any_o devotion_n and_o with_o a_o shameful_a negligence_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o i_o in_o your_o presence_n to_o keep_v myself_o with_o that_o duty_n and_o respect_n i_o ought_v nor_o to_o free_v myself_o from_o that_o drowsiness_n and_o laziness_n that_o even_o make_v i_o sleep_v at_o your_o foot_n instead_o of_o harken_v to_o you_o as_o david_n say_v my_o soul_n out_o of_o tediousness_n even_o sleep_v within_o i_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o this_o humour_n proceed_v yet_o i_o know_v it_o be_v displease_v to_o you_o and_o that_o it_o offend_v you_o and_o you_o know_v it_o be_v displease_v to_o i_o also_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n and_o confusion_n to_o i_o to_o find_v myself_o in_o this_o condition_n but_o that_o which_o comfort_v i_o be_v that_o in_o your_o word_n you_o carry_v my_o cure._n if_o you_o have_v compassion_n of_o my_o infirmity_n speak_v and_o cure_v i_o confirm_v i_o in_o your_o word_n remember_v o_o admirable_a omnipotence_n that_o of_o myself_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o weakness_n and_o misery_n all_o my_o force_n depend_v on_o your_o lip_n and_o proceed_v from_o your_o eye_n look_v upon_o i_o o_o divine_a saviour_n and_o speak_v but_o a_o word_n life_n courage_n and_o grace_n will_v enter_v with_o your_o word_n and_o will_v give_v a_o new_a birth_n to_o my_o soul_n which_o be_v true_o entomb_v whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o sleep_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n bury_v in_o its_o body_n by_o sloth_n my_o soul_n sleep_v out_o of_o sloth_n confirm_v i_o in_o your_o word_n say_v the_o royal_a prophet_n chap._n fourteen_o how_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o this_o conversation_n other_o time_n happen_v very_o different_a from_o these_o but_o no_o less_o troublesome_a and_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n you_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o keep_v your_o soul_n always_o in_o peace_n and_o present_a to_o god_n and_o not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v carryâ—d_v away_o from_o he_o either_o by_o disquiet_n or_o distraction_n it_o be_v when_o the_o multitude_n of_o affair_n oblige_v we_o as_o they_o do_v st._n martha_n to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n happiness_n and_o to_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_o cast_v our_o eye_n and_o thought_n in_o every_o corner_n of_o the_o house_n to_o take_v care_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a at_o such_o a_o time_n whilst_o our_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o so_o many_o affair_n and_o about_o the_o conduct_n of_o so_o many_o person_n to_o remain_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o possess_v with_o repose_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o entertainment_n yes_o devout_a soul_n it_o be_v possible_a without_o doubt_v you_o may_v do_v it_o as_o easy_o as_o the_o sunamite_n who_o give_v a_o example_n very_o sweet_a and_o easy_a to_o follow_v during_o the_o heat_n of_o your_o affair_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o your_o domestic_a employment_n see_v what_o she_o do_v and_o you_o will_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o inexcusable_a error_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o business_n you_o be_v employ_v in_o by_o duty_n and_o by_o god_n command_n shall_v constrain_v you_o to_o forget_v yourself_o or_o god._n for_o if_o whilst_o you_o be_v act_v your_o action_n do_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o speak_v about_o your_o business_n to_o the_o person_n you_o deal_v withal_o why_o shall_v they_o hinder_v you_o from_o speak_v to_o he_o you_o love_v or_o from_o do_v as_o the_o laborious_a spouse_n do_v even_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o her_o great_a employment_n when_o she_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v order_n to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o her_o domestic_n and_o by_o her_o vigilancy_n to_o keep_v they_o assiduous_a to_o their_o work_n behold_v she_o i_o say_v and_o judge_n whether_o the_o repose_n of_o a_o contemplative_a be_v more_o agreeable_a than_o this_o her_o holy_a and_o active_a life_n let_v we_o rise_v this_o morning_n say_v she_o get_v up_o let_v we_o rise_v and_o go_v to_o the_o vineyard_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o vine_n have_v flower_v and_o if_o the_o flower_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n whether_o the_o peach_n have_v bud_v my_o dear_a master_n it_o be_v time_n to_o go_v to_o work_v and_o to_o think_v of_o our_o business_n but_o do_v not_o leave_v i_o alone_o amid_o the_o labour_n i_o fear_v they_o