from
             this
             first
             moment
             for
             evermore
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             power
             that
             he
             hath
             over
             his
             creatures
             .
             This
             the
             beloved
             Apostle
             teaches
             ,
             
             when
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               The
               Father
               hath
               given
               him
               all
               things
               into
               his
               hand
               :
            
             and
             St.
             Paul
             beginning
             to
             write
             the
             greatness
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             saith
             expresly
             ,
             speaking
             of
             his
             mission
             ,
             That
             the
             eternall
             Father
             appointed
             him
             Heire
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             
             by
             whom
             also
             he
             made
             the
             World.
             Thus
             by
             this
             first
             Right
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             Jesus
             hath
             the
             same
             power
             over
             souls
             ,
             that
             the
             Creator
             hath
             over
             his
             creatures
             ,
             and
             in
             relation
             to
             this
             power
             ,
             we
             give
             him
             all
             that
             we
             owe
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             acknowledge
             in
             this
             Mystery
             ,
             Jesus
             to
             have
             a
             double
             power
             over
             us
             as
             God
             and
             man.
             This
             consideration
             obliges
             us
             to
             adore
             and
             serve
             him
             ,
             acknowledging
             this
             power
             must
             doubly
             subject
             us
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             and
             
               divine
               will.
            
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             pay
             this
             duty
             and
             fidelity
             to
             this
             
               Iesus
               God
            
             and
             Man.
             Let
             us
             hear
             with
             a
             resentment
             of
             love
             ,
             how
             St.
             Iohn
             describes
             the
             triumphs
             of
             our
             Iesus
             ;
             he
             tells
             us
             that
             he
             heard
             the
             Angels
             crying
             aloud
             ,
             
               The
               Lamb
               who
               hath
               been
               slain
               ,
               is
               worthy
               to
               receive
               power
               and
               riches
               ,
               and
               wisdom
               and
               strength
               ,
               and
               honour
               and
               glory
               ,
               and
               blessing
               .
            
             The
             Earth
             and
             all
             the
             creatures
             of
             the
             Universe
             do
             the
             like
             ,
             and
             present
             themselves
             before
             
             Iesus
             ,
             declare
             him
             their
             Soveraign
             ,
             and
             protest
             obedience
             and
             service
             to
             him
             .
             
             I
             heard
             saith
             Saint
             
               Iohn
               ,
               every
               creature
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               and
               on
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               such
               as
               are
               in
               the
               Sea
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               are
               in
               them
               ,
               heard
               I
               saying
               ,
               Blessing
               ,
               honour
               ,
               glory
               and
               power
               ,
               be
               unto
               him
               that
               sits
               upon
               the
               Throne
               ,
               and
               unto
               the
               Lamb
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
               .
            
             Let
             us
             do
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             hearts
             say
             Amen
             ;
             let
             us
             adore
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             his
             greatness
             ,
             and
             acknowledging
             his
             Soveraignty
             ,
             live
             in
             true
             subjection
             to
             his
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           Continuation
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             Of
             the
             Motives
             which
             oblige
             us
             to
             belong
             to
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             to
             serve
             him
             by
             true
             piety
             .
          
           
             OF
             all
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             our
             salvation
             ,
             that
             which
             ought
             most
             humbly
             to
             subject
             us
             to
             the
             will
             and
             power
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             is
             the
             work
             of
             our
             Redemption
             ;
             for
             in
             this
             Mystery
             of
             love
             and
             
               mercy
               ,
               Iesus
            
             is
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             we
             are
             his
             Purchase
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             longer
             Right
             either
             to
             our
             selves
             or
             to
             any
             
               creature
               ;
               Ye
               are
               not
               your
               own
               ,
            
             
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             for
             
               ye
               are
               bought
               with
               a
               price
               ,
            
             meaning
             ,
             we
             are
             Christ's
             who
             
             hath
             bought
             us
             with
             his
             most
             
               ineffably
               precious
               blood
            
             .
             But
             the
             better
             to
             understand
             this
             
               sublime
               mystery
            
             ,
             let
             us
             derive
             it
             from
             its
             very
             source
             .
          
           
             We
             are
             then
             to
             consider
             ,
             that
             by
             the
             
               sin
               of
               our
               first
               parents
            
             ,
             we
             should
             all
             have
             perished
             in
             him
             ,
             as
             guilty
             with
             him
             ,
             all
             nature
             should
             have
             been
             extinct
             by
             his
             sin
             ;
             for
             ,
             from
             his
             
               first
               offence
            
             he
             ought
             to
             bear
             the
             execution
             of
             the
             Decree
             pronounced
             against
             him
             by
             the
             mouth
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             
               In
               the
               day
               that
               thou
               shalt
               eat
               thereof
               ,
               thou
               shalt
               surely
               die
            
             ;
             And
             doubtless
             
               divine
               Iustice
            
             had
             annihilated
             him
             ,
             
             and
             in
             him
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ,
             and
             all
             creatures
             had
             perished
             with
             the
             Sinner
             ,
             if
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             beholding
             his
             Son
             designed
             for
             the
             reparation
             of
             this
             offence
             had
             not
             repress'd
             the
             rigour
             of
             his
             Iustice.
             The
             Father
             out
             of
             the
             love
             he
             bore
             his
             Son
             ,
             suspended
             the
             execution
             of
             this
             Decree
             ,
             he
             saved
             the
             
               offender
               ,
               mercy
            
             triumphed
             over
             justice
             ,
             he
             granted
             this
             sinful
             man
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             world
             to
             live
             in
             ;
             and
             consequently
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ,
             and
             the
             world
             it self
             ,
             which
             for
             this
             sin
             should
             have
             been
             destroyed
             ,
             were
             preserved
             ,
             onely
             in
             consideration
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             for
             his
             sake
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             took
             compassion
             on
             us
             .
             From
             this
             first
             Consideration
             ,
             is
             easily
             inferr'd
             ,
             that
             we
             owe
             unto
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             
               all
               that
               we
               are
            
             ,
             and
             
               all
               that
               we
               have
            
             ;
             and
             therefore
             we
             are
             as
             
               often
               his
            
             as
             
             there
             are
             
               moments
               in
               our
               life
            
             ,
             and
             as
             often
             as
             we
             receive
             any
             benefit
             from
             this
             bountifull
             hand
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             therefore
             all
             these
             rights
             which
             are
             innumerable
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             so
             many
             tyes
             to
             unite
             us
             indissolubly
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             But
             if
             we
             dive
             further
             into
             the
             contemplation
             of
             these
             truths
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             by
             sin
             we
             belong
             to
             the
             Devil
             ,
             we
             have
             granted
             him
             that
             right
             ,
             which
             God
             by
             Creation
             gave
             us
             over
             the
             creatures
             ;
             we
             have
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             by
             sin
             made
             over
             our selves
             to
             him
             .
             Thus
             by
             
               voluntary
               offence
            
             ,
             Man
             ,
             who
             should
             have
             commanded
             the
             World
             ,
             becomes
             a
             slave
             to
             the
             Devill
             ,
             and
             sels
             himself
             to
             sin
             .
             I
             
               am
               carnall
               ,
               sold
               under
               sin
               ,
            
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             
             in
             the
             name
             of
             all
             sinners
             .
             In
             this
             quality
             the
             Devill
             hath
             all
             manner
             of
             right
             and
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             assuredly
             would
             exercise
             his
             malice
             against
             us
             ,
             if
             the
             
               divine
               goodness
            
             did
             not
             restrain
             him
             .
             He
             would
             make
             us
             even
             now
             feel
             the
             same
             rigours
             which
             he
             exerciseth
             over
             the
             damned
             ,
             and
             dispose
             of
             us
             at
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             as
             he
             doth
             of
             souls
             eternally
             cursed
             of
             God
             ,
             were
             it
             not
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             by
             his
             death
             ,
             hath
             forc'd
             us
             out
             of
             this
             captivity
             ,
             and
             devested
             the
             Devill
             of
             all
             right
             and
             power
             over
             us
             .
             
               He
               hath
               blotted
               out
               the
               hand-writing
               of
               Ordinances
               against
               us
               ,
            
             
             saith
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             
               and
               taken
               it
               out
               of
               the
               way
               ,
               nailing
               it
               to
               the
               Crosse.
            
             Thus
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             delivering
             us
             from
             this
             captivity
             ,
             
             makes
             us
             his
             Captives
             ,
             acquiring
             by
             his
             blood
             and
             death
             ,
             a
             new
             right
             and
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             which
             he
             will
             use
             not
             with
             rigour
             and
             justice
             ,
             but
             with
             love
             and
             mercy
             ,
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             and
             spirit
             of
             piety
             ,
             having
             nothing
             but
             sweetness
             and
             indulgence
             .
             
               He
               hath
               delivered
               us
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               from
               the
               power
               of
               darkness
               ,
               and
               translated
               us
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               his
               dear
               Son.
            
             
             For
             the
             power
             of
             Iesus
             is
             all
             in
             love
             ,
             and
             dissolves
             it self
             into
             dearness
             .
             What
             Christian
             seeing
             so
             much
             sweetness
             ,
             will
             not
             resign
             himself
             to
             the
             excess
             of
             this
             goodness
             ,
             to
             the
             power
             of
             this
             love
             ?
          
           
             To
             conceive
             more
             fully
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             his
             rights
             to
             us
             by
             redemption
             ,
             observe
             ,
             that
             ,
             by
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             merit
             of
             our
             offences
             ,
             so
             soon
             as
             man
             is
             in
             sin
             ,
             and
             withdrawes
             himself
             from
             the
             order
             and
             end
             that
             God
             hath
             prefix'd
             and
             proposed
             to
             him
             ,
             he
             is
             nothing
             but
             the
             object
             of
             
               divine
               justice
            
             ,
             unworthy
             of
             any
             favour
             from
             Heaven
             .
             
               Heaven
               ,
               Earth
            
             and
             Hell
             bandy
             against
             him
             ,
             God
             is
             obliged
             onely
             to
             promote
             the
             punishment
             of
             sin
             by
             
               malediction
               ,
               blasphemy
               ,
               damnation
            
             and
             hell
             .
             If
             God
             stay
             the
             stroke
             of
             his
             Iustice
             ,
             if
             he
             hath
             yet
             some
             reserve
             of
             mercy
             for
             this
             miserable
             sinner
             ,
             if
             he
             suffer
             him
             to
             live
             ,
             and
             preserve
             him
             ,
             out
             of
             an
             expectation
             of
             his
             penitence
             ,
             that
             so
             he
             may
             escape
             hell
             ,
             it
             is
             by
             
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             onely
             for
             
               his
               sake
            
             .
             We
             must
             then
             acknowledge
             that
             a
             sinner
             owes
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             all
             the
             motions
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             all
             the
             happiness
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             all
             the
             good
             which
             may
             befall
             him
             in
             Heaven
             or
             Earth
             .
             O
             how
             many
             obligations
             have
             we
             then
             !
             even
             as
             many
             as
             there
             are
             moments
             ,
             as
             many
             as
             we
             have
             thoughts
             ,
             as
             many
             as
             we
             have
             received
             benefits
             from
             time
             to
             time
             ,
             so
             many
             rights
             hath
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             to
             our
             souls
             ,
             so
             many
             times
             do
             we
             belong
             to
             him
             .
             Who
             can
             number
             these
             wonders
             ?
             Can
             there
             be
             any
             thing
             in
             nature
             able
             to
             break
             these
             bonds
             ,
             and
             separate
             us
             from
             Iesus
             ?
          
           
             Let
             us
             dive
             yet
             a
             little
             further
             into
             this
             consideration
             ,
             by
             an
             examination
             of
             particulars
             ,
             let
             us
             see
             how
             by
             daily
             sins
             we
             separate
             our selves
             from
             God
             ,
             and
             ,
             shaking
             off
             the
             obedience
             we
             owe
             him
             ,
             become
             slaves
             to
             sin
             .
             He
             
               that
               sins
               is
               a
               slave
               to
               sin
               ,
            
             
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             sinner
             by
             a
             deplorable
             blindness
             ,
             withdrawing
             himself
             from
             the
             sweetness
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             subjects
             himself
             to
             the
             power
             of
             sin
             ,
             which
             would
             infallibly
             exercise
             its
             rigour
             and
             Tyranny
             over
             him
             ,
             if
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             by
             his
             mercy
             did
             not
             suppress
             its
             malignity
             .
             For
             as
             sin
             ruling
             over
             the
             rebellious
             Angels
             ,
             subjected
             them
             to
             its
             malice
             and
             rigour
             ,
             causing
             those
             
               Angels
               of
               light
            
             to
             be
             to
             all
             eternity
             Angels
             of
             darkness
             and
             
             malediction
             ;
             So
             the
             sinner
             ,
             from
             the
             time
             he
             offended
             ,
             should
             be
             abandoned
             to
             the
             same
             Tyranny
             ,
             and
             left
             to
             the
             fury
             of
             sinne
             ,
             which
             would
             precipitate
             him
             into
             all
             manner
             of
             
               violence
               ,
               abhomination
            
             and
             misery
             ,
             had
             not
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             sustained
             the
             yoak
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             stayd
             the
             power
             of
             its
             malevolence
             .
             So
             that
             we
             are
             as
             many
             times
             Christ's
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             preserved
             us
             by
             his
             
               divine
               mercy
            
             from
             severall
             sins
             and
             abhominations
             .
             If
             on
             the
             other
             side
             we
             consider
             our
             
               actuall
               sins
            
             ,
             we
             must
             acknowledge
             that
             they
             also
             serve
             to
             bind
             us
             to
             
               I.
               Christ
            
             ,
             for
             
               as
               many
               sins
               as
               we
               commit
               ,
            
             so
             
               many
               times
            
             do
             we
             deprive
             our
             souls
             of
             the
             favours
             and
             grace
             which
             we
             have
             received
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             the
             only
             merit
             of
             
               Ie.
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             when
             
               Ie.
               Christ
            
             shewes
             mercy
             to
             us
             ,
             or
             washes
             us
             with
             his
             blood
             ,
             and
             withdrawes
             us
             from
             our
             sins
             ,
             to
             restore
             us
             the
             graces
             which
             we
             have
             lost
             ,
             at
             the
             same
             time
             he
             takes
             a
             new
             power
             ,
             and
             acquires
             as
             many
             new
             rights
             over
             us
             ,
             as
             he
             pardons
             sinnes
             in
             us
             .
             By
             this
             meanes
             the
             sins
             which
             God
             pardons
             in
             us
             ,
             oblige
             and
             bring
             us
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             Thus
             on
             what
             side
             soever
             we
             look
             on
             our selves
             ,
             we
             wholly
             belong
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             consequently
             are
             obliged
             to
             live
             in
             a
             totall
             dependance
             ,
             and
             perpetuall
             subjection
             to
             the
             
               conduct
               ,
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             power
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             But
             if
             now
             to
             what
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             should
             
             be
             added
             the
             merits
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             should
             find
             our selves
             infinitely
             obliged
             to
             be
             united
             ,
             and
             to
             appertain
             to
             the
             same
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             For
             his
             merits
             being
             infinite
             in
             dignity
             acquire
             to
             him
             ,
             
               infinite
               rights
            
             over
             us
             ;
             nay
             ,
             if
             we
             consider
             them
             particularly
             ,
             we
             must
             needs
             nevertheless
             acknowledge
             ,
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             acquires
             as
             many
             rights
             over
             us
             ,
             as
             there
             are
             moments
             in
             his
             life
             ,
             since
             in
             Iesus
             all
             is
             of
             
               infinite
               merit
            
             .
             We
             are
             his
             by
             his
             Incarnation
             ,
             by
             his
             birth
             ,
             by
             his
             teares
             ,
             by
             his
             sufferings
             ,
             by
             his
             Crosse
             ,
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             we
             are
             as
             many
             times
             his
             ,
             as
             he
             lived
             moments
             upon
             earth
             ,
             as
             often
             as
             he
             did
             actions
             in
             the
             world
             during
             his
             life
             here
             .
             But
             if
             we
             lift
             up
             our
             eyes
             to
             behold
             him
             in
             his
             glory
             ,
             we
             shall
             see
             him
             incessantly
             ,
             offering
             up
             himself
             for
             us
             to
             his
             Father
             ,
             
             
               he
               is
               entered
               into
               Heaven
               ,
               now
               to
               appear
               in
               the
               presence
               of
               God
               for
               us
               ,
            
             as
             Saint
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             where
             he
             by
             continuall
             benefits
             shed
             upon
             us
             ,
             forces
             our
             acknowledgements
             ,
             that
             there
             are
             so
             many
             rights
             and
             obligations
             to
             appropriate
             and
             unite
             us
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             there
             are
             moments
             in
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             What
             remains
             then
             ,
             but
             that
             we
             consider
             by
             what
             meanes
             we
             may
             satisfie
             so
             many
             obligations
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God.
             It
             is
             a
             decree
             pronounced
             by
             him
             ,
             
             
               That
               of
               him
               to
               whom
               much
               hath
               been
               given
               ,
               much
               shall
               be
               required
               .
            
             
             All
             our
             life
             then
             must
             be
             employ'd
             in
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             a
             piety
             which
             shall
             establish
             us
             in
             a
             supreme
             honour
             ,
             in
             a
             most
             powerful
             love
             ,
             and
             an
             intire
             and
             absolute
             dependance
             on
             Jesus
             Christ.
             We
             must
             continually
             begg
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             changed
             his
             condition
             ,
             and
             became
             man
             to
             testifie
             his
             love
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             deliver
             us
             from
             the
             captivity
             of
             sinne
             ,
             and
             put
             us
             into
             the
             state
             of
             salvation
             ,
             so
             we
             may
             change
             our
             condition
             and
             disposition
             ,
             to
             be
             happily
             converted
             into
             a
             pure
             regard
             of
             honour
             and
             of
             imitation
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             who
             is
             all
             love
             ,
             all
             goodnesse
             .
          
           
             If
             you
             would
             desire
             some
             practises
             upon
             this
             occasion
             ,
             I
             would
             advise
             the
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
          
           
             1.
             
             To
             adore
             the
             power
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             rights
             to
             us
             ,
             accept
             them
             by
             a
             voluntary
             subjection
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             therein
             praysing
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             in
             that
             he
             hath
             vouchsafed
             to
             assume
             those
             powers
             and
             rights
             over
             us
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             To
             offer
             himself
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             this
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             submitting
             our selves
             by
             a
             
               true
               resignation
            
             to
             all
             that
             it
             shall
             please
             him
             to
             operate
             in
             us
             and
             by
             us
             ,
             for
             his
             will
             and
             glory
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             To
             pray
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             use
             his
             right
             and
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             over
             all
             that
             which
             is
             ours
             ,
             notwithstanding
             the
             opposition
             
             that
             we
             may
             have
             thereto
             ,
             as
             well
             by
             the
             inclinations
             and
             imperfections
             of
             our
             nature
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             effects
             of
             our
             proper
             malice
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Being
             transported
             by
             a
             desire
             to
             be
             Christ's
             ,
             often
             and
             continually
             to
             implore
             ,
             if
             it
             may
             be
             done
             ,
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             to
             annihilate
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             root
             out
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             from
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             whatever
             opposes
             his
             right
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             may
             hinder
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             
               divine
               will.
            
             In
             fine
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             not
             a
             sense
             of
             the
             power
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             let
             us
             at
             least
             have
             in
             our
             hearts
             a
             violent
             desire
             to
             be
             his
             ,
             a
             
               firm
               purpose
            
             never
             to
             be
             separated
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             a
             vigilancy
             to
             receive
             with
             faithfulness
             ,
             what
             he
             shall
             vouchsafe
             to
             operate
             by
             the
             influence
             of
             his
             infinite
             mercy
             .
             All
             this
             reaches
             no
             further
             then
             the
             beginnings
             of
             piety
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             we
             now
             proceed
             to
             the
             use
             and
             practise
             of
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             Of
             the
             state
             of
             Subjection
             to
             Iesus
             Christ
             considered
             as
             the
             principle
             of
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             .
          
           
             IF
             we
             make
             application
             of
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             infinite
             rights
             to
             us
             ,
             so
             we
             are
             infinitly
             his
             ,
             we
             depend
             on
             him
             ,
             we
             have
             infinite
             obligations
             to
             him
             ,
             which
             the
             shortness
             of
             our
             dayes
             will
             not
             give
             us
             leave
             sufficiently
             to
             admire
             ,
             nor
             the
             weakness
             of
             our
             spirits
             to
             comprehend
             .
             Yet
             speaking
             suitably
             to
             our
             meanness
             ,
             we
             may
             reduce
             them
             to
             
               two
               principles
            
             ,
             the
             foundation
             and
             prop
             of
             all
             exercises
             of
             
               piety
               interiour
            
             and
             exteriour
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             is
             an
             acknowledgement
             of
             the
             soveraignty
             of
             Iesus
             over
             all
             creatures
             ,
             and
             over
             us
             in
             particular
             ,
             confessing
             that
             he
             is
             our
             King
             and
             Soveraign
             .
             The
             first
             use
             of
             piety
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             is
             to
             acknowledge
             and
             adore
             his
             
               supreme
               authority
            
             ;
             it
             is
             life
             and
             happiness
             to
             know
             and
             to
             serve
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             Therefore
             the
             Apostle
             desires
             that
             the
             Ephesians
             should
             
               know
               the
               love
               of
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             
               which
               passeth
               all
               knowledge
               ,
               to
               the
               end
               that
               they
               might
               be
               filled
               with
               all
               the
               fulness
               of
               God
               ,
            
             teaching
             how
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             this
             knowledge
             is
             .
             The
             other
             foundation
             of
             piety
             ,
             is
             a
             continuation
             of
             the
             first
             ,
             the
             
             Christian
             acknowledging
             the
             soveraignty
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             enters
             into
             a
             state
             of
             relation
             to
             ,
             and
             a
             dependance
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             adoring
             his
             soveraignty
             ,
             submits
             to
             his
             power
             ,
             not
             out
             of
             constraint
             or
             necessity
             ,
             as
             Rebells
             ,
             but
             out
             of
             
               choice
               ,
               love
            
             and
             fidelity
             ,
             which
             he
             renders
             to
             him
             as
             his
             Prince
             and
             Iesus
             .
             This
             dependance
             must
             not
             be
             indifferent
             ,
             but
             the
             lowest
             and
             most
             submiss
             that
             is
             possible
             ;
             so
             that
             a
             Christian
             in
             this
             state
             ,
             looks
             upon
             himself
             only
             as
             a
             servant
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             acts
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             only
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             subjection
             and
             humility
             .
             This
             subjection
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             our
             knowledge
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             that
             knowledge
             a
             fruit
             of
             the
             light
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             a
             gift
             of
             grace
             .
          
           
             This
             state
             of
             service
             ,
             is
             proper
             and
             essentiall
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             creature
             is
             essentially
             dependant
             and
             subject
             to
             the
             Creator
             .
             It
             is
             an
             
               indispensable
               estate
            
             ,
             the
             creature
             may
             as
             soon
             cease
             to
             be
             ,
             as
             cease
             to
             depend
             on
             the
             Creator
             .
             It
             is
             a
             
               primitive
               estate
            
             in
             grace
             and
             essential
             to
             all
             Christians
             the
             first
             step
             of
             our
             entry
             into
             the
             Church
             &
             into
             faith
             ,
             the
             first
             operation
             of
             grace
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             is
             to
             become
             servants
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             This
             service
             is
             the
             first
             estate
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             the
             first
             promise
             that
             we
             make
             to
             God
             by
             a
             solemn
             publike
             profession
             in
             the
             Church
             by
             Baptisme
             .
             There
             we
             devote
             our selves
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             belong
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             depend
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             
             same
             time
             we
             receive
             and
             aknowledge
             him
             as
             our
             Soveraigne
             ,
             we
             adore
             and
             reverence
             him
             as
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             we
             are
             united
             to
             him
             as
             to
             our
             Head.
             Thus
             this
             state
             of
             service
             brings
             grace
             ;
             yea
             ,
             singular
             grace
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             first
             thing
             that
             God
             gives
             in
             his
             Church
             by
             Baptisme
             ,
             a
             grace
             which
             he
             gives
             with
             a
             mark
             and
             impression
             of
             his
             power
             ,
             so
             deeply
             imprinted
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             that
             nothing
             can
             deface
             it
             ,
             not
             Hell
             it self
             .
             Whence
             we
             see
             ,
             that
             at
             the
             same
             time
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             conceives
             us
             by
             Baptisme
             ,
             and
             receives
             us
             into
             his
             Church
             as
             his
             children
             ,
             we
             enter
             into
             the
             state
             of
             servants
             ,
             and
             vow
             our selves
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             such
             .
             So
             that
             by
             one
             and
             the
             same
             Sacrament
             ,
             we
             are
             made
             children
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             received
             his
             servants
             ,
             and
             consequently
             we
             are
             in
             the
             House
             of
             God
             ,
             both
             as
             sons
             and
             servants
             ,
             yet
             so
             ,
             as
             that
             we
             are
             his
             children
             by
             grace
             ,
             his
             servants
             by
             nature
             .
             Now
             as
             we
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             state
             of
             subjection
             is
             essentiall
             to
             the
             creature
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             Christian
             ,
             so
             the
             same
             state
             is
             essentiall
             to
             the
             piety
             of
             Christians
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             who
             would
             establish
             themselves
             in
             piety
             ,
             must
             begin
             their
             establishment
             in
             this
             subjection
             ;
             for
             we
             must
             bear
             a
             relation
             of
             love
             and
             inclinations
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             we
             do
             of
             purchase
             and
             necessity
             .
          
           
             To
             be
             convinced
             of
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             observe
             that
             this
             state
             of
             subjection
             consisteth
             
             in
             taking
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             for
             the
             end
             and
             object
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             we
             serve
             him
             ,
             we
             contemplate
             him
             as
             our
             Soveraign
             and
             Redeemer
             ,
             we
             do
             all
             things
             by
             a
             spirit
             of
             
               love
               ,
               honour
            
             ,
             and
             dependance
             on
             him
             ;
             So
             that
             this
             state
             of
             dependance
             and
             service
             is
             a
             generall
             Disposition
             wherein
             we
             perform
             all
             our
             actions
             .
             By
             this
             Disposition
             they
             are
             truly
             Christian
             ,
             accomplished
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ;
             and
             though
             there
             appear
             nothing
             outwardly
             ,
             either
             new
             or
             extraordinary
             in
             our
             life
             ,
             yet
             by
             this
             disposition
             and
             state
             of
             service
             ,
             we
             are
             more
             neerly
             Christ's
             ,
             who
             looks
             on
             us
             as
             his
             own
             ,
             raising
             and
             uniting
             us
             to
             himself
             by
             a
             reall
             dependance
             ,
             wherein
             consists
             the
             true
             spirit
             of
             piety
             .
             For
             by
             the
             state
             of
             service
             we
             
               acknowledge
               Christ
            
             our
             Soveraign
             and
             King
             ,
             and
             our selves
             his
             vassals
             ;
             we
             adore
             him
             as
             our
             Redeemer
             ,
             and
             confess
             our selves
             his
             servants
             .
             In
             this
             quality
             we
             adhere
             inviolably
             to
             all
             his
             will
             ;
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             we
             see
             that
             he
             is
             our
             Head
             ,
             and
             we
             united
             to
             him
             as
             his
             members
             .
             In
             this
             union
             we
             live
             by
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             follow
             his
             motions
             ,
             in
             which
             three
             points
             consisteth
             
               solid
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             the
             perfection
             of
             Christianity
             .
             So
             that
             we
             are
             so
             much
             the
             more
             God's
             ,
             and
             consequently
             the
             more
             perfect
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             we
             are
             the
             more
             abased
             and
             devested
             of
             our selves
             ,
             entirely
             depending
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             operating
             under
             the
             power
             and
             will
             of
             him
             who
             
             makes
             himself
             ours
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             his
             ,
             and
             hath
             purchased
             us
             to
             himself
             at
             an
             inestimable
             rate
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             ,
             they
             who
             exercise
             themselves
             seriously
             in
             piety
             ,
             begin
             at
             the
             same
             time
             to
             look
             upon
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             as
             the
             object
             of
             their
             life
             ,
             and
             resign
             themselves
             up
             to
             him
             .
             Hence
             springs
             the
             daily
             practice
             of
             certain
             acts
             of
             
               interiour
               devotion
            
             ,
             which
             is
             ordinarily
             proposed
             to
             them
             that
             seek
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             recommended
             to
             them
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             profitable
             and
             necessary
             ,
             drawing
             the
             soul
             from
             it self
             ,
             to
             elevate
             and
             unite
             it
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             We
             shall
             further
             explain
             it
             in
             the
             ensuing
             Chapter
             .
          
