to_o all_o christian_n die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o not_o yet_o purify_v we_o must_v testify_v our_o charity_n by_o pray_v for_o they_o &_o do_v all_o other_o christian_a office_n of_o sacrifice_n alm_n &c_n &c_n for_o the_o asswage_a &_o shorten_v of_o their_o suffering_n in_o purgatory_n for_o all_o christian_n alive_a yea_o all_o man_n we_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n suitable_a to_o their_o necessity_n for_o conversion_n to_o unbeleiver_n or_o misbeleiver_n &_o also_o all_o those_o that_o be_v of_o ill_a life_n for_o increase_v of_o grace_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o good_a state_n with_o who_o likewise_o we_o must_v rejoice_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v to_o they_o &_o beg_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o all_o neither_o must_v we_o rest_v in_o mere_a desire_v such_o blessing_n to_o all_o man_n our_o neighbour_n but_o also_o upon_o occasion_n offer_v do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o procure_v of_o effect_n the_o thing_n we_o pray_v for_o by_o exhortation_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o to_o other_o much_o more_o must_v we_o express_v all_o these_o effect_n of_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o temporal_a good_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v call_v we_o be_v to_o desire_v &_o procure_v both_o for_o ourselves_o &_o other_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o god_n know_v shall_v be_v best_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o love_n 9_o notwithstanding_o though_o the_o same_o charity_n ought_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o yet_o not_o in_o the_o same_o order_n nor_o degree_n but_o to_o some_o more_o than_o other_o &_o to_o some_o also_o câ—rtaine_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o due_a to_o other_o now_o how_o to_o determine_v this_o order_n &_o degree_n though_o the_o dispute_n of_o many_o about_o it_o be_v very_o intricate_a yet_o if_o we_o stand_v firm_a to_o the_o ground_n before_o lay_v viz._n that_o only_a god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v by_o we_o in_o &_o for_o himself_o &_o ourselves_o with_o all_o other_o creature_n only_o for_o &_o in_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o clear_v this_o point_n sufficient_o 10._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o effect_n &_o expression_n of_o love_n be_v due_a to_o parent_n brethren_n &c_n &c_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o stranger_n &_o some_o to_o superior_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o inferior_n or_o equal_n &_o much_o more_o to_o husband_n &_o wife_n which_o be_v not_o due_a to_o any_o other_o yet_o love_v general_o take_v be_v due_a to_o all_o now_o our_o love_n to_o creature_n be_v as_o i_o say_v only_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o reflect_v â—â—_o reverberate_v upon_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o this_o variety_n of_o effect_n of_o love_n be_v according_a to_o the_o various_a impression_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o several_a of_o his_o creature_n for_o beside_o his_o grace_n &_o beatitude_n which_o be_v common_a alike_o to_o all_o at_o least_o of_o which_o all_o be_v capable_a &_o consequent_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o be_v his_o own_o be_v &_o near_a to_o himself_o have_v in_o a_o small_a degree_n imprint_v be_v in_o we_o the_o conservation_n &_o perfectionate_v of_o which_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n &_o endeavour_n again_o god_n as_o a_o creator_n &_o cause_n of_o be_v be_v imperfect_o exemplify_v in_o our_o parent_n &_o for_o that_o reason_n our_o parent_n next_o to_o ourselves_o may_v challenge_v our_o affection_n &_o beside_o our_o affection_n reverence_n &_o gratitude_n in_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n as_o they_o former_o do_v for_o we_o except_o when_o public_a good_a interpose_n again_o god_n as_o a_o universal_a supreme_a governor_n have_v imprint_v the_o character_n of_o his_o power_n in_o superior_n for_o which_o beside_o love_n we_o owe_v they_o obedience_n &_o respect_n &c_n &c_n in_o the_o pay_n of_o which_o duty_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v with_o our_o mind_n &_o affection_n in_o any_o of_o these_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o they_o to_o god_n in_o who_o reside_v that_o perfection_n in_o a_o infinite_a plenitude_n for_o which_o we_o express_v the_o say_v respective_a office_n to_o several_a of_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a creator_n that_o we_o honour_n in_o our_o parent_n &_o the_o supreme_a king_n of_o king_n that_o we_o obey_v in_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n 11._o but_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o though_o no_o duty_n that_o we_o perform_v have_v any_o merit_n but_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o charity_n &_o be_v command_v &_o order_v by_o it_o yet_o love_v as_o love_v &_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o love_n as_o such_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o these_o duty_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v although_o we_o do_v not_o inward_o love_v the_o person_n to_o who_o we_o pay_v they_o yea_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n himself_o we_o may_v distinguish_v these_o thing_n 12._o although_o god_n have_v no_o further_a relation_n to_o we_o then_o that_o we_o have_v our_o be_v from_o he_o nay_o though_o we_o know_v not_o so_o much_o yet_o if_o we_o know_v how_o infinite_a his_o power_n wisdom_n dominion_n etc._n etc._n be_v we_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n tremble_v at_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o will_v not_o produce_v love_n in_o we_o towards_o he_o the_o object_n of_o which_o must_v be_v good_a that_o be_v such_o perfection_n as_o be_v aimable_fw-fr &_o render_v a_o subject_a beautiful_a or_o agreeable_a &_o withal_o there_o must_v be_v a_o possibility_n at_o least_o in_o the_o imagination_n that_o the_o person_n love_a may_v in_o some_o sort_n participate_v of_o such_o perfection_n now_o in_o god_n there_o be_v aknowledge_v all_o the_o possible_a perfection_n that_o can_v compose_v a_o inconceivable_a pulchritude_n and_o moreover_o he_o have_v signify_v his_o readiness_n to_o communicate_v unto_o we_o by_o a_o affective_a identification_n or_o union_n all_o those_o perfection_n if_o we_o will_v approach_v unto_o he_o by_o love_n so_o requite_v the_o love_n which_o he_o first_o bear_v to_o we_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v god_n proper_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n to_o which_o purpose_n s._n john_n say_v that_o god_n love_v we_o first_o not_o because_o we_o deserve_v it_o but_o to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v we_o deserve_v his_o love_n &_o because_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n capable_a of_o enjoy_v his_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n &_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o propose_v himself_o &_o his_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o love_n but_o because_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o friend_n stand_v upon_o even_a term_n but_o infinite_o supereminent_a &_o exalt_v above_o we_o therefore_o with_o love_n we_o pay_v most_o submiss_a obedience_n adoration_n humiliation_n of_o ourselves_o admiration_n etc._n etc._n with_o regard_n to_o his_o other_o perfection_n &_o relation_n the_o which_o duty_n be_v only_o meritorious_a because_o proceed_v from_o love_n &_o they_o proceed_v from_o love_n because_o these_o other_o perfection_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o friend_n &_o such_o as_o in_o all_o our_o need_n shall_v be_v exercise_v &_o employ_v for_o our_o good_a 13._o proportional_o in_o creature_n those_o be_v most_o to_o be_v love_v in_o who_o the_o quality_n produce_v love_n do_v most_o reside_v or_o in_o regard_n of_o which_o especial_o we_o love_v god_n &_o god_n we_o that_o be_v goodness_n purity_n justice_n charity_n &_o the_o like_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o we_o be_v by_o a_o pure_a affection_n of_o charity_n simple_o consider_v as_o charity_n to_o love_v those_o most_o that_o god_n love_v most_o &_o in_o who_o soul_n god_n by_o his_o grace_n deserve_v love_n do_v most_o perfect_o dwell_v &_o which_o most_o partake_v of_o his_o happiness_n the_o supreme_a object_n therefore_o of_o our_o charity_n among_o creature_n be_v the_o most_o bless_a humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o next_o thereto_o his_o heavenly_a virgin_n mother_n &_o after_o they_o the_o heavenly_a angel_n &_o bless_a saint_n and_o on_o earth_n the_o most_o perfect_a of_o god_n child_n 14._o now_o though_o this_o assertion_n do_v seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o charity_n be_v to_o begin_v after_o god_n with_o ourselves_o &_o that_o after_o ourselves_o it_o be_v to_o be_v next_o extend_v to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o near_a relation_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n to_o we_o yet_o indeed_o it_o do_v not_o for_o although_o the_o affection_n of_o charity_n simple_o consider_v in_o itself_o be_v only_o to_o regard_n god_n &_o for_o his_o sake_n those_o that_o have_v near_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o be_v most_o like_o
which_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o yet_o to_o join_v with_o he_o but_o however_o he_o show_v in_o his_o bookâ—_n style_v la_fw-fr vie_n interieure_fw-fr that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o mystick_n union_n and_o that_o be_v so_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o former_a supposition_n 46._o beside_o these_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v other_o passage_n that_o thou_o also_o devout_a reader_n if_o thou_o have_v have_v the_o perusal_n before_o the_o impression_n will_v perhaps_o have_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o explain_v or_o interpret_v more_o at_o large_a if_o it_o prove_v so_o all_o we_o can_v do_v be_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o thy_o own_o candour_n and_o charity_n promise_v upon_o a_o re-impression_n all_o satisfaction_n possible_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n request_v that_o our_o own_o good_a meaning_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o approver_n may_v be_v our_o safeguard_n only_o one_o suit_n we_o make_v unto_o thou_o most_o reasonable_a and_o just_a which_o be_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o any_o passage_n till_o thou_o have_v read_v the_o whole_a book_n the_o same_o point_n and_o matter_n do_v occasional_o come_v in_o in_o several_a place_n and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o great_a a_o tire_v of_o thou_o to_o repeat_v in_o every_o place_n all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o phrase_n necessary_a for_o explanation_n or_o prevention_n of_o suspicion_n and_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o own_o good_a principal_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o reader_n we_o shall_v stand_v in_o little_a need_n of_o prepare_v thou_o with_o apology_n and_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o hurt_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o reader_n we_o thank_v god_n we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o least_o ill_a design_n to_o make_v we_o fear_v except_o only_o in_o thy_o behalf_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v be_v god_n almighty_a make_v thou_o whosever_v thou_o be_v a_o practiser_n of_o the_o good_a that_o thou_o will_v certain_o find_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v either_o for_o thou_o or_o ourselves_o 47._o thus_o true_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o i_o devout_a reader_n thou_o may_v free_o and_o without_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o any_o danger_n peruse_v and_o make_v thy_o best_a benefit_n of_o these_o follow_a instruction_n the_o which_o moreover_o as_o thou_o see_v have_v pass_v the_o censure_n and_o deserve_v the_o approbation_n of_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a person_n what_o ever_o opinion_n thou_o shall_v after_o read_v have_v of_o they_o at_o least_o i_o will_v oblige_v thou_o to_o acknouledge_v that_o here_o in_o the_o treatise_n that_o follow_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o covert_n indirect_a meaning_n or_o design_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n new_a a_o day_n to_o broach_v any_o bold_a new-fangled_a invention_n and_o much_o less_o of_o maintain_v undue_o what_o shall_v be_v duâ—y_o find_v fault_n with_o since_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o common_a view_v by_o one_o that_o as_o he_o hitherto_o have_v so_o here_o he_o do_v and_o by_o god_n grace_n ever_o will_v submit_v himself_o and_o his_o write_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o next_o to_o all_o other_o his_o superior_n this_o i_o profess_v