not_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v so_o they_o separate_v i_o not_o from_o you_o and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o i_o work_v you_o keep_v my_o eye_n and_o my_o thought_n inseparable_o fix_v upon_o your_o presence_n and_o fast_o tie_v to_o your_o heart_n let_v we_o go_v together_o and_o take_v a_o walk_n about_o our_o close_n let_v we_o behold_v the_o vineyard_n in_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v and_o whether_o they_o be_v advance_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o so_o favourable_a a_o season_n let_v we_o visit_v our_o nursery_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o tree_n prosper_v and_o whether_o our_o plant_n thrive_v let_v we_o visit_v our_o farm_n and_o see_v whether_o the_o labourer_n mind_v their_o work_n whether_o the_o shepherd_n be_v vigilant_a and_o whether_o the_o servant_n and_o other_o officer_n do_v their_o duty_n let_v we_o go_v and_o give_v order_n that_o each_o one_o take_v care_n of_o his_o work_n and_o be_v employ_v as_o he_o ought_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o yet_o my_o belove_a do_v not_o leave_v i_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v troublesome_a or_o incommode_v i_o whilst_o you_o be_v present_a to_o my_o mind_n and_o whilst_o i_o harken_v to_o your_o voice_n speak_v to_o my_o soul_n whilst_o my_o body_n be_v employ_v in_o your_o service_n and_o in_o regulate_v the_o family_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o confide_v to_o my_o care_n and_o conduct_v when_o be_v at_o work_n we_o speak_v to_o god_n of_o what_o we_o be_v about_o the_o work_n be_v no_o more_o a_o distraction_n but_o a_o devotion_n of_o great_a merit_n devout_a martha_n who_o think_v of_o temporal_a affair_n and_o have_v all_o the_o care_n of_o the_o house_n upon_o she_o be_v not_o disturb_v but_o rather_o comfort_v by_o complain_v to_o her_o saviour_n and_o make_v every_o thing_n that_o happen_v a_o occasion_n of_o speak_v to_o he_o tell_v he_o ever_o that_o it_o be_v for_o he_o she_o labour_v and_o that_o she_o be_v happy_a to_o labour_n and_o tire_v out_o herself_o whilst_o he_o behold_v she_o do_v not_o doubt_v when_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o employment_n you_o be_v remember_v to_o say_v to_o our_o lord_n what_o you_o say_v to_o other_o to_o wit_n that_o you_o be_v even_o overwhelm_v with_o they_o and_o that_o you_o communicate_v to_o he_o with_o confidence_n such_o thought_n as_o this_o turmoil_n occasion_n but_o that_o all_o your_o distraction_n will_v immediate_o change_v into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o divine_a love._n the_o contemplative_a magdalen_n may_v perhaps_o have_v more_o sweetness_n but_o they_o can_v have_v more_o merit_n a_o soul_n that_o withdraw_v not_o herself_o from_o god_n whilst_o she_o walk_v or_o run_v about_o the_o street_n be_v far_o better_a than_o she_o that_o let_v her_o thought_n wander_v whilst_o she_o be_v at_o her_o prayer_n chap._n xv._o the_o great_a familiarity_n you_o use_v with_o god_n the_o more_o please_v it_o be_v to_o he_o in_o fine_a speak_v to_o he_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o you_o speak_v of_o to_o yourself_o and_o do_v it_o after_o all_o such_o manner_n as_o love_n shall_v suggest_v at_o least_o imprint_v this_o maxim_n deep_o in_o your_o heart_n that_o as_o you_o have_v not_o a_o master_n who_o you_o ought_v to_o fear_n and_o respect_n as_o god_n so_o you_o have_v not_o a_o friend_n be_v it_o brother_n or_o sister_n to_o who_o you_o may_v speak_v with_o that_o liberty_n and_o confidence_n as_o to_o he_o they_o that_o imagine_v freedom_n of_o speech_n with_o he_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o worship_n and_o submission_n due_a to_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o divine_a majesty_n be_v much_o deceive_v many_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o what_o ghostly_a father_n say_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v only_a thought_n of_o their_o simplicity_n contrary_a to_o serious_a and_o solid_a devotion_n and_o to_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o condemn_v as_o illusion_n and_o irreverence_n all_o these_o pretend_a confidence_n and_o seem_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a conversation_n with_o god_n affirm_v that_o we_o be_v in_o his_o sight_n but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o that_o in_o his_o presence_n only_o thought_n of_o profound_a humility_n and_o annihilation_n and_o devotion_n tend_v thereunto_o be_v to_o take_v place_n but_o alas_o how_o feeble_a and_o weak_a do_v these_o pretend_a devotee_n show_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o speak_v very_o solid_o they_o understand_v very_o little_a
