that_o which_o be_v affective_a for_o as_o for_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n the_o world_n be_v but_o even_o burden_a with_o book_n which_o with_o more_o than_o sufficient_a niceness_n prescribe_v rule_n &_o method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o with_o too_o partial_a a_o affection_n magnify_v it_o the_o author_n of_o such_o book_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n or_o perhaps_o scarce_o know_v what_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v the_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n that_o immediate_o bring_v soul_n to_o contemplation_n &_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n 3._o some_o there_o be_v that_o because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n &_o mystical_a doctor_n such_o exact_a instruction_n touch_v the_o practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o be_v now_o common_a &_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n do_v therefore_o undervalue_v &_o despise_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n not_o at_o all_o necessary_a but_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a subject_a to_o great_a inconvenience_n expose_v soul_n to_o illusion_n error_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o do_v only_o recommend_v &_o exact_v vocal_a prayer_n &_o a_o solemn_a protract_a performance_n of_o it_o 4._o notwithstanding_o to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v heedful_o read_v the_o writing_n not_o only_o of_o the_o ancient_a solitary_n but_o likewise_o of_o s._n augustin_n s._n basile_n s._n gregory_n nazianzene_n &_o other_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o both_o know_v and_o practise_v most_o profound_a &_o recollect_v devotion_n internal_o yea_o &_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n &_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o spirit_n sufficient_a proof_n whereof_o shall_v occasional_o hereafter_o be_v insert_v 5._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o deliur_v any_o exact_a method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o prayer_n the_o which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a or_o at_o least_o not_o at_o all_o needful_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n for_o to_o soul_n that_o live_v as_o ancient_o they_o do_v entire_o sequester_v from_o all_o world_o business_n or_o conversation_n in_o continual_a laborious_a &_o penitential_a exercise_n have_v no_o image_n of_o creature_n to_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o much_o less_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o creature_n to_o depress_v they_o from_o mount_v to_o spiritual_a union_n with_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o such_o to_o know_v that_o their_o duty_n &_o the_o end_n of_o their_o solitude_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o all_o other_o more_o nice_a or_o particular_a instruction_n will_v have_v prove_v but_o distractive_a &_o intangle_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n though_o he_o ordain_v daily_o conuentuall_a short_a recollection_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o which_o he_o call_v pure_a prayer_n yet_o he_o neither_o interpret_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o such_o prayer_n for_o all_o his_o disciple_n understand_v that_o sufficient_o &_o much_o less_o do_v he_o deliver_v any_o instruction_n how_o to_o exercise_v it_o 6._o but_o in_o these_o day_n in_o which_o religious_a person_n and_o other_o that_o aspire_v to_o spiritual_a contemplation_n do_v either_o want_n the_o mean_n to_o enjoy_v or_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v such_o solitude_n and_o austerity_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o world_n god_n raise_v up_o first_o in_o germany_n master_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o suso_n harphius_n eschius_fw-la thaulerus_n etc._n etc._n in_o former_a time_n and_o more_o late_o in_o spain_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n who_o no_o question_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o may_v witness_v have_v judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o foresay_a advantage_n by_o add_v a_o certain_a obligation_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o internal_a recollect_v prayer_n prescribe_v order_n &_o time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o they_o have_v likewise_o more_o exact_o discover_v the_o degree_n and_o progress_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o earnest_o do_v they_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o diligent_a pursuance_n of_o it_o profess_v that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o essential_a design_n of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a life_n 7._o i_o will_v content_v myself_o in_o this_o place_n to_o express_v the_o ground_n &_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n of_o those_o &_o other_o illuminate_v person_n the_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reviue_n of_o decay_a spirituality_n in_o the_o world_n by_o produce_v a_o passage_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n take_v out_o of_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n in_o for_o 2._o rogat_fw-la which_o be_v this_o ego_fw-la illud_fw-la mihi_fw-la videor_fw-la verissime_fw-la posse_fw-la affirmare_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v most_o true_o &_o confident_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o without_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o internal_a prayer_n none_o will_v ever_o become_v true_o spiritual_a nor_o attain_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o see_v many_o which_o often_o time_n in_o the_o year_n do_v approach_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n &_o as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n &_o infirmity_n will_v permit_v do_v with_o sufficient_a diligence_n endeavour_v to_o purge_v away_o all_o the_o stain_n &_o uncleanenes_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v no_o progress_n but_o be_v still_o the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o confession_n if_o a_o week_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o tribunal_n again_o they_o bring_v neither_o few_o nor_o lesser_a fault_n than_o such_o as_o be_v former_o confess_v yea_o without_o offend_v against_o truth_n i_o may_v add_v some_o what_o more_o strange_a than_o all_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o see_v sometime_o religious_a person_n &_o not_o a_o few_o priest_n which_o by_o their_o vocation_n &_o habit_n profess_v sanctity_n &_o moreover_o do_v assiduous_o read_v divine_a scripture_n &_o book_n of_o piety_n they_o do_v often_o if_o not_o daily_o celebrate_v the_o most_o holy_a sacrifice_n they_o have_v neither_o wife_n nor_o child_n but_o be_v free_a from_o all_o care_n &_o sollicitude_n which_o may_v distract_v they_o