as_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o humble_a obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o if_o i_o do_v not_o moreover_o express_o signify_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n i_o can_v not_o avoid_v some_o degree_n of_o guilt_n and_o imputation_n of_o not_o deliver_v candide_o and_o faithful_o our_o venerable_a author_n sense_n who_o in_o many_o place_n protest_v the_o like_a submission_n of_o all_o his_o write_n to_o all_o lawful_a authority_n whatsoever_o farewell_n dear_a reader_n oremus_fw-la invicens_fw-la ut_fw-la saluemur_fw-la amen_o the_o first_o treatise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o general_n the_o first_o treatise_n and_o first_o section_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n thereof_o and_o general_a disposition_n require_v thereto_o cap._n i._n 1._o cap._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o continual_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n the_o end_n of_o man_n creation_n &_o practise_v by_o adam_n in_o innocence_n §_o 4._o 5._o man_n fall_n &_o misery_n through_o sin_n §_o 4._o 5._o which_o be_v transfuse_v into_o we_o &_o all_o his_o posterity_n §_o 8._o 9_o the_o reparation_n of_o mankind_n by_o christ_n §_o 10._o 11._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o divine_a love_n by_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o adam_n do_v 1._o it_o be_v only_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o move_v almighty_a god_n to_o create_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o &_o particular_o in_o this_o inferior_a visible_a world_n to_o create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n &_o similitude_n consist_v of_o a_o frail_a earthly_a body_n which_o be_v the_o prison_n of_o a_o immortal_a intellectual_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o his_o understanding_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o unlimited_a knowledge_n &_o by_o his_o will_n which_o can_v be_v replenish_v which_o any_o object_n of_o goodness_n less_o than_o infinite_a he_o may_v so_o govern_v &_o order_v himself_o &_o all_o other_o visible_a creature_n as_o thereby_o to_o arrive_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wit_n eternal_a beatitude_n both_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o heaven_n the_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o return_v to_o the_o divine_a principle_n from_o who_o he_o flow_v &_o a_o inconceaveible_o happy_a union_n with_o he_o both_o in_o mind_n contemplate_v eternal_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n &_o in_o will_n &_o affection_n eternal_o love_v admire_a &_o enjoy_v the_o say_a perfection_n 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v not_o except_o by_o his_o own_o free_a &_o wilful_a choice_n of_o misery_n fail_v from_o attain_v to_o the_o only_a universal_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n god_n be_v please_v to_o the_o natural_a vast_a capacity_n of_o man_n understanding_n &_o wâ—ll_n to_o add_v a_o supernatural_a light_n illustrate_v his_o mind_n to_o believe_v &_o know_v he_o &_o divine_a charity_n in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o weight_n to_o incline_v &_o draw_v the_o soul_n with_o out_o any_o defect_n or_o interruption_n to_o love_n god_n &_o he_o only_o so_o that_o by_o a_o continual_a presence_n of_o this_o light_n &_o a_o uninterrupt_a exercise_n of_o this_o love_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_v in_o time_n have_v attein_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o perfection_n of_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n as_o with_o out_o die_v to_o merit_v a_o translation_n from_o hence_o to_o heaven_n there_o eternal_o to_o enjoy_v a_o far_o more_o incomprehensible_o perfect_a and_o beatify_a union_n with_o god_n 3._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o happiness_n &_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v essential_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o union_n which_o adam_n during_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v &_o will_v always_o have_v practise_v be_v in_o a_o sort_n perpetual_a never_o be_v interrupt_v except_o perhaps_o in_o sleep_n for_o love_v god_n only_o &_o pure_o for_o himself_o he_o have_v no_o strange_a affection_n to_o distract_v he_o and_o the_o image_n of_o creature_n which_o either_o by_o his_o consideration_n of_o they_o or_o operation_n about_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o internal_a sense_n do_v not_o at_o all_o divert_v his_o mind_n from_o god_n because_o he_o contemplate_v they_o only_o in_o order_n to_o god_n or_o rather_o he_o contemplate_v god_n alone_o in_o they_o love_v &_o serve_v he_o only_o in_o all_o his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o working_n about_o they_o so_o that_o creature_n and_o all_o office_n towards_o they_o serve_v as_o step_n to_o raise_v adam_n to_o a_o more_o sublime_a &_o more_o intime_fw-la union_n with_o god_n the_o which_o be_v both_o his_o duty_n &_o his_o present_a happiness_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o his_o future_a eternal_a beatitude_n 4._o but_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o a_o wilful_a contempt_n &_o transgression_n of_o that_o one_o most_o easy_a command_n which_o god_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o not_o only_o break_v the_o foresay_a union_n &_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v god_n eternal_o in_o the_o future_a life_n but_o moreover_o be_v utter_o deve_v of_o all_o supernatural_a grace_n &_o extreme_o weaken_v &_o disorder_v in_o all_o their_o natural_a gift_n so_o that_o have_v lose_v that_o
the_o compass_v a_o design_n so_o heavenly_a qualify_a they_o not_o only_o with_o good_a natural_a propension_n to_o those_o internal_a way_n of_o love_n lead_v to_o this_o end_n but_o also_o call_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o life_n abstract_v from_o the_o world_n the_o vanity_n &_o sollioitude_n of_o it_o and_o withal_o supernatural_a light_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o secret_a path_n of_o this_o love_n and_o last_o strong_a resolution_n and_o perseverance_n with_o courage_n to_o break_v through_o all_o discouragement_n difficulty_n persecution_n aridity_n &_o whatsoever_o opposition_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o they_o either_o from_o concupiscence_n within_o or_o the_o world_n without_o or_o the_o devil_n join_v with_o both_o against_o a_o design_n of_o all_o other_o most_o hurtful_a to_o he_o &_o most_o destructive_a to_o his_o pretension_n 11._o and_o for_o a_o yet_o further_o and_o great_a encouragement_n unto_o they_o to_o embrace_v &_o prosecute_v so_o glorious_a a_o design_n they_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o beside_o this_o hitherto_o describe_v happy_a union_n of_o a_o contemplative_a soul_n with_o god_n by_o perfect_a charity_n in_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n herself_o active_o concur_v not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o fruition_n but_o also_o in_o the_o dispose_n herself_o immediate_o thereto_o there_o be_v other_o union_n entire_o supernatural_a not_o at_o all_o procure_v or_o so_o much_o as_o intend_v by_o the_o soul_n herself_o but_o gracious_o &_o free_o confer_v by_o god_n upon_o some_o soul_n in_o the_o which_o he_o after_o a_o wonderful_a and_o inconceiveable_a manner_n afford_v they_o interior_a illumination_n and_o touch_n yet_o far_o more_o efficacious_a and_o divine_a in_o all_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o mere_a patient_n and_o only_o suffer_v god_n to_o work_v his_o divine_a pleasure_n in_o she_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o further_o nor_o hinder_v it_o the_o which_o union_n though_o they_o last_v but_o even_o as_o it_o be_v a_o moment_n of_o time_n yet_o do_v more_o illuminate_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n than_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o active_a exercise_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n or_o mortification_n can_v do_v cap._n iu._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o a_o strong_a resolution_n necessary_a in_o the_o beginning_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o consider_v first_o the_o length_n and_o tediousness_n of_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n in_o mortification_n §_o 10._o 11._o and_o also_o many_o degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v pass_v §_o 12._o therefore_o it_o be_v seldom_o attein_v &_o not_o till_o a_o decline_a age._n §_o 13._o except_o by_o god_n extraordinary_a favour_n to_o a_o few_o §_o 14._o yet_o old_a &_o young_a aught_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n §_o 15._o a_o motive_n to_o resolution_n be_v the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n §_o 16._o and_o those_o both_o from_o with_o out_o and_z within_z 1._o the_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n therefore_o be_v so_o supereminent_o noble_a and_o divine_a that_o beatify_v soul_n do_v prosecute_v the_o same_o and_o no_o other_o in_o heaven_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o the_o same_o beatify_a object_n which_o be_v now_o obscure_o see_v by_o faith_n and_o imperfect_o embrace_v by_o love_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v see_v clear_o and_o perfect_o enjoy_v the_o primary_n and_o most_o general_a duty_n require_v in_o soul_n which_o by_o god_n vocation_n do_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o admire_v love_n and_o long_o after_o this_o union_n and_o to_o fix_v a_o immovable_a resolution_n through_o god_n grace_n &_o assistance_n to_o attempt_v and_o persevere_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o design_n indespight_n of_o all_o opposition_n through_o light_n &_o darkness_n through_o consolation_n &_o desolation_n etc._n etc._n as_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v cheap_o purchase_v though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o comfort_n that_o nature_n can_v find_v or_o expect_v in_o creature_n 2._o the_o fix_v of_o such_o a_o courageous_a resolution_n be_v of_o so_o main_a importance_n &_o necessity_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o fail_v or_o yield_v to_o any_o though_o the_o feirce_v tentation_n that_o may_v occur_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v reassume_v the_o whole_a design_n will_v be_v ruin_v and_o therefore_o devout_a soul_n be_v oftentimes_o to_o renew_v such_o a_o resolution_n and_o especial_o when_o any_o difficulty_n present_v itself_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v oft_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n thereof_o in_o these_o follow_a instruction_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v loftiness_n presumption_n or_o pride_n to_o tend_v to_o so_o sublime_a a_o end_n but_o it_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a ambition_n and_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n yea_o the_o root_n of_o it_o be_v true_a solid_a humility_n join_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o vile_a esteem_n and_o some_o degree_n of_o a_o holy_a hatred_n of_o ourselves_o from_o who_o we_o desire_v to_o fly_v and_o a_o just_a esteem_n obedience_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o who_o only_o we_o desire_v to_o adhere_v &_o be_v inseparable_o unite_v 4._o happy_a therefore_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o habitual_a thirst_n &_o longing_n after_o this_o union_n if_o she_o will_v seek_v to_o assuage_v it_o by_o continual_a approach_n to_o this_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n labour_v thereto_o with_o daily_a externall_n &_o internal_a working_n the_o very_a tendance_n to_o this_o union_n in_o which_o our_o whole_a essential_a happiness_n consist_v have_v in_o it_o some_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o be_v a_o imperfect_a union_n dispose_v to_o a_o perfect_a one_o for_o by_o such_o internal_a tendance_n &_o aspire_v we_o get_v by_o little_a &_o little_o out_o of_o nature_n into_o god_n and_o that_o with_o out_o such_o a_o interior_a tendance_n &_o desire_v no_o exterior_a sufferance_n or_o observance_n will_v imprint_v any_o true_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o bring_v she_o near_o to_o god_n we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o suso_n who_o for_o the_o first_o five_o year_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n find_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o soul_n at_o all_o notwthstanding_n all_o his_o care_n &_o exactness_n in_o exterior_a regular_a observance_n and_o mortification_n he_o perceive_v plain_o that_o still_o he_o want_v some_o thing_n but_o what_o that_o be_v he_o can_v not_o tell_v till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v it_o to_o he_o and_o put_v he_o in_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o his_o desire_n which_o be_v in_o spirit_n to_o tend_v continual_o to_o this_o union_n with_o out_o which_o all_o his_o austerity_n and_o observance_n serve_v little_a or_o