and_o the_o heart_n of_o my_o confessor_n who_o have_v know_v and_o deplore_v they_o shall_v be_v touch_v with_o they_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o with_o this_o multitude_n of_o heart_n that_o i_o be_v able_a to_o form_v such_o a_o violent_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n as_o may_v equal_v my_o sadness_n and_o misery_n o_o lord_n employ_v your_o power_n and_o mercy_n create_v in_o i_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o give_v it_o i_o to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o love_v you_o this_o desire_n please_v our_o saviour_n as_o do_v the_o desire_n of_o david_n st._n peter_n and_o many_o other_o penitent_a sinner_n who_o after_o they_o have_v employ_v many_o year_n in_o sigh_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n have_v exhaust_v their_o tear_n ask_v for_o those_o who_o may_v raise_v in_o their_o soul_n such_o a_o source_n of_o bitter_a water_n that_o may_v not_o be_v exhaust_v but_o may_v endure_v their_o whole_a life_n who_o will_v give_v water_n to_o my_o head_n and_o a_o fountain_n of_o tear_n to_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v weep_v day_n and_o night_n say_v the_o royal_a prophet_n contemplate_v the_o open_a vein_n of_o your_o crucify_a spouse_n o_o devout_a soul_n repeat_v the_o same_o word_n but_o say_v they_o sincere_o and_o from_o your_o heart_n and_o rather_o sigh_n of_o love_n than_o word_n who_o will_v give_v water_n to_o my_o head_n etc._n etc._n o_o my_o dear_a master_n how_o happy_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o see_v torrent_n of_o tear_n flow_v from_o my_o eye_n which_o may_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o torrent_n of_o your_o blood_n and_o run_v together_o with_o it_o in_o each_o corner_n where_o my_o sin_n have_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o end_n that_o those_o who_o have_v know_v i_o a_o sinner_n may_v know_v i_o also_o a_o penitent_a and_o see_v eternal_a mark_n of_o my_o sorrow_n o_o all_o of_o you_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o scandal_n of_o my_o life_n come_v and_o hearken_v to_o my_o cry_n and_o lamentation_n and_o behold_v my_o sorrow_n behold_v it_o o_o my_o god_n and_o consider_v what_o pass_v in_o my_o soul._n i_o hope_v in_o you_o in_o the_o state_n i_o be_o in_o have_v the_o goodness_n not_o to_o refuse_v to_o love_v i_o in_o it_o at_o least_o refuse_v not_o to_o behold_v i_o and_o to_o let_v that_o virtue_n pass_v from_o your_o eye_n to_o my_o soul_n which_o give_v grace_n and_o life_n behold_v i_o o_o god_n and_o consider_v i_o god_n behold_v thou_o o_o sunamite_n and_o during_o these_o holy_a hour_n in_o which_o thou_o find_v thy_o grief_n and_o the_o convulsion_n of_o thy_o afflict_a conscience_n to_o return_v he_o fail_v not_o to_o comfort_v thou_o repeat_v by_o himself_o interior_o what_o he_o have_v cause_v the_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n to_o tell_v thou_o that_o thy_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o blot_v out_o and_o that_o the_o least_o stain_n of_o they_o remain_v not_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o i_o know_v o_o divine_a saviour_n but_o there_o remain_v still_o a_o memory_n of_o they_o in_o thy_o mind_n alas_o great_a god_n it_o seem_v little_a comfort_n to_o tell_v i_o i_o pardon_v you_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o to_o make_v this_o comfort_n perfect_a you_o shall_v find_v some_o invention_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o to_o forget_v whatever_o happen_v to_o i_o during_o the_o year_n of_o my_o criminal_a and_o scandalous_a life_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o live_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o have_v behold_v all_o my_o infidelity_n and_o still_o remember_v they_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o news_n they_o daily_o tell_v i_o from_o you_o that_o my_o sin_n be_v wash_v in_o the_o blood_n you_o spill_v for_o i_o so_o long_o as_o i_o also_o know_v that_o they_o appear_v yet_o in_o your_o sight_n and_o will_v do_v so_o for_o a_o eternity_n and_o that_o amid_o the_o splendour_n of_o paradise_n the_o age_n of_o my_o ingratitude_n will_v be_v a_o eternal_a object_n thou_o have_v put_v our_o sin_n in_o thy_o sight_n our_o age_n in_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n god_n who_o behold_v with_o pleasure_n this_o kind_n of_o holy_a fear_n and_o anxiety_n in_o your_o mind_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v you_o a_o entire_a consolation_n and_o when_o during_o these_o familiar_a entainman_n he_o comfort_n you_o about_o they_o he_o speak_v as_o one_o who_o by_o a_o ineffable_a miracle_n have_v extend_v his_o power_n