           
             But
             before
             we
             enter
             into
             that
             Discourse
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             know
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             not
             conceive
             these
             acts
             of
             
               interiour
               devotion
            
             ,
             to
             be
             actions
             meerly
             transcient
             ,
             or
             a
             simple
             operation
             of
             our
             spirit
             ,
             for
             that
             would
             be
             little
             in
             comparison
             of
             what
             God
             requires
             .
             But
             we
             must
             pass
             further
             ,
             and
             bear
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             hearts
             the
             state
             wherein
             we
             propose
             these
             
               interior
               acts
            
             ,
             that
             must
             be
             our
             principall
             end
             and
             intention
             .
             For
             though
             God
             onely
             hath
             power
             and
             authority
             to
             put
             us
             into
             this
             estate
             ,
             when
             ,
             and
             how
             he
             pleases
             ,
             yet
             ,
             because
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             grace
             ,
             God
             doth
             ordinarily
             expect
             our
             consent
             and
             cooperation
             ;
             it
             is
             for
             that
             very
             reason
             that
             the
             soul
             exerciseth
             her self
             in
             this
             practice
             of
             devotion
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             upon
             this
             account
             
             that
             she
             forms
             to
             her self
             these
             interiour
             Acts
             ,
             whereby
             she
             resignes
             and
             offers
             up
             to
             God
             her
             heart
             and
             will.
             So
             that
             in
             this
             exercise
             ,
             the
             christian
             must
             not
             content
             himself
             to
             form
             this
             Act
             ,
             and
             to
             pronounce
             the
             words
             ,
             but
             he
             must
             demand
             of
             God
             the
             grace
             to
             bear
             a
             
               permanent
               estate
            
             thereof
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             part
             ,
             must
             do
             his
             utmost
             endeavour
             to
             attain
             it
             .
             In
             the
             next
             Chapter
             you
             have
             them
             particularly
             explain'd
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
             Containing
             certain
             interiour
             acts
             for
             those
             souls
             who
             are
             desirous
             to
             be
             established
             and
             confirmed
             in
             true
             piety
             .
          
           
             THE
             first
             act
             of
             
               interiour
               piety
            
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             which
             we
             are
             to
             practise
             frequently
             every
             day
             ,
             is
             an
             act
             of
             honour
             and
             adoration
             .
             This
             I
             place
             first
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             the
             
               first
               employment
            
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             and
             the
             
               first
               duty
            
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             who
             is
             obliged
             to
             honour
             and
             adore
             its
             God
             with
             so
             much
             necessity
             ,
             that
             the
             very
             Devills
             and
             damned
             are
             forced
             to
             do
             it
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             
               first
               act
            
             that
             
               christian
               Religion
            
             proposeth
             .
             To
             form
             this
             act
             ,
             we
             must
             acknowledge
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               Sonne
            
             of
             God
             ,
             both
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             we
             must
             regard
             him
             as
             our
             
               Soveraign
               
               Lord
            
             and
             Redeemer
             ,
             as
             cause
             and
             principle
             of
             all
             our
             happiness
             .
             We
             must
             annihilate
             our selves
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             humble
             our selves
             even
             to
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             willingly
             submitting
             to
             all
             that
             he
             is
             .
             This
             is
             called
             an
             act
             of
             adoration
             .
             It
             contains
             two
             effects
             of
             the
             powers
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             one
             of
             the
             understanding
             employ'd
             in
             considering
             and
             acknowledging
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             his
             greatness
             and
             Soveraignty
             ,
             looking
             on
             him
             as
             the
             principle
             of
             all
             good
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             the
             being
             of
             nature
             and
             grace
             ,
             and
             esteeming
             and
             honouring
             him
             as
             such
             .
             Then
             followes
             an
             effect
             of
             the
             will
             ,
             which
             humbles
             it self
             before
             him
             ,
             receives
             and
             accepts
             him
             as
             her
             
               God
               ,
               King
            
             ,
             and
             all
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             its
             strength
             ,
             submits
             ,
             wholly
             to
             his
             power
             and
             greatness
             ,
             in
             an
             act
             of
             adoration
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             may
             perceive
             ,
             that
             adoration
             consists
             not
             onely
             in
             an
             esteem
             of
             God
             ,
             be
             it
             never
             so
             
               highly
               elevated
            
             ,
             but
             requires
             also
             a
             voluntary
             submission
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             with
             expressions
             of
             honour
             interiour
             and
             exteriour
             .
             He
             therefore
             who
             practiseth
             as
             he
             ought
             ,
             an
             act
             of
             adoration
             ,
             desireth
             alwayes
             to
             shew
             his
             respect
             by
             the
             effects
             .
             As
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             is
             infinitely
             adorable
             ,
             he
             who
             would
             adore
             him
             ,
             strives
             daily
             to
             increase
             in
             adoration
             ,
             and
             consequently
             endeavours
             with
             great
             fidelity
             ,
             to
             subject
             himself
             more
             and
             more
             in
             will
             and
             deed
             ,
             to
             the
             greatness
             and
             Soveraignty
             of
             
               Iesus
               
               Christ.
            
             I
             say
             
               in
               will
               and
               deed
            
             ,
             for
             it
             would
             avail
             but
             little
             ,
             to
             say
             it
             onely
             with
             the
             mouth
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             in
             thought
             the
             name
             and
             ineffable
             greatness
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             if
             all
             our
             actions
             be
             full
             of
             our
             own
             will
             ;
             and
             it
             were
             to
             little
             purpose
             to
             subject
             our selves
             by
             words
             to
             the
             Soveraignty
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             spirit
             and
             motions
             ,
             if
             in
             the
             management
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             we
             follow
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             living
             in
             a
             continuall
             desire
             to
             satisfie
             our
             selves
             and
             our
             own
             inclinations
             .
             This
             were
             to
             say
             much
             ,
             and
             do
             nothing
             .
             This
             we
             must
             be
             carefull
             in
             ,
             since
             many
             deceive
             themselves
             in
             this
             kind
             of
             piety
             ,
             which
             they
             so
             easily
             profess
             ,
             contenting
             themselves
             with
             the
             superficies
             ,
             and
             neglecting
             the
             rest
             .
             Remember
             that
             he
             ,
             who
             sayes
             we
             must
             adore
             God
             in
             spirit
             ,
             
             said
             also
             ,
             we
             must
             adore
             him
             in
             Truth
             .
          
           
             The
             
               second
               act
            
             of
             this
             piety
             ,
             is
             an
             act
             of
             Oblation
             ,
             whereby
             the
             soul
             offers
             her self
             wholly
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             renouncing
             her self
             ,
             resignes
             into
             his
             hand
             
               all
               that
               she
               is
               ,
               all
            
             the
             power
             that
             she
             hath
             over
             her
             
               self
               ,
               over
            
             all
             her
             
               actions
               ,
               over
            
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             her
             self
             the
             more
             a
             servant
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             in
             a
             
               perfect
               condition
            
             ,
             she
             renounces
             her
             own
             liberty
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             use
             she
             can
             make
             thereof
             ,
             giving
             it
             up
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             whom
             she
             received
             it
             ,
             granting
             him
             all
             the
             right
             
             that
             she
             had
             to
             dispose
             thereof
             ,
             to
             order
             it
             as
             he
             pleases
             ,
             that
             being
             so
             resigned
             to
             Iesus
             ,
             she
             may
             not
             have
             any
             thing
             more
             ,
             nor
             be
             any
             thing
             more
             ,
             but
             that
             he
             may
             
               be
               all
               ,
               have
               all
            
             ,
             and
             operate
             all
             in
             her
             .
             This
             Obligation
             thus
             conceived
             ,
             is
             of
             great
             importance
             .
             For
             if
             it
             be
             done
             after
             the
             manner
             it
             ought
             ,
             if
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             vouchsafe
             to
             accept
             it
             ,
             it
             puts
             us
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             it
             drawes
             the
             soul
             from
             her
             self
             and
             all
             creatures
             ,
             to
             be
             Christ's
             ,
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             depend
             on
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             wherein
             consisteth
             
               true
               perfection
            
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             ,
             this
             Obligation
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             the
             esteem
             and
             belief
             we
             have
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             contains
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Christian
               subjection
            
             .
             For
             ,
             as
             according
             to
             Law
             ,
             the
             slave
             is
             no
             more
             his
             own
             ,
             nor
             hath
             any
             right
             over
             any
             thing
             ,
             but
             is
             wholly
             left
             to
             the
             power
             and
             pleasure
             of
             his
             Master
             ;
             so
             by
             this
             Obligation
             ,
             the
             Christian
             puts
             himself
             as
             nothing
             before
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             he
             gives
             place
             to
             all
             his
             rights
             of
             nature
             and
             grace
             ,
             to
             be
             onely
             the
             subject
             of
             his
             power
             and
             
               divine
               will.
            
             And
             though
             we
             are
             all
             servants
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             by
             right
             and
             purchase
             ,
             as
             we
             said
             elsewhere
             ,
             yet
             we
             will
             be
             such
             also
             out
             of
             
               good
               will
            
             and
             affection
             ,
             giving
             him
             by
             this
             Oblation
             ,
             a
             new
             power
             over
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             the
             Captives
             to
             his
             love
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             his
             power
             ,
             and
             submit
             to
             the
             designs
             of
             the
             
             eternall
             
               Father
               ,
               who
               hath
               delivered
               us
               from
               the
               power
               of
               darkness
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               translated
               us
               to
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               his
               dear
               Son.
               
            
          
           
             Thus
             examining
             this
             Oblation
             ,
             we
             find
             that
             it
             is
             necessary
             for
             all
             those
             who
             seek
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             as
             containing
             the
             essence
             and
             grounds
             of
             devotion
             ;
             it
             puts
             the
             soul
             into
             a
             perfect
             denudation
             ,
             and
             makes
             her
             entirely
             dependant
             and
             resigned
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             be
             led
             according
             to
             his
             will.
             They
             therefore
             who
             in
             their
             exercises
             of
             piety
             make
             ordinary
             use
             of
             this
             principle
             of
             devotion
             ,
             must
             weigh
             well
             what
             they
             say
             ,
             and
             consider
             with
             what
             sincerity
             and
             faithfulness
             they
             proceed
             with
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             For
             seeing
             they
             leave
             themselves
             wholly
             to
             him
             in
             the
             quality
             of
             servants
             ,
             and
             make
             
               profession
               (
               mark
               the
               word
            
             )
             to
             have
             nothing
             which
             is
             not
             his
             ,
             and
             
               of
               him
            
             ,
             and
             
               that
               by
               this
               Oblation
            
             ,
             they
             yeild
             up
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             use
             of
             their
             own
             life
             and
             
               naturall
               liberty
            
             ,
             what
             have
             they
             more
             to
             think
             of
             ,
             but
             sincerely
             and
             faithfully
             to
             accomplish
             what
             they
             profess
             ?
             What
             have
             they
             more
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             to
             take
             care
             that
             their
             life
             be
             conformable
             to
             what
             they
             say
             ,
             otherwise
             they
             shall
             be
             constrained
             to
             condemn
             themselves
             ,
             and
             to
             confess
             that
             they
             have
             no
             devotion
             any
             further
             then
             the
             mouth
             ,
             that
             they
             deal
             not
             sincerely
             w
             th
             God
             and
             their
             own
             consciences
             ?
             It
             concerns
             them
             to
             take
             heed
             that
             that
             is
             not
             justly
             to
             be
             attributed
             
             to
             them
             which
             the
             Prophet
             said
             ,
             
               Cursed
               are
               they
               that
               do
               the
               work
               of
               the
               Lord
               negligently
               .
            
             
          
           
             To
             these
             Exercises
             of
             
               interiour
               piety
            
             we
             may
             add
             a
             third
             
               act
               :
               Purity
               of
               Intention
            
             .
             By
             this
             intention
             ,
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             offers
             himself
             to
             God
             in
             the
             manner
             we
             have
             described
             ,
             begins
             to
             refer
             himself
             actually
             to
             him
             and
             to
             his
             glory
             ,
             protesting
             that
             in
             
               all
               things
            
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             least
             ,
             and
             in
             
               all
               his
               actions
            
             ,
             he
             will
             have
             no
             other
             intention
             then
             the
             will
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             live
             no
             longer
             ,
             nor
             act
             any
             thing
             but
             according
             to
             the
             intention
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             Having
             made
             this
             protestation
             ,
             he
             demands
             of
             him
             participation
             of
             his
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             prayes
             him
             to
             inspire
             him
             with
             holy
             and
             
               pure
               dispositions
            
             ,
             whereby
             he
             may
             accomplish
             his
             actions
             .
          
           
             This
             practice
             of
             piety
             is
             little
             known
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             little
             understood
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             necessary
             for
             a
             
               perfect
               Christian.
            
             To
             conceive
             and
             affect
             it
             ,
             he
             is
             to
             remember
             ,
             that
             ,
             (
             as
             we
             have
             said
             )
             
               true
               piety
            
             contains
             a
             resignation
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ;
             and
             that
             this
             resignation
             is
             more
             then
             a
             bare
             simple
             resignation
             ,
             for
             it
             includes
             annihilation
             and
             
               unity
               ;
               annihilation
            
             of
             our
             own
             spirit
             and
             conduct
             ,
             and
             unity
             with
             the
             spirit
             and
             conduct
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             which
             we
             resigne
             our selves
             .
             By
             this
             act
             of
             intention
             ,
             the
             
               Christian
               annihilates
            
             all
             his
             desires
             and
             intentions
             
             to
             unite
             and
             subject
             himself
             onely
             to
             the
             intentions
             and
             desires
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             in
             such
             sort
             ,
             as
             to
             admit
             no
             other
             .
          
           
             Hence
             it
             may
             be
             inferr'd
             ,
             how
             necessary
             this
             intention
             is
             to
             all
             those
             souls
             that
             thirst
             after
             
               true
               piety
            
             ;
             but
             to
             make
             a
             fuller
             discovery
             thereof
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             reflect
             on
             our
             own
             infirmity
             and
             incapacity
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             we
             know
             not
             what
             is
             lawfull
             for
             us
             to
             desire
             ,
             and
             are
             ignorant
             of
             what
             we
             ought
             to
             demand
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             not
             understanding
             what
             
               designes
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             may
             have
             upon
             us
             .
             We
             must
             therefore
             wait
             till
             he
             enlighten
             us
             ,
             and
             inspire
             us
             .
             Now
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             in
             a
             disposition
             to
             receive
             this
             grace
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             capacity
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             must
             annihilate
             our
             own
             desires
             ,
             and
             particular
             intentions
             ,
             and
             give
             our selves
             up
             to
             those
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             which
             is
             that
             the
             Christian
             endeavors
             to
             do
             by
             the
             act
             of
             intention
             here
             proposed
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             who
             says
             ,
             
             
               We
               know
               not
               how
               to
               pray
               as
               we
               ought
               ,
               but
               the
               spirit
               makes
               intercession
               for
               us
               by
               groans
               that
               cannot
               be
               uttered
               .
            
             He
             who
             searches
             the
             heart
             ,
             knows
             what
             is
             the
             desire
             of
             the
             spirit
             ;
             he
             sueth
             for
             the
             Saints
             according
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God.
             Here
             we
             are
             taught
             this
             practice
             ,
             which
             shews
             us
             that
             our
             
               prayers
               ,
               desires
            
             ,
             and
             intentions
             must
             be
             inspired
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             knows
             what
             God
             demands
             of
             us
             .
          
           
           
             Moreover
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             any
             thing
             so
             certain
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             hath
             those
             intentions
             and
             designes
             upon
             the
             
               life
               ,
               actions
            
             ,
             and
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
             which
             are
             great
             and
             worthy
             himself
             ,
             as
             being
             a
             creature
             ,
             he
             hath
             consecrated
             by
             his
             
               precious
               blood
            
             ,
             and
             redeemed
             by
             his
             death
             and
             Crosse.
             If
             there
             are
             intentions
             and
             designes
             upon
             us
             ,
             as
             we
             must
             not
             doubt
             but
             there
             are
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             are
             of
             
               great
               importance
            
             ,
             yet
             unknown
             to
             us
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             reason
             we
             follow
             them
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             are
             we
             not
             obliged
             to
             annihilate
             all
             our
             own
             desires
             and
             intentions
             ,
             to
             bind
             and
             subject
             our selves
             solely
             to
             the
             desires
             and
             intentions
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             vouchsafes
             to
             think
             of
             us
             and
             entertain
             himself
             in
             forming
             designes
             upon
             us
             ,
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             motions
             of
             our
             life
             ?
             This
             is
             it
             we
             endeavour
             to
             satisfie
             ,
             when
             we
             form
             this
             act
             of
             purity
             ,
             or
             unity
             of
             intention
             .
          
           
             This
             also
             shewes
             how
             unprofitable
             ,
             and
             superfluous
             their
             employment
             is
             ,
             who
             fill
             their
             hearts
             with
             variety
             of
             intentions
             ,
             and
             perplex
             themselves
             with
             multiplicity
             of
             thoughts
             ,
             who
             conceive
             desires
             ,
             and
             form
             designes
             sometimes
             one
             way
             ,
             sometimes
             another
             ,
             (
             though
             upon
             occasions
             ,
             in
             appearance
             ,
             good
             and
             profitable
             )
             since
             they
             do
             onely
             what
             pleases
             themselves
             .
             But
             according
             to
             the
             Principles
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             it
             were
             better
             they
             kept
             themselves
             to
             this
             unity
             ,
             and
             annihilated
             all
             that
             is
             
             of
             themselves
             ,
             to
             be
             onely
             in
             the
             intentions
             and
             designes
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             ought
             often
             to
             renew
             this
             purity
             of
             intention
             ,
             he
             ought
             to
             adore
             all
             the
             designes
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             
               divine
               intentions
            
             ;
             he
             must
             resign
             himself
             thereto
             ,
             and
             protest
             never
             to
             follow
             any
             other
             ,
             holding
             it
             for
             a
             maxime
             ,
             that
             we
             shall
             not
             arrive
             at
             perfection
             ,
             nor
             go
             to
             God
             by
             the
             strength
             of
             
               humane
               reason
            
             ,
             or
             following
             our
             own
             desires
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             but
             by
             submitting
             our
             spirit
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             by
             a
             faithfull
             and
             
               sincere
               adherence
            
             to
             his
             designes
             and
             
               loving
               dispositions
            
             .
             This
             considered
             ,
             we
             shall
             know
             more
             and
             more
             ,
             the
             truth
             of
             what
             was
             proposed
             from
             the
             beginning
             ,
             that
             
               true
               piety
            
             consisteth
             in
             adherence
             to
             ,
             and
             a
             resignation
             of
             the
             soul
             to
             Iesus
             .
             But
             we
             are
             now
             to
             examine
             the
             effects
             of
             this
             adherence
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
             That
             an
             adherence
             to
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             by
             true
             Piety
             ,
             makes
             us
             partakers
             of
             the
             severall
             conditions
             of
             his
             life
             .
          
           
             THe
             adherence
             and
             dependance
             of
             Christians
             upon
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             by
             the
             first
             grounds
             and
             principles
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             first
             duty
             which
             they
             profess
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             obliges
             them
             to
             a
             holy
             and
             
               pure
               life
            
             ,
             
             since
             that
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               He
               that
               is
               joyned
               to
               the
               Lord
               is
               one
               spirit
               ,
            
             
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             of
             the
             same
             spirit
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             doubtless
             ,
             if
             they
             oppose
             not
             the
             designes
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             upon
             them
             ,
             this
             adherence
             will
             advance
             them
             to
             a
             solid
             &
             
               permanent
               estate
            
             of
             
               perfect
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             establish
             them
             in
             a
             
               true
               Christian
               perfection
            
             .
             This
             may
             be
             reduced
             to
             
               three
               heads
            
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             is
             a
             subjection
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             to
             the
             
               designes
               ,
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             operations
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             a
             subjection
             that
             amounts
             to
             a
             capacity
             and
             amplitude
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             makes
             the
             soul
             capable
             to
             receive
             the
             communications
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             to
             enter
             into
             a
             participation
             of
             the
             Estates
             and
             Mysteries
             of
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             The
             second
             effect
             puts
             the
             soul
             into
             a
             purity
             of
             regard
             and
             love
             ,
             which
             makes
             her
             vigilant
             and
             faithfull
             to
             do
             and
             desire
             nothing
             but
             the
             honour
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             to
             regard
             nothing
             but
             his
             pleasure
             and
             glory
             ,
             so
             as
             to
             have
             no
             eyes
             but
             for
             Iesus
             ,
             no
             more
             life
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             consecrated
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             his
             Soveraignty
             and
             
               divine
               actions
            
             .
             This
             adherence
             to
             ,
             and
             dependance
             on
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             raiseth
             in
             a
             Christian
             a
             
               true
               imitation
            
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             
               divine
               vertues
            
             to
             such
             a
             degree
             of
             perfection
             ,
             that
             he
             becomes
             a
             lively
             representation
             and
             image
             of
             Iesus
             .
             Of
             these
             three
             effects
             ,
             we
             must
             speak
             particularly
             ,
             for
             herein
             consisteth
             the
             perfection
             
             of
             true
             and
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             .
             We
             begin
             with
             the
             first
             .
          
           
             The
             subjection
             which
             by
             this
             adherence
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             begotten
             in
             us
             ,
             represents
             two
             things
             ;
             the
             power
             he
             hath
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             capacity
             we
             are
             in
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             power
             .
             The
             power
             which
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             hath
             over
             us
             ,
             is
             a
             particular
             power
             ,
             which
             he
             acquires
             by
             the
             mystery
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             and
             by
             all
             the
             states
             &
             moments
             of
             his
             life
             ;
             a
             power
             that
             gives
             him
             a
             double
             right
             to
             do
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             with
             us
             ,
             what
             ever
             he
             pleases
             ,
             a
             power
             from
             which
             he
             imprints
             in
             the
             centre
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             the
             time
             that
             we
             were
             first
             made
             Christians
             ,
             an
             eternall
             and
             
               indispensable
               power
            
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             power
             which
             he
             establish'd
             by
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             and
             left
             to
             the
             Church
             ;
             For
             if
             we
             consider
             them
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             besides
             the
             graces
             which
             they
             communicate
             to
             us
             ,
             they
             have
             other
             extraordinary
             effects
             expressing
             the
             
               power
               Christ
            
             assumes
             over
             us
             :
             For
             instance
             ;
             Baptisme
             gives
             us
             grace
             ,
             and
             blots
             out
             all
             sin
             in
             us
             ,
             but
             withall
             ,
             put
             us
             into
             a
             condition
             of
             service
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             imprints
             in
             our
             souls
             a
             character
             of
             subjection
             to
             the
             
               divine
               power
            
             ,
             a
             character
             never
             to
             be
             defaced
             ,
             in
             honour
             of
             the
             estate
             of
             subjection
             and
             service
             which
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             underwent
             by
             the
             incarnation
             ,
             becoming
             man
             ,
             and
             a
             servant
             ,
             subjecting
             himself
             to
             the
             Father
             ,
             he
             was
             always
             ,
             
             and
             shall
             be
             for
             ever
             ,
             equal
             and
             coeternal
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             in
             honour
             of
             the
             gift
             which
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             makes
             us
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             by
             the
             incarnation
             and
             union
             of
             the
             Word
             with
             humanity
             ,
             and
             the
             life
             of
             God
             in
             man
             ,
             and
             of
             man
             in
             God.
             The
             same
             Son
             of
             God
             instituted
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Eucharist
             ,
             wherein
             he
             gives
             and
             unites
             himself
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             live
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             in
             him
             .
             By
             this
             way
             of
             love
             and
             union
             ,
             he
             takes
             power
             over
             us
             to
             live
             and
             operate
             in
             us
             all
             that
             he
             pleases
             ,
             and
             shews
             the
             power
             that
             he
             hath
             over
             our
             souls
             ,
             to
             establish
             therein
             continually
             his
             designs
             ,
             to
             glorify
             himself
             thereby
             ,
             and
             please
             himself
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             In
             pursuit
             of
             this
             power
             ,
             he
             puts
             us
             into
             an
             estate
             of
             subjection
             ,
             yet
             such
             as
             gives
             us
             a
             capacity
             to
             rceive
             and
             to
             bear
             in
             us
             the
             force
             of
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             
               life
               ,
               grace
            
             ,
             and
             mysteries
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             them
             according
             to
             what
             manner
             and
             time
             he
             shall
             please
             to
             communicate
             them
             .
             The
             Son
             of
             God
             desireth
             nothing
             so
             much
             as
             to
             communicate
             to
             us
             liberally
             his
             graces
             ,
             and
             the
             many
             favours
             he
             hath
             obtained
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             merited
             by
             his
             life
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             his
             principall
             design
             being
             to
             advance
             us
             to
             a
             participation
             of
             the
             severall
             estates
             of
             his
             life
             .
             All
             he
             did
             on
             earth
             ,
             all
             his
             operations
             in
             the
             world
             were
             for
             our
             sakes
             ;
             referring
             also
             to
             our
             good
             and
             advancement
             ,
             all
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             
             being
             ,
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             merits
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             so
             good
             is
             he
             ,
             and
             so
             full
             of
             mercy
             .
             Now
             ,
             if
             the
             goodness
             and
             designs
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             towards
             Christians
             be
             such
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             reason
             they
             continue
             in
             this
             subjection
             ,
             and
             be
             faithfull
             and
             vigilant
             to
             receive
             and
             bear
             the
             effects
             and
             estates
             of
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             after
             what
             manner
             he
             pleaseth
             ?
             This
             is
             a
             
               principall
               point
            
             of
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             .
          
           
             The
             very
             mysteries
             of
             our
             faith
             acquaint
             us
             with
             this
             truth
             ,
             and
             discover
             unto
             us
             the
             designes
             whereby
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             would
             advance
             us
             to
             a
             participation
             of
             his
             Mysteries
             ,
             and
             the
             severall
             estates
             of
             his
             life
             .
             The
             Son
             of
             God
             becoming
             man
             by
             incarnation
             takes
             possession
             of
             the
             nature
             of
             man
             ,
             of
             our
             bodies
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             acquires
             a
             right
             to
             his
             nature
             to
             advance
             and
             appropriate
             it
             to
             himself
             after
             what
             manner
             he
             pleases
             ;
             as
             by
             this
             work
             of
             love
             he
             took
             
               humane
               nature
            
             upon
             him
             ,
             assuming
             body
             and
             soul
             ,
             which
             he
             appropriated
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             elevated
             to
             all
             the
             greatness
             of
             the
             divinity
             ,
             communicating
             to
             it
             for
             ever
             the
             
               person
               ,
               being
               ,
               life
            
             and
             nature
             of
             God.
             In
             like
             manner
             ,
             in
             the
             works
             of
             grace
             ,
             whereby
             his
             
               divine
               mysteries
            
             are
             honoured
             ,
             Iesus
             chooseth
             such
             souls
             as
             he
             may
             dwell
             in
             by
             love
             ,
             or
             after
             what
             manner
             he
             pleaseth
             otherwise
             ,
             he
             appropriates
             them
             to
             himself
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             he
             advances
             
             them
             to
             adherence
             and
             union
             of
             spirit
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             particular
             indulgence
             ,
             establisheth
             them
             in
             a
             communication
             of
             his
             greatness
             .
             To
             this
             end
             he
             applies
             and
             employes
             his
             power
             ,
             to
             which
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             be
             most
             vigilant
             and
             attentive
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             alwayes
             continue
             in
             the
             subjection
             he
             owes
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             
               accept
               ,
               receive
            
             ,
             and
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             power
             .
          
           
             This
             Principle
             of
             truth
             and
             piety
             ,
             is
             grounded
             upon
             the
             common
             doctrine
             ,
             
             that
             all
             that
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             did
             ,
             he
             did
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             he
             is
             ,
             he
             is
             for
             us
             .
             He
             ,
             saith
             the
             
               Apostle
               ,
               became
               poor
            
             for
             our
             sakes
             ,
             
               although
               he
               were
               rich
            
             ,
             that
             by
             his
             poverty
             we
             might
             be
             made
             rich
             ;
             meaning
             ,
             that
             Iesus
             ,
             being
             God
             ,
             became
             man
             ,
             and
             took
             upon
             him
             our
             
               meanness
               ,
               infirmities
               ,
               sufferings
               ,
               death
               ,
            
             the
             severall
             conditions
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             to
             withdraw
             us
             from
             our
             meanness
             ,
             enrich
             us
             with
             his
             
               divine
               graces
            
             ,
             and
             advance
             us
             to
             a
             participation
             of
             the
             severall
             estates
             of
             his
             
               life
               ,
               blessedness
               ,
               sanctification
            
             and
             salvation
             .
             Hence
             we
             may
             take
             occasion
             to
             consider
             the
             greatness
             of
             Iesus
             ;
             
             he
             is
             our
             fulness
             ,
             in
             his
             annihilation
             ,
             in
             his
             poverty
             he
             sufficeth
             all
             ;
             for
             
               God
               gathereth
               together
               in
               one
               all
               things
               in
               Christ
               ,
               both
               which
               are
               in
               heaven
               ,
               and
               which
               are
               on
               earth
               .
            
