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soul_n body_n good_a power_n 4,904 5 4.7206 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29583 Sancta Sophia, or, Directions for the prayer of contemplation &c. extracted out of more then (sic) XL treatises / written by the late Ven. Father F. Augustin Baker, a monke of the English congregation of the Holy Order of S. Benedict, and methodically digested by the R.F. Serenvs Cressy of the same order and congregation ...; Sancta Sophia Baker, Augustine, 1575-1641. 1657 (1657) Wing B480; ESTC R16263 412,832 848

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carriage_n towards_o they_o forth_o of_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n will_v in_o time_n abstract_a the_o soul_n from_o inferior_a passion_n &_o that_o inordinate_a self-love_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o hatred_n to_o such_o enemy_n and_o divine_a love_n increase_a it_o will_v proportional_o subdue_v all_o other_o affection_n to_o itself_o &_o even_o compel_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n for_o god_n according_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o he_o that_o think_v to_o get_v this_o necessary_a love_n to_o enemy_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o christian_a virtue_n in_o any_o considerable_a perfection_n without_o spiritual_a prayer_n will_v find_v that_o he_o will_v loose_v his_o labour_n 24._o the_o degree_n of_o our_o love_n to_o suppose_v enemy_n be_v such_o as_o follow_v 1._o the_o first_o and_o low_a degree_n be_v not_o to_o revenge_v ourselves_o on_o they_o nor_o to_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n in_o their_o presence_n or_o absence_n privy_o or_o public_o &c_n &c_n indeed_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with-much_a wariness_n towards_o those_o that_o in_o nature_n we_o find_v a_o aversenes_n from_o so_o as_o that_o it_o we_o can_v as_o yet_o conquer_v the_o resentment_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v best_a to_o eschew_v meddle_v in_o matter_n that_o concern_v they_o 2._o not_o to_o be_v angry_a or_o offend_v for_o any_o ill_a office_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v do_v we_o 3._o to_o forgive_v they_o whensoever_o they_o crave_v pardon_n 4._o to_o forgive_v they_o before_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n or_o seek_v to_o make_v amends_o 5._o not_o to_o be_v contristate_v at_o their_o prosperity_n nor_o deny_v any_o office_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o but_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o to_o speak_v well_o of_o they_o &_o to_o do_v kindness_n to_o they_o to_o congratulate_v for_o any_o good_a success_n of_o they_o &_o be_v cordial_o sorry_a for_o their_o misfortune_n &c_n &c_n 6._o to_o seek_v occasion_n of_o do_v they_o some_o special_a good_a yea_o &_o for_o the_o procure_v such_o good_a to_o undergo_v some_o discommodity_n loss_n or_o prejudice_n 7._o to_o take_v part_n in_o their_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v our_o own_o 8._o after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o hazard_v &_o even_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o their_o soul_n good_a 9_o to_o conquer_v all_o resentment_n even_o in_o inferior_a nature_n and_o in_o simplicity_n of_o soul_n to_o judge_v all_o their_o ill_a office_n to_o be_v effect_n of_o their_o charity_n &_o not_o aversenes_n yet_o i_o doubt_v whether_o even_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a the_o love_n to_o enemy_n can_v come_v to_o be_v transfuse_v into_o inferior_a nature_n from_o the_o superior_a soul_n as_o our_o love_n immediate_o to_o god_n sometime_o may_v be_v 10._o to_o do_v all_o this_o pure_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n these_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v &_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o good_a will_n though_o our_o action_n be_v not_o so_o perfect_a as_o we_o will_v wish_v they_o be_v 25._o by_o such_o christian_a &_o charitable_a behaviour_n towards_o our_o enemy_n such_o a_o divine_a virtue_n will_v proceed_v from_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o gain_v they_o perhaps_o to_o be_v our_o best_a friend_n yea_o which_o be_v far_o more_o considerable_a we_o shall_v probable_o gain_v they_o to_o god_n if_o before_o they_o we_o estrange_v from_o he_o 26._o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a species_n of_o charity_n which_o s._n peter_n make_v the_o next_o step_n to_o perfection_n which_o he_o call_v philadelphiam_fw-la or_o love_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v a_o certain_a spiritual_a affection_n to_o all_o god_n child_n the_o which_o subdue_v all_o other_o inferior_a regard_n of_o nature_n &_o make_v our_o union_n with_o they_o to_o be_v pure_o in_o god_n transcend_v all_o other_o kind_n of_o obligation_n and_o the_o office_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v extend_v to_o any_o but_o such_o as_o we_o know_v to_o be_v true_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v a_o inward_a communion_n in_o holy_a duty_n of_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n &_o a_o communication_n of_o certain_a charitable_a office_n which_o out_o of_o a_o ardent_a love_n to_o god_n we_o desire_v to_o express_v to_o he_o by_o a_o choice_n that_o we_o make_v of_o his_o special_a friend_n as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o endeavour_v to_o oblige_v he_o after_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o sensual_a love_n to_o meat_n &c_n &c_n by_o temperance_n in_o refection_n §_o 23._o this_o be_v a_o last_a continual_a tentation_n even_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v especial_o regard_v §_o 4._o defect_n in_o refection_n which_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 5._o of_o disaffection_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o be_v aspire_v to_o §_o 6._o feast_v to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o inconvenience_n inseparable_o attend_v refection_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o therefore_o to_o abridge_v ourselves_o of_o a_o necessary_a measure_n of_o sustenance_n §_o 10._o 11._o advice_n touch_v care_n to_o be_v have_v in_o refection_n §_o 12._o the_o body_n to_o be_v esteem_v a_o enemy_n §_o 13._o in_o what_o case_n &_o how_o we_o may_v seek_v more_o delicate_a meat_n etc._n etc._n §_o 14._o certain_a benefit_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o refection_n §_o 15._o the_o subtlety_n of_o tentation_n in_o refection_n §_o 16._o perfect_a soul_n have_v a_o aversion_n from_o necessary_a pleasure_n &_o refection_n §_o 17._o 18._o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o mortification_n exercise_v by_o certain_a holy_a person_n §_o 19_o of_o attention_n to_o read_v at_o refection_n §_o 20._o of_o physic_n §_o 21._o 22._o 23._o 24._o 25._o advice_n touch_v sleep_n 1._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a &_o most_o efficacious_a universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o other_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v have_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o general_a mortification_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o sensual_a love_n be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o corporal_a refection_n &_o pleasure_n feel_v in_o meat_n &_o drink_n have_v something_o in_o it_o very_o considerable_a in_o aspirituall_a life_n &_o therefore_o require_v particular_a advice_n about_o it_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v a_o tentation_n which_o avoidable_o accompany_v we_o through_o our_o whole_a life_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n food_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a 2._o there_o i●_n scarce_o any_o tentation_n more_o subtle_a for_o it_o do_v so_o cloak_n itself_o under_o the_o title_n of_o necessity_n that_o even_o the_o most_o perfect_a soul_n which_o have_v abandon_v all_o other_o occasion_n yet_o be_v imprison_v in_o body_n that_o need_v daily_a refection_n be_v continual_o expose_v to_o this_o &_o oft_o surprise_v &_o in_o some_o measure_n overcome_v by_o it_o not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v excess_n from_o necessi_fw-it y_o hence_o s._n augustin_n in_o his_o confession_n lib._n 10._o c._n 13._o most_o elegant_o yet_o passionate_o complain_v of_o it_o describe_v the_o subtleness_n and_o importunatenes_n of_o this_o tentation_n which_o passage_n be_v common_o know_v &_o obvious_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o set_v down_o in_o this_o place_n 2._o the_o natural_a appetite_n desire_v food_n mere_o for_o the_o sustain_n of_o nature_n the_o sensual_a mere_o for_o pleasure_n not_o consider_v benefit_n either_o to_o soul_n or_o body_n nor_o regard_v the_o seasonablenes_n of_o the_o time_n nor_o any_o other_o due_a circomstance_n but_o the_o rational_a appetite_n or_o will_n direct_v by_o grace_n though_o it_o can_v hinder_v sensuality_n from_o take_v pleasure_n in_o food_n &_o yet_o desire_n &_o receive_v it_o out_o of_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o support_v the_o body_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n &_o this_o in_o such_o order_n measure_n etc._n etc._n as_o reason_n judge_v fit_a &_o not_o as_o sensuality_n will_v have_v it_o so_o that_o if_o the_o rational_a part_n give_v way_n to_o the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o sensuality_n so_o far_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n commit_v the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o sensuality_n but_o to_o the_o superior_a soul_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o restrain_v &_o bridle_v sense_n 3._o this_o tentation_n as_o it_o be_v the_o last_o that_o be_v perfect_o overcome_v so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v to_o be_v combat_v against_o for_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n have_v say_v cassian_n till_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o have_v some_o degree_n of_o mastery_n over_o
herself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o gluttony_n and_o the_o main_a mischief_n of_o the_o tentation_n be_v prevent_v when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o cast_v of_o the_o habitual_a affection_n to_o eat_v &_o drink_v especial_o to_o feast_v the_o which_o bring_v many_o inconvenience_n to_o a_o internal_a liver_n as_o 1._o loss_n of_o time_n 2._o peril_n of_o intemperance_n &_o other_o misbehaviour_n 3._o hurtful_a distraction_n 4._o indisposition_n to_o prayer_n 5._o intemperance_n likewise_o in_o another_o use_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o wit_n talk_v etc._n etc._n 4._o imperfect_a soul_n therefore_o must_v make_v it_o their_o care_n in_o refection_n to_o avoid_v these_o special_a defect_n to_o wit_n eat_v or_o drink_v 1._o too_o much_o 2._o with_o too_o great_a earnestness_n 3._o too_o hasty_o prevent_v the_o due_a time_n 4._o delicate_o 5._o with_o a_o precedent_a studiousnes_n to_o provide_v please_a meat_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o two_o first_o quality_n or_o defect_n such_o soul_n may_v happen_v to_o offend_v who_o yet_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n have_v attain_a to_o a_o spiritual_a disesteem_v &_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o please_v sensuality_n for_o they_o on_o occasion_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o eat_v with_o some_o excess_n and_o ardour_n but_o rare_o do_v such_o offend_v in_o the_o follow_a quality_n 5._o now_o the_o mark_v by_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v discern_v whether_o she_o have_v in_o she_o a_o disaffection_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v 1._o if_o her_o chief_a delight_n &_o esteem_v be_v in_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o that_o she_o diligent_o pursue_v they_o 2._o if_o she_o seek_v not_o after_o nor_o willing_o admit_v extraordinary_a feast_n 3._o if_o be_v alone_o she_o do_v not_o entertain_v herself_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o thing_n nor_o talk_v of_o they_o with_o gust_n 4._o if_o when_o she_o be_v force_v to_o take_v refection_n she_o take_v they_o as_o of_o necessity_n &_o duty_n 5._o if_o she_o can_v be_v content_a so_o that_o god_n will_v be_v such_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v please_v taste_n etc._n etc._n 6._o in_o case_n that_o necessary_a civility_n shall_v oblige_v a_o spiritual_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o a_o feast_n he_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v watchful_a over_o himself_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o do_v because_o than_o other_o being_n more_o eager_a to_o their_o meat_n will_v less_o mark_v he_o and_o to_o entertain_v the_o time_n which_o be_v ordinary_o long_a let_v he_o choose_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v the_o light_a &_o of_o the_o easy_a digestion_n for_o so_o do_v he_o may_v both_o seem_v to_o avoid_v singularity_n in_o abstain_v more_o than_o other_o &_o yet_o in_o effect_n eat_v far_o less_o in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o go_v thither_o with_o a_o mind_n &_o affection_n to_o abstinence_n &_o retain_v such_o affection_n 7._o this_o one_o unavoidable_a misery_n there_o be_v in_o eat_v &_o drink_v how_o temperate_o soever_o that_o a_o soul_n for_o such_o a_o time_n &_o for_o some_o space_n afterward_o be_v force_v to_o descend_v from_o that_o height_n of_o spirit_n that_o she_o have_v attain_a to_o by_o virtue_n of_o her_o precedent_a recollection_n so_o that_o if_o before_o she_o have_v a_o sight_n &_o experimental_a perception_n that_o god_n be_v all_o &_o herself_n nothing_o she_o will_v afterward_o have_v no_o other_o sight_n of_o this_o but_o her_o ordinary_a sight_n of_o faith_n by_o reason_n that_o her_o spirit_n be_v more_o active_a &_o her_o internal_a sense_n fill_v with_o image_n &_o vapour_n 8._o yet_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o abridge_v herself_o of_o a_o necessary_a quantity_n in_o refection_n for_o her_o prayer_n sake_n or_o other_o internal_a exercise_n for_o that_o will_v for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o do_v more_o harm_n to_o the_o spirit_n by_o too_o much_o enfeeble_v the_o body_n neither_o be_v she_o to_o judge_v that_o she_o have_v offend_v by_o excess_n because_o she_o find_v a_o heaviness_n and_o perhaps_o some_o indigestion_n for_o some_o space_n after_o refection_n for_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o that_o debility_n of_o complexion_n which_o ordinary_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a life_n since_o as_o s._n hildegardis_n say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o dwell_v in_o robustious_a body_n 9_o it_o be_v not_o our_o petty_a fail_n through_o frailty_n or_o ignorance_n and_o much_o loss_n our_o suppose_a fail_n judge_v so_o by_o our_o scrupulosity_n that_o can_v cause_n god_n to_o be_v avert_v from_o we_o or_o that_o will_v hinder_v our_o union_n with_o he_o for_o for_o such_o defect_n we_o shall_v be_v attoan_v with_o god_n in_o our_o next_o recollection_n or_o it_o may_v be_v soon_o but_o those_o be_v indeed_o prejudicial_a defect_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o settle_a affection_n to_o sensual_a object_n 10._o to_o correct_v the_o vice_n of_o eagerne_n in_o eat_v abbot_n isacius_n advise_v his_o monk_n that_o when_o they_o stretch_v forth_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o their_o meat_n or_o drink_v they_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o a_o certain_a mental_a unwillingnes_n 11._o let_v every_o one_o content_a himself_o with_o what_o god_n by_o superior_n provide_v for_o he_o account_v that_o how_o mean_a or_o course_n soever_o to_o be_v the_o very_o best_a for_o he_o &_o not_o that_o which_o can_v be_v procure_v without_o solicitude_n &_o impatience_n neither_o ought_v any_o to_o justify_v or_o excuse_v his_o impatience_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o obligation_n that_o every_o one_o have_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v far_o more_o endamage_v by_o such_o impatience_n &_o solicitude_n than_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v desire_v for_o the_o body_n can_v do_v it_o good_a 12._o we_o have_v small_a reason_n to_o love_v the_o body_n for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o one_o way_n or_o other_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o cherish_v therefore_o &_o satisfy_v its_o inordinate_a desire_n be_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o sin_n as_o if_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v not_o sufficient_o incline_v we_o thereto_o 13._o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o body_n may_v sometime_o require_v not_o only_o healthy_a but_o also_o well_o taste_v meat_n not_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o sensuality_n but_o the_o uphold_v of_o our_o strength_n as_o s._n augustin_n say_v in_o which_o case_n meat_n of_o good_a relish_n even_o as_o such_o may_v be_v seek_v for_o yea_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o &_o this_o for_o the_o recreate_v and_o comfort_v of_o nature_n and_o such_o corporal_a consolation_n may_v also_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o spirit_n but_o where_o no_o such_o necessity_n be_v to_o seek_v for_o such_o meat_n be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o religious_a temperance_n and_o even_o during_o such_o necessity_n to_o seek_v they_o either_o with_o solicitude_n or_o so_o as_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o community_n be_v contrary_a to_o religious_a poverty_n &_o resignation_n 14._o as_o many_o defect_n &_o hindrance_n to_o spiritual_a progress_n do_v flow_v by_o occasion_n of_o refection_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o wellminded_n soul_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o advantage_n for_o their_o progress_n in_o spirit_n for_o 1._o it_o oblige_v a_o soul_n to_o watch_n &_o pray_v that_o she_o be_v not_o overcome_v by_o the_o tentation_n 2._o it_o may_v give_v occasion_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n in_o case_n of_o the_o want_n of_o thing_n contentful_a to_o nature_n as_o likewise_o of_o temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o experience_n of_o our_o frequent_a excess_n beyond_o true_a necessity_n may_v afford_v great_a matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n 4._o by_o the_o mean_n of_o resection_n there_o be_v give_v to_o soul_n certain_a pausing_n &_o diversion_n from_o spiritual_a working_n necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o to_o work_v afterward_o more_o vigorous_o &_o intense_o 15._o vix_fw-la perfectus_fw-la discernit_fw-la etc._n etc._n s●ith_n s._n gregory_n a_o perfect_a soul_n do_v scarce_o discern_v the_o secret_a tentation_n &_o subtle_a subreption_n of_o sensuality_n urge_v soul_n to_o take_v more_o than_o necessity_n or_o obedience_n require_v &_o the_o only_a light_n necessary_a for_o such_o discern_a come_v from_o internal_a prayer_n and_o moreover_o till_o the_o soul_n by_o prayer_n be_v raise_v above_o sensuality_n she_o can_v have_v strength_n enough_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o inordinate_a desire_n thereof_o which_o she_o do_v discern_v and_o when_o soul_n be_v arrive_v to_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n they_o oppose_v such_o desire_n rather_o by_o neglect_v &_o forget_v the_o body_n then_o by_o
direct_a combat_n against_o the_o appetits_fw-fr of_o it_o and_o only_o from_o the_o decay_n &_o ignorance_n of_o such_o prayer_n have_v it_o proceed_v that_o spiritual_a directour_n have_v be_v force_v to_o multiply_v such_o &_o so_o many_o nice_a observance_n about_o diet_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o rule_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o without_o prayer_n have_v but_o small_a effect_n to_o produce_v solid_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n 16._o a_o soul_n perfect_o spiritualise_v if_o she_o may_v have_v she_o wish_v will_v willing_o be_v free_v not_o only_o from_o all_o pleasure_n take_v in_o refection_n consider_v the_o daily_a tentation_n to_o excess_n but_o even_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n de_n necessitatibus_fw-la meis_fw-la erue_fw-la i_o domine_fw-la o_fw-la lord_n free_v i_o from_o these_o my_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o they_o she_o may_v always_o like_o a_o angel_n be_v in_o continual_a contemplation_n &_o enjoy_v a_o never-failing_a internal_a light_n the_o which_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o fume_n raise_v even_o by_o the_o most_o temperate_a refection_n by_o which_o also_o passion_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n quicken_v such_o soul_n may_v indeed_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o disaffection_n to_o refection_n and_o the_o best_a way_n beside_o &_o out_o of_o prayer_n to_o beget_v such_o disaffection_n &_o to_o prevent_v the_o harm_n that_o may_v come_v from_o any_o corporal_a necessity_n will_v be_v not_o only_o to_o practice_v the_o mortify_n of_o sensual_a contentment_n in_o go_v to_o the_o refectory_n but_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o tentation_n there_o to_o be_v find_v to_o go_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o unwillingnes_n &_o fear_n 17._o a_o most_o noble_a kind_n of_o mortification_n in_o refection_n be_v that_o mention_v by_o harphius_n of_o a_o certain_a holy_a brother_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n francis_n call_v rogerius_n who_o by_o mean_n of_o elevate_n the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o suspend_v they_o in_o god_n during_o refection_n lose_v all_o perception_n of_o taste_n in_o eat_v &_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o unable_a so_o to_o elevate_v his_o soul_n he_o will_v for_o so_o long_o forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v afford_v any_o gust_n but_o this_o practice_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o perfect_a it_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a &_o dangerous_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o less_o perfect_a soul_n or_o any_o that_o have_v not_o a_o especial_a &_o certain_a inspiration_n to_o imitate_v it_o 18._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o mortification_n practise_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n who_o use_v to_o mix_v a_o few_o drop_n of_o oil_n esteem_v by_o they_o a_o great_a delicacy_n with_o their_o vinegar_n to_o the_o end_n thereby_o to_o provoke_v the_o appetite_n to_o desire_v more_o the_o which_o they_o deny_v to_o it_o or_o of_o another_o who_o have_v receive_v a_o bunch_n of_o grape_n ravenous_o devour_v they_o partly_o to_o make_v the_o gustfull_a pleasure_n so_o much_o the_o short_a &_o partly_o as_o he_o say_v to_o cozen_v the_o devil_n to_o who_o he_o desire_v to_o appear_v a_o glutton_n 19_o a_o soul_n that_o practise_v internal_a prayer_n may_v content_v herself_o with_o a_o moderate_a attention_n to_o what_o be_v read_v during_o refection_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o in_o some_o community_n be_v say_v immediate_o after_o dinner_n because_o too_o earnest_a a_o attention_n and_o recollectednes_n at_o such_o time_n will_v prejudice_n the_o head_n and_o stomach_n a_o soul_n therefore_o may_v esteem_v this_o to_o be_v as_o a_o time_n of_o desolation_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n 20._o concern_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n &_o caution_n to_o be_v use_v about_o it_o some_o instruction_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o prayer_n during_o sickness_n 21._o last_o the_o matter_n of_o sleep_n be_v not_o wnworthy_a the_o ear_n of_o a_o spiritual_a person_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o full_a repast_n do_v not_o so_o much_o plunge_v a_o soul_n in_o sensuality_n nor_o so_o indispose_v she_o for_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o a_o long_a &_o profound_a sleep_n from_o whence_o even_o a_o perfect_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v herself_o into_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o much_o difficulty_n &_o long_o strive_v 22._o and_o on_o these_o ground_n doubtless_o it_o be_v that_o the_o midnight_n office_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o end_n to_o interrupt_v s●eepe_a yea_o ancient_o the_o three_o nocturne_n be_v therefore_o divide_v namely_o to_o prevent_v the_o immersing_a of_o soul_n in_o sensual_a nature_n 23._o for_o imperfect_a soul_n it_o may_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o convenient_a measure_n of_o sleep_n yet_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d ●eing_v it_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v it_o be_v likewise_o good_a for_o they_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n with_o a_o affection_n &_o desire_v so_o be_v early_o up_o for_o such_o a_o affection_n will_v cause_v their_o sleep_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o a_o little_a solicitude_n the_o which_o will_v dispose_v they_o both_o to_o wake_v soon_o and_o to_o rise_v with_o less_o unwillingnes_n 24._o in_o case_n that_o one_o be_v in_o bed_n can_v sleep_v it_o be_v u●ry_o dangerous_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a negligence_n &_o idleness_n because_o than_o not_o only_o vain_a but_o ve●y_n hurtful_a &_o pernicious_a thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o press_v into_o the_o mind_n for_o a_o prevention_n or_o remedy_n against_o which_o i_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n advise_v one_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o any_o serious_o recollect_v thought_n or_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n for_o that_o will_v quite_o hinder_v sleep_n for_o the_o future_a and_o spoil_v the_o next_o day_n recollection_n the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o the_o time_n immediate_o go_v before_o bedtime_n but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v simple_o vain_a thought_n that_o then_o wander_v unsetle_o in_o his_o mind_n let_v he_o not_o willing_o pursue_v they_o but_o rather_o neglect_v they_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v sinful_a imagination_n set_v he_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v divert_v quiet_o his_o mind_n from_o they_o and_o now_o &_o then_o without_o much_o force_n lift_v up_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n or_o use_v some_o familiar_a prayer_n or_o say_v the_o bead_n without_o much_o force_a attention_n yet_o more_o attention_n be_v require_v against_o sinful_a then_o vain_a thought_n 25._o as_o for_o perfect_a soul_n their_o prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v less_o hinder_v sleep_n by_o reason_n it_o be_v both_o so_o pure_a &_o so_o facile_a that_o it_o be_v become_v almost_o as_o natural_a as_o breathe_v &_o perform_v without_o any_o agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o revolve_v of_o image_n in_o the_o internal_a sense_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o anger_n by_o patience_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o here_o be_v treat_v of_o smaller_n impatience_n chief_o scarce_o observable_a but_o by_o recollect_v liver_n §_o 6._o patience_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o all_o time_n even_o in_o joy_n &_o prosperity_n §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o we_o ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o a_o indifference_n §_o 10._o patience_n towards_o god_n afflict_v we_o be_v easy_a than_o towards_o man._n §_o 11._o 12._o 14._o 15._o 16._o 17._o 18._o seven_o degree_n of_o patience_n §_o 19_o example_n of_o seem_o extravagant_a kind_n of_o patience_n etc._n etc._n §_o 20._o prayer_n the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n to_o get_v patience_n §_o 21._o all_o action_n except_o actual_a prayer_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n defectuous_a 1._o the_o next_o passion_n to_o be_v mortify_v be_v anger_n the_o which_o whosoever_o willing_o suffer_v to_o arise_v &_o increase_v or_o that_o deliberate_o yield_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n for_o any_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o body_n health_n fortune_n life_n &c_n &c_n yea_o or_o pretend_v soul_n good_a such_o a_o one_o real_o make_v more_o esteem_n of_o they_o then_o of_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o far_o as_o anger_n get_v a_o mastery_n over_o he_o so_o far_o he_o lose_v that_o dominion_n that_o his_o soul_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o all_o other_o thing_n &_o put_v reason_n out_o of_o its_o throne_n herupon_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o patientia_fw-la vestra_fw-la possidebitis_fw-la animas_fw-la vestras_fw-la that_o be_v by_o patience_n you_o shall_v keep_v the_o possession_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o imply_v that_o by_o impatience_n we_o lose_v that_o possession_n and_o what_o great_a loss_n can_v we_o have_v hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o
whereas_o by_o progress_n it_o gather_v such_o strength_n disorder_v the_o imagination_n disquiet_v the_o passion_n and_o corrupt_v even_o the_o judgement_n also_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o remedy_n 10._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o follow_a advice_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a we_o will_v sort_v they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a ground_n from_o which_o usual_o scrupulosity_n do_v proceed_v the_o which_o be_v 1._o either_o interval_n tentation_n by_o suspect_a sinful_a thought_n and_o imagination_n 2._o or_o certain_a defect_n or_o suppose_a defect_n incur_v about_o externall_n obligation_n as_o s●y●ng_v the_o office_n fast_v etc._n etc._n in_o both_o whi●h_o case_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a suspicion_n of_o sin_n incur_v and_o a_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o heynousnes_n that_o sin_n in_o from_o when●e_o follow_v unquiet_a examination_n scrupulous_a confession_n often_o repeat_v &c_n &c_n first_o therefore_o we_o will_v treat_v of_o fear_n &_o scrupulosity_n arise_v from_o inward_a tentation_n by_o ill_a imagination_n or_o thought_n and_o afterward_o of_o the_o other_o chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o of_o scrupulosity_n arise_v from_o certain_a inward_a tentation_n §_o 2._o 3._o tentation_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o ill_a but_o rather_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n love_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v §_o 4._o internal_a tentation_n very_a purify_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o of_o inward_a tentation_n rest_v only_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o advice_n against_o they_o §_o 9_o likewise_o touch_v those_o that_o cause_n also_o effect_n and_o motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o 13._o 14._o 15._o prayer_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o tentation_n as_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a remedy_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o tentation_n be_v most_o efficacious_o and_o perfect_o resist_v by_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o love_n to_o god_n 1._o the_o special_a kind_n of_o inward_a tentation_n which_o do_v ordinary_o afford_v matter_n of_o fear_n &_o scrupulosity_n to_o wellminded_n tender_a soul_n be_v first_o either_o such_o ill_a imagination_n or_o thought_n as_o rest_v in_o the_o mind_n alone_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a effect_n such_o be_v thought_n 1._o of_o infidelity_n 2._o of_o blasphemy_n 3._o of_o despair_n etc._n etc._n or_o second_o such_o as_o withal_o have_v or_o may_v cause_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o body_n such_o be_v thought_n of_o impurity_n anger_n etc._n etc._n 2._o now_o concern_v tentation_n in_o general_a the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o have_v they_o yea_o being_n send_v we_o by_o god_n they_o be_v mean_v for_o our_o good_a and_o to_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o merit_v by_o they_o and_o those_o which_o god_n send_v we_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a for_o us._n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o own_o choice_n we_o shall_v choose_v least_o and_o last_o of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o humble_v we_o and_o to_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o ourselves_o and_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o more_o displease_v to_o we_o and_o afflict_v that_o any_o tentation_n be_v the_o more_o profitable_a be_v they_o let_v none_o therefore_o be_v dismay_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o tentation_n but_o since_o self-love_n can_v be_v cure_v but_o by_o application_n of_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o let_v we_o accept_v of_o they_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perilous_a to_o be_v long_o without_o they_o and_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o see_v how_o our_o present_a tentation_n can_v turn_v to_o our_o profit_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o that_o god_n see_v it_o &_o otherwise_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v never_o have_v permit_v they_o to_o befall_v we_o therefore_o let_v faith_n supply_v knowledge_n or_o curiosity_n 3._o nevertheless_o we_o must_v not_o voluntary_o seek_v tentation_n for_o qui_fw-la amat_fw-la periculum_fw-la peribit_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la he_o that_o love_v danger_n shall_v perish_v therein_o say_v the_o wiseman_n god_n will_v not_o deny_v spiritual_a strength_n to_o resist_v &_o make_v good_a use_n of_o tentation_n that_o by_o his_o providence_n befall_v we_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v by_o some_o precedent_a fault_n &_o negligence_n of_o we_o that_o they_o befall_v we_o but_o he_o have_v make_v no_o promise_n to_o secure_v we_o in_o a_o danger_n into_o which_o we_o voluntary_o run_v 4._o more_o particular_o internal_a tentation_n be_v more_o beneficial_a and_o purify_n and_o they_o do_v more_o profound_o humble_v we_o then_o do_v outward_a pain_n or_o persecution_n 1._o because_o they_o discover_v unto_o we_o not_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o our_o own_o sinful_a nature_n prone_a of_o themselves_o to_o all_o abomination_n 2._o and_o by_o they_o we_o come_v to_o be_v deliver_v not_o from_o other_o creature_n but_o from_o ourselves_o in_o which_o separation_n our_o chief_a &_o last_o conquer_v difficulty_n consist_v 3._o they_o send_v we_o for_o remedy_n to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o what_o effect_n can_v any_o assistance_n medicine_n or_o other_o help_n of_o creature_n have_v against_o our_o own_o thought_n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o special_a forenamed_a tentation_n a_o wellminded_n soul_n ought_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o simple_a pass_v of_o such_o thought_n or_o imagination_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o though_o they_o shall_v rest_v there_o never_o so_o long_o without_o advertence_n but_o only_o the_o give_v a_o deliberate_a consent_n unto_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o soul_n either_o to_o prevent_v or_o banish_v they_o at_o pleasure_n because_o the_o imagination_n be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o reason_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v command_v to_o entertain_v no_o image_n but_o such_o as_o reason_n will_v allow_v but_o it_o be_v distemper_v according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o humour_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o body_n and_o sometime_o the_o devil_n also_o be_v permit_v to_o iniect_v or_o raise_v image_n to_o the_o disquiet_v of_o tender_a soul_n but_o he_o can_v force_v none_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o they_o 6._o there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o consent_v unto_o tentation_n mere_o spiritual_a such_o as_o be_v thought_n of_o blasphemy_n despair_v &c_n &c_n and_o consequent_o less_o likelihood_n of_o scrupulosity_n from_o a_o suspicion_n of_o such_o consent_n though_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v so_o violent_a and_o so_o obstinate_o adhere_v that_o the_o fancy_n will_v become_v extreme_o disorder_v and_o the_o soul_n will_v think_v herself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o hell_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o blaspheme_v and_o hate_v of_o god_n 7._o her_o best_a remedy_n be_v quiet_o to_o turn_v her_o thought_n some_o other_o way_n and_o rather_o neglect_v then_o force_v herself_o to_o combat_v they_o with_o contrary_a thought_n for_o by_o neglect_v of_o they_o the_o impression_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o imagination_n will_v be_v diminish_v she_o may_v do_v well_o also_o by_o word_n or_o outward_a gesture_n to_o signify_v her_o renounce_n and_o detestation_n of_o they_o as_o in_o a_o tentation_n of_o blasphemy_n let_v she_o pronounce_v word_n and_o express_a posture_n of_o adoration_n of_o god_n praise_n love_v &c_n &c_n let_v she_o be_v also_o the_o more_o diligent_a in_o frequent_v the_o choir_n continue_v more_o careful_o in_o posture_n of_o humility_n before_o he_o and_o do_v thus_o let_v she_o banish_v all_o suspicion_n of_o have_v consent_v as_o be_v moral_o impossible_a 8._o certain_a it_o be_v that_o how_o troublesome_a &_o horrible_a soever_o such_o tentation_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v quiet_o resist_v or_o rather_o neglect_v do_v wonderful_o purify_v the_o soul_n establish_v divine_a love_n most_o firm_o and_o deep_o in_o the_o spirit_n moreov_a by_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o superior_a soul_n be_v enable_v to_o transcend_v all_o the_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n in_o inferior_a nature_n adhere_v to_o god_n during_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sensuality_n 9_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o interiour_n tentation_n which_o be_v more_o gross_a cause_v oft_o disorderly_a motion_n and_o effect_n in_o corporal_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v timorous_a soul_n that_o they_o have_v not_o consent_v both_o by_o reason_n that_o such_o imagination_n be_v more_o pertinacious_a and_o stick_v to_o the_o corporal_a humour_n and_o spirit_n and_o also_o because_o inferior_a nature_n be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o a_o like_n of_o they_o in_o somuch_o as_o that_o real_a effect_n &_o alteration_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o body_n before_o that_o reason_n be_v full_o awake_a to_o resist_v they_o yea_o and_o after_o the_o resistance_n make_v
22._o this_o most_o heroical_a humility_n can_v only_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o act_n of_o contemplation_n for_o then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o a_o soul_n feel_v she_o own_o nothing_o without_o intend_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o at_o all_o other_o time_n she_o in_o some_o degree_n feel_v the_o false_a suppose_v be_v of_o herself_o &_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v only_o in_o actual_a pure_a prayer_n that_o the_o image_n of_o they_o be_v expel_v &_o with_o the_o image_n the_o affection_n to_o they_o also_o 23._o notwithstanding_o a_o great_a measure_n &_o proportion_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o such_o prayer_n remain_v &_o be_v operative_a also_o afterward_o out_o of_o prayer_n for_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v see_v creature_n she_o never_o see_v they_o as_o in_o themselves_o but_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n &_o so_o in_o they_o humble_v herself_o to_o god_n &_o love_v god_n in_o they_o and_o if_o she_o reflect_v upon_o herself_o &_o turn_v her_o eye_n inward_a into_o her_o spirit_n desire_v to_o find_v god_n there_o there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o considerable_a imperfection_n obscurity_n or_o stain_n that_o will_v darken_v she_o view_v of_o god_n but_o she_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o most_o perfect_o hate_v it_o 24._o as_o for_o sin_n or_o imperfection_n in_o other_o though_o never_o so_o heinous_a they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o her_o see_v of_o god_n because_o either_o she_o transcend_v &_o mark_v they_o not_o or_o be_v by_o their_o mean_n urge_v to_o a_o near_o &_o more_o fervent_a love_n of_o he_o for_o his_o patience_n to_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n impair_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n &_o to_o a_o great_a compassion_n towards_o sinner_n 25._o but_o the_o least_o imperfection_n in_o herself_o be_v real_o a_o hindrance_n to_o her_o immediate_a union_n with_o god_n &_o perfect_a sight_n of_o he_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o she_o than_o enjoy_v perfect_o see_v &_o perfect_o abhor_v by_o she_o yea_o such_o fault_n as_o to_o her_o natural_a understanding_n former_o appear_v no_o big_a than_o moat_n do_v in_o virtue_n of_o this_o supernatural_a light_n seem_v as_o mountain_n and_o defect_n which_o she_o before_o never_o dream_v or_o imagine_v to_o be_v in_o herself_o she_o now_o see_v not_o only_o to_o be_v but_o to_o abound_v &_o bear_v great_a sway_n in_o she_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v s._n gregory_n l._n 22._o moral_a c._n 1._o sancti_fw-la viri_fw-la quo_fw-la altiùs_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la proficiunt_fw-la eo_fw-la subtiliùs_fw-la indignos_fw-la se_fw-la deprehendunt_fw-la quia_fw-la dum_fw-la proximi_fw-la luci_fw-la fiunt_fw-la quidquid_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la latebat_fw-la inveniunt_fw-la that_o be_v holy_a man_n the_o high_a that_o they_o raise_v themselves_o approach_v to_o god_n the_o more_o clear_o do_v they_o perceive_v their_o own_o unworthines_n because_o be_v encompass_v with_o a_o pure_a light_n they_o discover_v in_o themselves_o those_o defect_n which_o before_o they_o can_v not_o see_v 26._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o &_o the_o feel_n or_o perception_n of_o it_o the_o former_a may_v be_v get_v by_o a_o little_a meditation_n or_o by_o read_v of_o school_n divinity_n which_o teach_v &_o demonstrate_v how_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a dependence_n on_o the_o only_a true_a be_v of_o god_n whereas_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v by_o study_n or_o meditation_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o raise_n &_o purify_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o prayer_n the_o devil_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nothingnes_n of_o creature_n in_o a_o far_o great_a perfection_n than_o any_o man_n &_o yet_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o feel_n now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o not-being_a that_o be_v true_a perfect_a humility_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o feel_n of_o our_o be_v be_v pride_n 27._o now_o this_o feel_n of_o our_o not-being_a have_v two_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o corporal_a or_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o wit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o raise_v above_o the_o body_n &_o all_o desire_n concern_v it_o that_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o care_n &_o solicitude_n about_o it_o have_v mortify_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n all_o inferior_a passion_n this_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o humility_n but_o not_o yet_o perfect_a as_o may_v appear_v plain_o by_o this_o that_o after_o a_o soul_n have_v attain_v herto_o by_o a_o passive_a union_n there_o ordinary_o follow_v the_o great_a privation_n or_o desolation_n in_o which_o she_o find_v herself_o to_o be_v yet_o full_a of_o herself_o &_o she_o own_o be_v combat_v with_o may_o rise_n &_o repugnance_n 2._o the_o second_o degree_n follow_v after_o that_o the_o say_a privation_n cease_v in_o which_o the_o soul_n exercise_v herself_o after_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o begin_v then_o to_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a feel_n of_o her_o not-being_a consist_v in_o a_o abstraction_n from_o the_o soul_n herself_o &_o all_o her_o faculty_n &_o operation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o lose_v &_o annihilate_v in_o god_n that_o in_o her_o exercise_n of_o most_o pure_a prayer_n she_o can_v perceyve_v distinct_o any_o work_v either_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v or_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o she_o do_v when_o she_o pray_v 28._o the_o author_n of_o secret_n sentier_n say_v that_o soul_n which_o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o state_n of_o perfect_a union_n be_v yet_o ordinary_o permit_v by_o god_n to_o descend_v oft_o from_o their_o high_a abstraction_n into_o their_o inferior_a nature_n even_o as_o they_o be_v during_o their_o state_n of_o entrance_n into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n so_o that_o according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n during_o such_o a_o descent_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o the_o feel_n of_o their_o own_o be_v but_o the●_n say_v he_o they_o from_o this_o descent_n do_v by_o little_a &_o little_a through_o their_o internal_a exercise_n ascend_v high_a ther●_n they_o be_v ever_o before_o and_o such_o ascent_n &_o descent_n interchangeable_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n thus_o say_v barbanzon_n perhaps_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o whether_o from_o thence_o he_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o apply_v this_o observation_n so_o general_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o perfect_a who_o only_o can_v judge_v of_o such_o matter_n 29._o but_o alas_o these_o contemplation_n &_o consequent_o the_o say_v bless_v fruit_n of_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a &_o not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o come_v to_o at_o pleasure_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n till_o after_o a_o passive_a union_n or_o contemplation_n whereto_o well_o may_v we_o dispose_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o power_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o free_a will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o confer_v it_o on_o who_o when_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o please_v he_o 30._o but_o however_o let_v not_o beginner_n nor_o proficient_n in_o spirituality_n be_v discourage_v for_o that_o as_o yet_o they_o can_v find_v in_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o very_o imperfect_o a_o perception_n of_o their_o not-being_a not_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o supernatural_a intellectual_a species_n evident_o &_o even_o palpable_o represent_v to_o their_o mind_n god_n totality_n &_o their_o own_o nothing_o the_o which_o species_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o active_a exercise_n to_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o aspire_v thereunto_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n lead_v thither_o they_o will_v certain_o arrive_v to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o sublime_a humility_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o alone_o all_o other_o virtue_n will_v be_v perfect_o exercise_v by_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o it_o they_o will_v come_v to_o know_v both_o god_n &_o themselves_o aright_o &_o be_v in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n as_o our_o holy_a father_n say_v to_o that_o perfect_a charity_n which_o expel_v all_o fear_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o only_o treat_v particular_o &_o large_o of_o this_o virtue_n &_o of_o obedience_n which_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o it_o 31._o we_o ought_v therefore_o never_o to_o cease_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v reveyle_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o nothing_o &_o his_o all-being_a for_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o as_o for_o exterior_a act_n &_o expression_n of_o humility_n if_o they_o flow_v from_o prayer_n they_o may_v be_v profitable_a &_o acceptable_a to_o god_n