so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v all_o in_o oblivion_n and_o bury_v the_o memory_n of_o your_o sin_n in_o such_o a_o abyss_n as_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o get_v out_o of_o he_o will_v dispose_v our_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v our_o sin_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n because_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n chap._n xx._n in_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o treat_v with_o god_n in_o scruple_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o salvation_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o if_o peradventure_o that_o shall_v happen_v to_o you_o which_o often_o do_v even_o to_o most_o innocent_a soul_n to_o be_v trouble_v out_o of_o fear_n that_o some_o hide_a sin_n lurk_v still_o in_o your_o conscience_n or_o that_o god_n have_v a_o design_n of_o anger_n and_o reprobation_n against_o you_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o perceive_v this_o thought_n fail_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o yourself_o and_o to_o be_v angry_a and_o blame_v yourself_o for_o this_o disquiet_n as_o a_o fault_n perhaps_o more_o hateful_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n than_o all_o the_o sin_n you_o have_v commit_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o resist_v it_o as_o a_o blast_n from_o hell_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o your_o spouse_n with_o abomination_n and_o horror_n detest_a such_o a_o blind_a and_o criminal_a diffidence_n in_o regard_n also_o of_o those_o weakness_n which_o make_v fear_v the_o power_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n form_v in_o your_o imagination_n scruple_n and_o chimerical_a idea_n which_o prosecute_v you_o very_o importune_o and_o excite_v in_o your_o soul_n inclination_n to_o despair_n take_v care_n you_o permit_v yourself_o not_o to_o be_v deject_v by_o this_o importunity_n of_o the_o enemy_n open_v your_o eye_n and_o behold_v how_o unworthy_a you_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v love_v you_o whilst_o you_o let_v yourself_o to_o be_v fright_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o permit_v these_o fume_n and_o shadow_n to_o have_v so_o much_o force_n as_o to_o trouble_v you_o who_o be_v belove_v by_o god_n and_o sustain_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o tell_v he_o o_o my_o belove_a what_o blindness_n and_o what_o unworthiness_n be_v this_o from_o whence_o proceed_v this_o fear_n and_o how_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o my_o heart_n to_o distrust_v you_o amid_o those_o many_o miracle_n of_o your_o mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o i_o it_o be_v true_a i_o have_v be_v a_o sinner_n i_o come_v from_o nothing_o and_o be_o dust_n and_o ash_n a_o worm_n generate_v of_o filth_n but_o you_o be_v a_o god_n a_o eternal_a comforter_n a_o invincible_a protector_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o it_o be_v you_o that_o say_v to_o i_o my_o dear_a creature_n as_o nothing_o as_o thou_o be_v and_o as_o small_a a_o worm_n worthy_a to_o be_v trample_v underfoot_o take_v comfort_n fear_v nothing_o because_o i_o be_o thy_o saviour_n thy_o belove_a thy_o faithful_a friend_n and_o because_o it_o be_v i_o that_o have_v swear_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v soon_o perish_v then_o that_o i_o shall_v permit_v thou_o to_o do_v so_o or_o that_o the_o devil_n shall_v take_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n or_o the_o least_o evil_a arrive_n to_o thou_o so_o long_o as_o thou_o continue_v in_o my_o love._n you_o tell_v i_o this_o o_o most_o powerful_o merciful_a and_o yet_o i_o cease_v not_o to_o tremble_v mad_a and_o senseless_a that_o i_o be_o your_o prophet_n assure_v i_o that_o you_o keep_v i_o on_o your_o knee_n as_o a_o tender_a mother_n do_v her_o only_a infant_n and_o tender_o embrace_v i_o with_o the_o like_a transport_n of_o love_n hide_v i_o in_o your_o breast_n as_o she_o do_v her_o belove_a carry_v i_o also_o so_o in_o your_o arm_n as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o son_n not_o able_a yet_o to_o go_v alone_o and_o that_o you_o will_v if_o i_o hinder_v it_o not_o in_o this_o manner_n support_v i_o to_o the_o end_n of_o my_o life_n though_o i_o shall_v arrive_v to_o never_o so_o great_a a_o age._n you_o tell_v i_o this_o my_o god_n i_o hear_v it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v you_o that_o speak_v and_o yet_o i_o ask_v you_o if_o you_o love_v i_o if_o you_o think_v of_o i_o if_o you_o take_v notice_n of_o my_o tear_n and_o if_o you_o hear_v my_o voice_n and_o after_o the_o many_o promise_n which_o you_o have_v make_v i_o