from_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o divine_a thing_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o they_o be_v so_o veyd_v of_o all_o devotion_n &_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o cold_a in_o divine_a love_n &_o so_o earnest_a in_o the_o love_n of_o secular_a vanity_n so_o replenish_v with_o impatience_n envy_n &_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n that_o they_o seem_v not_o one_o iott_n to_o differ_v from_o secular_a person_n whole_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o serious_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o exercise_n of_o introversion_n but_o only_o esteem_v &_o regard_v the_o exterior_a &c_n &c_n thus_o far_o be_v the_o word_n &_o too_o just_a complaint_n of_o the_o learned_a &_o pious_a cardinal_n 8._o the_o which_o with_o very_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v further_o extend_v even_o to_o those_o religious_a who_o by_o their_o profession_n ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n &_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o true_a way_n thereto_o erroneous_o believe_v that_o by_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o outward_a observance_n &_o the_o solemn_a say_n of_o the_o office_n adjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o internal_a discursive_a prayer_n do_v yet_o find_v but_o little_a fruit_n as_o to_o any_o interior_a reformation_n or_o simplification_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o rest_v in_o such_o active_a exercise_n which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o solitary_a liver_n lose_v all_o their_o virtue_n &_o do_v not_o from_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o true_o enlighten_v exercise_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n which_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_v by_o good_a affection_n quiet_o &_o calm_o produce_v &_o not_o with_o the_o understanding_n a_o prayer_n make_v without_o those_o distract_n method_n or_o that_o busy_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o weary_v of_o the_o soul_n by_o laborious_a discourse_n which_o be_v only_o inferior_a &_o imperfect_a preparation_n to_o true_a prayer_n 9_o now_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n we_o will_v add_v certain_a virtue_n benefit_n &_o preeminence_n thereof_o compare_v with_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o
that_o yet_o be_v not_o very_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n however_o even_o such_o as_o far_o as_o be_v allow_v aught_o to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n hope_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v such_o their_o care_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o such_o aught_o withal_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o from_o too_o nice_a a_o curiosity_n in_o choose_v there_o do_v not_o follow_v any_o disquiet_n in_o the_o family_n where_o they_o live_v if_o several_a person_n shall_v be_v zealous_a each_o for_o a_o particular_a director_n as_o s._n hierome_n chide_v a_o mother_n and_o a_o daughter_n that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n separate_v from_o one_o another_o therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o good_a soul_n that_o will_v prefer_v peace_n before_o the_o content_v her_o mind_n may_v of_o all_o other_o rely_v upon_o god_n assure_v herself_o that_o he_o will_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n assist_v and_o conduct_v she_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v and_o particular_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a divine_a assistance_n may_v be_v most_o confident_o expect_v by_o well-disposed_n soul_n in_o religious_a community_n where_o such_o freedom_n of_o choose_v be_v not_o permit_v for_o as_o rusbrochius_n say_v god_n will_v rather_o send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o that_o such_o humble_a obedient_a and_o sincere_a soul_n rely_v upon_o he_o shall_v want_v due_a help_n therefore_o such_o as_o forbear_v a_o solicitous_a search_n after_o a_o director_n either_o for_o the_o prevent_a inconvenience_n or_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a sincere_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v in_o the_o choice_n or_o a_o religious_a regard_n to_o the_o prejudice_n it_o may_v cause_v in_o a_o community_n to_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n &c_n &c_n such_o may_v well_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v loser_n thereby_o yea_o moreover_o such_o as_o in_o the_o forename_a case_n think_v they_o have_v a_o true_a occasion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v just_o do_v it_o for_o the_o quiet_n of_o their_o conscience_n resolve_v of_o their_o doubt_n &c_n &c_n have_v need_n be_v very_o wary_a that_o they_o proceed_v sincere_o and_o that_o they_o real_o seek_v their_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o not_o natural_a contentment_n for_o as_o our_o venerable_a f._n baker_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n advise_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o any_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n at_o certain_a time_n to_o require_v a_o special_a director_n upon_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o expedience_n and_o necessity_n that_o some_o soul_n in_o some_o circumstance_n may_v have_v but_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o their_o case_n have_v these_o circumstance_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v true_o make_v use_n of_o the_o say_a permission_n for_o the_o right_a end_n 41._o a_o second_o point_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n suppose_v to_o deserve_v explication_n be_v that_o assertion_n that_o a_o devout_a soul_n once_o set_v in_o a_o good_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o prayer_n after_o she_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v recourse_n ordinary_o to_o a_o director_n but_o that_o she_o shall_v practice_v the_o follow_v of_o god_n direction_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v suppose_v that_o till_o a_o soul_n have_v make_v some_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n she_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o illusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v thence_o forward_o must_v need_v of_o advice_n from_o a_o prudent_a guide_n but_o this_o difficulty_n be_v clear_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n where_o be_v teach_v that_o in_o the_o case_n and_o peril_n of_o illusion_n upon_o a_o opinion_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a illumination_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o soul_n though_o never_o so_o much_o advance_v shall_v distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o never_o presume_v to_o add_v belief_n unto_o and_o must_v less_o put_v in_o execution_n any_o thing_n suggest_v by_o any_o illumination_n true_a or_o pretend_a