nothing_o as_o proceed_v principal_o from_o self_n love_n selfe-iudgment_n &_o the_o satisfy_n of_o nature_n even_o by_o cross_v it_o 4._o let_v nothing_o therefore_o deter_v a_o welminded_a soul_n from_o persevere_v with_o fervour_n in_o this_o firm_a resolution_n no_o not_o the_o sight_n of_o her_o daily_a defect_n imperfection_n or_o sin_n or_o remorse_n for_o they_o but_o rather_o let_v she_o increase_v in_o courage_n even_o from_o her_o fall_n and_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o she_o own_o impotency_n let_v she_o be_v incite_v to_o run_v more_o earnest_o &_o adhere_v more_o firm_o unto_o god_n by_o who_o she_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o conquer_v all_o resistance_n 5._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o sincerity_n may_v be_v use_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o these_o instruction_n and_o that_o all_o vain_a compliance_n &_o flattery_n may_v be_v avoid_v the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n be_v 1._o both_o a_o very_o long_o tedious_a way_n and_o 2._o withal_o there_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o it_o many_o grievous_a painful_a &_o bitter_a tentation_n and_o cross_n to_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o be_v a_o way_n that_o whole_o and_o universal_o contradict_v &_o destroy_v all_o the_o vain_a case_n contentment_n interest_n and_o design_n of_o nature_n teach_v a_o soul_n to_o die_v unto_o self-love_n selfe-iudgment_n and_o all_o propriety_n and_o to_o raise_v herself_o out_o of_o nature_n seek_v to_o live_v in_o a_o region_n exalt_v above_o nature_n to_o wit_n the_o region_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o which_o be_v once_o come_v she_o will_v find_v nothing_o but_o light_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o which_o difficulty_n consider_v instead_o of_o be_v discourage_v she_o will_v if_o she_o be_v true_o touch_v with_o god_n spirit_n rather_o increase_v her_o fervour_n &_o courage_n to_o pursue_v a_o design_n so_o noble_a &_o divine_a for_o which_o alone_o she_o be_v create_v especial_o 3._o consider_v the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o negligent_a tepide_fw-la and_o spiritual_o slothful_a life_n
difficulty_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v many_o way_n that_o seem_v and_o promise_v to_o lead_v thither_o but_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o be_v too_o great_a nevertheless_o one_o way_n he_o know_v which_o if_o he_o will_v diligent_o pursue_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n &_o mark_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o though_o say_v he_o i_o can_v promise_v thou_o a_o security_n from_o many_o fright_n beat_n &_o other_o ill_a usage_n &_o tentation_n of_o all_o kind_n but_o if_o thou_o can_v have_v courage_n &_o patience_n enough_o to_o suffer_v they_o without_o quarrel_v or_o resist_v or_o trouble_v thyself_o &_o so_o pass_v on_o have_v this_o only_a in_o thy_o mund_o &_o sometime_o on_o thy_o tongue_n i_o have_v naught_v i_o be_o naught_v i_o desire_v naught_v but_o to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n my_o life_n for_o thou_o thou_o will_v escape_v safe_a with_o thy_o life_n &_o in_o a_o competent_a time_n arrive_v thither_o 3._o the_o pilgrim_n overioy_v with_o these_o news_n answer_v so_o i_o may_v have_v my_o life_n safe_a &_o may_v at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o place_n that_o i_o above_o all_o thing_n only_o desire_v i_o care_v not_o what_o misery_n i_o suffer_v in_o the_o way_n therefore_o let_v i_o know_v only_o what_o course_n i_o be_o to_o take_v &_o god_n willing_a i_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o observe_v careful_o your_o direction_n the_o guide_n reply_v since_o thou_o have_v so_o good_a a_o will_n though_o i_o myself_o never_o be_v so_o happy_a to_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n notwithstanding_o be_v confident_a that_o by_o the_o instruction_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v follow_v they_o thou_o shall_v come_v safe_a to_o thy_o journey_n end_n 4._o now_o the_o advice_n that_o i_o be_o to_o give_v thou_o in_o brief_a be_v this_o before_o thou_o set_v the_o first_o step_n into_o the_o high_a way_n that_o lead_v thither_o thou_o must_v be_v firm_o ground_v in_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n moreover_o whatsoever_o sin_n thou_o find_v in_o thy_o conscience_n thou_o must_v seek_v to_o purge_v they_o away_o by_o hearty_a penance_n &_o absolution_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v do_v begin_v thy_o journey_n in_o god_n name_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v furnish6d_v with_o two_o necessary_a instrument_n humility_n &_o charity_n both_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o forementioned_a speech_n which_o must_v always_o be_v ready_a in_o thy_o mind_n i_o be_o naught_v i_o have_v naught_v i_o desire_v but_o only_a one_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o in_o peace_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o meaning_n &_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n therefore_o thou_o must_v have_v continual_o at_o least_o in_o thy_o thought_n either_o express_o or_o virtual_o humility_n say_v i_o be_o naught_v i_o have_v naught_v love_n say_v i_o desire_v naught_v but_o jesus_n these_o two_o companion_n thou_o must_v never_o part_v from_o neither_o will_v they_o willing_o be_v separate_v from_o one_o another_o for_o they_o accord_v very_o love_o together_o and_o the_o deep_a thou_o grounde_v thyself_o in_o humility_n the_o high_a thou_o raise_v thyself_o in_o charity_n for_o the_o more_o thou_o see_v &_o feel_v thyself_o to_o be_v nothing_o with_o the_o more_o fervent_a love_n will_v thou_o desire_v jesus_n that_o by_o he_o who_o be_v all_o thou_o may_v become_v something_o 5._o now_o this_o same_o humility_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v not_o so_o much_o in_o consider_v thy_o own_o self_n thy_o sinfullnes_n &_o misery_n though_o to_o do_v thus_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o good_a &_o profitable_a but_o rather_o in_o a_o quiet_a love_a sight_n of_o the_o infinite_a endless_a be_v &_o goodness_n of_o jesus_n the_o which_o behold_v of_o jesus_n must_v be_v either_o through_o grace_n in_o a_o savourous_a feel_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o at_o least_o in_o a_o full_a &_o firm_a faith_n in_o he_o and_o such_o a_o behold_v when_o thou_o shall_v attain_v to_o it_o will_v work_v in_o thy_o mind_n a_o far_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a solid_a &_o perfect_a humility_n than_o the_o former_a way_n of_o behold_v thyself_o the_o which_o produce_v a_o humility_n more_o gross_a boisterous_a &_o unquiet_a by_o that_o thou_o will_v see_v &_o feel_v thyself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o most_o wretched_a filthy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o in_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o thy_o soul_n set_v aside_o the_o foulness_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o for_o true_o in_o &_o of_o thyself_o &_o in_o regard_n of_o jesus_n who_o real_o &_o in_o truth_n be_v all_o thou_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o till_o thou_o have_v the_o love_n of_o jesus_n yea_o &_o feel_v that_o thou_o have_v his_o love_n although_o thou_o have_v do_v to_o thy_o seem_n never_o so_o many_o good_a deed_n both_o outward_a &_o inward_a yet_o in_o truth_n thou_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o nothing_o will_v abide_v in_o thy_o soul_n &_o fill_v it_o but_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n therefore_o cast_v all_o other_o thing_n behind_o thou_o &_o forget_v they_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v that_o which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o and_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v become_v a_o true_a pilgrim_n that_o leave_v behind_o he_o house_n &_o wife_n &_o child_n &_o friend_n &_o good_n &_o make_v himself_o poor_a &_o bare_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v go_v on_o his_o journey_n light_o &_o merry_o without_o hindrance_n 6._o well_o now_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o way_n travel_v towards_o jerusalem_n the_o which_o travel_v consist_v in_o work_v inward_o &_o when_o need_n be_v outward_o too_o such_o work_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n and_o state_n and_o such_o as_o will_v help_v &_o increase_v in_o thou_o this_o gracious_a desire_n that_o thou_o have_v to_o love_n jesus_n only_o let_v thy_o work_n be_v what_o they_o will_v think_v or_o read_v or_o preach_v or_o labour_v &c_n &c_n if_o thou_o find_v that_o they_o draw_v thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a vanity_n &_o confirm_v thy_o heart_n &_o will_n more_o to_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n it_o be_v good_a &_o profitable_a for_o thou_o to_o use_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o find_v that_o find_v that_o through_o custom_n such_o work_n do_v in_o time_n loose_v their_o savour_n &_o virtue_n to_o increase_v this_o love_n &_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o feel_v more_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a profit_n in_o some_o other_o take_v these_o other_o &_o leave_v those_o for_o though_o the_o inclination_n &_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o jesus_n must_v ever_o be_v unchangeable_a nevertheless_o thy_o spiritual_a work_n that_o thou_o shall_v use_v in_o thy_o manner_n of_o pray_v read_v &c._n &c._n to_o the_o end_n to_o feed_v &_o strengthen_v this_o desire_n may_v well_o be_v change_v according_a as_o thou_o feel_v thyself_o by_o grace_n dispose_v in_o the_o apply_v of_o thy_o heart_n bound_v not_o thyself_o therefore_o unchangeable_o to_o voluntary_a custom_n for_o that_o will_v hinder_v the_o freedom_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o love_n jesus_n if_o grace_n will_v visit_v thou_o special_o 7._o before_o thou_o have_v make_v many_o step_n in_o the_o way_n thou_o must_v expect_v a_o world_n of_o enemy_n of_o several_a kind_n that_o will_v besett_n the_o round_o about_o &_o all_o of_o they_o will_v endeavour_v busy_o to_o hinder_v thou_o from_o go_v forward_o yea_o &_o if_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n they_o will_v either_o by_o persuasion_n flattery_n or_o violence_n force_v thou_o to_o return_v home_o again_o to_o those_o vanity_n that_o thou_o have_v forsake_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o grieve_v they_o so_o much_o as_o to_o see_v a_o resolute_a desire_n in_o thy_o heart_n to_o love_n jesus_n &_o to_o travail_v to_o find_v he_o therefore_o they_o will_v all_o conspire_v to_o put_v out_o of_o thy_o heart_n that_o good_a desire_n &_o love_n in_o which_o all_o virtue_n be_v comprise_v 8._o thy_o first_o enemy_n that_o will_v assault_v thou_o will_v be_v fleshly_a desire_n &_o vain_a fear_n of_o thy_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o with_o these_o there_o will_v join_v unclean_a spirit_n that_o with_o sâ—eights_n &_o tentation_n will_v seek_v to_o allure_v thy_o heart_n to_o they_o &_o to_o withdraw_v it_o from_o jesus_n but_o whatsoever_o they_o say_v bebeive_v they_o not_o but_o betake_v thyself_o to_o thy_o old_a only_a secure_a remedy_n answer_v ever_o thus_o i_o be_o naught_v i_o have_v naught_v and_o i_o desire_v naught_v but_o only_a the_o love_n of_o jesus_n &_o so_o hold_v forth_o on_o thy_o way_n desire_v jesus_n only_o 9_o if_o they_o endeavour_v to_o put_v dread_v &_o scruple_n into_o thy_o mind_n &_o will_v make_v thou_o believe_v that_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v penance_n enough_o