             It
             is
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             mysteries
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             capable
             of
             communication
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             can
             admit
             the
             sanctification
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             
             our
             glory
             and
             happiness
             to
             be
             able
             to
             participate
             of
             the
             
               grace
               ,
               estate
            
             ,
             and
             mysteries
             of
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             first
             designe
             God
             hath
             upon
             us
             ,
             when
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             living
             an
             immortal
             and
             
               eternal
               life
            
             in
             the
             bosome
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             took
             a
             new
             and
             
               mortall
               life
            
             in
             the
             womb
             of
             the
             Virgin
             his
             Mother
             .
             He
             desired
             nothing
             so
             much
             as
             to
             give
             us
             his
             
               immortall
               life
            
             ,
             and
             to
             abase
             himself
             to
             our
             estate
             ,
             to
             elevate
             us
             to
             a
             participation
             of
             his
             greatness
             ,
             and
             the
             rather
             ,
             because
             as
             he
             honoured
             his
             Father
             by
             the
             several
             estates
             of
             his
             
               new
               life
            
             ,
             his
             
               hidden
               life
            
             ,
             his
             
               suffering
               ,
               poverty
               ,
               death
               ,
               cross
               ,
               obedience
               ,
               subjection
            
             in
             all
             the
             estates
             and
             mysteries
             of
             his
             life
             ;
             so
             he
             will
             have
             us
             to
             honour
             him
             in
             participating
             of
             the
             
               estate
               ,
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             grace
             of
             the
             same
             mysteries
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             in
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             qualities
             and
             vocations
             ,
             he
             chooses
             souls
             ,
             and
             calls
             them
             to
             an
             establishment
             in
             the
             participation
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             a
             communication
             of
             his
             
               new
               life
            
             ,
             a
             life
             of
             grace
             ,
             such
             as
             is
             
               wholly
               ,
               singular
            
             ,
             and
             proportioned
             to
             the
             
               eminence
               ,
               dignity
            
             ,
             and
             sanctity
             of
             a
             
               Christian
               calling
            
             .
             All
             this
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             his
             
               divine
               mercies
            
             ,
             the
             fruit
             of
             his
             sufferings
             ;
             it
             is
             our
             glory
             to
             be
             called
             and
             elevated
             to
             this
             happiness
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             keep
             our selves
             in
             a
             disposition
             and
             capacity
             to
             receive
             and
             bear
             them
             according
             to
             the
             designes
             and
             intentions
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ▪
             
             All
             those
             then
             who
             are
             desirous
             to
             live
             according
             to
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             make
             it
             their
             main
             business
             to
             continue
             faithfull
             and
             humble
             in
             this
             subjection
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             ready
             to
             go
             when
             they
             are
             called
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             when
             they
             shall
             be
             rewarded
             .
             We
             come
             now
             to
             the
             Dispositions
             whereby
             this
             estate
             may
             be
             att●ined
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
             Certain
             dispositions
             necessary
             for
             the
             devout
             soul
             that
             would
             participate
             of
             the
             grace
             and
             estates
             of
             the
             life
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             THis
             estate
             of
             
               interiour
               piety
            
             ,
             which
             puts
             the
             soul
             into
             a
             subjection
             to
             the
             power
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             a
             capacity
             to
             receive
             and
             bear
             the
             graces
             and
             estates
             of
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             is
             altogether
             suitable
             and
             necessary
             for
             those
             who
             seek
             perfection
             ,
             as
             being
             proportioned
             and
             conformable
             to
             the
             designes
             and
             order
             that
             God
             hath
             established
             in
             his
             creatures
             .
             In
             the
             creation
             of
             the
             visible
             
               World
               adorned
            
             and
             embellished
             with
             so
             many
             severall
             creatures
             ,
             God
             hath
             created
             Angels
             and
             man
             ,
             to
             contemplate
             so
             perfect
             a
             work
             ,
             to
             admire
             the
             excellencies
             ,
             and
             to
             honour
             the
             Authour
             of
             such
             miraculous
             productions
             .
             He
             hath
             done
             the
             like
             in
             the
             creation
             of
             the
             new
             World
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             establishment
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
             wherein
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             chooseth
             souls
             ,
             and
             formeth
             spirits
             ,
             
             who
             are
             employed
             in
             considering
             the
             works
             of
             love
             ,
             operated
             by
             him
             upon
             the
             Earth
             ,
             for
             the
             salvation
             of
             mankind
             ,
             and
             honouring
             the
             Authour
             of
             so
             many
             Graces
             .
             As
             God
             hath
             created
             a
             great
             number
             of
             Angels
             different
             in
             perfection
             and
             order
             ,
             and
             as
             some
             conceive
             in
             species
             also
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             hath
             given
             severall
             gifts
             and
             graces
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             severall
             ranks
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             honour
             by
             these
             diversities
             of
             estates
             &
             perfections
             ,
             the
             
               divine
               qualities
            
             and
             severall
             perfections
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             the
             Seraphims
             ,
             as
             
               Thomas
               Aquinas
            
             affirmeth
             ,
             adore
             by
             estate
             and
             by
             grace
             ,
             and
             contemplate
             by
             the
             light
             of
             glory
             ,
             the
             uncreated
             love
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             Cherubims
             his
             wisdom
             ,
             the
             Thrones
             his
             Stability
             ,
             and
             so
             of
             the
             rest
             .
          
           
             The
             eternall
             Word
             having
             accomplished
             the
             ineffable
             and
             
               adorable
               work
            
             of
             his
             Incarnation
             ,
             having
             finished
             that
             of
             our
             Redemption
             ,
             and
             created
             in
             this
             naturall
             World
             a
             new
             World
             (
             that
             is
             the
             Church
             )
             puts
             souls
             into
             it
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             conduct
             of
             grace
             ,
             are
             employed
             in
             consideration
             of
             the
             works
             which
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             operated
             on
             Earth
             .
             And
             amongst
             the
             rest
             ,
             he
             hath
             chosen
             many
             ,
             who
             by
             their
             severall
             estates
             and
             perfections
             continually
             honour
             the
             severall
             estates
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             adore
             his
             actions
             and
             perfections
             ,
             humanely-divine
             ,
             and
             divinely-humane
             .
             This
             must
             needs
             be
             an
             undeniable
             truth
             ;
             for
             if
             the
             Angels
             and
             the
             
             Church
             triumphant
             are
             continually
             and
             eternally
             employed
             in
             admiring
             and
             adoring
             the
             
               life
               ,
               estates
            
             ,
             and
             Mysteries
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             shall
             not
             her
             Sister
             in
             the
             
               Church
               Militant
            
             ,
             have
             the
             same
             
               rights
               ,
               employments
            
             ,
             and
             duties
             ?
             It
             is
             not
             to
             be
             doubted
             ;
             and
             certainly
             ,
             seeing
             that
             love
             hath
             obliged
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             to
             these
             lownesses
             ,
             and
             makes
             him
             ours
             for
             ever
             ,
             (
             for
             he
             shall
             be
             man
             eternally
             ,
             and
             eternally
             our
             Iesus
             ,
             our
             head
             and
             our
             All
             )
             it
             is
             but
             reason
             that
             we
             be
             alwayes
             his
             ,
             and
             render
             him
             
               perpetuall
               honour
            
             and
             homage
             .
             This
             is
             he
             that
             operates
             in
             our
             souls
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             estate
             whereto
             many
             are
             called
             .
             It
             is
             onely
             expected
             ,
             that
             Christians
             dispose
             themselves
             to
             participate
             of
             this
             happinesse
             ,
             and
             ,
             being
             called
             thereto
             ,
             endeavour
             to
             correspond
             faithfully
             therewith
             .
             God
             doth
             the
             same
             in
             the
             regency
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             making
             use
             of
             his
             power
             ,
             hath
             established
             therein
             severall
             
               estates
               ,
               orders
            
             ,
             and
             societies
             separated
             from
             the
             common
             ,
             and
             from
             one
             another
             ,
             which
             he
             consecrates
             and
             appropriates
             to
             the
             severall
             estates
             and
             Mysteries
             of
             his
             life
             .
             Some
             honour
             his
             solitude
             and
             
               hidden
               life
            
             ,
             others
             his
             penance
             ,
             others
             his
             poverty
             ,
             others
             his
             obedience
             ;
             all
             adorn
             and
             beautifie
             the
             body
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             diversity
             of
             their
             functions
             and
             
               estates
               ,
               honour
               ,
               adore
            
             ,
             and
             imitate
             the
             severall
             operations
             and
             Mysteries
             of
             the
             
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             distributes
             his
             spirit
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             his
             Mysteries
             to
             all
             ,
             according
             to
             what
             manner
             he
             pleases
             .
             He
             doth
             the
             same
             in
             the
             particular
             Government
             of
             souls
             ,
             he
             causes
             and
             calls
             them
             to
             elevate
             and
             establish
             them
             in
             such
             estate
             as
             pleaseth
             him
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             sufferings
             ,
             sometimes
             by
             privations
             ,
             one
             while
             by
             love
             ,
             another
             by
             simplicity
             and
             infancy
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             he
             estates
             them
             as
             he
             pleases
             ,
             
             to
             be
             honoured
             by
             them
             ,
             
               one
               and
               the
               same
               spirit
            
             ,
             according
             to
             St.
             
               Paul
               ,
               working
               all
               things
               ,
               dividing
               to
               every
               one
               severally
               ,
               as
               it
               pleaseth
               him
               .
            
             The
             same
             Apostle
             represents
             this
             truth
             ,
             
             under
             the
             similitude
             of
             
               a
               humane
               body
            
             ,
             all
             are
             members
             of
             the
             same
             body
             animated
             ,
             enlivened
             with
             the
             same
             spirit
             ,
             and
             yet
             they
             have
             all
             their
             several
             offices
             and
             functions
             particular
             and
             different
             .
             The
             case
             is
             the
             same
             ,
             saith
             this
             holy
             Apostle
             in
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             body
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             whereof
             all
             christians
             are
             members
             ,
             though
             all
             make
             up
             but
             one
             body
             ,
             and
             are
             the
             animated
             onely
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ;
             yet
             are
             they
             called
             and
             employed
             to
             particular
             estates
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             there
             is
             a
             difference
             of
             gifts
             and
             operations
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             but
             one
             spirit
             ,
             and
             one
             God
             who
             does
             all
             in
             all
             ;
             they
             are
             different
             effects
             of
             one
             and
             the
             same
             
               principall
               cause
            
             .
             It
             is
             the
             same
             Iesus
             who
             chooseth
             the
             souls
             to
             communicate
             to
             them
             the
             graces
             ,
             and
             divers
             
             estates
             of
             his
             life
             .
             How
             happy
             is
             that
             christian
             ,
             who
             is
             called
             to
             this
             happiness
             !
             Herein
             consisteth
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             soul
             ;
             as
             in
             things
             naturall
             we
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             Creature
             is
             most
             perfect
             ,
             when
             it
             most
             participates
             of
             the
             
               being
               ,
               life
            
             ,
             and
             perfections
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             in
             the
             state
             of
             graces
             ,
             that
             soul
             is
             most
             perfect
             ,
             which
             participates
             most
             of
             the
             graces
             ,
             of
             the
             divers
             estates
             and
             qualities
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             This
             grace
             and
             favour
             ,
             is
             not
             for
             every
             one
             ,
             and
             farre
             above
             the
             ordinary
             .
             The
             Sonne
             of
             God
             doth
             not
             call
             all
             souls
             to
             a
             participation
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             nor
             alwayes
             communicates
             to
             them
             the
             spirit
             and
             graces
             of
             his
             Mysteries
             .
             Yet
             the
             christian
             who
             would
             live
             in
             a
             solid
             piety
             and
             adherence
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             would
             feel
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             
               divine
               communications
            
             ,
             must
             desire
             this
             favour
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             demand
             it
             .
             He
             must
             often
             reverence
             and
             adore
             the
             
               life
               ,
               thoughts
               ,
               designes
               ,
               Mysteries
               ,
            
             and
             estates
             of
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             .
             He
             must
             offer
             himself
             with
             all
             his
             heart
             ,
             to
             the
             
               power
               ,
               spirit
            
             ,
             and
             grace
             ,
             enclosed
             in
             those
             
               divine
               Mysteries
            
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             he
             must
             carefully
             remove
             from
             his
             soul
             ,
             all
             hinderances
             and
             inclinations
             opposite
             to
             the
             designes
             and
             operations
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God.
             But
             above
             all
             ,
             he
             must
             continue
             constant
             in
             subjecting
             his
             soul
             to
             the
             power
             and
             will
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God.
             He
             that
             
             will
             practise
             all
             this
             ,
             must
             make
             these
             uses
             following
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             soul
             always
             resigne
             her self
             to
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             than
             he
             may
             make
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             by
             her
             ,
             all
             that
             he
             will
             for
             his
             glory
             .
             This
             resignation
             to
             be
             perfect
             ,
             must
             be
             grounded
             upon
             a
             
               freedom
               of
               spirit
            
             ,
             a
             freedom
             which
             is
             the
             true
             spirit
             of
             the
             children
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             consisteth
             in
             an
             estate
             of
             indifferency
             and
             independency
             ,
             as
             to
             all
             things
             as
             well
             in
             the
             order
             of
             nature
             as
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             being
             subject
             to
             God
             onely
             by
             this
             freedom
             ,
             all
             things
             in
             the
             world
             are
             indifferent
             ,
             the
             soul
             remaining
             in
             a
             
               pure
               capacity
            
             of
             submitting
             to
             whatsoever
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             will
             operate
             in
             her
             and
             by
             her
             ,
             giving
             her self
             up
             wholly
             to
             his
             
               divine
               power
            
             .
             This
             liberty
             of
             spirit
             is
             the
             principall
             estate
             and
             
               first
               ground
            
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             for
             all
             Christians
             belong
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             left
             to
             his
             
               power
               .
               One
               died
               for
               all
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               that
               they
               who
               live
               ,
               should
               not
               henceforth
               live
               unto
               themselves
               ,
            
             
             
               but
               unto
               him
               who
               died
               for
               them
            
             ;
             Teaching
             us
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             gave
             his
             life
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             excessive
             charity
             delivered
             himself
             to
             the
             
               ignominious
               death
               of
               the
               cross
            
             ,
             to
             do
             the
             will
             of
             his
             Father
             ;
             so
             he
             hath
             right
             and
             power
             to
             choose
             and
             consecrate
             us
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             &
             to
             offer
             us
             an
             Holocaust
             of
             sweetness
             and
             honour
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             that
             as
             he
             hath
             been
             
             the
             victim
             of
             our
             sins
             we
             may
             be
             the
             victims
             of
             his
             love
             .
             Hence
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             power
             and
             right
             to
             put
             our
             souls
             into
             what
             estate
             it
             shall
             please
             him
             ,
             for
             his
             glory
             ,
             be
             it
             an
             estate
             of
             life
             or
             death
             ,
             of
             privation
             or
             abundance
             ,
             of
             confusion
             or
             honour
             ,
             and
             may
             choose
             out
             souls
             ,
             and
             advance
             them
             to
             the
             participation
             of
             the
             mysteries
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             to
             render
             to
             him
             particular
             homage
             and
             service
             .
             We
             must
             then
             resigne
             our selves
             wholly
             in
             all
             things
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             To
             establish
             us
             in
             this
             
               disposition
               ,
               the
               liberty
               of
               spirit
            
             whereof
             we
             speak
             ,
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             .
             For
             when
             it
             hath
             separated
             us
             from
             all
             things
             ,
             nay
             ,
             even
             from
             our
             selves
             ,
             it
             puts
             us
             into
             an
             amplitude
             and
             capacity
             to
             be
             all
             that
             God
             will
             have
             us
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             grace
             and
             power
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             Christian
             who
             seeks
             to
             establish
             himself
             in
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             live
             with
             fidelity
             ,
             must
             endeavour
             to
             conform
             himself
             in
             this
             liberty
             of
             spirit
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             difficult
             ,
             nay
             ,
             impossible
             to
             adhere
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             to
             depend
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             faithfully
             to
             receive
             the
             operation
             of
             his
             grace
             ;
             if
             we
             are
             not
             in
             this
             
               liberty
               of
               spirit
            
             ,
             that
             is
             an
             independency
             as
             to
             all
             things
             .
             This
             is
             the
             spirit
             and
             disposition
             that
             God
             requires
             in
             a
             Christian
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             
               That
               the
               spirit
               we
               have
               received
               be
               not
               a
               spirit
               of
               bondage
               ,
               but
               of
               liberty
               and
               adoption
               .
            
          
           
             This
             first
             disposition
             leads
             us
             farther
             ,
             and
             
             advances
             us
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             piety
             ,
             and
             puts
             us
             into
             a
             second
             disposition
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             accept
             with
             humility
             and
             submission
             ,
             all
             the
             estates
             and
             effects
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             shall
             operate
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             bear
             with
             patience
             and
             obedience
             whatsoever
             rigour
             and
             difficulty
             we
             meet
             with
             .
             Having
             so
             received
             them
             ,
             we
             are
             also
             bound
             by
             this
             disposition
             ,
             to
             act
             according
             to
             the
             quality
             and
             extent
             of
             
               grace
               communicated
            
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             conformably
             to
             the
             estate
             whereinto
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             puts
             us
             .
             We
             must
             remain
             firm
             in
             that
             subjection
             and
             liberty
             of
             spirit
             we
             speak
             of
             .
             In
             this
             use
             consisteth
             the
             peace
             and
             liberty
             of
             the
             soul
             :
             For
             example
             ,
             If
             God
             put
             us
             into
             an
             estate
             of
             suffering
             ,
             we
             must
             accept
             it
             ,
             and
             continue
             therein
             with
             patience
             and
             submission
             of
             spirit
             ,
             not
             struggling
             with
             the
             good
             will
             and
             pleasure
             of
             God
             ;
             but
             act
             therein
             and
             persist
             with
             courage
             and
             fidelity
             .
             We
             must
             do
             the
             same
             in
             
               privation
               ,
               barrenness
            
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             estates
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             shall
             please
             to
             put
             us
             ;
             which
             if
             we
             do
             ,
             we
             shall
             remain
             in
             a
             
               true
               adherence
            
             and
             union
             with
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             depending
             upon
             him
             with
             fidelity
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             that
             piety
             aims
             at
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             That
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             obliges
             us
             to
             submit
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             Christ.
             
          
           
             THere
             cannot
             any
             be
             ignorant
             that
             
               true
               piety
            
             consists
             in
             rendring
             honour
             to
             God
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             first
             exercise
             ,
             the
             duties
             of
             Religion
             and
             Love
             ,
             are
             of
             such
             a
             nature
             ,
             that
             they
             must
             necessarily
             be
             referred
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             that
             of
             piety
             obliges
             us
             to
             honour
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             referr
             our selves
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             consequently
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ;
             
             For
             he
             that
             
               honoureth
               not
               the
               Son
               ,
               honoureth
               not
               the
               Father
            
             ;
             but
             by
             an
             obligation
             more
             particular
             ,
             greater
             and
             more
             speciall
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             and
             Principles
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             we
             are
             united
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             adhere
             to
             him
             as
             members
             to
             the
             Head.
             This
             adherence
             doth
             not
             onely
             put
             us
             into
             a
             subjection
             to
             the
             power
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             but
             also
             produces
             in
             our
             souls
             a
             regard
             of
             love
             and
             honour
             ,
             a
             regard
             that
             purifies
             and
             directs
             our
             intentions
             and
             actions
             ,
             not
             to
             love
             or
             honour
             any
             thing
             but
             Iesus
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             him
             to
             
               love
               ,
               honour
            
             and
             serve
             the
             Father
             .
             Thus
             the
             first
             estate
             of
             piety
             ,
             which
             consisteth
             in
             this
             adherence
             ,
             obliges
             us
             to
             referr
             all
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             honur
             him
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
           
           
             This
             truly
             is
             clear
             ,
             in
             what
             manner
             soever
             we
             consider
             it
             ,
             whether
             in
             the
             Oeconomy
             of
             our
             salvation
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             regency
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             all
             things
             invite
             and
             oblige
             us
             to
             honour
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             The
             first
             thing
             that
             the
             
               eternal
               Father
            
             requires
             of
             us
             in
             giving
             his
             Son
             to
             the
             world
             ;
             the
             first
             designe
             he
             hath
             upon
             his
             creature
             ,
             is
             ,
             to
             oblige
             them
             to
             render
             to
             his
             Son
             the
             same
             honour
             which
             we
             render
             to
             his
             
               infinite
               supreme
               Majesty
            
             .
             This
             Obligation
             is
             so
             strict
             ,
             that
             even
             at
             his
             birth
             he
             would
             have
             the
             Angels
             acknowledge
             and
             adore
             him
             ;
             he
             sent
             them
             from
             Heaven
             to
             Bethlehem
             to
             reverence
             him
             ,
             
             not
             onely
             in
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             divinity
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             lowness
             of
             our
             humanity
             ,
             when
             conceal'd
             in
             a
             stable
             ,
             and
             laid
             in
             a
             manger
             .
             He
             called
             thither
             the
             Shepherds
             and
             the
             Kings
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             be
             as
             David
             sayes
             ,
             
               All
               kings
               shall
               fall
               before
               him
               ,
               and
               all
               nations
               shall
               serve
               him
               .
            
             
             He
             was
             no
             sooner
             born
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             the
             kings
             of
             the
             world
             came
             from
             the
             East
             ,
             to
             do
             him
             homage
             ,
             to
             lay
             their
             Crowns
             and
             Scepters
             at
             his
             feet
             ,
             confessing
             that
             all
             the
             greatness
             of
             the
             earth
             ought
             to
             serve
             and
             honour
             him
             .
             The
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             sent
             Angels
             and
             men
             to
             render
             honour
             to
             his
             Son
             ,
             to
             adore
             his
             
               divinity
               humanized
            
             ,
             and
             his
             
               humanity
               deify'd
            
             .
             All
             nations
             of
             the
             world
             shall
             assemble
             ,
             and
             all
             men
             shall
             come
             to
             judgement
             ,
             that
             all
             may
             honour
             the
             Son
             ,
             as
             they
             honour
             the
             Father
             .
          
           
           
             This
             the
             Son
             demands
             of
             the
             Father
             as
             part
             of
             that
             fruit
             he
             expects
             of
             his
             labours
             ;
             it
             is
             one
             of
             the
             richest
             Iewells
             of
             that
             Crown
             which
             he
             received
             upon
             his
             triumph
             by
             the
             cross
             over
             the
             
               world
               ,
               sin
            
             ,
             and
             death
             .
             Many
             think
             it
             was
             the
             meaning
             of
             that
             Prayer
             to
             his
             Father
             in
             the
             day
             of
             his
             sufferings
             :
             
             
               Father
               ,
               glorifie
               thy
               Son
               ,
               to
               the
               end
               that
               thy
               Son
               may
               glorify
               thee
               .
            
             We
             owe
             him
             this
             honour
             ;
             for
             if
             he
             humbled
             himself
             to
             our
             infirmities
             ,
             and
             the
             shame
             and
             ignominy
             due
             to
             our
             offences
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             reason
             that
             we
             render
             him
             the
             honour
             whereof
             he
             deprives
             himself
             for
             our
             sakes
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             serve
             and
             honour
             him
             in
             a
             manner
             wholly
             particular
             ,
             seeing
             he
             onely
             of
             the
             persons
             of
             the
             most
             
               holy
               Trinity
            
             ,
             suffered
             our
             contempts
             and
             confusions
             ?
             This
             exercise
             of
             piety
             ,
             which
             we
             here
             propose
             as
             the
             first
             obligation
             we
             have
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             Christianity
             holds
             forth
             one
             of
             the
             noblest
             &
             most
             eminent
             vertues
             of
             the
             
               Catholique
               Religion
            
             ,
             and
             one
             of
             the
             highest
             actions
             of
             our
             soul.
             For
             ,
             if
             according
             to
             
               Thomas
               Aquinas
            
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             we
             arrive
             to
             the
             use
             of
             Reason
             ,
             to
             some
             acknowledgements
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             submission
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             the
             Author
             of
             our
             nature
             ,
             and
             our
             good
             ,
             with
             much
             more
             reason
             ought
             we
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             the
             first
             thought
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             relation
             to
             piety
             ,
             is
             to
             referr
             our selves
             to
             him
             as
             the
             
             principle
             of
             our
             being
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             .
             And
             if
             we
             would
             make
             use
             as
             we
             ought
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             gifts
             we
             receive
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             must
             employ
             them
             wholly
             to
             his
             honour
             and
             service
             ,
             in
             such
             sort
             ,
             that
             as
             Iesus
             is
             the
             Authour
             of
             our
             
               being
               ,
               life
            
             and
             actions
             ,
             he
             may
             also
             be
             their
             object
             and
             end
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             an
             inseparable
             obligation
             ,
             and
             an
             indispensable
             duty
             .
             For
             if
             the
             Christian
             and
             all
             that
             is
             in
             him
             ,
             proceed
             from
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             consecrated
             to
             him
             by
             his
             death
             ,
             it
             followes
             ,
             that
             he
             can
             neither
             make
             use
             of
             himself
             or
             any
             thing
             else
             ,
             but
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ;
             otherwise
             he
             might
             refer
             his
             actions
             to
             some
             other
             then
             him
             to
             whom
             they
             are
             due
             ,
             and
             for
             whom
             they
             are
             consecrated
             ,
             which
             were
             to
             prophane
             the
             most
             
               holy
               things
            
             ,
             and
             to
             enjoy
             the
             gifts
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             against
             his
             intentions
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             
               sacrilegious
               treason
            
             against
             the
             
               divine
               Majesty
            
             .
             For
             as
             amongst
             men
             he
             is
             guilty
             of
             theft
             ,
             and
             deserves
             death
             ,
             who
             converts
             the
             treasure
             of
             his
             Prince
             to
             his
             private
             use
             ,
             to
             passe
             away
             his
             life
             in
             vanities
             and
             sports
             ;
             so
             is
             that
             Christian
             criminall
             ,
             who
             abuses
             the
             gifts
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             is
             prodigall
             of
             the
             Treasures
             of
             his
             bounty
             .
             That
             we
             receive
             all
             from
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             no
             man
             can
             doubt
             ,
             for
             of
             him
             and
             for
             him
             life
             is
             given
             us
             ,
             as
             also
             
               motions
               ,
               sense
               ,
               
               reason
               ,
               repose
               ,
               health
               ,
            
             and
             sleep
             ,
             and
             ,
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             the
             use
             of
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             These
             are
             the
             Treasures
             of
             his
             Court
             ,
             for
             he
             hath
             by
             his
             travels
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             acquired
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             price
             of
             his
             blood
             and
             life
             ,
             purchased
             our
             lives
             ,
             our
             actions
             ,
             our
             thoughts
             ,
             nay
             even
             the
             time
             which
             we
             enjoy
             .
             Which
             having
             done
             ,
             his
             intention
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             acknowledging
             his
             love
             and
             liberality
             therein
             ,
             should
             love
             him
             ,
             serve
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             mind
             his
             honour
             and
             glory
             .
             This
             being
             so
             ,
             what
             have
             we
             to
             do
             but
             to
             follow
             his
             intentions
             ,
             to
             refer
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             honour
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             since
             we
             have
             all
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             he
             gives
             us
             also
             his
             
               speciall
               graces
            
             .
             In
             what
             therefore
             ought
             we
             to
             employ
             our
             time
             ,
             our
             life
             ,
             our
             health
             ,
             our
             repose
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             we
             have
             ,
             but
             for
             the
             honour
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             whom
             we
             have
             received
             them
             ,
             and
             who
             continues
             them
             for
             that
             very
             purpose
             .
          
           
             This
             manner
             of
             
               rendring
               honour
            
             and
             homage
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             an
             exercise
             of
             piety
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             perswade
             all
             Christians
             to
             ,
             and
             is
             grounded
             upon
             the
             principles
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             which
             teach
             us
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             grace
             ,
             be
             it
             of
             God
             towards
             men
             ,
             or
             of
             men
             towards
             God
             ,
             relate
             to
             Iesus
             as
             their
             principall
             support
             ,
             prop
             and
             foundation
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             by
             him
             that
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             gives
             us
             
             all
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             he
             hath
             chosen
             the
             
               holy
               humanity
            
             of
             his
             onely
             Sonne
             ,
             as
             an
             instrument
             conjoyned
             to
             the
             Divinity
             ,
             to
             operate
             his
             works
             of
             grace
             in
             Heaven
             and
             upon
             Earth
             .
             By
             him
             he
             receives
             the
             homage
             and
             adorations
             of
             his
             people
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             men
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             .
             Hence
             it
             may
             be
             inferr'd
             ,
             that
             all
             is
             grounded
             upon
             Iesus
             ,
             all
             subsists
             by
             him
             ,
             that
             all
             may
             be
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             ,
             to
             the
             
               Father
               .
               Iesus
            
             must
             be
             the
             onely
             object
             of
             our
             
               thoughts
               ,
               resentments
            
             and
             obligations
             .
          
           
             Upon
             this
             truth
             ,
             we
             ought
             to
             make
             often
             reflections
             ,
             for
             God
             hath
             subjected
             the
             World
             to
             our
             use
             ,
             and
             given
             us
             his
             Sonne
             ;
             the
             Sonne
             I
             say
             ,
             out
             of
             an
             excess
             of
             incomparable
             love
             ,
             becomes
             wholly
             ours
             ,
             that
             by
             a
             mutuall
             right
             we
             may
             be
             wholly
             his
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             the
             Father's
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             say
             to
             him
             in
             piety
             ,
             as
             he
             said
             to
             his
             Father
             in
             
               love
               ,
               All
               that
               is
               mine
               is
               thine
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               is
               thine
               is
               mine
               .
            