without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o superior_n and_o directour_n but_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n as_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n &c_n &c_n be_v be_v very_o requisite_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v teach_v as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v to_o quit_v a_o assiduous_a dependence_n on_o externall_n guide_n from_o whence_o will_v follow_v nothing_o but_o sollicitude_n distraction_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o parallel_a advice_n though_o in_o somewhat_o a_o different_a case_n in_o 3._o treat_n 4._o sect._n 3_o chap._n §_o 36._o 37._o where_o in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v rapt_n and_o the_o like_a extraordinary_a favour_n it_o be_v say_v of_o perfect_a soul_n that_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o those_o matter_n by_o their_o own_o supernatural_a light_n etc._n etc._n &_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o resign_v their_o judgment_n and_o will_n to_o other_o as_o utter_o to_o neglect_v their_o own_o proper_a call_v receive_v from_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o word_n be_v not_o mean_v that_o any_o soul_n though_o never_o so_o perfect_a shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o submission_n to_o superior_n judge_v or_o ordain_v concern_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n but_o only_o that_o such_o perfect_a soul_n need_v not_o so_o oft_o to_o have_v recourse_n for_o advice_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o may_v proceed_v by_o that_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o they_o whereas_o the_o imperfect_a aught_o neither_o to_o yield_v belief_n nor_o execution_n further_o than_o they_o have_v advice_n and_o order_n for_o now_o who_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o s._n teresa_n s._n catherine_n of_o sienna_n &c_n &c_n if_o they_o shall_v forbear_v consultation_n after_o every_o rapt_v or_o revelation_n have_v former_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o superior_n &_o c_o 42._o in_o consequence_n to_o the_o story_n of_o v._o r._n f._n balthasar_n aluarez_n his_o account_n give_v of_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o general_n mention_v in_o the_o 3._o treat_n 1._o sect._n 7._o chap._n at_o the_o latter_a end_n where_o a_o relation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o general_n order_n require_v all_o superior_n to_o direct_v and_o assist_v the_o young_a religious_a among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v high_o y_o esteem_n and_o in_o their_o practice_n follow_v the_o manner_n of_o prayer_n most_o suitable_a to_o their_o institute_n &_o prescribe_v in_o their_o exercise_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o dear_a reader_n that_o by_o two_o book_n publish_v of_o late_a by_o two_o rr._n ff_n of_o the_o society_n and_o peruse_v by_o i_o since_o the_o writing_n and_o print_n of_o that_o passage_n i_o do_v find_v that_o the_o say_v order_n of_o the_o general_n be_v not_o at_o least_o of_o late_a so_o rigide_o interpret_v as_o former_o they_o be_v 43._o the_o author_n of_o say_a book_n write_v in_o french_a be_v r._n f._n ant._n civoré_n and_o r._n f._n andr._n baiole_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n especial_o concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o affective_a prayer_n beyond_o discursive_a be_v most_o copious_o and_o strong_o assert_v yea_o and_o moreover_o the_o instruction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o follow_v divine_a inspiration_n as_o likewise_o way_n prescribe_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o false_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o large_o clear_o and_o even_o in_o the_o very_a phrase_n of_o this_o book_n deliver_v by_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o in_o his_o book_n call_v les_fw-fr secret_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr science_n des_fw-fr saint_n tr._n iii_o cap._n ix_o from_o p._n 402._o to_o p._n 486._o that_o it_o not_o be_v credible_a that_o he_o have_v see_v our_o v._n f._n a._n baker_n write_n we_o may_v rational_o in_o far_o that_o what_o he_o write_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a exactness_n proceed_v from_o a_o deep_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o these_o internal_a and_o secret_a path_n of_o contemplation_n 44._o so_o that_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v many_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o society_n which_o not_o be_v engage_v in_o many_o external_a employment_n and_o enjoy_v consequent_o both_o a_o solitude_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n great_a perhaps_o than_o will_v be_v afford_v in_o many_o community_n by_o profession_n pure_o contemplative_a do_v permit_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n &_o make_v wonderful_a progress_n in_o these_o divine_a way_n 45._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o the_o other_o author_n f._n ant._n baiole_n seem_v to_o maintain_v that_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o s._n ignatius_n will_v by_o practice_n become_v a_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o mystick_n union_n a_o assertion_n in_o
25._o the_o general_a remedy_n against_o almost_o all_o difficulty_n be_v these_o two_o 1._o riddance_n 2._o patience_n the_o former_a consist_v in_o afford_v to_o the_o soul_n some_o ease_n &_o latitude_n as_o far_o as_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v permit_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o perplex_v well-minded_n tender_a soul_n as_o confession_n say_v of_o the_o office_n obligation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n &_o some_o kind_n of_o tentation_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n such_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o neglect_v &_o transcend_v scrupulous_a nicety_n &_o they_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v prudent_o free_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o coustumes_n not_o obligatory_a and_o this_o remedy_n be_v proper_a against_o scrupulosity_n disintangle_v the_o soul_n from_o many_o snare_n which_o otherwise_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o she_o the_o other_o remedy_n of_o patience_n &_o abide_n be_v reasonable_a in_o case_n of_o aridity_n desolation_n &_o other_o such_o discouragement_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o which_o case_n the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v to_o behave_v herself_o as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v &_o to_o be_v quiet_o resign_v for_o what_o with_o all_o her_o industry_n she_o can_v help_v above_o all_o thing_n she_o be_v to_o be_v hearten_v to_o pursue_v courageous_o her_o appoint_a recollection_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o such_o opposition_n raise_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n &_o permit_v by_o god_n for_o her_o good_a the_o which_o if_o she_o do_v she_o will_v either_o disperse_v these_o tentation_n or_o obtain_v a_o divine_a light_n to_o perceive_v that_o the_o way_n both_o most_o proper_a &_o most_o secure_a by_o which_o god_n purpose_v to_o lead_v she_o to_o perfection_n be_v the_o way_n of_o aridity_n &_o obscurity_n as_o b_o john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n teach_v in_o his_o treatise_n call_v mount_n carmel_n and_o when_o she_o once_o perceive_v this_o than_o they_o will_v not_o only_o be_v supportable_a but_o even_o acceptable_a to_o she_o however_o if_o a_o soul_n do_v know_v or_o can_v be_v persuade_v how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v for_o she_o to_o suffer_v a_o little_a bitterness_n arise_v from_o such_o difficulty_n or_o perplexity_n then_o to_o hasten_v for_o a_o remedy_n by_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o or_o by_o turn_v herself_o to_o unnecessary_a solace_n in_o creature_n and_o also_o with_o what_o confidence_n she_o may_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o her_o internal_a master_n if_o she_o will_v serious_o by_o prayer_n seek_v to_o he_o she_o will_v save_v both_o herself_o &_o her_o director_n much_o trouble_n &_o inconvenience_n 26._o the_o instructor_n must_v use_v great_a wariness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n &_o scruple_n in_o his_o scholar_n mind_n by_o move_a needle_n &_o indiscreet_a question_n or_o by_o impertinent_a discourse_n concern_v spiritual_a matter_n for_o thereby_o he_o may_v come_v to_o raise_v such_o doubt_n as_o himself_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v &_o to_o put_v they_o so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o way_n as_o perhaps_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o again_o therefore_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n it_o be_v more_o fit_a that_o the_o subject_n of_o discourse_n shall_v be_v some_o external_a &_o indifferent_a matter_n wherein_o the_o party_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v than_o such_o as_o regard_v the_o interiour_n experience_n show_v how_o much_o inconvenience_n do_v come_v to_o soul_n by_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v great_a pretender_n to_o skill_n in_o spirituality_n &_o therefore_o out_o of_o vanity_n or_o a_o mistake_a charity_n be_v apt_a when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o be_v offer_v instruction_n about_o spiritual_a matter_n 27._o some_o soul_n do_v see_v their_o way_n before_o they_o far_o better_a than_o other_o &_o therefore_o do_v move_v fewuer_o question_n the_o instructor_n therefore_o be_v to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o all_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n &_o need_n of_o each_o spirit_n always_o remember_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v his_o own_o way_n nor_o indeed_o any_o determinate_a way_n of_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n but_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n how_o they_o may_v themselves_o find_v out_o the_o way_n proper_a for_o they_o by_o observe_v themselves_o what_o do_v good_a &_o what_o cause_v harm_n to_o their_o spirit_n in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o be_v only_a god_n usher_n &_o must_v lead_v soul_n in_o god_n way_n &_o not_o his_o own_o 28._o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a person_n it_o concern_v woman_n especial_o to_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o consultation_n &_o when_o necessity_n require_v to_o be_v brief_a in_o deliver_v their_o difficulty_n for_o otherwise_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v follow_v as_o 1._o loss_n of_o time_n both_o to_o the_o disciple_n &_o instructor_n 2._o distraction_n far_o more_o hurtful_a than_o if_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o most_o encombr_a employment_n of_o the_o community_n 3._o danger_n of_o multiply_v new_a perplexity_n by_o fear_v that_o they_o have_v not_o give_v a_o full_a &_o a_o right_a account_n of_o themselves_o &c_n &c_n beside_o one_o difficulty_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o new_a one_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o seek_v peace_n by_o disburden_v of_o the_o conscience_n by_o their_o indiscretion_n they_o may_v come_v both_o to_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o instructour_n &_o to_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o incurable_a perplexity_n &_o obscurity_n of_o mind_n 4._o great_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v that_o there_o may_v upon_o such_o occasion_n of_o unnecessary_a consultation_n ensue_v dangerous_a familiarity_n &_o freindships_n with_o such_o as_o may_v prove_v very_o unfit_a counselor_n thereupon_o s._n francis_n xaverius_n say_v that_o seldom_o be_v there_o so_o much_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o frequent_a treaty_n between_o person_n of_o different_a sex_n as_o there_o be_v peril_n in_o they_o to_o both_o 29._o this_o may_v suffice_v concern_v the_o quality_n &_o office_n of_o a_o external_a director_n as_o for_o more_o special_a duty_n belong_v to_o he_o in_o more_o particular_a case_n as_o scrupulosity_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v treat_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o particular_a subject_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o superior_n about_o the_o promote_a the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o subject_n soul_n although_o they_o be_v not_o consult_v with_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n somewhat_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n cap._n iii_o §_o 1._o of_o read_v which_o be_v next_o to_o prayer_n §_o 2._o some_o book_n may_v be_v read_v for_o diversion_n §_o 3._o but_o spiritual_a book_n only_o for_o the_o soul_n profit_n §_o 4._o 5._o book_n proper_a for_o contemplative_n etc._n etc._n §_o 6._o not_o to_o stop_v in_o obscure_a place_n §_o 7._o not_o to_o practice_v direction_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n §_o 9_o 10._o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o saint_n in_o mortification_n not_o to_o be_v imitate_v without_o great_a caution_n §_o 11_o why_o mystic_a author_n seem_v to_o write_v diverse_o §_o 12._o some_o author_n indiscreet_o require_v perfection_n at_o first_o §_o 13._o reading_n must_v give_v way_n to_o prayer_n §_o 14_o how_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o reading_n §_o 15._o 16._o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o apply_v instruction_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o in_o this_o book_n §_o 17._o a_o soul_n follow_v god_n may_v without_o book_n or_o instructour_n be_v lead_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n 1._o a_o second_o mean_v by_o which_o the_o divine_a spirit_n teach_v devout_a soul_n be_v the_o read_n of_o pious_a book_n and_o this_o exercise_n