great_a perfection_n of_o internal_a purity_n than_o we_o be_v former_o as_o christian_n answerable_a to_o the_o great_a help_n and_o advantage_n thereto_o afford_v in_o religion_n and_o particular_o we_o have_v a_o obligation_n to_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v at_o least_o of_o extreme_a difficulty_n in_o a_o ordinary_a distract_a solicitous_a secular_a state_n 23._o and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v collect_v this_o most_o true_a and_o profitable_a observation_n to_o wit_n that_o whosoever_o will_v attempt_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contemplation_n miserable_o decay_v in_o these_o day_n will_v labour_v in_o vain_a if_o he_o think_v to_o compass_v his_o holy_a design_n by_o multiply_v of_o ceremony_n inlarge_v of_o office_n increase_v of_o externall_n austeritys_n rigorous_a regulate_v of_o diet_n and_o abstinence_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n will_v have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n unless_o the_o mind_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v true_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n &_o obligation_n to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o internal_a guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v rather_o hinder_v then_o advance_v by_o the_o excessive_a multiplication_n of_o outward_a observance_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n s._n benedict_n who_o sure_o have_v a_o most_o perfect_a light_n &_o a_o equal_a zeal_n at_o least_o to_o advance_v the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n be_v very_o moderate_a in_o these_o thing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a very_o severe_a in_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o silence_n solitude_n and_o abstraction_n of_o life_n the_o which_o do_v most_o direct_o and_o efficacious_o beget_v a_o habitual_a introversion_n and_o recollectednesse_n of_o spirit_n the_o ineffectualnesse_n therefore_o of_o these_o new_a way_n of_o reformation_n we_o see_v daily_a proof_n of_o by_o the_o short_a continuance_n of_o they_o for_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o enlighten_v nor_o enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n suitable_a to_o their_o state_n to_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o such_o great_a austeritys_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o say_a spirit_n become_v in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o that_o the_o first_o zeal_n much_o cause_v by_o the_o novelty_n and_o reputation_n gain_v in_o the_o world_n be_v cool_v to_o grow_v weary_a not_o find_v that_o inward_a satisfaction_n &_o profit_n which_o they_o expect_v and_o so_o they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a tepidity_n &_o relaxation_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o a_o religious_a person_n be_v not_o perfect_a by_o his_o profession_n §_o 4._o 5._o 6._o 7._o whether_o and_o how_o far_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o religion_n will_v excuse_v §_o 8._o 9_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o that_o know_a will_v not_o pursue_v internal_a way_n of_o recollection_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n and_o much_o more_o of_o those_o that_o discountenance_n it_o §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o vain_a pretence_n of_o those_o that_o discountenance_n internal_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n §_o 13._o a_o description_n of_o a_o externall_n and_o a_o internal_a monk_n out_o of_o hesychius_n 1._o our_o obligation_n therefore_o to_o tend_v to_o perfect_a internal_a purity_n &_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a &_o so_o undispensable_a what_o account_n think_v we_o will_v some_o religious_a person_n be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o miserable_a deficienty_n in_o this_o so_o essential_a a_o condition_n 2._o religion_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n not_o that_o by_o the_o mere_a take_v a_o religious_a profession_n or_o habit_n a_o person_n be_v thereby_o more_o perfect_a than_o he_o be_v before_o but_o because_o by_o renounce_v those_o distractive_a impediment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o not_o only_o may_v far_o more_o easy_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n but_o moreover_o by_o assume_v such_o a_o state_n he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o employ_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o he_o find_v in_o religion_n as_o mean_n to_o approach_v near_o to_o this_o perfection_n daily_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n he_o either_o can_v or_o be_v oblige_v the_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o enjoy_v any_o privilege_n in_o god_n sight_n by_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o state_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o negligence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o such_o advantage_n and_o talent_n give_v he_o 3._o s._n paulinus_n excellent_o illustrate_v this_o truth_n by_o this_o similitude_n he_o compare_v the_o world_n to_o a_o dry_a scorch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n and_o celestial_a happiness_n to_o a_o most_o delicious_a paradise_n divide_v from_o this_o desert_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o tempestuous_a river_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v pass_v by_o swim_v the_o secure_a way_n to_o pass_v over_o this_o river_n be_v by_o quit_v once_o clothes_n but_o few_o there_o be_v that_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o weather_n for_o a_o while_n and_o therefore_o adventure_v over_o clothes_n and_o all_o and_o of_o they_o god_n know_n a_o world_n miscarry_v by_o the_o way_n some_o few_o other_o such_o be_v religious_a person_n see_v this_o danger_n take_v a_o good_a resolution_n to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o their_o clothes_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o light_a and_o nimble_a by_o cast_v away_o all_o impediment_n how_o dear_a soever_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v do_v it_o remain_v that_o they_o shall_v labour_v naked_a as_o they_o be_v with_o swim_v to_o pass_v the_o river_n but_o this_o they_o neglect_v to_o do_v or_o take_v so_o little_a pain_n and_o strive_v so_o negligent_o against_o the_o wave_n and_o stream_n that_o all_o they_o do_v come_v to_o nothing_o they_o be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n and_o as_o far_o from_o paradise_n as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o whereas_o they_o glorify_v themselves_o because_o they_o be_v naked_a that_o will_v rather_o aggravate_v their_o folly_n and_o make_v their_o negligence_n far_o more_o culpable_a in_o that_o have_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n they_o will_v not_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o do_v that_o for_o which_o they_o cast_v of_o their_o clothes_n 4._o now_o the_o impediment_n either_o much_o delay_n or_o quite_o hinder_v many_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v natural_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n from_o comply_v with_o this_o most_o necessary_a obligation_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o understanding_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o will_n concern_v this_o latter_a which_o be_v self-love_n a_o settle_a affection_n to_o creature_n negligence_n etc._n etc._n much_o have_v already_o be_v say_v and_o more_o will_v hereafter_o be_v add_v but_o concern_v the_o other_o impediment_n seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a way_n lead_v to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a life_n i_o will_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o such_o ignorance_n may_v excuse_v a_o religious_a person_n that_o do_v not_o aspire_v to_o that_o perfection_n to_o which_o his_o state_n oblige_v he_o 5._o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o may_v in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o twofold_a ignorance_n 1._o a_o ignorance_n in_o gross_a that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o obligation_n 2._o on_o supposition_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v inform_v that_o she_o have_v such_o a_o obligation_n a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o acquire_v of_o this_o perfection_n the_o which_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v mortification_n and_o principal_o internal_a prayer_n 6._o first_o therefore_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n it_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o even_o wilful_a that_o there_o can_v scarce_o be_v imagine_v any_o excuse_n or_o qualification_n for_o it_o for_o what_o other_o thought_n can_v a_o soul_n have_v quit_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o commodity_n therein_o to_o embrace_v poverty_n obedience_n solitude_n &c_n &c_n but_o thereby_o to_o consecrate_v herself_o entire_o to_o god_n show_v by_o the_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o her_o admission_n and_o profession_n the_o question_n propose_v to_o she_o and_o her_o answer_n her_o habit_n tonsure_v representation_n of_o a_o death_n and_o burial_n solemn_a benediction_n of_o her_o habit_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o community_n &_o c_o all_o that_o be_v witness_n and_o spectator_n of_o such_o a_o action_n do_v no_o otherwise_o
purity_n &_o simplicity_n of_o spirit_n such_o may_v call_v themselves_o monk_n &_o contemplative_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o show_v no_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o the_o habit_n &_o a_o certain_a outward_a formal_a solemn_a &_o severe_a comportment_n under_o which_o may_v be_v hide_v a_o secret_n most_o profound_a self_n love_n &_o pride_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o that_o memorable_a say_n of_o hesychius_n a_o holy_a illuminate_v monk_n he_o that_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n say_v he_o that_o be_v marriage_n possession_n &_o the_o like_a such_o a_o one_o indeed_o have_v make_v the_o exterior_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o not_o as_o yet_o the_o interiour_n but_o he_o that_o have_v renounce_v his_o own_o thought_n &_o affection_n such_o a_o one_o have_v make_v true_o the_o interiour_n man_n aÌ„_o monk_n also_o and_o very_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o small_a desire_n thereunto_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o outward_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o it_o be_v a_o task_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n to_o make_v the_o interiour_n man_n so_o too_o now_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o interiour_n monk_n say_v he_o be_v the_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o that_o internal_a prayer_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o ancient_a hermit_n what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o how_o it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v to_o they_o internal_a &_o bring_v many_o soul_n ancient_o to_o perfection_n and_o why_o it_o will_v not_o now_o do_v so_o ordinary_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o the_o great_a help_n that_o the_o ancient_n find_v by_o external_a labour_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o recollection_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o how_o manual_a labour_n come_v to_o give_v place_n to_o study_n that_o which_o be_v defend_v §_o 14._o the_o late_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n recompense_v other_o defect_n 1._o that_o internal_a spiritual_a prayer_n be_v serious_o &_o almost_o continual_o practise_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v apparent_a both_o out_o of_o the_o live_v &_o conference_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o few_o proof_n extant_a that_o appoint_a time_n be_v set_v for_o the_o exercise_v it_o conuentual_o except_o in_o the_o foremencioned_n story_n of_o the_o monk_n tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o superior_n &_o directour_n of_o soul_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n oblige_v to_o enjoin_v daily_a recollection_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o daily_a private_a &_o continual_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v not_o so_o helpful_a &_o advantageous_a to_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o most_o necessary_a simplicity_n &_o purity_n of_o soul_n as_o ancient_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v some_o supply_n for_o this_o defect_n by_o such_o conuentuall_a recollection_n the_o which_o they_o institute_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a because_o they_o perceive_v or_o fear_v that_o religious_a soul_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v out_o of_o tepidity_n neglect_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a &_o so_o efficacious_a 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o compare_v the_o manner_n of_o live_v observe_v ancient_o by_o religious_a person_n with_o the_o modern_a in_o these_o day_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o great_a advantage_n they_o enjoy_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n beyond_o we_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o their_o set_a devotion_n what_o they_o be_v and_o 2._o their_o daily_a employment_n during_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o day_n 3._o as_o concern_v the_o first_o their_o appoint_a devotion_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a be_v only_o recite_v â—he_n psalter_n to_o which_o they_o sometime_o adjoin_v a_o little_a read_n of_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o foremencionâ—d_a conventuall_a mental_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o short_a be_v only_o such_o short_a aspiration_n as_o god_n spirit_n do_v suggest_v unto_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o their_o public_a vocal_a prayer_n yea_o &_o in_o private_a when_o they_o do_v purposely_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n they_o seldom_o vary_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a devotion_n for_o than_o they_o also_o use_v the_o psalter_n 4._o now_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n alone_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n available_a to_o bring_v soul_n to_o perfect_a contemplation_n which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o