renounce_n of_o the_o world_n prayer_n &c_n &c_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v of_o his_o deordination_n upon_o which_o ground_n alone_o s._n bernard_n say_v that_o he_o will_v give_v absolution_n present_o to_o the_o great_a sinner_n in_o sickness_n if_o he_o will_v promise_v upon_o supposition_n of_o recovery_n to_o quit_v the_o world_n and_o embrace_v a_o penitential_a life_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o promise_v or_o perform_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o a_o unconuerted_a religious_a person_n that_o can_v promise_v no_o high_a state_n than_o he_o be_v in_o already_o with_o so_o little_a good_a effect_n to_o his_o soul_n 6._o yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o from_o hence_o any_o shall_v advise_o give_v way_n to_o despair_n or_o deliberate_o refuse_v to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o mortify_v their_o inordinate_a affection_n or_o to_o pray_v the_o best_a they_o can_v good_a purpose_n &_o action_n perform_v mere_o out_o of_o fear_n will_v produce_v some_o good_a effect_n &_o god_n goodness_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a may_v change_v fear_n into_o love_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o 7._o now_o though_o the_o case_n of_o tepid_a liver_n be_v not_o altogether_o so_o miserable_a yet_o it_o be_v infinite_o perilous_a &_o the_o issue_n extreme_o to_o be_v suspect_v for_o though_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o many_o great_a sin_n of_o commission_n yet_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a omission_n of_o duty_n to_o which_o their_o profession_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n oblige_v they_o and_o now_o what_o other_o new_a motive_n can_v they_o have_v to_o relinquish_v their_o negligence_n but_o only_o fear_v also_o or_o what_o prayer_n be_v they_o likely_a to_o make_v when_o their_o necessity_n be_v so_o great_a &_o the_o help_n to_o prayer_n so_o small_a 8._o the_o only_a secure_a way_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o incur_v this_o hazardous_a state_n in_o sickness_n be_v during_o health_n to_o combat_v against_o tepidity_n and_o by_o diligent_a prayer_n to_o provide_v one_o self_n of_o internal_a strength_n &_o grace_n for_o such_o soul_n by_o a_o prosecution_n of_o their_o accustom_a duty_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n make_v good_a use_n of_o their_o sickness_n &_o gain_v extreme_o by_o it_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o promise_v great_a matter_n as_o tepid_v soul_n usual_o do_v though_o they_o perform_v but_o little_a they_o have_v forethink_v of_o sickness_n &_o the_o tentation_n accompany_v it_o &_o now_o call_v to_o mind_n &_o execute_v former_a resolution_n make_v to_o improove_v for_o their_o soul_n advancement_n all_o state_n &_o condition_n &_o by_o occasion_n of_o their_o present_a corporal_a infirmity_n or_o pain_n to_o fortify_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n resignation_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n &_o adhesion_n to_o god_n thus_o sickness_n prove_v to_o they_o a_o great_a blessing_n than_o health_n and_o if_o they_o do_v recover_v they_o do_v yet_o more_o serious_o &_o feruorous_o perform_v their_o former_a exercise_n 9_o when_o sickness_n be_v actual_o come_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o accept_v &_o embrace_v it_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n yea_o though_o such_o sickness_n happen_v through_o the_o person_n own_o intemperance_n or_o other_o fault_n as_o a_o malefactor_n be_v oblige_v with_o resignation_n to_o accept_v of_o death_n deserve_v for_o some_o crime_n he_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v penitent_a &_o sorry_a for_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o harmful_a effect_n but_o the_o effect_n itself_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o providence_n yea_o in_o such_o case_n a_o soul_n may_v even_o rejoice_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o bring_v on_o she_o the_o smart_n and_o punishment_n of_o her_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n give_v she_o withal_o a_o profitable_a occasion_n to_o exercise_v her_o resignation_n from_o whence_o she_o may_v infer_v a_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v therefore_o spare_v she_o after_o this_o life_n 10._o a_o soul_n must_v not_o forbear_v this_o willing_a acceptation_n of_o sickness_n &c._n &c._n because_o perhaps_o she_o find_v great_a resistance_n thereto_o in_o sensuality_n yea_o she_o ought_v therefore_o the_o rather_o to_o accept_v it_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o superior_a will_n &_o not_o the_o will_n of_o sensuality_n that_o merit_v or_o demerit_v and_o so_o do_v the_o repugnance_n of_o sensuality_n will_v as_o well_o as_o the_o sickness_n turn_v to_o the_o merit_n &_o advancement_n of_o the_o soul_n 11._o now_o a_o soul_n must_v not_o content_v herself_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o to_o accept_v sickness_n but_o she_o must_v practice_v this_o almost_o continual_o and_o especial_o when_o any_o extraordinary_a pain_n or_o irkesomenes_n do_v afflict_v she_o and_o such_o acceptation_n must_v be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a but_o with_o a_o mind_n willing_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o such_o pain_n shall_v continue_v never_o so_o long_o 12._o she_o must_v particular_o take_v heed_n of_o one_o notable_a tentation_n which_o often_o befall_v good_a but_o imperfect_a soul_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o yield_v too_o free_o to_o impatience_n in_o sickness_n which_o be_v this_o nature_n be_v soon_o weary_a of_o suffer_v will_v suggest_v unto_o the_o soul_n to_o justify_v impatience_n among_o other_o incommodity_n of_o sickness_n this_o one_o that_o thereby_o she_o be_v put_v in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o pray_v or_o otherwise_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o her_o neighbour_n upon_o which_o she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o desire_v health_n with_o impatience_n false_o justify_v herself_o for_o such_o impatience_n as_o if_o she_o do_v not_o so_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v perform_v spiritual_a duty_n more_o perfect_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a &_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v a_o soul_n &_o a_o imperfect_a interrupt_a prayer_n make_v with_o resignation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o pain_n or_o trouble_v send_v by_o god_n be_v perhaps_o more_o efficacious_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o high_a elevation_n exercise_v otherwise_o 13._o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o the_o soul_n herself_o do_v not_o distinct_o &_o clear_o see_v how_o her_o present_a suffering_n external_a or_o internal_a may_v be_v profitable_a to_o she_o she_o be_v to_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o she_o must_v be_v content_v if_o such_o be_v his_o will_n to_o be_v blindfolded_a &_o humble_o to_o remain_v in_o her_o simplicity_n &_o in_o a_o reverential_a awe_n &_o admiration_n of_o the_o inscrutable_a way_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 14._o a_o sick_a person_n be_v to_o account_v himself_o after_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o god_n hand_n as_o his_o prisoner_n chain_v as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o weakness_n disable_v from_o the_o ordinary_a solace_n of_o conversation_n walk_v &c_n &c_n debar_v from_o eat_v what_o please_v the_o palate_n become_v profitable_a to_o none_o troublesome_a &_o chargeable_a to_o many_o expose_v ofttimes_o to_o bitter_a pain_n &_o sharp_a remedy_n of_o such_o pain_n &c_n &c_n a_o grievous_a indeed_o but_o yet_o a_o happy_a prison_n this_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o for_o unless_o the_o internal_a taste_n of_o the_o soul_n also_o be_v deprave_a she_o may_v by_o this_o occasion_n infinite_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a liberty_n health_n &_o strength_n by_o accept_v with_o indifference_n these_o incommodity_n &_o mortify_v her_o natural_a exorbitant_a desire_n of_o remedy_n not_o desire_v to_o escape_v but_o when_o &_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n shall_v ordain_v 15._o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o touch_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o soul_n during_o sickness_n she_o be_v to_o assure_v herself_o of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o if_o she_o think_v that_o her_o sickness_n may_v justify_v her_o neglect_n of_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n the_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n if_o these_o be_v not_o continue_v as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o health_n the_o soul_n herself_o will_v become_v the_o more_o sick_a of_o the_o two_o &_o expose_v to_o great_a danger_n than_o the_o body_n for_o most_o certain_o if_o sickness_n do_v not_o produce_v good_a effect_n of_o patience_n &_o resignation_n &c_n &c_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v produce_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o such_o effect_n
his_o will_n be_v reveal_v by_o superior_n &_o also_o very_o secure_o when_o in_o other_o internal_a thing_n or_o which_o tend_v to_o perfection_n without_o the_o least_o wrong_a yea_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o superior_n he_o do_v communicate_v his_o light_n and_o direction_n to_o we_o so_o as_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o which_o they_o silence_v the_o whole_a jewish_a sanedrim_n namely_o that_o god_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v obey_v then_o man_n command_v contrary_a to_o god_n hold_v only_o when_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o the_o apostle_n than_o do_v by_o miracle_n that_o such_o a_o command_n do_v indeed_o come_v from_o god_n or_o that_o the_o thing_n command_v by_o man_n be_v certain_o unlawful_a 31._o these_o thing_n consider_v in_o all_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v deter_v from_o publish_v such_o instruction_n as_o these_o because_o forsooth_o the_o frantic_a spirit_n of_o this_o age_n do_v false_o make_v pretend_v inspiration_n the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o mischief_n of_o late_a happen_v in_o our_o nation_n etc._n etc._n that_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n and_o motive_n every_o one_o ought_v to_o publish_v such_o wholesome_a doctrine_n the_o which_o be_v the_o only_a possible_a mean_n to_o undeceive_v they_o for_o what_o other_o way_n do_v there_o remain_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n and_o seduction_n dangerous_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o most_o certain_o pernicious_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n shall_v we_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o inspiration_n at_o all_o we_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v betray_v christian_a religion_n shall_v we_o say_v though_o there_o be_v inspiration_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v mark_v never_o obey_v nor_o comply_v withal_o beside_o the_o ridiculous_a falseness_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o their_o most_o just_a contempt_n and_o hatred_n they_o will_v overwhelm_v we_o with_o unanswerable_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o passage_n of_o holy_a father_n what_o other_o thing_n than_o can_v be_v do_v but_o that_o acknowledge_v both_o there_o be_v inspiration_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o correspond_v unto_o they_o we_o shall_v inform_v those_o unhappy_a soul_n how_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o diabolical_a illusion_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o receive_v inspiration_n true_o divine_a as_o likewise_o with_o what_o caution_n and_o prudence_n but_o withal_o what_o fidelity_n they_o ought_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o but_o especial_o we_o ought_v to_o demonstrate_v and_o inculcate_v this_o fundamental_a verity_n that_o the_o general_a and_o most_o certain_a precept_n of_o humility_n obedience_n unity_n and_o peace_n must_v never_o receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o any_o pretend_a inspiration_n or_o illumination_n since_o those_o which_o be_v true_o from_o god_n do_v establish_v and_o increase_v all_o these_o virtue_n yea_o that_o the_o externall_n order_n authority_n and_o subordination_n establish_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n by_o which_o alone_o it_o become_v one_o body_n and_o not_o a_o monstrous_a heap_n of_o unlike_a unproportionable_a member_n fight_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o must_v be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o examine_v and_o judge_n to_o pronounce_v sentence_n for_o or_o against_o all_o manner_n of_o inspiration_n 32._o therefore_o instead_o of_o a_o humane_a fruitless_a policy_n of_o hide_v such_o divine_a fundamental_a practical_a truth_n as_o these_o let_v we_o sincere_o faithful_o and_o plentiful_o teach_v they_o and_o though_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prevent_v but_o that_o the_o devil_n will_v suggest_v to_o proud_a ambitious_a covetous_a or_o sensual_a spirit_n to_o draw_v poison_n from_o the_o most_o perfect_a doctrine_n of_o catholic_n religion_n yet_o then_o at_o least_o he_o and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o less_o able_a to_o seduce_v wellmeaning_n soul_n to_o join_v with_o they_o yea_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o benediction_n upon_o his_o truth_n faithful_o teach_v they_o will_v loose_v many_o such_o already_o seduce_v when_o all_o their_o pretend_a light_n be_v confront_v before_o the_o sun_n of_o divine_a verity_n and_o holiness_n will_v either_o vanish_v quite_o away_o or_o manifest_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o sulphurous_a gloomy_a light_n of_o such_o wander_v fall_v star_n as_o be_v mention_v by_o s._n jude_n to_o who_o the_o tempest_n of_o darkness_n be_v reserve_v for_o ever_o 33._o o_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v god_n bless_a will_n that_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o examine_v themselves_o &_o their_o instinct_n by_o such_o character_n such_o sign_n so_o manifest_o christian_n ho●y_n perfect_a and_o secure_a as_o be_v here_o contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n and_o according_o judge_v of_o their_o and_o our_o inspiration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n here_o the_o only_a proper_a disposition_n towards_o the_o receive_n of_o supernatural_a irradiation_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o sequestration_n from_o all_o business_n that_o concern_v other_o and_o a_o attendance_n to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o their_o light_n come_v never_o more_o frequent_o then_o when_o either_o be_v alone_o they_o yield_v to_o discontent_a unquiet_a passion_n and_o murmur_n about_o the_o behaviour_n and_o action_n of_o other_o or_o when_o in_o close_a meeting_n and_o conspiracy_n they_o vent_v such_o passion_n by_o inuective_n against_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n 2._o the_o light_n here_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o be_v such_o as_o do_v expel_v all_o image_n of_o creature_n and_o do_v calm_a all_o manner_n of_o passion_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o vacuity_n may_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o receive_v and_o entertain_v god_n in_o the_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o their_o light_n fill_v they_o with_o all_o tumultuous_a disquiet_v image_n and_o phantasm_n concern_v the_o suppose_a miscarriage_n of_o all_o other_o but_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o heighten_v their_o passion_n but_o urge_v they_o to_o most_o terrible_a desolate_v effect_n 3._o the_o prayer_n here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n to_o procure_v divine_a light_n be_v a_o pure_a recollect_v intime_fw-la prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o prayer_n that_o they_o glory_n in_o be_v only_o a_o acquire_v ability_n and_o sleight_n to_o talk_v earnest_o to_o god_n before_o other_o &_o oft_o thereby_o to_o communicate_v their_o passion_n &_o discontent_n to_o their_o brethren_n 4._o here_o be_v no_o new_a speculative_a verity_n or_o revelation_n of_o mystery_n pretend_v no_o private_a new-found-out_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n brag_v of_o whereas_o among_o they_o every_o day_n produce_v a_o new_a fancy_n which_o must_v gather_v new_a company_n 5._o here_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o god_n church_n &_o the_o unity_n essential_a thereto_o be_v not_o prejudice_v yea_o the_o inspiration_n expect_v and_o obtain_v by_o pure_a internal_a prayer_n do_v more_o firm_o and_o unalterable_o fix_v soul_n under_o this_o obedience_n and_o to_o this_o order_n and_o unity_n insomuch_o as_o whatsoever_o pretend_a light_n do_v endanger_v the_o dissolve_v of_o unity_n or_o do_v cross_v lawful_a authority_n or_o shall_v be_v reject_v by_o it_o they_o be_v present_o suspect_v and_o extinguish_v whereas_o those_o man_n light_n teach_v they_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o contemn_v &_o oppose_v all_o external_a authority_n and_o to_o dissipate_v unity_n disperse_v the_o body_n of_o christianity_n into_o innumerable_a sect_n and_o conventicle_n 6._o our_o light_n teach_v we_o to_o attend_v only_o to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o never_o to_o interest_n ourselves_o in_o any_o care_n or_o employment_n about_o other_o till_o evident_o god_n inspiration_n force_v we_o and_o external_a authority_n oblige_v we_o thereto_o whereas_o their_o light_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o solitude_n and_o thrust_v they_o abroad_o to_o be_v reformer_n of_o other_o be_v themselves_o impatient_a of_o all_o reformation_n and_o contradiction_n 7._o our_o light_n make_v we_o to_o fear_v and_o avoid_v all_o supereminence_n and_o judicature_n all_o sensual_a pleasure_n desire_n of_o wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o their_o light_n engage_v they_o violent_o &_o deep_o in_o all_o these_o carnal_a and_o secular_a way_n and_o for_o the_o attain_n to_o these_o in_o tumult_n sedition_n bloush_v and_o war_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o action_n and_o design_n most_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 8._o and_o last_o our_o light_n if_o they_o shall_v chance_v sometime_o to_o be_v mistake_v by_o we_o no_o harm_n at_o all_o will_v accrue_n to_o other_o and_o not_o any_o eonsiderable_a prejudice_n to_o ourselves_o because_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o matter_n
spiritual_a author_n intend_v to_o recommend_v certain_a duty_n necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o entire_a selfe-abnegation_a purity_n of_o intention_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v urge_v the_o say_v duty_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n universal_o upon_o all_o &_o with_o such_o phrase_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o upon_o any_o defect_n in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n so_o by_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o full_a to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o most_o secret_a way_n &_o shift_n in_o which_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v ruin_v they_o do_v by_o this_o overmuch_o exactness_n &_o care_n instead_o of_o exciting_a the_o courage_n of_o their_o reader_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n quite_o dishearten_v they_o yea_o perhaps_o they_o make_v they_o suspect_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o present_a infirmity_n &_o imperfection_n lose_v all_o heart_n to_o adventure_v upon_o a_o attempt_n so_o unproportionable_a to_o their_o weak_a ability_n whereas_o if_o instruction_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o each_o practiser_n they_o will_v have_v go_v on_o with_o courage_n &_o good_a success_n 13._o voluntary_a reading_n must_v give_v place_n to_o prayer_n whensoever_o the_o soul_n find_v herself_o invite_v thereto_o 14._o the_o virtue_n of_o mortification_n may_v &_o sometime_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o read_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o any_o book_n or_o subject_n be_v very_o gustfull_a to_o a_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o power_n herself_o whole_o upon_o it_o with_o a_o intemperate_a greediness_n nor_o to_o let_v curiosity_n or_o delight_n too_o much_o possess_v she_o but_o let_v she_o now_o &_o then_o stop_v the_o pursuit_n of_o read_v lift_v up_o her_o mind_n by_o interruption_n to_o god_n &_o afterward_o continue_v at_o least_o in_o a_o virtual_a attention_n to_o he_o so_o mortify_v &_o qualify_a the_o impetuosity_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o give_v way_n to_o a_o unwillingnes_n to_o quit_v read_v for_o perform_v her_o appoint_a recollection_n or_o other_o exercise_n of_o obligation_n 15._o to_o conclude_v whosoever_o in_o read_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o chief_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n &_o divine_a call_n &_o make_v not_o the_o book_n say_n &_o example_n of_o other_o to_o serve_v the_o say_a spirit_n &_o call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n subject_a to_o book_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o never_o to_o read_v such_o book_n or_o receive_v humane_a instruction_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v cleave_v only_o to_o god_n who_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n will_v most_o assure_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v &_o defect_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o liberty_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v to_o soul_n in_o the_o read_n of_o other_o book_n i_o advise_v they_o to_o use_v in_o these_o instruction_n also_o that_o be_v to_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o practice_n only_o such_o direction_n as_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n &_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o grace_n shall_v show_v they_o to_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o indeed_o in_o all_o this_o book_n i_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o advice_n which_o i_o can_v confident_o say_v to_o be_v proper_o belong_v to_o all_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o internal_a life_n general_o except_o this_o that_o they_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n must_v not_o content_v themselves_o nor_o rest_n final_o in_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o follow_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o invitation_n without_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o any_o form_n or_o method_n they_o must_v from_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v ordinary_o meditation_n proceed_v to_o a_o more_o sublime_a prayer_n of_o immediate_a affection_n &_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o from_o thence_o ascend_v to_o the_o infuse_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n 17._o yea_o i_o dare_v with_o all_o confidence_n pronounce_v that_o if_o all_o spiritual_a book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lose_v &_o there_o be_v no_o external_a directour_n at_o all_o yet_o if_o a_o soul_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o essential_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a aptness_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a be_v only_o thus_o far_o well_o instruct_v at_o first_o will_v prosecute_v prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o will_v resigned_o undergo_v such_o necessary_a mortification_n as_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o she_o observe_v god_n &_o his_o call_v exterior_o &_o interior_o &_o so_o forsake_v herself_o &_o propose_v almighty_a god_n his_o will_n love_n &_o honour_n for_o her_o final_a intention_n the_o which_o she_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o she_o attend_v unto_o his_o inspiration_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v walk_v clear_o in_o perfect_a light_n &_o with_o all_o possible_a security_n &_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o due_a time_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a contemplation_n these_o be_v the_o two_o external_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v soul_n discover_v to_o they_o his_o will_n to_o wit_n instructour_n and_o book_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v another_o to_o wit_n law_n &_o precept_n of_o superior_n for_o god_n teach_v we_o also_o this_o way_n &_o never_o command_v contrary_o but_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o cap._n iu._n §_o 1._o of_o the_o 3._o &_o most_o principal_a way_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v internal_a liver_n viz._n immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n the_o order_n of_o particular_a consideration_n followingt_fw-fr ●ouching_a they_o §_o 2._o first_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o &_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o necessity_n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o say_a necessity_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o by_o his_o example_n §_o 7._o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o the_o say_a necessity_n 1._o the_o three_o foremention_v &_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o principal_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n instruct_v &_o direct_v internal_a liver_n in_o the_o secret_a path_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n &_o upon_o which_o do_v depend_v the_o two_o former_a be_v interiour_n illumination_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o only_a supreme_a master_n concern_v which_o inspiration_n it_o have_v already_o be_v show_v in_o general_n what_o they_o be_v how_o distinguish_v from_o the_o light_n &_o motion_n of_o common_a grace_n &_o what_o be_v the_o object_n about_o which_o principal_o they_o be_v exercise_v etc._n etc._n i_o will_v now_o treat_v more_o particular_o of_o they_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n viz._n 1._o there_o shall_v be_v further_a show_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o &_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n by_o remove_v the_o impediment_n 3._o how_o god_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o light_n &_o grace_n for_o her_o instru&ion_n instru&ion_n instru&ion_n &_o direction_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o &_o very_o secure_a to_o rely_v upon_o they_o 5._o that_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o come_v to_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a obedience_n 2._o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o proper_a &_o essential_a action_n of_o christian_a virtue_n the_o which_o receive_v all_o their_o meritoriousnes_n from_o the_o say_a inspiration_n but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o expect_v inspiration_n &_o call_v for_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o themselves_o indifferent_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n but_o sure_o since_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o by_o divine_n follow_v s._n augustin_n s._n thomas_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n do_v in_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v esteem_v indifferent_a but_o since_o they_o must_v have_v some_o end_n if_o the_o end_n be_v good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a &_o if_o evil_a they_o be_v evil_a however_o universal_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a because_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n &_o end_n wherewith_n they_o be_v do_v they_o may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n again_o since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v
divine_a light_n if_o charity_n be_v but_o warm_a and_o imperfect_a our_o light_n in_o particular_n be_v obscure_a and_o can_v show_v we_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v practise_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n the_o object_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o charity_n be_v inflame_v how_o great_a be_v the_o light_n which_o that_o heavenly_a fire_n cast_v not_o a_o step_n we_o set_v forward_o but_o we_o see_v the_o way_n perfect_o before_o we_o and_o can_v avoid_v all_o the_o uneven_n rough_a miry_a or_o crooked_a step_n in_o it_o and_o so_o run_v apace_o without_o stumble_v delay_a or_o decline_v so_o approach_v daily_o near_a and_o near_o to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o heavenly_a race_n 9_o moreover_o this_o divine_a light_n be_v either_o a_o habitual_a permanent_a light_n or_o actual_a and_o transitory_a the_o permanent_a light_n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o spiritual_a discretion_n without_o which_o the_o action_n that_o to_o the_o world_n give_v the_o great_a lustre_n be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n such_o as_o be_v great_a voluntary_a austerity_n perform_v of_o solemn_a office_n almes-giving_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o unless_o they_o come_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a charity_n and_o be_v design_v for_o the_o increase_n and_o deep_a root_n thereof_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v of_o any_o worth_a that_o they_o do_v rather_o prejudice_n and_o diminish_v that_o virtue_n both_o these_o condition_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o action_n perfect_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n it_o must_v both_o proceed_v from_o he_o and_o also_o be_v direct_v to_o he_o he_o must_v not_o only_o be_v the_o end_n but_o the_o principle_n also_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o sufficient_a to_o a_o soul_n especial_o if_o she_o serious_o tend_v to_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n that_o the_o action_n which_o she_o do_v now_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a and_o direct_v to_o a_o good_a end_n unless_o her_o divine_a light_n inform_v she_o that_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o she_o shall_v perform_v that_o determinate_a action_n rather_o than_o another_o perhaps_o in_o itself_o and_o in_o other_o circumstance_n better_o than_o it_o for_o as_o thaulerus_n say_v god_n will_v reward_v no_o action_n but_o his_o own_o that_o be_v such_o as_o he_o give_v order_n and_o commission_n for_o 10._o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n what_o a_o world_n of_o action_n in_o themselves_o of_o no_o ill_a aspect_n be_v there_o do_v by_o imperfect_a extroverted_a soul_n which_o have_v no_o other_o fountain_n principle_n or_o light_n from_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o derive_v but_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n they_o will_v find_v at_o god_n hand_n no_o acceptance_n at_o all_o such_o soul_n lose_v all_o benefitt_a by_o all_o their_o do_n but_o those_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o by_o many_o of_o those_o likewise_o nay_o how_o many_o be_v there_o which_o be_v drive_v to_o some_o action_n by_o a_o violent_a unlawful_a passion_n for_o or_o against_o some_o person_n yet_o because_o before_o the_o action_n be_v end_v they_o can_v cozen_v themselves_o with_o propose_v some_o good_a end_n do_v therefore_o think_v themselves_o excuse_v whereas_o such_o a_o propose_v of_o a_o good_a end_n to_o a_o action_n begin_v only_o from_o corrupt_a nature_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o fault_n by_o add_v hypocrisy_n to_o it_o the_o which_o themselves_o may_v easy_o discover_v if_o they_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n consider_v that_o such_o action_n will_v have_v be_v forbear_v &_o the_o contrary_n do_v if_o the_o object_n and_o person_n have_v be_v change_v how_o small_a a_o proportion_n of_o this_o spiritual_a light_n have_v such_o soul_n 11._o this_o permanent_a light_n of_o supernatural_a discretion_n inform_v the_o soul_n general_o in_o all_o thing_n efficacious_a to_o her_o advancement_n towards_o contemplation_n it_o teach_v she_o in_o religious_a observance_n culpable_o to_o neglect_v none_o and_o to_o perform_v they_o with_o a_o pure_a intention_n for_o her_o spiritual_a good_a in_o mortification_n to_o support_v the_o necessary_a one_o willing_o and_o proffitable_o and_o assume_v only_o such_o voluntary_a one_o as_o god_n direct_v she_o to_o therein_o consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o fervour_n of_o the_o will_n least_o by_o overburden_v nature_n unnecessary_o she_o be_v render_v unable_a to_o bear_v even_o those_o which_o be_v of_o obligation_n in_o prayer_n it_o teach_v the_o soul_n what_o degre●_n be_v proper_a for_o she_o and_o how_o long_o she_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o without_o change_n till_o god_n invite_v she_o to_o a_o high_a and_o then_o ready_o to_o accept_v of_o his_o invitation_n likewise_o what_o proportion_n of_o time_n be_v requisite_a to_o be_v spend_v in_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o discreet_a and_o sufficient_a progress_n therein_o it_o teach_v she_o to_o suspect_v sensible_a devotion_n and_o not_o to_o glut_v herself_o with_o the_o honey_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o follow_v it_o too_o fast_o to_o design_n of_o seem_a perfection_n &_o extraordinary_a task_n which_o when_o such_o devotion_n end_n will_v be_v burdensome_a and_o harmful_a in_o a_o word_n it_o teach_v the_o soul_n that_o du●●_n moderation_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o laudable_a and_o meritorious_a 12._o now_o whereas_o i_o have_v call_v this_o a_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a light_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o as_o it_o be_v habitual_a only_o it_o do_v not_o direct_v because_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o action_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v veil_v over_o until_o that_o god_n by_o some_o occasion_n administer_v do_v move_v the_o soul_n to_o reflect_v and_o consult_v he_o and_o herupon_o the_o light_n be_v unveil_v and_o shine_v forth_o give_v direction_n in_o the_o present_a action_n or_o necessity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v god_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n very_o predominant_a in_o such_o soul_n that_o be_v their_o actual_a director_n 13._o there_o be_v none_o that_o have_v a_o good_a will_n and_o seek_v god_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o guidance_n by_o the_o light_n communicate_v to_o soul_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o obey_v it_o have_v place_n not_o only_o in_o a_o contemplative_a but_o also_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o devout_a active_a life_n for_o doubtless_o such_o likewise_o have_v a_o supernatural_a light_n answerable_a to_o their_o state_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v their_o action_n with_o much_o purity_n of_o intention_n 14._o notwithstanding_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n of_o intention_n the_o do_n of_o contemplative_a soul_n do_v much_o excel_v those_o of_o active_a liver_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o deep_a entry_n that_o they_o make_v into_o their_o interior_a in_o their_o more_o profound_a pure_a and_o imageles_a recollection_n by_o which_o they_o discover_v the_o depth_n of_o their_o most_o secret_a intention_n and_o according_o purify_v they_o from_o whatsoever_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o beside_o they_o according_a to_o their_o state_n deal_v in_o fewer_n exterior_a distractive_a employment_n do_v both_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o better_a disposition_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o internal_a teacher_n &_o also_o contract_v fewer_n blemish_n and_o those_o that_o they_o do_v contract_n they_o do_v more_o easy_o discern_v and_o rectify_v last_o be_v exercise_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o internal_a operation_n their_o continual_a task_n be_v to_o cleanse_v the_o very_a fountain_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n itself_o the_o seat_n of_o divine_a light_n and_o grace_n 15._o in_o a_o contemplative_a life_n likewise_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o proficiency_n so_o be_v the_o attendance_n unto_o and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o to_o perfect_a soul_n the_o divine_a voice_n and_o light_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o continual_a guide_n and_o they_o have_v a_o continual_a correspondence_n with_o it_o even_o in_o their_o most_o ordinary_a small_a action_n whereas_o the_o imperfect_a receive_v it_o seldom_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o purify_n and_o supernaturalize_v their_o ordinary_a action_n except_o in_o their_o recollection_n yea_o perhaps_o only_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o exercise_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o devout_a soul_n in_o a_o active_a life_n and_o they_o do_v at_o other_o time_n put_v in_o execution_n the_o direction_n receive_v in_o prayer_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o light_n remain_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o other_o action_n for_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o light_n at_o all_o in_o prayer_n those_o they_o perform_v with_o
in_o all_o the_o good_a action_n we_o do_v or_o good_a thought_n we_o entertain_v we_o so_o do_v &_o think_v in_o virtue_n only_o of_o a_o precedent_n &_o concomitant_a illumination_n of_o our_o understanding_n &_o incline_v of_o our_o will_n both_o which_o be_v immediate_o cause_v by_o god_n reason_n likewise_o &_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o while_o vain_a or_o sinful_a distract_n image_n or_o inordinate_a passion_n cloud_n the_o mind_n god_n illumination_n be_v either_o unperceived_a or_o neglect_v by_o we_o &_o his_o motion_n ineffectual_a if_o ever_o therefore_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o fit_a disposition_n to_o receive_v those_o bless_a effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n &_o if_o ever_o god_n will_v make_v good_a his_o so_o serious_a &_o frequent_a promise_n it_o be_v then_o when_o by_o a_o profound_a recollection_n a_o humble_a soul_n withdraw_v all_o her_o affection_n from_o herself_o &_o all_o other_o creature_n yea_o &_o endeavour_n to_o expel_v all_o the_o image_n of_o they_o transcend_v all_o create_a thing_n &_o raise_v herself_o according_a to_o her_o power_n to_o a_o strict_a union_n with_o he_o and_o withal_o power_v forth_o her_o desire_n to_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o will_n only_o intend_v thereby_o his_o glory_n &_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o divine_a love._n 3._o now_o though_o imperfect_a soul_n not_o be_v able_a as_o yet_o to_o drive_v away_o distract_n image_n &_o to_o still_o all_o unruly_a passion_n be_v force_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o natural_a light_n in_o many_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a action_n do_v not_o at_o all_o contribute_v to_o their_o advancement_n in_o spirit_n yet_o perfect_a soul_n walk_v almost_o continual_o in_o a_o supernatural_a light_n perceive_v &_o resist_v the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o self_n love_n &_o not_o suffer_v themselves_o hasty_o to_o be_v push_v forward_o to_o action_n before_o they_o have_v consult_v their_o internal_a guide_n &_o much_o less_o contrary_a to_o his_o direction_n 4._o most_o secure_o therefore_o may_v we_o yea_o with_o all_o confidence_n ought_v we_o to_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o god_n &_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o any_o way_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o both_o for_o the_o exterior_a &_o interior_a through_o light_n &_o darkness_n through_o bitter_a &_o sweet_a and_o what_o doubt_n can_v there_o be_v of_o err_a have_v such_o a_o guide_n which_o always_o lead_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o path_n of_o mortification_n &_o renunciation_n of_o self_n will_n although_o sometime_o some_o special_a way_n may_v to_o our_o or_o other_o natural_a judgement_n seem_v strange_a &_o perhaps_o impertinent_a 5._o the_o ground_n of_o which_o duty_n &_o the_o security_n attend_v it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o we_o through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o interior_a complexion_n &_o temper_n of_o soul_n as_o likewise_o of_o our_o present_n want_v incomprehensible_a to_o humane_a knowledge_n get_v by_o sense_n can_v neither_o know_v the_o special_a way_n either_o of_o prayer_n or_o mortification_n proper_a to_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o other_o do_v sufficient_o know_v they_o whereas_o of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o equal_o infinite_a goodness_n none_o can_v doubt_v 2._o because_o the_o end_n whereto_o we_o aspire_v be_v supernatural_a consequent_o the_o way_n lead_v thereunto_o &_o the_o light_n direct_v in_o those_o way_n must_v likewise_o be_v supernatural_a 3._o because_o if_o we_o know_v the_o most_o proper_a &_o most_o direct_a way_n lead_v to_o contemplation_n &_o divine_a union_n yet_o they_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n without_o a_o divine_a impulse_n we_o will_v not_o choose_v the_o fit_a that_o be_v those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a to_o our_o nature_n 6._o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o security_n according_a to_o the_o several_a manner_n by_o which_o god_n communicate_v unto_o we_o his_o inspiration_n for_o 1._o though_o in_o sensible_a devotion_n the_o good_a thought_n &_o affection_n give_v we_o be_v in_o themselves_o &_o according_a to_o their_o substance_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n &_o aught_o with_o all_o security_n to_o be_v comply_v withal_o yet_o with_o discretion_n so_o as_o that_o out_o of_o a_o gluttonous_a pleasure_n conceive_v by_o they_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o they_o so_o far_o as_o thereby_o to_o weaken_v our_o head_n or_o prejudice_n our_o health_n notwithstanding_o the_o resolution_n of_o undertake_v any_o practice_n for_o the_o future_a ground_v on_o such_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v to_o be_v mistrust_v as_o have_v in_o they_o more_o of_o nature_n &_o self-love_n &_o want_v sincerity_n of_o resignation_n beside_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v principal_a worker_n the_o reason_n be_v rather_o obscure_v then_o illuminate_v thereby_o yea_o &_o by_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n may_v have_v some_o influence_n in_o such_o devotion_n &_o subsequent_a resolution_n 2._o of_o the_o like_a uncertain_a nature_n may_v the_o seem_a inspiration_n or_o light_n be_v which_o be_v get_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o discourse_n upon_o the_o matter_n either_o in_o prayer_n or_o our_o of_o it_o the_o person_n thereupon_o conclude_v this_o or_o that_o side_n to_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v god_n will_n 3._o but_o if_o without_o such_o work_v of_o the_o imagination_n or_o if_o after_o it_o the_o soul_n in_o recollect_v prayer_n make_v with_o resignation_n &_o submission_n of_o her_o natural_a judgement_n &_o renounce_v all_o interest_n of_o nature_n come_v as_o it_o be_v unexpected_o to_o have_v one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n present_v to_o her_o mind_n as_o truth_n &_o as_o god_n will_n god_n then_o give_v a_o clarity_n to_o the_o reason_n to_o see_v that_o which_o it_o see_v not_o before_o or_o otherwise_o then_o it_o see_v it_o or_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v find_v a_o blind_a &_o reasonles_a motion_n in_o the_o will_n to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o such_o case_n the_o soul_n may_v most_o secure_o &_o confident_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o motion_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o trouble_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o imagination_n sense_n or_o passion_n 7._o let_v not_o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v discourage_v from_o commit_v herself_o to_o god_n internal_a direction_n though_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o those_o who_o pass_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n &_o that_o be_v most_o forward_o to_o usurp_v the_o conduct_a of_o soul_n to_o perfection_n while_o themselves_o know_v no_o further_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o imagination_n shall_v declaim_v against_o it_o &_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o they_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o principal_a guide_n they_o shall_v accuse_v the_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v as_o fantastical_a unsafe_a &_o pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n no_o wonder_v it_o be_v if_o such_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o contemplative_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o secret_a path_n by_o which_o god_n lead_v soul_n to_o perfection_n in_o the_o which_o none_o can_v tread_v or_o at_o least_o make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n till_o quit_v a_o servile_a dependence_n on_o external_a teacher_n they_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o divine_a guidance_n and_o for_o this_o propose_v devout_a soul_n be_v serious_o &_o oft_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o disposition_n of_o as_o much_o abstraction_n both_o external_a &_o internal_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o hear_v &_o discern_v the_o divine_a voice_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o which_o if_o they_o will_v in_o practice_n faithful_o correspond_v god_n will_v be_v want_v to_o they_o in_o nothing_o 8._o and_o for_o a_o further_a security_n that_o there_o can_v scarce_o happen_v any_o considerable_a danger_n to_o a_o soul_n proceed_v this_o way_n for_o know_v the_o divine_a will_n though_o she_o shall_v sometime_o mistake_v in_o the_o thing_n itself_o both_o she_o &_o also_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o have_v former_o be_v say_v the_o only_a matter_n that_o be_v here_o suppose_v to_o be_v propose_v for_o a_o resolution_n be_v &_o must_v be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o general_n be_v indifferent_a but_o yet_o which_o be_v well_o choose_v may_v &_o will_v advance_v the_o soul_n for_o in_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o such_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v god_n will_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o who_o can_v question_v it_o certain_o the_o proceed_n thus_o with_o indifference_n &_o resignation_n &_o without_o