             Yea
             my
             Iesus
             ,
             thou
             art
             mine
             ,
             by
             thy
             Incarnation
             thou
             art
             mine
             ,
             by
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             thy
             life
             mine
             ,
             thou
             gavest
             me
             thy
             spirit
             in
             Baptisme
             ,
             thy
             body
             in
             the
             Eucharist
             ,
             thy
             glory
             I
             shall
             have
             in
             Paradise
             ,
             and
             thou
             mayst
             say
             truly
             ,
             that
             what
             is
             thine
             is
             mine
             .
             So
             order
             it
             then
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             say
             to
             thee
             with
             as
             much
             truth
             and
             fidelity
             as
             thou
             hast
             expressed
             affection
             in
             giving
             thy self
             to
             me
             ,
             that
             whatever
             is
             mine
             ,
             is
             also
             thine
             ,
             my
             being
             ,
             my
             life
             ,
             my
             actions
             ,
             my
             love
             ,
             all
             thine
             ,
             
             but
             much
             more
             truly
             then
             my
             own
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             in
             me
             but
             by
             thee
             ,
             and
             for
             thee
             .
             I
             will
             then
             from
             this
             present
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             eternity
             ,
             be
             wholly
             thine
             ,
             and
             my
             being
             ,
             my
             life
             and
             my
             actions
             ,
             all
             that
             I
             am
             shall
             be
             ever
             referred
             to
             thy
             glory
             .
          
           
             Hence
             we
             are
             to
             conclude
             ,
             that
             the
             first
             design
             and
             intention
             we
             are
             to
             have
             in
             our
             devotions
             ,
             is
             to
             refer
             all
             our
             actions
             to
             the
             glory
             and
             honour
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             remember
             him
             before
             we
             think
             of
             our selves
             ,
             to
             seek
             his
             glory
             before
             we
             look
             upon
             our
             own
             Interests
             or
             necessities
             .
             Herein
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             Christians
             at
             this
             day
             are
             deceived
             ,
             not
             onely
             those
             who
             in
             the
             exercises
             of
             piety
             ,
             seek
             the
             honour
             and
             esteem
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             aspire
             onely
             to
             vanity
             and
             a
             fleshly
             spirit
             ,
             but
             even
             those
             who
             seem
             to
             follow
             the
             exercises
             of
             piety
             with
             most
             love
             and
             purity
             .
             For
             they
             believe
             they
             do
             much
             in
             seeking
             the
             occasions
             of
             merit
             ,
             and
             employing
             themselves
             in
             what
             promotes
             their
             
               spirituall
               advancement
            
             ,
             and
             taking
             some
             relish
             and
             enjoyment
             therein
             ,
             whenever
             there
             is
             occasion
             ,
             they
             make
             it
             their
             onely
             businesse
             ,
             their
             
               principall
               employment
            
             ,
             it
             takes
             up
             their
             chiefest
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             what
             is
             worse
             ,
             they
             often
             place
             their
             end
             therein
             ,
             and
             are
             perswaded
             that
             they
             have
             attained
             a
             high
             and
             
               perfect
               degree
            
             of
             piety
             ,
             imagining
             themselves
             rich
             in
             merits
             ,
             and
             far
             advanced
             
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             perfection
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             may
             serve
             God
             with
             delight
             .
             He
             is
             blind
             who
             sees
             not
             the
             danger
             those
             are
             in
             ,
             who
             live
             thus
             ,
             for
             while
             they
             think
             they
             serve
             God
             ,
             they
             principally
             mind
             their
             own
             profit
             ,
             and
             if
             the
             business
             be
             well
             examin'd
             ,
             you
             will
             find
             they
             change
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             into
             their
             own
             
               particular
               satisfaction
            
             ,
             the
             end
             of
             their
             exercises
             ,
             being
             their
             own
             content
             and
             interests
             ,
             of
             whom
             we
             may
             say
             with
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               They
               love
               and
               seek
               themselves
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               make
               a
               gain
               of
               Piety
               .
            
          
           
             To
             reform
             this
             universall
             and
             dangerous
             abuse
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             esteem
             and
             spirit
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             consisteth
             in
             
               loving
               ,
               honouring
            
             ,
             and
             serving
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             an
             adherence
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             a
             dependance
             on
             his
             divine
             will
             ;
             so
             the
             
               motive
               ,
               object
            
             and
             end
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             have
             in
             our
             devotions
             ,
             must
             onely
             be
             the
             
               honour
               ,
               love
            
             ,
             and
             service
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             complyance
             with
             his
             amorous
             conduct
             .
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             who
             would
             live
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             true
             piety
             ,
             must
             first
             by
             a
             voluntary
             subjection
             ,
             adhere
             to
             the
             power
             and
             conduct
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             already
             shewed
             ,
             and
             further
             refer
             himself
             wholly
             to
             the
             honour
             and
             glory
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             in
             as
             much
             as
             we
             are
             his
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             ,
             God's
             ,
             and
             render
             to
             God
             the
             honour
             and
             service
             we
             owe
             him
             .
             According
             to
             this
             advice
             ,
             the
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             
             have
             a
             continuall
             and
             
               vigilant
               care
            
             so
             to
             order
             it
             ,
             that
             his
             life
             and
             actions
             may
             be
             accounted
             worthy
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             being
             such
             as
             shall
             contribute
             to
             his
             glory
             after
             the
             manner
             he
             would
             have
             it
             ;
             which
             is
             to
             be
             done
             thus
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
             The
             Use
             and
             Practice
             of
             what
             hath
             been
             proposed
             .
          
           
             WE
             have
             elsewhere
             taught
             ,
             what
             was
             to
             be
             done
             to
             render
             our
             actions
             worthy
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             necessary
             to
             speak
             any
             further
             of
             it
             .
             We
             are
             therefore
             only
             to
             remember
             ,
             that
             all
             our
             actions
             must
             be
             Christian
             ,
             to
             be
             worthy
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             consequently
             must
             be
             holy
             ;
             and
             to
             be
             holy
             ,
             they
             must
             be
             accomplished
             in
             the
             spirit
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             principle
             of
             grace
             ,
             the
             
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ;
             our
             actions
             to
             be
             Christian
             ,
             must
             be
             done
             in
             the
             spirit
             and
             dispositions
             of
             Iesus
             .
             It
             remains
             onely
             that
             we
             see
             how
             we
             may
             honour
             him
             by
             our
             life
             ,
             by
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             whereof
             we
             propose
             
               two
               ways
            
             .
             One
             is
             in
             regard
             of
             our
             selves
             ,
             when
             we
             live
             and
             act
             in
             a
             disposition
             of
             will
             wholly
             submitted
             and
             directed
             towards
             God
             ,
             and
             by
             right
             and
             
               pure
               intention
            
             ,
             referre
             our
             
             selves
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             actions
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             offering
             our
             selves
             so
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             not
             to
             live
             or
             act
             any
             thing
             but
             for
             his
             honour
             and
             glory
             .
             The
             other
             is
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             when
             he
             vouchsafes
             to
             apply
             and
             honour
             himself
             in
             us
             ,
             after
             what
             manner
             he
             pleaseth
             ,
             causing
             us
             to
             live
             and
             act
             in
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             making
             us
             to
             bear
             the
             effects
             of
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             in
             continuing
             the
             designs
             he
             hath
             over
             us
             ,
             to
             take
             in
             us
             his
             pleasure
             and
             glory
             .
             According
             to
             this
             
               later
               way
            
             ,
             the
             soul
             acteth
             not
             ,
             but
             accepts
             and
             keeps
             her self
             in
             the
             regard
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             subject
             of
             his
             
               divine
               operations
            
             ,
             and
             therefore
             must
             onely
             be
             attentive
             and
             faithfull
             to
             that
             which
             he
             doth
             in
             her
             ,
             and
             by
             her
             ,
             obliging
             her self
             by
             a
             
               submissive
               acquiescence
            
             to
             all
             he
             doth
             ,
             be
             it
             enjoyment
             or
             
               privation
               ,
               rest
            
             or
             
               pain
               ,
               change
            
             or
             destruction
             ,
             accepting
             his
             conduct
             ,
             and
             consenting
             to
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             works
             in
             her
             ,
             out
             of
             a
             confidence
             that
             he
             will
             establish
             all
             in
             her
             
               for
               his
               glory
            
             .
             This
             advice
             ,
             to
             souls
             who
             endeavour
             to
             live
             in
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             seek
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             is
             of
             so
             great
             consequence
             ,
             that
             to
             fail
             in
             this
             point
             ,
             is
             to
             fail
             in
             all
             .
             God
             is
             in
             us
             by
             grace
             ,
             he
             is
             there
             to
             operate
             ,
             not
             onely
             by
             himself
             ,
             but
             by
             us
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             the
             common
             principle
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             operation
             in
             us
             ,
             it
             is
             he
             that
             operates
             there
             incessantly
             things
             great
             and
             worthy
             of
             himself
             .
          
           
           
             This
             granted
             ,
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             the
             Christian
             who
             desires
             to
             live
             in
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             must
             on
             the
             one
             side
             shun
             all
             manner
             of
             sin
             ,
             especially
             such
             as
             may
             ruine
             this
             grace
             in
             him
             ;
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             become
             very
             attentive
             and
             faithful
             to
             receive
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             grace
             and
             the
             operations
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             so
             he
             may
             cooperate
             therewith
             according
             to
             his
             intentions
             ,
             otherwise
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             he
             may
             lose
             it
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             hinder
             it's
             effects
             ,
             and
             so
             destroy
             the
             honour
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             established
             in
             his
             soul.
             
          
           
             This
             is
             grounded
             upon
             the
             very
             principles
             of
             faith
             ;
             For
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             of
             our selves
             ,
             as
             of
             our selves
             ,
             but
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             doth
             all
             in
             us
             ,
             acting
             and
             referring
             all
             our
             actions
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             .
             We
             must
             then
             let
             him
             act
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             we
             know
             not
             his
             
               divine
               intentions
            
             and
             designes
             over
             us
             ,
             neither
             know
             the
             grace
             or
             degree
             of
             grace
             whereto
             he
             would
             elevate
             us
             for
             his
             greater
             glory
             ,
             (
             for
             it
             belongs
             to
             him
             to
             do
             all
             ,
             when
             and
             how
             he
             pleases
             .
             )
             It
             remains
             then
             ,
             that
             we
             oppose
             not
             our selves
             to
             his
             intentions
             ,
             and
             destroy
             not
             his
             works
             .
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             ,
             who
             desireth
             to
             be
             God's
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             in
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             not
             amuse
             himself
             in
             these
             unprofitable
             and
             superficiall
             things
             ,
             nor
             regard
             so
             much
             these
             exercises
             ,
             but
             purifie
             himself
             ,
             and
             make
             himself
             worthy
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             taking
             
             great
             care
             to
             preserve
             himself
             therein
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             continuall
             attention
             to
             all
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             grace
             operates
             in
             him
             ,
             for
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             destroy
             it
             not
             by
             a
             contrary
             application
             and
             want
             of
             co-operation
             .
             Hereby
             we
             shall
             see
             how
             many
             false
             devotions
             there
             are
             ,
             and
             how
             many
             deceive
             themselves
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             vertues
             and
             piety
             .
          
           
             These
             two
             wayes
             of
             honouring
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             may
             be
             understood
             after
             two
             manners
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             
               honour
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             he
             may
             honour
             himself
             in
             us
             two
             wayes
             ,
             one
             by
             action
             ,
             the
             other
             by
             estate
             .
             The
             action
             is
             transient
             ,
             and
             is
             but
             for
             a
             little
             time
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             is
             but
             in
             one
             part
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             but
             
               estate
               is
               a
               thing
               permanent
            
             which
             dwells
             in
             the
             whole
             capacity
             of
             the
             creature
             ,
             and
             is
             imprinted
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             its
             being
             ,
             having
             no
             dependance
             on
             the
             actions
             of
             the
             understanding
             and
             will.
             We
             may
             act
             well
             in
             the
             first
             manner
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             good
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             also
             endeavour
             to
             establish
             our selves
             in
             an
             estate
             which
             perfectly
             honours
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God.
             For
             as
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             himself
             hath
             not
             onely
             honoured
             his
             Father
             by
             the
             actions
             of
             his
             
               transitory
               life
            
             ,
             but
             hath
             been
             pleased
             to
             become
             man
             ,
             and
             take
             upon
             him
             a
             nature
             which
             essentially
             is
             in
             a
             condition
             of
             servitude
             ,
             and
             remain
             perpetually
             and
             inviolably
             therein
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             his
             Divinity
             :
             
             so
             we
             must
             endeavour
             to
             honour
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             not
             onely
             by
             
               transitory
               actions
            
             ,
             but
             also
             by
             a
             permanent
             estate
             and
             condition
             ,
             such
             as
             may
             render
             him
             honour
             and
             
               perpetuall
               homage
            
             .
             This
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             do
             for
             our
             part
             ,
             to
             the
             utmost
             of
             our
             power
             ,
             as
             being
             one
             of
             the
             most
             
               essentiall
               exercises
            
             of
             piety
             .
             But
             our
             attempts
             are
             feeble
             ,
             and
             all
             we
             can
             do
             is
             little
             ,
             in
             comparison
             of
             what
             we
             owe
             God.
             The
             Sonne
             of
             God
             therefore
             who
             is
             our
             supplyer
             ,
             doth
             it
             sometimes
             himself
             by
             his
             grace
             ;
             by
             his
             divine
             and
             
               amorous
               attractions
            
             ,
             he
             calls
             us
             ,
             and
             puts
             us
             into
             the
             estate
             which
             he
             himself
             operates
             in
             us
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             satisfies
             his
             Father
             to
             his
             honour
             and
             glory
             .
             It
             is
             a
             singular
             happiness
             ,
             a
             favour
             ,
             to
             obtain
             which
             all
             we
             can
             do
             ,
             is
             to
             continue
             disposed
             ,
             attentive
             to
             whatever
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             operates
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             carefully
             to
             take
             heed
             thereto
             ,
             and
             to
             
               co-operate
               faithfully
            
             therein
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             best
             disposition
             ,
             may
             be
             proposed
             .
             The
             meaning
             hereof
             is
             ,
             to
             keep
             our selves
             in
             a
             
               simple
               submission
            
             of
             our
             spirit
             to
             that
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             this
             submission
             consisteth
             in
             not
             resisting
             it
             ,
             but
             ,
             leaving
             our selves
             wholly
             to
             the
             power
             of
             ,
             and
             a
             dependance
             on
             his
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             and
             conduct
             ,
             giving
             up
             ,
             offering
             and
             disposing
             our selves
             to
             the
             work
             and
             designes
             which
             he
             hath
             in
             and
             upon
             us
             ,
             renouncing
             all
             our
             own
             contrary
             inclinations
             .
             The
             soul
             
             that
             lives
             in
             this
             submission
             ,
             is
             capable
             to
             bear
             effectually
             the
             effects
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             to
             honour
             God
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             Now
             when
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             refer
             all
             our
             actions
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             mean
             not
             onely
             the
             good
             and
             vertuous
             ,
             but
             even
             the
             common
             and
             
               naturall
               actions
            
             ,
             even
             to
             a
             moment
             of
             time
             ,
             for
             all
             belongs
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             referred
             to
             his
             honour
             and
             glory
             .
             This
             truth
             we
             learn
             of
             the
             Church
             our
             Mother
             ,
             who
             in
             her
             rites
             and
             ceremonies
             ,
             doth
             not
             onely
             represent
             the
             Mysteries
             and
             actions
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             honours
             them
             in
             representing
             them
             ,
             and
             as
             such
             is
             her
             intention
             ,
             whence
             it
             may
             be
             observed
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             her
             ceremonies
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             least
             ,
             she
             intends
             to
             honour
             and
             acknowledge
             him
             .
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             himself
             may
             be
             also
             an
             example
             to
             us
             in
             this
             exercise
             of
             piety
             ,
             for
             in
             that
             he
             hath
             taken
             the
             nature
             of
             man
             upon
             him
             ,
             he
             hath
             honoured
             his
             Father
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             by
             all
             the
             concernments
             of
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ,
             doing
             to
             that
             end
             and
             intention
             ,
             not
             onely
             those
             actions
             which
             we
             call
             Religious
             and
             vertuous
             ,
             but
             even
             those
             which
             are
             naturall
             and
             
               purely
               humane
            
             ,
             and
             referring
             to
             his
             honour
             ,
             all
             the
             moments
             of
             his
             life
             .
             We
             must
             carry
             our selves
             in
             the
             same
             manner
             ,
             what
             he
             did
             being
             done
             by
             him
             ,
             as
             a
             Master
             for
             our
             imitation
             .
             The
             
               devout
               Christian
            
             therefore
             must
             refer
             all
             his
             exercises
             and
             
             actions
             ,
             both
             naturall
             and
             
               common
               ,
               little
            
             and
             great
             ,
             to
             the
             honour
             and
             glory
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             By
             this
             relation
             ,
             our
             actions
             are
             ennobled
             ,
             for
             what
             he
             hath
             sanctified
             ,
             is
             neither
             common
             nor
             inconsiderable
             ;
             whatsoever
             is
             consecrated
             and
             referred
             by
             his
             honour
             ,
             cannot
             but
             be
             great
             ,
             when
             his
             honour
             is
             so
             great
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             a
             many
             that
             judge
             this
             
               practise
               of
               Piety
            
             to
             be
             too
             difficult
             ,
             whereas
             they
             will
             indifferently
             receive
             some
             others
             .
             But
             if
             we
             consider
             it
             ,
             we
             shall
             find
             that
             it
             is
             an
             Obligation
             proper
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             which
             cannot
             by
             any
             meanes
             be
             dispenced
             with
             .
             For
             if
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             be
             a
             lively
             Image
             of
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             a
             life
             derived
             and
             flowing
             from
             his
             ,
             it
             must
             of
             necessity
             follow
             ,
             that
             ,
             as
             all
             things
             are
             sanctified
             ,
             and
             made
             divine
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             so
             are
             they
             such
             in
             us
             by
             the
             same
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             which
             is
             given
             us
             ,
             which
             dwells
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             operates
             in
             us
             .
             From
             which
             reason
             we
             may
             infer
             ,
             that
             ,
             as
             in
             Iesus
             there
             is
             nothing
             mean
             or
             vile
             ,
             but
             all
             in
             him
             is
             elevated
             and
             referred
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             so
             in
             
               Christian
               souls
            
             ,
             there
             ought
             to
             be
             no
             actions
             mean
             and
             object
             ,
             no
             ,
             not
             indifferent
             ,
             seeing
             they
             all
             belong
             to
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             hath
             sanctified
             them
             in
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             conduct
             and
             direction
             of
             him
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             to
             operate
             and
             accomplish
             them
             .
             Besides
             ,
             we
             cannot
             doubt
             at
             all
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             
             God
             hath
             his
             
               great
               designs
            
             and
             intentions
             worthy
             himself
             over
             our
             actions
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             smalled
             ,
             nay
             ,
             over
             all
             the
             moments
             of
             our
             life
             .
             Which
             if
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             how
             we
             can
             say
             ,
             that
             our
             actions
             are
             indifferent
             ?
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             they
             belong
             all
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             they
             must
             proceed
             from
             his
             spirit
             ;
             God
             will
             be
             honoured
             in
             all
             that
             is
             of
             man.
             We
             shall
             render
             an
             account
             as
             well
             of
             the
             least
             as
             the
             greatest
             things
             ;
             and
             assuredly
             ,
             God
             will
             exercise
             his
             judgement
             as
             well
             for
             a
             moment
             of
             time
             ,
             and
             the
             least
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             as
             for
             all
             the
             rest
             of
             our
             life
             .
          
           
             We
             must
             therefore
             acknowledge
             there
             is
             nothing
             little
             ,
             nothing
             to
             be
             neglected
             in
             the
             
               state
               of
               Christianity
            
             ,
             but
             all
             therein
             ought
             to
             be
             worthy
             the
             blood
             and
             cross
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ;
             we
             must
             make
             use
             of
             all
             things
             conformably
             to
             the
             designs
             and
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             who
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             always
             great
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             least
             things
             ,
             so
             also
             must
             we
             have
             
               great
               intentions
            
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             meanest
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             our
             first
             and
             principall
             must
             be
             to
             referr
             those
             to
             the
             glory
             and
             honour
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             the
             time
             of
             his
             life
             upon
             earth
             ,
             did
             so
             ;
             living
             among
             us
             as
             one
             of
             us
             ,
             he
             made
             use
             of
             all
             things
             with
             a
             zeal
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             and
             referred
             them
             to
             him
             as
             to
             his
             Father
             ,
             his
             
               principall
               being
            
             and
             life
             .
             Let
             us
             do
             the
             like
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             zeal
             to
             the
             honour
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             
             out
             of
             a
             respect
             and
             homage
             to
             his
             greatness
             ,
             let
             us
             offer
             to
             him
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             &
             accomplish
             them
             all
             even
             to
             the
             least
             ,
             with
             a
             desire
             that
             they
             may
             be
             referred
             to
             him
             as
             to
             the
             principle
             of
             our
             being
             and
             life
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             .
             This
             he
             taught
             us
             by
             his
             death
             ,
             this
             disposition
             he
             inspires
             us
             with
             by
             grace
             ,
             this
             spirit
             he
             infuseth
             into
             us
             by
             the
             Sacraments
             which
             he
             hath
             left
             to
             his
             Church
             ,
             as
             himself
             said
             ,
             
               As
               the
               living
               Father
               hath
               sent
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               live
               by
               the
               Father
               ;
               
               so
               he
               that
               eateth
               me
               ,
               even
               he
               shall
               live
               by
               me
            
             ;
             which
             include
             in
             two
             words
             all
             that
             we
             would
             perswade
             that
             Christian
             to
             ,
             who
             seeks
             
               true
               piety
            
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
             How
             the
             Christian
             that
             seeks
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             is
             obliged
             to
             imitate
             
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             AS
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             honour
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             by
             our
             life
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             actions
             ,
             so
             with
             much
             more
             reason
             are
             we
             obliged
             to
             imitate
             him
             as
             far
             as
             lies
             in
             our
             power
             .
             The
             greatest
             honour
             we
             can
             give
             him
             ,
             is
             to
             conform
             our selves
             to
             his
             life
             and
             intentions
             .
             This
             is
             the
             third
             effect
             which
             produces
             adherence
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             and
             as
             this
             adherence
             is
             the
             first
             estate
             whereinto
             we
             are
             put
             when
             we
             are
             made
             
             Christians
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             foundation
             we
             must
             lay
             to
             acquire
             
               true
               piety
            
             ;
             so
             from
             this
             adherence
             as
             its
             centre
             and
             
               generall
               principle
            
             must
             be
             derived
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             grace
             which
             we
             bear
             in
             our
             souls
             .
             Now
             ,
             that
             which
             remains
             to
             be
             treated
             of
             ,
             is
             this
             Imitation
             :
             for
             our
             life
             ought
             to
             be
             a
             
               lively
               Image
            
             of
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             use
             a
             Christian
             is
             to
             make
             ,
             is
             to
             look
             upon
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             as
             the
             Prototype
             and
             exemplar
             of
             his
             life
             and
             actions
             ,
             not
             onely
             to
             imitate
             ,
             but
             to
             express
             and
             represent
             him
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             to
             the
             life
             .
             As
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             is
             the
             Image
             and
             resemblance
             of
             his
             Father
             ,
             so
             must
             the
             Christian
             be
             of
             the
             Son.
             Hence
             the
             Apostle
             assures
             us
             ,
             that
             none
             shall
             be
             saved
             ,
             or
             received
             into
             heaven
             in
             the
             number
             of
             the
             elect
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             not
             conformed
             to
             the
             Image
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
               He
               predestined
               them
            
             ,
             
             says
             he
             ,
             
               to
               be
               made
               conformable
               to
               the
               Image
               of
               his
               Son.
            
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             by
             grace
             what
             Iesus
             is
             by
             nature
             .
             It
             is
             a
             maxime
             in
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             is
             the
             
               true
               life
            
             ,
             and
             
               true
               model
            
             of
             our
             life
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             example
             shew'd
             us
             in
             the
             mountain
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             Moses
             ,
             according
             to
             which
             we
             are
             commanded
             to
             operate
             .
             Our
             interiour
             and
             
               exteriour
               life
            
             then
             must
             imitate
             and
             regard
             the
             exercises
             of
             the
             soul
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             and
             the
             occupations
             of
             his
             
               sacred
               life
            
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             gives
             us
             his
             Son
             in
             the
             
             mystery
             of
             the
             incarnation
             ,
             for
             giving
             his
             Son
             a
             new
             life
             in
             the
             mystery
             of
             love
             ,
             and
             giving
             it
             to
             be
             communicated
             to
             us
             ,
             he
             makes
             him
             thereby
             the
             principle
             of
             a
             
               new
               life
            
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             wils
             ,
             that
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             the
             principle
             of
             the
             life
             of
             his
             Son
             in
             
               eternall
               generation
            
             ,
             so
             his
             Son
             should
             be
             the
             principle
             of
             our
             life
             in
             the
             new
             
               temporall
               generation
            
             of
             our
             souls
             by
             Baptisme
             and
             Grace
             .
             Saint
             Paul
             also
             teaches
             this
             ,
             when
             speaking
             of
             the
             reformation
             of
             Adam
             ,
             he
             says
             ,
             
               As
               we
               have
               born
               the
               image
               of
               the
               earthly
               ,
            
             
             
               so
               shall
               we
               also
               bear
               the
               image
               of
               the
               heavenly
            
             ;
             as
             if
             exhorting
             us
             to
             an
             imitation
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             he
             should
             advise
             us
             ,
             that
             as
             we
             have
             born
             the
             image
             of
             
               Adam
               ,
               imitating
            
             him
             by
             sin
             ,
             and
             following
             him
             by
             our
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             we
             should
             also
             bear
             the
             image
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               imitating
            
             his
             life
             and
             actions
             .
          
           
             This
             Doctrine
             is
             wholly
             conformable
             to
             the
             
               Principles
               of
               Christianity
            
             .
             The
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             honours
             and
             regards
             God
             ,
             and
             imitates
             his
             life
             ,
             
             
               Be
               ye
               perfect
               ,
               as
               your
               heavenly
               Father
               is
               perfect
               ,
            
             saith
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             or
             to
             say
             better
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             life
             of
             God
             himself
             who
             lives
             in
             us
             by
             his
             Son.
             Whence
             it
             follows
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             
               Father
               lives
            
             in
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             Son
             in
             the
             Father
             ,
             so
             we
             live
             in
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             Iesus
             in
             us
             ,
             according
             to
             that
             Prayer
             of
             the
             same
             Son
             of
             God
             to
             his
             Father
             full
             of
             love
             and
             
               affection
               .
               I
               am
               in
               them
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               thou
               in
               me
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               be
               
               made
               perfect
               in
               one
               .
            
             But
             how
             can
             we
             be
             one
             with
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ?
             How
             can
             we
             adhere
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             be
             incorporated
             with
             him
             ?
             How
             can
             we
             conceive
             this
             
               reciprocall
               life
            
             of
             Iesus
             in
             us
             ,
             but
             in
             imitating
             him
             ,
             and
             not
             only
             imitating
             him
             ,
             but
             expressing
             and
             perfectly
             representing
             him
             ,
             since
             he
             lives
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             in
             him
             ,
             in
             the
             mystery
             of
             the
             incarnation
             ?
             For
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             giving
             us
             his
             Son
             to
             be
             man
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             with
             men
             a
             life
             common
             and
             conformable
             to
             the
             nature
             and
             condition
             of
             men
             ,
             he
             gives
             us
             in
             him
             a
             
               law
               ,
               rule
            
             ,
             and
             form
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             shews
             us
             in
             him
             the
             manner
             of
             conversation
             that
             we
             must
             follow
             ,
             to
             
               live
               Christianly
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             live
             a
             new
             life
             ,
             which
             the
             
               eternall
               Father
            
             gives
             us
             in
             his
             Son
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             Son
             ,
             a
             life
             singularly
             proper
             to
             the
             estate
             and
             perfection
             of
             Christianity
             .
             We
             are
             then
             to
             look
             on
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             as
             our
             
               Law
               ,
               imitate
            
             and
             follow
             him
             as
             our
             rule
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             to
             speak
             properly
             ,
             as
             the
             
               sacred
               Oracles
            
             foretold
             ,
             when
             ,
             speaking
             of
             the
             Messias
             ,
             and
             the
             time
             of
             his
             coming
             ,
             they
             said
             ,
             that
             God
             will
             make
             a
             Word
             abbridged
             upon
             the
             earth
             .
             This
             Word
             is
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             descending
             to
             the
             vile
             and
             mean
             estate
             of
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ,
             gives
             us
             his
             words
             and
             actions
             a
             model
             for
             ours
             .
          