neither_o do_v nor_o ordinary_o speak_v candoe_v i_o shall_v declare_v more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v hereafter_o to_o treat_v of_o prayer_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o to_o point_v only_o at_o the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o difference_n viz_o 1._o one_o reason_n be_v their_o incomparable_o more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n more_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o almost_o perpetual_a silence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a 2._o a_o second_o be_v their_o fast_n abstinence_n &_o other_o austerity_n beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o infirm_a corporal_a complexion_n 3._o a_o three_o be_v their_o externall_n employment_n out_o of_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o do_v far_o better_a dispose_n soul_n to_o recollection_n to_o attendance_n on_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &c_n &c_n then_o those_o ordinary_o practise_v in_o these_o day_n 5._o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o vocal_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o such_o pure_a resign_v humble_a mortify_v &_o undistract_a soul_n have_v the_o efficacy_n to_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollect_v introversion_n which_o doubtless_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o profound_a not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v in_o their_o vocal_a exercise_n but_o also_o during_o their_o externall_n business_n than_o it_o be_v ordinary_o with_o we_o in_o the_o height_n of_o our_o best_a recollection_n 6._o but_o a_o more_o large_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o speak_v purposely_o of_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v only_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o three_o forename_a advantage_n of_o corporal_a labour_n which_o to_o the_o ancient_n prove_v a_o help_n to_o contemplation_n far_o more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o general_a employment_n of_o religious_a in_o these_o day_n 7._o for_o the_o demonstrate_v whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o ancient_o soul_n embrace_v a_o religious_a life_n be_v move_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o penance_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o solitude_n for_o the_o get_n of_o learning_n or_o for_o the_o dispose_n themselves_o to_o holy_a order_n be_v likewise_o poor_a unprovided_a of_o annual_a rent_n or_o foundation_n the_o which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v or_o desire_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n expression_n cap._n 48._o they_o do_v then_o only_o account_v themselves_o to_o be_v verè_fw-la monachi_fw-la si_fw-la de_fw-fr labour_v manuum_fw-la suarum_fw-la viverent_fw-la true_a monk_n whilst_o they_o live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v both_o by_o necessity_n &_o choice_n oblige_v to_o corporal_a labour_n 8._o but_o their_o principal_a care_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o aspire_v unto_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o he_o they_o ordinary_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o labour_n as_o be_v not_o distractive_a &_o such_o as_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o solitude_n &_o silence_n so_o that_o during_o the_o say_a labour_n they_o keep_v their_o mind_n continual_o fix_v on_o god_n such_o labour_n be_v the_o make_n of_o basket_n or_o some_o other_o work_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o require_v no_o solicitude_n &_o very_o small_a exactness_n or_o attention_n and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o such_o be_v the_o charity_n of_o bishop_n &_o other_o good_a person_n their_o neighbour_n that_o to_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o care_n about_o the_o dispose_n or_o sell_v of_o their_o work_n as_o likewise_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v recourse_n to_o market_n for_o the_o sale_n thereof_o order_n be_v take_v that_o such_o work_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n &_o a_o competent_a price_n allow_v they_o for_o they_o 9_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o externall_n labour_v be_v exercise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n prove_v a_o wonderful_a help_n thereto_o dispose_v they_o to_o prayer_n &_o almost_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o
to_o many_o externall_n observance_n yet_o a_o view_v of_o the_o patience_n quietness_n and_o resignation_n show_v by_o they_o be_v more_o edify_v to_o soul_n under_o their_o care_n than_o all_o the_o most_o exact_a external_a regularity_n and_o severity_n of_o active_a spirit_n 6._o yea_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o temporal_a benefit_n to_o community_n contemplative_a spirit_n be_v more_o advantageous_a than_o active_a because_o they_o not_o put_v any_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o industry_n prudence_n and_o activity_n but_o only_o in_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o those_o that_o for_o temporal_a regard_n will_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n unseemly_a or_o misbecome_a their_o abstract_a state_n do_v enjoy_v the_o effect_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n far_o more_o plentiful_o while_o they_o prefer_v his_o love_n and_o service_n before_o any_o humane_a distract_n sollicitude_n for_o outward_a thing_n memorable_a example_n of_o great_a blessing_n attend_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o god_n we_o find_v abundant_o in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a monk_n and_o more_o late_o in_o the_o life_n of_o suso_n joannes_n the_o cruse_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o want_n of_o such_o confidence_n in_o active_a spirit_n proceed_v mere_o from_o defect_n in_o divine_a love_n and_o that_o from_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o hence_o proceed_v hurtful_a &_o unseemly_a compliance_n with_o the_o world_n a_o regard_n rather_o to_o wealth_n then_o good_a will_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o enter_v into_o religion_n etc._n etc._n 10._o a_o fearful_a example_n of_o the_o mischief_n follow_a the_o neglect_n of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o a_o superior_a we_o find_v in_o bernardinus_fw-la ochinus_n a_o superior_a in_o a_o most_o strict_a order_n who_o be_v a_o famous_a zealous_a preacher_n and_o as_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o outward_a appearance_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sanctity_n yet_o withal_o to_o comply_v with_o those_o outward_a employment_n a_o great_a neglecter_n of_o internal_a conuentuall_a recollection_n and_o when_o he_o be_v sometime_o charitable_o admonish_v of_o such_o his_o tepidity_n his_o ordinary_a answer_n be_v do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o who_o be_v always_o in_o a_o good_a action_n be_v always_o in_o prayer_n which_o say_v of_o his_o have_v be_v true_a if_o such_o good_a action_n have_v be_v perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o grace_n obtain_v thereby_o for_o than_o they_o have_v be_v virtual_o prayer_n whereas_o action_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o good_a if_o they_o want_n that_o purity_n of_o intention_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o pure_a prayer_n be_v in_o god_n esteem_n of_o little_a or_o no_o value_v the_o principal_a motive_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o corrupt_v nature_n be_v likely_a to_o suggest_v ochinus_n therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o neglect_n be_v by_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n prophetical_o warn_v that_o he_o must_v expect_v some_o terrible_a issue_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n cave_n ne_fw-la te_fw-la ordo_fw-la euâ—mat_fw-la that_o be_v take_v heed_n that_o our_o order_n be_v not_o hereafter_o constreive_v to_o vomit_v thou_o out_o of_o it_o the_o which_o unhappy_o fall_v out_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o other_o specious_a quality_n and_o endowment_n he_o first_o forsake_v god_n be_v afterward_o forsake_v by_o he_o and_o become_v a_o wretched_a antitrinitarian_n apostate_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o apostate_n of_o these_o time_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v former_o live_v in_o religious_a order_n do_v own_o their_o apostasy_n and_o perdition_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n so_o much_o as_o to_o such_o neglect_n and_o apostasy_n first_o from_o prayer_n the_o which_o holy_a exercise_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o their_o habit_n first_o and_o afterward_o of_o their_o faith_n chap._n viii_o §_o 1._o superior_n ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v the_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o they_o admit_v to_o religion_n §_o 2._o 3._o great_a danger_n to_o community_n from_o loose_a spirit_n §_o 4._o 5._o other_o ill_a quality_n to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o of_o a_o good_a nature_n what_o be_v and_o how_o to_o be_v prise_v §_o 10._o 11._o inconvenience_n by_o admit_v active_a spirit_n into_o contemplative_a religion_n §_o 12._o 13._o 14._o 15._o sufficient_a time_n for_o recollection_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o all_o religious_a §_o 16._o superior_n will_v be_v accountable_a for_o disorder_n in_o their_o flock_n 1._o now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o a_o superior_n care_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o community_n consist_v in_o provide_v or_o admit_v into_o it_o only_o such_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o it_o by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o all_o such_o officer_n and_o counselor_n be_v concern_v to_o who_o the_o law_n have_v refer_v the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o a_o regular_a life_n and_o be_v afterward_o upon_o their_o approbation_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o a_o great_a consideration_n of_o this_o point_n be_v more_o necessary_a in_o these_o day_n then_o ancient_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o now_o as_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n time_n when_o incorrigible_a person_n may_v be_v expel_v the_o congregation_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o i_o suppose_v needful_a to_o advise_v such_o as_o be_v in_o those_o office_n to_o take_v care_n how_o they_o admit_v loose_a spirit_n into_o religion_n among_o they_o who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intend_v god_n or_o his_o service_n all_o who_o action_n have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o either_o fear_n of_o penance_n or_o hope_n of_o gain_v reputation_n preferment_n &c_n &c_n who_o body_n be_v prisoner_n in_o religion_n but_o their_o mind_n and_o desire_n wander_v in_o the_o world_n who_o must_v enjoy_v all_o privilege_n and_o corporal_a help_n equal_o with_o the_o best_a yea_o and_o general_o use_v they_o most_o wasteful_o without_o consideration_n of_o other_o who_o find_v no_o taste_n or_o contentment_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v even_o force_v to_o seek_v satisfaction_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o for_o the_o pass_n of_o the_o time_n to_o frame_v design_n to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v faction_n and_o this_o especial_o against_o those_o that_o they_o see_v do_v most_o intend_v god_n on_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v from_o of_o themselves_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o a_o regular_a life_n who_o will_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o all_o duty_n for_o the_o least_o corporal_a incommodity_n who_o will_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o like_o themselves_o that_o their_o party_n and_o power_n may_v be_v great_a last_o who_o reap_v so_o little_a good_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o other_o that_o probable_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n only_o serve_v to_o increase_v their_o guilt_n and_o misery_n 3._o such_o loose_a spirit_n be_v worse_o in_o a_o community_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a spirituality_n be_v common_a then_o in_o other_o place_n because_o there_o they_o be_v wilful_o naught_o and_o do_v resist_v amendment_n if_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o some_o tolerable_a order_n yet_o this_o reach_n only_o to_o the_o exterior_a &_o last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o superior_n eye_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o superior_n themselves_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n feel_v the_o great_a smart_n from_o such_o undue_a admission_n be_v likely_a to_o find_v daily_o great_a bitterness_n from_o their_o obstinacy_n such_o loose_a spirit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o burdensome_a multiplicity_n of_o law_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v little_a avayleable_a for_o their_o amendment_n and_o yet_o do_v abridge_v the_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n necessary_a to_o devout_a wellminded_a soul_n nourish_v scrupulosity_n etc._n etc._n in_o they_o 4._o let_v the_o best_a care_n that_o be_v possible_a be_v use_v notwithstanding_o some_o unfit_a person_n will_v through_o easiness_n partial_a affection_n or_o other_o respect_n in_o the_o examiner_n slip_v in_o if_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v apparent_o bid_v be_v receive_v what_o a_o community_n will_v there_o be_v provide_v many_o that_o seem_v good_a will_v prove_v bad_a but_o seldom_o or_o never_o will_v those_o that_o appear_v bad_a become_v good_a god_n indeed_o can_v change_v the_o worst_a but_o yet_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n in_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o especial_o where_o