for_o sure_o not_o corporal_a labour_n not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n not_o hear_v of_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o these_o she_o may_v have_v enjoy_v perhaps_o more_o plentiful_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_a the_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o recollect_v constant_a prayer_n to_o the_o attain_n which_o divine_a end_n all_o thing_n practise_v in_o religion_n do_v dispose_v and_o to_o which_o alone_o so_o great_a impediment_n be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n 6._o the_o best_a general_a proof_n therefore_o of_o a_o good_a call_v to_o religion_n be_v a_o love_n to_o prayer_n either_o vocal_a or_o mental_a for_o if_o at_o first_o it_o be_v only_o to_o vocal_a prayer_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o excellency_n of_o internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n or_o perhaps_o have_v receive_v some_o preiudices_fw-la against_o it_o yet_o if_o she_o observe_v solitude_n careful_o and_o with_o attention_n and_o fervour_n practice_v vocal_a prayer_n she_o will_v in_o time_n either_o by_o a_o divine_a light_n perceive_v the_o necessity_n of_o join_v mental_a prayer_n to_o her_o vocal_a or_o be_v enable_v to_o practice_v her_o vocal_a prayer_n mental_o which_o be_v a_o sublime_a perfection_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o state_n therefore_o of_o recollectednes_n &_o introversion_n that_o every_o one_o enter_v into_o religion_n be_v to_o aspire_v unto_o the_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o habitual_a disposition_n of_o soul_n whereby_o she_o transcend_v all_o creature_n &_o their_o image_n the_o which_o thereby_o come_v to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o dominion_n over_o she_o so_o that_o she_o remain_v apt_a for_o immediate_a cooperation_n with_o god_n receive_v his_o inspiration_n and_o by_o a_o return_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o reflux_n tend_v to_o he_o and_o operate_n to_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v call_v recollectednes_n because_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o state_n gather_v her_o thought_n natural_o disperse_v &_o fix_v with_o multiplicity_n on_o creature_n and_o unite_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o it_o be_v call_v introversion_n both_o because_o the_o spirit_n &_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v it_o be_v the_o only_a object_n that_o a_o devout_a soul_n consider_v &_o value_v she_o turn_v all_o her_o sollicitude_n inward_o to_o observe_v defect_n want_n or_o inordination_n there_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v remedy_v supply_n &_o correct_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o proper_a seat_n the_o throne_n &_o kingdom_n where_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_n and_o reign_v be_v the_o pure_a summity_n of_o man_n spirit_n there_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n most_o perfect_o enjoy_v and_o contemplate_v god_n though_o every_o where_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o equal_o present_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o perfection_n present_v there_o after_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a manner_n then_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o communicate_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o much_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n as_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v not_o only_o simple_a be_v as_o he_o be_v to_o inanimate_a body_n or_o life_n as_o to_o live_a creature_n or_o perception_n as_o to_o sensitive_a or_o knowledge_n as_o to_o other_o ordinary_a rational_a soul_n but_o with_o and_o beside_o all_o these_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n purity_n &_o happiness_n by_o communicate_v the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n say_v regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la intra_fw-la vos_fw-la est_fw-la the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o religious_a solitary_a &_o abstract_a soul_n do_v endeavour_v to_o turn_v all_o their_o thought_n inward_a raise_v they_o to_o apicem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la the_o pure_a top_n of_o the_o spirit_n far_o above_o all_o sensible_a phantasm_n or_o imaginative_a discourse_n or_o grosser_n affection_n where_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o see_v and_o most_o comfortable_o enjoy_v 7._o now_o the_o actual_a practice_n of_o this_o introversion_n consist_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o pure_a internal_a spiritual_a prayer_n the_o perfection_n of_o which_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a aim_n to_o which_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v so_o that_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o s._n benedict_v order_n &_o rule_n consist_v in_o a_o public_a orderly_a protract_v solemn_a sing_v of_o the_o divine_a office_n the_o which_o may_v be_v full_a as_o well_o yea_o and_o for_o the_o externall_n be_v with_o more_o advantage_n perform_v by_o secular_a ecclesiastic_n in_o cathedral_n church_n a_o motive_n to_o the_o introduce_v of_o which_o pompous_a solemnity_n may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v full_a of_o edification_n to_o other_o to_o see_v &_o hear_v a_o conspire_v of_o many_o singer_n &_o voice_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v of_o heart_n too_o to_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o for_o edification_n of_o other_o that_o a_o monastical_a state_n be_v institute_v or_o ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v religious_a soul_n true_o monastical_a fly_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n enter_v into_o desert_n and_o solitude_n to_o spend_v their_o life_n alone_o in_o penance_n and_o recollection_n and_o to_o purify_v their_o own_o soul_n not_o to_o give_v example_n or_o instruction_n to_o other_o such_o solitude_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o they_o thereby_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o another_o far_o more_o profitable_a internal_a solitude_n in_o which_o creature_n be_v banish_v the_o only_a conversation_n be_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n herself_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o beside_o they_o two_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v existent_a 8._o to_o gain_v this_o happy_a state_n a_o devout_a soul_n enter_v into_o religion_n where_o all_o imaginable_a advantage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o this_o end_n at_o least_o ancient_o they_o be_v so_o and_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o yet_o though_o all_o religious_a person_n ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o state_n it_o be_v real_o gain_v by_o very_a few_o in_o these_o time_n for_o some_o through_o ignorance_n or_o misinstruction_n by_o teacher_n that_o know_v no_o deep_o not_o a_o more_o perfect_a introversion_n then_o into_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o imagination_n and_o other_o through_o negligence_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o voluntary_a pour_v forth_o their_o affection_n &_o thought_n upon_o vanity_n useless_a study_n or_o other_o sensual_a enterteinment_n be_v never_o able_a perfect_o to_o enter_v into_o their_o spirit_n and_o to_o find_v god_n there_o 9_o but_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o read_v of_o that_o depth_n of_o recollectednes_n &_o most_o profound_a introversion_n to_o which_o some_o ancient_a solitary_a religious_a person_n by_o long_a exercise_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n have_v come_v in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o have_v be_v so_o absorb_v &_o even_o drown_v in_o a_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o god_n that_o they_o have_v not_o see_v what_o their_o eye_n look_v on_o nor_o feel_v what_o otherwise_o will_v greivous_o hurt_v they_o yea_o to_o so_o habitual_a a_o state_n of_o attend_v only_o to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n do_v some_o of_o they_o attain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o though_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n thereto_o ofttimes_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o any_o other_o object_n but_o god_n their_o internal_a sense_n according_a as_o themselves_o have_v describe_v it_o have_v be_v in_o a_o unexpressible_a manner_n draw_v into_o their_o spirit_n and_o therein_o so_o swallow_v up_o as_o to_o loose_v in_o a_o sort_n all_o other_o use_n a_o most_o happy_a state_n in_o which_o the_o devil_n can_v so_o much_o as_o fix_v a_o seduce_a tentation_n or_o image_n in_o their_o mind_n to_o distract_v they_o from_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o he_o shall_v attempt_v it_o that_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o plunge_v they_o deep_o &_o more_o intimely_a into_o god_n 10._o and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a contemplative_a prayer_n the_o which_o be_v not_o only_o practise_v by_o the_o holy_a ancient_a hermit_n etc._n etc._n in_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n but_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v their_o chief_n most_o proper_a &_o almost_o continual_a employment_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o be_v by_o they_o account_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o state_n a_o large_a proof_n whereof_o shall_v be_v reserve_v till_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o prayer_n for_o the_o present_a therefore_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o testimony_n or_o two_o relate_v by_o cassian_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n
public_a good_a be_v concern_v 5._o general_o there_o be_v great_a fervour_n in_o soul_n at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n therefore_o if_o any_o one_o show_v unrulines_n obstinacy_n and_o indevotion_n during_o their_o noviceship_n small_a good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o 6._o a_o little_a devoutnes_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o countervail_v ill_a inclination_n to_o lie_v dissemble_a factiousnes_n a_o humour_n of_o calummate_v &c_n &c_n for_o a_o great_a and_o scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o measure_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o subdue_v such_o pernicious_a quality_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a nature_n even_o where_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o devotion_n yet_o will_v bear_v up_o a_o soul_n and_o make_v she_o a_o tolerable_a member_n of_o a_o community_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a disposition_n for_o grace_n which_o it_o may_v well_o be_v hope_v will_v one_o day_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o will_v become_v devout_a especial_o this_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o those_o that_o have_v natural_o a_o good_a sound_a judgement_n which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v consider_v 7._o now_o by_o a_o good_a nature_n i_o mean_v not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v general_o in_o the_o world_n style_v so_o to_o wit_n a_o facility_n and_o easiness_n to_o grant_v a_o request_n or_o to_o comply_v with_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o regard_v a_o coenobiticall_a life_n i_o account_v such_o to_o be_v a_o ill_a nature_n be_v easy_o seduce_v and_o pervert_v by_o a_o good_a nature_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o modesty_n gentleness_n quietness_n humility_n patience_n love_n of_o truth_n and_o other_o such_o moral_o good_a quality_n which_o be_v good_a disposition_n for_o christian_a perfection_n now_o a_o person_n of_o a_o ill_a nature_n that_o will_v make_v a_o good_a show_v out_o of_o hope_n to_o steal_v a_o profession_n ought_v the_o rather_o for_o his_o dissimulation_n to_o be_v reject_v 8._o and_o indeed_o subtle_a nature_n be_v much_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o some_o novice_n will_v behave_v themselves_o so_o cunning_o as_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o probation_n none_o can_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o special_a accusation_n against_o they_o &_o yet_o they_o may_v in_o their_o conscience_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v unfit_a in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o especial_a heed_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o master_n or_o mistress_n of_o the_o novice_n who_o be_v most_o to_o be_v credit_v as_o have_v the_o opportunity_n &_o mean_n to_o espy_v and_o penetrate_v more_o deep_o into_o their_o interiour_n disposition_n 9_o this_o goodness_n or_o virtuousness_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o essential_a point_n and_o far_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v then_o those_o accidental_a one_o as_o strength_n of_o bodily_a complexion_n acuteness_n of_o wit_n gracefullnes_n of_o behaviour_n skill_n in_o sing_v nobility_n portion_n etc._n etc._n and_o particular_o for_o this_o last_o how_o far_o religious_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v from_o regard_v riches_n or_o gain_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o for_o such_o carnal_a end_n to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v unfit_a or_o who_o god_n have_v not_o send_v the_o general_n decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o ecumenical_a council_n of_o lateran_n can_n 64._o will_v show_v beside_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o s._n augustin_n sure_o the_o only_a way_n of_o sound_v conuent_v secure_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o temporality_n be_v by_o make_v choice_n only_o of_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v fit_v disposition_n whereby_o we_o may_v engage_v his_o omnipotence_n in_o their_o preservation_n 10._o those_o therefore_o upon_o who_o suffrage_n the_o admission_n and_o profession_n of_o newcomer_n do_v depend_v be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n as_o not_o only_o the_o present_a but_o future_a welfare_n or_o ruin_n of_o conuent_v be_v interest_v in_o their_o proceed_n all_o which_o trust_n they_o shall_v betray_v if_o any_o undue_a consideration_n of_o friendship_n kindred_n gain_n etc._n etc._n or_o a_o zeal_n of_o multiply_a conuent_v which_o be_v but_o carnal_a shall_v corrupt_v their_o judgment_n 11._o sure_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o community_n profess_v the_o aspire_n to_o contemplation_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v thereto_o and_o that_o be_v willing_a yea_o desirous_a to_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o solitude_n prayer_n &_o regular_a observance_n without_o any_o design_n or_o thought_n of_o ever_o be_v employ_v abroad_o yet_o always_o with_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o superior_n 12._o and_o indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v superior_n that_o active_a spirit_n be_v to_o direct_v the_o contemplative_a do_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n so_o likewise_o if_o such_o be_v without_o choice_n admit_v the_o same_o mischief_n will_v follow_v yea_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o many_o active_a spirit_n though_o of_o a_o good_a seemly_a outward_a carriage_n be_v no_o less_o harmful_a to_o a_o community_n than_o a_o lesser_a number_n of_o loose_a spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o by_o their_o good_a exterior_a show_v they_o will_v seem_v worthy_a of_o superiority_n to_o which_o also_o their_o activity_n will_v incline_v they_o and_o those_o be_v they_o indeed_o say_v thaulerus_n that_o be_v persecutor_n of_o contemplation_n for_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n which_o loose_a spirit_n have_v not_o they_o think_v themselves_o even_o oblige_v to_o depress_v those_o other_o good_a soul_n that_o do_v not_o judge_v those_o external_a exercise_n and_o fashion_n suitable_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o will_v by_o faction_n seek_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n yea_o and_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n they_o will_v not_o spare_v to_o join_v with_o loose_a spirit_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n yield_v to_o their_o disorder_n neither_o when_o they_o have_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n will_v unquietness_n cease_v for_o in_o a_o community_n whole_o consist_v of_o active_a spirit_n faction_n and_o partiality_n for_o several_a end_n and_o design_n will_v never_o be_v want_v 13._o now_o the_o same_o care_n that_o superior_n ought_v to_o have_v about_o the_o choice_n and_o admission_n of_o virtuous_a and_o fit_a soul_n into_o community_n must_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o manage_n and_o direct_v of_o they_o be_v admit_v great_a care_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o misbehaviour_n of_o novice_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o knowledge_n &_o instruction_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o well_o it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o good_a will_n and_o not_o of_o light_n now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o novice_n shall_v be_v perfect_a it_o will_v suffice_v that_o they_o serious_o tend_v to_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a pursuance_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o abstraction_n of_o life_n 14._o above_o all_o thing_n therefore_o superior_n ought_v to_o allow_v to_o their_o subject_n a_o competent_a time_n daily_o for_o their_o recollection_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o deny_v which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a tyramny_n then_o to_o refuse_v corporal_a food_n to_o slave_n after_o their_o travail_n he_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o religious_a man_n say_v caietan_n no_o not_o of_o a_o christian_a say_v thaulerus_n that_o do_v not_o every_o day_n spend_v some_o reasonable_a space_n in_o his_o interiour_n s._n bernard_n will_v not_o excuse_v even_o pope_n eugenius_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o continual_o most_o distractive_a weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o popedom_n from_o this_o duty_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v more_o harmful_a to_o the_o soul_n then_o that_o of_o corporal_a food_n be_v to_o the_o body_n for_o he_o that_o fast_v one_o day_n beside_o the_o present_a pain_n he_o find_v will_v the_o next_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o eager_a appetite_n but_o a_o soul_n that_o through_o neglect_n be_v deprive_v of_o her_o daily_a food_n of_o prayer_n will_v the_o next_o day_n have_v a_o less_o stomach_n and_o disposition_n to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o time_n will_v come_v willing_o and_o even_o with_o pleasure_n to_o starve_v in_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o neglect_n and_o loathe_n of_o prayer_n she_o will_v come_v if_o superior_n do_v hinder_v or_o indeed_o not_o encourage_v she_o
to_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o it_o 15._o now_o this_o care_n of_o superior_n must_v extend_v itself_o as_o well_o to_o lay-brother_n or_o sister_n as_o those_o of_o the_o choir_n for_o they_o also_o have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n and_o if_o the_o appoint_a vocal_a prayer_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n without_o the_o join_n of_o daily_a recollection_n will_v not_o avail_v to_o procure_v in_o these_o the_o spirit_n of_o recollectednes_n much_o less_o will_v those_o short_a prayer_n or_o office_n to_o which_o the_o other_o be_v oblige_v 16._o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n it_o concern_v most_o deep_o superior_n to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o subject_n live_v according_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o obligation_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o fault_n that_o they_o fail_v it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n to_o the_o subject_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o burden_n and_o punishment_n will_v light_v upon_o superior_n and_o it_o be_v far_o better_a they_o have_v never_o come_v under_o their_o direction_n but_o stay_v in_o the_o world_n where_o not_o have_v the_o like_a obligation_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o christian_a virtue_n their_o guilt_n will_v have_v be_v the_o less_o hence_o s._n augustin_n say_v that_o as_o he_o never_o see_v better_a soul_n than_o those_o in_o religion_n so_o likewise_o he_o never_o see_v worse_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o argue_v a_o most_o malicious_o ill_a habit_n of_o soul_n when_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o great_a light_n and_o such_o help_n to_o piety_n spiritual_a sloth_n and_o tepidity_n reign_v and_o where_o tepidity_n be_v in_o religion_n although_o carnal_a open_a sin_n may_v be_v avoid_v yet_o the_o more_o dangerous_a sin_n of_o the_o spirit_n pride_n factiousnes_n envy_n etc._n etc._n do_v find_v occasion_n of_o be_v raise_v and_o nourish_v perhaps_o more_o than_o in_o the_o world_n add_v herunto_o that_o irreverence_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o so_o common_a in_o the_o world_n where_o the_o obligation_n and_o commodity_n of_o participate_v be_v not_o so_o frequent_a and_o last_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a those_o who_o in_o religion_n be_v sluggish_a and_o indevout_a do_v grow_v continual_o worse_a &_o worse_o be_v more_o and_o more_o harden_a by_o the_o daily_a heartless_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o tepid_a communion_n for_o where_o the_o sacament_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o good_a effect_n for_o which_o god_n give_v they_o they_o do_v occasional_o increase_v hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o impenitency_n hence_o say_v thaulerus_n it_o be_v better_a to_o take_v into_o one_o body_n a_o million_o of_o devil_n than_o once_o to_o take_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v in_o a_o unfit_a disposition_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o almost_o miraculous_a thing_n if_o god_n give_v the_o grace_n of_o a_o new_a conversion_n to_o soul_n that_o in_o religion_n be_v become_v habitual_o tepid_v and_o stain_v with_o know_v impurity_n for_o they_o be_v insensible_a of_o their_o soul_n good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o advantage_n possible_a to_o be_v have_v can_v by_o any_o change_n to_o a_o better_a state_n be_v amend_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v such_o do_v general_o die_v in_o the_o state_n wherein_o they_o live_v whereas_o in_o the_o world_n a_o ill_a liver_n may_v far_o more_o probable_o meet_v with_o help_n of_o conversion_n by_o change_n of_o state_n place_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o sickness_n whereupon_o s._n bernard_n profess_v that_o he_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o give_v a_o present_a absolution_n to_o the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n live_v in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v promise_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o what_o hope_n can_v be_v of_o he_o that_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n so_o habitual_o neglect_v god_n what_o change_n what_o new_a occasion_n can_v be_v afford_v to_o he_o for_o his_o conversion_n chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o advice_n to_o novice_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o of_o the_o fervour_n novitius_n why_o god_n give_v it_o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o conversion_n and_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o §_o 6._o 7._o how_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o after_o their_o novice-ship_n §_o 8._o superior_n ought_v not_o to_o employ_v young_a religious_a in_o distractive_a employment_n §_o 9_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v about_o their_o study_n 1._o there_o will_v be_v occasion_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n to_o speak_v of_o several_a special_a duty_n of_o religious_a person_n as_o how_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o exterior_a office_n in_o sickness_n refection_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o to_o adjoine_v here_o a_o few_o direction_n and_o caution_n address_v particular_o to_o beginner_n or_o novice_n in_o religion_n 2._o daily_o experience_n confirm_v that_o which_o spiritual_a writer_n observe_v that_o god_n in_o great_a goodness_n to_o soul_n do_v usual_o upon_o their_o first_o conversion_n bestow_v upon_o they_o a_o great_a fervour_n in_o divine_a &_o religious_a duty_n which_o therefore_o our_o holy_a father_n call_v feruorem_fw-la novitium_fw-la yea_o even_o natural_o the_o inbred_a like_n that_o our_o infirm_a nature_n have_v to_o all_o novelty_n and_o change_n cause_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a pleasure_n diligence_n &_o earnestness_n in_o any_o newbegun_a employment_n 3._o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v in_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o franciscan_n relate_v a_o passage_n touch_v a_o devout_a brother_n call_v michael_n magothi_fw-mi by_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o ground_n and_o intention_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o bestow_v such_o a_o fervour_n the_o story_n be_v this_o there_o be_v one_o of_o the_o religious_a brethren_n in_o his_o convent_n that_o observe_v of_o himself_o that_o ordinary_o when_o he_o be_v in_o any_o externall_n employment_n of_o study_n labour_v &c_n &c_n god_n do_v prevent_v his_o soul_n with_o his_o blessing_n of_o sweetness_n and_o a_o affection_n oftend_a sensible_a devotion_n the_o which_o whensoever_o he_o set_v himself_o purposely_o to_o prayer_n forsake_v he_o whereupon_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o this_o good_a brother_n michael_n to_o demand_v his_o counsel_n who_o answer_v he_o thus_o when_o you_o be_v walk_v at_o leisure_n in_o the_o marketplace_n think_v of_o nothing_o there_o meet_v you_o a_o man_n with_o a_o vessel_n of_o wine_n to_o sell_v he_o invite_v you_o to_o buy_v it_o much_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o the_o better_a to_o persuade_v you_o he_o offer_v you_o gratis_o a_o small_a glass_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o colour_n and_o fragrancy_n of_o it_o you_o may_v be_v more_o tempt_v to_o buy_v the_o whole_a vessel_n which_o you_o must_v expect_v will_v cost_v you_o very_o dear_a even_o so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n while_o your_o thought_n be_v wander_v upon_o other_o matter_n either_o in_o read_v or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o work_v by_o a_o secret_a inspiration_n invite_v you_o powerful_o instil_v a_o few_o drop_n of_o his_o sweetness_n into_o your_o heart_n to_o taste_v how_o delicious_a he_o be_v but_o this_o be_v but_o transitory_a be_v offer_v not_o to_o satiate_v or_o inebriate_v you_o but_o only_o to_o allure_v you_o to_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o expect_v any_o more_o you_o must_v consider_v it_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v and_o a_o dear_a price_n pay_v for_o it_o for_o spiritual_a sweetness_n can_v be_v obtain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o corporal_a affliction_n nor_o rest_v but_o by_o labour_n 4._o good_a soul_n therefore_o be_v often_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o this_o fervour_n and_o to_o improve_v it_o diligent_o yet_o with_o discretion_n thereby_o to_o produce_v in_o their_o heart_n a_o unshake_a resolution_n to_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n notwithstanding_o any_o contradiction_n or_o pain_n that_o may_v happen_v they_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o this_o fervour_n will_v be_v last_v for_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o inferior_a grosser_n part_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o of_o long_a continuance_n since_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v alter_v even_o by_o any_o change_n make_v in_o the_o bodily_a humour_n or_o by_o externall_n occurrent_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o manage_v and_o good_a use_n make_v of_o it_o to_o fix_v holy_a and_o resolute_a desire_n in_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v more_o last_a as_o not_o depend_v on_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a thing_n it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v not_o bestow_v the_o like_a afterward_o 5._o a_o novice-ship_n be_v a_o golden_a time_n for_o the_o learning_n and_o practise_v matter_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o short_a space_n therefore_o
free_o admit_v do_v hinder_v from_o observe_v the_o snare_n &_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n &_o do_v withal_o disturb_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o soul_n 5._o in_o these_o two_o duty_n therefore_o of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n all_o good_a be_v comprehend_v for_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n those_o two_o general_n most_o deadly_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n self_n love_n &_o pride_n be_v combat_v &_o subdue_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o two_o fandamentall_a christian_a virtue_n of_o divine_a charity_n &_o humility_n and_o prayer_n exercise_v in_o virtue_n of_o these_o two_o will_n of_o both_o by_o way_n impetration_n obtain_v &_o also_o with_o a_o direct_a efficiency_n engraft_v a_o new_a divine_a principle_n &_o nature_n in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o which_o will_v become_v a_o new_a life_n unto_o we_o &_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o degree_n raise_v we_o high_a &_o high_a out_o of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n till_o at_o last_o we_o be_v make_v one_o with_o god_n by_o a_o union_n as_o perfect_v constant_a &_o immediate_a as_o in_o this_o frail_a life_n a_o intellective_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o 6._o and_o both_o these_o duty_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o must_v neither_o of_o they_o ever_o cease_v but_o continual_o increase_v in_o perfection_n &_o virtue_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o self-love_n &_o pride_n may_v by_o mortification_n be_v subdue_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v imprison_v in_o mortal_a body_n of_o flesh_n &_o blood_n they_o will_v never_o be_v total_o root_v out_o of_o we_o but_o that_o even_o the_o most_o perfect_a soul_n will_v find_v in_o themselves_o matter_n enough_o for_o further_a mortification_n and_o again_o our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n can_v never_o either_o be_v so_o constant_a but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v interrupt_v so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n will_v fall_v from_o her_o height_n back_o some_o degree_n into_o nature_n again_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o so_o perfect_a pure_a &_o spiritual_a but_o that_o it_o may_v &_o by_o exercise_n will_v become_v yet_o more_o &_o more_o pure_a without_o all_o limit_n 7._o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o each_o of_o these_o do_v much_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o for_o as_o mortification_n be_v a_o good_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n yea_o so_o necessary_a that_o a_o sensual_a immortified_a soul_n can_v raise_v herself_o up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v to_o god_n with_o any_o cordial_a desire_n to_o please_v he_o or_o to_o love_n &_o be_v resign_v to_o he_o &_o much_o less_o to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v to_o he_o so_o likewise_o by_o prayer_n the_o soul_n obtain_v light_a to_o discover_v whatsoever_o inordinate_a affection_n in_o she_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v &_o also_o strength_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n actual_o &_o effectual_o to_o subdue_v they_o 8._o hence_o it_o may_v easy_o appear_v that_o of_o these_o two_o prayer_n be_v much_o the_o more_o valuable_a &_o noble_a exercise_n 1._o because_o in_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n consist_v the_o essential_a happiness_n both_o of_o this_o life_n &_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v so_o that_o mortification_n regard_v prayer_n as_o the_o mean_n dispose_v to_o a_o end_n for_o therefore_o a_o devout_a soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o mortify_v her_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v thereby_o be_v dispose_v to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n 2._o because_o mortification_n be_v never_o due_o &_o proffitable_o undergo_v but_o only_o in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n whereas_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v that_o prayer_n alone_o may_v be_v considerable_o advance_v without_o any_o other_o notable_a mortification_n in_o case_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v none_o for_o the_o soul_n 3._o because_o prayer_n be_v withal_o in_o itself_o the_o most_o excellent_a &_o effectual_a mortification_n for_o in_o &_o by_o it_o the_o most_o secret_a rise_n of_o inordinate_a passion_n be_v contradict_v yea_o the_o mind_n &_o superior_a will_n be_v whole_o abstract_v &_o elevate_v above_o nature_n so_o that_o for_o the_o time_n all_o passion_n be_v quiet_v &_o all_o creature_n especial_o ourselves_o transcend_v forget_v &_o in_o a_o sort_n annihilate_v 9_o notwithstanding_o in_o case_n that_o god_n as_o he_o seldom_o fail_v do_v provide_v for_o we_o occasion_n of_o mortification_n out_o of_o prayer_n if_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o make_v good_a use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o ourselves_o in_o spirit_n we_o shall_v decrease_v both_o in_o grace_n &_o prayer_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v both_o certain_o &_o speedy_o be_v advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o mortification_n without_o prayer_n will_v be_v but_o superficial_a or_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v hypocritical_a and_o prayer_n with_o a_o neglect_n of_o mortification_n will_v be_v heartless_a distract_a &_o of_o small_a virtue_n 10._o the_o subject_n therefore_o of_o this_o &_o the_o follow_a treatise_n be_v a_o recommendation_n of_o these_o two_o most_o necessary_a &_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o contemplation_n reason_n require_v that_o of_o the_o two_o mortification_n shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v treat_v of_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o less_o perfect_a but_o because_o also_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o dispose_v and_o make_v even_o and_o plain_a the_o way_n to_o the_o other_o by_o leavel_v the_o mountain_n of_o pride_n raise_v the_o valley_n of_o sloth_n and_o smooth_v the_o roughness_n and_o inequality_n of_o our_o passion_n but_o especial_o by_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o general_a impediment_n which_o be_v propriety_n of_o our_o natural_a carnal_a will_n chap._n ii_o §_o ●_o the_o mortification_n here_o treat_v of_o in_o particular_a be_v not_o of_o such_o sinful_a deordination_n of_o passion_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sin_n either_o mortal_a or_o venial_a §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o but_o of_o such_o deordination_n as_o be_v common_o call_v imperfection_n &_o which_o may_v occasion_v sin_n §_o 9_o that_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o enjo_v of_o creature_n instead_o of_o use_v they_o §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o all_o venial_a sin_n can_v be_v avoid_v but_o affection_n to_o they_o must_v §_o 13._o 14._o 15._o 16._o 17._o wherein_o such_o affection_n consist_v &_o how_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o perfection_n 1._o now_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o mortification_n first_o in_o general_a &_o afterward_o of_o the_o special_a kind_n of_o it_o at_o least_o such_o as_o more_o peculiar_a to_o internal_a liver_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o discourse_v in_o particular_a of_o such_o deordination_n as_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a either_o mortal_o or_o in_o a_o grosser_n manner_n venial_o that_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o action_n or_o omission_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v can_v in_o no_o circumstance_n be_v lawful_a or_o permit_v although_o the_o end_n or_o intention_n pretend_v of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a such_o as_o be_v officious_a lie_n small_a revenge_n or_o calumniation_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n for_o who_o benefit_n these_o instruction_n be_v intend_v be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o advice_n concern_v such_o matter_n but_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o way_n of_o perfection_n be_v desirous_a yea_o through_o god_n grace_n resolve_v to_o abandon_v all_o thing_n &_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o adhesion_n &_o affection_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v inordinate_a not_o only_o such_o as_o will_v endanger_v to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o also_o such_o as_o will_v make_v it_o sickly_a &_o infirm_a or_o stain_v the_o luster_n &_o brightness_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o object_n therefore_o of_o mortification_n which_o i_o shall_v chief_o handle_v be_v such_o defect_n as_o though_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v sinful_a yet_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v call_v only_a imperfection_n be_v such_o sin_n as_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v hardly_o be_v avoid_v &_o never_o total_o root_v out_o be_v conversant_a about_o object_n which_o we_o may_v lawful_o &_o must_v necessary_o use_v but_o the_o fault_n be_v that_o we_o do_v with_o some_o deordination_n either_o adhere_v to_o or_o be_v avert_v from_o such_o object_n in_o a_o word_n such_o sin_n they_o be_v that_o except_o when_o they_o be_v more_o gross_a it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a &_o unproffitable_a labour_n to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n
be_v make_v of_o prosperity_n §_o 8._o 9_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n §_o 10._o a_o great_a courage_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o mortification_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o 14._o the_o advice_n of_o some_o writer_n to_o raise_v passion_n to_o the_o end_n afterward_o to_o repress_v they_o be_v dangerous_a 1._o natural_o we_o love_v &_o seek_v nothing_o but_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o love_v &_o seek_v we_o be_v our_o own_o last_o end_n refer_v all_o thing_n even_o supernatural_a yea_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o own_o interest_n &_o commodity_n we_o seek_v thing_n please_v only_o to_o our_o sense_n outward_a or_o inward_a as_o if_o the_o felicity_n of_o our_o soul_n &_o person_n consist_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n opinion_n of_o honour_n profit_n or_o curiosity_n of_o knowledge_n &c_n &c_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n in_o nature_n or_o action_n proceed_v from_o nature_n 2._o yea_o they_o who_o natural_o have_v much_o interior_a composednes_n &_o stillnes_n of_o passion_n &_o seem_v not_o much_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o rebellion_n in_o sensuality_n &_o that_o moreover_o have_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a devotion_n yet_o even_o these_o whatsoever_o they_o appear_v outward_o in_o show_v be_v full_a of_o self_n love_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n if_o they_o love_v quietness_n it_o be_v because_o nature_n take_v a_o contentment_n in_o it_o and_o their_o self-love_n be_v more_o abstruse_a &_o more_o deep_o seat_v in_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o therefore_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v cure_v because_o not_o so_o easy_o discover_v neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n of_o remedy_n till_o by_o prayer_n they_o get_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o say_a secret_a self_n love_n and_o grace_n by_o mortification_n to_o subdue_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a such_o good_a natural_a disposition_n may_v be_v beneficial_a to_o soul_n in_o two_o respect_n especial_o first_o in_o that_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o fall_v into_o fewer_n sin_n then_o more_o passionate_a impetuous_a nature_n do_v &_o consequent_o do_v not_o put_v so_o many_o impediment_n to_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v unless_o they_o practise_v prayer_n &_o mortification_n they_o will_v increase_v in_o spiritual_a pride_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nature_n not_o restrain_v will_v one_o way_n or_o other_o grow_v more_o &_o more_o inordinate_a 2._o a_o second_o benefit_n be_v that_o such_o disposition_n be_v better_o fit_v for_o internal_a prayer_n yea_o to_o the_o perfect_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n so_o that_o they_o may_v with_o less_o labour_n get_v out_o of_o nature_n elevate_n themselves_o to_o god_n 4._o a_o absolute_a necessity_n therefore_o there_o be_v for_o all_o soul_n to_o mortify_v nature_n &_o especial_o to_o rectify_v this_o general_a depravednes_n of_o propriety_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o our_o last_a end_n the_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o divine_a charity_n by_o which_o ourselves_o be_v direct_v to_o god_n as_o our_o last_o end_n and_o a_o necessary_a disposition_n thereto_o be_v the_o mortification_n of_o self_n love_n and_o thus_o far_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o mortify_v themselves_o namely_o to_o cure_v the_o mortal_o sinful_a disorder_n of_o their_o soul_n a_o necessity_n likewise_o there_o be_v upon_o supposition_n of_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n to_o mortify_v all_o deliberate_a affection_n to_o any_o the_o least_o venial_a defect_n and_o deordination_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o which_o duty_n of_o mortification_n require_v of_o we_o that_o deliberate_o and_o customary_o we_o neither_o admit_v into_o our_o mind_n internal_o vain_a thought_n nor_o outward_o speak_v or_o exercise_v act_n of_o vain_a love_n vain_a hope_n vain_a fear_n or_o vain_a sorrow_o &_o all_o be_v vain_a that_o be_v not_o refer_v to_o god_n or_o be_v not_o do_v for_o he_o 5._o mortification_n tend_v to_o subject_v the_o body_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o cross_v the_o inclination_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a &_o only_a principle_n for_o by_o such_o cross_n &_o afflict_v of_o the_o body_n self-love_n &_o selfewill_n the_o poison_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v abate_v &_o in_o time_n in_o a_o sort_n destroy_v &_o instead_o of_o they_o there_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o divine_a love_n &_o divine_a will_n &_o take_v possession_n thereof_o and_o therein_o consist_v our_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o secure_a state_n when_o cross_n &_o affliction_n do_v exceed_v world_o contentment_n &_o sensual_a ease_n for_o wonderful_a seldom_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o soul_n make_v any_o progress_n in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n by_o mean_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n some_o perfect_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o keep_v the_o station_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o withstand_v a_o casefull_a content_v &_o abound_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v almost_o miraculous_a if_o they_o thereby_o advance_v themselves_o in_o spirit_n so_o natural_o &_o almost_o necessary_o do_v case_n of_o nature_n nourish_v self-love_n pride_n security_n a_o spiritual_a sloth_n &_o a_o distaste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n 7._o indeed_o the_o only_a possible_a way_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o make_v prosperity_n a_o occasion_n of_o improvement_n to_o she_o be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a cross_n &_o diminish_v of_o it_o that_o be_v by_o take_v advantage_n even_o from_o thence_o to_o mortify_v nature_n as_o for_o example_n in_o case_n of_o riches_n &_o honour_n by_o carry_v ourselves_o both_o exterior_o &_o interior_o to_o god_n &_o man_n with_o more_o humility_n &_o modesty_n as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o such_o plenty_n &_o eminency_n also_o by_o suppress_v vain_a joy_n &_o complacency_n in_o such_o thing_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lord_n &_o proprietaire_n but_o only_a steward_n &_o dispenser_n of_o such_o thing_n from_o who_o a_o severe_a account_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o talent_n entrust_v to_o we_o for_o other_o sake_n &_o not_o our_o own_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o security_n solidity_n &_o fullnes_n of_o our_o soul_n good_a consist_v in_o a_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a &_o afflict_v to_o our_o nature_n 8._o in_o general_n mortification_n include_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o in_o every_o act_n of_o virtue_n we_o mortify_v some_o inordinate_a passion_n &_o inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o other_o so_o that_o to_o attain_v to_o perfect_a mortification_n be_v to_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o virtue_n 9_o the_o benefit_n &_o blessing_n that_o come_v to_o our_o soul_n by_o exercise_v of_o mortification_n be_v many_o &_o most_o precious_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v thereby_o avoid_v that_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v commit_v 2._o it_o cause_v a_o degree_n of_o purity_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o it_o procure_v great_a grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n 4._o one_o act_n of_o mortification_n enable_v to_o another_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o yield_v any_o time_n to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n we_o be_v enfeeble_v &_o less_o able_a to_o resist_v another_o time_n 5._o it_o diminish_v our_o suffer_v in_o purgatory_n because_o so_o much_o of_o suffer_v be_v past_a &_o a_o little_a pain_n for_o the_o present_n will_v countervail_v &_o prevent_v sharp_a &_o long_a pain_n for_o the_o future_a 6._o it_o procure_v internal_a light_n by_o dispel_v &_o calm_v the_o unrulines_n of_o passion_n 7._o it_o produce_v great_a peace_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v disturb_v only_o by_o unquiet_a passion_n 8._o it_o help_v the_o soul_n much_o in_o her_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a prayer_n &_o contemplation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o religious_a &_o spiritual_a exercise_n 9_o it_o be_v of_o great_a edification_n to_o our_o brethren_n &_o neighbour_n 10._o it_o increase_v all_o these_o way_n our_o future_a happiness_n &_o glory_n 10._o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a &_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a &_o moreover_o so_o large_o extend_v as_o that_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o natural_a inclination_n in_o so_o much_o as_o nothing_o do_v a_o imperfect_a soul_n any_o good_a further_o than_o it_o be_v cross_v &_o mortify_v to_o some_o inordination_n in_o her_o natural_a inclination_n it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o a_o soul_n that_o intend_v to_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n of_o contemplation_n have_v need_n have_v a_o great_a courage_n since_o her_o design_n must_v be_v to_o combat_v