           
             This
             also
             Saint
             Paul
             explains
             ,
             where
             he
             says
             that
             God
             spoke
             to
             the
             world
             four
             thousand
             
             years
             ,
             
             and
             conducted
             and
             taught
             men
             
               after
               divers
               manners
            
             ,
             and
             sent
             Angels
             ,
             he
             gave
             a
             Law
             writ
             with
             his
             own
             hand
             ,
             he
             prescribed
             many
             Ceremonies
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             ages
             caused
             Prophets
             to
             speak
             .
             But
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             Grace
             ,
             he
             
               speaks
               to
               us
               by
               his
               Sonne
               ,
            
             who
             teacheth
             us
             
               supernaturall
               truths
            
             ,
             till
             then
             unknown
             to
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             reserved
             for
             the
             Excellency
             of
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             The
             Angels
             now
             guide
             us
             no
             more
             ,
             but
             attend
             us
             ,
             the
             written
             Law
             doth
             not
             oblige
             us
             ,
             the
             Ceremonies
             are
             now
             limited
             ,
             and
             the
             Prophets
             speak
             no
             longer
             .
             It
             is
             Iesus
             ,
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             the
             Sonne
             of
             the
             eternall
             Father
             ,
             who
             becoming
             man
             ,
             and
             conversing
             among
             men
             ,
             speaks
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             teaches
             us
             .
             He
             is
             our
             Angel
             to
             inlighten
             us
             ,
             our
             Law
             to
             direct
             us
             ,
             our
             Prophet
             to
             speak
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             our
             Master
             to
             teach
             us
             .
             He
             is
             the
             
               abridg'd
               word
            
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             condition
             that
             he
             hath
             made
             with
             his
             Father
             ,
             he
             conducts
             us
             by
             his
             spirit
             ,
             he
             illuminates
             us
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             he
             directs
             us
             by
             his
             providence
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             so
             he
             teaches
             us
             not
             onely
             by
             his
             words
             ,
             but
             also
             by
             the
             holy
             and
             
               adorable
               actions
            
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             the
             rule
             ,
             the
             Law
             and
             modell
             of
             our
             life
             .
          
           
             Now
             if
             Iesus
             be
             
               the
               rule
               and
               law
               of
               our
               life
               ,
            
             it
             is
             manifest
             that
             we
             ought
             to
             imitate
             him
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             live
             Christianly
             ,
             and
             if
             ,
             by
             the
             exercises
             of
             a
             
               solid
               piety
            
             ,
             we
             desire
             to
             attain
             a
             
             perfection
             suitable
             to
             the
             vocation
             and
             estate
             we
             profess
             ,
             we
             must
             choose
             none
             but
             those
             which
             imitate
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             holding
             it
             a
             maxime
             in
             all
             kindes
             of
             exercises
             ,
             that
             the
             Christian
             is
             so
             much
             the
             more
             devout
             and
             perfect
             ,
             the
             more
             conformable
             his
             life
             and
             actions
             are
             to
             those
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             is
             neither
             devout
             nor
             perfect
             ,
             but
             as
             far
             as
             he
             imitates
             the
             life
             and
             actions
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             for
             
               true
               piety
            
             and
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             ,
             if
             rightly
             understood
             ,
             consisteth
             onely
             in
             this
             point
             .
          
           
             This
             Principle
             and
             Precept
             ,
             we
             have
             also
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             where
             he
             sayes
             ,
             
               If
               any
               man
               serve
               me
            
             ,
             
             
               let
               him
               follow
               me
               ,
               and
               where
               I
               am
               there
               my
               servant
               shall
               be
               also
            
             ;
             the
             servant
             of
             God
             must
             imitate
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             To
             serve
             is
             nothing
             else
             but
             to
             follow
             ,
             to
             follow
             ,
             according
             to
             St.
             Austine
             ,
             is
             to
             imitate
             ;
             so
             that
             the
             devotion
             whereby
             we
             should
             serve
             God
             ,
             is
             not
             devotion
             but
             illusion
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             in
             the
             exercises
             which
             cause
             us
             to
             follow
             and
             imitate
             the
             life
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             Here
             we
             may
             see
             how
             much
             they
             are
             deceived
             ,
             who
             dare
             call
             him
             rash
             ,
             and
             accuse
             him
             of
             presumption
             ,
             that
             would
             
               imitate
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             who
             say
             it
             is
             to
             soar
             too
             high
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             man
             should
             imitate
             his
             God
             ,
             and
             blinded
             with
             this
             ignorance
             ,
             are
             content
             to
             employ
             themselves
             in
             some
             good
             
               morall
               exercises
            
             .
             The
             Apostle
             condemns
             this
             
             errour
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Iesus
               Christ
               suffered
               for
               us
               ,
               leaving
               us
               an
               example
               that
               we
               should
               follow
               his
               steps
               .
            
             
             St.
             Paul
             confesses
             ,
             that
             his
             study
             and
             principall
             care
             was
             to
             
               imitate
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             to
             which
             end
             ,
             
             he
             writ
             to
             the
             
               Corinthians
               ;
               Be
               ye
               followers
               of
               me
               ,
               as
               I
               am
               of
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             made
             Christians
             ,
             nor
             participate
             of
             the
             graces
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             put
             into
             a
             capacity
             and
             obligation
             to
             imitate
             him
             .
             This
             is
             his
             intention
             when
             he
             sayes
             ,
             
             
               who
               doth
               not
               follow
               him
               ,
               is
               not
               worthy
               of
               him
               .
            
             To
             say
             the
             contrary
             ,
             is
             to
             oppose
             the
             opinions
             of
             the
             Fathers
             ,
             a
             truth
             more
             manifest
             then
             day
             .
          
           
             By
             these
             Principles
             ,
             we
             discover
             another
             blindness
             greater
             then
             the
             other
             ,
             a
             deceit
             more
             dangerous
             in
             many
             Christians
             ,
             who
             onely
             study
             to
             perfect
             their
             reason
             ,
             and
             think
             they
             do
             much
             to
             follow
             that
             in
             every
             point
             ,
             wherein
             they
             are
             much
             deceived
             .
             For
             they
             believe
             it
             sufficient
             to
             live
             reasonably
             and
             Christianly
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             belief
             ,
             forget
             or
             neglect
             the
             rest
             ,
             thinking
             they
             are
             arrived
             to
             an
             estate
             perfect
             enough
             .
             But
             is
             quite
             contrary
             ,
             for
             by
             the
             use
             of
             reason
             onely
             ,
             we
             live
             as
             perfect
             men
             ,
             or
             at
             most
             ,
             but
             as
             good
             Philosophers
             ;
             but
             if
             we
             would
             live
             and
             operate
             as
             good
             Christians
             and
             Children
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             must
             advance
             our selves
             above
             Reason
             to
             live
             ,
             not
             a
             humane
             ,
             but
             a
             
               divine
               life
            
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             life
             that
             
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             liv'd
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             and
             communicated
             to
             
               true
               Christians
            
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             the
             new
             man.
             To
             live
             this
             life
             ,
             we
             make
             use
             not
             of
             reason
             but
             of
             grace
             ,
             which
             is
             farre
             above
             reason
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             the
             principle
             of
             
               Christian
               actions
            
             .
             For
             onely
             grace
             can
             bring
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             render
             us
             worthy
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             considered
             as
             the
             object
             of
             our
             Faith
             and
             Religion
             .
          
           
             The
             foundation
             of
             all
             consisteth
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             a
             
               humane
               spirit
            
             and
             reason
             is
             not
             our
             conduct
             ,
             nor
             the
             rule
             of
             our
             life
             as
             
               Christians
               ;
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             is
             the
             onely
             
               rule
               ,
               law
            
             ,
             and
             principle
             thereof
             ,
             wherefore
             in
             our
             exercises
             of
             piety
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             this
             continually
             before
             our
             eyes
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             be
             
               devout
               ,
               viz.
            
             we
             must
             follow
             him
             if
             we
             would
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             imitate
             him
             if
             we
             will
             follow
             him
             .
             Which
             we
             are
             now
             to
             consider
             ,
             how
             it
             is
             to
             be
             done
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
             The
             Practise
             of
             what
             hath
             been
             proposed
             in
             the
             imitation
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             
          
           
             WHen
             we
             speak
             of
             imitating
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             mean
             not
             doing
             of
             miracles
             as
             he
             did
             ;
             we
             are
             not
             commanded
             to
             walk
             upon
             the
             Sea
             ,
             to
             raise
             up
             the
             dead
             to
             life
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             sight
             to
             the
             blind
             .
             We
             mean
             not
             the
             being
             elevated
             to
             an
             intuitive
             knowledge
             of
             the
             secrets
             of
             the
             Divinity
             ;
             this
             is
             onely
             for
             Iesus
             ,
             these
             are
             the
             effects
             of
             his
             almighty
             power
             ,
             and
             the
             marks
             of
             his
             Mission
             .
             We
             are
             not
             called
             to
             come
             into
             competition
             with
             him
             ,
             but
             ,
             as
             he
             was
             humbled
             to
             our
             meanness
             ,
             and
             was
             cloathed
             with
             our
             nature
             ,
             becoming
             man
             ,
             and
             taking
             
               a
               new
               being
            
             and
             estate
             ;
             so
             he
             takes
             also
             a
             new
             manner
             of
             life
             ,
             conformable
             to
             ours
             ,
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             imitate
             ,
             after
             which
             we
             are
             to
             form
             the
             interiour
             of
             our
             Consciences
             ,
             and
             the
             procedure
             of
             our
             actions
             .
             He
             annihilated
             himself
             in
             the
             Incarnation
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ;
             he
             humbled
             himself
             in
             all
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             his
             life
             ;
             
             he
             made
             himself
             poor
             in
             all
             his
             estates
             ;
             he
             was
             obedient
             even
             to
             the
             Crosse
             ,
             he
             suffered
             even
             to
             death
             ,
             he
             hath
             shewed
             his
             love
             in
             all
             his
             
             works
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             he
             practised
             all
             manner
             of
             vertues
             in
             the
             progress
             of
             his
             life
             .
             Let
             us
             do
             the
             like
             ;
             he
             was
             born
             for
             our
             sakes
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             he
             did
             was
             onely
             that
             he
             might
             imitate
             him
             as
             the
             modell
             of
             our
             life
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             he
             chose
             a
             kind
             of
             life
             full
             of
             
               various
               estates
            
             ,
             and
             practised
             severall
             actions
             ,
             that
             all
             sorts
             of
             persons
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             estates
             ,
             should
             find
             in
             him
             the
             Idaea
             of
             their
             actions
             ,
             and
             the
             prototype
             of
             their
             life
             .
          
           
             Thus
             to
             
               imitate
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             is
             an
             Obligation
             belonging
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             .
             When
             we
             receive
             Baptisme
             ,
             we
             are
             incorporated
             into
             him
             as
             members
             ;
             this
             incorporation
             doth
             not
             onely
             bind
             us
             to
             adhere
             to
             him
             as
             members
             to
             their
             head
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             like
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             as
             much
             conformity
             in
             our
             actions
             to
             those
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             between
             the
             head
             and
             the
             members
             of
             the
             same
             body
             .
             So
             that
             this
             imitation
             must
             not
             be
             indifferent
             ,
             but
             most
             holy
             and
             perfect
             .
             All
             
               as
               many
               of
               you
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               as
               are
               baptized
               into
               Ie.
               Christ
               ,
            
             
             
               have
               put
               on
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             ye
             bear
             his
             Livery
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             the
             Doctors
             interpret
             it
             ,
             ye
             are
             made
             
               like
               unto
               him
            
             ,
             ye
             imitate
             his
             vertues
             ,
             and
             are
             followers
             of
             his
             life
             and
             actions
             .
             For
             it
             is
             but
             reason
             ,
             that
             where
             the
             head
             is
             ,
             there
             the
             members
             should
             also
             be
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             be
             a
             resemblance
             and
             conformity
             of
             the
             one
             to
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             To
             imitate
             then
             the
             
               Sonne
               of
               God
            
             ,
             implies
             
             
               two
               things
            
             ;
             the
             one
             is
             ,
             that
             we
             do
             what
             he
             hath
             done
             ,
             the
             other
             ,
             that
             we
             do
             it
             with
             the
             same
             spirit
             and
             dispositions
             wherewith
             he
             did
             it
             .
             He
             was
             humbled
             for
             us
             ,
             he
             shewed
             his
             love
             and
             clemency
             towards
             us
             :
             Let
             us
             also
             learn
             of
             him
             to
             be
             gentle
             and
             
               humble
               of
               heart
            
             .
             He
             was
             obedient
             even
             to
             death
             ,
             the
             
               death
               of
               the
               Crosse
            
             ;
             let
             us
             imitate
             his
             obedience
             ,
             preferring
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             
               divine
               Ordinances
            
             and
             
               holy
               will
            
             ,
             before
             all
             things
             ,
             even
             our
             own
             life
             .
             He
             was
             born
             in
             a
             stable
             ,
             layd
             in
             a
             manger
             ,
             he
             took
             poverty
             for
             the
             companion
             of
             his
             life
             ,
             he
             condemned
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             despised
             its
             pride
             ,
             shewing
             us
             ,
             that
             all
             is
             vanity
             ,
             and
             a
             meer
             nothing
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             God.
             Let
             us
             do
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             ,
             though
             we
             are
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             condemn
             its
             vanity
             ,
             in
             a
             word
             ,
             so
             use
             it
             ,
             that
             all
             our
             
               life
               interiour
            
             and
             exteriour
             ,
             may
             be
             a
             continuall
             imitation
             of
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             .
             This
             is
             the
             
               true
               piety
            
             that
             a
             Christian
             must
             exercise
             ,
             the
             onely
             meanes
             to
             be
             perfect
             .
             In
             this
             imitation
             and
             resemblance
             ,
             consisteth
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             as
             well
             in
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ,
             as
             of
             
               glory
               .
               We
               know
               that
               when
               we
               appear
               we
               shall
               be
               like
               him
               ,
               we
               shall
               see
               him
               as
               he
               is
               ,
            
             saith
             Saint
             Iohn
             .
             If
             then
             we
             shall
             be
             like
             him
             in
             glory
             ,
             we
             must
             also
             be
             like
             him
             in
             grace
             ;
             for
             glory
             is
             nothing
             but
             
               grace
               consummated
            
             ,
             grace
             glory
             commenced
             .
          
           
           
             But
             we
             must
             not
             rest
             here
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             do
             barely
             what
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             done
             ,
             we
             may
             deceive
             our selves
             herein
             ,
             believing
             we
             
               do
               much
            
             ,
             when
             we
             
               do
               nothing
            
             of
             value
             ,
             because
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             being
             man
             as
             we
             are
             ,
             and
             conversing
             amongst
             us
             ;
             no
             doubt
             but
             we
             may
             find
             some
             conformity
             and
             resemblance
             to
             him
             ,
             even
             among
             the
             wicked
             in
             the
             common
             states
             of
             men
             ;
             many
             suffer
             and
             are
             oppressed
             ,
             many
             poor
             and
             humbled
             ,
             many
             sequester
             themselves
             from
             the
             pomp
             of
             the
             Court
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             the
             obscurity
             of
             a
             
               solitary
               life
            
             ;
             many
             fast
             and
             pray
             ,
             and
             do
             almost
             all
             the
             
               exteriour
               actions
            
             ,
             that
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             exercised
             upon
             earth
             .
             He
             was
             man
             
               as
               we
               are
            
             ,
             we
             are
             men
             
               as
               he
               was
            
             ,
             but
             this
             does
             not
             perfect
             us
             ,
             this
             is
             no
             imitation
             of
             him
             ,
             the
             reason
             is
             because
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             do
             as
             he
             did
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             do
             it
             with
             the
             spirit
             ,
             in
             the
             dispositions
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             principle
             that
             he
             operates
             ,
             which
             few
             persons
             mind
             .
             It
             is
             not
             enough
             
               to
               do
            
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             
               do
               it
            
             by
             a
             principle
             of
             grace
             ,
             not
             of
             generall
             grace
             ,
             comprised
             under
             the
             common
             and
             generall
             name
             we
             give
             to
             all
             the
             gifts
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             an
             usuall
             way
             of
             speaking
             ,
             but
             of
             grace
             which
             giveth
             us
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             communicateth
             to
             us
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             puts
             us
             into
             the
             
               holy
               dispositions
            
             of
             his
             soul.
             So
             that
             doing
             all
             things
             by
             this
             principle
             ,
             we
             perfectly
             imitate
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             
             far
             ,
             that
             our
             naturall
             common
             actions
             are
             withdrawn
             from
             their
             meanness
             ,
             and
             elevated
             and
             united
             to
             those
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             after
             a
             particular
             manner
             ,
             as
             being
             operated
             by
             the
             same
             principle
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             same
             dispositions
             .
             This
             manner
             of
             acting
             is
             peculiar
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             circumstances
             ,
             conformable
             to
             the
             state
             of
             grace
             ;
             for
             by
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             ,
             we
             are
             
               new
               creatures
               ,
               creatures
            
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             and
             consequently
             we
             have
             a
             
               new
               being
            
             and
             life
             .
             Which
             if
             we
             have
             ,
             we
             must
             also
             have
             
               new
               inclinations
            
             ,
             another
             goodness
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             actions
             must
             be
             conformable
             to
             this
             
               new
               estate
            
             ,
             seeing
             that
             according
             to
             the
             ordinary
             maxims
             ,
             the
             work
             is
             according
             to
             the
             being
             .
             Now
             ,
             as
             the
             being
             we
             have
             by
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             is
             wholy
             
               divine
               ,
               elevated
            
             ,
             and
             entirely
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             followes
             ,
             that
             all
             our
             actions
             must
             be
             elevated
             and
             done
             in
             Iesus
             .
             For
             this
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             humbled
             himself
             to
             all
             practices
             and
             exercises
             ,
             to
             ennoble
             and
             sanctify
             them
             ;
             for
             according
             to
             the
             
               Fathers
               ,
               Iesus
            
             entring
             into
             the
             waters
             in
             the
             day
             of
             his
             Baptisme
             ,
             by
             his
             touching
             them
             ,
             he
             sanctifies
             the
             waters
             of
             our
             Baptisme
             ,
             and
             as
             Saint
             Augustine
             saith
             ,
             
               he
               sanctified
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               blessed
               it
               by
               his
               conversation
               .
            
             So
             by
             the
             use
             he
             hath
             made
             of
             
               humane
               nature
            
             ,
             wherewith
             he
             hath
             clothed
             himself
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             the
             exercises
             and
             functions
             proper
             thereto
             ,
             
             he
             sanctify'd
             ours
             ,
             shewing
             that
             we
             may
             imitate
             him
             ,
             seeing
             he
             became
             man
             to
             be
             the
             
               rule
               ,
               law
            
             and
             model
             of
             our
             actions
             ,
             and
             not
             onely
             imitate
             him
             ,
             but
             express
             and
             represent
             him
             to
             the
             life
             ,
             and
             be
             so
             many
             Christ's
             ,
             as
             members
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God.
             We
             must
             be
             one
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             consequently
             must
             not
             operate
             but
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             in
             his
             person
             ,
             not
             in
             our
             own
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             he
             gives
             us
             his
             spirit
             whereby
             we
             act
             ;
             or
             ,
             to
             say
             better
             ,
             he
             acts
             all
             in
             us
             ;
             It
             follows
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             not
             so
             much
             our
             vertues
             ,
             as
             those
             of
             Iesus
             in
             us
             .
          
           
             Herein
             appears
             the
             great
             difference
             between
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             and
             morall
             ,
             or
             humane
             .
             For
             instance
             ,
             The
             love
             God
             requires
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             must
             not
             be
             that
             of
             a
             Pagan
             ,
             who
             loves
             them
             that
             love
             him
             ,
             nor
             that
             of
             a
             Politician
             ,
             who
             loves
             according
             to
             his
             humour
             ,
             or
             interest
             ,
             much
             less
             that
             of
             a
             Iew
             ,
             who
             loves
             not
             ,
             but
             out
             of
             an
             hope
             of
             reward
             promised
             ,
             or
             a
             fear
             of
             Iudgments
             .
             The
             love
             of
             a
             Christian
             must
             be
             the
             same
             with
             that
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             he
             must
             love
             with
             the
             same
             love
             wherewith
             
               Iesus
               loves
            
             ,
             he
             must
             love
             with
             the
             love
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             as
             he
             must
             live
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             .
             
             
               Walk
               in
               charity
            
             ,
             saith
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               as
               Iesus
               Christ
               hath
               loved
               you
               .
            
             
             The
             Son
             of
             God
             himself
             in
             the
             Eve
             of
             his
             passion
             ,
             speaks
             thus
             to
             his
             
               Apostles
               ,
               I
               give
               you
               a
               new
               Commandment
               ,
               that
               ye
               love
               one
               another
               ,
               as
               I
               have
               loved
               you
               .
            
             To
             love
             is
             no
             
               new
               
               Commandment
            
             ,
             this
             law
             was
             imprinted
             in
             our
             hearts
             from
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             but
             the
             
               manner
               of
               loving
               is
               new
            
             ;
             we
             must
             love
             by
             the
             same
             love
             wherewith
             
               Iesus
               loved
               us
            
             ,
             his
             love
             must
             be
             in
             us
             .
             O
             ,
             how
             great
             is
             this
             love
             ,
             how
             pure
             ,
             how
             free
             from
             self-interest
             !
             how
             strong
             and
             powerfull
             ,
             
             since
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             same
             love
             ,
             which
             made
             Iesus
             to
             be
             born
             ,
             and
             die
             for
             us
             ,
             even
             then
             ,
             when
             we
             were
             his
             enemies
             ,
             and
             sin
             raigning
             in
             us
             .
             The
             Son
             of
             God
             gives
             us
             a
             cleer
             testimony
             of
             this
             truth
             ,
             
             speaking
             to
             his
             
               Father
               ,
               I
               have
               declared
               to
               them
               thy
               Name
               ,
               and
               will
               declare
               it
               ,
               that
               the
               love
               wherewith
               thou
               lovedst
               me
               may
               be
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               I
               in
               them
               .
            
             Expound
             as
             you
             please
             these
             words
             ,
             you
             shall
             always
             find
             it
             most
             true
             ,
             that
             
               Christian
               love
            
             ,
             must
             be
             the
             same
             love
             with
             that
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             and
             that
             what
             we
             say
             here
             of
             love
             ,
             we
             must
             judge
             the
             like
             of
             all
             other
             
               Christian
               vertues
            
             ;
             for
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             alwayes
             said
             ,
             Iesus
             is
             our
             vertue
             ,
             our
             strength
             ,
             our
             life
             ,
             and
             our
             All.
             
          
           
             To
             possess
             this
             vertue
             in
             an
             eminent
             degree
             ,
             as
             Christianity
             obliges
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             acknowledge
             that
             this
             favour
             is
             not
             for
             all
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             's
             not
             enough
             to
             have
             grace
             in
             the
             manner
             we
             commonly
             speak
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             have
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             
               holy
               dispositions
            
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             
               imitate
               Christianity
            
             ,
             and
             express
             his
             vertues
             and
             life
             .
             
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             who
             would
             acquire
             
               true
               devotion
            
             ,
             and
             do
             the
             exercises
             thereof
             ,
             must
             first
             of
             all
             purify
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             conserve
             it
             in
             that
             purity
             ,
             and
             subject
             the
             motions
             and
             thoughts
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             that
             Iesus
             may
             dwell
             and
             act
             in
             him
             .
             To
             dispose
             him
             to
             this
             favour
             ,
             he
             must
             often
             elevate
             his
             thoughts
             and
             heart
             ,
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             demand
             of
             him
             part
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             
               holy
               dispositions
            
             ,
             to
             accomplish
             Christianly
             and
             perfectly
             all
             things
             .
             And
             because
             the
             actions
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             are
             so
             many
             springs
             and
             principles
             of
             grace
             ,
             a
             grace
             which
             he
             merited
             and
             communicateth
             to
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             bind
             our selves
             to
             this
             grace
             ,
             we
             must
             adore
             it
             ,
             we
             must
             desire
             it
             ,
             and
             demand
             it
             of
             him
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             our
             exercises
             ,
             that
             our
             actions
             may
             be
             done
             in
             him
             ,
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             designes
             .
             This
             advice
             is
             further
             to
             be
             observed
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             vertues
             ,
             that
             we
             desire
             them
             not
             principally
             and
             onely
             for
             the
             love
             of
             them
             ,
             nor
             acquire
             them
             because
             they
             are
             conformable
             to
             Reason
             ;
             or
             because
             they
             bring
             some
             excellency
             or
             benefit
             to
             the
             soul.
             For
             though
             vertue
             be
             seemly
             and
             profitable
             ,
             and
             of
             it self
             much
             to
             be
             desired
             ,
             yet
             it
             it
             not
             enough
             to
             desire
             to
             be
             vertuous
             upon
             these
             grounds
             and
             principles
             ,
             since
             this
             seems
             to
             savour
             of
             the
             covetousness
             of
             Adam
             ,
             &
             to
             live
             in
             his
             spirit
             ,
             which
             onely
             aimed
             at
             elevation
             ,
             and
             
             to
             make
             himself
             a
             
               little
               god
            
             ,
             or
             to
             fall
             into
             the
             corruption
             of
             self-love
             ,
             which
             follows
             only
             it
             's
             own
             
               interests
               ,
               profit
            
             and
             satisfaction
             .
             To
             
               act
               purely
            
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             all
             must
             be
             done
             in
             the
             regard
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             love
             ,
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             honour
             .
             We
             must
             seek
             and
             practise
             every
             vertue
             ,
             and
             exercise
             of
             devotion
             ,
             chiefly
             ,
             to
             render
             our selves
             conformable
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             imitate
             and
             please
             him
             .
             And
             as
             the
             first
             grace
             that
             God
             gives
             us
             in
             the
             Church
             by
             Baptisme
             ,
             is
             to
             make
             us
             his
             children
             ,
             to
             incorporate
             us
             in
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             as
             members
             ,
             and
             to
             put
             us
             into
             an
             adherence
             to
             him
             ;
             so
             the
             first
             &
             principall
             care
             of
             a
             Christian
             must
             be
             ,
             to
             conserve
             and
             perfect
             himself
             in
             his
             adherence
             ,
             and
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             effects
             thereof
             .
             Herein
             consists
             the
             happiness
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             essence
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             we
             have
             to
             propose
             in
             this
             subject
             .
             But
             as
             all
             things
             have
             their
             contraries
             ,
             and
             man
             is
             in
             a
             land
             of
             hostility
             ,
             so
             he
             must
             expect
             to
             meet
             with
             great
             opposition
             in
             the
             way
             of
             vertue
             ,
             and
             encounter
             enemies
             on
             all
             sides
             ,
             and
             dangers
             at
             every
             step
             ,
             we
             shall
             direct
             how
             to
             defend
             himself
             against
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
             Of
             Temptations
             and
             Oppositions
             happening
             in
             the
             way
             to
             perfection
             ,
             and
             the
             exercises
             of
             Piety
             .
          
           
             WE
             belong
             unto
             God
             by
             the
             power
             of
             his
             
               divine
               essence
            
             ;
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             him
             by
             reason
             of
             our
             indigence
             ,
             we
             depend
             on
             him
             by
             the
             condition
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             his
             omnipotency
             gives
             him
             an
             
               absolute
               power
            
             over
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             immensity
             of
             his
             
               divine
               essence
            
             ,
             makes
             him
             present
             in
             us
             more
             intimately
             then
             light
             in
             
               transparent
               bodies
            
             ,
             which
             it
             penetrates
             and
             illuminates
             ,
             more
             then
             the
             soul
             is
             in
             the
             body
             which
             it
             animates
             and
             governs
             .
             Our
             wants
             oblige
             us
             to
             a
             dependance
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             union
             with
             him
             ,
             because
             we
             cannot
             be
             without
             his
             
               continuall
               influence
            
             ,
             and
             consequently
             we
             must
             more
             
               absolutely
               depend
            
             on
             his
             conduct
             ,
             then
             the
             beam
             doth
             on
             the
             Sun
             ,
             from
             whom
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             but
             a
             moment
             separated
             ,
             it
             loseth
             it's
             being
             .
             So
             is
             our
             
               estate
               inseparable
            
             from
             God
             ,
             
             it
             must
             he
             always
             dependant
             on
             ,
             alwayes
             adhering
             to
             him
             ,
             according
             to
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               In
               him
               we
               live
               ,
               move
               ,
               and
               have
               our
               being
               ,
            
             which
             words
             represent
             our
             
               intimate
               union
            
             with
             God.
             
          
           
           
             In
             the
             like
             manner
             ,
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             grace
             ,
             we
             are
             obliged
             to
             be
             God's
             ,
             and
             depend
             on
             him
             ;
             we
             cannot
             operate
             any
             work
             of
             salvation
             but
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             unless
             he
             be
             united
             to
             our
             souls
             by
             grace
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             unless
             his
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             dwell
             in
             us
             ,
             operating
             in
             us
             all
             the
             
               good
               works
            
             which
             may
             contribute
             to
             our
             salvation
             .
             Without
             grace
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             ,
             by
             
               Christian
               grace
            
             God
             dwells
             in
             us
             according
             to
             the
             promise
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             
             we
             come
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             make
             our
             dwelling
             with
             him
             .
             By
             grace
             God
             enforceth
             himself
             into
             the
             soul
             ,
             working
             an
             
               immediate
               union
            
             with
             her
             ,
             and
             dwelling
             in
             her
             as
             his
             sanctuary
             and
             empire
             ,
             whence
             he
             diffuseth
             amorous
             effects
             ,
             and
             operates
             in
             her
             according
             to
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             with
             so
             much
             bounty
             ,
             as
             if
             the
             infinite
             love
             of
             Iesus
             had
             no
             other
             thing
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             to
             procure
             and
             further
             our
             salvation
             by
             infinite
             ways
             .
          