i_o esteem_v for_o worth_a &_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o be_v next_o unto_o prayer_n 2._o as_o for_o ordinary_o book_n as_o ecclesiastical_a story_n &c_n &c_n it_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o soul_n even_o in_o religion_n to_o read_v they_o for_o a_o innocent_a diversion_n &_o recreation_n so_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a end_n but_o that_o the_o intention_n further_o be_v by_o such_o diversion_n to_o dispose_v a_o weary_a soul_n the_o better_a afterward_o to_o pursue_v her_o internal_a exercise_n and_o this_o permission_n now_o be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a since_o that_o in_o religious_a community_n of_o man_n bodily_a labour_n be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n &_o in_o place_n thereof_o read_v &_o study_n have_v succeed_v as_o now_o the_o principal_a daily_a employment_n of_o keligious_a person_n who_o live_v much_o less_o abstract_v from_o the_o world_n be_v almost_o force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n in_o which_o learning_n be_v so_o value_v &_o so_o
perfection_n we_o be_v arrive_v 6._o four_o all_o increase_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n by_o whatsoever_o instrument_n it_o be_v produce_v as_o by_o regular_a austerity_n temperance_n exercise_n of_o mortification_n be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o good_a internal_a disposition_n and_o actuation_n of_o soul_n accompany_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yea_o the_o same_o may_v also_o in_o a_o certain_a proportion_n be_v affirm_v even_o of_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o in_o adultis_fw-la the_o which_o although_o by_o their_o own_o intrinsical_a virtue_n and_o as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess_v 7._o can_n 8._o express_v it_o ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la they_o do_v conserre_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o aid_v and_o this_o quantum_fw-la est_fw-la parte_fw-la dei_fw-la at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o person_n that_o due_o receive_v they_o see_v sess_v 7._o cap._n 6._o &_o 7._o yet_o withal_o the_o quantity_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o say_a grace_n be_v in_o the_o same_o council_n sess_v 6._o cap._n 7._o say_v to_o be_v secundam_fw-la propriam_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la dispositionem_fw-la &_o cooperationem_fw-la according_a to_o the_o peculiar_a disposition_n and_o cooperation_n of_o each_o person_n respective_o that_o be_v those_o that_o come_v with_o more_o or_o less_o perfect_a intense_a continued_z and_o multiply_v internal_a act_n of_o faith_n hope_n charity_n devotion_n &c_n &c_n do_v according_o receive_v a_o more_o or_o less_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o sacramental_a grace_n now_o what_o be_v all_o these_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n but_o the_o exercise_v of_o internal_a prayer_n whence_o appear_v how_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n internal_a prayer_n both_o by_o way_n of_o merit_n or_o impetration_n and_o likewise_o by_o a_o direct_a efficiency_n have_v in_o the_o produce_v and_o increase_n of_o divine_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n 7._o five_o if_o a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n shall_v in_o occasion_n for_o example_n of_o contradiction_n persecution_n &c_n &c_n neglect_v to_o exercise_v patience_n she_o must_v necessary_o exercise_v impatience_n &_o by_o consequence_n will_v make_v little_a or_o no_o progress_n by_o her_o prayer_n yet_o if_o then_o she_o shall_v use_v any_o reasonable_a care_n diligence_n or_o watchfullnes_n over_o herself_o though_o not_o for_o the_o get_n of_o much_o yet_o not_o to_o loose_v much_o out_o of_o prayer_n god_n will_v by_o mean_n of_o her_o prayer_n serious_o prosecute_v infuse_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o will_v cause_v a_o progress_n notwithstanding_o frequent_a fail_n through_o frailty_n or_o inaduertence_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v late_o ere_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o infusion_n will_v appear_v 8._o six_o increase_v in_o virtue_n do_v pure_o depend_v on_o the_o free_a grace_n &_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n confer_v the_o say_a grace_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o measure_n as_o himself_o please_v &_o also_o by_o his_o holy_a providence_n administer_a occasion_n several_o of_o exercise_v several_a virtue_n the_o which_o occasion_n ordinary_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o disposal_n 9_o seaventh_o according_a to_o our_o progress_n in_o virtue_n so_o be_v our_o progress_n in_o prayer_n &_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n purify_v from_o self-love_n she_o be_v incapable_a of_o that_o perfect_a degree_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v call_v contemplation_n according_a to_o that_o save_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 5._o beati_fw-la mundo_fw-la cord_n quoniam_fw-la ipsi_fw-la deum_fw-la videbunt_fw-la that_o be_v bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o until_o the_o internal_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o mist_n of_o passion_n &_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v fix_v itself_o upon_o so_o pure_a &_o divine_a a_o object_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o every_o the_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v proportional_o purify_v god_n be_v in_o some_o qualify_a sense_n contemplate_v but_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v the_o term_n of_o contemplation_n except_o only_o to_o the_o most_o sublime_a degree_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o yet_o be_v never_o so_o perfect_o absolute_a in_o this_o life_n but_o that_o it_o may_v without_o limitation_n increase_v because_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_o free_v from_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o original_a sin_n ignorance_n &_o concupiscence_n but_o there_o will_v over_o remain_v matter_n &_o exercise_v for_o further_a mortification_n or_o purification_n 10._o eight_o virtue_n be_v in_o no_o other_o state_n of_o life_n so_o perfect_o establish_v in_o the_o depth_n &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o a_o contemplative_a state_n because_o all_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v principal_o &_o direct_o regard_v the_o exaltation_n spiritualise_v &_o purification_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o continual_a application_n adhesion_n &_o union_n of_o it_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n &_o purity_n 11._o lastâ—y_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n virtue_n be_v most_o easy_o obtain_v most_o secure_o possess_v and_o most_o perfect_o practise_v in_o a_o active_a life_n a_o person_n that_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n