a_o method_n of_o converse_v with_o god._n translate_v out_o of_o french_a by_o j._n w._n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n â—on_v habet_fw-la amaritudinem_fw-la conversatio_fw-la illius_fw-la nec_fw-la taedium_fw-la convictus_fw-la illius_fw-la sapien._n c._n 8._o v._n 16._o london_n print_v by_o mary_n thompson_n anno_fw-la dom._n mdclxxxviii_o to_o her_o majesty_n the_o queen_n dowager_z of_o england_n madam_n though_o i_o have_v put_v the_o ensue_a treatise_n into_o english_a yet_o it_o speak_v still_o a_o language_n few_o understand_v and_o therefore_o want_v so_o powerful_a a_o patroness_n as_o your_o majesty_n who_o both_o understand_v it_o and_o can_v vindicate_v it_o from_o those_o censure_n that_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o it_o by_o such_o as_o do_v not_o wherefore_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o publish_v it_o under_o your_o majesty_n gracious_a patronage_n and_o to_o take_v this_o opportunity_n of_o give_v our_o nation_n a_o idea_n of_o the_o devotion_n your_o majesty_n exercise_n in_o your_o frequent_a retirement_n which_o many_o admire_v but_o few_o imitate_v false_o judge_v that_o prayer_n and_o conversation_n with_o god_n be_v a_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a employment_n whilst_o a_o pious_a soul_n find_v the_o contrary_a and_o experience_n it_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a comfort_n upon_o earth_n and_o a_o foretaste_n and_o pledge_v of_o that_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o hope_v for_o in_o heaven_n other_o seem_a comfort_n may_v allure_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o search_n after_o they_o but_o when_o with_o much_o labour_n they_o be_v obtain_v they_o manifest_a then_o emptiness_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o give_v the_o content_a they_o promise_v leave_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o more_o languish_a and_o sad_a condition_n than_o they_o find_v it_o and_o only_o satisfy_v it_o of_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n create_v our_o heart_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o he_o can_v satisfy_v it_o vouchsafe_v madam_n to_o pardon_v my_o confidence_n in_o present_v a_o bare_a translation_n of_o so_o small_a a_o treatise_n to_o so_o great_a a_o person_n the_o widow_n mite_n be_v not_o unacceptable_a to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v all_o she_o have_v and_o because_o she_o give_v it_o with_o a_o very_a good_a will_n which_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a thing_n in_o all_o present_n and_o i_o can_v assure_v your_o majesty_n that_o both_o these_o reason_n do_v plead_v for_o this_o little_a offer_n your_o majesty_n acceptance_n will_v i_o hope_v persuade_v the_o world_n to_o turn_v over_o these_o few_o leave_n and_o if_o your_o example_n likewise_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o practice_v what_o they_o read_v i_o question_v not_o but_o they_o will_v soon_o cease_v to_o wonder_v that_o your_o majesty_n so_o often_o leave_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o court_n for_o the_o solitude_n of_o your_o closet_n when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o great_a honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n style_v they_o mere_a vanity_n nay_o even_o vexation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o substantial_a and_o satisfactory_a delight_n which_o be_v enjoy_v by_o converse_v with_o god._n which_o indeed_o be_v such_o that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o with_o your_o majesty_n have_v experience_v they_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v they_o that_o your_o majesty_n may_v proceed_v in_o your_o pious_a exercise_n till_o at_o length_n you_o come_v to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o in_o a_o everlasting_a joy_n be_v the_o constant_a prayer_n of_o madam_n your_o majesty_n most_o oblige_v and_o most_o devote_a servant_n j._n w._n a_o method_n of_o converse_v with_o god._n non_fw-la habet_fw-la amaritudinem_fw-la conversatio_fw-la illius_fw-la nec_fw-la taedium_fw-la convictus_fw-la illius_fw-la his_o conversation_n have_v no_o bitterness_n nor_o his_o company_n any_o tediousness_n sapien._n c._n 8._o v._n 16_o introduction_n our_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o though_o necessary_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o have_v often_o inconvenience_n disgrace_n and_o discontent_n that_o accompany_v they_o or_o at_o least_o be_v subject_a to_o two_o troublesome_a accident_n the_o one_o that_o ordinary_o they_o displease_v we_o and_o become_v painful_a and_o insupportable_a there_o be_v nothing_o that_o weary_v we_o soon_o or_o become_v more_o tedious_a then_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o