as_o follow_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o precedent_n actual_a intention_n make_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n in_o so_o do_v she_o shall_v perform_v after_o the_o best_a &_o secure_a way_n the_o exercise_n of_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o spiritual_a author_n &_o particular_o by_o our_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o humility_n by_o the_o which_o exercise_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v intend_v that_o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o have_v continual_o a_o actual_a remembrance_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o actual_a internal_a prayer_n will_v so_o much_o endammage_n the_o head_n of_o imperfect_a soul_n especial_o that_o they_o will_v quick_o be_v disable_v from_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o spirit_n 3._o the_o same_o practice_n likewise_o do_v after_o the_o secure_a manner_n supply_v that_o other_o exercise_n oft_o recommend_v of_o a_o continual_a think_v on_o our_o own_o nothing_o for_o by_o conformity_n to_o the_o foresay_a direction_n propriety_n &_o self-will_a by_o the_o which_o alone_o we_o will_v fain_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o more_o than_o we_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v be_v not_o only_o in_o thought_n imagination_n or_o desire_n of_o mind_n but_o real_o &_o effectual_o abandon_v &_o the_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n mortify_v &_o annihilate_v and_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o say_a exercise_n be_v so_o much_o magnify_v in_o a_o word_n by_o such_o practice_n join_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o his_o divine_a love_n a_o soul_n will_v be_v very_o well_o dispose_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n 4._o such_o a_o world_n there_o be_v of_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n require_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o action_n both_o touch_v the_o substance_n manner_n motive_n principle_n &_o end_n thereof_o &_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o subtle_a to_o insinuate_v she_o own_o interest_n seek_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v &_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o renounce_v propriety_n even_o when_o we_o most_o earnest_o intend_v it_o that_o without_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n from_o god_n to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o spiritual_a prayer_n we_o can_v discover_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o light_n can_v be_v have_v only_o by_o prayer_n be_v because_o then_o alone_a every_o the_o least_o defect_n &_o most_o secret_a suggestion_n hinder_v our_o view_n &_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o our_o tendance_n to_o he_o &_o by_o consequence_n be_v easy_o discernible_a as_o be_v set_v between_o our_o eye_n &_o the_o sun_n whereas_o in_o our_o ordinary_a vocal_a prayer_n &_o external_a good_a action_n only_o great_a tentation_n be_v able_a perceptible_o to_o distract_v us._n 5._o those_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n can_v only_o so_o far_o mortify_v their_o passion_n that_o they_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o outward_a expression_n or_o action_n but_o the_o evil_a root_n remain_v still_o alive_a cause_v inward_a disorder_n very_o displease_v to_o god_n 6._o as_o for_o cross_n and_o adversity_n which_o a_o soul_n undergo_v out_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o in_o virtue_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o prayer_n the_o chief_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v nature_n or_o at_o most_o they_o serve_v to_o mortify_v the_o superabundant_a activity_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o internal_a sense_n and_o natural_a affection_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o person_n may_v become_v more_o judicious_a prudent_a and_o temperate_a but_o they_o pierce_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o cause_v any_o purity_n therein_o or_o real_o to_o diminish_v self-love_n moreover_o the_o like_a cross_n undergo_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o common_a grace_n as_o ordinary_a good_a extrovert_v christian_n do_v enjoy_v though_o they_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o prevent_v the_o mortal_o poysonnous_a effect_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o we_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o expel_v that_o secret_a self-love_n which_o lurk_v in_o the_o inmost_a centre_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o they_o may_v remain_v greivous_o full_a of_o stain_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o divine_a love_n feeble_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v extinguish_v notwithstanding_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o cross_n 7._o whereas_o difficulty_n undergo_v in_o virtue_n of_o grace_n obtain_v by_o internal_a prayer_n do_v as_o it_o be_v scour_n &_o purity_n the_o spirit_n itself_o from_o the_o rust_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n &_o so_o do_v spiritualise_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n cause_v it_o to_o become_v a_o pure_a spirit_n exalt_v and_o separate_v from_o sensible_a object_n &_o all_o adhesion_n to_o they_o from_o which_o all_o vicious_a impurity_n proceed_v this_o be_v that_o division_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o spirit_n mention_v by_o s._n paul_n by_o which_o the_o pure_a spirit_n work_n as_o a_o spirit_n not_o obscure_v nor_o infect_v with_o sensual_a end_n and_o interest_n 8._o the_o way_n of_o mortification_n therefore_o practise_v by_o internal_a contemplative_a liver_n be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o actives_a though_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a state_n &_o well_o advance_v in_o active_a exercise_n for_o these_o endeavour_n to_o mortify_v their_o inordinate_a affection_n by_o combat_v they_o purposely_o &_o direct_o to_o wit_n by_o meditate_v discoursive_o on_o the_o motive_n afford_v by_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o deformity_n danger_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o by_o exercise_v a_o act_n of_o virtue_n contrary_a thereto_o so_o repress_v the_o inordinate_a passion_n whereas_o contemplative_a soul_n do_v indirect_o yet_o far_o more_o efficacious_o mortify_v their_o passion_n by_o transcend_v they_o that_o be_v by_o elevate_n &_o unite_n their_o spirit_n to_o god_n with_o the_o help_n of_o pure_a intellectual_a actuation_n by_o this_o mean_n forget_v &_o drown_a both_o their_o sensual_a desire_n yea_o all_o create_a thing_n &_o chief_o themselves_o in_o god_n so_o that_o in_o a_o tentation_n they_o do_v not_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o the_o object_n to_o the_o end_n to_o resist_v &_o contradict_v it_o but_o by_o a_o vigorous_a act_n of_o resignation_n &_o love_n they_o convert_v their_o spirit_n unto_o god_n scorn_v even_o to_o cast_v a_o regard_n or_o glance_n upon_o creature_n that_o will_v allure_v their_o affection_n from_o god_n &_o which_o can_v be_v consider_v except_o in_o god_n without_o leave_v some_o tincture_n &_o imperfection_n in_o the_o soul_n 9_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o external_a practice_n of_o virtue_n nor_o much_o less_o customary_a frequent_a confession_n communion_n obedience_n austerity_n &c_n &c_n but_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n &_o the_o sublime_a degree_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n aspiration_n pure_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n &_o other_o such_o divine_a operation_n that_o must_v be_v the_o principal_a instrument_n to_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o exterior_a &_o interiour_n immortification_n for_o by_o such_o operation_n only_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o transcend_v inferior_a nature_n &_o to_o live_v in_o the_o quiet_a secure_a &_o illuminate_v region_n of_o the_o spirit_n 10._o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o a_o devout_a soul_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n she_o must_v be_v content_a to_o work_v according_a to_o her_o present_a light_n &_o enablement_n so_o endeavour_v to_o correct_v her_o defect_n by_o less_o perfect_a exercise_n &_o such_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o active_a way_n and_o she_o must_v with_o patience_n &_o quietness_n of_o spirit_n bear_v with_o she_o own_o imperfection_n as_o she_o will_v with_o other_o expect_v god_n good_a time_n &_o endeavour_v to_o hasten_v the_o approach_n of_o that_o time_n by_o assiduous_a prayer_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o alone_o she_o may_v come_v to_o expel_v those_o defect_n which_o do_v now_o so_o much_o exercise_v &_o trouble_v she_o &_o also_o to_o discover_v &_o correct_v many_o other_o which_o as_o yet_o her_o eye_n be_v too_o infirm_a &_o dim_a to_o see_v 11._o indeed_o the_o provident_a care_n that_o god_n general_o have_v over_o his_o child_n both_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a be_v wonderful_a be_v careful_o suit_v to_o their_o present_a state_n for_o he_o do_v not_o usual_o send_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n any_o mortification_n but_o such_o as_o be_v ordinary_a &_o proportionable_a to_o their_o infirmity_n namely_o such_o as_o do_v gall_n &_o afflict_v their_o sensitive_a nature_n but_o do_v not_o pierce_v into_o the_o quick_a &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o remain_v free_a to_o support_v the_o other_o but_o as_o for_o soul_n arrive_v to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n or_o near_o it_o god_n do_v usual_o provide_v for_o they_o strange_a
to_o the_o present_a indisposition_n in_o the_o body_n especial_o in_o woman_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o special_a infirmity_n through_o the_o ascend_n of_o ill_a vapour_n to_o the_o head_n there_o be_v raise_v melancholic_a and_o afflict_a image_n in_o the_o fancy_n which_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o corporal_a physician_n can_v hardly_o by_o counsel_n be_v expel_v chap._n xii_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o a_o scruple_n concern_v a_o soul_n vocation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n §_o 3._o 4._o t._n 6._o 7._o of_o several_a ground_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o soul_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o undertake_v a_o religious_a state_n §_o 8._o 9_o what_o motive_n be_v perfect_a and_o what_o unsit_v and_o how_o a_o soul_n once_o engage_v have_v then_o a_o necessary_a divine_a vocation_n to_o continue_v etc._n etc._n 1._o before_o i_o quit_v this_o passion_n of_o fear_n it_o will_v neither_o be_v impertinent_a nor_o unproffitable_a i_o hope_v to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o a_o tentation_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o thaulerus_n the_o which_o afford_v great_a matter_n of_o fear_n to_o some_o tender_a soul_n and_o regard_v their_o vocation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n the_o case_n stand_v thus_o 2._o some_o tender_a soul_n in_o religion_n that_o have_v good_a mind_n &_o will_n to_o persevere_v in_o seek_v god_n but_o be_v unsatisfy_a with_o themselves_o because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o imperfection_n not_o yet_o amend_v yea_o some_o that_o they_o have_v not_o observe_v before_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n they_o impute_v all_o their_o unsuccesfullnes_n in_o cure_v their_o defect_n to_o god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o have_v upon_o light_n or_o vain_a ground_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n undertake_v such_o a_o state_n of_o life_n for_o outward_a and_o perhaps_o unworthy_a end_n as_o to_o avoid_v worldly_a trouble_n want_v persecution_n &c._n &c._n and_o not_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a intention_n to_o seek_v god_n nor_o from_o any_o inspiration_n from_o he_o 3._o but_o to_o show_v the_o groundlesnes_n of_o such_o scrupulous_a