therein_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o enable_v he_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n dispose_v thereto_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o externall_n work_v of_o charity_n there_o be_v needful_a riches_n or_o friend_n &c_n &c_n and_o for_o spiritual_a almes-giving_a there_o be_v require_v learning_n study_n disputation_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o there_o be_v acquire_v a_o established_a habit_n of_o solid_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o very_o secure_o possess_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o distraction_n follicitude_n and_o tentation_n but_o a_o contemplative_a life_n as_o s._n thomas_n 22._o q._n 182._o a._n 1._o c._n observe_v even_o from_o aristotle_n himself_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o very_a few_o thing_n be_v to_o itself_o sufficient_a such_o a_o person_n alone_o without_o need_v either_o assistance_n or_o favour_n from_o abroad_o can_v both_o purchase_v and_o exercise_v all_o virtue_n yea_o and_o liberal_o dispense_v all_o kind_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o also_o for_o by_o prayer_n alone_o exercise_v in_o solitude_n he_o can_v employ_v and_o engage_v god_n omnipotence_n wisdom_n and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o riches_n for_o the_o supply_v all_o the_o necessity_n externall_n and_o internal_a of_o his_o church_n the_o light_n that_o be_v get_v by_o prayer_n will_v be_v more_o than_o equivalent_a to_o long_a and_o laborious_a study_n not_o sanctify_v with_o prayer_n for_o the_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v efficacious_o a_o pastoral_a charge_n over_o soul_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o he_o though_o no_o doubt_n prayer_n will_v also_o incite_v to_o sufficient_a study_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o conversation_n and_o book_n yea_o fetter_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o dungeon_n prayer_n alone_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a entertainment_n to_o he_o there_o he_o will_v find_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o present_v and_o as_o bountiful_a to_o he_o as_o ever_o yea_o the_o great_a solitude_n there_o be_v at_o the_o more_o freedom_n be_v the_o soul_n to_o run_v speedy_o and_o light_o in_o the_o course_n of_o virtue_n for_o nothing_o do_v indeed_o fetter_v she_o but_o selfelove_n &_o propriety_n and_o last_o virtue_n once_o get_v be_v evident_o most_o secure_o possess_v in_o solitude_n from_o whence_o all_o distraction_n and_o almost_o all_o tentation_n be_v exclude_v the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o treatise_n of_o mortification_n sancta_fw-la sophia_n or_o direction_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n etc._n etc._n extract_v out_o of_o more_o than_o xl._n treatise_n write_v by_o the_o late_a ven._n father_n f._n augustin_n baker_n a_o monk_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n and_o methodical_o digest_v by_o the_o r._n f._n serenus_n cressy_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o congregation_n and_o print_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o convent_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n vol._n ii_o at_o douai_n by_o john_n patte_n '_o and_o thomas_n fievet_n anno_fw-la d._n m.dc.lvii_o to_o the_o venerable_a and_o r._n lady_z d._n catherine_n gascoigne_n the_o lady_n abbess_n of_o the_o religious_a dame_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o cambray_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rr._n dame_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o same_o convent_n madam_n if_o i_o have_v not_o any_o press_a obligation_n as_o i_o have_v many_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o acknowledge_v both_o my_o worthy_a esteem_n and_o resentment_n also_o for_o your_o many_o favour_n yet_o without_o injustice_n
bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la adversetur_fw-la aut_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la statum_n regimen_n vel_fw-la negotia_fw-la cuiusvis_fw-la reipublicae_fw-la quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la pertineat_fw-la sed_fw-la unaquaeque_fw-la pagina_fw-la solam_fw-la pietatem_fw-la theoricam_fw-la spirat_fw-la quam_fw-la sublimi_fw-la quidem_fw-la modestissimâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la actutusimâ_fw-la viâ_fw-la accuratè_fw-la docet_fw-la &_o a_o ss_z patrum_fw-la vestigijs_fw-la nunquam_fw-la recedir_n ita_fw-la â—estor_fw-la in_o coventu_fw-la nostro_fw-la s._n greg._n duaci_n 20._o ap._n 1657._o fr._n leander_n a_o s._n augustino_n s._n theologiae_n professor_n in_o collegio_fw-la vedastino_n duaci_fw-la cvm_fw-la libre_fw-la hic_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la sancta_fw-la sophia_n etc._n etc._n anglicè_fw-la scriptus_fw-la diligenter_n perfectus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la ab_fw-la eximio_fw-la &_o r._n patre_fw-la benedicto_n stapleton_n s._n theologiae_n doctore_fw-la &_o r.p._n leandro_n à _fw-fr s._n augustino_n s._n theologiae_n in_o collegio_fw-la vedastino_n duaci_fw-la professore_n ijdemque_fw-la idiomatis_fw-la anglicani_n optime_fw-la periti_fw-la fidem_fw-la faciant_fw-la nihil_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la hoc_fw-la libro_fw-la reperiri_fw-la quod_fw-la orthodoxae_fw-la fidei_fw-la aut_fw-la bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la adversetur_fw-la vel_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la statum_n regimen_n aut_fw-la negotia_fw-la cuiusuis_fw-la regni_fw-la aut_fw-la reipublicae_fw-la quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la pertineat_fw-la sed_fw-la solummodo_fw-la contineri_fw-la sanctissimas_fw-la regulas_fw-la &_o solidissima_fw-la praecepta_fw-la ad_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la contemplativae_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la conducentia_fw-la ideo_fw-la eundem_fw-la hunc_fw-la librum_fw-la praelo_fw-la dignum_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o publici_fw-la boni_fw-la causâ_fw-la in_o lucem_fw-la omitti_fw-la posse_fw-la censui_fw-la duaci_fw-la 28._o aprilis_fw-la 1657._o martinus_n denys_n s._n theologiae_n doctor_n eiusdemque_fw-la regius_n &_o ordinarius_fw-la duaci_fw-la professor_n â—dem_fw-la censeo_fw-la nicolaus_n le_z long_a s._n theolologiae_n doctor_n eiusdemque_fw-la &_o regius_fw-la &_o ordinarius_fw-la professor_n many_o grave_a author_n have_v write_v of_o this_o subject_n but_o in_o my_o opinion_n none_o more_o clear_o and_o with_o such_o brevity_n then_o the_o r._n father_n augustin_n baker_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n sometime_o spiritual_a director_n to_o the_o english_a benedictine_n dame_n at_o cambray_n who_o in_o his_o several_a treatise_n abridge_v in_o this_o book_n entitle_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n probable_o