harken_v to_o and_o to_o entertain_v other_o the_o other_o be_v still_o worse_o that_o when_o these_o conversation_n please_v we_o they_o be_v general_o criminal_a and_o most_o common_o we_o return_v with_o wound_a conscience_n and_o such_o imperfection_n as_o we_o carry_v not_o with_o we_o conversation_n with_o god_n be_v free_a from_o these_o two_o danger_n neither_o sin_n nor_o wearisomeness_n accompany_v it_o innocence_n and_o joy_n be_v the_o constant_a companion_n of_o this_o spiritual_a happiness_n if_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v it_o by_o your_o own_o experience_n do_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n inspire_v in_o their_o own_o word_n which_o i_o be_o about_o to_o propose_v to_o you_o and_o regulate_v yourself_o according_a to_o the_o example_n they_o invite_v you_o to_o imitate_v chap._n i._n in_o what_o this_o conversation_n consist_v god_n love_v you_o love_v he_o his_o delight_n be_v to_o converse_v with_o you_o let_v you_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o and_o to_o spend_v your_o time_n as_o you_o will_v spend_v your_o eternity_n in_o his_o amiable_a company_n accustom_v yourself_o to_o speak_v familiar_o and_o confident_o to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o friend_n and_o reflect_v that_o it_o be_v a_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o blind_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v free_a in_o his_o presence_n and_o not_o to_o appear_v before_o he_o but_o as_o slave_n tremble_v with_o shame_n and_o fear_n before_o a_o prince_n think_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o search_a comfort_n and_o liberty_n elsewhere_o you_o be_v not_o desire_v by_o a_o extatick_a prayer_n or_o a_o violent_a application_n of_o your_o imagination_n that_o you_o form_n to_o yourself_o a_o figure_n of_o his_o adorable_a person_n and_o that_o prostrate_a in_o spirit_n before_o this_o imaginary_a figure_n you_o forget_v yourself_o and_o your_o domestic_a affair_n and_o that_o you_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o contemplate_v and_o praise_v his_o greatness_n no_o we_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o a_o familiar_a entertainment_n and_o desire_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o without_o quit_v your_o ordinary_a employment_n you_o carry_v yourself_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o god_n as_o in_o the_o like_a occasion_n you_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o those_o that_o love_v you_o and_o that_o you_o love_v he_o be_v present_a by_o you_o as_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o as_o you_o will_v to_o they_o entertain_v he_o about_o your_o concern_v about_o your_o design_n propose_v your_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o he_o and_o do_v this_o with_o confidence_n and_o a_o open_a heart_n for_o reservedness_n and_o silence_n be_v very_o displease_v to_o he_o in_o his_o saint_n the_o soul_n that_o have_v nothing_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o he_o be_v like_o the_o little_a sister_n of_o the_o sunamite_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o age_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o his_o spouse_n and_o to_o be_v tender_o love_v by_o he_o one_o of_o the_o first_o lesson_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o formidable_a of_o all_o master_n when_o he_o command_v desire_v to_o be_v treat_v as_o the_o most_o familiar_a friend_n when_o he_o love_v and_o that_o during_o these_o solitary_a conversation_n with_o the_o person_n he_o choose_v the_o least_o of_o all_o creature_n be_v not_o too_o little_a or_o too_o contemptible_a in_o his_o sight_n unless_o that_o she_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a the_o manner_n of_o converse_v with_o he_o heart_n to_o heart_n and_o amorous_o discover_v to_o he_o her_o most_o hide_a thought_n true_a it_o be_v that_o he_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v sovereign_o respect_v but_o when_o he_o do_v you_o the_o favour_n to_o visit_v you_o and_o by_o a_o interior_n motion_n of_o your_o soul_n make_v you_o sensible_a of_o his_o presence_n the_o great_a honour_n he_o require_v from_o you_o be_v to_o entertain_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o as_o with_o one_o you_o love_v with_o all_o liberty_n confidence_n and_o tenderness_n chap._n ii_o that_o god_n be_v every_o where_n it_o be_v to_o receive_v this_o honour_n say_v the_o prophet_n that_o without_o expect_v your_o come_n to_o he_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o perceive_v that_o you_o desire_v to_o call_v he_o he_o prevent_v you_o and_o present_v himself_o to_o you_o with_o his_o hand_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o remedy_n proper_a for_o all_o the_o ailment_n you_o be_v wont_a to_o complain_v of_o he_o attend_v only_o till_o you_o speak_v to_o he_o to_o make_v you_o