unexpressible_a mortification_n most_o subtle_a tentation_n privation_n &_o desolation_n the_o which_o be_v worthy_o undergo_v do_v wonderful_o purify_v the_o spirit_n the_o former_a mortification_n s._n paul_n express_v thus_o there_o have_v no_o tentation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v according_a to_o ordinary_a humane_a nature_n &c_n &c_n but_o the_o latter_a thus_o our_o wrestle_n be_v not_o against_o flesh_n &_o blood_n the_o usual_a tentation_n of_o god_n imperfect_a child_n but_o against_o principality_n &_o power_n against_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n or_o thing_n 12._o every_o act_n of_o mortification_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o internal_a prayer_n do_v increase_v in_o we_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n &_o dispose_v we_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a future_a prayer_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a every_o act_n of_o immortification_n do_v increase_v in_o we_o self-love_n &_o do_v make_v we_o more_o indispose_v for_o future_a internal_a prayer_n again_o prayer_n enable_v we_o for_o future_a mortification_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o undertake_v &_o support_v they_o so_o that_o these_o duty_n must_v never_o be_v separate_v these_o contain_v all_o that_o a_o internal_a liver_n be_v oblige_v to_o 13._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n concern_v mortification_n in_o gross_a with_o one_o observation_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o caution_n to_o a_o wellminded_n soul_n that_o live_v a_o internal_a life_n to_o prevent_v a_o inconvenience_n which_o otherwise_o may_v perhaps_o surprise_v she_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o religious_a or_o spiritual_a person_n will_v find_v a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o mortify_v &_o renounce_v some_o sensual_a contentment_n after_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n than_o they_o former_o find_v while_o they_o lead_v a_o extrovert_v secular_a life_n in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o happen_v to_o they_o may_v perhaps_o suggest_v either_o scrupulous_a or_o at_o least_o disquiet_v thought_n as_o if_o the_o change_n that_o they_o have_v make_v be_v not_o for_o the_o better_a or_o as_o if_o some_o thing_n they_o well_o know_v not_o what_o be_v amiss_o with_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v well_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n they_o will_v find_v that_o this_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n nor_o deserve_v that_o they_o shall_v much_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o it_o 14._o for_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v 1._o because_o if_o such_o a_o one_o have_v not_o pursue_v a_o internal_a life_n he_o will_v have_v perhaps_o enable_v himself_o to_o quit_v one_o pleasure_n by_o divert_v himself_o from_o thence_o to_o some_o other_o which_o will_v have_v recompense_v &_o satisfy_v for_o that_o loss_n take_v away_o the_o present_a difficulty_n whereas_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n a_o soul_n have_v in_o resolution_n abandon_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n as_o such_o that_o can_v be_v abandon_v she_o can_v recompense_v the_o bitterness_n find_v in_o mortify_v one_o by_o a_o deliberate_a yield_n to_o another_o the_o pleasure_n feel_v in_o enjoy_v whereof_o might_n make_v she_o less_o sensible_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o again_o a_o imperfect_a soul_n will_v judge_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o sustain_n of_o corporal_a infirmity_n &_o to_o prevent_v a_o unchearfull_a discontent_a habit_n of_o mind_n to_o allow_v unto_o herself_o some_o contentment_n recreative_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o when_o such_o be_v deny_v she_o she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v impatient_a or_o if_o she_o endeavour_v to_o contradict_v &_o resist_v such_o impatience_n of_o nature_n she_o will_v do_v it_o more_o feeble_o &_o faint_o 3._o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v live_v &_o not_o take_v pleasure_n in_o something_o or_o other_o that_o assord_n contentment_n either_o to_o the_o sense_n or_o the_o spirit_n now_o a_o spiritual_a person_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n have_v but_o little_a present_a sensible_a pleasure_n in_o the_o exercise_n proper_a to_o his_o way_n except_o god_n now_o &_o then_o visit_v he_o with_o sensible_a devotion_n for_o the_o chief_a pleasure_n that_o spirituality_n afford_v be_v in_o hope_n only_o &_o that_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o body_n it_o regard_v the_o spirit_n alone_o now_o hope_n be_v not_o so_o attractive_a as_o present_v sensual_a contentment_n be_v 4._o beside_o all_o this_o such_o a_o soul_n not_o have_v yet_o chase_v out_o of_o the_o superior_a faculty_n all_o affection_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n &_o find_v for_o the_o present_a little_a or_o nothing_o but_o pain_n in_o all_o her_o exercise_n both_o of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n no_o marvel_v if_o when_o pleasure_n sometime_o come_v in_o her_o way_n that_o she_o find_v difficulty_n in_o reject_v it_o indeed_o the_o great_a pain_n come_v not_o from_o the_o particular_a object_n of_o mortification_n but_o rather_o from_o tediousness_n &_o irkesomenes_n in_o be_v continual_o in_o a_o condition_n of_o suffer_v which_o she_o judge_n must_v last_v to_o her_o life_n end_n this_o be_v very_o painful_a to_o a_o imperfect_a soul_n but_o yet_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n she_o will_v find_v daily_o a_o abatement_n of_o this_o tediousness_n &_o in_o the_o end_n the_o renounce_n of_o all_o contentment_n of_o sense_n &_o nature_n for_o themselves_o will_v become_v easy_a &_o pleasurable_a to_o she_o 5._o ●astly_a such_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o she_o to_o suffer_v she_o to_o feel_v so_o much_o difficulty_n now_o not_o experience_v before_o to_o the_o end_n to_o humble_v she_o &_o to_o teach_v she_o not_o at_o all_o to_o rely_v upon_o herself_o nor_o to_o promise_v herself_o the_o least_o good_a from_o her_o own_o force_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o mortification_n divide_v into_o 1._o necessary_a 2._o and_o voluntary_a and_o what_o each_o of_o these_o be_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o extraordinary_a or_o supernumerary_a mortification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v assume_v without_o great_a advice_n they_o be_v seldom_o allow_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n §_o 10._o 11._o the_o advice_n of_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o in_o every_o thing_n be_v cross_v our_o natural_a inclination_n dangerous_a §_o 12._o 13._o the_o inconvenience_n of_o extraordinary_a mortification_n unaduised_o assume_v §_o 14._o 15._o what_o extraordinary_a one_o be_v least_o dangerous_a §_o 16._o sign_n by_o which_o to_o discern_v when_o such_o be_v proper_a &_o beneficial_a §_o 17._o general_o speak_v there_o be_v little_a need_n that_o extraordinary_a mortification_n shall_v be_v assume_v 1._o have_v speak_v in_o general_a of_o mortification_n come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o division_n &_o kind_n of_o it_o and_o the_o most_o general_a division_n of_o mortification_n be_v into_o those_o which_o be_v 1._o necessary_a 2._o voluntary_a this_o be_v a_o division_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v great_a use_n through_o this_o whole_a treatise_n &_o therefore_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v explain_v more_o distinct_o &_o accurate_o 2._o first_o therefore_o within_o the_o notion_n of_o necessary_a mortification_n be_v comprehend_v 1._o not_o only_o such_o cross_n &_o affliction_n to_o nature_n as_o we_o can_v though_o we_o will_v avoid_v whether_o they_o be_v external_a or_o internal_a as_o sickness_n want_n disgrace_n loss_n of_o friend_n tentation_n desolation_n etc._n etc._n the_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a &_o beneficial_a mortification_n of_o all_o other_o as_o be_v send_v or_o suffer_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a &_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o our_o good_a 2._o but_o those_o also_o that_o we_o do_v or_o suffer_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o assume_v state_n of_o life_n either_o by_o occasion_n of_o any_o law_n or_o humane_a constitution_n or_o by_o obedience_n &_o subjection_n to_o our_o superior_n conversation_n with_o our_o equal_n inferior_n etc._n etc._n 3._o those_o also_o that_o we_o undertake_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o confessarius_fw-la or_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o who_o notwithstanding_o our_o obedience_n be_v but_o voluntary_a be_v to_o last_v only_o as_o long_o as_o we_o think_v good_a 4._o those_o work_v that_o true_a discretion_n require_v of_o we_o &_o which_o to_o leave_v undo_v or_o to_o do_v contrary_a will_v be_v against_o prudence_n 5._o likewise_o whatsoever_o it_o befall_v we_o to_o suffer_v from_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o not_o except_v the_o devil_n himself_o yea_o though_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n that_o such_o thing_n happen_v to_o we_o or_o be_v bring_v upon_o us._n 6._o last_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o accept_v willing_o of_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o interiour_n divine_a impulse_n with_o the_o approbation_n of_o our_o spiritual_a father_n 3._o second_o
by_o reason_n yet_o such_o image_n continue_v in_o the_o fancy_n and_o such_o motion_n in_o the_o body_n the_o mind_n will_v be_v stupefy_v and_o the_o resistance_n of_o reason_n will_v ofttimes_o be_v so_o feeble_a as_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o person_n it_o will_v pass_v for_o no_o resistance_n at_o all_o yea_o rather_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o she_o have_v deliberate_o consent_v consider_v the_o continuance_n of_o they_o after_o that_o she_o be_v full_o awake_a and_o have_v reflect_v on_o they_o 10._o notwithstanding_o unless_o in_o such_o soul_n the_o reason_n do_v not_o only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sinfullnes_n of_o such_o impure_a thought_n if_o consent_v to_o but_o likewise_o in_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n that_o she_o make_v such_o a_o reflection_n the_o will_v be_v deliberate_o move_v to_o the_o approve_v of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o culpable_a consent_n to_o they_o again_o if_o the_o general_a disposition_n of_o such_o soul_n be_v such_o as_o that_o seldom_o or_o never_o either_o speech_n or_o deliberate_a action_n do_v proceed_v from_o they_o conformable_a to_o such_o impure_a imagination_n they_o may_v confident_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o have_v incur_v a_o mortal_a sin_n 11._o above_o all_o thing_n the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v careful_a that_o she_o be_v not_o dishearten_v by_o occasion_n of_o such_o tentation_n from_o pursue_v constant_o her_o appoint_a recollection_n the_o best_a she_o can_v notwithstanding_o that_o then_o above_o all_o other_o time_n such_o thought_n will_v throng_v into_o her_o mind_n so_o that_o she_o will_v think_v it_o almost_o unlawful_a to_o appear_v before_o god_n be_v full_a of_o such_o impure_a image_n but_o she_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o now_o be_v the_o proper_a time_n to_o show_v her_o fidelity_n to_o god_n no_o thanks_o to_o she_o if_o she_o adhere_v to_o god_n when_o nature_n make_v no_o opposition_n but_o rather_o find_v a_o gust_n in_o it_o but_o if_o amid_o these_o tempest_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n she_o will_v firm_o adhere_v to_o god_n when_o such_o adhesion_n become_v so_o extreme_o painful_a to_o she_o this_o be_v thankeworthy_a then_o she_o will_v show_v herself_o a_o valiant_a soldier_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o worthy_a of_o that_o testimony_n that_o he_o give_v of_o she_o who_o have_v judge_v her_o fit_a and_o capable_a of_o encounter_v such_o furious_a enemy_n 11._o a_o great_a blessing_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v that_o in_o all_o internal_a confusion_n obscurity_n etc._n etc._n we_o can_v always_o make_v a_o election_n of_o god_n with_o the_o superior_a will_n the_o which_o be_v effectual_o do_v whatsoever_o disorder_n be_v in_o the_o imagination_n or_o in_o inferior_a nature_n they_o do_v rather_o increase_v then_o prejudice_n our_o merit_n 12._o indeed_o this_o be_v that_o great_a most_o efficacious_a and_o universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o tentation_n to_o wit_n a_o actual_a conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n for_o thereby_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n either_o she_o will_v loose_v the_o image_n and_o memory_n of_o the_o tentation_n for_o the_o present_a or_o however_o she_o do_v with_o far_o more_o efficacy_n oppose_v and_o work_v contrary_a to_o such_o tentation_n then_o if_o she_o have_v fix_v her_o eye_n with_o a_o direct_a renounce_n and_o detestation_n of_o they_o for_o in_o a_o actual_a union_n with_o god_n be_v include_v a_o virtual_a detestation_n of_o all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o he_o both_o for_o present_a and_o future_a and_o also_o thereby_o the_o soul_n adhere_v to_o she_o only_o good_a with_o who_o they_o be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a 13._o this_o remedy_n therefore_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o all_o other_o particular_a remedy_n be_v often_o and_o serious_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o internal_a contemplative_a liver_n for_o indeed_o none_o but_o such_o as_o live_v abstract_v life_n can_v without_o great_a force_n and_o difficulty_n be_v in_o a_o disposition_n at_o pleasure_n to_o introvert_v and_o recollect_v shemselue_n however_o let_v every_o soul_n that_o be_v capable_a thereof_o use_v it_o it_o be_v the_o plain_a easy_a secure_a and_o most_o infallible_a cure_n of_o all_o other_o 14._o those_o that_o be_v thorough_o practise_v in_o prayer_n can_v only_o be_v unite_v in_o w●ll_n to_o god_n but_o perceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o unite_v while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o the_o representation_n of_o those_o tentation_n remain_v in_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n and_o much_o trouble_n likewise_o in_o inferior_a nature_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o any_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o such_o union_n yea_o by_o occasion_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o more_o perfect_a and_o intense_a union_n may_v be_v cause_v 15._o the_o light_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o cause_n ground_n and_o remedy_n of_o such_o tentation_n and_o the_o grace_n to_o resist_v they_o be_v wonderful_a and_o incredible_a to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o practice_v prayer_n by_o neglect_n of_o which_o many_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o tentation_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o know_v they_o yet_o have_v no_o strength_n nor_o will_n to_o resist_v they_o but_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o soul_n which_o due_o prosecute_v internal_a prayer_n according_a to_o her_o present_a ability_n can_v scarce_o possible_o be_v so_o overcome_v with_o a_o tentation_n as_o habitual_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o or_o however_o to_o die_v in_o it_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o security_n that_o a_o soul_n ordinary_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n chap._n x._o §_o 1._o of_o scrupulosity_n about_o externall_n duty_n as_o the_o office_n fast_v etc._n etc._n §_o 2._o tender_a soul_n ought_v to_o seek_v full_a information_n touch_v such_o obligation_n which_o be_v not_o out_o of_o politic_a end_n to_o be_v deny_v they_o §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o several_a case_n of_o indulgence_n about_o the_o office_n §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o some_o learned_a doctor_n do_v free_a particular_a religious_a person_n not_o in_o holy_a order_n from_o a_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o say_v the_o office_n in_o private_a §_o 11._o a_o advice_n touch_v the_o same_o 1._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o special_a externall_n duty_n about_o which_o tender_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o admit_v scrupulosity_n be_v many_o yea_o some_o be_v so_o inordinate_o timorous_a that_o they_o can_v give_v way_n to_o unsatisfaction_n in_o almost_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v or_o say_v but_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o common_a especial_o in_o religion_n be_v these_o 1._o the_o obligation_n of_o religious_a person_n to_o poverty_n obedience_n regular_n fast_v say_v of_o the_o office_n in_o public_a or_o private_a etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o duty_n of_o examination_n of_o the_o conscience_n in_o order_n to_o confession_n and_o confession_n in_o self_n with_o communicate_v afterward_o 2._o the_o general_a proper_a remedy_n against_o scrupulosity_n arise_v upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o of_o these_o matter_n be_v a_o true_a information_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o say_a obligation_n and_o sure_o spiritual_a directour_n be_v oblige_v to_o allow_v as_o much_o latitude_n to_o wellminded_a timorous_a soul_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o reason_n will_v possible_o admit_v consider_v that_o such_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o great_a condescendency_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fault_n inexcusable_a before_o god_n if_o confessor_n out_o of_o a_o vain_a policy_n to_o the_o end_n to_o keep_v tender_a soul_n in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n and_o captivity_n under_o they_o shall_v conceal_v from_o they_o any_o relaxation_n allow_v by_o doctor_n or_o just_a reason_n and_o timorous_a soul_n when_o they_o have_v receive_v information_n from_o person_n capable_a of_o know_v and_o unlikely_a to_o deceive_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o account_v all_o rise_n of_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v unlawful_a 3._o more_o particular_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o divine_a office_n since_o all_o that_o understand_v latin_n may_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o dispensation_n and_o large_a allowance_n afford_v by_o doctor_n i_o conceive_v it_o most_o requisite_a that_o such_o ignorant_a tender_a soul_n especial_o woman_n as_o may_v come_v to_o see_v or_o read_v these_o instruction_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o ignorance_n or_o uncertainty_n hereabout_o for_o why_o shall_v any_o additional_a burden_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n lie_v more_o heavy_a on_o those_o that_o be_v least_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v far_o from_o be_v less_o careful_a in_o
alive_a in_o they_o shall_v mix_v its_o own_o interest_n even_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a action_n or_o rather_o be_v this_o possible_a to_o be_v whole_o avoid_v unless_o we_o be_v perfect_a in_o a_o instant_n if_o there_o be_v any_o undue_a or_o unlawful_a externall_n motive_n that_o induce_v they_o in_o the_o beginning_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o state_n since_o it_o now_o please_v god_n to_o show_v unto_o they_o that_o such_o a_o state_n be_v so_o secure_a and_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n for_o their_o soul_n sure_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o employ_v their_o tongue_n and_o thought_n to_o bless_v he_o who_o deal_v with_o they_o merciful_o and_o gracious_o beyond_o their_o desert_n rather_o than_o to_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v themselves_o be_v they_o afflict_v because_o god_n make_v they_o happy_a against_o their_o will_n or_o that_o by_o his_o special_a most_o merciful_a providence_n he_o discourage_v they_o from_o abide_v in_o the_o tentation_n &_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o take_v advantage_n from_o their_o imperfection_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o petfection_n or_o that_o he_o change_v their_o neglect_n into_o a_o desire_n of_o seek_v he_o though_o with_o many_o defect_n 9_o they_o ought_v therefore_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o present_a state_n they_o now_o be_v nothing_o can_v so_o much_o harm_v they_o as_o such_o unreasonable_a and_o unquiet_a apprehension_n if_o they_o be_v now_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o begin_v to_o make_v a_o free_a choice_n they_o will_v with_o a_o undoubted_a good_a and_o right_a intention_n renounce_v the_o world_n have_v often_o time_n free_o confirm_v their_o first_o profession_n and_o sure_o this_o aught_o to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o god_n look_v upon_o all_o his_o servant_n according_a as_o their_o present_a condition_n be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o now_o seek_v he_o in_o truth_n whatsoever_o the_o motive_n be_v that_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o present_a state_n they_o shall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v impure_a they_o be_v forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o be_v consider_v if_o good_a they_o shall_v be_v consider_v for_o their_o good_a only_a if_o they_o still_o have_v imperfection_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n who_o do_v not_o complain_v and_o just_o of_o imperfection_n when_o they_o be_v more_o perfect_a they_o will_v have_v lesser_a defect_n but_o they_o will_v see_v many_o more_o and_o be_v more_o humble_v though_o less_o disquiet_v for_o they_o however_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o scrupulosity_n &_o fear_n be_v their_o far_a great_a and_o most_o harmful_a imperfection_n for_o this_o alone_a will_v make_v perfection_n in_o the_o divine_a union_n impossible_a to_o be_v obtain_v as_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n act_v according_a to_o its_o inclination_n and_o the_o way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v or_o contest_v with_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o to_o neglect_v transcend_v &_o work_v quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o do_v so_o though_o the_o pain_n continue_v in_o sensitive_a nature_n yet_o such_o pain_n will_v prove_v a_o very_a purify_n mortification_n chap._n xiii_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n to_o wit_n pride_n etc._n etc._n §_o 2._o of_o humility_n what_o it_o be_v §_o 3._o 4._o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a object_n thereof_o mediate_a or_o immediate_a §_o 5._o 9_o 7._o 8._o of_o humility_n express_v towards_o creature_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n which_o require_v that_o we_o prefer_v all_o other_o before_o ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o seven_o degree_n in_o our_o holy_a rule_n §_o 9_o 10._o this_o do_v not_o offend_v against_o truth_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o the_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a christian_a humility_n and_o that_o the_o most_o sublime_a perfect_a creature_n be_v the_o most_o humble_a §_o 14._o the_o knowledge_n &_o perception_n or_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o not-being_a &_o god_n totality_n or_o absolute_a be_v be_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o humility_n §_o 15._o of_o other_o mean_n conduce_v thereto_o §_o 16._o 17._o 18._o 19_o 20._o by_o what_o consideration_n a_o perfect_a soul_n may_v true_o judge_v herself_o inferior_a to_o all_o other_o §_o 21._o 22._o of_o humility_n exercise_v immediate_o to_o god_n either_o with_o reflection_n on_o ourselves_o or_o without_o it_o §_o 23._o 24._o a_o imperfect_a soul_n may_v know_v but_o not_o feel_v she_o own_o nothing_o which_o be_v do_v only_o in_o perfect_a prayer_n §_o 25._o 26._o deliberate_a imperfection_n in_o ourselves_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o this_o feel_n §_o 27._o 28._o 29._o of_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o feel_n §_o 30._o 31._o exhortation_n to_o aspire_v thereto_o 1._o have_v thus_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o principal_a passion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n we_o be_v consequent_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o mortification_n of_o the_o will_n or_o appetite_n of_o the_o superior_a soul_n the_o general_a inordination_n whereof_o be_v pride_n the_o root_n of_o all_o other_o vice_n &_o which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o last_o cure_v as_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o inmost_a centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o pride_n do_v general_o express_v itself_o one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n 1._o in_o curiosity_n of_o knowledge_n or_o seek_v to_o enrich_v the_o understanding_n with_o science_n not_o profitable_a &_o seek_v only_o out_o of_o a_o ambition_n of_o excel_v this_o be_v mortify_v by_o a_o nameless_a virtue_n which_o s._n paul_n describe_v by_o this_o circumlocution_n when_o he_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o will_v sapere_fw-la ad_fw-la sobrietatem_fw-la be_v sober_o wise_a concern_v which_o duty_n we_o have_v treat_v sufficient_o where_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o read_n &_o study_n 2._o in_o a_o love_n &_o desire_v of_o self_n esteem_v the_o which_o be_v mortify_v by_o that_o most_o divine_a fundamental_a virtue_n of_o humility_n 3._o in_o a_o love_n of_o liberty_n or_o independency_n &_o a_o desire_n of_o prelature_n or_o authority_n over_o other_o the_o which_o be_v mortify_v by_o the_o religious_a virtue_n of_o obedience_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o conclude_v this_o treatise_n of_o mortification_n with_o instruction_n touch_v these_o two_o eminent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n &_o obedience_n 2._o humility_n may_v be_v define_v to_o be_v a_o virtue_n by_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o infinite_a greatness_n &_o majesty_n of_o god_n his_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n &_o the_o absolute_a power_n that_o he_o have_v over_o we_o &_o all_o creature_n which_o be_v as_o nothing_o before_o he_o do_v whole_o subject_v ourselves_o both_o soul_n &_o body_n with_o all_o their_o power_n &_o faculty_n &_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o either_o to_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n &_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o his_o will_n 3._o proper_o speak_v humility_n be_v only_o exercise_v towards_o god_n &_o not_o to_o creature_n because_o all_o creature_n be_v in_o themselves_o nothing_o as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o so_o deserve_v as_o well_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o on_o these_o ground_n the_o heathen_n be_v incapable_a of_o this_o virtue_n because_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v intend_v god_n who_o be_v unknown_a unto_o they_o yea_o it_o be_v not_o without_o ground_n that_o they_o disgrace_v &_o condemn_v this_o virtue_n by_o which_o man_n compare_v themselves_o with_o other_o prefer_v all_o before_o themselves_o as_o a_o hindrance_n to_o other_o perfection_n because_o the_o underualue_v one_o self_n compare_v with_o other_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o mean_n to_o deject_v man_n spirit_n &_o hinder_v any_o heroical_a attempt_n of_o raise_v one_o self_n above_o other_o and_o also_o because_o if_o the_o person_n compare_v have_v indeed_o a_o advantage_n in_o perfection_n it_o will_v be_v both_o unreasonable_a &_o unjust_a not_o to_o prefer_v himself_o but_o what_o a_o inconsequent_a way_n of_o argue_v this_o be_v i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v 4._o in_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n god_n towards_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v may_v be_v consider_v 1._o as_o absolute_o &_o abstract_o in_o himself_o 2._o as_o compare_v with_o creature_n 3._o as_o in_o his_o creature_n &_o in_o several_a degree_n participate_v by_o they_o 5._o in_o this_o latter_a regard_n we_o for_o god_n show_v humility_n towards_o man_n prefer_v other_o before_o ourselves_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o mean_a thing_n in_o diet_n clothes_n book_n &c_n &c_n yea_o with_o the_o mean_a part_n &_o endowment_n of_o nature_n fly_v all_o honour_n authority_n or_o esteem_n etc._n etc._n 6._o if_o humility_n be_v thus_o practise_v by_o religious_a person_n &c_n &c_n all_o other_o duty_n also_o will_v be_v cheerful_o &_o ready_o practise_v for_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o esteem_v
however_o for_o the_o peril_n of_o pride_n which_o will_v insinuate_v &_o mingle_v itself_o even_o in_o humility_n also_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o exercise_v voluntary_a outward_a action_n of_o humility_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o give_v edification_n to_o other_o and_o when_o we_o do_v such_o as_o be_v command_v in_o the_o rule_n &_o conformable_a to_o our_o state_n we_o ought_v in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o purify_v our_o intention_n chap._n fourteen_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o natural_a inclination_n to_o liberty_n or_o independency_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o obedience_n §_o 3._o 4._o obedience_n likewise_o regard_v god_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o the_o obligation_n lay_v by_o our_o holy_a rule_n on_o subject_n to_o discover_v their_o internal_a defect_n to_o superior_n be_v now_o much_o out_o of_o use_n and_o how_o this_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v §_o 9_o obedience_n earnest_o press_v by_o s._n benedict_n §_o 10._o it_o ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o soul_n §_o 11._o 12._o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o casuist_n limit_v or_o dispense_n with_o regular_a obedience_n and_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o it_o §_o 13._o 14._o special_a advice_n thereabouts_o to_o scrupulous_a soul_n §_o 15._o true_o perfect_a obedience_n have_v no_o limit_n §_o 16._o 17._o 18._o several_a defect_n in_o obedience_n §_o 19_o 20._o 21._o 22._o 23._o how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o in_o obedience_n in_o thing_n prejudicial_a and_o in_o such_o as_o be_v please_v to_o nature_n §_o 24._o a_o example_n of_o perfect_a simplicity_n in_o obedience_n §_o 25._o of_o obedience_n to_o brethren_n require_v in_o our_o rule_n §_o 26._o prayer_n a_o necessary_a mean_a to_o beget_v obedience_n 1._o the_o second_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v be_v a_o natural_a love_n of_o liberty_n &_o independence_n as_o also_o a_o ambition_n to_o dispose_v &_o rule_v other_o and_o the_o proper_a virtue_n whereby_o this_o be_v mortify_v be_v religious_a obedience_n the_o which_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o humility_n as_o the_o foresay_a depravation_n be_v of_o pride_n 2._o obedience_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o humility_n do_v principal_o regard_n god_n even_o when_o it_o be_v perform_v to_o man_n and_o indeed_o unless_o our_o obedience_n to_o creature_n do_v flow_v from_o our_o obedience_n due_a to_o god_n it_o will_v never_o advance_v or_o perfectionate_a the_o soul_n but_o rather_o nourish_v all_o deprave_a affection_n in_o it_o as_o have_v its_o root_n in_o self-love_n servile_a fear_n yea_o oft_o in_o pride_n itself_o whereas_o if_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o soul_n thereby_o will_v become_v so_o humble_a supple_a and_o pliable_a that_o it_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o subject_v itself_o to_o the_o mean_a creature_n it_o will_v cheerful_o suffer_v all_o cross_n contradiction_n &_o pressure_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a 3._o obedience_n be_v perform_v either_o 1._o immediate_o to_o god_n alone_o 2._o or_o immediate_o to_o man_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n we_o will_v in_o this_o place_n only_o treat_v of_o this_o latter_a for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n &_o devotion_n whether_o external_a or_o internal_a and_o therefore_o need_v not_o be_v speak_v of_o particular_o 4._o to_o submit_v one_o self_n to_o man_n for_o god_n sake_n or_o out_o of_o love_n to_o god_n be_v much_o hard_a than_o to_o do_v it_o immediate_o to_o god_n &_o consequent_o it_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n more_o meritorious_a &_o will_v most_o efficacious_o and_o speedy_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o perfection_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o our_o obedience_n to_o man_n be_v 1._o because_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o superior_a to_o be_v god_n substitute_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o always_o convince_v that_o his_o particular_a command_n proceed_v from_o he_o as_o such_o but_o rather_o from_o passion_n natural_a interest_n aversion_n &c_n &c_n so_o that_o we_o can_v see_v his_o command_n to_o be_v so_o reasonable_a as_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v not_o that_o obedience_n to_o they_o will_v produce_v so_o much_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n 2._o because_o we_o know_v our_o superior_a can_v see_v nor_o judge_v the_o heart_n but_o may_v err_v &_o be_v mistake_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o submit_v the_o mind_n to_o one_o that_o have_v no_o right_a over_o it_o nor_o power_n to_o see_v his_o command_n perfect_o execute_v 5._o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n know_v the_o wonderful_a virtue_n &_o efficacy_n of_o obedience_n proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n require_v in_o his_o holy_a rule_n that_o subject_n shall_v in_o a_o sort_n communicate_v to_o their_o superior_n that_o proper_a attribute_n of_o god_n who_o call_v himself_o a_o seer_n &_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o humility_n &_o simplicity_n discover_v unto_o they_o all_o their_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o thought_n and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o benefit_n that_o may_v come_v by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v though_o the_o superior_a be_v no_o priest_n as_o ancient_o oft_o they_o be_v not_o but_o the_o end_n of_o this_o obligation_n be_v 1._o for_o the_o more_o perfect_a humiliation_n of_o the_o subject_n &_o a_o mortification_n of_o that_o natural_a aversion_n that_o we_o have_v from_o the_o discover_n &_o submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o our_o secret_a defect_n 2._o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o superior_a may_v be_v enable_v to_o govern_v his_o subject_n for_o their_o spiritual_a advancement_n 6._o we_o may_v reasonable_o impute_v to_o the_o disuse_n of_o this_o obligation_n the_o great_a decay_n of_o religious_a discipline_n &_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n because_o now_o general_o speak_v superior_n know_v no_o more_o of_o their_o subject_n but_o what_o they_o chance_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o outward_a behaviour_n for_o as_o for_o internal_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a they_o all_o pass_v between_o each_o religious_a person_n &_o a_o private_a choose_v confessarius_fw-la 7._o but_o withal_o the_o disuse_n of_o the_o say_a obligation_n we_o be_v to_o impute_v 1._o partly_o to_o the_o tepidity_n of_o subject_n &_o their_o want_n of_o care_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o way_n absolute_o the_o best_a for_o themselves_o however_o very_o heavy_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n 2._o but_o principal_o to_o the_o incapacity_n &_o insufficiency_n of_o superior_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o such_o a_o change_n of_o the_o say_a custom_n be_v esteem_v even_o necessary_a 8._o sure_o this_o most_o excellent_a practice_n have_v never_o be_v bring_v into_o disuse_n or_o will_v again_o be_v restore_v if_o superior_n according_a as_o our_o holy_a rule_n require_v &_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n they_o be_v have_v continue_v or_o general_o now_o be_v 1._o themselves_o practise_v in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n of_o prayer_n &_o contemplation_n &_o will_v consider_v that_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o direct_v their_o subject_n soul_n in_o the_o same_o way_n 2._o if_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n &_o light_n to_o discern_v the_o several_a disposition_n &_o capacity_n of_o their_o subject_n soul_n in_o order_n to_o their_o principal_a end_n 3._o if_o in_o whatsoever_o imposition_n they_o lie_v on_o they_o beyond_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n they_o will_v regard_v whether_o thereby_o their_o subject_n consider_v their_o several_a temper_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v advance_v or_o hinder_v in_o their_o spiritual_a course_n &_o not_o esteem_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n for_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v not_o ill_o &_o their_o end_n therein_o be_v to_o mortify_v their_o subject_n will_n &_o passion_n for_o such_o mortification_n there_o may_v be_v as_o will_v endanger_v to_o extinguish_v the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o their_o subject_n soul_n by_o draw_v they_o to_o multiplicity_n &c_n &c_n so_o that_o no_o other_o imposition_n or_o mortification_n be_v excusable_a but_o such_o as_o right_a reason_n enlighten_v by_o grace_n will_v judge_v nocessary_a &_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o will_v ordain_v for_o they_o 4._o especial●y_o if_o they_o will_v abstain_v from_o lay_v such_o encumbrance_n on_o their_o subject_n as_o be_v last_a &_o regard_v not_o only_o the_o exterior_a but_o interiour_n also_o distract_n the_o memory_n confound_v the_o understanding_n &_o breed_v perplexity_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o internal_a prayer_n for_o indeed_o imposition_n be_v to_o be_v account_v only_o so_o
far_o to_o be_v encumbrance_n 5._o last_o if_o they_o do_v require_v obedience_n from_o their_o subject_n not_o to_o show_v their_o own_o authority_n but_o only_o to_o benefit_v their_o subject_n soul_n thereby_o without_o which_o intention_n their_o office_n become_v mere_o secular_a &c_n &c_n if_o i_o say_v superior_n have_v remain_v thus_o qualify_v there_o will_v never_o have_v be_v any_o sufficient_a occasion_n to_o dispense_v with_o such_o a_o order_n prescribe_v by_o our_o holy_a father_n touch_v the_o subject_n reveyl_v to_o the_o superior_a their_o most_o secret_a imperfection_n even_o in_o thought_n 9_o but_o however_o matter_n stand_v as_o they_o now_o do_v &_o obedience_n be_v divide_v as_o it_o be_v between_o a_o regular_a &_o a_o spiritual_a director_n the_o subject_n be_v to_o perform_v to_o each_o the_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a yet_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o a_o spiritual_a director_n voluntary_o choose_v by_o the_o subject_n &_o changeable_a at_o pleasure_n be_v far_o less_o strict_a than_o to_o a_o superior_a who_o have_v god_n authority_n communicate_v to_o he_o confirm_v by_o the_o church_n ratify_v by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o we_o have_v give_v up_o our_o will_n whole_o to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o so_o much_o as_o that_o our_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o 5._o chap._n of_o the_o rule_n require_v a_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n on_o no_o mean_a motive_n than_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n the_o fear_n of_o hell_n &_o which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o other_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o say_v he_o obedience_n with_o out_o delay_n be_v proper_a to_o they_o who_o esteem_v nothing_o dear_a to_o themselves_o than_o christ_n 10._o now_o since_o the_o only_a principal_a end_n why_o a_o religious_a person_n have_v engage_v himself_o in_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o good_a &_o advancement_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o not_o any_o temporal_a convenience_n as_o in_o secular_a government_n therefore_o notwithstanding_o the_o common_a say_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v exempt_v from_o humane_a jurisdiction_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o in_o these_o day_n as_o have_v be_v say_v superior_n be_v not_o always_o the_o directour_n of_o their_o subject_n conscience_n yet_o unless_o their_o command_n be_v obey_v in_o purity_n of_o heart_n as_o for_o god_n sake_n &_o with_o submission_n not_o only_o of_o the_o outward_a but_o inward_a man_n also_o that_o be_v both_o the_o will_n &_o judgement_n such_o obedience_n be_v not_o at_o all_o meritorious_a nor_o conformable_a to_o the_o general_a design_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n &_o to_o their_o vow_n of_o profession_n for_o if_o all_o christian_n as_o s._n paul_n teach_v be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v secular_a superior_n &_o servant_n their_o master_n not_o for_o fear_v of_o wrath_n or_o punishment_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n &_o in_o order_n to_o god_n who_o have_v invest_v they_o with_o authority_n intend_v principal_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o exterior_a obligation_n sure_o this_o do_v much_o more_o strict_o hold_v in_o religious_a obedience_n which_o be_v ordain_v &_o have_v be_v undertake_v only_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o soul_n 11._o therefore_o whereas_o late_a doctor_n &_o casuist_n have_v find_v out_o exemption_n in_o many_o case_n abridge_n the_o authority_n of_o superior_n &_o disoblige_v subject_n from_o obedience_n a_o religious_a subject_n that_o serious_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n according_a to_o his_o profession_n will_v be_v very_o wary_a how_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o advantage_n &_o dispensation_n afford_v he_o consider_v that_o although_o by_o such_o disobedience_n he_o may_v perhaps_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o external_a law_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o esteem_v himself_o quit_v from_o his_o obligation_n to_o obey_v unless_o the_o thing_n undue_o command_v be_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n &_o manifest_o prejudicial_a to_o his_o soul_n 12._o moreover_o a_o true_o humble_a internal_a liver_n will_v very_o rare_o &_o not_o without_o extreme_a necessity_n make_v use_n of_o that_o just_a liberty_n of_o appeal_n from_o a_o immediate_a superior_a allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o will_v never_o do_v for_o the_o case_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o satisfy_n of_o any_o passion_n but_o pure_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n indeed_o i_o do_v scarce_o know_v any_o case_n in_o which_o a_o appeal_v may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v by_o such_o soul_n except_o perhaps_o when_o they_o find_v that_o their_o immediate_a superior_a either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o a_o disaffection_n to_o spiritual_a prayer_n shall_v abridge_v their_o subject_n of_o time_n &_o mean_n necessary_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o either_o by_o over_o burdn_v they_o with_o distractive_a &_o solicitous_a employment_n or_o as_o it_o be_v purposely_o &_o this_o frequent_o &_o customary_o impose_v on_o they_o obedience_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v &_o proper_a for_o prayer_n yet_o sure_o the_o case_n must_v needs_o be_v extraordinary_a if_o a_o soul_n can_v by_o use_v her_o dexterity_n &_o prudence_n recover_v each_o day_n two_o halfe-hower_n for_o recollection_n 13._o notwithstanding_o some_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o doctor_n touch_v the_o limit_n &_o bound_n prescribe_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n &_o the_o degree_n of_o obligation_n to_o such_o authority_n for_o the_o necessary_a ease_n of_o devout_a tender_a &_o scrupulous_a soul_n not_o that_o such_o be_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o dispense_v with_o themselves_o in_o the_o duty_n require_v thereby_o but_o lest_o they_o out_o of_o tenderness_n in_o suspect_v oft_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o disobedience_n where_o perhaps_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o fault_n at_o all_o shall_v be_v disquiet_v perplex_v &_o hinder_v from_o reap_v any_o benefit_n by_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o duty_n and_o indeed_o little_a danger_n be_v there_o that_o soul_n so_o dispose_v shall_v from_o any_o large_a interpretation_n make_v advantage_n to_o the_o ease_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o inordinate_a passion_n 14._o such_o soul_n therefore_o may_v know_v 1._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n be_v not_o illimited_a but_o confine_v to_o certain_a condition_n as_o that_o it_o must_v be_v iuxta_fw-la regulam_fw-la neither_o beside_o nor_o above_o the_o rule_n and_o that_o their_o command_n must_v be_v ad_fw-la aedificationem_fw-la and_o not_o ad_fw-la destructionem_fw-la etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o disobedience_n to_o their_o command_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o mortal_a offence_n unless_o the_o matter_n command_v be_v in_o themselves_o of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n &_o that_o a_o command_n be_v express_o give_v &_o with_o signification_n that_o their_o intention_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o oblige_v &_o that_o the_o subject_n have_v not_o ground_n to_o judge_v that_o if_o the_o superior_a be_v present_a he_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v such_o a_o obedience_n so_o strict_o 3._o that_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n a_o disobedience_n mortal_o sinful_a be_v not_o commit_v unless_o it_o be_v do_v with_o manifest_a contempt_n that_o be_v as_o s._n bernard_n lib._n the_o precept_n &_o dispen_v interpret_v it_o when_o the_o subject_n will_v neither_o obey_v nor_o submit_v to_o correction_n for_o disobedience_n so_o that_o all_o fault_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o one_o that_o real_o have_v a_o mean_a or_o a_o contemptuous_a opinion_n of_o his_o superior_a &_o which_o without_o such_o a_o precedent_n unfit_a opinion_n will_v not_o have_v be_v commit_v be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o this_o sense_n sin_n out_o of_o contempt_n unless_o the_o subject_n renounce_v correction_n a_o fault_n that_o such_o tender_a soul_n be_v incapable_a of_o commit_v etc._n etc._n 15._o perfect_a obedience_n say_v the_o same_o s._n bernard_n know_v no_o end_n or_o limit_n it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o lawful_a thing_n pertain_v either_o to_o body_n or_o soul_n &_o to_o all_o action_n both_o external_a &_o internal_a as_o far_o as_o these_o last_o be_v voluntary_o submit_v to_o he_o insomuch_o as_o that_o our_o holy_a father_n to_o cut_v of_o all_o pretence_n of_o disobedience_n do_v not_o except_o even_o thing_n impossible_a so_o that_o if_o such_o thing_n as_o not_o only_o in_o the_o fainthearted_a opinion_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v esteem_v such_o but_o real_o be_v impossible_a shall_v be_v serious_o &_o considerate_o impose_v by_o a_o discreet_a superior_a for_o trial_n the_o subject_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v his_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o so_o they_o be_v lawful_a &_o not_o destructive_a to_o the_o subject_n
prayer_n either_o vocal_a or_o discoursive_o mental_a the_o which_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o admirable_a &_o inestimable_a deserve_v to_o be_v purchase_v with_o all_o the_o care_n &_o endeavour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n 10._o the_o first_o excellency_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n above_o all_o other_o be_v that_o only_o by_o such_o prayer_n our_o union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n in_o which_o our_o essential_a happiness_n consist_v be_v perfect_o obtain_v for_o therein_o the_o will_n with_o all_o the_o power_n &_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v apply_v and_o fix_v to_o the_o love_a adore_a &_o glorify_v this_o only_a beatify_a object_n whereas_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a variety_n &_o succession_n of_o image_n of_o creature_n suggest_v the_o which_o do_v distract_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o imperfect_a from_o such_o a_o application_n and_o meditation_n in_o which_o discourse_n be_v employ_v be_v so_o far_o little_o more_o than_o a_o philosophical_a contemplation_n of_o god_n delay_v this_o fix_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o god_n the_o which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o 11._o the_o second_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o by_o this_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_v the_o soul_n enter_v far_o more_o profound_o into_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n partake_v of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o divine_a light_n far_o more_o plentiful_o by_o which_o she_o both_o discover_v god_n perfection_n more_o clear_o &_o also_o see_v the_o way_n wherein_o she_o be_v to_o walk_v more_o perfect_o then_o by_o any_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o the_o soul_n endeavour_n to_o apply_v all_o her_o affection_n entire_o on_o god_n then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o be_v profound_o introvert_v a_o world_n of_o impurity_n of_o intention_n &_o inordinate_a affection_n lurk_v in_o she_o do_v discover_v themselves_o &_o the_o obscure_a mist_n of_o they_o be_v dispel_v the_o soul_n then_o find_v by_o a_o real_a perception_n &_o feel_n how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o her_o present_a union_n in_o will_n with_o god_n whereas_o when_o the_o understanding_n alone_o or_o principal_o be_v busy_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o soul_n herself_o the_o imagination_n which_o be_v very_o active_a &_o subtle_a will_v not_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n either_o god_n or_o herself_o so_o liquid_o &_o sincere_o but_o be_v blind_v &_o seduce_v by_o natural_a self-love_n will_v invent_v a_o hundred_o excuse_n &_o pretext_n to_o deceive_v the_o soul_n &_o to_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v intend_v &_o do_v pure_o for_o god_n which_o proceed_v principal_o if_o not_o total_o from_o the_o root_n of_o concupiscence_n &_o self-love_n 12._o a_o three_o admirable_a perfection_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o divine_a light_n but_o also_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o put_v in_o practice_v all_o thing_n to_o which_o supernatural_a light_n direct_v be_v obtain_v principal_o by_o this_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o by_o a_o double_a causality_n &_o virtue_n to_o wit_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o impetration_n ground_v on_o the_o rich_a &_o precious_a promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n above_o all_o other_o good_a action_n 2._o by_o a_o direct_a &_o proper_a efficiency_n for_o since_o all_o the_o virtue_n &_o merit_n of_o our_o external_a action_n do_v depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o internal_a disposition_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n exercise_v charity_n &_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o they_o &_o conquer_a the_o resistance_n of_o nature_n and_o since_o all_o internal_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n whatsoever_o be_v true_o &_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n direct_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o be_v follow_v that_o as_o all_o habit_n be_v get_v by_o frequency_n &_o constancy_n of_o exercise_n therefore_o by_o the_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o soul_n be_v enable_v with_o facility_n to_o practice_v perfect_o all_o virtue_n 13._o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o such_o prayer_n be_v universal_a mortification_n &_o a_o mortification_n the_o most_o profound_a intime_fw-la &_o perfect_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v possible_o perform_v entire_o destructive_a to_o sensual_a satisfaction_n for_o therein_o the_o will_n force_v inferior_a nature_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o avert_v themselves_o from_o all_o other_o object_n please_v to_o they_o and_o to_o concur_v to_o her_o internal_a actuation_n towards_o god_n &_o this_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o distraction_n by_o vain_a image_n during_o a_o torpide_a dullnes_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o a_o violent_a contradiction_n of_o sensuality_n when_o there_o be_v according_a to_o any_o sensible_a perception_n a_o total_a disgust_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o exercise_n yea_o when_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v in_o obscurity_n &_o can_v by_o any_o reflexed_a act_n reap_v any_o consolation_n from_o such_o a_o exercise_n such_o a_o exilium_fw-la cordis_fw-la such_o a_o desertion_n &_o internal_a desolation_n be_v a_o mortification_n to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o as_o of_o extreme_a bitterness_n so_o of_o unexpressible_a efficacy_n to_o the_o purify_n &_o universal_a perfect_a of_o the_o soul_n &_o spirit_n therefore_o s._n chrysostome_n tract_n de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la have_v good_a reason_n to_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n which_o with_o a_o due_a care_n &_o assiduity_n pray_v unto_o god_n shall_v ever_o sin_v 17._o a_o four_o excellence_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a action_n that_o can_v possible_o want_v purity_n of_o intention_n soul_n may_v from_o a_o impulse_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o satirfaction_n exact_o observe_v fast_n perform_v obedience_n keep_v the_o choir_n approach_v to_o sacrament_n yea_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o curious_a speculation_n during_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o self-love_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o far_o any_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n then_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n that_o be_v the_o will_v fix_v by_o charity_n on_o god_n whereas_o if_o any_o oblique_a intention_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n it_o will_v present_o be_v observe_v &_o unless_o it_o be_v contradict_v &_o expel_v there_o can_v be_v no_o progress_n in_o such_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o exercise_n either_o more_o secure_a or_o more_o profitable_a since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o alone_o that_o all_o other_o exercise_n have_v any_o concurrence_n towards_o the_o perfectionate_v of_o the_o soul_n 15._o last_o affective_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o make_v all_o other_o sort_n of_o prayer_n to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n for_o be_v that_o exclude_v meditation_n be_v but_o a_o useless_a speculation_n and_o curiosity_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o vocal_a prayer_n but_o a_o empty_a sound_n of_o word_n for_o god_n only_o desire_v our_o heart_n or_o affection_n without_o which_o our_o tongue_n or_o brain_n be_v of_o no_o esteem_n at_o all_o yea_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o profitable_a attention_n in_o any_o prayer_n further_o than_o the_o heart_n concurre_v for_o if_o the_o attention_n be_v only_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o will_v not_o constitute_v prayer_n for_o then_o study_n or_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v prayer_n hence_o say_v a_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n nunquam_fw-la verè_fw-la orat_fw-la quisquis_fw-la etiam_fw-la flexis_fw-la genibus_fw-la evagatione_fw-la cordis_fw-la etiam_fw-la qualicumque_fw-la distrahitur_fw-la that_o be_v that_o man_n do_v never_o true_o pray_v who_o though_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o knes_n be_v distract_v with_o any_o wander_a or_o unattention_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o likewise_o the_o learned_a soto_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n conclusive_o affirm_v orationi_fw-la mentali_fw-la deesse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la attentio_fw-la cum_fw-la ipsa_fw-la attentio_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v attention_n can_v possible_o be_v want_v to_o mental_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n since_o the_o attention_n itself_o be_v the_o very_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v mental_o &_o be_v not_o attentive_a as_o be_v of_o itself_o manifest_a for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o mind_n begin_v to_o wander_v it_o cease_v to_o pray_v therefore_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v only_o that_o prayer_n which_o may_v want_v attention_n namely_o when_o the_o thought_n divert_v themselves_o to_o other_o object_n the_o tongue_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o mind_n give_v a_o uncertain_a