out_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n have_v methodical_o solide_o clear_o and_o pious_o set_v forth_o such_o efficacious_a instruction_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o true_a perfection_n that_o all_o devout_a soul_n aspire_v thereto_o especial_o religious_a person_n whole_a daily_a practice_n of_o meditation_n and_o continual_a exercise_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n will_v if_o well_o apply_v much_o advance_v they_o by_o their_o practice_n with_o great_a facility_n may_v attain_v great_a perfection_n let_v they_o therefore_o read_v diligent_o the_o preface_n and_o first_o treatise_n and_o practice_v exact_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o second_o and_o i_o dare_v promise_v they_o by_o god_n grace_n a_o happy_a progress_n in_o the_o three_o wherefore_o i_o judge_v the_o work_n worthy_a to_o be_v publish_v as_o contain_v nothing_o opposite_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a very_o profitable_a rule_n and_o rare_a instruction_n of_o piety_n and_o true_a devotion_n give_v at_o douai_n in_o the_o convent_n of_o the_o english_a recollect_n this_o 2._o of_o july_n 1657._o brother_n angelus_n francis_n lectour_n jubilate_n and_o episcopal_a censurer_n of_o book_n i_o have_v read_v three_o treatise_n of_o that_o v._o f._n a._n baker_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n mortification_n &_o prayer_n &_o do_v approve_v &_o esteem_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o work_n that_o may_v much_o promote_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n &_o lead_v other_o to_o a_o competent_a reasonable_a participation_n of_o it_o though_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o reader_n if_o thou_o be_v serious_o resolve_v to_o attempt_v this_o principal_a &_o main_a work_n of_o thy_o salvation_n thou_o will_v find_v nothing_o will_v displease_v thou_o but_o very_o many_o advice_n &_o instruction_n to_o advance_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n but_o if_o spiritual_a conversation_n internal_o with_o almighty_a god_n be_v either_o unsipide_a or_o unsavoury_a to_o thy_o ill-affected_a pallate_n thou_o will_v easy_o find_v little_a straw_v mote_n or_o hair_n to_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o and_o cost_v away_o such_o food_n as_o this_o &_o i_o wish_v thou_o to_o take_v heed_n thou_o do_v not_o cast_v more_o away_o give_v this_o 21._o of_o july_n in_o our_o english_a college_n of_o douai_n anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1657._o t._n proger_n prof._n of_o divinity_n to_o the_o forego_n approbation_n i_o esteem_v it_o much_o for_o my_o advantage_n to_o adjoine_v the_o follow_a testimony_n of_o my_o sincerity_n and_o faithfullnes_n in_o deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o v._o author_n the_o excellent_a person_n from_o who_o the_o letter_n come_v will_n i_o hope_v pardon_v this_o publish_n without_o a_o commission_n from_o herself_o what_o she_o private_o direct_v to_o i_o since_o it_o be_v do_v for_o the_o better_a recommendation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n so_o worthy_o esteem_v by_o she_o to_o the_o r._n f._n serenus_n cressy_n reverend_a father_z i_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o particular_a obligation_n that_o our_o convent_n have_v to_o your_o r._n p._n for_o the_o great_a diligence_n you_o have_v use_v and_o the_o very_a much_o labour_v you_o have_v bestow_v in_o compil_v the_o abridgement_n of_o our_o venerable_a and_o dear_a father_n baker_n work_v so_o exact_o conformable_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o as_o we_o well_o know_v the_o pain_n you_o have_v take_v in_o peruse_v serious_o all_o his_o book_n several_a time_n and_o in_o collect_v the_o substance_n of_o each_o digest_v and_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o most_o convenient_a order_n and_o method_n and_o that_o you_o refuse_v not_o to_o undergo_v the_o labour_n to_o go_v through_o all_o this_o a_o second_o time_n to_o give_v the_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o tender_v your_o abridgement_n most_o entire_o conformable_a to_o his_o write_n in_o the_o very_a expression_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v so_o we_o may_v very_o well_o believe_v that_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o assist_v very_o much_o your_o unwearied_a industry_n since_o not_o any_o that_o have_v read_v your_o book_n and_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o author_n work_n have_v find_v any_o objection_n to_o make_v either_o of_o any_o thing_n want_v or_o differ_v from_o he_o but_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o you_o have_v most_o faithful_o clear_o and_o substantial_o deliver_v his_o doctrine_n we_o can_v therefore_o but_o hope_n god_n will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o your_o fidelity_n care_n and_o pain_n in_o a_o work_n so_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o pray_v and_o none_o shall_v esteem_v themselves_o more_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o gratitude_n then_o r._n father_z your_o unworthy_a sister_n and_o servant_n s._n catharine_n de_fw-fr s._n maria_fw-la abbess_n unworthy_a cambray_n july_n the_o 7._o 1657._o a_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o preface_n §_o 1._o 2._o etc._n etc._n objection_n before_o &_o since_o the_o author_n death_n make_v against_o the_o publish_v of_o this_o doctrine_n §_o 9_o 10._o the_o first_o objection_n because_o the_o knowledge_n &_o practice_n of_o it_o belong_v to_o few_o answer_v §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o etc._n etc._n a_o second_o objection_n viz._n because_o suspicion_n may_v be_v give_v to_o catholic_n of_o pretend_v to_o new_a illumination_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n answer_v large_o &_o the_o contrary_n demonstrate_v §_o 16._o 17._o what_o illumination_n be_v here_o mean_v and_o how_o divine_a love_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v most_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n §_o 21._o 22._o a_o three_o objection_n viz._n that_o sectary_n will_v hence_o take_v advantage_n to_o justify_v their_o frenzy_n &_o disorder_n §_o 23._o 24._o 25._o etc._n etc._n four_o preparatory_a ground_n lay_v for_o the_o clear_a answer_v this_o objection_n §_o 31._o 32._o the_o say_a objection_n answer_v where_o be_v contrary_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o publish_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o only_a mean_a to_o discover_v &_o disprove_v the_o false_a illumination_n of_o sectary_n §_o 33._o 34._o 35._o etc._n etc._n a_o exhortation_n to_o sectary_n to_o observe_v the_o strange_a difference_n between_o their_o spirit_n &_o that_o of_o catholic_n §_o 39_o 40._o etc._n etc._n a_o explanation_n of_o certain_a passage_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n §_o 47._o a_o just_a request_n to_o the_o reader_n §_o 48._o a_o submission_n of_o all_o to_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a &c._n &c._n belove_a christian_a reader_n before_o thou_o proceed_v to_o partake_v of_o what_o be_v promise_v thou_o in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o this_o book_n thou_o be_v entreat_v to_o