in_o what_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o be_v far_o from_o conceive_v that_o mortal_a and_o earthly_a greatness_n be_v very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o infinite_o less_o than_o that_o of_o god_n because_o it_o can_v suit_v or_o equal_v itself_o to_o little_a thing_n when_o wisdom_n and_o love_n oblige_v it_o so_o to_o do_v take_v notice_n if_o you_o please_v that_o the_o immensity_n of_o god_n infinite_o surpass_v other_o immensity_n and_o that_o it_o alone_o be_v divine_a and_o sovereign_n because_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v of_o great_a extent_n than_o the_o world_n it_o be_v also_o as_o little_a as_o the_o least_o creature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o entire_o in_o a_o little_a flower_n as_o in_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o in_o the_o imperial_a heaven_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v a_o holy_a father_n of_o he_o god_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o equal_a to_o all_o meditate_v but_o a_o little_a devout_a soul_n on_o this_o truth_n and_o by_o it_o you_o will_v clear_o discern_v that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a of_o all_o those_o who_o you_o love_v and_o which_o also_o love_v you_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a object_n of_o love_n because_o in_o he_o alone_o you_o will_v find_v the_o two_o most_o necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v love_v to_o wit_n superiority_n and_o equality_n that_o be_v a_o great_a infinity_o which_o infinity_o elevate_v he_o above_o you_o and_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o as_o i_o may_v say_v lessen_v he_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v equal_a with_o you_o thereby_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o power_n may_v as_o it_o be_v be_v able_a to_o enter_v into_o your_o heart_n and_o thereby_o render_v you_o infinite_o and_o eternal_o happy_a he_o alone_o be_v your_o master_n and_o equal_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o he_o you_o may_v say_v with_o truth_n my_o belove_a to_o i_o and_o i_o to_o he_o notwithstand_v he_o be_v god_n and_o i_o be_o nothing_o by_o a_o ineffable_a mystery_n he_o be_v fit_a for_o i_o and_o i_o for_o he_o his_o wisdom_n have_v take_v my_o measure_n upon_o he_o and_o render_v my_o littleness_n capable_a after_o some_o manner_n of_o contain_v his_o immensity_n chap._n xvi_o when_o particular_a reverence_n be_v to_o be_v show_v wherefore_o o_o holy_a sunamite_n in_o the_o church_n and_o at_o time_n of_o adoration_n and_o divine_a mystery_n appear_v not_o in_o his_o presence_n but_o as_o a_o annihilate_v shadow_n by_o a_o profound_a humility_n but_o in_o the_o place_n and_o at_o the_o time_n i_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o and_o during_o your_o solitary_a and_o domestic_a conversation_n you_o be_v both_o to_o blame_v and_o ungrateful_a if_o you_o have_v not_o all_o the_o liberty_n familiarity_n and_o tenderness_n that_o one_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o a_o spouse_n he_o tender_o love_v and_o at_o such_o time_n speak_v no_o other_o language_n but_o that_o of_o tenderness_n and_o love._n it_o be_v there_o he_o style_v you_o his_o belove_a his_o unspoted_a dove_n and_o even_o forbid_v you_o to_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o master_n call_v i_o say_v he_o the_o god_n of_o your_o heart_n the_o god_n of_o your_o comfort_n the_o father_n of_o the_o mercy_n you_o expect_v the_o belove_a of_o your_o hope_n and_o desire_n the_o most_o lovely_a the_o most_o perfect_a your_o all_o and_o your_o only_a one_o who_o heart_n be_v but_o one_o with_o you_o and_o who_o grace_n enter_v into_o your_o soul_n to_o be_v its_o life_n never_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o command_v you_o not_o to_o call_v he_o hereafter_o baalim_fw-la that_o be_v lord_n but_o to_o call_v he_o the_o spouse_n chap._n xvii_o how_o to_o discourse_n with_o god_n concern_v himself_o moreover_o during_o these_o colloquy_n do_v not_o always_o speak_v of_o thyself_o nor_o of_o thy_o own_o affair_n nor_o of_o thy_o own_o comfort_n or_o affliction_n but_o change_v thy_o discourse_n and_o after_o thou_o have_v make_v thy_o complaint_n or_o entertain_v he_o with_o what_o happen_v in_o thy_o household_n affair_n elevate_v thy_o mind_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o what_o belong_v to_o himself_o speak_v to_o he_o of_o his_o happiness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n when_o by_o it_o he_o