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 quàm_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
which_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v in_o will_n &_o affection_n to_o god_n only_o 5._o these_o therefore_o be_v two_o quality_n requisite_a in_o prayer_n 1._o earnestness_n or_o fervour_n &_o 2._o perseverance_n both_o which_o be_v likewise_o include_v in_o the_o term_n instantissima_fw-la give_v to_o prayer_n by_o our_o holy_a father_n imperfect_a soul_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v ofttimes_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v unefficacious_a as_o be_v deprive_v of_o these_o condition_n 1._o the_o former_a when_o they_o do_v not_o perceive_v a_o tenderness_n &_o melt_a devotion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n 2._o and_o the_o late_a they_o will_v fear_v be_v want_v whensoever_o they_o find_v themselves_o though_o unwilling_o distract_v therefore_o to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n &_o that_o a_o right_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n sensible_a devotion_n &_o distraction_n i_o will_v treat_v of_o they_o both_o showing_z what_o good_a or_o ill_a effect_n may_v proceed_v from_o the_o former_a and_o what_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o hinder_v any_o inconvenience_n from_o the_o latter_a 6._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a sensible_a devotion_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v find_v in_o good_a but_o imperfect_a soul_n &_o it_o begin_v in_o sensitive_a nature_n cause_v great_a tenderness_n there_o &_o from_o thence_o it_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o spirit_n produce_v good_a &_o melt_a affection_n to_o god_n &_o especial_o in_o discursive_a prayer_n to_o the_o humanity_n &_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n 2._o another_o sensible_a devotion_n there_o be_v of_o perfect_a soul_n the_o which_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n &_o abound_v there_o overflows_a &_o by_o communication_n descend_v into_o inferior_a sensitive_a nature_n cause_v like_o effect_n to_o the_o former_a now_o there_o be_v little_a need_n to_o give_v caution_n of_o instruction_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o because_o perfect_a soul_n walk_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n &_o be_v establish_v in_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o please_a effect_n which_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v in_o inferior_a nature_n nor_o to_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a gluttony_n by_o which_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o god_n &_o fix_v on_o such_o mean_a gift_n of_o he_o as_o these_o be_v that_o therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o speak_v concern_v sensible_a devotion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v find_v in_o soul_n less_o perfect_a for_o for_o such_o only_a all_o these_o instruction_n be_v mean_v 7._o su●h_o soul_n than_o be_v to_o be_v inform_v that_o though_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v indeed_o at_o the_o first_o a_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n intend_v by_o he_o for_o their_o encouragement_n &_o advancement_n in_o his_o pure_a love_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v neglect_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o over_o high_o to_o be_v prise_v for_o as_o very_o good_a effect_n may_v flow_v from_o it_o be_v well_o &_o discreet_o use_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a without_o such_o discretion_n it_o may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a endanger_v to_o plunge_v they_o more_o deep_o in_o self-love_n &_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o which_o it_o be_v much_o immerse_v and_o so_o it_o will_v produce_v a_o effect_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o for_o which_o prayer_n be_v ordain_v a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v to_o separate_v that_o which_o be_v good_a &_o profitable_a in_o such_o devotion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a &_o dangerous_a renounce_v &_o mortify_v this_o latter_a &_o with_o discretion_n give_v way_n &_o make_v her_o profit_n of_o the_o other_o 8._o the_o special_a sign_n &_o effect_n of_o such_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v ofttimes_o very_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o alteration_n cause_v by_o it_o in_o corporal_a nature_n draw_v tear_n from_o the_o eye_n procure_v heat_n and_o reddnes_n in_o the_o face_n spring_v motion_n in_o the_o heart_n like_a to_o the_o leap_v of_o a_o fi●h_n in_o the_o water_n say_v harphius_n and_o in_o some_o it_o cause_v so_o perceivable_a a_o open_n and_o shut_v in_o the_o heart_n say_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o from_o such_o unusual_a motion_n &_o agitation_n about_o the_o heart_n a_o windy_a vapour_n will_v now_o &_o then_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o head_n cause_v a_o prick_a pain_n there_o the_o which_o if_o the_o head_n be_v not_o strong_a may_v continue_v a_o good_a space_n yea_o if_o good_a care_n be_v not_o take_v to_o interrupt_v such_o impetuosity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o blood_n will_v first_o boil_v &_o afterward_o will_v grow_v thick_a and_o congealed_a incapable_a of_o motion_n and_o this_o once_o happen_v the_o inward_a sweetness_n former_o feel_v will_v be_v turn_v into_o sadness_n dejection_n and_o stupidity_n thence_o will_v follow_v complaint_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v forsake_v of_o god_n yea_o she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n desperate_o to_o renounce_v all_o further_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o that_o she_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o recover_v her_o former_a sensible_a affection_n the_o far_a will_v she_o be_v from_o it_o &_o impatience_n for_o this_o will_v render_v she_o still_o more_o indispose_v more_o darken_v in_o the_o understanding_n &_o more_o stupefy_v in_o her_o affection_n 9_o now_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n proceed_v from_o self-love_n &_o a_o too_o gluttonous_a delectation_n in_o sensible_a sweetness_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a visit_n there_o will_v follow_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v yet_o far_o more_o dangerous_a effect_n in_o unprepared_a soul_n the_o which_o will_v probable_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o nourish_v pride_n in_o themselves_o &_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o 10._o to_o abate_v the_o too_o high_a esteem_n that_o unwary_a soul_n may_v have_v of_o this_o sensible_a fervour_n &_o devotion_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a disposition_n or_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o we_o read_v of_o several_a impious_a person_n that_o have_v enjoy_v it_o so_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o certain_a wicked_a tyrant_n call_v william_n prince_n of_o juliers_n how_o at_o his_o devotion_n in_o the_o midnight_n of_o our_o lord_n natuity_n he_o twice_o or_o thrice_o feel_v so_o great_a a_o internal_a sweetness_n in_o divine_a visitation_n that_o he_o profess_v afterward_o that_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o purchase_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o half_a his_o dominion_n such_o another_o consolation_n yet_o after_o his_o death_n it_o be_v reveil_v to_o a_o certain_a holy_a person_n that_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n condemn_v to_o torment_n equal_a to_o those_o that_o that_o wicked_a persecute_v imperour_n maxentius_n suffer_v 11._o the_o root_n of_o such_o sensible_a sweetness_n be_v oftentimes_o a_o mere_a natural_a temper_n of_o body_n yea_o by_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n also_o will_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o raise_v &_o increase_v it_o in_o immortified_a self-willed_n soul_n know_v that_o they_o will_v make_v ill_a use_n of_o it_o either_o to_o the_o augment_v of_o their_o pride_n or_o to_o a_o presumptuous_a undertake_v of_o mortification_n above_o their_o strength_n by_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n their_o spirit_n will_v be_v so_o exhaust_v &_o their_o force_n enfeeble_v that_o they_o will_v become_v unable_a any_o more_o to_o correspond_v with_o divine_a grace_n even_o in_o duty_n necessary_o belong_v to_o their_o profession_n and_o when_o this_o happen_v than_o all_o sweetness_n of_o devotion_n cease_v &_o in_o place_n thereof_o succeed_v anguish_n scrupulosity_n pusillanimity_n &_o perhaps_o even_o desperation_n therefore_o wellminded_n soul_n be_v to_o take_v special_a care_n of_o prevent_v these_o effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n the_o which_o without_o great_a vigilance_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o incur_v and_o thereupon_o harphius_n advise_v earnest_o such_o to_o moderate_v with_o discretion_n the_o violent_a impulse_n of_o their_o internal_a desire_n to_o god_n for_o say_v he_o if_o they_o shall_v always_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o their_o ability_n pursue_v they_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o short_a time_n quite_o exhaust_v &_o disable_v to_o perform_v even_o easy_a and_o more_o necessary_a obligation_n 12._o the_o true_a use_n &_o benefit_n therefore_o that_o imperfect_a soul_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o sensible_a devotion_n when_o god_n send_v it_o be_v this_o that_o without_o rest_v much_o on_o it_o or_o force_v themselves_o to_o continue_v it_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o instrument_n to_o fortify_v &_o establish_v the_o solid_a true_a love_n &_o esteem_v of_o god_n in_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o to_o confirm_v a_o unshake_a resolution_n in_o themselves_o never_o
to_o desist_v from_o seek_v he_o by_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o time_n of_o desertion_n &_o aridity_n 13._o and_o if_o they_o will_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o then_o from_o what_o cause_n soever_o it_o proceed_v yea_o though_o the_o devil_n himself_o help_v or_o change_v the_o body_n shall_v have_v cause_v it_o no_o harm_n can_v come_v unto_o they_o thereby_o for_o a_o soul_n be_v most_o secure_a while_o she_o neglect_v &_o disesteeme_v the_o effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o transcend_v it_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o exercise_v herself_o towards_o god_n quiet_o yet_o resolute_o in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o by_o the_o like_a practice_n may_v a_o soul_n obtain_v the_o like_a security_n in_o all_o extraordinary_a doubtful_a case_n of_o vision_n ecstasy_n &c_n &c_n 14._o more_o particular_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v tear_n which_o be_v usual_a effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n a_o soul_n must_v be_v wary_a that_o she_o give_v not_o free_a scope_n unto_o they_o what_o ever_o the_o object_n or_o cause_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v compassion_n to_o our_o lord_n suffering_n or_o contrition_n for_o her_o own_o sin_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v best_o to_o suppress_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v they_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o flow_v for_o otherwise_o beside_o the_o harm_n that_o may_v outward_o happen_v to_o the_o body_n by_o impair_n the_o health_n or_o weaken_v the_o head_n they_o will_v keep_v she_o still_o below_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o immortification_n with_o little_a or_o no_o advancement_n towards_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v hinder_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o obscure_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v discover_v her_o secret_a defect_n nor_o what_o will_v best_o keep_v she_o in_o her_o way_n let_v she_o therefore_o exercise_v these_o act_n in_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o will_n from_o whence_o all_o merit_n come_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v perform_v with_o quietness_n &_o stillnes_n yet_o withal_o more_o efficacious_o then_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n 15._o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o perfect_a soul_n when_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n bestow_v on_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tear_n as_o to_o s._n arsenius_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v flow_v almost_o continual_o with_o they_o for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v begin_v from_o the_o spirit_n who_o operation_n inferior_a nature_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o rather_o promote_v in_o they_o and_o such_o tear_n flow_v tanquam_fw-la plwia_fw-la in_o vellus_fw-la like_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n into_o a_o fleece_n of_o wool_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n &_o bitterness_n in_o inferior_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o grant_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n and_o therefore_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v may_v &_o no_o doubt_n will_v without_o any_o danger_n comply_v with_o it_o since_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o god_n only_o &_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v to_o depress_v the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o to_o draw_v sensitive_a nature_n upward_o into_o the_o spirit_n cause_v it_o likewise_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v with_o david_n cor_fw-la meum_fw-la &_o caro_fw-la mea_fw-la exult_v averunt_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la viwm_fw-la sensitive_a nature_n not_o only_o join_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o serve_v &_o love_v of_o god_n but_o likewise_o find_v its_o contentment_n therein_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o solid_a &_o secure_a sensible_a fervour_n be_v by_o a_o discreet_a underualue_v &_o repress_v of_o that_o which_o be_v original_o &_o mere_o sensible_a 16._o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o temper_n in_o prayer_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n in_o the_o which_o the_o inferior_a soul_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o part_n at_o all_o in_o the_o actuation_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o only_o unactive_a but_o very_o repugnant_a unto_o they_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o uneasine_n &_o pain_n in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o heart_n or_o sensitive_a appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n find_v much_o bitterness_n in_o it_o and_o the_o imagination_n in_o a_o sort_n refuse_v to_o suggest_v necessary_a image_n thereto_o any_o further_a than_o as_o the_o superior_a soul_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dominion_n it_o have_v over_o it_o do_v even_o by_o mere_a force_n constrain_v it_o 17._o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o soul_n that_o give_v themselves_o to_o internal_a prayer_n but_o some_o time_n or_o other_o do_v find_v themselves_o in_o great_a indisposition_n thereto_o have_v great_a obscurity_n in_o the_o mind_n &_o great_a insensibility_n in_o the_o affection_n so_o that_o if_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v not_o well_o instruct_v &_o prepare_v they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n in_o case_n that_o such_o contradiction_n in_o inferior_a nature_n continue_v long_o to_o be_v deject_a yea_o and_o perhaps_o deter_v from_o pursue_v prayer_n for_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o their_o recollection_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o since_o for_o as_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v or_o actuate_v towards_o god_n be_v mere_a loss_n of_o time_n and_o of_o no_o worth_a at_o all_o &_o therefore_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o employ_v their_o time_n some_o other_o way_n 18._o yea_o some_o soul_n there_o be_v conduct_v by_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o way_n but_o only_o by_o such_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n find_v no_o sensible_a contentment_n in_o any_o recollection_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a continual_a pain_n &_o contradiction_n and_o yet_o by_o a_o privy_a grace_n &_o courage_n imprint_v deep_o in_o the_o spirit_n cease_v not_o for_o all_o that_o but_o resolute_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o continue_v the_o best_a they_o can_v their_o internal_a exercise_n to_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n 19_o it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o have_v natural_o a_o good_a propension_n to_o introversion_n to_o continue_v constant_a to_o their_o recollection_n when_o aridity_n obscurity_n and_o desolation_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n for_o it_o be_v this_o propension_n alone_o assi_v by_o divine_a grace_n that_o hold_v they_o to_o their_o recollection_n &_o that_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v themselves_o up_o in_o all_o their_o difficulty_n and_o tentation_n 20._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o aridity_n and_o indisposition_n to_o prayer_n ordinary_o speak_v for_o sometime_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v &_o oft_o do_v send_v or_o permit_v such_o tentation_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o be_v principal_o a_o certain_a particular_a natural_a complexion_n of_o some_o &_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o by_o their_o corporal_a temper_n be_v most_o fit_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a affection_n for_o of_o all_o other_o such_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o these_o aridity_n and_o obscurity_n because_o the_o humour_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o body_n together_o with_o the_o change_n of_o weather_n &c_n &c_n have_v a_o far_o great_a influence_n upon_o these_o sensible_a affection_n then_o upon_o the_o mere_a operation_n either_o of_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o whensoever_o the_o say_v corporal_a disposition_n come_v by_o any_o accident_n to_o be_v alter_v such_o affectionate_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o these_o internal_a distress_n &_o be_v in_o such_o a_o afflict_a disconsolate_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o help_v themselves_o by_o any_o discourse_n to_o which_o ordinary_o they_o be_v indispose_v from_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o devout_a woman_n who_o natural_o do_v more_o abound_v with_o sensible_a affection_n than_o man_n be_v more_o subject_a to_o be_v afflict_v &_o persecute_v with_o these_o aridity_n 21._o such_o discouragement_n do_v least_o appear_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o which_o befit_v all_o kind_n of_o spirit_n &_o all_o sort_n of_o temper_n whether_o they_o discourse_v internal_o or_o not_o and_o whether_o they_o can_v produce_v internal_a act_n of_o the_o will_n upon_o conceive_a image_n or_o not_o for_o all_o these_o at_o all_o time_n and_o howsoever_o they_o be_v corporal_o dispose_v may_v make_v their_o profit_n more_o or_o less_o of_o vocal_a prayer_n 22._o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n likewise_o
between_o the_o distraction_n of_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a soul_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o a_o three_o condition_n necessary_a to_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n viz._n that_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n §_o 14._o a_o exhortation_n to_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n 1._o the_o second_o discourage_a tentation_n opposite_a to_o the_o second_o quality_n requisite_a in_o prayer_n to_o wit_n perseverance_n by_o which_o well_o mind_v soul_n be_v oft_o much_o afflict_v in_o their_o recollection_n &_o also_o expose_v to_o grievous_a scrupulosity_n be_v distraction_n in_o prayer_n cause_v by_o image_n which_o oft_o against_o their_o will_n press_v into_o their_o imagination_n the_o which_o draw_v the_o mind_n from_o contemplate_v god_n &_o consequent_o the_o affection_n from_o embrace_v he_o by_o love_n at_o such_o time_n when_o the_o soul_n desire_v &_o intend_v to_o contemplate_v &_o love_v he_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o therefore_o here_o under_o the_o term_n of_o distraction_n comprehend_v all_o manner_n of_o interruption_n from_o a_o direct_a actual_a tendance_n to_o god_n for_o such_o sometime_o consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o a_o discreet_a relaxation_n the_o head_n be_v refresh_v we_o may_v be_v enable_v afterward_o to_o produce_v more_o efficacious_a affection_n and_o therefore_o those_o author_n be_v too_o indiscreet_o rigorous_a who_o oblige_v soul_n not_o yet_o perfect_a to_o a_o continual_a recollect_v attention_n to_o the_o divine_a presence_n not_o consider_v the_o corporal_a infirmity_n &_o incapacity_n of_o their_o disciple_n spirit_n especial_o in_o these_o day_n the_o distraction_n therefore_o here_o intend_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v involuntary_a &_o which_o happen_v at_o time_n when_o soul_n do_v apply_v themselves_o either_o to_o vocal_a or_o mental_a prayer_n 3._o now_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o original_a sin_n much_o increase_v also_o by_o actual_a that_o soul_n be_v general_o some_o more_o some_o less_o subject_a to_o this_o deordination_n because_o by_o sin_n that_o due_a subordination_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n the_o imagination_n memory_n &_o appetite_n to_o the_o superior_a soul_n be_v impair_v so_o that_o the_o reason_n have_v not_o that_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o they_o that_o it_o have_v in_o innocence_n but_o they_o often_o wander_v towards_o object_n not_o prescribe_v by_o reason_n yea_o &_o sometime_o seduce_v &_o even_o compel_v reason_n itself_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o disorder_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o body_n be_v gross_a &_o lumpish_a can_v long_o endure_v that_o the_o soul_n its_o companion_n shall_v remain_v in_o its_o proper_a exercise_n by_o which_o it_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o body_n contradict_v its_o motion_n &_o desire_n and_o therefore_o till_o the_o soul_n by_o practice_n of_o spiritual_a operation_n be_v enable_v at_o pleasure_n to_o command_v the_o inferior_a faculty_n or_o to_o abstract_n itself_o from_o the_o image_n suggest_v by_o they_o the_o say_a faculty_n do_v strive_v to_o depress_v the_o spirit_n and_o to_o call_v it_o down_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o necessity_n &_o desire_n of_o sensitive_a nature_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a the_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o elevation_n 4._o as_o for_o these_o distraction_n which_o general_o speak_v be_v hurtful_a &_o to_o be_v avoid_v among_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o need_v not_o reckon_v in_o this_o place_n such_o as_o be_v simple_o sinful_a be_v about_o unlawful_a object_n the_o most_o harmful_a to_o our_o spiritual_a progress_n be_v those_o which_o be_v about_o object_n to_o which_o we_o cleave_v with_o affection_n because_o by_o such_o distract_n think_v not_o only_o the_o mind_n be_v divert_v from_o god_n but_o the_o heart_n also_o inordinate_o carry_v to_o creature_n 5._o for_o as_o for_o thought_n mere_o about_o vain_a object_n to_o which_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o affection_n &_o which_o proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o instability_n of_o the_o imagination_n imperfect_a soul_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v with_o they_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o importunate_a during_o their_o recollection_n since_o the_o most_o abstract_a liver_n must_v be_v content_a now_o &_o then_o to_o suffer_v they_o 6._o and_o the_o most_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o prevent_v they_o be_v with_o as_o much_o prudence_n &_o dexterity_n as_o one_o can_v to_o cut_v of_o the_o occasion_n of_o entertain_v such_o image_n as_o do_v most_o frequent_o &_o pertinacious_o recurre_v to_o the_o mind_n in_o prayer_n and_o more_o particular_o for_o those_o image_n to_o who_o object_n the_o soul_n cleave_v by_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o practice_n of_o abstraction_n and_o voluntary_a disengagement_n from_o unnecessary_a business_n be_v requisite_a &_o a_o restrain_v of_o our_o affection_n from_o wander_v abroad_o and_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o any_o external_a object_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n we_o can_v restrain_v our_o affection_n from_o creature_n &_o fix_v they_o on_o god_n only_o we_o shall_v scarce_o ever_o have_v cause_n to_o complain_v of_o distraction_n for_o we_o see_v that_o we_o can_v easy_o and_o constant_o fix_v our_o thought_n on_o such_o object_n as_o we_o love_v so_o that_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n be_v the_o most_o assure_a instrument_n to_o increase_v divine_a love_n and_o diminish_v inordinate_a love_n to_o ourselves_o &_o creature_n consequent_o they_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a remedy_n against_o distraction_n 7._o but_o if_o after_o all_o due_a care_n have_v they_o do_v still_o persist_v the_o most_o effectual_a expedient_n to_o hinder_v any_o considerable_a inconue●●iences_n from_o such_o distraction_n be_v 1._o sometime_o so_o use_v a_o discreet_a &_o reasonable_a industry_n in_o contradict_v and_o expel_v they_o yet_o forbear_v a_o over-violent_a anxious_a resistance_n of_o they_o out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o by_o such_o violence_n they_o may_v be_v extinguish_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o a_o eagerne_v of_o contend_v with_o they_o by_o the_o imflame_a of_o the_o spirit_n make_v those_o image_n more_o active_a &_o full_a of_o motion_n &_o rather_o multiply_v than_o diminish_v they_o and_o however_o it_o imprint_n they_o deep_o in_o the_o imagination_n let_v a_o well_o mind_a soul_n rather_o endeavour_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n to_o look_v over_o their_o shoulder_n as_o if_o she_o look_v after_o some_o other_o object_n that_o stand_v beyond_o they_o &_o above_o they_o which_o be_v god_n 2._o let_v she_o as_o have_v be_v say_v fix_v in_o her_o mind_n &_o superior_a will_v a_o strong_a resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o say_a distraction_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n &_o press_v of_o they_o not_o to_o relinquish_v prayer_n but_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o best_a of_o her_o power_n &_o skill_n 3._o let_v the_o well_o mind_a soul_n execute_v this_o resolution_n with_o all_o possible_a quietness_n stillnes_n &_o patience_n not_o trouble_v herself_o with_o any_o fear_n or_o scrupulosity_n as_o if_o they_o come_v from_o she_o own_o fault_n whereas_o ordinary_o they_o be_v increase_v at_o least_o by_o the_o distemper_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o natural_a instability_n of_o the_o imagination_n 4._o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o she_o not_o be_v able_a to_o her_o own_o satisfaction_n to_o pursue_v her_o appoint_a exercise_n to_o change_v it_o into_o act_n of_o patience_n &_o quiet_a resignation_n to_o suffer_v without_o murmur_v such_o a_o affliction_n &_o visitation_n from_o god_n hand_n and_o so_o do_v she_o will_v perhaps_o more_o advance_v herself_o in_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n then_o if_o she_o have_v no_o such_o distraction_n at_o all_o for_o beside_o that_o such_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o a_o actual_a contradiction_n to_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n have_v in_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o most_o purify_n mortification_n also_o a_o perseverance_n in_o this_o practice_n will_v bring_v she_o to_o that_o pure_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n without_o any_o perceivable_a help_n or_o concurrence_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o which_o the_o will_n be_v firm_o unite_v to_o god_n while_o the_o understanding_n be_v in_o no_o such_o union_n yea_o when_o both_o it_o and_o the_o imagination_n be_v never_o so_o extravagant_a &_o wander_v 8._o and_o sure_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n it_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v that_o in_o her_o will_n which_o be_v her_o principal_a faculty_n &_o indeed_o all_o in_o all_o she_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o distraction_n tentation_n &_o desolation_n &c_n &c_n and_o that_o be_v so_o unite_v she_o will_v
be_v so_o far_o from_o receive_v any_o harm_n by_o they_o that_o she_o will_v by_o their_o mean_n increase_v in_o grace_n so_o that_o though_o she_o do_v not_o receive_v any_o extraordinary_a illumination_n nor_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o her_o natural_a will_n by_o such_o distract_a prayer_n yet_o do_v she_o get_v that_o for_o which_o such_o illumination_n &_o gust_n be_v give_v to_o wit_n a_o privy_a but_o effectual_a grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o resign_v herself_o to_o he_o in_o all_o his_o providence_n &_o permission_n concern_v she_o and_o grace_v get_v by_o such_o a_o afflict_a way_n of_o abnegation_n be_v far_o more_o secure_a &_o merit_v more_o at_o god_n hand_n then_o if_o it_o have_v come_v by_o lightsome_a &_o please_a consolation_n since_o this_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v transcend_v self-love_n contradict_v &_o subdue_v even_o when_o it_o assault_v the_o soul_n most_o subtle_o &_o dangerous_o to_o wit_n by_o pretend_v that_o all_o sollicitude_n &_o anxious_a discouragement_n cause_v by_o distraction_n do_v flow_v from_o divine_a love_n &_o from_o a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n progress_n in_o spirituality_n last_o this_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o charity_n &_o all_o divine_a virtue_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v produce_v &_o establish_v there_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o the_o devil_n use_v to_o hinder_v the_o production_n of_o they_o in_o negligent_a &_o tepid_a soul_n or_o to_o destroy_v they_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n produce_v 9_o as_o for_o more_o particular_a advice_n expedient_n &_o sleight_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o special_a case_n &_o circumstance_n none_o can_v teach_v but_o god_n only_o who_o by_o mean_n of_o experience_n &_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n will_v undoubted_o give_v unto_o a_o soul_n light_n &_o grace_v sufficient_a 10._o to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o point_n this_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v between_o distraction_n in_o perfect_a soul_n from_o the_o same_o in_o the_o imperfect_a viz._n that_o in_o perfect_a soul_n distraction_n proceed_v only_o from_o some_o unwilling_a distemper_n in_o the_o cognoscitive_a faculty_n but_o in_o the_o imperfect_a they_o be_v rather_o from_o some_o degree_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o object_n of_o the_o distraction_n and_o therefore_o a_o well-aduanced_n soul_n have_v little_a difficulty_n in_o put_v they_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o reflect_v upon_o they_o for_o without_o contend_v with_o they_o she_o can_v present_o unite_v herself_o with_o her_o superior_a will_n to_o god_n even_o while_o her_o know_v power_n be_v busy_a about_o impertinent_a object_n whereas_o imperfect_a soul_n in_o the_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n have_v as_o yet_o a_o express_a &_o perceptible_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n &_o imagination_n can_v but_o receive_v some_o prejudice_n by_o distraction_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o faculty_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v employ_v upon_o different_a object_n that_o have_v no_o subordination_n or_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o 11._o there_o remain_v a_o three_o condition_n or_o quality_n which_o i_o say_v be_v necessary_a to_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n to_o wit_n the_o divine_a inspiration_n from_o which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v it_o be_v of_o little_a efficacy_n or_o merit_n now_o though_o in_o the_o general_a division_n of_o internal_a prayer_n i_o seem_v to_o appropriate_v the_o title_n of_o infuse_v prayer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o perfect_a contemplation_n the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v that_o such_o prayer_n be_v mere_o infuse_v the_o soul_n by_o any_o deliberate_a preparation_n or_o election_n not_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o whereas_o in_o the_o inferior_a degree_n there_o be_v necessary_a both_o a_o precedent_n and_o concomitant_a industry_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o matter_n for_o prayer_n &_o to_o force_v herself_o to_o produce_v affection_n correspondent_a to_o the_o say_a matter_n by_o reason_n that_o as_o yet_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o so_o abound_v &_o operative_a in_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o impel_v she_o to_o pray_v or_o rather_o breathe_v for●h_a prayer_n in_o and_o by_o she_o but_o in_o all_o case_n that_o be_v most_o true_a whi●h_o s._n bernard_n say_v tepida_fw-la est_fw-la oratio_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la praevenit_fw-la inspiratio_fw-la that_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o repide_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o s._n augustin_n bene_fw-la orare_fw-la deum_fw-la gratia_fw-la spiritall_n est_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v aright_o 12._o now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n herto_o be_v express_v in_o that_o say_n of_o s._n paul_n quid_fw-la oremus_fw-la sicut_fw-la oportet_fw-la nescimus_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v our_o infirmity_n yea_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n in_o we_o &_o for_o we_o &_o this_o oft_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v &_o which_o the_o soul_n itself_o can_v conceive_v it_o be_v this_o inspiration_n only_o which_o give_v a_o supernaturality_n to_o our_o prayer_n &_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v hear_v &_o grant_v by_o god_n 13._o but_o of_o this_o subject_n much_o have_v already_o be_v say_v &_o more_o will_v follow_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n especial_o the_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o aspiration_n where_o we_o shall_v show_v how_o these_o inspiration_n be_v attemper_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a good_a propension_n of_o soul_n so_o that_o those_o which_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o introversion_n be_v usual_o move_v by_o god_n to_o seek_v he_o by_o pure_a spiritual_a operation_n without_o image_n or_o motive_n yet_o this_o by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o also_o i_o will_v show_v how_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n &_o a_o freedom_n from_o nice_a method_n &_o rule_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o these_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v any_o further_a enlarge_n of_o myself_o on_o this_o point_n in_o this_o place_n 14._o now_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o excellency_n &_o most_o heavenly_a effect_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n ought_v to_o give_v we_o a_o suitable_a esteem_n &_o value_v of_o it_o above_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o a_o experience_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o ancient_a hermit_n call_v jacob_n in_o theodoret._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr pp_n resolute_o to_o persist_v in_o refuse_v to_o interrupt_v his_o appoint_a prayer_n or_o to_o delay_v the_o time_n of_o it_o for_o any_o other_o business_n on_o civility_n in_o visit_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v all_o to_o depart_v when_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o this_o solitude_n to_o benefit_v other_o man_n soul_n but_o to_o purify_v my_o own_o by_o prayer_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o internal_a affective_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n have_v always_o be_v entertain_v at_o first_o with_o jealousy_n and_o rigour_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o a_o illustrious_a example_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o late_a r._n fa_o baltazar_n aluarez_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o a_o account_v require_v &_o give_v by_o he_o to_o his_o general_n touch_v his_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n the_o order_n &_o manner_n of_o god_n guidance_n of_o he_o thereto_o &_o therein_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o prayer_n declare_v §_o 16._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o substance_n of_o a_o discourse_n write_v by_o he_o in_o answer_n to_o seven_o objection_n make_v against_o internal_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n §_o 30._o the_o success_n of_o this_o tempest_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o this_o most_o excellent_a of_o god_n gift_n internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a eminency_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v always_o find_v some_o even_o among_o the_o learned_a and_o ofttimes_o among_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o most_o strict_a &_o severe_a about_o religious_a observance_n that_o have_v &_o do_v oppose_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o this_o shall_v always_o be_v impute_v either_o to_o malice_n envy_v &c_n &c_n but_o rather_o to_o want_v of_o experience_n in_o the_o mysterious_a way_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ofttimes_o conduct_n his_o special_a servant_n it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o calumny_n &_o persecution_n suso_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n find_v when_o god_n enlighten_v they_o &_o move_v they_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n this_o heavenly_a light_n all_o which_o
other_o or_o force_v herself_o to_o continue_v meditation_n she_o will_v make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o extreme_a painefullnes_n of_o invent_v motive_n now_o unnecessary_a and_o tie_v herself_o to_o method_n and_o prescribe_a form_n will_v be_v to_o she_o so_o distractive_a so_o void_a of_o all_o taste_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o insupportable_a that_o not_o be_v suffer_v to_o follow_v god_n invitation_n call_v to_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o give_v quite_o over_o all_o internal_a prayer_n whereas_o by_o pursue_v god_n call_v she_o will_v every_o day_n get_v light_a to_o discover_v more_o and_o more_o her_o secret_a inward_a defect_n and_o grace_n to_o mortify_v and_o amend_v they_o and_o such_o her_o mortification_n be_v exercise_v rather_o by_o transcend_v &_o forget_v the_o object_n of_o her_o inordinate_a affection_n than_o a_o direct_a combat_v against_o they_o and_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n do_v proper_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o illuminative_a way_n because_o i●_n it_o the_o soul_n with_o little_a reflection_n on_o herself_o or_o he●_n own_o obscurity_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n &c_n &c_n tend_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n by_o who_o she_o be_v enlighten_v and_o adorn_v with_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n 12._o in_o the_o three_o place_n a_o soul_n after_o a_o long_a exercise_n in_o force_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n to_o god_n represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n by_o image_n far_o more_o subtle_a and_o spiritual_a then_o former_o yea_o endeavour_v to_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o naked_a faith_n void_a of_o all_o distinct_a and_o express_a image_n will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o grow_v so_o well_o dispose_v to_o he_o that_o she_o will_v have_v less_o need_n of_o force_v herself_o to_o produce_v good_a affection_n to_o he_o or_o of_o prescribe_v to_o herself_o determinate_a form_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n on_o the_o contrary_a divine_a love_n will_v become_v so_o firm_o establish_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o whole_o and_o only_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o that_o it_o will_v become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a soul_n unto_o the_o soul_n as_o constant_o breathe_v forth_o feruorous_a act_n of_o love_n and_o as_o natural_o almost_o as_o the_o lung_n do_v send_v forth_o breath_n 13._o and_o here_o begin_v the_o state_n of_o pure_a contemplation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o this_o bless_a state_n the_o actuation_n and_o aspiration_n be_v so_o pure_a &_o spiritual_a that_o the_o soul_n herself_o often_o time_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o she_o do_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o forethought_a or_o election_n of_o her_o own_o but_o be_v suggest_v to_o she_o by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n entire_o possess_v she_o and_o although_o in_o these_o most_o sublime_a and_o blind_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n with_o their_o image_n be_v not_o absolute_o exclude_v yet_o so_o unperceptible_a be_v their_o operation_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o many_o mystical_a writer_n speak_v according_a to_o what_o they_o feel_v and_o experience_v in_o themselves_o have_v say_v that_o in_o pure_a contemplation_n the_o will_n without_o the_o understanding_n be_v only_o operative_a as_o for_o the_o mortification_n proper_a to_o this_o state_n they_o be_v as_o unexpressible_a as_o the_o prayer_n indeed_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n seem_v to_o be_v now_o become_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o light_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n walk_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o wonderful_a that_o the_o small_a imperfection_n be_v clear_o discover_v and_o by_o prayer_n alone_o mortify_v prayer_n be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o life_n interrupt_v by_o sleep_n only_o and_o not_o alway_v then_o neither_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o other_o necessity_n of_o corporal_a nature_n refection_n study_v conversation_n or_o business_n it_o may_v be_v depress_v a_o little_a from_o the_o height_n in_o which_o it_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n set_v itself_o to_o attend_v to_o god_n only_o but_o still_o it_o continue_v with_o efficacy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o those_o avocation_n and_o this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o that_o which_o mystic_n do_v style_v the_o vnitive_a way_n because_o herein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n have_v transcend_v all_o creature_n and_o herself_o too_o the_o which_o be_v become_v as_o it_o be_v amnihilate_v &_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o 14._o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o spirituality_n beyond_o this_o but_o yet_o this_o state_n may_v infinite_o increase_v in_o degree_n of_o purity_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o spiritual_a intime_fw-la and_o divine_a without_o all_o limitation_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o divine_a inaction_n passive_a union_n and_o grace_n most_o admirable_a and_o most_o efficacious_a to_o purify_v she_o as_o perfect_o as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n she_o be_v capable_a now_o it_o be_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o soul_n dear_o belove_v by_o he_o trial_n and_o desolation_n incomprehensible_a to_o the_o unexperienced_a lead_v they_o from_o light_n to_o darkness_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o light_v again_o in_o all_o which_o change_v the_o soul_n keep_v herself_o in_o the_o same_o equality_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o know_v that_o by_o they_o all_o she_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o god_n plunge_v herself_o more_o and_o more_o profound_o in_o he_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n be_v above_o all_o instructour_n and_o instruction_n a_o divine_a light_n be_v her_o guide_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o she_o that_o now_o life_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o live_v reign_v and_o operate_v in_o she_o 15._o these_o be_v the_o three_o state_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a life_n distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o three_o state_n or_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o peculiar_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o it_o may_v and_o do_v accompany_v all_o these_o state_n without_o any_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n though_o with_o very_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o actuation_n of_o the_o soul_n during_o its_o exercise_n for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o meditation_n she_o perform_v her_o vocal_a prayer_n with_o the_o use_n of_o grosser_n image_n and_o much_o distractednes_n but_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n she_o recite_v they_o with_o less_o multiplicity_n and_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o recollection_n and_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n her_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v likewise_o aspirative_a and_o vnitive_a not_o at_o all_o distract_n she_o but_o rather_o drive_v her_o more_o profound_o and_o intime_o into_o god_n 16._o now_o god_n be_v both_o the_o principle_n and_o object_n of_o all_o our_o internal_a exercise_n be_v after_o several_a way_n represent_v to_o the_o mind_n in_o they_o for_o 1._o in_o meditation_n the_o soul_n as_o yet_o much_o immerse_v in_o sense_n be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o distinct_a grosser_n image_n by_o which_o to_o apprehend_v he_o as_o the_o humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o mystery_n belong_v thereto_o and_o sometime_o such_o attribute_n of_o the_o divinity_n as_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o which_o do_v produce_v more_o sensible_a motion_n in_o our_o imperfect_a soul_n as_o his_o justice_n mercy_n power_n etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o understand_a endeavour_n to_o apprehend_v god_n in_o the_o obscure_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o she_o be_v sometime_o force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o more_o particular_a sensible_a image_n the_o mind_n after_o a_o short_a reflection_n on_o they_o give_v place_n to_o the_o recollect_v actuation_n of_o the_o will_v alone_o 3._o but_o be_v arrive_v to_o aspiration_n which_o be_v active_a contemplatian_n the_o soul_n make_v use_v of_o no_o particular_a express_a image_n at_o all_o but_o content_v herself_o with_o the_o only_a general_a obscure_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n teach_v she_o 17._o now_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a have_v no_o great_a advantage_n in_o this_o regard_n over_o the_o more_o imperfect_a since_o all_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o ordinary_a knowledge_n do_v sufficient_o believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a can_v be_v true_o represent_v by_o any_o particular_a image_n and_o