           
             But
             besides
             this
             of
             grace
             ,
             there
             is
             yet
             another
             union
             whereby
             we
             are
             united
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             incorporated
             into
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             have
             a
             relation
             to
             God
             ,
             namely
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             wrought
             by
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             in
             which
             he
             preserves
             us
             by
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             he
             gave
             his
             life
             ,
             and
             shed
             his
             blood
             on
             the
             cross
             ,
             to
             give
             us
             a
             
               new
               generation
            
             in
             Baptisme
             ,
             he
             bestows
             on
             us
             his
             body
             in
             the
             Eucharist
             ,
             that
             by
             so
             many
             favours
             and
             obligations
             this
             union
             might
             remain
             perfect
             
             and
             solid
             ,
             and
             we
             by
             so
             powerfull
             and
             legitimate
             a
             Title
             might
             be
             his
             in
             an
             
               indispensable
               ,
               unalterable
            
             manner
             .
             For
             when
             we
             are
             by
             so
             many
             graces
             ,
             and
             such
             divine
             and
             effectuall
             means
             united
             to
             God
             ,
             it
             should
             seem
             impossible
             that
             any
             thing
             could
             be
             strong
             enough
             to
             break
             so
             many
             tyes
             ,
             and
             divide
             that
             which
             the
             power
             and
             love
             of
             God
             had
             
               joyned
               together
            
             .
             But
             ,
             O
             
               deplorable
               condition
            
             !
             the
             creatures
             and
             the
             Devil
             are
             strong
             enough
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             to
             extinguish
             in
             us
             his
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             and
             grace
             ;
             and
             which
             is
             worse
             ,
             the
             malice
             and
             
               depraved
               will
            
             of
             man
             is
             of
             it self
             strong
             enough
             to
             obstruct
             the
             influences
             of
             this
             liberall
             love
             ,
             to
             frustrate
             it's
             works
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             retire
             from
             our
             dependance
             on
             this
             conduct
             .
             The
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             must
             therefore
             have
             a
             vigilant
             eye
             ,
             and
             not
             suffer
             himself
             to
             be
             deceived
             in
             an
             affair
             that
             concerns
             his
             
               eternall
               salvation
            
             ,
             which
             that
             he
             may
             do
             ,
             we
             will
             discover
             the
             snares
             laid
             for
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             avoid
             them
             .
          
           
             There
             are
             
               four
               things
            
             which
             continually
             separate
             us
             from
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             force
             us
             to
             ruine
             ,
             if
             his
             grace
             prevent
             us
             not
             .
             The
             first
             is
             our
             own
             nature
             ,
             prone
             to
             evil
             ,
             being
             taken
             out
             of
             nothing
             ,
             it
             hath
             an
             inclination
             to
             that
             nothing
             ,
             whence
             it
             came
             ,
             to
             re-enter
             thereinto
             ,
             and
             would
             
               infallibly
               return
            
             thereto
             ,
             if
             the
             arm
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             created
             it
             ,
             did
             
             not
             withhold
             and
             sustain
             it
             .
             Nay
             ,
             this
             
               evill
               inclination
            
             of
             our
             being
             would
             not
             onely
             return
             to
             nothing
             ,
             but
             to
             a
             nothing
             that
             is
             rebellious
             against
             God
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             sin
             ,
             which
             hath
             no
             other
             Originall
             ,
             but
             (
             if
             we
             may
             so
             express
             it
             )
             the
             meanness
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             which
             annihilateth
             all
             that
             God
             puts
             into
             us
             .
             The
             creature
             being
             drawn
             from
             nothing
             inclines
             to
             evill
             ,
             if
             grace
             stay
             him
             not
             ,
             saith
             St.
             Gregory
             .
             This
             is
             evident
             in
             the
             fall
             of
             Angels
             and
             the
             first
             man
             ,
             which
             can
             onely
             be
             attributed
             to
             this
             nothing
             whence
             they
             were
             drawn
             ,
             and
             which
             by
             a
             secret
             power
             ,
             attracts
             them
             to
             it self
             .
             For
             before
             sin
             ,
             there
             was
             not
             in
             these
             two
             natures
             any
             perverse
             inclination
             .
             But
             if
             this
             were
             in
             two
             natures
             so
             
               perfectly
               accomplish'd
            
             ,
             what
             ought
             not
             we
             to
             fear
             who
             are
             not
             onely
             in
             this
             nothing
             ,
             but
             after
             a
             manner
             much
             more
             miserable
             ,
             without
             light
             ,
             without
             grace
             ,
             in
             a
             depraved
             nature
             ;
             by
             the
             evill
             inclinations
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             we
             have
             in
             us
             the
             source
             of
             all
             evills
             .
             The
             senses
             and
             thoughts
             of
             the
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
             as
             the
             
               holy
               Text
            
             saith
             ,
             
             
               are
               inclined
               to
               evill
               continually
            
             ,
             which
             ought
             continually
             to
             humble
             us
             at
             the
             feet
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             ,
             calling
             upon
             him
             to
             sustain
             and
             preserve
             us
             ,
             and
             never
             to
             suffer
             us
             to
             be
             separated
             from
             him
             .
          
           
             The
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             
               evill
               habits
            
             that
             are
             in
             us
             ,
             the
             effects
             and
             estates
             of
             
               originall
               sinne
            
             ,
             
             which
             are
             fixt
             to
             our
             nature
             ,
             and
             self-love
             therein
             are
             the
             second
             enemies
             which
             continually
             endeavour
             our
             ruine
             and
             separation
             from
             God.
             The
             reason
             is
             ,
             that
             our
             own
             inclinations
             and
             nature
             are
             easily
             fix'd
             on
             created
             things
             ,
             as
             being
             of
             the
             same
             order
             and
             condition
             .
             These
             applications
             are
             defective
             ,
             and
             divide
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             but
             the
             greatest
             evill
             proceeds
             from
             this
             ,
             that
             our
             nature
             is
             subject
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             and
             tyrannicall
             concupiscence
             ,
             as
             long
             as
             we
             live
             upon
             earth
             ;
             it
             is
             subject
             to
             the
             curse
             and
             power
             of
             sin
             ,
             as
             being
             the
             nature
             of
             Adam
             ,
             a
             cursed
             rebellious
             nature
             ,
             wholly
             opposite
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             What
             therefore
             proceeds
             from
             so
             bad
             a
             beginning
             ,
             which
             of
             itself
             can
             produce
             no
             good
             ,
             is
             not
             onely
             to
             be
             suspected
             such
             ,
             but
             ,
             partaking
             of
             the
             quality
             of
             its
             fountain
             ,
             separates
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             so
             that
             those
             who
             follow
             the
             motions
             and
             inclinations
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             are
             immediately
             divided
             from
             God.
             
             
               Those
               that
               are
               in
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             saith
             St.
             
               Paul
               ,
               cannot
               please
               God
            
             ,
             and
             doubtless
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             follow
             their
             own
             inclinations
             and
             desires
             ,
             the
             more
             they
             are
             separated
             .
          
           
             The
             Christian
             therefore
             who
             would
             be
             perfect
             ,
             and
             begins
             to
             live
             in
             the
             exercises
             of
             
               true
               Christian
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             
               oppose
               and
               annihilate
            
             his
             motions
             and
             inclinations
             ,
             or
             at
             least
             not
             follow
             them
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             the
             inclinations
             of
             
             the
             man
             Adam
             ,
             but
             must
             comply
             with
             the
             inclinations
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             resign
             himself
             to
             his
             
               divine
               conduct
            
             ,
             who
             rules
             us
             by
             his
             providence
             ,
             assists
             us
             with
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             acts
             in
             us
             by
             his
             spirit
             .
             Where
             ,
             the
             best
             remedy
             against
             this
             danger
             ,
             is
             to
             preserve
             our selves
             in
             an
             adherence
             and
             dependance
             upon
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             by
             the
             mercy
             and
             power
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             can
             suppress
             the
             tyranny
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             preserve
             us
             from
             the
             dominion
             it
             usurpeth
             over
             us
             ,
             as
             over
             a
             nature
             it
             hath
             a
             right
             unto
             .
             Hence
             the
             
               holy
               Scriptures
            
             call
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             him
             ,
             that
             easily
             taketh
             off
             the
             yoke
             of
             sin
             ;
             he
             alone
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             fortifies
             our
             souls
             ,
             making
             them
             able
             to
             resist
             ,
             without
             being
             engaged
             therein
             ,
             the
             power
             of
             sin
             ,
             to
             defend
             them
             from
             its
             violence
             .
             By
             this
             it
             appeares
             ,
             how
             much
             it
             concerns
             those
             who
             exercise
             themselves
             in
             
               true
               Christian
               actions
            
             ,
             to
             acquire
             
               solid
               piety
            
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             depend
             on
             and
             adhere
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             seeing
             that
             if
             they
             do
             not
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             slaves
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             chain'd
             to
             their
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             which
             separate
             them
             from
             God.
             
          
           
             The
             third
             of
             our
             enemies
             is
             the
             World
             which
             conspires
             our
             ruine
             ,
             and
             ,
             by
             the
             hate
             it
             beares
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             continually
             endeavours
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             him
             ,
             either
             deceiving
             us
             by
             its
             allurements
             ,
             or
             discouraging
             us
             by
             derision
             and
             opposition
             ,
             or
             forcing
             us
             from
             our
             duties
             by
             
             persecution
             ;
             for
             hating
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             it
             consequently
             persecutes
             all
             his
             .
             
             
               The
               World
               hateth
               me
            
             ,
             sayes
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             
               because
               I
               testifie
               of
               it
               ,
               that
               the
               works
               thereof
               are
               evill
               .
            
             And
             if
             the
             World
             hate
             him
             with
             an
             irreconcileable
             hatred
             ,
             it
             can
             do
             nothing
             lesse
             then
             separate
             us
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             disswade
             us
             from
             all
             that
             may
             be
             pleasing
             to
             him
             .
             The
             Apostle
             assures
             us
             ,
             
               that
               all
               who
               will
               live
               godly
               in
               Christ
               Iesus
               ,
            
             
             
               must
               suffer
               persecution
            
             .
             This
             they
             must
             all
             look
             for
             ,
             who
             desire
             to
             
               serve
               God
            
             ,
             and
             exercise
             themselves
             in
             
               true
               piety
            
             ;
             assuredly
             ,
             the
             World
             will
             arm
             it self
             against
             them
             ,
             using
             all
             manner
             of
             
               insinuations
               ,
               allurements
            
             and
             importunities
             that
             may
             be
             ,
             and
             practising
             all
             the
             artifices
             it
             can
             to
             separate
             them
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             This
             persecution
             can
             never
             cease
             ,
             for
             the
             hate
             shall
             endure
             for
             ever
             ,
             which
             should
             engage
             the
             Christian
             to
             look
             upon
             himself
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             as
             exposed
             to
             the
             malice
             and
             surprises
             of
             his
             
               mortall
               enemies
            
             .
             He
             must
             therefore
             prepare
             himself
             for
             danger
             ,
             wherever
             he
             is
             or
             shall
             be
             while
             he
             lives
             ,
             
             and
             following
             the
             Counsel
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             
               God
               ,
               he
               must
               watch
               and
               pray
               ,
            
             least
             he
             be
             overcome
             by
             these
             assaults
             ,
             and
             surprised
             by
             those
             many
             dangerous
             temptations
             .
          
           
             When
             we
             speak
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             we
             include
             all
             the
             creatures
             whereof
             it
             consists
             ;
             they
             all
             separate
             us
             from
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             not
             onely
             by
             the
             
               ill
               use
            
             we
             may
             make
             of
             them
             ,
             but
             in
             some
             
             manner
             by
             the
             lawfull
             .
             This
             is
             manifest
             ,
             for
             the
             more
             the
             soul
             is
             united
             to
             ,
             and
             employed
             in
             the
             Creature
             ,
             the
             greater
             distance
             is
             there
             between
             her
             and
             her
             Creator
             .
             The
             creature
             hath
             an
             
               attractive
               power
            
             to
             withdraw
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             have
             an
             inclination
             which
             carries
             us
             thereto
             ,
             whence
             we
             may
             easily
             be
             deceived
             by
             it
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             lawfull
             use
             thereof
             ,
             either
             by
             adherence
             or
             engagement
             ,
             by
             complacency
             or
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             a
             thousand
             other
             wayes
             .
             Besides
             that
             ,
             every
             Creature
             being
             subject
             to
             change
             and
             vanity
             (
             they
             are
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Apostle
             himself
             )
             it
             must
             necessarily
             imprint
             in
             our
             
               souls
               inconstancy
            
             and
             vanity
             ,
             
             which
             is
             much
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             especially
             by
             those
             who
             seek
             perfection
             .
             We
             must
             therefore
             hold
             it
             a
             
               certain
               Maxime
            
             ,
             that
             
               the
               more
               commerce
               we
               have
               with
               the
               World
               and
               the
               Creatures
               ,
               the
               more
               we
               are
               separated
               from
               Iesus
               Christ
               ;
               the
               more
               we
               are
               taken
               up
               with
               the
               creatures
               and
               our selves
               ,
               the
               lesse
               we
               are
               with
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             Which
             if
             it
             be
             so
             ,
             may
             we
             not
             justly
             say
             ,
             the
             Earth
             is
             covered
             with
             our
             enemies
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             are
             in
             a
             place
             of
             combat
             and
             temptations
             ,
             and
             that
             every
             where
             is
             danger
             ?
             It
             concerns
             us
             then
             to
             walk
             with
             great
             vigilancy
             ,
             and
             continuall
             humility
             ,
             for
             on
             every
             side
             we
             see
             nothing
             but
             ambushes
             to
             surprise
             us
             ,
             every
             where
             snares
             to
             entrap
             us
             .
             Adam
             was
             tempted
             even
             by
             an
             Apple
             ;
             we
             have
             all
             objects
             of
             temptation
             ,
             his
             was
             onely
             
             exteriour
             ,
             ours
             interiour
             ,
             the
             source
             of
             all
             our
             sins
             ,
             is
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             cursed
             and
             
               rebellious
               nature
            
             .
             Wherfore
             let
             us
             live
             in
             fear
             ,
             and
             have
             continuall
             recourse
             to
             him
             who
             can
             perfect
             us
             ,
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             the
             Redeemer
             of
             our
             
               souls
               ,
               who
               exposed
               himself
               to
               temptations
               ,
            
             
             saith
             the
             
               Apostle
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               succour
               those
               that
               are
               tempted
               .
            
          
           
             Our
             
               fourth
               enemy
            
             is
             the
             Devil
             ,
             who
             endeavors
             nothing
             so
             much
             ,
             as
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             and
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ;
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             all
             creatures
             ,
             even
             our selves
             to
             ruine
             us
             .
             The
             hate
             he
             bears
             to
             God
             ,
             the
             envie
             to
             our
             happiness
             ,
             and
             his
             
               obstinate
               malice
            
             ,
             makes
             him
             watch
             continually
             about
             us
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             sharers
             in
             his
             misery
             and
             torments
             ,
             and
             to
             separate
             us
             for
             ever
             from
             our
             only
             
               felicity
               ,
               Iesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             more
             we
             seek
             vertue
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             to
             do
             wel
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             strives
             to
             divert
             us
             .
             When
             we
             are
             employ'd
             in
             
               good
               exercises
            
             ,
             he
             either
             withdraws
             us
             from
             them
             ,
             or
             disturbs
             us
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             incessantly
             makes
             use
             of
             all
             things
             ,
             even
             vertue
             if
             self
             to
             make
             us
             lose
             vertue
             .
             Sometimes
             ,
             as
             Saint
             Peter
             saith
             ,
             
               he
               goes
               about
               like
               a
               roaring
               Lion
               to
               devour
               us
            
             ;
             sometimes
             he
             comes
             like
             a
             Fox
             to
             surprise
             us
             .
             
             He
             follows
             us
             every
             where
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             
               malicious
               subtilty
            
             ,
             strives
             to
             vomit
             forth
             his
             poyson
             to
             infect
             our
             
               purest
               actions
            
             .
             In
             fine
             ,
             he
             gives
             not
             over
             ,
             till
             he
             hath
             gain'd
             or
             overthrown
             us
             by
             his
             violence
             ,
             or
             enslav'd
             
             us
             by
             deceit
             ,
             or
             at
             the
             least
             wearied
             us
             out
             by
             continuall
             importunities
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             Artifice
             he
             makes
             not
             use
             of
             ,
             no
             place
             or
             employment
             that
             he
             finds
             not
             out
             ,
             no
             sin
             or
             action
             where
             he
             is
             not
             present
             with
             us
             ,
             to
             ruine
             or
             torment
             us
             .
             What
             shall
             we
             do
             then
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             so
             many
             perplexities
             ?
             Where
             shall
             we
             find
             a
             sanctuary
             and
             secure
             refuge
             ?
             How
             shall
             we
             avoyd
             such
             manifest
             dangers
             ,
             and
             defend
             our selves
             from
             the
             cruelties
             of
             so
             powerfull
             an
             enemy
             ?
             This
             we
             must
             needs
             know
             ,
             and
             therefore
             must
             not
             forsake
             our
             
               perfect
               Christian
            
             ,
             till
             we
             have
             given
             him
             directions
             how
             to
             behave
             himself
             in
             such
             a
             condition
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             In
             what
             Disposition
             the
             Christian
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             that
             he
             yeild
             not
             to
             such
             temptations
             as
             occur
             in
             the
             exercises
             of
             piety
             .
          
           
             THey
             are
             deceiv'd
             ,
             who
             think
             
               piety
               grows
            
             among
             Lilies
             ,
             that
             the
             way
             to
             perfection
             is
             strew'd
             with
             flowers
             ,
             who
             imagine
             nothing
             but
             sweetness
             ,
             and
             that
             a
             
               good
               inclination
            
             ,
             or
             
               an
               easie
               nature
            
             can
             bring
             us
             thither
             ;
             that
             devotion
             is
             a
             land
             flowing
             with
             milk
             and
             hony
             ,
             and
             consequently
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             nothing
             difficult
             ;
             which
             yet
             they
             are
             the
             sooner
             peswaded
             
             to
             ,
             in
             regard
             that
             in
             all
             their
             exercises
             ,
             they
             onely
             seek
             
               certain
               self-satisfaction
            
             ,
             using
             no
             violence
             ,
             but
             fastening
             only
             upon
             this
             ,
             
               That
               it
               is
               sufficient
               for
               a
               man
               to
               do
               what
               he
               can
               .
            
             There
             are
             others
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             who
             look
             on
             the
             exercises
             ,
             of
             piety
             ,
             as
             so
             
               rigorous
               ,
               painfull
            
             and
             strict
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             hardly
             hear
             them
             spoken
             of
             ,
             but
             say
             of
             devotion
             ,
             as
             the
             sensuall
             Iews
             did
             of
             the
             
               land
               of
               promise
            
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             ill
             countrey
             ,
             inhabited
             with
             giants
             ,
             that
             devour
             strangers
             .
             See
             here
             two
             
               different
               sentiments
            
             ,
             in
             extremes
             ,
             and
             consequently
             
               faulty
               ,
               both
               deceive
            
             themselves
             .
             To
             remedy
             this
             ,
             we
             may
             say
             ,
             that
             Devotion
             is
             indeed
             a
             Lily
             ,
             but
             growing
             among
             
               Thorns
               ;
               Piety
            
             hath
             it's
             thorns
             ,
             they
             prick
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             hurt
             us
             ,
             but
             these
             thorns
             are
             loden
             with
             Roses
             .
             As
             Moses
             found
             God
             in
             the
             
               burning
               bush
            
             of
             thorns
             ,
             
             so
             the
             Christian
             finds
             God
             and
             piety
             in
             travells
             and
             conflicts
             ;
             as
             it
             is
             the
             life
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             the
             life
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             to
             believe
             otherwise
             ,
             were
             
               to
               flatter
               our selves
               .
               Devotion
            
             hath
             great
             
               privileges
               ,
               piety
            
             hath
             a
             power
             to
             bring
             us
             neer
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             honour
             and
             serve
             him
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             with
             
               labour
               .
               Sin
               sets
            
             us
             at
             so
             great
             a
             
               distance
               from
               God
            
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             return
             to
             him
             without
             much
             pain
             .
             And
             yet
             it
             is
             certain
             ,
             there
             is
             much
             content
             in
             this
             travell
             ,
             for
             the
             grace
             and
             help
             of
             God
             is
             alwayes
             present
             ,
             which
             will
             never
             fail
             us
             ,
             as
             lang
             as
             we
             dispose
             our selves
             to
             recive
             it
             .
             In
             this
             respect
             devotion
             is
             all
             sweetness
             ,
             seeing
             we
             
             are
             able
             to
             do
             all
             in
             him
             who
             comforts
             us
             .
             St.
             Paul
             saw
             all
             this
             ,
             and
             knew
             the
             travels
             we
             must
             undergo
             ,
             and
             the
             hazard
             whereto
             we
             are
             exposed
             ,
             when
             he
             discovered
             to
             the
             Ephesians
             their
             enemies
             ,
             and
             arms
             them
             on
             every
             part
             to
             defend
             themselves
             :
             
             
               Ye
               strive
               not
               against
               flesh
               and
               blood
               ,
               but
               against
               principalities
               ,
               against
               powers
               ,
               against
               the
               rulers
               of
               the
               darkness
               of
               this
               world
               ,
               against
               spiritual
               wickedness
               in
               high
               places
               .
               Wherefore
               take
               unto
               you
               the
               whole
               armour
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               ye
               may
               be
               able
               to
               withstand
               in
               the
               evil
               day
               .
            
             It
             is
             to
             us
             he
             speaks
             ,
             the
             life
             of
             a
             Christian
             is
             a
             
               perpetuall
               warfare
            
             ;
             this
             world
             is
             a
             land
             of
             
               perpetuall
               hostility
            
             ,
             wherein
             we
             cannot
             be
             secure
             ,
             for
             Heaven
             it self
             was
             not
             free
             from
             contention
             in
             the
             fall
             of
             the
             Angels
             ,
             nor
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             when
             he
             dwelt
             in
             the
             wilderness
             .
             Now
             ,
             to
             understand
             the
             dangers
             we
             are
             in
             on
             all
             sides
             ,
             let
             us
             reflect
             on
             what
             was
             said
             in
             the
             precedent
             Chapter
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             find
             how
             we
             ought
             to
             stand
             in
             fear
             ,
             and
             are
             obliged
             to
             have
             a
             great
             vigilancy
             to
             foresee
             the
             designs
             ,
             and
             discover
             the
             sleights
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             and
             to
             shun
             the
             deceit
             of
             self-love
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             to
             overcome
             the
             difficulties
             and
             temptation
             which
             we
             continually
             meet
             with
             in
             all
             exercises
             of
             this
             life
             ;
             in
             few
             words
             thus
             :
          
           
             Humility
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             all
             vertues
             ,
             the
             sanctuary
             of
             the
             
               devout
               soul
            
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             hazards
             and
             difficulties
             of
             this
             world
             .
             The
             first
             Disposition
             
             whereinto
             we
             must
             enter
             for
             covert
             in
             all
             
               dangerous
               encounters
            
             ,
             is
             to
             keep
             our selves
             in
             
               profound
               humility
            
             ,
             looking
             on
             our selves
             as
             subject
             unto
             all
             kinds
             of
             misery
             which
             separate
             us
             so
             powerfully
             and
             so
             continually
             from
             God.
             To
             continue
             in
             this
             disposition
             of
             humility
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             consider
             on
             the
             one
             side
             ,
             the
             infirmity
             and
             inconstancy
             of
             
               our
               nature
            
             ,
             on
             the
             other
             ,
             the
             inclination
             we
             have
             to
             evil
             .
             This
             consideration
             is
             enough
             to
             annihilate
             us
             .
             This
             disposition
             to
             of
             humility
             keeps
             us
             in
             fear
             ;
             this
             fear
             puts
             us
             into
             a
             vigilancy
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             have
             an
             eye
             open
             to
             all
             things
             ,
             lest
             we
             should
             do
             any
             thing
             that
             might
             separate
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             or
             displease
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             humility
             we
             attract
             the
             protection
             of
             God
             (
             for
             the
             
               truly
               humble
            
             cannot
             perish
             )
             and
             obtain
             his
             grace
             and
             light
             ,
             which
             makes
             us
             know
             ,
             and
             avoyd
             the
             temptations
             and
             subtilties
             of
             our
             enemies
             ,
             as
             Saint
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             
               Take
               unto
               you
               the
               whole
               armour
               of
               God
               ,
               that
               ye
               may
               be
               able
               to
               withstand
               the
               deceits
               of
               the
               Devil
               .
            
          
           
             This
             Disposition
             obtain'd
             ,
             which
             must
             be
             continuall
             in
             our
             souls
             we
             must
             demand
             of
             God
             that
             he
             would
             be
             pleased
             to
             annihilate
             in
             us
             the
             
               evil
               inclinations
            
             which
             separate
             us
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             place
             in
             their
             room
             a
             
               powerfull
               inclination
            
             towards
             him
             ,
             the
             centre
             of
             our
             being
             ,
             the
             life
             and
             perfection
             of
             our
             souls
             :
             for
             our
             inclinations
             proceeding
             from
             the
             
               old
               man
            
             ,
             who
             is
             contrary
             and
             rebellious
             towards
             God
             ,
             
             can
             have
             no
             power
             to
             lead
             us
             to
             God
             ;
             nothing
             can
             bring
             us
             to
             him
             ,
             but
             he
             himself
             .
             Now
             since
             that
             by
             the
             
               exercises
               of
               piety
            
             ,
             we
             must
             
               honour
               God
            
             ,
             and
             refer
             our
             life
             and
             actions
             to
             him
             ,
             it
             must
             necessarily
             be
             by
             a
             
               principle
               of
               God
            
             ,
             and
             by
             
               supernaturall
               inclinations
            
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             we
             say
             that
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             seeks
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             quit
             his
             own
             inclinations
             ,
             and
             ,
             quitting
             them
             ,
             demand
             those
             of
             the
             
               Son
               of
               God
            
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             act
             by
             their
             motion
             and
             principle
             .
             Otherwise
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             ,
             that
             all
             these
             
               exercises
               of
               piety
            
             ,
             are
             rather
             naturall
             and
             humane
             ,
             then
             supernaturall
             and
             christian
             ,
             which
             makes
             many
             deceive
             themselves
             in
             their
             daily
             devotions
             .
             But
             for
             as
             much
             as
             it
             is
             very
             interiour
             and
             insensible
             ,
             and
             that
             reason
             and
             sense
             can
             nothing
             assure
             us
             therein
             ,
             it
             is
             very
             requisite
             that
             the
             
               devout
               Christian
            
             should
             establish
             himself
             in
             grace
             ,
             and
             live
             in
             a
             great
             dependance
             on
             ,
             and
             true
             adherence
             to
             
               Ie.
               Christ
            
             ,
             after
             the
             manner
             formerly
             insisted
             upon
             .
             For
             all
             our
             goodness
             ,
             all
             the
             
               grounds
               of
               true
               piety
            
             and
             
               perfect
               Christianity
            
             ,
             consist
             in
             our
             being
             God's
             ,
             and
             depending
             on
             him
             .
          
           
             But
             we
             must
             shew
             more
             particularly
             ,
             the
             uses
             and
             practises
             we
             are
             to
             make
             use
             of
             in
             the
             temptations
             which
             ordinarily
             accompany
             a
             
               Christian
               life
            
             ,
             and
             the
             exercises
             of
             piety
             ;
             for
             to
             be
             tempted
             is
             the
             way
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             over
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             over
             all
             souls
             ,
             and
             was
             a
             part
             
             of
             the
             life
             of
             the
             
               Son
               of
               God.
            