give_v a_o be_v to_o all_o creature_n and_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o eternal_a nothing_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o by_o sigh_n and_o devout_a exclamation_n show_v their_o eloquence_n whilst_o they_o praise_v his_o work_n how_o admirable_a be_v thy_o name_n how_o magnificent_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o how_o profound_a thy_o thought_n o_o wisdom_n that_o have_v form_v this_o great_a world._n how_o sublime_a be_v thou_o and_o how_o incomprehensible_a in_o thy_o thought_n how_o profound_a be_v thou_o in_o thy_o design_n how_o magnificent_a and_o admirable_a in_o thy_o work_n what_o a_o vast_a immensity_n do_v the_o heaven_n contain_v what_o a_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n do_v those_o uncorruptible_a light_n range_v in_o so_o beautiful_a a_o order_n send_v forth_o what_o a_o variety_n of_o good_n do_v the_o earth_n produce_v and_o the_o sea_n and_o other_o element_n bring_v forth_o how_o great_a a_o magnificence_n and_o beauty_n have_v all_o these_o creature_n and_o how_o please_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o contemplate_v they_o in_o silence_n and_o to_o let_v our_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o admiration_n and_o heavenly_a thought_n whilst_o it_o consider_v they_o thy_o power_n and_o justice_n reach_v to_o the_o high_a how_o great_a thing_n have_v thou_o make_v o_o god_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o chap._n xviii_o how_o to_o treat_v with_o he_o of_o his_o birth_n and_o passion_n be_v not_o forgetful_a also_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o his_o miracle_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n tell_v he_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o your_o meditation_n every_o day_n as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o angel_n in_o paradise_n for_o eternity_n o_o redeemer_n of_o my_o life_n how_o often_o do_v i_o think_v of_o they_o and_o how_o sweet_a a_o repose_n do_v the_o contemplation_n of_o your_o crib_n and_o cross_n your_o glorious_a annihilation_n bring_v along_o with_o they_o hereupon_o call_v to_o mind_v such_o thought_n as_o occur_v during_o your_o meditation_n or_o those_o you_o have_v read_v in_o book_n or_o hear_v in_o sermon_n recount_v they_o as_o thing_n you_o can_v forbear_v speak_v or_o meditate_v of_o and_o mingle_v with_o they_o act_n of_o love_n thanksgiving_n admiration_n and_o faith_n i_o believe_v those_o inestimmable_a mystery_n what_o your_o church_n and_o gospel_n teach_v i_o have_v believe_v they_o ever_o since_o my_o birth_n and_o i_o say_v every_o day_n and_o will_v say_v to_o the_o hour_n of_o my_o death_n that_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_a be_v my_o lord_n and_o my_o god._n this_o be_v the_o first_o word_n they_o teach_v i_o in_o my_o cradle_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v the_o last_o i_o shall_v pronounce_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v bear_v engrave_v upon_o my_o heart_n go_v to_o appear_v in_o judgement_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god._n chap._n xix_o how_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n concern_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n tell_v he_o with_o devotion_n that_o upon_o the_o cross_n you_o do_v no_o less_o clear_o behold_v your_o own_o humiliation_n and_o the_o disgrace_n of_o your_o life_n than_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god._n what_o i_o will_v say_v be_v that_o during_o these_o sort_n of_o conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n you_o ought_v not_o to_o fail_v entertain_v he_o with_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o your_o youth_n speak_v of_o they_o to_o this_o dear_a spouse_n and_o though_o in_o your_o former_a day_n of_o penance_n you_o forget_v not_o to_o tell_v he_o all_o you_o know_v yet_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o importune_v he_o by_o humble_v yourself_o in_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n tell_v he_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o those_o miserable_a year_n and_o all_o those_o sad_a occasion_n of_o offend_v he_o into_o which_o your_o companion_n bring_v you_o remember_v each_o fault_n sigh_v and_o lament_v it_o with_o tear_n and_o exercise_v act_n of_o contrition_n worthy_a of_o those_o grace_n which_o the_o death_n of_o your_o spouse_n have_v merit_v and_o which_o have_v draw_v you_o out_o of_o hell._n that_o which_o displease_v i_o my_o belove_a and_o above_o all_o afflict_v i_o in_o these_o my_o enormous_a sin_n be_v that_o my_o heart_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o have_v hatred_n for_o they_o alas_o it_o be_v very_o little_a that_o i_o alone_o