peril_n do_v total_a resignation_n cut_v of_o and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o meum_fw-la &_o tuum_fw-la or_o worldly_a propriety_n in_o a_o secular_a state_n for_o the_o regulate_v whereof_o there_o be_v such_o endless_a volume_n of_o useless_a &_o perplex_a case_n disperse_v every_o where_o but_o also_o in_o external_a matter_n in_o a_o religious_a life_n either_o with_o regard_n to_o superior_n or_o among_o religious_a person_n themselves_o or_o towards_o externe_n yea_o &_o for_o matter_n of_o doubt_n mere_o internal_a be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o question_n between_o god_n &_o fearful_a or_o scrupulous_a soul_n all_o these_o i_o say_v be_v cut_v of_o by_o a_o total_a resignation_n the_o which_o do_v tend_v to_o simplicity_n peace_n &_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o one_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n say_v be_v only_a to_o be_v count_v necessary_a to_o wit_n the_o divine_a will_v which_o be_v god_n himself_o &_o so_o do_v reject_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v hinder_v or_o delay_v the_o soul_n from_o attain_v to_o that_o one_o only_o necessary_a good_a 5._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v resign_v both_o for_o external_a &_o internal_a matter_n be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o peril_n that_o may_v come_v from_o tentation_n or_o contradiction_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n from_o all_o doubt_n question_n and_o debate_n whereas_o the_o unresigned_a soul_n be_v in_o a_o state_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v satisfy_v or_o secure_v her_o conscience_n 6._o a_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o resignation_n ought_v not_o to_o interrupt_v or_o omit_v the_o produce_v of_o act_n conformable_a thereto_o notwithstanding_o any_o fail_n or_o transgressing_n against_o good_a resolution_n former_o make_v if_o so_o be_v such_o fail_n proceed_v out_o of_o frailty_n or_o sudden_a passion_n be_v then_o ofttimes_o more_o in_o sensuality_n then_o in_o the_o superior_a will_n &_o so_o have_v less_o fault_n in_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o such_o fail_n resignation_n hearty_o make_v will_v not_o prove_v in_o vain_a but_o in_o time_n will_v come_v to_o good_a issue_n 7._o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o eminent_a excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o resignation_n i_o have_v adjoin_v several_a exercise_n of_o the_o act_n of_o that_o virtue_n exemplify_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n regard_v either_o external_a or_o internal_a object_n touch_v outward_a good_n friend_n ctc_n as_o likewise_o all_o accident_n that_o may_v befall_v the_o body_n as_o sickness_n pain_n want_v of_o convenience_n or_o necessary_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o touch_v the_o soul_n as_o aridity_n tentation_n &c_n &c_n for_o the_o practise_n of_o which_o exercise_n beside_o the_o advice_n give_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o present_a purpose_n i_o think_v expedient_a to_o add_v certain_a more_o peculiar_a instruction_n here_o follow_a 8._o when_o the_o exercise_n of_o resignation_n in_o prayer_n come_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a daily_a exercise_n of_o a_o soul_n than_o she_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o vnitive_a way_n properly_z so_o call_v and_o wellminded_n quiet_a soul_n will_v soon_o be_v ready_a and_o ripe_a for_o the_o practice_n both_o external_a &_o internal_a of_o this_o heavenly_a virtue_n 9_o concern_v the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o resignation_n the_o which_o be_v general_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n &_o contradiction_n to_o nature_n either_o they_o be_v 1._o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v sure_a to_o happen_v 2._o or_o only_o probable_o of_o which_o probable_o there_o may_v be_v several_a degree_n 3._o or_o very_o unlikely_a but_o yet_o possible_a 4._o or_o last_o altogether_o impossible_a now_o in_o all_o these_o resignation_n may_v be_v proffitable_o exercise_v but_o the_o better_a the_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o happen_v and_o the_o best_a &_o most_o necessary_a resignation_n of_o all_o be_v in_o thing_n sure_a to_o be_v fall_v we_o &_o which_o belong_v to_o our_o state_n especial_o such_o against_o which_o our_o nature_n find_v the_o great_a difficulty_n 10._o now_o since_o these_o last_o do_v most_o frequent_o occur_v to_o our_o mind_n in_o our_o recollection_n therefore_o we_o must_v be_v the_o more_o industrious_a &_o courageous_a to_o overcome_v they_o by_o frame_v internal_a act_n of_o our_o judgement_n &_o will_n to_o entertain_v the_o say_a difficulty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v against_o the_o time_n that_o they_o do_v real_o befall_v us._n 11._o now_o have_v make_v efficacious_a &_o prevalent_a act_n of_o internal_a resignation_n if_o when_o the_o say_v difficulty_n do_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la happen_v we_o do_v true_o &_o real_o accept_v &_o embrace_v they_o with_o our_o superior_a will_n whatsoever_o repugnance_n we_o find_v in_o our_o sensitive_a nature_n this_o will_n much_o more_o advance_v the_o soul_n in_o divine_a love_n &_o increase_v the_o good_a habit_n of_o resignation_n than_o many_o bare_a internal_a act_n will_v do_v by_o which_o the_o soul_n do_v only_o represent_v a_o difficulty_n in_o the_o imagination_n resolve_v with_o the_o will_n to_o accept_v it_o 12._o in_o perform_v these_o act_n internal_o a_o soul_n must_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o exercise_v they_o with_o most_o profound_a humility_n &_o a_o distrust_n of_o she_o own_o ability_n to_o resist_v any_o tentation_n or_o contradiction_n and_o with_o a_o entire_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n grace_n with_o a_o firm_a faith_n in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v assist_v she_o at_o all_o time_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v bring_v such_o trial_n upon_o she_o 13._o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v frequent_o express_v the_o act_n of_o resignation_n either_o by_o way_n of_o oblation_n &_o delivery_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o god_n hand_n to_o be_v entire_o dispose_v of_o by_o he_o or_o of_o petition_n that_o in_o all_o such_o occurrence_n not_o our_o own_o will_n but_o god_n will_v shall_v be_v perform_v as_o for_o the_o act_n which_o be_v make_v by_o way_n of_o resolution_n or_o purpose_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o argue_v some_o confidence_n in_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o the_o devout_a exerciser_n ought_v in_o his_o mind_n to_o exclude_v all_o such_o confidence_n 14._o the_o most_o perfect_a way_n of_o produce_v act_n of_o resignation_n as_o likewise_o all_o other_o act_n be_v by_o intend_v pure_o the_o love_n of_o god_n &_o seek_v his_o glory_n renounce_v all_o inferior_a unworthy_a interest_n of_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o alphonsus_n in_o his_o method_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o his_o excellent_a chapter_n of_o prayer_n exhort_v all_o devout_a soul_n either_o express_o or_o virtual_o to_o exercise_v prayer_n with_o this_o intention_n but_o as_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n a_o express_a &_o direct_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n will_v scarce_o consist_v with_o it_o because_o that_o sublime_a exercise_n will_v not_o admit_v any_o reflect_a act_n to_o be_v mix_v though_o implicit_o &_o virtual_o they_o contain_v as_o much_o or_o more_o 15._o a_o soul_n need_v not_o always_o to_o oblige_v herself_o in_o her_o recollection_n in_o order_n to_o go_v through_o the_o follow_a pattern_n &_o form_n of_o resignation_n according_a to_o all_o the_o example_n give_v as_o she_o be_v advise_v to_o do_v in_o other_o immediate_a acts._n but_o she_o may_v alter_v interrupt_v omit_v or_o add_v other_o as_o she_o shall_v see_v cause_n or_o according_a to_o her_o present_a need_n or_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v interior_o suggest_v to_o she_o by_o god_n or_o her_o own_o thought_n 16._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o exercise_v this_o degree_n of_o prayer_n i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a course_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o single_a out_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o act_n of_o resignation_n as_o do_v regard_n such_o daily_a occur_v difficulty_n to_o which_o nature_n have_v less_o aversion_n to_o resign_v herself_o and_o from_o these_o to_o ascend_v afterward_o by_o degree_n to_o matter_n of_o more_o difficulty_n till_o at_o last_o by_o god_n grace_n she_o be_v enable_v to_o accept_v even_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o nature_n do_v most_o abhor_v for_o if_o she_o shall_v sudden_o adventure_v upon_o act_n above_o her_o present_a strength_n &_o force_n of_o mind_n she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v deject_a find_v that_o she_o want_v internal_a courage_n to_o undertake_v or_o submit_v to_o such_o difficulty_n represent_v to_o her_o mind_n 17._o and_o indeed_o according_a to_o this_o method_n god_n himself_o in_o his_o most_o wise_a and_o bless_a providence_n deal_v with_o we_o proportion_v our_o trial_n and_o affliction_n to_o our_o present_a strength_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o give_v we_o send_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n only_o ordinary_a tentation_n as_o s._n paul_n say_v 1._o cor._n 7._o and_o reserve_v the_o great_a
can_v be_v produce_v but_o only_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n 16._o first_o therefore_o for_o mortification_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o proper_a time_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a &_o necessary_a store_n of_o matter_n for_o that_o virtue_n be_v almost_o incessant_o afford_v paines_n weakness_n &c_n &c_n in_o the_o body_n &_o grief_n fear_n &_o other_o disquiet_v passion_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v oft_o more_o insupportable_a than_o outward_a torment_n all_o these_o tentation_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v arm_v against_o 17._o now_o among_o all_o internal_a tentation_n the_o great_a &_o most_o painful_a be_v fear_n of_o death_n &_o especial_o of_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o judgement_n &_o hell_n without_o which_o death_n to_o a_o faithful_a christian_n can_v not_o rational_o be_v the_o object_n of_o fear_n as_o he_o that_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o universal_a inheritance_n of_o mankind_n &_o to_o christian_n the_o door_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o case_n therefore_o that_o such_o fear_n of_o death_n do_v remain_v in_o inferior_a nature_n the_o superior_a reason_n ought_v to_o contradict_v it_o &_o use_v it_o as_o a_o subject_n of_o a_o very_a healthful_a mortification_n 18._o but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o far_o more_o considerable_a more_o inward_a &_o painful_a subject_n of_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o a_o future_a eternal_a condition_n after_o death_n the_o which_o do_v usual_o much_o afflict_v &_o deject_v imperfect_a soul_n that_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o manifold_a defect_n small_a satisfaction_n pay_v for_o they_o great_a weakness_n of_o divine_a love_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v this_o very_a fear_n which_o will_v be_v expel_v if_o charity_n be_v perfect_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o encourage_v such_o soul_n against_o it_o or_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o mortify_v it_o and_o resign_v themselves_o willing_o to_o support_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o profitable_a &_o healthful_a to_o the_o soul_n on_o the_o contrary_n they_o think_v resignation_n in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v scarce_o a_o fit_v or_o lawful_a thing_n though_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o 19_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o indifference_n what_o way_n they_o shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o after_o death_n but_o the_o point_n of_o resignation_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o a_o soul_n ought_v to_o content_v herself_o not_o to_o know_v how_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o she_o after_o death_n her_o anchor_n be_v hope_n which_o she_o ought_v to_o cherish_v and_o fortify_v all_o she_o can_v and_o the_o best_a way_n for_o soul_n to_o fortify_v that_o be_v to_o make_v as_o few_o reflection_n on_o themselves_o as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o employ_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n direct_o upon_o god_n it_o be_v divine_a love_n alone_o that_o be_v at_o least_o the_o principal_a virtue_n that_o bring_v soul_n to_o beatitude_n and_o therefore_o fearful_a soul_n though_o they_o be_v in_o as_o dangerous_a a_o state_n as_o they_o suspect_v must_v needs_o rational_o argue_v thus_o that_o the_o way_n to_o procure_v &_o strengthen_v love_n be_v by_o fix_v their_o mind_n upon_o the_o mercy_n goodness_n &_o perfection_n of_o god_n &_o to_o contradict_v or_o forget_v all_o argument_n or_o motive_n of_o servile_a fear_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o love._n what_o folly_n be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a therefore_o wilful_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o imperfection_n by_o nourish_a fear_n sure_o at_o the_o close_a of_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o practice_v after_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v the_o best_a action_n and_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v to_o relinquish_v ourselves_o and_o to_o contemplate_v trust_n rely_v &_o role_n ourselves_o upon_o he_o 20._o let_v the_o afflict_a soul_n therefore_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n not_o only_o with_o patience_n support_v such_o a_o ignorance_n but_o with_o a_o amorous_a resignation_n congratulate_v with_o god_n his_o eternal_a most_o secret_a purpose_n and_o decree_n concern_v she_o both_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n free_o consent_v &_o agree_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o such_o secret_n shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o his_o own_o breast_n hide_v from_o our_o knowledge_n therein_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o move_v he_o doubtless_o for_o our_o good_a to_o conceal_v from_o we_o those_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v have_v breed_v security_n negligence_n and_o perhaps_o pride_n in_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n let_v her_o desire_n be_v to_o know_v nothing_o &_o to_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o when_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o do_v please_v almighty_a god_n 21._o such_o behaviour_n of_o she_o towards_o her_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o she_o belong_v both_o for_o she_o be_v and_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a &_o reasonable_a so_o it_o will_v make_v she_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o in_o conclusion_n most_o assure_o bring_v she_o to_o happiness_n whereas_o to_o be_v deject_a &_o disquiet_v because_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v his_o secret_a purpose_n to_o she_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o natural_a pride_n &_o self_n love_n and_o to_o give_v a_o deliberate_a scope_n to_o unquietnes_n so_o ground_v be_v both_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o utter_o useless_a to_o the_o soul_n herself_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v not_o to_o satisfy_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o nature_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n 22._o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o abate_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o adam_n state_n in_o innocence_n that_o he_o be_v uncertain_a of_o perseverance_n yea_o though_o he_o know_v that_o one_o sin_n commit_v will_v exclude_v he_o utter_o from_o his_o present_a happiness_n whereas_o in_o our_o present_a state_n after_o thousand_o of_o sin_n one_o act_n of_o true_a conversion_n to_o god_n &_o amorous_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n be_v able_a to_o restore_v us._n 23._o let_v the_o soul_n withal_o consider_v that_o he_o which_o have_v deny_v unto_o her_o a_o assurance_n &_o forbid_v she_o to_o presume_v have_v yet_o command_v she_o to_o hope_v &_o to_o comfort_v herself_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v she_o therefore_o frequent_o &_o serious_o exercise_v act_n of_o hope_n how_o little_a gust_n soever_o sensuality_n find_v in_o they_o for_o the_o great_a repugnance_n there_o be_v in_o inferior_a nature_n the_o more_o generous_a be_v such_o act_n &_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o which_o act_n be_v to_o be_v ground_v not_o upon_o any_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n or_o worth_a for_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o a_o conceit_n of_o she_o own_o innocency_n will_v be_v but_o a_o rot_a foundation_n of_o hope_n which_o shall_v regard_v only_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n 24._o moreover_o let_v she_o exercise_v these_o act_v not_o as_o act_n of_o her_o own_o will_n but_o far_o more_o perfect_o &_o divine_o as_o act_n of_o god_n own_o will_n who_o have_v command_v we_o thus_o to_o hope_n she_o may_v withal_o if_o need_v be_v make_v use_n of_o consideration_n &_o motive_n in_o the_o understanding_n by_o read_v or_o hear_v comfortable_a promise_n in_o scripture_n &c_n &c_n to_o incline_v the_o will_n to_o conform_v itself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o which_o conformity_n when_o a_o soul_n shall_v once_o perfect_o be_v bring_v there_o remain_v to_o she_o no_o hell_n nor_o purgatory_n no_o more_o then_o to_o god_n himself_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o propriety_n of_o will_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o conformity_n such_o will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o happiness_n 25._o as_o for_o other_o internal_a pain_n &_o anguish_n arise_v from_o other_o ground_n as_o scrupulosity_n about_o confession_n etc._n etc._n the_o instruction_n former_o deliver_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o especial_o those_o of_o submit_v absolute_o to_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o spiritual_a director_n &_o of_o transcend_v all_o imagination_n &_o all_o rise_n in_o inferior_a nature_n and_o sure_o now_o above_o all_o other_o time_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o only_a tentation_n leave_v by_o which_o the_o devil_n can_v disquiet_v tender_a soul_n to_o who_o now_o pleasure_n &_o ambition_n &c_n &c_n have_v lose_v all_o taste_n &_o so_o draw_v they_o from_o god_n &_o resignation_n to_o he_o from_o confidence_n in_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o virtue_n this_o
of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a season_n 26._o and_o as_o concern_v tentation_n to_o infidelity_n despair_v &c_n &c_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v i_o will_v only_o add_v these_o two_o advice_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v all_o invent_v of_o reason_n or_o dispute_n to_o oppose_v the_o tentation_n 2._o to_o turn_v the_o mind_n neglect_o from_o the_o say_a tentation_n &_o to_o fix_v it_o with_o resignation_n &_o confidence_n on_o god_n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a remedy_n for_o soul_n especial_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o internal_a way_n for_o these_o require_v no_o study_n nor_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n to_o encounter_v the_o enemy_n who_o be_v able_a to_o entangle_v even_o the_o most_o learned_a that_o in_o confidence_n of_o their_o ability_n dare_v contest_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o these_o remedy_n be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v even_o his_o most_o fiery_a dart_n and_o moreover_o this_o one_o expedient_a of_o turn_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o object_n but_o god_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o be_v a_o universal_a remedy_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n be_v the_o usual_a exercise_n of_o those_o soul_n for_o who_o these_o instruction_n be_v principal_o write_v 27._o to_o this_o purpose_n cardinal_n bellarmine_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr arte_fw-la bene_fw-la moriendi_fw-la from_o barocius_n bishop_n of_o milan_n relate_v a_o sad_a story_n of_o two_o doctor_n in_o that_o university_n famous_a for_o scholastic_a controversy_n the_o one_o whereof_o after_o his_o death_n do_v according_a to_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n former_o make_v appear_v to_o his_o friend_n after_o a_o most_o affright_a manner_n all_o burn_a in_o flame_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o woeful_a condition_n a_o little_a before_o my_o expire_a say_v he_o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o i_o doubt_n &_o argument_n against_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o which_o i_o out_o of_o a_o confidence_n in_o my_o own_o ability_n undertake_v to_o resolve_v find_v myself_o so_o press_v with_o new_a reply_n that_o in_o the_o end_n be_v quite_o overcome_v i_o renounce_v the_o catholic_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n &_o assent_v to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n and_o in_o that_o state_n a_o just_a judgement_n for_o my_o pride_n i_o expire_v so_o receive_v this_o reward_n of_o heresy_n the_o live_a companion_n astonish_v with_o this_o relation_n reveal_v the_o case_n to_o some_o pious_a friend_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v advice_n direct_o conformable_a to_o these_o here_o before_o deliver_v and_o thereupon_o spend_v the_o remainder_n of_o his_o time_n more_o in_o prayer_n &_o pennance_n then_o study_v &_o not_o long_o after_o approach_v to_o his_o end_n the_o same_o tentation_n assault_v he_o for_o the_o devil_n require_v of_o he_o a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v get_v no_o other_o answer_n from_o he_o but_o this_o i_o believe_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v and_o be_v thereupon_o ask_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v he_o answer_v the_o church_n teach_v that_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o which_o word_n he_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o assist_v he_o by_o which_o mean_n he_o elude_v the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy●_n and_o as_o afterward_o appear_v to_o some_o of_o those_o his_o good_a counsellor_n in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n he_o manifest_v he_o pass_v to_o heaven_n 28._o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o touch_v mortification_n to_o be_v practise_v about_o externall_n thing_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a in_o all_o state_n that_o it_o belong_v as_o well_o to_o the_o infirmary_n as_o the_o refectory_n for_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n &_o occurrent_n in_o this_o life_n there_o lie_v a_o snare_n to_o be_v avoid_v &_o a_o enemy_n to_o be_v combat_v so_o that_o whosoever_o out_o of_o slothfullnes_n shall_v forbear_v to_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n will_v the_o next_o day_n be_v more_o avert_v from_o it_o nature_n get_v strength_n against_o the_o spirit_n 29._o in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o sickness_n be_v a_o tentation_n &_o a_o snare_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n well_o use_v a_o occasion_n of_o victory_n against_o impatience_n &_o self-love_n &_o of_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a perfection_n 30._o more_o particular_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n proper_a in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v 1._o not_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o pain_n &_o incommodity_n of_o it_o to_o impatience_n 2._o not_o to_o yield_v to_o a_o immoderate_a satisfaction_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o suggest_v a_o desire_n either_o of_o seek_v improper_a or_o unlawful_a remedy_n or_o when_o please_a nourishment_n refreshment_n etc._n etc._n be_v offer_v to_o us._n 3_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o spiritual_a sloth_n &_o neglect_v of_o our_o devotion_n to_o god_n of_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v when_o we_o etreate_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 31._o as_o concern_v the_o mortification_n of_o impatience_n by_o restrain_v the_o tongue_n from_o break_v out_o into_o complaint_n or_o murmur_n &_o the_o mind_n from_o yield_v to_o melancholy_n &_o discontent_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n the_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a subject_n of_o sickness_n i_o will_v therefore_o only_o add_v these_o two_o advice_n 1._o that_o the_o infirm_a person_n will_v consider_v that_o impatience_n in_o sickness_n be_v not_o only_o harmful_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o likewise_o to_o the_o body_n too_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a patience_n peacefullnes_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o mortify_a temperance_n which_o be_v heavenly_a ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v withal_o very_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o restore_v health_n in_o as_o much_o as_o thereby_o neither_o will_v the_o patient_a out_o of_o immortification_n refuse_v bitter_a thing_n which_o be_v advantageous_a to_o health_n nor_o greedy_o seek_v please_a thing_n which_o be_v harmful_a 2._o that_o patience_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o least_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n although_o violence_n of_o pain_n shall_v force_v the_o patient_a to_o groan_v or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o the_o which_o if_o they_o afford_v ease_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v condemn_v 32._o next_o touch_v the_o mortification_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o sickness_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a &_o fit_v for_o a_o sick_a person_n to_o desire_n &_o seek_v remedy_n proper_a in_o that_o case_n yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v without_o too_o much_o solicitude_n &_o disquietness_n of_o mind_n and_o in_o case_n such_o remedy_n can_v be_v have_v a_o content_a submission_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o want_n or_o refusal_n of_o they_o be_v of_o admirable_a virtue_n to_o advance_v the_o soul_n since_o necessity_n declare_v such_o a_o want_n to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o for_o the_o soul_n great_a good_n a_o most_o perfect_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o lord_n who_o among_o the_o other_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v most_o greivous_o afflict_v with_o thirst_n in_o which_o case_n he_o demand_v refreshment_n but_o all_o assuagement_n be_v deny_v he_o yea_o gall_n be_v present_v to_o he_o to_o inflame_v his_o thirst_n he_o complain_v not_o at_o all_o 33._o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o exercise_v temperance_n by_o repress_v sensuality_n in_o the_o interior_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alike_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o health_n &_o sickness_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n as_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o such_o temperance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o those_o meat_n and_o solace_n which_o will_v misbecome_v a_o spiritual_a person_n in_o health_n may_v be_v very_o allowable_a and_o expedient_a in_o sickness_n only_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v that_o the_o yield_n to_o some_o reasonable_a pleasure_n and_o recreation_n of_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o spiritual_a discretion_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n so_o as_o not_o to_o hinder_v internal_a exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o because_o such_o be_v god_n will_n and_o not_o that_o a_o undue_a liberty_n shall_v be_v allow_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o sickness_n to_o give_v the_o reins_n to_o sensual_a appetite_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o state_n of_o sickness_n more_o easy_a and_o pleasurable_a perhaps_o then_o that_o of_o health_n it_o be_v nothing_o considerable_a as_o in_o itself_o whether_o the_o body_n have_v ease_n or_o no_o all_o the_o matter_n be_v how_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o spirit_n if_o bodily_a ease_n may_v indeed_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o spirit_n it_o
be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o as_o s._n bernard_n say_v as_o man_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n for_o man_n so_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v not_o make_v for_o corporal_a but_o corporal_n for_o spiritual_a 34._o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v beyond_o this_o a_o perfection_n to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o such_o internal_a liver_n who_o grace_n &_o fervour_n have_v render_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o aspire_v to_o it_o the_o which_o the_o same_o s._n bernard_n have_v both_o by_o his_o instruction_n &_o admirable_a example_n deliver_v hypocrates_n say_v he_o do_v teach_v to_o save_v life_n in_o this_o world_n but_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v to_o loose_v life_n he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v loose_v it_o now_o which_o of_o these_o two_o master_n do●_n you_o choose_v to_o follow_v true_o that_o religious_a man_n plain_o show_n who_o he_o choose_v for_o his_o master_n who_o say_v this_o meat_n be_v ill_a for_o the_o eye_n that_o for_o the_o head_n the_o other_o for_o the_o stomach_n &c_n &c_n now_o such_o niceness_n as_o this_o the_o holy_a father_n so_o earnest_o protest_v against_o as_o almost_o to_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n to_o be_v lawful_a the_o only_a proper_a medicinal_a remedy_n for_o religious_a person_n be_v abstinence_n yea_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o purposely_o make_v choice_n of_o unwholesome_a place_n to_o build_v his_o monastery_n in_o as_o be_v desirous_a that_o his_o religious_a shall_v rather_o be_v infirm_a then_o robustious_a 35._o however_o in_o the_o choice_n &_o use_n of_o diet_n or_o physic_n every_o one_o must_v follow_v that_o divine_a light_n of_o discretion_n which_o god_n give_v they_o always_o avoid_v superfluity_n &_o sometime_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o want_n even_o of_o necessary_n they_o must_v account_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o internal_a duty_n though_o after_o another_o manner_n increase_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o will_v which_o be_v a_o mortification_n far_o more_o pure_a &_o perfect_a though_o they_o be_v force_v to_o allow_v a_o little_a more_o to_o the_o body_n their_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o benefit_n which_o sickness_n bring_v with_o it_o &_o to_o use_v all_o endeavour_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o they_o consider_v 1._o that_o they_o have_v a_o continual_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v patience_n &_o resignation_n the_o great_a blessing_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n for_o more_o free_a pure_a &_o less_o distract_a recollection_n so_o that_o their_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n do_v inseparable_o attend_v one_o another_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n by_o which_o the_o great_a saint_n have_v more_o sure_o &_o more_o speedy_o advance_v themselves_o to_o perfection_n then_o by_o many_o year_n voluntary_a external_a &_o corporal_a labour_n &_o austerity_n 36._o thaulerus_n have_v a_o say_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o dear_a &_o most_o perfect_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n full_a of_o the_o divine_a love_n &_o their_o body_n full_a of_o pain_n and_o that_o when_o they_o feel_v no_o pain_n nor_o other_o affliction_n they_o great_o apprehend_v lest_o god_n have_v forget_v they_o but_o their_o comfort_n return_v when_o god_n visit_v ihem_n with_o any_o corporal_a or_o worldly_a affliction_n then_o they_o even_o feel_v that_o it_o stand_v well_o with_o they_o for_o than_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n that_o of_o all_o other_o do_v best_a dispose_n for_o the_o divine_a union_n 37._o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v never_o be_v perfect_o understand_v by_o read_v or_o meditate_v as_o when_o devout_a soul_n themselves_o taste_v of_o the_o like_a then_o they_o see_v and_o comfortable_o taste_v his_o love_n to_o they_o if_o their_o pain_n be_v supportable_a they_o do_v invite_v they_o to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o express_a act_n of_o resignation_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o excessive_a that_o they_o become_v incapable_a of_o make_v express_v formal_a prayer_n than_o the_o very_o suffer_v of_o those_o pain_n with_o patience_n &_o peace_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o most_o sublime_a and_o efficacious_a prayer_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o those_o gemitus_fw-la inenarrabiles_fw-la those_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v which_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v to_o suffer_v humble_a &_o devout_a soul_n 38._o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o those_o charitable_a person_n that_o do_v attend_v on_o the_o sick_a a_o care_n to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v they_o in_o those_o mortification_n that_o attend_v such_o a_o office_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o the_o passionate_a humour_n of_o their_o patient_n &_o not_o judge_v they_o for_o small_a excess_n that_o they_o will_v free_o &_o charitable_o administer_v what_o shall_v be_v requisite_a to_o their_o present_a state_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o those_o that_o have_v leave_v all_o for_o he_o &_o now_o depend_v only_o upon_o he_o he_o will_v rather_o enrich_v they_o more_o for_o their_o charity_n then_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v endamage_v by_o it_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v for_o the_o sick_a patient_n sake_n that_o the_o healthful_a enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n let_v they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n to_o the_o sick_a &_o his_o care_n likewise_o to_o admonish_v their_o attendant_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o 36._o chapter_n of_o his_o rule_n 39_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o judge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v she_o the_o most_o profitable_a trial_n of_o sickness_n not_o to_o the_o end_n to_o discharge_v she_o of_o her_o daily_a recollection_n but_o rather_o that_o she_o may_v pursue_v they_o after_o a_o more_o efficacious_a manner_n probably_n she_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v exact_o her_o former_a appoint_a time_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o through_o disturbance_n of_o humour_n &_o spirit_n she_o will_v find_v great_a distraction_n yet_o if_o lift_v up_o her_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v she_o offer_v both_o her_o pain_n &_o distraction_n to_o god_n &_o withal_o if_o in_o time_n out_o of_o prayer_n she_o be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o give_v way_n either_o to_o the_o inordinate_a appetite_n or_o impatience_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a state_n of_o resignation_n she_o will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o her_o prayer_n 40._o a_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o excuse_n for_o neglect_v this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o time_n of_o which_o may_v more_o secure_o be_v observe_v in_o sickness_n then_o in_o health_n for_o who_o will_v trouble_v or_o interrupt_v such_o a_o one_o against_o his_o will_n or_o who_o will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o be_v alone_o or_o to_o rest_v whensoever_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o continue_v conversation_n however_o if_o the_o devout_a soul_n shall_v stand_v in_o need_n she_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a foresight_n industry_n excuse_n &_o sleight_n that_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v the_o be_v hinder_v or_o interrupt_v 41._o now_o because_o physic_v inward_o take_v do_v much_o encumber_v the_o stomach_n &_o indispose_v for_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v the_o sick_a person_n 1._o not_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o seek_v or_o accept_v of_o all_o receipt_n that_o friend_n &_o visitant_n be_v apt_a to_o prescribe_v 2._o when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v physic_n whether_o in_o the_o morning_n or_o evening_n so_o to_o order_v his_o time_n as_o not_o to_o take_v it_o till_o he_o have_v perform_v his_o appoint_a recollection_n 3._o not_o to_o receive_v physic_n no_o nor_o repast_n oft_o or_o more_o than_o shall_v be_v necessary_a not_o too_o much_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o yet_o be_v careful_a rather_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v our_o patient_n therefore_o stout_o resist_v the_o invitation_n &_o tenderness_n of_o friend_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o urge_v he_o to_o eat_v more_o or_o often_o than_o shall_v be_v needful_a and_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v receive_v let_v he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n &_o for_o his_o sake_n neither_o with_o avidity_n if_o it_o be_v please_v to_o nature_n nor_o with_o murmur_v if_o displease_v 42_o it_o will_v be_v exceed_o difficult_a during_o pain_n or_o any_o great_a infirmity_n to_o use_v discursive_a meditation_n the_o exercise_n of_o act_n of_o the_o will_v &_o much_o more_o of_o aspiration_n be_v a_o far_o more_o proper_a prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n therefore_o
it_o be_v good_a even_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o ripe_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a exercise_n yet_o to_o use_v they_o sometime_o in_o time_n of_o health_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o they_o be_v overtake_v with_o sickness_n they_o may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o their_o exercise_n 43._o among_o express_v voluntary_a act_n the_o exercise_n of_o total_a resignation_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a &_o general_o the_o most_o profitable_a yet_o a_o soul_n in_o sickness_n if_o she_o find_v herself_o indispose_v for_o such_o act_n may_v content_v herself_o with_o act_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n yea_o with_o devotion_n to_o any_o particular_a saint_n to_o her_o angel_n guardian_n &_o special_o to_o our_o bless_a lady_n 44._o those_o that_o be_v only_o infirm_a &_o languish_a be_v for_o as_o mu●h_v as_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o a_o case_n little_a different_a from_o that_o they_o be_v in_o during_o health_n those_o who_o suffering_n be_v from_o outward_a pain_n mere_o without_o sickness_n may_v happen_v to_o have_v their_o prayer_n alter_v to_o the_o better_a by_o mean_n of_o such_o pain_n the_o which_o themselves_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a profitable_a prayer_n if_o the_o patient_a with_o quietness_n &_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n do_v offer_v such_o pain_n continual_o to_o god_n 45._o but_o as_o for_o sickness_n more_o inward_a they_o do_v more_o indispose_v the_o patient_a to_o prayer_n beside_o the_o great_a distraction_n that_o come_v from_o physic_n blood-letting_n diet_n &c_n &c_n so_o that_o none_o can_v prescribe_v any_o certain_a advice_n the_o wellmeaning_n soul_n therefore_o must_v &_o with_o a_o moderate_a attention_n may_v herself_o observe_v all_o circumstance_n &_o according_o for_o the_o manner_n practice_v both_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n she_o will_v easy_o discern_v at_o what_o time_n how_o long_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n she_o ought_v to_o pray_v as_o likewise_o wherein_o she_o be_v to_o mortify_v herself_o &_o how_o far_o she_o may_v yield_v to_o the_o desire_n &_o necessity_n of_o nature_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o case_n not_o only_o of_o several_a person_n in_o several_a sickness_n but_o even_o of_o the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o sickness_n be_v so_o wonderful_o various_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fit_a advice_n for_o all_o all_o that_o a_o instructor_n can_v say_v to_o the_o purpose_n be_v that_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o health_n but_o for_o the_o special_a manner_n &_o matter_n her_o own_o judgement_n &_o discretion_n but_o especial_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v teach_v she_o &_o doubtless_o will_v if_o she_o attend_v to_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n 46._o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o inward_a tentation_n be_v actual_a prayer_n &_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o which_o remedy_n be_v good_a for_o all_o soul_n in_o what_o state_n soever_o but_o more_o proper_a for_o such_o as_o practice_v internal_a contemplative_a exercise_n who_o be_v not_o now_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o invent_v motive_n &_o argument_n to_o contradict_v such_o tentation_n but_o most_o necessary_a for_o the_o fearful_a &_o scrupulous_a notwithstanding_o i_o will_v not_o oblige_v all_o imperfect_a soul_n upon_o every_o thought_n of_o a_o tentation_n to_o recurre_v alway_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o only_o when_o necessity_n &_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o be_v overcome_v shall_v require_v it_o otherwise_o be_v in_o no_o such_o fear_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o with_o some_o intermit_a elevation_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o god_n defer_v their_o prayer_n till_o their_o next_o appoint_v recollection_n for_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n impose_v on_o such_o soul_n as_o without_o some_o difficulty_n can_v enter_v into_o serious_a introversion_n to_o bind_v they_o hereto_o upon_o every_o assault_n of_o a_o inward_a tentation_n when_o a_o moderate_a care_n not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o tentation_n will_v suffice_v 47._o god_n seldom_o send_v great_a sickness_n to_o spiritual_a person_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o course_n before_o they_o have_v get_v a_o reasonable_a habitude_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o lest_o thereby_o they_o shall_v become_v disable_v to_o pray_v but_o after_o such_o a_o habitude_n get_v if_o sickness_n come_v it_o will_v advance_v their_o prayer_n &_o as_o their_o bodily_a strength_n decay_v their_o prayer_n proportionable_o will_v grow_v more_o easy_a profound_a &_o spiritual_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n will_v be_v little_o better_v by_o sickness_n 48._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n of_o sickness_n with_o propose_v one_o special_a consideration_n which_o ought_v to_o induce_v soul_n to_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o deliberate_o turn_v sickness_n into_o a_o liberty_n of_o sense_n or_o spirit_n by_o omit_v or_o neglect_v prayer_n &_o mortification_n &_o it_o be_v this_o in_o all_o sickness_n there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o degree_n of_o peril_n of_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o life_n the_o which_o event_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o a_o soul_n whilst_o she_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o tepid_a negligent_a state_n god_n will_v assure_o judge_v she_o according_a to_o her_o present_a state_n in_o which_o death_n find_v she_o yea_o she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o loose_v the_o fruit_n that_o she_o may_v expect_v from_o all_o her_o former_a good_a purpose_n &_o resolution_n or_o at_o least_o to_o suspect_v that_o such_o purpose_n be_v not_o sincere_a &_o cordial_a since_o now_o the_o proper_a time_n of_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n be_v come_v they_o be_v ineffectual_o and_o above_o all_o other_o the_o case_n of_o scrupulous_a soul_n will_v be_v miserable_a if_o they_o shall_v neglect_v to_o combat_v their_o scrupulosity_n by_o a_o simple_a obedience_n &_o transcend_v of_o their_o fear_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v possible_o h●ue_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n than_o a_o sanctify_a use_n of_o sickness_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o internal_a exercise_n weaken_v the_o body_n yet_o oft_o prolong_v life_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o the_o body_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n &_o not_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n §_o 5._o yet_o with_o discretion_n that_o the_o body_n be_v not_o unnecessary_o prejudice_v §_o 6._o 7._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o first_o place_n discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v about_o mortification_n both_o by_o superior_n &_o other_o §_o 13._o 14._o &c_n &c_n second_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o sensible_a devotion_n §_o 17._o three_o in_o meditation_n §_o 18._o 19_o 20._o four_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_n acts._n §_o 21._o 22._o five_o even_o in_o aspiration_n §_o 23._o of_o languish_a love_n mention_v by_o harphius_n 1._o internal_a prayer_n serious_o prosecute_v as_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v be_v contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n can_v choose_v but_o cause_n some_o trouble_n &_o uneasines_n to_o nature_n &_o abate_v the_o vigorousnes_n of_o the_o body_n quench_v those_o spirit_n &_o drayn_v those_o humour_n which_o be_v superfluous_a &_o afford_v matter_n of_o tentation_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o make_v amends_o even_o to_o nature_n itself_o in_o contribute_v much_o to_o the_o prolong_n of_o life_n by_o mean_n of_o moderation_n of_o diet_n a_o composednes_n of_o passion_n &_o contentation_n of_o mind_n &c_n &c_n which_o it_o cause_v proof_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ancient_a holy_a father_n of_o the_o desert_n &_o more_o late_o in_o s._n romualdus_n who_o live_v till_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o year_n old_a &_o s._n david_n of_o wales_n till_o a_o hundred_o &_o forty_o &c_n &c_n 2._o however_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o serve_v the_o body_n but_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o they_o must_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o other_o be_v a_o loose_a it_o be_v most_o just_a that_o the_o loss_n shall_v lie_v on_o the_o body_n side_n and_o sure_o since_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o study_n or_o exercise_v of_o mind_n which_o do_v not_o abridge_v life_n or_o debilitate_v the_o function_n of_o it_o without_o make_v any_o amends_o to_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o future_a life_n &_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n neither_o be_v discourage_v nor_o do_v think_v it_o fit_a for_o such_o consideration_n to_o forbear_v such_o study_n much_o less_o certain_o ought_v spiritual_a &_o divine_a exercise_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o such_o pretence_n 3._o notwithstanding_o just_a it_o be_v that_o some_o
