knows it self unworthy of Vertue and Praise: it embraces with equal courage all occasions of Contempt, Persecution, Infamy, Shame, and Af∣front; and as truly deserving of such reproa∣ches, it renders the Lord thanks, when it lights upon such occasions, to be treated as it deserves; and knows it self also unworthy, that he should use his justice upon it; but above all, 'tis glad of contempt and affront, because its God gets great glory by it.
193. Such a Soul as this always chooses the lowest, the vilest, and the most despised degree, as well of place, as of cloathing, and of all o∣ther things, without the least affectation of sin∣gularity; being of the opinion, that the greatest Vileness is beyond its deserts, and acknowledg∣ing it self also unworthy even of this. This is the practice that brings the Soul to a true Anni∣hilation of it self.
194. The Soul that would be perfect, begins to Mortifie its Passions; and when 'tis advanced in that Exercise, it denys it self; then, with the Divine Aid, it passes to the state of Nothing, where it despises, abhors, and plunges it self up∣on the knowledge that it is Nothing, that it can do nothing, and that it is worth nothing: From hence springs the dying in it self, and in its sen∣ses, in many ways, and at all hours; and finally, from this spiritual Death the true and perfect Annihilation derives its original; insomuch, that when the Soul is once dead to its will and un∣derstanding, 'tis properly said to be arrived at the perfect and happy state of Annihilation, which