Desiderius (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1725 edition. Excerpt: ... that Rebel to thy Lord and Mafter; haft thou affiidled, vexed and difappointed it in the Perfuit of worldly Pleafures, and defir'd to have it delpis'd and vilifi'd, and us'd with the utmoft Severity? Believe me, Brother, if thou perfevereft in this holy Exercife, it will in Time advance thee to the Summit of that fublime Virtue Humility; and thou wilt be fo incens'd with Hatred to thy Flefh, that thou wilt rejoyce and defire to fee it ill treated and defpis'd, and praife God, who hath reveng'd thee on it, thy greateft Enemy. Defi ptfiicr'tm was highly pleas'd with this Virgin's Converfation; but being defirous of inlarging his Acquaintance with the reft of this holy Family, took his Leave of her, and follow'd his Guide; who conducted him to the Apartment of another Virgin-daughter of Humility, where being very courteoufly receiv'd, Defiicrius began, the Converfation by asking her Name. My Name, reply'd fhe, is Simplicity; Simplicity is that Virtue of the Soul, whereby the Will is carried fincerely to that which the Mind judges limply and abfolutely the beft. This Re&itude or Simplicity of the Scul is by Jriftotle call'd the molt divine Light of the Soul, far furpaffing, and more delirable than all external Light. And to this Simplicity of the Soul may juftly be referr'd that Expostulation of Antonimu with himfelf: 0 my dear Soul When wilt thou be truly naked andfmcere? Lib. 10. . r. As likewile thofe Precepts and Exhortations to hi-: nfelf: Do not dijlwb thy elf, nor raife thefe earthly noifome Vapours; but become Simple. Lib. 4. . z6. For this Simplicity is the molt clear Fountain of the inward Joy and P'eafure f Life: It is that eternal and inexpreffible Peace, which is fubject to no Cares, Suspicions or Fluctuations of...