due_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o body_n that_o it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o prejudice_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n perform_v with_o overmuch_o violence_n &_o impetuosity_n and_o this_o not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o body_n sake_n as_o the_o spirit_n the_o which_o since_o in_o this_o life_n it_o can_v work_v without_o the_o body_n by_o too_o violent_a working_n it_o may_v so_o weaken_v the_o body_n as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enable_v for_o continuance_n &_o so_o those_o little_a short_a gain_n which_o be_v get_v by_o a_o few_o impetuous_a exercise_n will_v be_v dear_o buy_v by_o a_o incapacity_n of_o continue_v they_o contract_v in_o both_o soul_n &_o body_n we_o must_v neither_o stretch_v our_o understanding_n to_o high_a seeking_n lest_o we_o be_v plunge_v thereby_o in_o internal_a darkness_n from_o which_o will_v proceed_v intolerable_a perplexity_n neither_o must_v we_o force_v the_o affection_n even_o to_o good_a object_n too_o much_o nor_o suffer_v they_o to_o flow_v with_o too_o violent_a a_o stream_n nor_o last_o must_v we_o exhaust_v bodily_a strength_n by_o unnecessary_a external_a austerity_n 4._o as_o for_o the_o painfullnes_n trouble_n &_o uneasine_n to_o nature_n that_o without_o too_o much_o debility_n do_v accompany_v spiritual_a exercise_n those_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v digest_v consider_v the_o unspeakable_a benefit_n &_o service_n that_o they_o produce_v unto_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n this_o uneasines_n will_v by_o custom_n &_o constancy_n continual_o diminish_v for_o as_o harphius_n observe_v a_o soul_n after_o long_a practice_n of_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n will_v come_v to_o such_o a_o facility_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v become_v as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o she_o and_o herein_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n &_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n over_o soul_n how_o he_o temper_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o body_n for_o while_o the_o body_n be_v vigorous_a be_v able_a to_o endure_v more_o he_o give_v her_o rude_a &_o more_o laborious_a exercise_n but_o when_o by_o long-continued_a working_n it_o be_v become_v so_o feeble_a that_o any_o violent_a intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o rude_a external_a mortification_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n will_v overwhelm_a it_o than_o the_o exercise_n be_v most_o easy_a peaceable_a silent_a &_o serene_a yet_o infinite_o more_o full_a of_o virtue_n then_o former_o 5._o now_o the_o peculiar_a virtue_n by_o which_o all_o harmful_a inconvenience_n either_o to_o the_o body_n or_o spirit_n may_v be_v avoid_v be_v that_o supernatural_a discretion_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o hold_v a_o mean_a &_o avoid_v the_o vicious_a extreme_n in_o the_o practise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o supernatural_a virtue_n because_o god_n only_o can_v bestow_v it_o for_o all_o the_o wit_n &_o philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o mere_a folly_n &_o blindness_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o this_o he_o do_v principal_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o use_n of_o requisite_a abstraction_n &_o attendance_n to_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n whereby_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o celestial_a habitual_a light_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n suitable_o to_o our_o own_o particular_a disposition_n &_o ability_n for_o no_o one_o man_n can_v in_o all_o matter_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o another_o 6._o now_o as_o touch_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o supernatural_a discretion_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n much_o have_v already_o be_v set_v down_o dispersedly_z in_o these_o treatise_n i_o will_v therefore_o only_o point_v at_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n do_v regard_v this_o mistress_n of_o all_o virtue_n discretion_n which_o sure_o deserve_v above_o all_o other_o to_o be_v purposely_o &_o by_o itself_o treat_v of_o in_o as_o much_o as_o without_o it_o all_o other_o virtue_n be_v imprudent_a that_o be_v not_o virtue_n at_o all_o 7._o first_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o necessary_a mortification_n of_o which_o kind_n all_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v that_o come_v from_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o other_o especial_o superior_n a_o soul_n be_v to_o esteem_v those_o mortification_n which_o a_o superior_a beyond_o the_o rule_n shall_v voluntary_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o be_v to_o the_o subject_n himself_o necessary_a however_o voluntary_a to_o the_o superior_a 8._o now_o superior_n aught_o rare_o to_o impose_v such_o kind_n of_o mortification_n on_o their_o subject_n because_o so_o many_o circumstance_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o well_o impose_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o illumination_n from_o god_n be_v requisite_a for_o those_o that_o practise_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o superior_a must_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o subject_n in_o probability_n will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o they_o 2._o and_o that_o though_o they_o may_v do_v the_o subject_a good_a some_o one_o way_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o harm_v he_o more_o another_o 3._o he_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o other_o be_v not_o scandalize_v thereby_o 9_o the_o like_a circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o particular_a person_n that_o will_v voluntary_o assume_v mortification_n for_o want_n of_o which_o point_n of_o discretion_n harphius_n say_v that_o such_o kind_n of_o strange_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a mortification_n as_o be_v impose_v &_o practise_v in_o some_o community_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v voluntary_o assume_v as_o if_o with_o a_o design_n therefore_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o another_o 10._o the_o author_n of_o the_o abridgement_n of_o perfection_n just_o impute_v indiscretion_n to_o those_o who_o will_v never_o give_v rest_n to_o nature_n but_o will_v always_o have_v some_o cross_n or_o other_o exterior_a or_o interiour_n by_o which_o to_o mortify_v nature_n for_o say_v he_o the_o high_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v always_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v all_o that_o by_o god_n providence_n shall_v befall_v us._n the_o which_o contentment_n be_v take_v away_o by_o that_o continual_a anxiety_n which_o those_o must_v suffer_v that_o will_v needs_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o rack_n 11._o in_o like_a manner_n harphius_n tax_v those_o that_o think_v themselves_o ready_a for_o affliction_n &_o complain_v that_o they_o ●vant_n occasion_n to_o exercise_v their_o resignation_n for_o ●ives_n he_o to_o such_o a_o one_o thou_o deceive_v thyself_o by_o ●ide_v god_n do_v see_v that_o as_o yet_o thou_o be_v not_o indeed_o ready_a &_o strong_a enough_o for_o extraordinary_a trial_n for_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o occasion_n he_o will_v send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o exercise_v a_o soul_n rather_o than_o she_o will_v want_v mortification_n for_o her_o good_a therefore_o let_v soul_n never_o be_v solicitous_a nor_o set_v themselves_o to_o devise_v or_o procure_v mortification_n as_o if_o they_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forget_v they_o notable_a example_n of_o this_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o life_n of_o thaulerus_n where_o likewise_o we_o read_v how_o god_n reprehend_v the_o layman_n that_o convert_v thaulerus_n in_o his_o sleep_n for_o certain_a assume_v voluntary_a corporal_a austerity_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v a_o memorable_a passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o suso_n concern_v a_o spiritual_a daughter_n of_o he_o who_o of_o herself_o be_v dispose_v to_o have_v undertake_v some_o great_a corporal_a mortification_n but_o be_v dissuade_v by_o suso_n although_o himself_o by_o a_o special_a call_v from_o god_n do_v use_v very_o violent_a &_o sharp_a one_o in_o the_o which_o discourse_n there_o be_v many_o excellent_a document_n very_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v peruse_v by_o the_o devout_a reader_n 12._o let_v a_o soul_n therefore_o serious_o practice_v that_o mortification_n of_o mortification_n which_o be_v pure_a internal_a prayer_n &_o with_o it_o join_v a_o diligent_a good_a use_n of_o those_o mortification_n attend_v her_o state_n of_o life_n or_o send_v she_o otherwise_o from_o god_n not_o omit_v those_o most_o efficacious_a internal_a mortification_n by_o act_n of_o humiliation_n &_o annihilation_n of_o herself_o &_o so_o do_v she_o will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n for_o corporal_a austerity_n do_v not_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o fitness_n &_o proportion_n to_o the_o soul_n present_a disposition_n perfectionate_a a_o internal_a liver_n so_o that_o some_o in_o firm_a but_o sincere_o affect_v person_n do_v advance_v themselves_o more_o by_o ordinary_a &_o trifle_a
mortification_n than_o other_o that_o consume_v their_o strength_n &_o spirit_n with_o intolerable_a fasting_n chain_n discipline_n &c_n &c_n for_o as_o cassian_n say_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o institution_n si_fw-la rationabilis_fw-la possibilium_fw-la mensura_fw-la seruetur_fw-la eadem_fw-la obseruantiae_fw-la perfectio_fw-la est_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o impari_fw-la facultate_fw-la that_o be_v if_o a_o reasonable_a discreet_a measure_n of_o austerity_n that_o ordinary_o be_v not_o above_o our_o power_n be_v observe_v there_o will_v be_v the_o same_o perfection_n of_o observance_n where_o the_o external_a ability_n be_v unequal_a 13._o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o discretion_n in_o sensible_a devotion_n by_o which_o say_v harphius_n some_o soul_n be_v so_o far_o carry_v away_o so_o besot_v with_o self-love_n &_o self-will_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o no_o advice_n from_o the_o most_o experience_a will_v avayle_v to_o moderate_v they_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o amend_v &_o till_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o support_v any_o serious_a application_n to_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n nevertheless_o say_v he_o have_v thus_o by_o their_o indiscretion_n bring_v on_o themselves_o this_o inconvenience_n they_o may_v for_o all_o that_o merit_n much_o if_o with_o humility_n patience_n &_o resignation_n they_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o their_o infirmity_n 14._o we_o ought_v therefore_o much_o rather_o to_o mortify_v such_o sensible_a fervour_n then_o use_v force_v to_o increase_v it_o apply_v hereto_o that_o say_v of_o the_o wiseman_n proverb_n 25._o have_v thou_o find_v honey_n eat_v of_o it_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o lest_o thou_o be_v fill_v &_o vomit_v it_o up_o 15._o all_o the_o merit_n that_o be_v in_o sensible_a devotion_n consist_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n to_o those_o act_n without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o help_v to_o raise_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o her_o natural_a state_n yea_o the_o more_o she_o be_v visit_v &_o even_o bathe_v in_o such_o sensible_a consolation_n except_o she_o use_v mortification_n about_o they_o &_o be_v wary_a not_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o but_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o produce_v of_o more_o efficacious_a act_n in_o the_o superior_a will_n the_o more_o strong_a will_v she_o grow_v in_o self-love_n &_o more_o defile_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a lust_n unless_o soul_n therefore_o do_v grow_v more_o humble_a thereby_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v by_o it_o and_o quite_o to_o loose_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v it_o 16._o yet_o soul_n during_o their_o imperfect_a state_n be_v not_o violent_o to_o strain_v themselves_o to_o work_v pure_o in_o spirit_n but_o moderate_o to_o use_v sensible_a devotion_n when_o god_n send_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n neither_o ought_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o a_o like_n &_o gluttonous_a affection_n to_o it_o which_o indeed_o afford_v delicacy_n more_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n then_o any_o sensible_a satisfaction_n as_o for_o it_o to_o omit_v other_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o state_n &_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v 17._o third●y_o as_o touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n how_o far_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o it_o have_v hene_n sufficient_o declare_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o it_o indeed_o soul_n during_o that_o exercise_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v rather_o by_o the_o discretion_n of_o other_o than_o their_o own_o &_o this_o both_o in_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o how_o long_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o rule_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v custom_n but_o experience_n of_o profit_n &_o what_o proportion_n of_o time_n they_o be_v to_o allow_v unto_o the_o understanding_n &_o will_n to_o operate_v in_o it_o for_o that_o exercise_n do_v not_o afford_v supernatural_a light_n enough_o to_o enable_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v she_o own_o guide_n 18._o four_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n a_o soul_n that_o out_o of_o ripeness_n get_v by_o sufficient_a practice_n of_o meditation_n be_v arrive_v thereto_o will_v have_v light_a &_o discretion_n sufficient_a to_o judge_v what_o act_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o she_o what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o each_o recollection_n when_o &_o what_o pause_n shall_v be_v necessary_a &_o when_o she_o be_v to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o high_a 19_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o discretion_n in_o this_o exercise_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o example_n of_o some_o saint_n in_o former_a time_n who_o can_v remain_v almost_o continual_o in_o some_o mental_a actuation_n to_o god_n without_o give_v way_n to_o a_o extravagant_a thought_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v almost_o continual_o in_o internal_a combatting_n a_o indiscreet_a imitation_n of_o such_o example_n as_o likewise_o a_o too_o violent_a produce_v of_o act_n upon_o one_o another_o will_v so_o oppress_v ordinary_a spirit_n that_o it_o will_v put_v they_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o future_a 20._o they_o who_o do_v not_o use_v set_v recollection_n may_v &_o ought_v frequent_o to_o force_v themselves_o to_o interiour_n act_v towards_o god_n yea_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o please_v not_o much_o regard_v the_o season_n of_o the_o day_n as_o whether_o it_o be_v after_o refection_n or_o before_o sleep_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o their_o progress_n will_v be_v but_o small_a for_o want_n of_o more_o prolong_v and_o continue_a exercise_n 21._o last_o discretion_n and_o mortification_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v use_v also_o even_o in_o those_o exercise_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o enable_v by_o god_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o usual_a time_n therefore_o of_o set_v recollection_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o they_o do_v so_o weaken_v and_o consume_v corporal_a nature_n that_o if_o soul_n shall_v give_v way_n unto_o they_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v themselves_o enable_v which_o be_v indeed_o almost_o continual_o so_o perfect_o be_v they_o dispose_v to_o god_n they_o will_v utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n for_o the_o future_a 22._o to_o this_o purpose_n harphius_n relate_v a_o account_n that_o one_o brother_n rogerius_n a_o devout_a franciscan_a give_v of_o himself_o say_v that_o a_o hundred_o time_n in_o a_o matin_n he_o be_v in_o spirit_n draw_v upward_o to_o a_o more_o high_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a secret_n all_o which_o tract_v he_o forcible_o resist_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o soul_n free_a scope_n to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o those_o object_n so_o represent_v to_o he_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o plunge_v in_o the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a incomprehensibility_n and_o so_o whole_o drive_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v retire_v himself_o alive_a from_o such_o a_o contemplation_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peril_n of_o indiscretion_n in_o soul_n so_o high_o elevate_v and_o so_o whole_o in_o god_n hand_n who_o may_v do_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n what_o he_o please_v 23._o the_o same_o harphius_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o some_o other_o soul_n not_o so_o sublime_o elevate_v who_o yet_o be_v so_o languish_v in_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o in_o such_o a_o impatient_a ardour_n &_o thirst_n after_o he_o that_o it_o make_v the_o body_n to_o faint_v and_o quite_o wither_v away_o and_o therefore_o he_o call_v they_o martyr_n of_o love._n now_o by_o this_o languish_a love_n i_o conceive_v be_v understand_v a_o love_n much_o in_o sensuality_n though_o the_o object_n thereof_o be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o heart_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o a_o violent_a but_o chaste_a love_n be_v oft_o exercise_v between_o absent_a person_n of_o different_a sex_n so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n now_o though_o harphius_n say_v that_o such_o martyr_n of_o love_n die_v corporal_o through_o the_o extremity_n of_o passion_n do_v immediate_o pass_v into_o heaven_n have_v be_v already_o purify_v in_o the_o purgatory_n &_o fire_n of_o love_n notwitstanding_n although_o no_o doubt_n such_o soul_n die_v in_o a_o most_o secure_a estate_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o escape_v some_o degree_n of_o purgatory_n for_o their_o indiscreet_a yield_n to_o the_o impulse_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o this_o love_n which_o though_o true_o divine_a be_v yet_o far_o less_o perfect_a than_o that_o pure_a love_n which_o in_o perfect_a contemplation_n be_v exercise_v in_o
imagine_v but_o a_o inexhaustible_a ocean_n of_o universal_a be_v &_o good_a infinite_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n the_o which_o be_v &_o good_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o we_o love_v with_o the_o whole_a possible_a extension_n of_o our_o will_n embrace_v god_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o know_v he_o but_o yet_o even_o such_o a_o contemplation_n &_o love_n in_o this_o life_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o bodily_a weakness_n &_o necessity_n can_v be_v without_o many_o descent_n and_o interruption_n 9_o this_o mystic_a contemplation_n or_o union_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o active_a and_o ordinary_a be_v indeed_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o perfect_a soul_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v whensoever_o fit_a occasion_n shall_v be_v to_o unite_v themselves_o active_o and_o actual_o to_o god_n by_o efficacious_a fervent_a amorous_a and_o constant_a yet_o withal_o silent_a &_o quiet_a elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o passive_a &_o extraordinary_a the_o which_o be_v not_o a_o state_n but_o a_o actual_a grace_n &_o favour_n from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v at_o certain_a time_n according_a to_o his_o free_a good_a pleasure_n to_o communicate_v a_o glimpse_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n after_o a_o secret_a &_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v passive_a not_o but_o that_o therein_o the_o soul_n do_v active_o contemplate_v god_n but_o she_o can_v neither_o when_o she_o please_v dispose_v herself_o thereto_o nor_o yet_o refuse_v it_o when_o that_o god_n think_v good_a to_o operate_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o to_o represent_v himself_o unto_o she_o by_o a_o divine_a particular_a image_n not_o at_o all_o frame_v by_o the_o soul_n but_o supernatural_o infuse_v into_o she_o the_o which_o grace_n be_v seldom_o if_o ever_o afford_v but_o to_o soul_n that_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o perfect_a active_a union_n concern_v this_o passive_a union_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o 10._o as_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n which_o be_v active_a contemplation_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o treat_v in_o gross_a in_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v in_o mystic_a author_n thaulerus_n harphius_n &c_n &c_n that_o he_o that_o will_v become_v spiritual_a aught_o to_o practice_v the_o draw_a of_o his_o external_a sense_n inward_o into_o his_o internal_a there_o lose_v &_o as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v they_o have_v do_v this_o he_o must_v then_o draw_v his_o internal_a sense_n into_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o there_o annihilate_v they_o likewise_o and_o those_o power_n of_o the_o intellectual_a soul_n he_o must_v draw_v into_o that_o which_o be_v call_v their_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n &_o fountain_n from_o whence_o those_o power_n do_v flow_v &_o in_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o last_o that_o unity_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n must_v be_v apply_v and_o firm_o fix_v on_o god_n and_o herein_o say_v they_o consist_v the_o perfect_a divine_a contemplation_n &_o union_n of_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n with_o god_n 11._o now_o whether_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o will_v abide_v the_o strict_a examination_n of_o philosophy_n or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o take_v on_o i_o to_o determine_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o a_o frequent_a &_o constant_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n join_v with_o mortification_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o operate_v more_o &_o more_o abstract_v from_o sense_n &_o more_o elevate_v above_o the_o corporal_a organ_n &_o faculty_n so_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o separate_a spirit_n 12._o yet_o this_o abstraction_n &_o elevation_n perhaps_o be_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o pure_a operation_n have_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o sensible_a image_n for_o the_o school_n resolve_v that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o state_n of_o a_o soul_n join_v to_o a_o mortal_a body_n but_o sure_o her_o operation_n in_o this_o pure_a degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o subtle_a &_o intime_fw-la &_o the_o image_n that_o she_o make_v use_v of_o so_o exquisite_o pure_a &_o immaterial_a that_o she_o can_v perceive_v at_o all_o that_o she_o work_n by_o image_n so_o that_o spiritual_a writer_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o person_n utter_o unexperienced_a in_o these_o mystic_a affair_n if_o deliver_v thing_n as_o they_o perceive_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n they_o have_v express_v they_o otherwise_o then_o will_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o school_n 13._o now_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n do_v a_o soul_n begin_v to_o arrive_v after_o a_o sufficient_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o have_v attain_v thereto_o they_o do_v grow_v more_o &_o more_o spiritual_a &_o sublime_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n &_o blind_a elevation_n without_o all_o limit_n 14._o i_o call_v they_o pure_a intellectual_a operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o actuation_n imaginative_a produce_v by_o mean_a of_o gross_a sensible_a image_n &_o not_o as_o if_o the_o say_a operation_n be_v in_o the_o intellect_n or_o understanding_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o by_o the_o will._n for_o in_o proper_a aspiration_n the_o soul_n have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o only_o antecedent_o to_o propose_v a_o object_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o only_o a_o general_n obscure_a confuse_a notion_n of_o god_n as_o faith_n dark_o teach_v &_o this_o rather_o virtual_o then_o direct_o &_o express_o the_o main_a business_n be_v to_o elevate_v the_o will_n and_o unite_v it_o to_o god_n so_o present_v 15._o in_o which_o union_n above_o all_o particular_a image_n there_o be_v neither_o time_n nor_o place_n but_o all_o be_v vacuity_n &_o emptiness_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v existent_a but_o god_n &_o the_o soul_n yea_o so_o far_o be_v the_o soul_n from_o reflect_v on_o her_o own_o existence_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o god_n &_o she_o be_v not_o distinct_a but_o one_o only_a thing_n this_o be_v call_v by_o some_o mystic_a author_n the_o state_n of_o nothingnes_n by_o other_o the_o state_n of_o totality_n because_o therein_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o the_o container_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o this_o state_n be_v thus_o describe_v by_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n collat_n x._o c._n 11._o ita_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la orationis_fw-la incorruptionem_fw-la mens_fw-la nostra_fw-la perveniat_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o will_v the_o mind_n ascend_v to_o that_o pure_a simplicity_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o be_v free_v from_o all_o intuition_n of_o image_n undistinguish_v with_o any_o prosecution_n of_o word_n or_o sense_n but_o utter_v internal_o by_o a_o inflame_a intention_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o unutterable_a excess_n of_o affoction_n and_o inconceivable_a quickness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n the_o which_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n be_v abstract_v from_o all_o sense_n &_o sensible_a object_n do_v power_n forth_o unto_o god_n by_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v express_v 16._o it_o be_v a_o error_n therefore_o of_o unexperienced_a person_n who_o think_v and_o say_v that_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o thought_n of_o contemplative_n be_v actual_o in_o heaven_n in_o interior_a conversation_n with_o angel_n and_o saint_n taste_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n or_o whole_o employ_v in_o sublime_a speculation_n about_o divine_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n &c_n &c_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o a_o passive_a union_n god_n may_v after_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a but_o wonderful_a manner_n represent_v any_o or_o all_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o supernatural_a species_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o active_a contemplation_n it_o consist_v not_o at_o all_o in_o speculation_n but_o in_o blind_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n and_o ingulf_v it_o more_o and_o more_o profound_o in_o god_n with_o no_o other_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o of_o a_o obscure_a faith_n only_o 17._o this_o happy_a state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o most_o perfect_a that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n be_v almost_o a_o entire_a reparation_n &_o restitution_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o primitive_a innocence_n for_o as_o long_o as_o it_o last_v because_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v free_v from_o all_o sinful_o distract_n image_n and_o affection_n that_o will_v separate_v she_o from_o god_n hereupon_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n say_v that_o except_o in_o the_o very_a actual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n be_v not_o
second_o in_o those_o immediate_a act_n and_o affection_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o image_n of_o creature_n involue_v but_o which_o respect_n god_n immediate_o he_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o distinct_a image_n or_o express_v notion_n in_o the_o mind_n as_o by_o some_o special_a attribute_n perfection_n name_n similitude_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o soul_n after_o a_o long_a practice_n of_o internal_a abstraction_n &_o renounce_v of_o all_o representation_n of_o god_n content_v herself_o with_o such_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v apprehend_v by_o a_o obscure_a general_a faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o simple_o &_o absolute_o with_o no_o kind_n of_o image_n at_o all_o for_o that_o be_v suppose_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n but_o not_o with_o a_o distinct_a formal_a choose_v particular_a image_n for_o all_o such_o offering_n themselves_o be_v reject_v by_o perfect_a soul_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o intend_v to_o think_v of_o god_n all_o that_o they_o can_v say_v will_v be_v god_n be_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v or_o think_v but_o a_o be_v infinite_o beyond_o it_o &_o absolute_o incomprehensible_a by_o a_o create_a understanding_n he_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o himself_o only_o perfect_o know_v and_o so_o i_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v &_o as_o such_o i_o adore_v and_o love_v he_o only_o i_o renounce_v all_o pretend_v to_o a_o distinct_a know_v of_o he_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o such_o a_o blind_a believe_v now_o though_o imperfect_a soul_n also_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v learn_v do_v acknowledge_v this_o negative_a apprehension_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o true_o proper_a &_o perfect_a yet_o by_o reason_n that_o gross_a image_n be_v not_o yet_o chase_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n they_o can_v in_o their_o internal_a operation_n proceed_v constant_o according_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n such_o a_o obscure_a negative_a object_n will_v not_o ordinary_o move_v their_o affection_n whereas_o no_o other_o but_o such_o a_o object_n will_v move_v the_o affection_n of_o perfect_a soul_n 7._o three_o proper_a aspiration_n in_o perfect_a soul_n have_v no_o precedent_a discourse_n at_o all_o as_o act_n have_v at_o least_o virtual_o neither_o do_v the_o will_n in_o aspiration_n intend_v to_o employ_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o understanding_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n without_o any_o previous_a motive_n or_o consideration_n 8._o four_o immediate_a act_n be_v not_o only_o produce_v with_o deliberation_n and_o choice_n but_o ordinary_o with_o some_o degree_n of_o force_n use_v upon_o the_o will_n but_o aspiration_n proceed_v from_o a_o interior_a impulse_n indeliberat_o and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o they_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o interiour_n a_o secret_a supernatural_a direct_v principle_n to_o wit_n god_n holy_a spirit_n alone_o teach_v and_o move_v the_o soul_n to_o breath_n forth_o these_o aspiration_n not_o only_o in_o set_v recollection_n but_o almost_o continual_o now_o this_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o also_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o other_o good_a act_n &_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v any_o true_a good_a in_o they_o further_o than_o they_o proceed_v from_o this_o divine_a principle_n but_o in_o they_o the_o will_n do_v previous_o and_o forcible_o raise_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o produce_v they_o in_o which_o likewise_o much_o of_o nature_n be_v mix_v and_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o so_o complete_o and_o perfect_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o as_o he_o be_v of_o aspiration_n 9_o five_o in_o case_n that_o a_o soul_n who_o constant_a exercise_n as_o yet_o be_v but_o immediate_a act_n or_o meditation_n do_v sometime_o mere_o by_o a_o internal_a impulse_n produce_v such_o indeliberate_a aspiration_n yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o pure_a &_o subtle_a neither_o will_v they_o continue_v any_o considerable_a time_n but_o the_o present_a inu●_fw-la 〈…〉_o ●g_z pass_v the_o soul_n must_v be_v content_a to_o return_v to_o her_o inferior_a exercise_n or_o if_o she_o will_v needs_o force_v herself_o to_o continue_v they_o her_o recollection_n will_v become_v dry_a insipid_a and_o without_o any_o profit_n at_o all_o 10._o last_o aspiration_n when_o they_o be_v a_o soul_n usual_a exercise_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o habitual_o perfect_a ground_n and_o therefore_o be_v far_o more_o efficacious_a &_o noble_a then_o immediate_a act_n and_o moreover_o there_o be_v no_o violence_n at_o all_o use_v in_o they_o they_o be_v much_o more_o frequent_o &_o continued_o produce_v and_o consequent_o do_v procure_v more_o new_a grace_n and_o merit_n and_o do_v far_o more_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o charity_n 11._o no_o man_n can_v limit_n the_o time_n how_o long_a soul_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o inferior_a exercise_n before_o they_o will_v be_v enable_v and_o make_v ripe_a for_o so_o sublime_a a_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o rely_v upon_o the_o instruction_n practice_n or_o example_n of_o any_o all_o depend_v 1._o upon_o the_o industry_n or_o diligence_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n 2._o some_o what_o upon_o their_o special_a temper_n and_o disposition_n 3._o likewise_o upon_o the_o advantage_n that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o solitude_n and_o abstraction_n of_o life_n 4._o but_o principal_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o may_v and_o do_v by_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a mean_n call_v and_o enable_v soul_n to_o aspiration_n some_o soon_o an_o some_o late_a 12._o in_o pass_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n to_o aspiration_n there_o be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o force_a act_n great_a variety_n in_o soul_n for_o some_o will_v have_v their_o morning_n recollection_n to_o be_v sudden_o and_o entire_o change_v from_o force_a act_n to_o aspiration_n and_o also_o the_o ability_n for_o a_o long_a continuance_n increase_v whereas_o the_o evening_n recollection_n will_v be_v little_o alter_v in_o other_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v most_o ordinary_a their_o exercise_v of_o act_n will_v grow_v by_o degree_n more_o and_o more_o aspirative_a and_o this_o will_v happen_v sometime_o in_o the_o beginning_n sometime_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o recollection_n and_o thus_o they_o in_o their_o recollection_n will_v get_v more_o and_o more_o ground_n upon_o act_n diminish_v both_o the_o frequency_n and_o constraint_n or_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o increase_a aspiration_n till_o in_o progress_n they_o become_v whole_o aspirative_a 13._o some_o soul_n who_o exercise_n be_v act_n mix_v with_o aspiration_n at_o their_o first_o come_v to_o their_o recollection_n yea_o &_o till_o they_o have_v for_o some_o reasonable_a space_n exercise_v themselves_o may_v happen_v to_o find_v themselves_o in_o perfect_a distraction_n in_o which_o case_n if_o they_o be_v call_v away_o by_o occasion_n of_o business_n of_o no_o great_a solicitude_n they_o may_v find_v much_o profit_n by_o such_o interruption_n &_o be_v dispose_v thereby_o to_o return_v with_o much_o eagerness_n to_o their_o recollection_n and_o with_o a_o enablement_n to_o exercise_v aspiration_n yea_o sometime_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o enable_v to_o exercise_v they_o during_o such_o employment_n their_o spirit_n be_v refresh_v by_o mean_n of_o such_o pause_n and_o distance_n cause_v by_o the_o say_a interruption_n and_o experience_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a sometime_o to_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o present_a internal_a prayer_n for_o some_o little_a space_n after_o which_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o better_a dispose_v for_o more_o frequent_a and_o efficacious_a aspiration_n 14._o but_o as_o for_o imperfect_a soul_n this_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o they_o for_o they_o must_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o distraction_n interrupt_v their_o mental_a prayer_n or_o at_o least_o very_a seldom_o but_o must_v with_o discreet_a violence_n force_v themselves_o to_o begin_v with_o a_o serious_a recollection_n by_o that_o mean_n drive_v away_o or_o at_o least_o abate_v their_o present_a distraction_n 15._o when_o the_o exercise_n be_v become_v whole_o aspiration_n all_o the_o change_n that_o will_v happen_v afterward_o will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o exercise_n but_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n subtlety_n and_o spirituallnesse_n of_o those_o aspiration_n for_o there_o be_v no_o active_a exercise_n more_o sublime_a 16._o a_o soul_n may_v come_v to_o that_o state_n that_o she_o may_v constant_o breathe_v forth_o aspiration_n &_o yet_o sufficient_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o her_o obligation_n either_o
work_n read_v harken_v to_o a_o lesson_n recite_v say_v or_o hear_v mass_n communicate_v &c_n &c_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o negligence_n or_o irreverence_n commit_v by_o so_o do_v for_o by_o no_o operation_n so_o much_o as_o by_o aspiration_n do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o exercise_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o mystic_n in_o god_n nothing_o be_v neglect_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o may_v be_v soul_n so_o perfect_a that_o even_o amid_o the_o noise_n and_o disorder_n of_o a_o camp_n they_o may_v without_o neglect_v their_o present_a duty_n there_o most_o efficacious_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o aspiration_n to_o god_n 17._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o aspiration_n be_v less_o hinder_v by_o external_a business_n then_o be_v meditation_n or_o immediate_a act_n be_v because_o in_o aspiration_n the_o understanding_n be_v scarce_o at_o all_o employ_v &_o therefore_o may_v well_o enough_o attend_v to_o other_o business_n and_o moreover_o the_o will_n abound_v &_o even_o overflow_a with_o divine_a love_n will_v not_o find_v herself_o interress_v in_o affection_n &_o consequent_o not_o distract_v by_o such_o employment_n 18._o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v aspiration_n for_o first_o some_o be_v pure_o mental_a be_v certain_a indeliberate_a quick_a elevation_n and_o springing_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o godward_a as_o sparkle_n of_o fire_n fly_v from_o a_o burn_a coal_n which_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v more_o gross_a &_o imaginative_a especial_o in_o beginner_n &_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v express_v other_o in_o more_o perfect_a soul_n that_o be_v come_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a abstraction_n grow_v more_o subtle_a &_o intellectual_a in_o so_o much_o as_o ofttimes_o the_o person_n himself_o can_v express_v what_o pass_v in_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o a_o blind_a &_o almost_o imperceptible_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v exercise_v in_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o happen_v ofttimes_o in_o the_o great_a desolation_n now_o this_o growth_n of_o immateriality_n in_o aspiration_n be_v not_o easy_o perceptible_a though_o it_o be_v real_a &_o certain_a as_o we_o know_v that_o corn_n grow_v though_o we_o can_v perceive_v its_o grow_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n whether_o we_o observe_v such_o degree_n or_o no_o yea_o the_o examination_n thereof_o be_v better_o neglect_v 19_o again_o other_o aspiration_n be_v moreover_o external_o express_v by_o the_o tongue_n and_o in_o such_o expression_n sometime_o there_o be_v a_o proper_a sense_n and_o meaning_n as_o deus_fw-la meus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la which_o be_v s._n francis_n his_o aspiration_n or_o noverim_fw-la te_fw-la &_o noverim_fw-la i_o which_o be_v s._n augustins_n and_o in_o these_o sometime_o a_o soul_n do_v abide_v a_o good_a space_n iterate_v again_o and_o again_o the_o same_o aspiration_n sometime_o she_o do_v vary_v always_o procede_v according_a to_o her_o interior_a impulse_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n other_o aspiration_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o as_o be_v those_o practise_v by_o br._n massaeus_n a_o disciple_n of_o s._n francis_n who_o when_o he_o be_v full_a of_o interior_a affection_n can_v usual_o cry_v out_o nothing_o but_o v.u.u._n such_o unusual_a aspiration_n as_o these_o do_v show_v a_o great_a excess_n of_o interior_a fervour_n which_o burst_v out_o force_v the_o soul_n not_o able_a to_o contain_v itself_o nor_o yet_o to_o find_v out_o word_n by_o which_o to_o express_v her_o affection_n to_o power_n forth_o itself_o after_o such_o a_o unsignificant_a manner_n 20._o moreover_o aspiration_n &_o forcible_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v there_o be_v which_o be_v signify_v not_o by_o the_o tongue_n but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a action_n of_o the_o body_n as_o clap_v of_o hand_n leap_v &c_n &c_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o another_o disciple_n of_o s._n francis_n call_v br._n bernard_n who_o out_o of_o a_o inward_a boil_a fervour_n be_v force_v to_o run_v over_o mountain_n &_o rocky_a place_n be_v agitate_a with_o a_o kind_n of_o holy_a frenzy_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o tear_n be_v very_o rare_a god_n holy_a spirit_n not_o usual_o move_v thereto_o because_o they_o will_v then_o flow_v unmeasurable_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o corporal_a health_n 21._o now_o such_o action_n &_o motion_n though_o they_o may_v be_v yield_v to_o sometime_o when_o one_o be_v alone_o yet_o in_o company_n they_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v to_o which_o purpose_n blosius_n give_v this_o good_a instruction_n out_o of_o thaulerus_n that_o albeit_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a as_o flow_a from_o a_o divine_a principle_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n principal_o to_o be_v commend_v for_o these_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n to_o which_o corporal_a nature_n concurre_v be_v not_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o that_o most_o perfect_a union_n which_o some_o soul_n do_v experience_n in_o pure_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o such_o violent_a agitation_n do_v chief_o befall_v such_o soul_n as_o have_v have_v their_o exercise_n much_o in_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o woman_n &_o devout_a ignorant_a man_n and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n such_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o rapt_n ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n 22._o last_o to_o these_o several_a expression_n of_o aspiration_n may_v be_v add_v that_o of_o say_v the_o divine_a office_n or_o other_o vocal_a prayer_n aspirative_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a proof_n of_o sublime_a contemplation_n than_o any_o of_o these_o unusual_a motion_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v the_o contemplation_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n as_o a_o certain_a spiritual_a writer_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o aspiration_n use_v daily_o two_o recollection_n consist_v of_o they_o on_o a_o time_n he_o find_v himself_o invite_v to_o produce_v they_o vocal_o and_o thereupon_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o say_n of_o our_o lady_n office_n choose_v that_o because_o he_o can_v say_v it_o perfect_o without-booke_n he_o repeat_v it_o nine_o or_o ten_o time_n a_o day_n with_o a_o perfect_a attention_n of_o spirit_n the_o which_o mental_a attention_n or_o operation_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o aspiration_n take_v the_o word_n as_o here_o we_o do_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o so_o for_o a_o few_o day_n as_o long_o as_o that_o invitation_n and_o enablement_n last_v he_o use_v no_o other_o internal_a exercise_n find_v great_a benefit_n by_o this_o but_o that_o invitation_n cease_v he_o find_v himself_o again_o oblige_v to_o return_v to_o mere_a mental_a aspiration_n 23._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o set_v down_o some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n that_o accrue_v to_o soul_n by_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n as_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o interior_a sense_n and_o sensitive_a faculty_n the_o dominion_n that_o the_o superior_a soul_n have_v over_o they_o be_v now_o become_v very_o great_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v god_n that_o help_v move_v and_o direct_v soul_n in_o their_o operation_n during_o this_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n the_o heart_n also_o be_v estrange_v from_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a love_n distractive_a thought_n &_o image_n of_o creature_n either_o do_v not_o press_v into_o the_o mind_n or_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o pass_v no_o far_o then_o into_o the_o imagination_n or_o if_o the_o understanding_n do_v sometime_o busy_v itself_o with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v scarce_o or_o not_o at_o all_o touch_n or_o affect_v the_o will_n the_o which_o be_v not_o by_o such_o extravagant_a thought_n interrupt_v or_o divert_v in_o her_o pursuit_n of_o aspiration_n and_o blind_a elevation_n whereas_o in_o immediate_a force_a act_n great_a force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v against_o such_o distraction_n which_o do_v not_o only_o busy_v the_o understanding_n but_o likewise_o more_o or_o less_o withdraw_v the_o will_n from_o god_n 24._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n though_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o it_o in_o meditation_n or_o even_o sometime_o in_o immediate_a affection_n and_o act_n seek_v thereby_o to_o seduce_v soul_n to_o extravagance_n and_o a_o spiritual_a gluttony_n it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n which_o be_v so_o much_o elevate_v above_o the_o imagination_n and_o sensitive_a nature_n that_o here_o he_o have_v no_o advantage_n give_v he_o for_o such_o deceit_n and_o if_o during_o that_o sensible_a devotion_n