apprehension_n such_o suspicious_a soul_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v first_o that_o in_o these_o wicked_a time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o decay_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o world_n &_o of_o fervour_n in_o religion_n such_o heroical_a enterprise_n and_o such_o admirable_a call_v to_o a_o religious_a state_n be_v not_o every_o day_n to_o be_v expect_v as_o we_o read_v of_o in_o former_a time_n when_o king_n and_o prince_n sometime_o even_o in_o the_o prime_a vigour_n of_o their_o age_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n of_o transitory_a thing_n and_o a_o longing_n after_o god_n renounce_v all_o the_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n pleasure_n &_o glory_n that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v impediment_n to_o their_o holy_a design_n of_o embrace_v solitude_n poverty_n and_o all_o other_o penitential_a austerity_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o now_o enter_v into_o religion_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o like_a tentation_n &_o offer_v in_o the_o world_n as_o those_o despise_a most_o of_o our_o cell_n will_v be_v empty_a and_o our_o conuent_v become_v true_a desert_n yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o because_o the_o call_v to_o religion_n usual_a in_o those_o day_n be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o former_o therefore_o they_o be_v unsufficient_a or_o not_o at_o all_o divine_a for_o though_o our_o intention_n now_o be_v not_o so_o heroical_a and_o deiforme_a because_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o inflame_v yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v upright_o 4._o second_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v often_o please_v in_o love_n to_o certain_a soul_n that_o perhaps_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o that_o imperfect_a charity_n which_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v by_o a_o especial_a providence_n certain_a externall_n casualty_n to_o befall_v they_o by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n compel_v to_o retire_v into_o the_o secure_a solitude_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n for_o which_o purpose_n also_o he_o remove_v many_o impediment_n to_o such_o a_o course_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dear_a friend_n riches_n &c._n &c._n cross_v also_o their_o design_n which_o if_o they_o have_v succeed_v will_v have_v chain_v they_o to_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o for_o want_n of_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n other_o to_o avoid_v suit_n and_o other_o trouble_n or_o even_o for_o want_n of_o bodily_a strength_n and_o be_v disable_v to_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n other_o out_o of_o a_o tediousness_n and_o satiety_n of_o sensual_a contentment_n last_o some_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a remorse_n for_o some_o special_a crime_n or_o other_o respect_v no_o better_a than_o these_o be_v induce_v to_o embrace_v a_o religious_a state_n none_o of_o which_o respect_v notwithstanding_o without_o some_o degree_n of_o charity_n will_v probable_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v produce_v this_o change_n as_o neither_o will_v charity_n alone_o have_v it_o not_o be_v actuate_v and_o quicken_v by_o such_o consideration_n now_o these_o vocation_n though_o mix_v with_o much_o impurity_n yet_o be_v far_o from_o be_v unlawful_a 5._o in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o may_v possible_o happen_v that_o some_o may_v have_v come_v into_o religion_n induce_v mere_o and_o only_o by_o outward_a yea_o perhaps_o unlawful_a respect_n they_o have_v much_o rather_o have_v stay_v in_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o if_o they_o can_v have_v enjoy_v they_o they_o prefer_v far_o before_o god_n but_o god_n debar_v they_o from_o such_o pleasure_n send_v they_o great_a cross_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o the_o refuge_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n in_o which_o also_o it_o may_v be_v their_o first_o design_n be_v to_o seek_v themselves_o only_o and_o not_o god_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o one_o that_o adjoin_v himself_o to_o a_o religious_a community_n mere_o for_o this_o wicked_a end_n to_o get_v a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v sacrilege_n by_o steal_v a_o chalice_n but_o be_v there_o god_n rouch_v his_o heart_n to_o repent_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o criminal_a hypocrisy_n after_o which_o he_o lead_v a_o very_a religious_a holy_a life_n 6._o again_o fourthly_a some_o do_v come_v into_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v with_o a_o good_a harmless_a meaning_n but_o meet_v with_o tepid_a or_o perhaps_o irreligious_a companion_n they_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o condition_n the_o difficulty_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o support_v and_o improve_v to_o their_o soul_n advancement_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v again_o free_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o return_v into_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v chain_v by_o a_o vow_n and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n now_o although_o these_o come_v into_o religion_n uncalled_a by_o god_n yet_o now_o the_o impossibility_n of_o change_v their_o present_a condition_n be_v a_o effectual_a call_n from_o he_o to_o keep_v they_o constant_a and_o faithful_a to_o he_o 7._o last_o some_o come_v into_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v unaware_n unto_o themselves_o and_o without_o any_o election_n on_o their_o own_o part_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o person_n of_o noble_a family_n especial_o virgin_n that_o be_v even_o force_v to_o such_o a_o state_n by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o inveigle_v into_o it_o by_o the_o subtle_a avaricious_a insinuation_n &_o persuasion_n of_o other_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o state_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o mean_n they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n unknowen_a to_o themselves_o rely_v whole_o on_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o be_v once_o a_o little_a engage_v the_o opinion_n of_o honour_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n force_v they_o to_o persevere_v 8._o now_o among_o all_o these_o variety_n of_o case_n &_o vocation_n to_o religion_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o only_o those_o perfect_a soul_n mention_v in_o the_o beginning_n have_v a_o true_a call_v to_o religion_n if_o so_o how_o much_o the_o small_a number_n of_o religious_a can_v be_v judge_v to_o have_v have_v a_o lawful_a call_n what_o reason_n therefore_o have_v any_o soul_n that_o now_o desire_v to_o seek_v god_n in_o religion_n however_o they_o come_v thither_o to_o disquiet_v themselves_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a in_o charity_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o religion_n for_o a_o perfect_o pure_a intention_n can_v proceed_v but_o from_o a_o perfect_a habitual_a charity_n be_v it_o therefore_o strange_a to_o they_o that_o nature_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v
that_o which_o be_v affective_a for_o as_o for_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n the_o world_n be_v but_o even_o burden_a with_o book_n which_o with_o more_o than_o sufficient_a niceness_n prescribe_v rule_n &_o method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o with_o too_o partial_a a_o affection_n magnify_v it_o the_o author_n of_o such_o book_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n or_o perhaps_o scarce_o know_v what_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v the_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n that_o immediate_o bring_v soul_n to_o contemplation_n &_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n 3._o some_o there_o be_v that_o because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n &_o mystical_a doctor_n such_o exact_a instruction_n touch_v the_o practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o be_v now_o common_a &_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n do_v therefore_o undervalue_v &_o despise_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n not_o at_o all_o necessary_a but_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a subject_a to_o great_a inconvenience_n expose_v soul_n to_o illusion_n error_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o do_v only_o recommend_v &_o exact_v vocal_a prayer_n &_o a_o solemn_a protract_a performance_n of_o it_o 4._o notwithstanding_o to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v heedful_o read_v the_o writing_n not_o only_o of_o the_o ancient_a solitary_n but_o likewise_o of_o s._n augustin_n s._n basile_n s._n gregory_n nazianzene_n &_o other_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o both_o know_v and_o practise_v most_o profound_a &_o recollect_v devotion_n internal_o yea_o &_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n &_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o spirit_n sufficient_a proof_n whereof_o shall_v occasional_o hereafter_o be_v insert_v 5._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o deliur_v any_o exact_a method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o prayer_n the_o which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a or_o at_o least_o not_o at_o all_o needful_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n for_o to_o soul_n that_o live_v as_o ancient_o they_o do_v entire_o sequester_v from_o all_o world_o business_n or_o conversation_n in_o continual_a laborious_a &_o penitential_a exercise_n have_v no_o image_n of_o creature_n to_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o much_o less_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o creature_n to_o depress_v they_o from_o mount_v to_o spiritual_a union_n with_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o such_o to_o know_v that_o their_o duty_n &_o the_o end_n of_o their_o solitude_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o all_o other_o more_o nice_a or_o particular_a instruction_n will_v have_v prove_v but_o distractive_a &_o intangle_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n though_o he_o ordain_v daily_o conuentuall_a short_a recollection_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o which_o he_o call_v pure_a prayer_n yet_o he_o neither_o interpret_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o such_o prayer_n for_o all_o his_o disciple_n understand_v that_o sufficient_o &_o much_o less_o do_v he_o deliver_v any_o instruction_n how_o to_o exercise_v it_o 6._o but_o in_o these_o day_n in_o which_o religious_a person_n and_o other_o that_o aspire_v to_o spiritual_a contemplation_n do_v either_o want_n the_o mean_n to_o enjoy_v or_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v such_o solitude_n and_o austerity_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o world_n god_n raise_v up_o first_o in_o germany_n master_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o suso_n harphius_n eschius_fw-la thaulerus_n etc._n etc._n in_o former_a time_n and_o more_o late_o in_o spain_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n who_o no_o question_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o may_v witness_v have_v judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o foresay_a advantage_n by_o add_v a_o certain_a obligation_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o internal_a recollect_v prayer_n prescribe_v order_n &_o time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o they_o have_v likewise_o more_o exact_o discover_v the_o degree_n and_o progress_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o earnest_o do_v they_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o diligent_a pursuance_n of_o it_o profess_v that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o essential_a design_n of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a life_n 7._o i_o will_v content_v myself_o in_o this_o place_n to_o express_v the_o ground_n &_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n of_o those_o &_o other_o illuminate_v person_n the_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reviue_n of_o decay_a spirituality_n in_o the_o world_n by_o produce_v a_o passage_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n take_v out_o of_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n in_o for_o 2._o rogat_fw-la which_o be_v this_o ego_fw-la illud_fw-la mihi_fw-la videor_fw-la verissime_fw-la posse_fw-la affirmare_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v most_o true_o &_o confident_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o without_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o internal_a prayer_n none_o will_v ever_o become_v true_o spiritual_a nor_o attain_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o see_v many_o which_o often_o time_n in_o