             It
             must
             also
             be
             part
             of
             the
             life
             of
             a
             
               devout
               soul
            
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             not
             doubt
             but
             God
             hath
             great
             designs
             upon
             them
             whom
             he
             puts
             into
             this
             estate
             .
             Wherefore
             it
             concerns
             us
             to
             know
             how
             to
             make
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             learn
             how
             to
             gather
             strength
             in
             weaknesse
             ,
             
             and
             perfect
             our selves
             in
             temptation
             ,
             since
             vertue
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               is
               made
               perfect
               by
               weakness
            
             .
             Thence
             she
             receives
             lustre
             ,
             God
             purifies
             us
             by
             contradictions
             and
             subversions
             ,
             he
             confirms
             and
             assures
             us
             by
             temptations
             .
             Let
             us
             see
             how
             we
             may
             passe
             through
             this
             fire
             without
             burning
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
             Of
             temptations
             ,
             and
             the
             advantages
             a
             Christian
             ought
             to
             make
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             THE
             first
             advice
             to
             be
             given
             in
             this
             point
             is
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             over-confident
             of
             our selves
             ,
             but
             to
             believe
             that
             we
             may
             be
             easily
             tempted
             ;
             while
             we
             are
             mortall
             and
             subject
             to
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             tyranny
             of
             concupiscence
             ,
             we
             shall
             alwayes
             have
             something
             to
             fight
             with
             .
             There
             are
             a
             many
             who
             think
             they
             are
             in
             no
             danger
             of
             temptation
             ,
             who
             yet
             are
             very
             deep
             in
             it
             ;
             for
             either
             they
             are
             guided
             by
             their
             own
             
               naturall
               inclinations
            
             and
             motions
             ,
             and
             yet
             believe
             they
             do
             nothing
             but
             by
             the
             motions
             
             of
             grace
             and
             conduct
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             they
             are
             seduced
             by
             self-love
             ,
             and
             perswaded
             they
             are
             full
             of
             the
             love
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             haply
             ,
             are
             deceived
             by
             
               false
               apprehensions
            
             ,
             thinking
             themselves
             well
             advanced
             in
             the
             sight
             and
             
               truths
               of
               God.
            
             These
             are
             great
             temptations
             which
             yet
             have
             the
             appearance
             of
             solid
             vertue
             ,
             when
             indeed
             the
             estate
             of
             such
             is
             very
             dangerous
             .
          
           
             The
             greatest
             part
             of
             Christians
             think
             themselves
             free
             from
             temptations
             ,
             when
             they
             feel
             not
             the
             violence
             of
             them
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             that
             they
             are
             not
             tempted
             ,
             but
             the
             temptation
             hath
             feiz'd
             on
             them
             ,
             and
             raigns
             in
             them
             .
             Whence
             they
             say
             they
             are
             in
             peace
             when
             they
             are
             most
             tyranniz'd
             over
             ,
             and
             most
             enslaved
             by
             temptation
             ;
             the
             evill
             is
             the
             more
             dangerous
             ,
             the
             lesse
             it
             is
             known
             .
             For
             this
             reason
             we
             say
             ,
             the
             Christian
             must
             alwayes
             take
             heed
             to
             himself
             in
             temptation
             ,
             and
             easily
             believe
             it
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             the
             better
             stand
             upon
             his
             guard
             ,
             for
             our
             nature
             is
             corrupt
             and
             infirm
             ,
             our
             inclinations
             stray
             from
             God
             ,
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             world
             is
             opposite
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             our
             enemies
             subtil
             and
             powerfull
             ,
             watching
             alwayes
             for
             our
             ruine
             .
             This
             consideration
             should
             not
             perplex
             us
             ,
             but
             keep
             us
             in
             humility
             and
             continuall
             vigilancy
             .
             The
             sight
             of
             the
             danger
             wherein
             we
             are
             should
             cause
             us
             every
             moment
             to
             cry
             out
             and
             require
             help
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             our
             protector
             and
             refuge
             in
             tribulations
             
             and
             anguishes
             of
             soul.
             When
             we
             find
             our
             selves
             in
             temptations
             ,
             we
             are
             presently
             obliged
             to
             get
             out
             of
             them
             ;
             it
             is
             not
             sufficient
             not
             to
             consent
             thereto
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             willing
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             effects
             of
             the
             
               evill
               spirit
            
             :
             but
             we
             should
             endeavour
             to
             destroy
             the
             temptation
             as
             far
             as
             we
             can
             ,
             if
             it
             arise
             from
             within
             us
             ,
             and
             issue
             from
             our
             own
             nature
             ,
             we
             must
             curb
             it
             as
             St.
             Paul
             did
             ,
             
             
               I
               keep
               under
               my
               body
            
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               and
               bring
               it
               into
               subjection
            
             .
             For
             in
             such
             temptations
             which
             must
             often
             make
             use
             of
             
               fasting
               ,
               watching
               ,
               prayers
            
             and
             austerities
             ,
             we
             must
             oppose
             our selves
             ,
             fight
             against
             our
             inclinations
             ,
             destroy
             our
             evill
             habits
             ,
             curb
             our
             lusts
             and
             affections
             ,
             forcing
             them
             from
             all
             objects
             as
             much
             as
             possible
             .
             In
             brief
             ,
             we
             must
             use
             violence
             against
             our selves
             ,
             delicacies
             are
             indeed
             the
             effects
             of
             self-love
             ,
             and
             the
             fuel
             of
             temptations
             .
             If
             we
             would
             free
             our selves
             from
             temptation
             ,
             we
             must
             take
             away
             the
             cause
             ,
             for
             when
             there
             is
             a
             correspondence
             between
             our
             nature
             and
             our
             enemies
             ,
             our
             souls
             will
             at
             last
             be
             yielded
             up
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             Let
             men
             commend
             these
             serenities
             of
             devotion
             as
             they
             will
             ,
             and
             preach
             up
             the
             goodness
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             if
             it
             be
             true
             that
             vertue
             must
             be
             bought
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             crucifie
             the
             old
             man
             ,
             and
             destroy
             him
             ,
             not
             sooth
             and
             cherish
             him
             ;
             if
             according
             to
             divine
             and
             
               humane
               Lawes
            
             ,
             
             he
             that
             will
             overcome
             and
             gain
             the
             Crown
             ,
             must
             
             fight
             ;
             if
             wrastlers
             ,
             as
             St.
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             to
             gain
             a
             transitory
             honour
             ,
             and
             fading
             crown
             ,
             deprive
             themselves
             ,
             and
             abstain
             from
             all
             things
             ,
             what
             we
             do
             ,
             who
             (
             
               as
               Christians
            
             )
             hope
             for
             a
             crown
             must
             of
             glory
             &
             immortality
             ?
             We
             must
             
               fight
               ,
               oppose
            
             ,
             and
             subdue
             our selves
             ,
             if
             we
             will
             triumph
             over
             temptation
             which
             is
             bred
             in
             us
             .
             But
             if
             the
             temptation
             be
             from
             the
             Devil
             ,
             we
             must
             then
             oppose
             it
             the
             more
             couragiously
             with
             a
             
               Christian
               generosity
            
             .
             For
             if
             he
             find
             us
             remiss
             ,
             he
             will
             strike
             home
             ,
             &
             overcome
             us
             .
             To
             a
             faithfull
             confident
             soul
             ,
             he
             is
             no
             more
             then
             a
             Fly
             ,
             to
             a
             feeble
             and
             cowardly
             ,
             fierce
             as
             a
             
               Lion.
               Resist
               the
               Devil
            
             ,
             
             
               and
               he
               will
               flie
               you
            
             ,
             saith
             St.
             Iames.
             
          
           
             As
             to
             discover
             ,
             so
             to
             vanquish
             and
             
               destroy
               temptations
            
             ,
             we
             must
             live
             in
             
               great
               humility
            
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             ,
             take
             heed
             we
             trust
             not
             too
             much
             to
             our
             own
             courage
             ,
             or
             good
             resolutions
             ;
             on
             the
             contrary
             ,
             we
             must
             distrust
             our selves
             ,
             and
             confide
             only
             in
             God
             ;
             for
             we
             should
             be
             overcome
             in
             any
             (
             ever
             so
             small
             )
             temptation
             ,
             if
             God
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             did
             not
             assist
             us
             ,
             if
             he
             gave
             us
             not
             his
             light
             ,
             we
             should
             not
             so
             much
             as
             know
             them
             .
             
             Wherefore
             we
             must
             always
             say
             with
             the
             
               Disciples
               ,
               Save
               us
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               or
               we
               perish
               .
            
             We
             must
             often
             call
             upon
             the
             spirit
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             his
             mysteries
             ,
             to
             give
             us
             strength
             in
             our
             weakness
             ,
             and
             light
             in
             the
             darkness
             of
             our
             spirit
             ,
             who
             was
             
               himself
               tempted
            
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             overcome
             us
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             temptation
             
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             we
             might
             find
             strength
             and
             grace
             ,
             sufficient
             to
             preserve
             and
             save
             us
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             temptations
             .
             This
             Saint
             Paul
             meant
             ,
             when
             he
             said
             ,
             
               Take
               unto
               you
               the
               armour
               of
               God
               ,
            
             
             
               that
               ye
               may
               resist
               in
               the
               evil
               day
               .
            
             It
             belongs
             to
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             to
             give
             us
             the
             armour
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             to
             give
             us
             strength
             ,
             and
             grace
             to
             resist
             .
             To
             obtain
             this
             favour
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             particularly
             recommends
             Prayer
             to
             us
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Pray
               alwayes
            
             ,
             
             
               with
               all
               prayer
               and
               supplication
               ,
               in
               the
               spirit
               ,
               and
               watch
               with
               all
               perseverance
               .
            
             These
             words
             are
             to
             shew
             with
             what
             
               importunity
               ,
               devotion
            
             and
             fervour
             we
             are
             to
             pray
             .
             And
             truly
             we
             have
             need
             ,
             when
             the
             perills
             are
             so
             great
             ,
             our
             enemies
             so
             powerfull
             ,
             and
             our
             forces
             so
             small
             .
             In
             the
             time
             of
             temptation
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             requisite
             to
             fight
             hand
             to
             hand
             ,
             much
             less
             to
             dispute
             with
             it
             ,
             to
             reason
             with
             ,
             or
             examine
             it
             ,
             or
             to
             force
             it
             away
             by
             violence
             ;
             this
             were
             to
             attribute
             too
             much
             to
             our selves
             ;
             for
             many
             times
             to
             examine
             it
             ,
             is
             to
             entertain
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             strive
             to
             oppose
             it
             too
             neerly
             ,
             is
             to
             
               become
               fastened
            
             to
             it
             ;
             and
             by
             disputing
             with
             it
             ,
             we
             are
             overcome
             .
             It
             is
             more
             to
             purpose
             ,
             that
             as
             soon
             as
             we
             see
             the
             temptation
             ,
             we
             turn
             our
             thought
             some
             other
             way
             ,
             and
             look
             upon
             it
             with
             contempt
             and
             derision
             .
             We
             must
             neither
             hearken
             to
             the
             Devil
             ,
             nor
             speak
             to
             him
             ;
             nothing
             puts
             him
             into
             greater
             fury
             ,
             then
             to
             see
             himself
             slighted
             ;
             nothing
             pleases
             him
             more
             ,
             
             then
             to
             heed
             and
             regard
             him
             ,
             for
             so
             we
             give
             him
             access
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             manner
             ,
             enter
             into
             acquaintance
             with
             him
             .
             This
             is
             one
             of
             his
             ordinary
             subtilties
             whereby
             he
             deceives
             even
             the
             most
             wary
             ,
             yet
             we
             take
             no
             heed
             of
             it
             .
             The
             
               devils
               intention
            
             in
             all
             this
             ,
             is
             to
             amuse
             and
             entertain
             us
             ;
             the
             objects
             he
             lays
             before
             us
             ,
             are
             not
             always
             evil
             ;
             it
             is
             sufficient
             for
             him
             ,
             if
             he
             but
             see
             us
             hearken
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             by
             little
             and
             little
             enter
             into
             discourse
             with
             us
             ,
             which
             once
             done
             ,
             he
             will
             soon
             instill
             his
             poyson
             into
             us
             .
             Which
             way
             sover
             it
             is
             ,
             his
             drift
             is
             to
             turn
             us
             from
             God
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             have
             the
             disposall
             of
             our
             hearts
             and
             spirits
             ;
             that
             is
             enough
             to
             deceive
             even
             those
             who
             make
             profession
             of
             
               solid
               piety
            
             ,
             and
             much
             faithfulness
             in
             the
             ways
             of
             God.
             It
             is
             no
             small
             evil
             to
             turn
             away
             from
             God
             ,
             to
             regard
             and
             examine
             a
             suggestion
             and
             conference
             ,
             that
             the
             devil
             would
             have
             with
             our
             spirits
             ,
             although
             we
             should
             do
             it
             to
             a
             
               good
               end
            
             ,
             with
             an
             intent
             to
             drive
             him
             away
             .
             For
             it
             is
             to
             heed
             the
             devil
             ,
             to
             hearken
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             strict
             examination
             of
             his
             suggestions
             ,
             to
             conferre
             with
             him
             ;
             it
             is
             to
             withdraw
             our
             hearts
             and
             thoughts
             from
             God
             ,
             to
             employ
             them
             in
             what
             the
             devil
             proposes
             .
          
           
             To
             avoyd
             all
             these
             impurities
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             our selves
             from
             danger
             ,
             we
             must
             bear
             the
             temptation
             without
             enclining
             to
             it
             ;
             we
             must
             spit
             at
             the
             
               devil
               ,
               slight
            
             all
             his
             assaults
             ,
             and
             
             above
             all
             ,
             withdraw
             our
             eyes
             and
             thoughts
             from
             all
             he
             proposes
             .
             This
             is
             the
             shortest
             and
             most
             easie
             way
             in
             all
             kinds
             of
             temptations
             ;
             For
             we
             shall
             find
             ,
             that
             
               temptations
               stay
            
             in
             us
             ,
             because
             we
             entertain
             them
             under
             pretence
             of
             driving
             them
             away
             ,
             and
             examining
             them
             ;
             It
             is
             enough
             we
             be
             watchfull
             ,
             and
             as
             soon
             as
             we
             have
             discovered
             the
             temptation
             or
             suggestion
             of
             the
             devil
             ,
             to
             renounce
             and
             despise
             it
             .
             But
             there
             are
             some
             temptations
             that
             arise
             from
             objects
             or
             occasions
             ,
             in
             which
             case
             we
             must
             onely
             avoyd
             them
             ,
             and
             from
             all
             that
             may
             divide
             us
             from
             God.
             There
             are
             others
             that
             are
             urgent
             ,
             and
             make
             
               lively
               impressions
            
             upon
             our
             spirits
             ,
             upon
             divers
             matters
             ,
             which
             would
             be
             long
             to
             explain
             .
             In
             these
             cases
             we
             must
             not
             regard
             the
             temptation
             ,
             but
             God
             in
             it
             ,
             as
             Iob
             did
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             most
             tempted
             ,
             and
             
               afflicted
               :
               The
               Lord
               giveth
               ,
               and
               the
               Lord
               taketh
               away
            
             ;
             
             so
             we
             ,
             when
             pressed
             ,
             must
             cast
             our selves
             at
             the
             feet
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             offer
             our selves
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             annihilate
             the
             temptation
             in
             us
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             for
             his
             glory
             ,
             or
             keep
             us
             from
             consenting
             thereto
             .
             We
             must
             implore
             his
             mercy
             ,
             for
             there
             are
             such
             
               pressing
               temptatirns
            
             that
             there
             is
             need
             of
             the
             greatest
             mercy
             of
             God
             to
             deliver
             us
             from
             them
             .
             We
             must
             therefore
             cry
             out
             with
             humility
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             we
             can
             ,
             enter
             into
             some
             conference
             and
             application
             of
             spirit
             with
             
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             acording
             to
             the
             state
             and
             strength
             of
             our
             soul.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
             Of
             Resignations
             in
             Temptation
             .
          
           
             BUT
             if
             we
             have
             not
             the
             power
             to
             elevate
             our selves
             to
             God
             ,
             if
             the
             soul
             be
             so
             bound
             by
             his
             
               secret
               conduct
            
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             sensible
             of
             our
             being
             forsaken
             to
             a
             generall
             impotency
             ,
             we
             must
             cast
             our selves
             upon
             God
             ,
             and
             having
             done
             what
             we
             can
             ,
             (
             though
             ever
             so
             little
             )
             employ
             the
             rest
             of
             our
             forces
             in
             offering
             our selves
             to
             the
             designes
             of
             God
             over
             us
             ,
             resigning
             our selves
             absolutely
             to
             his
             conduct
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             spirit
             of
             confidence
             be
             content
             to
             bear
             ,
             and
             patiently
             suffer
             the
             estate
             wherein
             we
             are
             .
             Or
             if
             our
             soul
             can
             apply
             her self
             to
             any
             object
             ,
             she
             shall
             honour
             the
             weaknesses
             and
             temptations
             that
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             vouchsafed
             to
             sustain
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             shall
             implore
             his
             spirit
             and
             grace
             ,
             that
             she
             do
             nothing
             in
             this
             estate
             of
             weakness
             and
             temptation
             ,
             that
             may
             displease
             him
             .
             But
             if
             our
             souls
             be
             reduc'd
             to
             an
             absolute
             impotency
             ,
             she
             must
             remain
             therein
             with
             dependance
             and
             humility
             of
             spirit
             :
             there
             is
             nothing
             else
             required
             ,
             then
             to
             take
             care
             that
             we
             never
             regard
             
             the
             temptation
             ,
             but
             bear
             it
             with
             humility
             and
             patience
             .
             Observe
             that
             it
             must
             be
             born
             with
             humility
             ;
             for
             though
             we
             consent
             not
             to
             the
             evill
             or
             temptation
             ,
             though
             assisted
             by
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             we
             bear
             it
             with
             much
             patience
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             ,
             yet
             we
             ought
             to
             annihilate
             and
             humble
             our selves
             ;
             because
             the
             evill
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             joyned
             to
             the
             temptation
             .
             This
             point
             is
             the
             more
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
             because
             herein
             the
             Devill
             deceives
             many
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             
               malicious
               dangerous
               deceit
            
             ,
             runs
             them
             out
             of
             patience
             ,
             and
             brings
             them
             into
             much
             evill
             ,
             whence
             they
             cannot
             withdraw
             themselves
             without
             a
             particular
             mercy
             of
             God.
             To
             comprehend
             this
             secret
             ,
             we
             must
             note
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             sufferance
             and
             temptation
             ,
             is
             an
             Evangelicall
             and
             
               Divine
               Estate
            
             ,
             and
             we
             say
             ordinarily
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             a
             mark
             of
             God's
             Elect
             ,
             an
             effect
             of
             the
             residence
             of
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             in
             us
             ,
             an
             infallible
             fruit
             of
             love
             ,
             the
             last
             draught
             of
             
               Christian
               perfection
            
             .
             Hence
             the
             soul
             that
             is
             arrived
             at
             this
             estate
             ,
             is
             looked
             on
             as
             a
             chief
             work
             of
             Grace
             .
             Now
             the
             Devill
             who
             watcheth
             us
             every
             where
             ,
             and
             circumvents
             even
             the
             best
             ,
             fails
             not
             to
             spit
             his
             poyson
             here
             ,
             if
             he
             can
             ,
             and
             will
             ,
             (
             if
             such
             souls
             do
             not
             annihilate
             themselves
             by
             profound
             humility
             )
             infallibly
             deceive
             them
             .
             He
             makes
             them
             easily
             enter
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             the
             estate
             wherein
             they
             are
             ,
             and
             insinuateth
             a
             vain
             confidence
             
             thereof
             ,
             he
             applies
             them
             to
             a
             regard
             of
             themselves
             ,
             makes
             them
             believe
             they
             are
             well
             advanced
             in
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             much
             in
             Gods
             favour
             ▪
             since
             he
             numbers
             them
             among
             his
             friends
             ,
             and
             treats
             them
             as
             those
             he
             loveth
             best
             .
             Thus
             by
             degrees
             he
             brings
             them
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             themselves
             and
             their
             vertue
             ,
             and
             having
             infused
             this
             poyson
             into
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             put
             the
             soul
             into
             this
             belief
             ,
             it
             is
             easie
             for
             him
             to
             ruine
             it
             ,
             to
             do
             what
             he
             will
             with
             it
             ,
             to
             deceive
             it
             as
             he
             pleases
             .
          
           
             The
             Devill
             hath
             another
             sleight
             more
             dangerous
             and
             lesse
             known
             ,
             which
             is
             ,
             when
             he
             changes
             himself
             into
             an
             Angel
             of
             comfort
             ,
             and
             spirit
             of
             consolation
             ;
             even
             he
             who
             giveth
             temptations
             ,
             and
             oppresses
             us
             with
             subversions
             ,
             gives
             us
             at
             the
             same
             time
             strength
             and
             address
             to
             defend
             our selves
             ;
             he
             suffers
             himself
             to
             be
             vanquished
             .
             He
             who
             suggested
             the
             evill
             thought
             and
             deed
             ,
             inspires
             patience
             ,
             and
             an
             
               extraordinary
               resignation
            
             ,
             making
             us
             feel
             a
             courage
             and
             a
             desire
             to
             suffer
             .
             Not
             that
             those
             effects
             are
             solid
             and
             permanent
             ,
             nor
             that
             he
             desires
             we
             should
             do
             well
             therein
             ,
             but
             to
             deceive
             us
             ,
             and
             put
             us
             into
             an
             esteem
             of
             our
             selves
             ,
             and
             our
             vertue
             ,
             and
             into
             a
             
               dangerous
               confidence
            
             ▪
             that
             so
             God
             may
             leave
             us
             .
             He
             knowes
             no
             estate
             is
             more
             hatefull
             to
             God
             ,
             or
             more
             opposite
             to
             his
             grace
             and
             conduct
             ,
             then
             the
             esteem
             of
             our self
             .
             It
             is
             therefore
             expresly
             
             recommended
             to
             the
             Christian
             who
             would
             be
             saved
             from
             the
             subtilties
             of
             the
             Devill
             ,
             that
             he
             be
             alwayes
             in
             fear
             ,
             a
             filial
             fear
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             the
             temptation
             it self
             ,
             in
             his
             greatest
             patience
             and
             resignation
             he
             hides
             himself
             in
             his
             nothing
             ,
             and
             keep
             himself
             in
             a
             profound
             humility
             ,
             for
             that
             is
             the
             Sanctuary
             of
             the
             soul
             ,
             the
             Christians
             Buckler
             
               to
               quench
            
             as
             the
             Apostle
             sayes
             ,
             
             
               the
               subtle
               and
               fiery
               darts
               of
               the
               Devill
               .
            
          
           
             But
             what
             if
             after
             all
             this
             the
             temptation
             remain
             ,
             is
             it
             not
             lawfull
             to
             endeavour
             to
             get
             out
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             beseech
             God
             to
             deliver
             us
             from
             it
             ?
             The
             most
             perfect
             will
             never
             do
             so
             ,
             they
             having
             given
             up
             themselves
             wholly
             to
             
               God's
               divine
               conduct
            
             ,
             will
             here
             also
             leave
             themselves
             in
             the
             hands
             of
             God
             ;
             without
             saying
             any
             thing
             ,
             for
             they
             think
             of
             nothing
             but
             suffering
             ,
             seeing
             it
             is
             Gods
             pleasure
             and
             their
             practise
             ,
             to
             annihilate
             and
             humble
             themselves
             ,
             being
             assured
             he
             will
             never
             forsake
             those
             that
             are
             his
             in
             temptation
             .
             The
             
               devout
               Christian
            
             who
             walks
             steadfastly
             in
             the
             way
             of
             vertue
             ,
             seeks
             no
             support
             or
             repose
             in
             any
             thing
             ,
             or
             troubles
             himself
             about
             it
             ,
             or
             omitteth
             the
             least
             of
             his
             exercises
             ,
             or
             looseth
             the
             peace
             of
             his
             soul
             ,
             or
             serenity
             of
             his
             look
             .
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             he
             is
             animated
             in
             this
             combate
             ,
             he
             defies
             his
             enemie
             ,
             and
             derides
             him
             and
             all
             his
             works
             ,
             addressing
             himself
             wholly
             to
             God
             who
             is
             his
             
             love
             and
             trust
             .
             He
             renders
             him
             thanks
             ,
             and
             absolutely
             resignes
             himself
             up
             to
             him
             ,
             to
             bear
             as
             long
             as
             ,
             and
             in
             what
             manner
             he
             pleases
             the
             temptation
             and
             suffering
             he
             is
             in
             .
             There
             is
             a
             way
             to
             make
             a
             further
             progress
             in
             this
             estate
             .
             Some
             souls
             there
             are
             (
             which
             will
             haply
             seem
             incredible
             )
             who
             have
             neither
             desire
             nor
             thought
             of
             imploring
             Gods
             assistance
             ,
             not
             but
             that
             they
             know
             the
             need
             they
             have
             thereof
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             so
             devoted
             to
             God
             ,
             so
             perfectly
             resigned
             to
             his
             
               divine
               will
            
             ,
             that
             if
             God
             would
             destroy
             them
             ,
             they
             would
             be
             content
             ,
             so
             great
             a
             thirst
             have
             they
             for
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             great
             a
             desire
             to
             suffer
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             so
             far
             from
             receiving
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             not
             so
             much
             as
             think
             of
             demanding
             help
             ,
             their
             regard
             being
             barely
             and
             simply
             in
             God.
             Besides
             they
             know
             the
             love
             and
             infallibility
             of
             God
             ,
             faithful
             in
             his
             promises
             ,
             never
             forsaking
             those
             that
             are
             his
             .
             By
             this
             truth
             they
             are
             possessed
             and
             excited
             .
             On
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             they
             so
             purely
             and
             absolutely
             resign
             themselves
             to
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             they
             never
             mind
             whether
             they
             suffer
             or
             are
             in
             danger
             ,
             it
             is
             enough
             for
             them
             that
             they
             do
             nothing
             to
             displease
             God
             ,
             and
             know
             that
             they
             are
             Gods
             ,
             and
             God
             wholly
             theirs
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             resignation
             is
             onely
             in
             some
             few
             ;
             we
             will
             not
             say
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             permitted
             sometimes
             to
             demand
             help
             of
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             
             absolutely
             freed
             ,
             (
             that
             were
             haply
             to
             go
             beyond
             the
             conduct
             and
             designes
             of
             God
             )
             but
             for
             strength
             and
             direction
             in
             Temptation
             .
             For
             example
             .
             If
             a
             Christian
             through
             want
             of
             
               light
               ,
               courage
            
             and
             strength
             ,
             find
             himself
             fail
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             very
             requisite
             that
             he
             speak
             with
             his
             director
             ,
             demanding
             his
             advice
             in
             an
             Affaire
             of
             so
             great
             consequence
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             danger
             .
             In
             these
             anguishes
             he
             must
             elevate
             his
             heart
             to
             God
             ,
             call
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             implore
             his
             assistance
             ;
             this
             is
             not
             forbidden
             .
             On
             the
             contrary
             ,
             it
             is
             necessary
             ,
             so
             it
             be
             with
             this
             condition
             ,
             that
             the
             will
             of
             God
             be
             accomplished
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             his
             
               good
               pleasure
            
             fulfilled
             ,
             and
             that
             his
             recourse
             to
             God
             be
             not
             forced
             by
             any
             secret
             impatience
             ,
             or
             irresignation
             of
             his
             soul.
             In
             that
             case
             it
             were
             to
             yield
             to
             the
             temptation
             ,
             to
             
               commit
               an
               extraordinary
               impurity
            
             ,
             and
             
               prejudiciall
               infidelity
            
             .
             But
             to
             run
             unto
             God
             to
             demand
             strength
             and
             conduct
             ,
             with
             resignation
             and
             patience
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             is
             promised
             to
             all
             Christians
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
             Divers
             Uses
             that
             may
             be
             made
             of
             Temptation
             .
          
           
             WE
             must
             observe
             well
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             upon
             this
             occasion
             .
             The
             Christian
             who
             would
             live
             in
             the
             exercises
             of
             
               true
               piety
            
             ,
             must
             greatly
             esteem
             this
             way
             of
             combate
             and
             temptation
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             noble
             ,
             and
             works
             great
             effects
             in
             the
             soul
             ,
             which
             she
             may
             meet
             with
             in
             all
             the
             exercises
             of
             
               humane
               life
            
             ,
             since
             in
             all
             we
             are
             to
             fight
             against
             the
             
               imperfections
               ,
               failings
               ,
               impurities
            
             and
             malignities
             ,
             which
             secretly
             insinuate
             themselves
             into
             her
             .
             But
             we
             must
             chiefly
             esteem
             thereof
             ,
             because
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             hath
             great
             designes
             upon
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             operates
             great
             things
             in
             them
             by
             these
             wayes
             of
             
               temptation
               ,
               desertions
            
             ,
             and
             resignations
             .
             Wherefore
             it
             concerns
             us
             to
             know
             how
             to
             make
             use
             thereof
             ,
             that
             we
             cooperate
             with
             the
             designes
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             receive
             ,
             as
             Saint
             Paul
             saith
             ,
             
             
               Cum
               tentatione
               proventum
            
             .
             For
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             faithfull
             ,
             and
             permits
             us
             not
             to
             be
             tempted
             beyond
             our
             strength
             ,
             gives
             ordinarily
             with
             the
             temptation
             ,
             particular
             graces
             ,
             and
             communicates
             himself
             ,
             though
             in
             a
             hidden
             manner
             ,
             yet
             truly
             to
             the
             soul
             that
             receives
             
             them
             as
             she
             ought
             ,
             it
             being
             most
             certain
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             wayes
             of
             piety
             ,
             God
             communicates
             himself
             ,
             more
             ordinarily
             by
             these
             then
             any
             other
             wayes
             ,
             as
             we
             formerly
             said
             when
             we
             treated
             of
             sufferings
             .
          