splendour_n see_v in_o the_o eye_n and_o countenance_n of_o god_n saint_n betoken_v a_o inward_a purity_n likewise_o elevation_n of_o the_o body_n ability_n to_o walk_v on_o the_o water_n or_o to_o pass_v through_o door_n whilst_o they_o be_v shut_v and_o other_o such_o like_a resemble_v the_o quality_n of_o glorify_a body_n now_o though_o the_o devil_n can_v counterfeit_v these_o yet_o they_o be_v seldom_o give_v by_o god_n but_o he_o withal_o give_v a_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v from_o he_o 5._o a_o second_o sort_n of_o sensible_a grace_n more_o sublime_a than_o the_o former_a be_v such_o as_o be_v by_o god_n commucate_v to_o the_o internal_a sense_n especial_o the_o imagination_n in_o fuse_v supernatural_a image_n into_o it_o by_o which_o god_n sometime_o make_v know_v his_o will_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n so_o as_o the_o person_n will_v perceive_v word_n imaginative_o speak_v or_o think_v they_o see_v a_o angel_n or_o saint_n as_o if_o such_o word_n have_v indeed_o be_v speak_v and_o those_o object_n represent_v real_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n that_o it_o can_v after_o its_o manner_n exercise_v all_o the_o function_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n 6._o of_o such_o supernatural_a inaction_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o internal_a sense_n the_o most_o notable_a effect_n be_v rapt_n or_o ecstasy_n likewise_o internal_a vision_n and_o apparition_n the_o which_o go_v together_o sometime_o and_o sometime_o be_v separate_v 7._o now_o a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n cause_v by_o god_n by_o which_o the_o person_n be_v bereave_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o her_o internal_a operations_n cleave_v whole_o to_o supernatural_a thing_n &_o the_o imagination_n be_v enuiron_v with_o light_n vision_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o person_n may_v internal_o know_v &_o see_v what_o be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o reveile_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o good_a either_o of_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o 8._o my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v nice_o of_o these_o matter_n for_o which_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o joannes_n a_o jesu-maria_n a_o discalced_a carmelite_n who_o treat_v of_o they_o with_o great_a exactness_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o insist_v 1._o on_o the_o way_n of_o discern_v true_a vision_n rapture_n &c_n &c_n from_o false_a 2._o and_o afford_v instruction_n how_o a_o soul_n ought_v to_o behave_v herself_o about_o they_o 9_o now_o for_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o follow_a rule_n of_o discern_a i_o will_v lay_v these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o devil_n can_v immediate_o operate_v either_o on_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n but_o only_o by_o imprint_v new_a or_o dispose_v the_o image_n already_o in_o the_o fancy_n or_o by_o move_v the_o sensitive_a appetite_n 2._o by_o consequence_n if_o the_o light_v imprint_v in_o the_o understanding_n by_o mean_n of_o rapt_n vision_n etc._n etc._n do_v direct_v to_o real_a good_a as_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n humility_n &c_n &c_n &_o that_o the_o will_n entertain_v these_o good_a affection_n ●●a●_n soul_n may_v prudent_o and_o rational_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n to_o god_n 10._o the_o rule_n of_o discern_a deliver_v by_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a holy_a author_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v the_o first_o when_o the_o will_n be_v move_v without_o the_o ordinary_a precedent_n action_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o imagination_n and_o also_o in_o the_o same_o instant_n a_o certain_a new_a light_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o mind_n a_o soul_n may_v be_v confident_a that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 11._o the_o second_o rule_n good_a observation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v whether_o the_o person_n be_v christianly_o dispose_v not_o much_o sway_v by_o curiosity_n or_o pride_n not_o addict_v to_o melancholy_a &c_n &c_n whether_o by_o such_o favour_n they_o be_v not_o invite_v to_o say_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o catholic_n truth_n peace_n obedience_n honesty_n puri●y_n humility_n &c_n &c_n and_o according_o soul_n be_v to_o judge_v from_o what_o principle_n they_o flow_v 12._o the_o three_o rule_n divine_a spiritual_a union_n vision_n etc._n etc._n be_v ordinary_o of_o short_a continuance_n 13._o the_o four_o rule_n apparition_n of_o good_a spirit_n although_o in_o the_o beginning_n they_o cause_v a_o tremble_a and_o amazement_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n the_o soul_n receive_v courage_n and_o comfort_n find_v herself_o illuminate_v inflame_v with_o devotion_n and_o in_o great_a peace_n whereas_o when_o the_o devil_n grow_n familiar_a with_o any_o though_o he_o appear_v in_o never_o so_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a shape_n the_o person_n be_v not_o affright_v and_o he_o leave_v they_o as_o he_o find_v they_o 14._o the_o five_o rule_n it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n 1._o when_o he_o effectual_o show_v that_o his_o power_n accompany_v his_o will_n as_o when_o upon_o his_o say_n fear_v not_o the_o person_n present_o become_v quiet_a 2._o when_o his_o word_n be_v clear_a intelligible_a and_o so_o delighfull_a that_o the_o soul_n do_v diligent_o observe_v and_o remember_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n 3._o when_o the_o person_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v say_v 4._o when_o the_o soul_n conceive_v much_o more_o by_o those_o holy_a and_o divine_a word_n then_o in_o themselves_o they_o signify_v 5._o when_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o assurance_n that_o what_o be_v say_v shall_v certain_o be_v effect_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o be_v sign_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n say_v s._n teresa_n 15._o the_o six_o rule_n the_o receive_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a outward_a favour_n or_o gift_n as_o rose_n ring_n jewel_n etc._n etc._n be_v much_o to_o be_v suspect_v unless_o such_o thing_n happen_v to_o soul_n of_o a_o long_a continue_a sanctity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o miraculous_o reveyl_v after_o their_o death_n then_o diwlge_v during_o their_o life_n the_o like_a judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o outward_a character_n imprint_v on_o body_n as_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n mark_v of_o our_o lord_n wound_v etc._n etc._n 16._o the_o seven_o rule_n when_o soul_n after_o the_o practice_n of_o long_a and_o severe_a austerity_n come_v to_o enjoy_v much_o peace_n and_o contentment_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a especial_o if_o such_o favour_n be_v overmuch_o in_o sense_n and_o not_o great_o relish_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o little_a undecent_a &c_n &c_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o such_o a_o change_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o persevere_v in_o fear_n and_o penance_n not_o trust_v upon_o their_o good_a work_n pass_v but_o humble_o beseech_v god_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o enemy_n illusion_n 17._o the_o eight_o rule_n ecstasy_n that_o do_v not_o produce_v considerable_a profit_n either_o to_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o other_o deserve_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o when_o any_o mark_n of_o their_o approach_a be_v perceive_v the_o person_n ought_v to_o divert_v their_o mind_n some_o other_o way_n 18._o the_o nine_o rule_n the_o appearance_n of_o object_n how_o beautiful_a and_o celestial_a soever_o ought_v not_o sudden_o to_o be_v vvell-comed_a nor_o affection_n to_o be_v place_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o take_v on_o he_o the_o shape_n even_o of_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o and_o if_o in_o such_o visitation_n the_o person_n feel_v any_o impure_a motion_n or_o fall_v into_o undecent_a posture_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o reluctance_n they_o make_v against_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o ill_a principle_n yet_o if_o a_o soul_n be_v surprise_v with_o any_o seem_o glorious_a false_a apparition_n shall_v either_o afford_v veneration_n or_o unfitting_a affection_n thereto_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v much_o deject_a for_o what_o be_v past_a since_o the_o error_n commit_v be_v only_o material_a 19_o the_o ten_o rule_n it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a to_o see_v a_o soul_n that_o be_v very_o young_a in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n or_o that_o be_v not_o of_o extraordinary_a purity_n to_o fall_v into_o rapt_n etc._n etc._n for_o great_a mortification_n with_o prayer_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o soul_n ripe_a for_o the_o divine_a inaction_n 20._o the_o eleaventh_o rule_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o charity_n in_o person_n to_o be_v trouble_v with_o diabolical_a apparition_n &c_n &c_n if_o thereby_o there_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o no_o other_o ill_a effect_n beside_o
molestation_n and_o affliction_n yea_o in_o that_o case_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v that_o they_o be_v strong_o assist_v with_o god_n holq_n spirit_n since_o they_o overcome_v so_o great_a tentation_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n 21._o the_o twelve_o and_o last_o rule_n it_o can_v proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n when_o soul_n visit_v with_o revelation_n &c_n &c_n shall_v obstinate_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o experience_a superior_n and_o directour_n unless_o the_o person_n be_v able_a to_o yield_v most_o convince_a proof_n thereof_o and_o moreover_o shall_v serious_o profess_v that_o god_n together_o with_o the_o secret_n reveyl_v have_v imprint_v in_o their_o soul_n this_o assurance_n and_o belief_n also_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o obedience_n be_v a_o most_o secure_a remedy_n against_o all_o possible_a inconvenience_n and_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n in_o no_o case_n this_o be_v that_o that_o s._n teresa_n serious_o enjoine_v and_o most_o constant_o practise_v herself_o and_o this_o in_o very_o strange_a circumstance_n when_o the_o confessarius_fw-la condemn_v she_o be_v both_o unlearned_a &_o impertinent_a etc._n etc._n but_o withal_o spiritual_a directour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v rash_a in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o to_o judge_v till_o after_o a_o long_a experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o a_o due_a weigh_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o revelation_n discover_v to_o they_o it_o be_v likewise_o requisite_a that_o those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v themselves_o devout_a exercise_v in_o prayer_n and_o in_o good_a state_n towards_o god_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v from_o he_o receive_v light_a to_o direct_v other_o 22._o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o touch_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o soul_n after_o the_o receive_n of_o such_o supernatural_a favour_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o the_o principal_a care_n that_o she_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v that_o she_o do_v not_o bear_v a_o deliberate_a and_o fix_a love_n to_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o consequent_o that_o she_o do_v not_o either_o express_o or_o implicit_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o have_v such_o vision_n revelation_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o case_n that_o god_n without_o her_o prayer_n have_v send_v they_o that_o she_o do_v not_o usual_o without_o necessity_n talk_v of_o such_o matter_n or_o love_v to_o hear_v other_o talk_v of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n of_o a_o undue_a affection_n to_o they_o 23._o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n say_v that_o when_o god_n do_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n make_v know_v unto_o humble_a soul_n his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o hand_n some_o great_a employment_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v likely_o gain_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o excellency_n and_o probable_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o conceive_v some_o extraordinary_a worth_a to_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o high_o favour_v by_o god_n which_o conceit_n the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v he_o do_v ofentimes_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v the_o fear_n and_o repugnance_n that_o they_o have_v former_o to_o such_o thing_n cause_v in_o they_o a_o desire_n and_o readiness_n much_o rather_o to_o the_o undergo_n of_o some_o vile_a or_o base_a office_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o thus_o with_o jeremy_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a when_o the_o bid_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n counterfeit_n privy_o a_o divine_a mission_n for_o he_o with_o his_o commission_n cause_v a_o forwardness_n in_o soul_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o employment_n of_o excellency_n or_o otherwise_o grateful_a to_o nature_n as_o also_o a_o great_a aversion_n from_o those_o that_o either_o suspect_v or_o will_v dissuade_v they_o from_o such_o undertake_n 24._o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v by_o serious_a consideration_n to_o raise_v and_o increase_v in_o herself_o a_o apprehension_n and_o aversion_n from_o such_o matter_n say_v with_o s._n peter_n exi_n a_o i_o etc._n etc._n go_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o by_o exercise_v so_o profitable_a a_o mortification_n she_o will_v secure_v herself_o from_o all_o peril_n and_o render_v herself_o very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n serious_a instruction_n to_o a_o disappropriation_n and_o mortify_v our_o love_n to_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scala_n perfectionis_fw-la angela_n de_fw-fr fulginio_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n call_v interiour_n abnegation_n there_o be_v this_o passage_n to_o god_n it_o belong_v to_o give_v rare_a and_o excellent_a gift_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o belong_v to_o refuse_v they_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o approach_v unto_o a_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n duty_n be_v in_o humility_n to_o draw_v back_o as_o s._n peter_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o god_n to_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o her_o duty_n be_v to_o humble_a and_o abase_v herself_o for_o as_o our_o nature_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n desire_v a_o proper_a excellency_n and_o sublimity_n yea_o even_o in_o thing_n holy_a and_o appertain_v to_o god_n so_o our_o spirit_n illuminate_v by_o grace_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o our_o nature_n ought_v incessant_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o occasion_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o excellency_n except_o in_o essential_a virtue_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o poverty_n and_o lowne_n even_o in_o sacred_a thing_n that_o so_o she_o be_v not_o less_o careful_a and_o resolute_a to_o overcome_v herself_o than_o nature_n be_v to_o seek_v herself_o thus_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a contestation_n between_o god_n and_o the_o humble_a soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v most_o incline_v &_o forward_o to_o embrace_v these_o high_a and_o grateful_a thing_n must_v necessary_o make_v such_o resistance_n not_o yield_v till_o pure_a necessity_n force_v they_o and_o till_o god_n take_v from_o they_o all_o power_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o to_o refuse_v the_o excellence_n of_o that_o grace_n whereunto_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o continual_o and_o powerful_o urge_v and_o draw_v they_o instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o auilas_fw-la epistle_n 25._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a virgin_n coleta_n who_o when_o god_n offer_v to_o reveyle_v unto_o her_o diverse_a secret_n answer_v lord_n god_n it_o suffice_v i_o only_o to_o know_v thou_o and_o the_o sin_n in_o which_o i_o have_v offend_v thou_o and_o to_o obtain_v thy_o pardon_n for_o they_o but_o most_o notable_a in_o this_o regard_n be_v the_o example_n of_o suso_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o publish_v to_o all_o estate_n in_o the_o world_n the_o pope_n bishop_n abbot_n &c._n &c._n their_o vice_n and_o enormity_n represent_v to_o he_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o nine_o rock_n he_o out_o of_o that_o habitual_a fear_n and_o humility_n that_o be_v in_o he_o do_v so_o resist_v the_o execute_v such_o a_o charge_n that_o till_o he_o be_v adiur_v and_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o and_o so_o force_v to_o it_o even_o against_o his_o will_n he_o have_v never_o yield_v and_o then_o also_o he_o submit_v himself_o with_o much_o bewail_v his_o misery_n express_v his_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o pride_n and_o therefore_o humble_o beg_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v conceiled_a from_o the_o world_n and_o last_o protest_v his_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o nothing_o but_o only_a to_o god_n himself_o his_o resistance_n indeed_o be_v so_o obstinate_a that_o god_n tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o true_a but_o indiscreet_a humility_n he_o will_v present_o have_v cast_v he_o into_o hell_n for_o it_o 26._o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v favour_v with_o extraordinary_a grace_n if_o they_o do_v due_o consider_v their_o state_n and_o danger_n will_v find_v little_a ground_n to_o exalt_v themselves_o or_o to_o despise_v other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o low_a but_o withal_o far_o more_o secure_a way_n 27._o now_o for_o the_o prevent_n and_o avoid_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o ill_o use_v such_o favour_n and_o divine_a grace_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o self_n love_n and_o pride_n spiritual_a author_n do_v serious_o enjoin_v such_o person_n so_o visit_v by_o god_n not_o to_o trust_v their_o own_o judgement_n or_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v any_o thing_n of_o consequence_n upon_o such_o revelation_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o 28._o and_o herein_o great_a
they_o easy_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n within_o they_o from_o whence_o those_o splendour_n do_v issue_n but_o they_o be_v so_o pure_o simple_o and_o naked_o resign_v to_o god_n in_o catholic_n belief_n that_o whensoever_o they_o receive_v any_o joyful_a consolation_n from_o he_o they_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a then_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o their_o only_a desire_n be_v simple_o to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o simple_a faith_n they_o adhere_v so_o pure_o and_o simple_o to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o they_o neither_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o there_o be_v in_o they_o so_o profound_a a_o humility_n that_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o any_o of_o those_o secret_a and_o comfort_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o ask_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o that_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o glorify_v they_o be_v so_o absolute_o resign_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o whatsoever_o befall_v they_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o they_o therefore_o if_o god_n give_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v content_v with_o it_o if_o he_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o well_o please_v thus_o they_o challenge_v nothing_o they_o appropriate_v nothing_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o they_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o avoid_v please_v then_o bitter_a thing_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v their_o sovereign_a delight_n they_o fear_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n purgatory_n nor_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o it_o for_o all_o servile_a fear_n be_v utter_o extinguish_v in_o they_o and_o the_o only_a fear_n remain_v be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o they_o ought_v &_o desire_n th●y_v be_v so_o humble_a that_o they_o despise_v themselves_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o ever_o they_o perform_v yea_o they_o abase_v themselves_o below_o all_o creature_n not_o dare_v to_o compare_v themselves_o with_o any_o they_o love_v all_o man_n alike_o in_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v god_n they_o love_v he_o likewise_o th●y_o be_v total_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o to_o they_o and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a exercise_n and_o operation_n which_o former_o they_o pursue_v with_o propriety_n be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o they_o th●y_v do_v neither_o by_o intention_n nor_o love_n seek_v themselves_o nor_o any_o proper_a honour_n nor_o profit_n in_o time_n or_o eternity_n they_o have_v utter_o lose_v themselves_o &_o all_o creature_n both_o for_o time_n &_o eternity_n and_o they_o live_v in_o a_o certain_a learned_a ignorance_n not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n they_o resent_v no_o tentation_n nor_o affliction_n it_o be_v their_o joy_n to_o follow_v our_o lord_n bear_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o last_o gasp_n they_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o although_o they_o be_v unknown_a unto_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n be_v well_o know_v unto_o they_o these_o be_v true_o man_n indeed_o true_a adorer_n of_o god_n that_o adore_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n thus_o suso_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o the_o internal_a actuation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o perfect_a they_o be_v so_o inexplicable_o subtle_a and_o pure_a that_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o they_o what_o soul_n can_v imagine_v how_o divine_o spiritual_a &_o angelical_a must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o s._n romualdus_n after_o almost_o a_o hundred_o year_n spend_v in_o solitude_n during_o all_o which_o time_n they_o continual_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a and_o divine_a 7._o in_o the_o active_a union_n which_o soul_n during_o a_o less_o perfect_a state_n have_v with_o god_n god_n be_v in_o they_o as_o a_o object_n distinct_a from_o they_o and_o so_o contemplate_v by_o they_o but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n and_o end_n but_o the_o only_a perceivable_a principle_n also_o of_o all_o their_o operation_n yea_o say_v barbanson_n cap._n 12._o he_o be_v the_o fund_z the_o entire_a state_n the_o stable_a foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o be_v life_n and_o respiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v become_v as_o much_o exalt_v as_o the_o operation_n &_o contemplation_n thereof_o for_o this_o union_n be_v not_o now_o only_a a_o gift_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o a_o short_a continuance_n nor_o only_a simple_a actual_a infusion_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n may_v at_o some_o time_n be_v actual_o inform_v and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o very_a foundation_n state_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v reverse_v and_o reform_v by_o divine_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o consequent_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n confer_v on_o we_o a_o stable_n and_o permanent_a state_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o interiour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a life_n conformable_a whereto_o be_v the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o inclination_n to_o divine_a thing_n yea_o say_v the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n although_o the_o divine_a actual_a and_o special_a touch_n be_v not_o always_o real_o present_a so_o as_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o prevention_n to_o produce_v actual_a operation_n the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o can_v maintain_v itself_o yea_o and_o perceive_v itself_o to_o persist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o life_n of_o peace_n serenity_n and_o repose_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o attentive_a to_o what_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v in_o she_o 8._o by_o reason_n of_o this_o habitation_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o perfect_a who_o have_v whole_o neglect_v forget_v and_o lose_v themselves_o to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n alone_o may_v live_v in_o they_o who_o they_o contemplate_v in_o the_o absolute_a obscurity_n of_o faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o mystic_a writer_n do_v call_v this_o perfect_a union_n the_o union_n of_o nothing_o with_o nothing_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o where_o corporal_o that_o have_v no_o image_n nor_o affection_n to_o creature_n in_o she_o yea_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o free_a disposal_n of_o her_o own_o faculty_n actuate_a by_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o according_a to_o the_o actual_a touch_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o apprehend_v god_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n thus_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o where_o corporal_o or_o sensible_o be_v every_o where_o spiritual_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o god_n this_o infinite_a nothing_o 9_o the_o soul_n now_o be_v so_o elevate_v in_o spirit_n that_o she_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n here_o she_o come_v to_o a_o feel_n indeed_o of_o her_o not-being_a &_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o not-being_a of_o creature_n the_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a truth_n not_o as_o if_o the_o soul_n or_o other_o creature_n either_o do_v cease_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a be_v or_o as_o if_o a_o natural_a be_v be_v indeed_o no_o real_a be_v as_o father_n benet_n canfield_n do_v seem_v to_o determine_v but_o because_o all_o sinful_a adhesion_n by_o affection_n to_o creature_n be_v annihilate_v than_o they_o remain_v as_o to_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o that_o true_a be_v which_o they_o have_v in_o god_n by_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o whereas_o while_o we_o sinful_o adhere_v unto_o they_o by_o stay_v in_o they_o with_o love_n we_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o as_o if_o we_o think_v they_o to_o have_v a_o be_v or_o subsistence_n of_o &_o in_o themselves_o &_o not_o of_o god_n only_o &_o that_o they_o may_v be_v love_v for_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n and_o root_n of_o all_o sin_n 10._o all_o sensible_a operation_n former_o exercise_v yea_o all_o express_a and_o deliberate_v intellectual_a operation_n bring_v the_o soul_n some_o whither_o and_o to_o some_o determinate_a thing_n but_o in_o this_o perfect_a state_n the_o soul_n desire_n be_v to_o be_v nowhere_o and_o she_o seek_v nothing_o that_o either_o sense_n or_o understanding_n can_v fix_v upon_o such_o soul_n can_v taste_v and_o comprehend_v what_o s._n denys_n mean_v in_o his_o instruction_n to_o timothy_n
doctrine_n fit_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o vocation_n of_o our_o rule_n 7._o sept._n 1629._o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n prior_n of_o s._n gregory_n and_o ordinary_a of_o the_o monastery_n of_o our_o lady_n of_o comfort_n in_o cambray_n again_o this_o treatise_n of_o doubt_n and_o call_v be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o 1630._o b._n rosendo_n barlow_n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n ben._n to_o the_o book_n of_o confession_n the_o original_a whereof_o be_v lose_v but_o a_o perfect_a transcript_n remain_v be_v this_o approbation_n i_o have_v read_v this_o book_n and_o have_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n for_o although_o the_o author_n dispute_v much_o against_o the_o urge_n of_o confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o spiritual_a profit_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o in_o any_o sort_n condemn_v the_o discreet_a use_n of_o frequent_a confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n but_o only_o the_o needless_a renumeration_n of_o they_o and_o of_o daily_a defect_n which_o can_v be_v use_v without_o great_a loss_n of_o time_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n in_o testimony_n of_o this_o i_o subscribe_v my_o name_n at_o cambray_n 17._o sept._n 1629._o br._n rudisind_v barlow_n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n bennet_n beside_o these_o many_o more_o approbation_n may_v be_v add_v annex_v by_o the_o same_o vv._n rr._n ff_n to_o other_o book_n as_o to_o that_o of_o discretion_n of_o sickness_n direction_n for_o the_o idiot_n devotion_n contain_v in_o 16._o several_a book_n remedy_n the_o stay_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o tentation_n in_o two_o volume_n a_o book_n call_v the_o five_o treatise_n the_o alphabet_n and_o abstract_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o make_v choice_n only_o of_o the_o forementioned_a because_o they_o treat_v of_o subject_n more_o likely_a to_o meet_v with_o contradiction_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o will_v suffice_v which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o original_n extant_a at_o cambray_n in_o the_o approver_n own_o hand-writing_n i_o will_v here_o adjoine_v the_o forementioned_a memorial_n contain_v both_o a_o approbation_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o our_o v._o venerable_a author_n a_o memorial_n write_v by_o the_o late_a v._o r._n f._n leander_n ●_o s._n marcino_n and_o place_v in_o the_o book_n of_o collection_n i_o have_v read_v over_o careful_o the_o book_n a._n b._n c._n and_o the_o alphabet_n &_o abstract_n as_o also_o the_o 3._o part_n of_o doubt_n &_o call_v beside_o diverse_a other_o treatise_n of_o the_o same_o author_n in_o all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v my_o approbation_n &_o allowance_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o they_o do_v all_o contain_v very_o sound_a &_o wholesome_a doctrine_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o devout_a soul_n &_o fit_a &_o agreeable_a to_o our_o call_v &_o rule_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o use_n of_o our_o dame_n the_o spirit_n of_o our_o holy_a rule_n consist_v principal_o in_o a_o spiritual_a union_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o affective_a prayer_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o will_v immediate_o upon_o god_n rather_o then_o intellectual_a &_o discursive_a prayer_n busy_v the_o understanding_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o our_o choir_n office_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o aspiration_n and_o affect_n and_o have_v very_o few_o discourse_n yet_o because_o the_o author_n refer_v the_o dame_n his_o scholar_n to_o his_o large_a explication_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o many_o place_n and_o to_o his_o practice_n in_o which_o he_o settle_v they_o both_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o those_o who_o know_v the_o author_n and_o this_o mystic_a way_n though_o most_o plain_a most_o secure_a and_o most_o compendious_a to_o perfection_n contain_v many_o hard_a &_o delicate_a point_n which_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v only_o accustom_v to_o intellectual_a meditation_n and_o little_a to_o affective_a prayer_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a abstraction_n which_o it_o require_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n lest_o the_o ensue_a confessor_n and_o directour_n shall_v mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o thereupon_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o prayer_n begin_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o house_n as_o we_o hope_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o soul_n in_o perfection_n proper_a to_o our_o call_v i_o have_v think_v convenient_a to_o note_v these_o few_o point_n follow_a first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o reader_n of_o these_o book_n &_o collection_n have_v always_o before_o his_o eye_n that_o they_o be_v write_v precise_o &_o only_o for_o such_o soul_n as_o by_o god_n holy_a grace_n do_v effectual_o &_o constant_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o as_o pure_a a_o abstraction_n from_o creature_n as_o may_v with_o discretion_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o community_n and_o consequent_o for_o such_o as_o abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o levity_n loss_n of_o time_n notable_a and_o know_v defect_n vain_a talk_n needless_a familiarity_n &_o in_o a_o word_n do_v take_v as_o much_o care_n as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o venial_a sin_n &_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o sh●ll_v perceive_v or_o be_v warn_v of_o to_o be_v impediment_n to_o the_o divine_a union_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o a_o ground_n in_o all_o those_o collection_n &_o observation_n that_o the_o office_n of_o choir_n &_o action_n of_o obedience_n &_o conuentuall_a act_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o rule_n &_o statute_n be_v most_o exact_o to_o be_v keep_v &_o observe_v yea_o prefer_v before_o all_o other_o private_a exercise_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v always_o with_o reservation_n of_o the_o conuentuall_a discipline_n &_o public_a observance_n prescribe_v by_o obedience_n particular_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v a_o note_n which_o be_v give_v in_o one_o of_o these_o book_n &_o find_v but_o in_o few_o spiritual_a writer_n yet_o necessary_a for_o those_o religious_a that_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o choir_n viz_o that_o although_o the_o author_n commend_v so_o high_o mental_a prayer_n yet_o that_o prayer_n which_o be_v perfect_o mental_a &_o vocal_a too_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a then_o that_o which_o be_v mental_a only_o as_o will_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o in_o body_n &_o soul_n they_o ●hall_v praise_v &_o contemplate_v almighty_a god_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o although_o in_o this_o life_n our_o frail_a &_o weak_a body_n hinder_v our_o soul_n that_o our_o prayer_n can_v be_v so_o perfect_o mental_a &_o vocal_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n yet_o must_v our_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o practise_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n &_o joy_v all_o perseverance_n in_o union_n with_o he_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n inquire_v may_v be_v convert_v into_o mental_a that_o be_v that_o our_o vocal_a say_n &_o sing_v may_v be_v so_o lively_o animate_v as_o it_o be_v &_o inform_v with_o affect_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o spiritual_a prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o our_o rule_n nihil_fw-la praeponatur_fw-la operi_fw-la dei_fw-la nothing_n prefer_v before_o the_o office_n of_o the_o choir_n whereas_o in_o diverse_a place_n the_o author_n say_v that_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n even_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n without_o mental_a prayer_n &_o abstraction_n &_o mortification_n do_v not_o advance_v a_o soul_n one_o ●ot_n in_o spirit_n although_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o 3._o instrument_n of_o spiritual_a perfection_n yet_o lest_o any_o shall_v mistake_v his_o meaning_n as_o if_o these_o former_a exercise_n do_v not_o profit_n a_o soul_n at_o all_o without_o these_o instrument_n practise_v by_o few_o out_o of_o the_o former_a advice_n the_o reader_n must_v understand_v that_o by_o advancement_n in_o spirit_n be_v mean_v here_o not_o the_o bare_a avoid_n of_o grosser_n sin_n &_o some_o perfection_n too_o in_o active_a life_n which_o be_v get_v by_o these_o bodily_a exercise_n but_o a_o clear_a &_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n &_o a_o spiritualize_a of_o the_o soul_n by_o adhere_v to_o god_n &_o transcend_v all_o creature_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o do_v the_o mystic_a doctor_n call_v advancement_n in_o spirit_n &_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o but_o by_o the_o three_o above_o name_v instrument_n continual_o practise_v &_o employ_v by_o god_n grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n deni_v not_o but_o that_o a_o soul_n without_o the_o foresay_a exercise_n
call_v to_o mind_n what_o suffice_v for_o her_o ordinary_a confession_n without_o this_o examen_fw-la 2._o too_o much_o particularise_v of_o our_o defect_n which_o be_v likewise_o distractive_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n &_o obligatory_a action_n or_o if_o any_o notable_a defect_n have_v careless_o creep_v upon_o we_o all_o other_o defect_n be_v more_o proffitable_o wrap_v up_o in_o a_o generality_n &_o so_o cast_v into_o our_o saviour_n passion_n then_o particular_o stir_v up_o which_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n but_o raise_v a_o new_a dust_n in_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o anxious_a look_v upon_o the_o defect_n in_o themselves_o &_o in_o their_o peculiar_a matter_n or_o object_n whereas_o it_o be_v better_a &_o safe_o to_o turn_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o the_o matter_n in_o particular_a unto_o god_n almighty_a humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o &_o with_o love_a reverence_n or_o ave_v pardon_n of_o he_o a_o 4_o defect_n be_v to_o imagine_v that_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o careful_a soul_n to_o omit_v this_o examen_fw-la whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o though_o in_o soul_n that_o be_v careless_a of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v ordinary_o a_o defective_a negligence_n worthy_a to_o be_v reprehend_v in_o a_o word_n a_o set_n examen_fw-la may_v be_v use_v proffitable_o by_o all_o soul_n with_o those_o caveat_n above_o mention_v &_o be_v to_o be_v counsel_v to_o all_o beginner_n in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n &_o to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o so_o wary_a in_o their_o action_n but_o if_o the_o director_n perceive_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v so_o wary_a that_o she_o be_v perpetual_o careful_a of_o progress_n in_o spirit_n &_o never_o defer_v correction_n &_o amendment_n of_o her_o defect_n but_o out_o of_o hand_n redress_v what_o she_o discover_v to_o be_v amiss_o to_o such_o a_o soul_n may_v the_o director_n permit_v instead_o of_o a_o set_n examen_fw-la to_o use_v her_o ordinary_a elevation_n of_o heart_n to_o god_n &_o by_o virtual_a contrition_n or_o actual_a as_o god_n move_v she_o include_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n deface_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o her_o life_n let_v none_o likewise_o be_v scandalize_v at_o that_o which_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v high_a exercise_n than_o meditation_n of_o the_o passion_n &_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o the_o proffitabl_a way_n to_o busy_v our_o soul_n in_o that_o object_n for_o since_o our_o religious_a hair_n ordinary_o 2._o mass_n or_o at_o least_o one_o daily_a in_o that_o they_o do_v actual_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n &_o at_o diverse_a other_o time_n they_o have_v leisure_n to_o think_v love_o thereupon_o that_o they_o need_v not_o in_o all_o their_o recollection_n take_v that_o only_a object_n especial_o since_o their_o manner_n of_o prayer_n be_v more_o by_o act_n of_o will_n then_o by_o consideration_n of_o the_o understanding_n &_o as_o be_v very_o well_o declare_v in_o one_o place_n all_o their_o recollection_n &_o action_n that_o have_v any_o other_o special_a object_n be_v virtual_o intend_v in_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n what_o be_v say_v about_o passive_a contemplation_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o receive_v into_o the_o soul_n then_o produce_v or_o wrought_v by_o our_o own_o action_n or_o endeavour_n be_v most_o true_a suppose_v always_o that_o this_o reception_n of_o it_o in_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o vital_a operation_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v a_o action_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o mere_a passion_n be_v a_o school_n question_n &_o nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o all_o our_o own_o power_n we_o can_v not_o produce_v it_o &_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o inaction_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o many_o mystic_n to_o which_o we_o only_o concur_v by_o vital_a receive_n it_o &_o by_o a_o willing_a consent_n to_o let_v god_n work_v his_o will_n in_o us._n what_o be_v say_v about_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o very_a essence_n &_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n &_o not_o in_o the_o power_n thereof_o nor_o by_o mediation_n of_o the_o power_n although_o it_o be_v against_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n &_o school_n man_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o probable_a opinion_n &_o ground_v upon_o experience_n of_o devout_a man_n that_o be_v also_o great_a scholar_n &_o therefore_o may_v secure_o be_v follow_v as_o also_o that_o which_o be_v there_o say_v that_o god_n can_v move_v the_o will_n to_o love_v without_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n though_o many_o deny_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o most_o probable_a &_o befit_v the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n &_o hold_v by_o gerson_n &_o s._n bonaventure_n which_o be_v no_o small_a school_n divine_n last_o the_o vehement_a urge_v that_o great_a heed_n be_v take_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o confessor_n &_o director_n in_o these_o mystic_a way_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a &_o not_o intend_v to_o the_o dispraise_n of_o any_o nor_o to_o the_o disable_n of_o such_o as_o perhaps_o have_v not_o all_o the_o quality_n require_v but_o it_o seem_v especial_o for_o two_o end_n the_o one_o for_o a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o directour_n &_o confessor_n that_o they_o presume_v not_o to_o judge_v or_o proccede_v rash_o in_o direction_n of_o our_o religious_a but_o according_a to_o these_o caveat_n &_o instruction_n especial_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v not_o be_v accustom_v to_o this_o affective_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n and_o we_o do_v con●●re_v they_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o cherish_v this_o way_n &_o to_o set_v it_o forward_o as_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n belong_v to_o our_o spirit_n &_o call_n yet_o so_o as_o intellectual_a prayer_n be_v not_o altogether_o neglect_v in_o the_o occasion_n which_o in_o these_o book_n be_v sufficient_o assign_v the_o other_o end_n be_v to_o cut_v of_o a_o dangerous_a curiosity_n that_o woman_n use_v to_o have_v of_o desire_v to_o confer_v their_o interiour_n with_o every_o learned_a or_o devout_a man_n they_o hear_v of_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a defect_n &_o by_o those_o vehement_a persuasion_n of_o our_o author_n very_o deserve_o &_o wary_o prevent_v and_o although_o s._n teresa_n do_v give_v way_n to_o this_o universal_a communication_n of_o interior_a to_o diverse_a learned_a man_n &_o commend_v it_o to_o her_o daughter_n yet_o we_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o in_o her_o late_a day_n with_o tear_n she_o have_v say_v that_o by_o it_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o discontent_a mind_n to_o vent_v forth_o their_o disgust_n with_o harm_n to_o themselves_o &_o community_n therefore_o out_o of_o this_o point_n let_v the_o religious_a resolve_n to_o communicate_v their_o interiour_o only_o to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n &_o directour_n by_o they_o appoint_v who_o will_v have_v care_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o extinguish_v or_o hinder_v in_o they_o by_o any_o unskillful_a or_o heedless_a guide_n thus_o much_o we_o think_v convenient_a to_o note_v under_o our_o hand_n in_o commendation_n of_o ●hese_n holy_a instruction_n &_o for_o a_o caveat_n &_o warning_n to_o the_o future_a confessor_n &_o spiritual_a directour_n f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n prior_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n &_o ordinary_a of_o the_o cloister_n of_o the_o dame_n of_o our_o lady_n of_o comfort_n in_o cambray_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o will_v adjoine_v a_o scheme_n clear_o and_o at_o once_o represent_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o ven._n author_n doctrine_n of_o divine_a call_n compose_v by_o the_o same_o v._o r._n f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n whatsoever_o action_n or_o omission_n occur_v unto_o we_o in_o all_o our_o life_n what_o occasion_n soever_o of_o do_v forbear_v suffer_v or_o receive_v from_o god_n or_o any_o creature_n be_v of_o that_o condition_n that_o either_o 1._o it_o have_v some_o exterior_a rule_n command_v it_o or_o forbid_v it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v undoubted_o as_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o such_o occurrence_n 1._o the_o exterior_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v faithful_o keep_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o perform_n or_o omit_v the_o action_n occur_v 2._o the_o interior_a call_n be_v likewise_o as_o careful_o to_o be_v keep_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o omittance_n or_o performance_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v with_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will._n 2._o it_o have_v no_o exterior_a rule_n allot_v the_o occurrence_n at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v otherwise_o against_o no_o exterior_a rule_n of_o lawful_a authority_n as_o certain_o a_o infinity_n of_o such_o thing_n happen_v and_o occur_v in_o time_n of_o silence_n and_o rest_n in_o our_o cell_n be_v alone_o in_o our_o labour_n recreation_n refection_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o such_o case_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a in_o matter_n as_o long_o fast_v much_o watch_v etc._n etc._n or_o in_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v extaticall_a or_o in_o some_o strange_a manner_n of_o illumination_n or_o inspiration_n unaccustomed_a or_o unwonted_a to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v practise_v till_o it_o be_v examine_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o ordinary_a exterior_a rule_n yet_o in_o no_o sort_n to_o be_v neglect_v but_o remember_v and_o note_v for_o use_n and_o direction_n when_o occasion_n occur_v in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 2._o if_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o matter_n and_o manner_n neither_o imply_v any_o inconvenience_n nor_o notable_a singularity_n then_o be_v the_o inward_a call_n in_o a_o spiritual_a and_o true_a mind_a soul_n a_o sufficient_a and_o secure_a guide_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o observe_v and_o obey_v lest_o otherwise_o the_o soul_n ungrateful_o take_v god_n grace_n in_o vain_a and_o so_o be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o they_o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n president_n 18._o martij_fw-la 1634._o after_o the_o above_o write_v paper_n there_o follow_v this_o in_o father_n baker_n own_o hand_n the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a call_v here_o above_o express_v by_o our_o reverend_a father_n father_n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n be_v at_o the_o present_a our_o worthy_a precedent_n i_o do_v profess_v to_o be_v the_o selfsame_o in_o substance_n and_o by_o my_o intention_n which_o more_o large_o but_o less_o sufficient_o i_o have_v express_v and_o deliver_v in_o diverse_a book_n and_o treatise_n that_o be_v of_o my_o pen_v concern_v that_o subject_n b._n augustin_n baker_n the_o 20._o of_o march_n 1634._o stilo_fw-it romano_n finis_fw-la