the_o year_n do_v approach_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n &_o as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n &_o infirmity_n will_v permit_v do_v with_o sufficient_a diligence_n endeavour_v to_o purge_v away_o all_o the_o stain_n &_o uncleanenes_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v no_o progress_n but_o be_v still_o the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o confession_n if_o a_o week_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o tribunal_n again_o they_o bring_v neither_o few_o nor_o lesser_a fault_n than_o such_o as_o be_v former_o confess_v yea_o without_o offend_v against_o truth_n i_o may_v add_v some_o what_o more_o strange_a than_o all_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o see_v sometime_o religious_a person_n &_o not_o a_o few_o priest_n which_o by_o their_o vocation_n &_o habit_n profess_v sanctity_n &_o moreover_o do_v assiduous_o read_v divine_a scripture_n &_o book_n of_o piety_n they_o do_v often_o if_o not_o daily_o celebrate_v the_o most_o holy_a sacrifice_n they_o have_v neither_o wife_n nor_o child_n but_o be_v free_a from_o all_o care_n &_o sollicitude_n which_o may_v distract_v they_o from_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o divine_a thing_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o they_o be_v so_o veyd_v of_o all_o devotion_n &_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o cold_a in_o divine_a love_n &_o so_o earnest_a in_o the_o love_n of_o secular_a vanity_n so_o replenish_v with_o impatience_n envy_n &_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n that_o they_o seem_v not_o one_o iott_n to_o differ_v from_o secular_a person_n whole_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o serious_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o exercise_n of_o introversion_n but_o only_o esteem_v &_o regard_v the_o exterior_a &c_n &c_n thus_o far_o be_v the_o word_n &_o too_o just_a complaint_n of_o the_o learned_a &_o pious_a cardinal_n 8._o the_o which_o with_o very_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v further_o extend_v even_o to_o those_o religious_a who_o by_o their_o profession_n ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n &_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o true_a way_n thereto_o erroneous_o believe_v that_o by_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o outward_a observance_n &_o the_o solemn_a say_n of_o the_o office_n adjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o internal_a discursive_a prayer_n do_v yet_o find_v but_o little_a fruit_n as_o to_o any_o interior_a reformation_n or_o simplification_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o rest_v in_o such_o active_a exercise_n which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o solitary_a liver_n lose_v all_o their_o virtue_n &_o do_v not_o from_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o true_o enlighten_v exercise_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n which_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_v by_o good_a affection_n quiet_o &_o calm_o produce_v &_o not_o with_o the_o understanding_n a_o prayer_n make_v without_o those_o distract_n method_n or_o that_o busy_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o weary_v of_o the_o soul_n by_o laborious_a discourse_n which_o be_v only_o inferior_a &_o imperfect_a preparation_n to_o true_a prayer_n 9_o now_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n we_o will_v add_v certain_a virtue_n benefit_n &_o preeminence_n thereof_o compare_v with_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o
sound_n and_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o discursive_a prayer_n be_v little_a valuable_a except_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o or_o perform_v in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_v a_o attention_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o affection_n 16._o these_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o which_o more_o may_v be_v add_v as_o shall_v be_v show_v which_o flow_v from_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v consider_v a_o wellminded_n soul_n will_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o that_o may_v avail_v to_o purchase_v so_o unualuable_a a_o jewell_fw-mi and_o religious_a superior_n will_v esteem_v that_o nothing_o do_v so_o essential_o belong_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o instruct_v &_o further_o their_o subject_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o s._n bernard_n docendus_fw-la est_fw-la incipiens_fw-la spiritualiter_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o a_o corporibus_fw-la vel_fw-la corporum_fw-la imaginibus_fw-la cum_fw-la deum_fw-la cogitat_fw-la quantum_fw-la potest_fw-la recedere_fw-la that_o be_v whosoever_o begin_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v be_v teach_v spiritual_a prayer_n and_o in_o elevate_n his_o mind_n to_o god_n to_o transcend_v all_o body_n &_o bodily_a image_n and_o with_o just_a reason_n do_v the_o holy_a grecian_a abbot_n nilus_n a_o disciple_n of_o s._n john_n chrysostome_n say_v beata_fw-la mens_fw-la quae_fw-la dum_fw-la orat_fw-la &c_n &c_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o when_o she_o pray_v empty_v herself_n entire_o of_o all_o image_n &_o form_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o pray_v feruorous_o &_o without_o distraction_n such_o a_o soul_n increase_v continual_o in_o the_o desire_n &_o love_n of_o god_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o when_o she_o pray_v do_v altogether_o quit_v the_o use_n &_o exercise_v of_o all_o her_o sense_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n lose_v the_o possession_n &_o interest_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n 17._o and_o indeed_o a_o soul_n must_v expect_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n before_o she_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o purity_n in_o prayer_n for_o as_o the_o same_o author_n say_v vniversum_fw-la bellum_fw-la quod_fw-la internos_fw-la &_o doemones_fw-la conflaetur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr alia_fw-la re_fw-la quà m_fw-la de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la that_o be_v all_o the_o war_n &_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o we_o &_o the_o devil_n be_v about_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o we_o &_o most_o destructive_a to_o all_o his_o design_n and_o hereupon_o a_o certain_a holy_a father_n be_v ask_v what_o duty_n in_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a answer_v to_o pray_v well_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o prayer_n can_v never_o be_v perfect_o exercise_v till_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o impurity_n yea_o not_o only_o from_o the_o affection_n but_o all_o image_n also_o of_o creature_n chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o 2._o condition_n require_v to_o affective_a prayer_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_a by_o our_o lord_n precept_n §_o 3._o the_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o precept_n both_o in_o practice_n &_o teach_v in_o these_o time_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n call_v euchite_n that_o misunderstand_v this_o precept_n neglect_v all_o other_o duty_n beside_o prayer_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o say_a precept_n oblige_v we_o to_o pray_v continual_o §_o 8._o all_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o prayer_n §_o 9_o how_o the_o neglect_n of_o actual_a prayer_n may_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n §_o 10._o our_o religion_n profession_n &_o rule_n oblige_v we_o to_o aspire_v to_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n §_o 11._o 12._o neither_o vocal_a prayer_n nor_o meditation_n can_v become_v uninterrupt_a but_o only_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n §_o 13._o 4._o 15._o 16._o whether_o the_o habit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n may_v be_v attain_v hy_z prolong_v vocal_a office_n §_o 17_o 18._o that_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o daily_a recollection_n §_o 19_o 20._o who_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n 1._o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n &_o excellency_n of_o affective_a prayer_n i_o will_v now_o rreate_v of_o certain_a quality_n &_o condition_n requisite_a thereto_o of_o which_o i_o will_v at_o the_o present_a insist_v only_o on_o three_o to_o wit_n 1._o the_o first_o regard_v the_o extension_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o the_o intention_n or_o fervour_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o the_o cause_n or_o principle_n from_o which_o it_o must_v proceed_v to_o wit_n the_o divine_a spirit_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o extension_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v our_o lord_n command_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o omit_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n oportet_fw-la semper_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o non_fw-la deficere_fw-la we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v &_o not_o to_o cease_v or_o faint_a in_o it_o and_o s._n paul_n exhort_v indifferent_o all_o christian_n sine_fw-la intermissione_n orate_fw-la pray_v without_o intermission_n now_o in_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n so_o express_v so_o universal_a &_o so_o confirm_v &_o repeat_v both_o affirmative_o &_o negative_o that_o all_o exception_n &_o derogation_n seem_v to_o be_v exclude_v &_o that_o it_o bind_v both_o semper_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la in_o all_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v scarce_o find_v a_o precept_n so_o fast-binding_a &_o so_o unquestionable_a 3._o this_o be_v evident_a how_o can_v any_o one_o without_o grief_n &_o indignation_n read_v the_o strange_a dispensation_n &_o escape_n invent_v &_o allow_v by_o some_o late_a writer_n to_o defeat_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n because_o perhaps_o no_o man_n can_v positive_o say_v that_o hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la actual_a prayer_n be_v necessary_a &_o oblige_v under_o mortal_a sin_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o except_o two_o or_o three_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a to_o pray_v that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n that_o a_o child_n come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n &_o in_o the_o last_o moment_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o expire_v for_o then_o indeed_o some_o of_o they_o not_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o mortal_a sin_n a_o soul_n can_v deliberate_o &_o wilful_o neglect_v to_o lift_v up_o itself_o too_o god_n as_o for_o the_o divine_a office_n those_o to_o who_o the_o recite_v of_o it_o be_v of_o obligation_n such_o say_v they_o be_v only_o bind_v under_o mortal_a sin_n to_o the_o external_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o the_o mentality_n of_o it_o that_o be_v only_o a_o matter_n of_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n 4._o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a sect_n of_o heretic_n that_o wander_v as_o far_o wide_v the_o contrary_a way_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n neglect_v yea_o condemn_v all_o other_o thing_n beside_o prayer_n despise_v the_o sacrament_n omit_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o vocation_n refuse_v to_o do_v any_o external_a act_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o frenzy_n they_o be_v call_v euchitae_n that_o be_v person_n that_o do_v nothing_o but_o pray_v 5._o but_o the_o truth_n lie_v between_o these_o two_o extreme_n for_o most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v unto_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n and_o yet_o most_o certain_a also_o it_o be_v that_o beside_o simple_a prayer_n there_o be_v many_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o us._n the_o sense_n therefore_o and_o importance_n of_o our_o lord_n precept_n of_o pray_v continual_o without_o fail_v may_v be_v clear_v by_o two_o passage_n of_o s._n paul_n the_o first_o be_v this_o 1._o tim._n 4._o cibos_fw-la creavit_fw-la deus_fw-la ad_fw-la percipiendum_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v god_n have_v create_v meat_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o give_v of_o thanks_o by_o his_o faithful_a servant_n &_o those_o which_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a &_o nothing_o to_o be_v reject_v which_o be_v receive_v with_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o by_o prayer_n the_o second_o be_v 1._o cor._n 10._o sive_fw-la ergo_fw-la manducatis_fw-la sive_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v therefore_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o what_o other_o thing_n soever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v 1._o that_o all_o creature_n be_v in_o their_o use_n unsanctified_a unto_o we_o that_o be_v