           
             The
             chief
             use
             we
             are
             to
             make
             of
             temptation
             ,
             is
             to
             receive
             it
             ,
             and
             look
             on
             it
             as
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             over
             us
             ;
             we
             must
             accept
             it
             with
             a
             
               profound
               humility
            
             ,
             with
             a
             subjection
             and
             dependance
             of
             soul
             ,
             upon
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             in
             the
             temptation
             it self
             .
             I
             say
             ,
             with
             humility
             ,
             because
             the
             soul
             which
             follows
             the
             spirit
             of
             
               true
               Devotion
            
             ,
             must
             desire
             throughly
             to
             be
             humbled
             ,
             and
             embrace
             with
             readiness
             of
             spirit
             ,
             all
             the
             wayes
             of
             humiliation
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             occasions
             which
             present
             themselves
             therein
             .
             It
             is
             a
             maxime
             in
             all
             estates
             and
             exercises
             of
             Devotion
             ,
             that
             the
             principall
             use
             we
             are
             to
             make
             of
             all
             the
             wayes
             of
             God
             over
             us
             ,
             is
             humility
             ,
             and
             therefore
             ,
             as
             temptation
             is
             a
             way
             of
             God
             ,
             a
             way
             of
             rigour
             and
             danger
             ,
             so
             must
             we
             humble
             our
             selves
             much
             therein
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             are
             tempted
             and
             abandoned
             ;
             For
             ,
             in
             effect
             ,
             the
             best
             and
             most
             profitable
             disposition
             that
             we
             can
             be
             in
             ,
             is
             to
             annihilate
             our selves
             before
             God
             ;
             and
             like
             Iob
             ,
             place
             our selves
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             requisite
             ,
             upon
             a
             dung-hill
             ,
             to
             attend
             and
             receive
             what
             punishment
             soever
             the
             hand
             of
             God
             shall
             vouchsafe
             to
             
             inflict
             upon
             us
             .
             Is
             it
             not
             reason
             it
             should
             be
             so
             ?
             If
             God
             be
             so
             pleased
             ,
             as
             to
             annihilate
             us
             by
             pains
             and
             temptations
             ,
             what
             have
             we
             to
             say
             against
             it
             ?
             To
             what
             purpose
             so
             much
             fear
             ,
             so
             much
             reluctancy
             ?
             If
             God
             will
             punish
             us
             in
             this
             fire
             ,
             we
             must
             hold
             our selves
             content
             ;
             if
             he
             will
             humble
             us
             ,
             we
             must
             annihilate
             our selves
             ;
             if
             by
             temptation
             he
             will
             use
             his
             justice
             ,
             and
             punish
             us
             ,
             why
             should
             we
             be
             troubled
             thereat
             ?
             Yea
             ,
             though
             he
             should
             leave
             us
             to
             be
             swallowed
             up
             by
             the
             temptation
             (
             which
             can
             
               never
               fall
            
             out
             but
             through
             our
             own
             fault
             )
             let
             us
             accept
             of
             his
             judgments
             ,
             and
             adore
             his
             justice
             ,
             saying
             with
             Eli
             ,
             when
             he
             heard
             from
             the
             mouth
             of
             little
             Samuel
             ,
             the
             decree
             of
             Gods
             justice
             against
             him
             ,
             
             
               Dominus
               est
               ,
               quod
               bonus
               est
               in
               oculis
               suis
               faciat
               .
            
             Let
             us
             say
             the
             same
             ,
             let
             us
             receive
             all
             from
             the
             hand
             of
             God
             ,
             with
             great
             humility
             .
             This
             is
             the
             
               first
               use
            
             we
             are
             to
             make
             of
             temptation
             .
          
           
             Another
             is
             ,
             to
             receive
             it
             with
             subjection
             of
             soul
             to
             the
             Will
             of
             God.
             Temptation
             is
             the
             conduct
             of
             God
             over
             us
             .
             We
             must
             not
             therefore
             consider
             him
             that
             tempteth
             us
             ,
             nor
             yet
             the
             temptation
             we
             groan
             under
             ,
             but
             the
             order
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             designs
             he
             hath
             upon
             us
             in
             that
             temptation
             .
             Nothing
             can
             happen
             to
             us
             ,
             but
             by
             his
             permission
             ,
             though
             the
             Devil
             make
             it
             his
             constant
             business
             ,
             to
             
               hurt
               ,
               molest
            
             ,
             and
             destroy
             us
             ,
             if
             he
             could
             ,
             yet
             he
             hath
             no
             power
             but
             
             what
             he
             receives
             from
             God
             ,
             all
             his
             power
             is
             limited
             .
             We
             must
             not
             therefore
             regard
             the
             Devil
             that
             tempteth
             us
             ,
             nor
             the
             temptation
             or
             malice
             of
             our
             enemies
             ,
             but
             the
             will
             and
             order
             of
             God
             in
             the
             temptation
             .
          
           
             To
             comprehend
             this
             well
             ,
             we
             must
             remember
             that
             temptation
             ,
             is
             not
             onely
             a
             permission
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             one
             of
             his
             ordinary
             ways
             of
             proceeding
             over
             us
             ,
             to
             conduct
             us
             to
             him
             .
             Whence
             it
             followes
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             to
             submit
             to
             temptations
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             do
             it
             purely
             ,
             and
             holily
             .
             For
             seeing
             temptations
             and
             afflictions
             are
             the
             ordinary
             ways
             of
             God
             to
             conduct
             us
             to
             him
             ,
             we
             must
             not
             in
             temptation
             make
             any
             pause
             ,
             or
             think
             it
             sufficient
             to
             bear
             them
             patiently
             ,
             or
             to
             fight
             against
             them
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             pass
             further
             ,
             and
             go
             even
             to
             God
             ,
             to
             whom
             they
             will
             conduct
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             make
             such
             use
             of
             them
             as
             we
             ought
             .
             Thus
             in
             temptation
             ,
             we
             must
             rather
             regard
             God
             then
             the
             temptation
             ,
             that
             binds
             us
             to
             God.
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             we
             may
             fear
             to
             be
             overcome
             ,
             but
             if
             we
             be
             left
             to
             God
             ,
             he
             will
             not
             fail
             us
             in
             our
             necessity
             ;
             he
             promised
             to
             be
             with
             us
             in
             our
             agonies
             and
             temptations
             .
             Let
             us
             be
             but
             faithfull
             in
             our
             duties
             and
             actions
             ,
             and
             without
             doubt
             ,
             he
             will
             be
             faithfull
             in
             his
             promises
             .
          
           
             A
             third
             use
             of
             temptations
             ,
             is
             ,
             to
             refer
             them
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             offer
             to
             him
             the
             
             state
             that
             we
             bear
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             passeth
             in
             us
             .
             This
             is
             grounded
             both
             upon
             our
             duties
             ,
             and
             the
             designes
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             wills
             ,
             that
             we
             referr
             to
             him
             all
             the
             estates
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             actions
             and
             moments
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             in
             us
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             we
             are
             .
             This
             use
             is
             also
             grounded
             on
             the
             condition
             of
             all
             things
             which
             are
             opposite
             to
             honour
             ,
             and
             pay
             homage
             to
             God
             ,
             but
             principally
             ,
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             is
             called
             to
             the
             state
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             only
             to
             serve
             and
             honour
             God
             ;
             and
             particularly
             ,
             such
             as
             make
             profession
             of
             piety
             ;
             since
             
               true
               devotion
            
             requires
             much
             fidelity
             ,
             and
             wills
             us
             to
             make
             use
             of
             all
             things
             to
             unite
             us
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             render
             to
             him
             the
             honours
             and
             homages
             due
             to
             his
             divine
             and
             
               supreme
               Majesty
            
             .
          
           
             If
             we
             reflect
             upon
             all
             that
             hath
             been
             said
             from
             the
             beginning
             to
             this
             instant
             ,
             we
             shall
             see
             that
             we
             end
             where
             we
             began
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             have
             done
             nothing
             ,
             but
             shewn
             the
             Christian
             ,
             who
             would
             be
             perfect
             ,
             that
             
               true
               piety
            
             consists
             in
             purifying
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             making
             it
             worthy
             to
             bear
             and
             possess
             God
             ;
             that
             he
             is
             
               truly
               devout
            
             ,
             who
             lives
             according
             to
             the
             spirit
             and
             grace
             of
             Christianity
             ;
             that
             to
             arrive
             at
             this
             happiness
             ,
             we
             must
             adhere
             to
             
               Iesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             our
             way
             and
             means
             to
             bring
             us
             to
             God
             ;
             that
             the
             
               principall
               care
            
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             in
             these
             exercises
             ,
             is
             ,
             to
             preserve
             our selves
             therein
             ,
             which
             ,
             indeed
             ,
             brings
             us
             to
             an
             adherence
             to
             the
             Son
             
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             to
             live
             with
             great
             fidelity
             and
             vigilancy
             ,
             subject
             to
             the
             conduct
             of
             Iesus
             ,
             and
             dependant
             upon
             his
             
               holy
               Ordinances
            
             .
             These
             are
             the
             foundations
             we
             must
             lay
             ,
             if
             we
             would
             acquire
             
               true
               piety
            
             ;
             and
             when
             we
             come
             to
             the
             Consideration
             of
             Works
             ,
             and
             to
             express
             the
             
               externall
               worship
               ,
               love
            
             ,
             and
             service
             ,
             which
             we
             would
             render
             to
             God
             ,
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             enough
             to
             do
             
               good
               things
            
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             accomplish
             them
             by
             the
             conduct
             of
             his
             
               holy
               spirit
            
             ,
             according
             to
             his
             intentions
             ,
             and
             in
             
               holy
               dispositions
            
             .
             We
             have
             already
             proposed
             the
             method
             ;
             it
             suffices
             to
             know
             ,
             that
             therein
             consists
             the
             essence
             and
             nature
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             for
             which
             we
             render
             to
             God
             the
             honour
             and
             service
             due
             to
             him
             .
             This
             is
             all
             we
             mean
             to
             shew
             in
             this
             Discourse
             ,
             which
             we
             will
             conclude
             with
             the
             words
             and
             prayer
             of
             Saint
             
               Paul
               ,
               The
               God
               of
               peace
               make
               you
               perfect
               in
               every
               good
               work
               ,
            
             
             
               to
               do
               his
               will
               ,
               working
               in
               you
               that
               which
               is
               acceptable
               in
               his
               sight
               ,
               through
               Iesus
               Christ
               ,
               to
               whom
               be
               glory
               for
               ever
               and
               ever
               .
            
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
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             of
             the
             Philosophers
             ,
             with
             their
             Figures
             ,
             in
             two
             volumes
             in
             fol.
             by
             
               Thomas
               Stanley
            
             ,
             Esquire
             .
          
           
             
             The
             History
             of
             the
             Wars
             between
             Swedeland
             and
             Poland
             ,
             which
             occasioned
             the
             expulsion
             of
             Sigismundus
             the
             third
             ,
             King
             of
             those
             Kingdoms
             ,
             with
             his
             heirs
             for
             ever
             from
             the
             Swedish
             Crown
             ;
             with
             a
             continuation
             of
             those
             Wars
             ,
             utill
             the
             trace
             ,
             
               An.
               1619.
            
             
             Also
             a
             Narration
             of
             the
             daily
             passages
             at
             the
             last
             and
             great
             Treaty
             of
             pacification
             between
             these
             two
             Kingdoms
             ,
             concluded
             at
             Stumbsdorf
             in
             Prussia
             ,
             An.
             2635.
             concluding
             with
             a
             brief
             commemoration
             of
             the
             life
             and
             death
             of
             Sir
             
               George
               Duglas
            
             ,
             Kt.
             Ambassadour
             extraordary
             from
             the
             late
             King
             of
             
               Great
               Britain
            
             ,
             by
             
               John
               Fowler
            
             ,
             Secratary
             to
             his
             Lordship
             for
             that
             Embassy
             ,
             in
             folio
             .
          
           
             An
             Historicall
             Discourse
             of
             the
             City
             of
             London
             ,
             with
             the
             History
             of
             Westminster
             ,
             and
             the
             Courts
             of
             Iustice
             ,
             Antiquities
             ,
             and
             new
             buildings
             thereunto
             belonging
             ,
             by
             
               James
               Howel
            
             ,
             in
             fol.
             
          
           
             The
             History
             of
             the
             
               Goths
               ,
               Swedes
            
             and
             Vandals
             ,
             by
             the
             Bishop
             of
             Upfall
             ,
             in
             fol.
             
          
           
             The
             History
             of
             Masiniello
             ,
             The
             second
             part
             ,
             with
             a
             continuation
             of
             that
             tumult
             ,
             and
             the
             end
             of
             it
             ,
             in
             octavo
             ,
             by
             
               J.
               A.
            
             Esquire
             .
          
           
             The
             naturall
             and
             experimentall
             History
             of
             Winds
             ,
             written
             in
             Latine
             by
             the
             Right
             Honourable
             ,
             the
             Lord
             Bacon
             ,
             in
             English
             by
             
               R.
               G.
            
             in
             12.
             printed
             1653.
             
          
           
             The
             life
             and
             death
             of
             
               Freeman
               Sands
            
             ,
             Esquire
             ,
             by
             
               R.
               Boremon
            
             ,
             in
             quarto
             .
          
           
             Things
             New
             and
             Old
             :
             or
             ,
             a
             Store-house
             of
             above
             two
             thousand
             Similies
             ,
             and
             
               Sentences
               ,
               Allegories
               ,
               Apophthegmes
               ,
               Adigies
               ,
               Apologues
               ,
            
             Divine
             and
             Morall
             ,
             politicall
             and
             Historicall
             ▪
             with
             proper
             applications
             ;
             a
             Book
             that
             will
             furnish
             the
             Reader
             with
             rarities
             for
             the
             adornment
             of
             his
             Discourse
             ,
             upon
             any
             subject
             whatsoever
             in
             large
             folio
             .
          
           
             
             Anti-Socinianism
             ,
             or
             ae
             Confutation
             of
             
               Socinian
               Heresie
            
             ,
             with
             a
             Description
             of
             their
             lives
             and
             deaths
             of
             the
             chief
             Authours
             of
             that
             Sect
             ,
             and
             when
             it
             was
             brought
             into
             England
             :
             by
             
               N.
               Chewny
            
             ,
             M.
             A.
             in
             Quarto
             .
          
           
             The
             Arraignment
             of
             the
             Anabaptists
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Antiquity
             ,
             universality
             ,
             and
             succession
             of
             
               Infant
               Baptisme
            
             ,
             since
             the
             Apostles
             dayes
             is
             maintained
             ,
             and
             Necessity
             of
             Dipping
             refuted
             by
             
               J.
               Cragge
            
             M.
             A.
             the
             last
             Edition
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             A
             Sermon
             preached
             at
             the
             Assizes
             at
             Huntington
             ,
             by
             
               J.
               Gaule
            
             .
          
           
             
               M.
               Sands
            
             Paraphrase
             upon
             the
             Psalms
             ,
             in
             large
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             Good
             thoughts
             for
             every
             day
             of
             the
             moneth
             ,
             by
             
               M.
               D.
               S.
            
             in
             
               twenty
               four
            
             .
          
           
             
               Gods
               House
            
             ,
             with
             the
             nature
             and
             use
             thereof
             ,
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             understood
             and
             respected
             by
             Christians
             under
             the
             Gospel
             :
             by
             
               Simon
               Gunton
               ,
               M.
               A.
            
             in
             twelves
             .
          
           
             Eight
             Sermons
             of
             
               Mr.
               Craggs
            
             ,
             with
             a
             Treatise
             of
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             Tithes
             ,
             and
             the
             lawfulnesse
             of
             Marriage
             by
             the
             Minister
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             An
             Exhortation
             for
             
               Desperate
               sinners
            
             ,
             written
             by
             the
             Right
             Honourable
             the
             Lord
             Grandison
             ,
             Prisoner
             in
             the
             Isle
             of
             White
             ,
             in
             twelves
             .
          
           
             
               Sapientia
               Justificata
            
             ,
             a
             Vindication
             of
             the
             fifth
             Chapter
             of
             the
             Romans
             ,
             or
             an
             answer
             to
             Dr.
             
               Jeremy
               Taylor
               's
               Deus
               Justificatus
            
             ,
             by
             
               John
               Gaul
               ,
               M.
               A.
            
             in
             twelves
             .
          
           
             The
             Soliloquies
             of
             St.
             Bonaventure
             ,
             containing
             his
             four
             mentall
             exercises
             ,
             and
             also
             his
             Treatise
             called
             the
             Bundle
             of
             Myrrh
             .
             Concerning
             the
             passion
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             with
             thirteen
             spirituall
             exercises
             of
             the
             said
             Bonaventure
             ,
             in
             
               twentie
               four
            
             .
          
           
             
             A
             Catalogue
             of
             the
             
               Lords
               ,
               Knights
            
             and
             Gentlemen
             that
             have
             compounded
             for
             their
             estates
             ,
             with
             the
             sums
             that
             paid
             their
             Compositions
             ;
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             A
             Panagyrick
             of
             the
             Queen
             of
             Swedeland
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             Letters
             of
             affaires
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Courtship
             ,
             written
             to
             severall
             persons
             of
             Honour
             and
             Quality
             by
             the
             exquisite
             Pen
             of
             
               Mounsieur
               de
               Voyture
            
             ,
             A
             member
             of
             the
             famous
             
               French
               Academy
            
             established
             at
             Paris
             ,
             by
             
               Cardinall
               de
               Richlieu
            
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             A
             Trance
             of
             Newes
             from
             Hell
             ,
             or
             
               Mercurius
               Acheronticus
            
             ,
             by
             
               James
               Howel
            
             Esquire
             ,
             in
             Quarto
             ,
          
           
             
               Modern
               Policy
            
             ,
             taken
             from
             Machiavel
             and
             Borgia
             ,
             by
             an
             eye-witness
             a
             most
             incomparable
             piece
             ,
             in
             twelves
             ,
             the
             seventh
             Edition
             .
          
           
             The
             Accomplished
             Courtier
             ;
             Consisting
             of
             Institutions
             and
             Examples
             ,
             by
             which
             Courtiers
             and
             Officers
             of
             state
             ,
             may
             square
             their
             Transactions
             prudently
             ,
             and
             in
             good
             order
             and
             method
             ,
             by
             H.W.
             Gentleman
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             The
             Minister
             of
             State
             ,
             wherein
             is
             shewn
             the
             true
             use
             of
             
               Modern
               Policy
            
             ,
             by
             
               Monsieur
               de
               Sithon
            
             .
             Rendered
             into
             English
             by
             Sir
             
               Henry
               Harbert
            
             Knight
             ,
             in
             folio
             .
          
           
             An
             Apologie
             for
             Paris
             ,
             for
             rejecting
             of
             Juno
             ,
             and
             giving
             of
             her
             
               Golden
               Ball
            
             to
             Venus
             ,
             by
             
               R.
               Barron
               ,
               Gentleman
            
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             
               Pocula
               Castaliana
            
             ,
             or
             
               Castalian
               Cups
            
             ,
             by
             
               Robert
               Barron
            
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             Mirza
             (
             a
             Tragedy
             really
             acted
             in
             Persia
             ,
             by
             
               R.
               B.
               Gentleman
            
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             Choice
             Poems
             ,
             being
             
               Amorous
               ,
               Morall
               ,
               Lusory
            
             ,
             &c.
             by
             
               Edward
               Sherburn
            
             Esquire
             ,
             in
             Octavo
          
           
             
             Five
             Playes
             by
             
               Richard
               Brome
            
             ,
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             Select
             Poems
             ,
             by
             
               William
               Hammond
            
             ,
             in
             large
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             The
             Romaines
             of
             
               Monsieur
               de
               Balzack
            
             ,
             or
             his
             last
             Letters
             written
             to
             severall
             grand
             and
             eminent
             persons
             in
             France
             ;
             whereunto
             are
             annexed
             the
             
               Familiar
               Letters
            
             of
             
               Monsieur
               de
               Balzack
            
             ,
             to
             his
             
               Friend
               Monsieur
               Chaplin
            
             ,
             never
             before
             in
             English
             ,
             in
             
               Octavo
               .
               1658.
            
             
          
           
             
               Wit
               Restored
            
             ,
             being
             
               Select
               Poems
            
             never
             before
             in
             Octavo
             .
          
           
             The
             Learned
             man
             defended
             and
             reformed
             ,
             by
             the
             happy
             Pen
             of
             
               R.
               Daniel
               Bartolus
            
             .
          
           
             Arnaldo
             ,
             or
             the
             injured
             Lover
             ,
             an
             excellent
             new
             Romance
             now
             extant
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A56865-e5400
           
             Mat.
             5.48
             .
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             1.3
             .
          
           
             Revel
             .
             12.
             
          
           
             John
             15.19
             .
             Joh.
             7.16
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             Jo.
             1.12
             .
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             3.
             
             ●
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.9
             .
          
           
             Tit.
             3.5
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.17
             .
          
           
             John
             3.3
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             5.1
             .
          
           
             Joh
             18.36
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.17
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             5.1
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             11.36
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.16
             .
          
           
             Ephes.
             4.1
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             5.20
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             17.24
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             28.30
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             1.14
             .
          
           
             1
             Jo.
             1.1
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             3.20
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.15
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             7.1
             .
             Psal.
             82.1
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.3
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             20.28
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             17.14
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             3.8
             .
          
           
             Col.
             3.3
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             10.18
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             4.22
             .
             23
             ,
             24.
             
          
           
             Col.
             3.9
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e25580
           
             Psa.
             49
             .
             1●
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.14
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             4.23
             .
          
           
             v.
             24.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             4.13
             .
          
           
             Hebr.
             13.18
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             4.13
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             1.23
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             11.27
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             14.6
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             15.5
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             2.3
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             12.30
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             5.6
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             8.36
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e30860
           
             Gal.
             6.7
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             142.5
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e34260
           
             Cant.
             1.7
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             34.14
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             6.5
             .
          
           
             Rom
             9.29
             
          
           
             Jo.
             15.4.5
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             2.10
             
          
           
             Joh.
             15.5
             .
          
           
             Jam.
             1.17
             .
          
           
             Job
             4.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.30
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e42180
           
             Gal.
             14.1
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             5.30
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1.18
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             4.25
             .
             1
             Cor.
             6.15
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             1.16
             .
          
           
             Jer.
             31.3
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e48300
           
             Matth.
             5.48
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             22.37
             .
          
           
             Col.
             3.14
             .
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             3.2
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             10.42
             .
          
           
             Luke
             7
             34
             
          
           
             Joh.
             20.13
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e55610
           
             Rom.
             11.16
             .
          
           
             Rom
             11.16
             .
          
           
             Jam.
             1.5
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             3.27
             .
          
           
             Col.
             3
             9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.47
             .
          
           
             1
             Joh
             3.8
             .
          
           
             Col.
             3.3
             .
             Mat.
             13.46
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.30
             .
          
           
             Col.
             2
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             8.32
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             13.21
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             5.5
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             5.20
             
          
           
             Joh.
             1.16
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             13.14
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.17
             .
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.12
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             12.47
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             15.4
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             4.19
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             25.12
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             7.21
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             4.5
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e68500
           
             Heb.
             11.6
             .
          
           
             Act.
             17.28
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             9.8
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.7
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             10.5
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             11.25
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             11.1
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             18.37
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             10.38
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             11.26
             .
             Joh.
             14.6
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e80100
           
             Mat.
             11.29
             
          
           
             Mat.
             23.12
             
          
           
             Mat.
             11.25
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             57.15
             .
          
           
             Isa
             40
             15.
             
          
           
             Acts
             17.28
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e86620
           
             Jo.
             14.23
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.19
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             22.4
             .
          
           
             Prov.
             23.26
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             4.4
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.12
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e91800
           
             Hos.
             13.3
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             3.14
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             2.20
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             16.24
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             2.8
             ▪
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.1
             .
          
           
             Col.
             3.3
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             6.4
             .
          
           
             Tit.
             1.11
             .
             Phil.
             2.25
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             18.3
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.18
             ,
             19.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3
             17.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e98810
           
             Isa.
             29.13
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             22.12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             Gal.
             6.7
             ,
             8
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e102350
           
             Mat.
             3.15
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             7.18
             .
             Gal.
             5.25
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.4
             .
          
           
             Eccles.
             2.14
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             2.16
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             14.8
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.19
             ,
             201
             
          
           
             1
             Thes.
             2.12
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             5.16
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             2.15
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             14.6
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.7
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.6
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             30.1
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             81.11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             1.24
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.20
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.23
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.105
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.24
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.172
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1.10
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             14.21
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             66.1
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             2.30
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             17.4
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.15
             .
          
           
             Matth.
             6.9
             ,
             10.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             6.23
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.34
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             1.10
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             1.21.24
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             2.14
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             26.12
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             2.13
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             2.10
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             1.4
             .
          
           
             Luke
             14.26
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             2.3
             .
          
           
             Esa.
             66.2
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.24
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             25.18
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             8
             21.
             
          
           
             Pro.
             1.26
             .
          
           
             Mat
             25.28
             .
          
           
             v.
             30.
             
          
           
             Luke
             9.62
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             13.12
             .
          
           
             Heb
             10.29
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             55.6
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             15.16
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.23
             .
          
           
             Matth.
             22.
             
          
           
             Luke
             14.18
             .
          
           
             v.
             24.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.31
             .
          
           
             Col.
             3.17
             .
          
           
             Wisd.
             8.1
             .
          
           
             Luke
             12.4
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.1
             .
          
           
             Eccles.
             2.1
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             3.12
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.49
             .
          
           
             Rom
             8.17
             .
          
           
             Acts
             14.22
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             5.8
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             14.31
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             5.24
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.9
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             12.25
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.8
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             6.1
             .
          
           
             Matth
             5.29
             ,
             30.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             10.38
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             1.5
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             1.13
             .
          
           
             Cant.
             2.5
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             39.6
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.6
             
          
           
             1
             Thes.
             3.3
             .
          
           
             Mark
             10.29
             ,
             30.
             
          
           
             Wisd.
             3.6
             .
          
           
             Tob.
             12.13
             .
          
           
             Wisd.
             3.6
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.23
             
          
           
             Jo.
             4.34
             .
          
           
             Mar.
             26.43
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.20
             ,
             21.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.30
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1.24
             .
          
           
             Acts
             5.41
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             10.34
             .
          
           
             James
             1.2
             
          
           
             Gen.
             29.20
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             6.17
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             12.9
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             1.5
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.13
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             1.29
             .
          
           
             2
             Thes.
             3.5
             
          
           
             Isa.
             53.5
             .
          
           
             Luke
             23.31
             .
          
           
             Dan.
             4.25
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             119.137
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             26.2
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             6.19
             
          
           
             Luk.
             7.47
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             13.3
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8.9
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.14
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.7
             
          
           
             Mat.
             5.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             24.20
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             15.5
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             5
             30.
             
          
           
             2
             Pet.
             1.4
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             9
             23.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e166340
           
             1
             Joh.
             1.3
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             5.20
             
          
           
             Gal.
             2.20
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.6
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             1.21
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e169640
           
             1
             Tim.
             4.7
             .
          
           
             v.
             8.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim
             3.5
             
          
           
             Sess.
             14.
             cap.
             8.
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             5.12
             .
          
           
             Isa.
             29.13
             .
          
           
             Mark
             7.7
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             23.27
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             14.6
             .
          
           
             Col
             3
             9.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             1.30
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             15.4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             15.6
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             6.44
             .
          
           
             v.
             45.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             6.44
             .
             v.
             45.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.17
             .
          
           
             Eccles.
             1.7
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             11.36
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.19
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.15
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             12.3
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             1.23
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             11.23
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             3.35
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             1.2
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             5.13
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A56865-e184170
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Gen.
             2.17
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             7.14
             
          
           
             Col.
             2.14
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1.13
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             8.34
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             9.24
             .
          
           
             Luk.
             12.48
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             3.19
             
          
           
             Joh.
             4.24
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1.13
             .
          
           
             Jer.
             48.10
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.26
             ,
             27
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             6.17
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             8
             ,
             9.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             1.10
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             12.11
             .
          
           
             ●
             .
             12
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.15
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.15
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             9.23
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             1.6
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             72.11
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             17.5
             .
          
           
             Phil.
             2.21
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             6.17
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8.29
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.49
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             5.48
             .
          
           
             Jo.
             17.23
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             1.1
             ,
             2
             
          
           
             Joh.
             12.26
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet
             2.21
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             11.1
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             10.38
             
          
           
             Phil.
             2.8
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             3.27
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.19
             .
          
           
             Ephes.
             5.2
             .
          
           
             Joh.
             13.34
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.21
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             Jo.
             17.26
             .
          
           
             Acts
             17.28
             .
          
           
             Rev
             3.20
             .
          
           
             Gen.
             6.5
             .
          
           
             Rom
             8.8
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             7.7
             .
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             3.12
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             26.41
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             8
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             2.18
             .
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             5.8
             .
          
           
             Exod.
             32.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             6.12
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             12.9
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.27
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             9.25
             .
          
           
             Iam.
             4.7
             .
          
           
             Mat.
             8.24
             .
          
           
             Ephes.
             6.13
             .
          
           
             v.
             18.
             
          
           
             Job
             1.21
             .
          
           
             Eph.
             6.16
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             10.13
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             3.18
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             13.20.21
             .