permit_v thyself_o to_o be_v detain_v while_n in_o the_o entry_n for_o perhaps_o a_o short_a delay_n here_o will_v make_v thy_o progress_n afterward_o both_o more_o speedy_a and_o profitable_a 2._o this_o be_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o that_o the_o immaculate_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n though_o it_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o oppose_v or_o so_o much_o as_o question_v the_o verity_n thereof_o speculative_o consider_v yet_o there_o have_v not_o want_v some_o that_o have_v judge_v they_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v thus_o free_o expose_v to_o thy_o view_v much_o doubt_v thou_o will_v prove_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n and_o perverse_a advantage_n from_o they_o 3._o now_o the_o principal_a yea_o only_a point_n that_o give_v some_o this_o jealousy_n be_v that_o which_o thou_o will_v find_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o the_o first_o treatise_n where_o be_v treat_v touch_v divine_a illumination_n inspiration_n impulse_n and_o other_o secret_a operation_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o internal_a liver_n concern_v which_o the_o constant_a teach_v of_o our_o venerable_a author_n in_o brief_a be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_v operation_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v our_o only_a secure_a guide_n and_o master_n in_o these_o secret_a path_n of_o divine_a love_n discover_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a universal_a duty_n to_o be_v aspire_v unto_o by_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v a_o desire_n or_o intention_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o path_n be_v to_o give_v up_o his_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o faculty_n to_o god_n internal_a guidance_n and_o direction_n only_o relinquish_a and_o renounce_v all_o other_o instructour_n and_o instruction_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o subordinate_o cooperate_n with_o this_o our_o divine_a master_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o who_o celestial_a 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be_v so_o fundamental_a to_o all_o his_o other_o instruction_n concern_v prayer_n and_o mortification_n &c_n &c_n that_o the_o least_o weaken_v of_o its_o authority_n render_v all_o the_o rest_n unproffitable_a 5._o but_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v that_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v shake_v by_o humane_a opposition_n or_o disparage_v by_o jealousy_n true_a it_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o though_o this_o fundamental_a verity_n receive_v testimony_n abundant_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o universal_a tradition_n though_o it_o be_v constant_o assert_v in_o the_o school_n and_o sprinkle_v every_o where_o in_o almost_o all_o mystic_a writer_n yet_o scarce_o have_v any_o one_o since_o the_o ancient_a father_n time_n especial_o s._n augustin_n so_o purposely_o large_o and_o earnest_o recommend_v it_o to_o practise_v and_o therefore_o no_o great_a wonder_n it_o be_v if_o such_o a_o way_n of_o deliver_v it_o have_v seem_v a_o novelty_n even_o to_o those_o that_o speculative_o and_o in_o theft_n acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o establish_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o while_o they_o willing_o and_o with_o applause_n hear_v it_o assert_v daily_o in_o the_o school_n yet_o meet_v with_o it_o thus_o popular_o spread_v they_o be_v offend_v with_o it_o i_o mean_v with_o the_o communicate_v it_o to_o the_o use_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o unlearned_a 6._o now_o what_o be_v be_v that_o trouble_a they_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o only_a objection_n in_o the_o author_n life-time_n make_v against_o it_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o mere_a jealousy_n lest_o this_o doctrine_n so_o deliver_v shall_v prejudice_n the_o authority_n of_o superior_n the_o which_o objection_n he_o answer_v to_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o matter_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o answer_n follow_v in_o the_o nine_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o section_n of_o the_o first_o treatise_n and_o need_v not_o be_v here_o repeat_v 7._o but_o since_o his_o death_n and_o especial_o after_o that_o by_o a_o general_a unanimous_a agreement_n of_o all_o superior_n among_o we_o it_o have_v be_v ordain_v that_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o author_n spiritual_a doctrine_n shall_v for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n be_v publish_v both_o the_o same_o objection_n have_v be_v renew_v and_o other_o moreover_o add_v thereto_o and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o like_a ground_n of_o jealousy_n not_o so_o much_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v rational_a by_o the_o obiectour_n themselves_o who_o ready_o subscribe_v to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o catholick_o true_a and_o holy_a as_o fear_v from_o other_o to_o wit_n partly_o from_o ordinary_a not_o learned_a catholic_n who_o it_o be_v suspect_v will_v be_v suspicious_a of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o will_v seem_v new_a and_o however_o unproper_a to_o they_o but_o principal_o from_o stranger_n &_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n especial_o the_o frantic_a enthusiast_n of_o this_o age_n who_o as_o be_v fear_v will_v conceive_v their_o frenzy_n and_o disorder_n justify_v here_o 8._o these_o thing_n consider_v both_o zeal_n to_o truth_n duty_n to_o superior_n and_o charity_n to_o thou_o belove_a reader_n oblige_v i_o before_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abstain_v from_o read_v the_o book_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v beforehand_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v into_o thy_o hand_n that_o the_o suspect_a inconvenience_n and_o suspicion_n be_v evident_o groundless_a that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a frenzy_n in_o the_o enthusiast_n of_o these_o day_n or_o in_o any_o seduce_v or_o seduce_a spirit_n to_o claim_v any_o right_n in_o this_o doctrine_n then_o that_o which_o all_o ready_a possess_v they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o no_o objection_n either_o against_o the_o doctrine_n or_o publish_n of_o it_o either_o have_v or_o as_o we_o suppose_v can_v rational_o be_v devise_v to_o make_v we_o repent_v the_o print_n or_o thou_o the_o read_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n 9_o among_o the_o say_a objection_n this_o one_o be_v scarce_o worthy_a to_o find_v place_n which_o yet_o by_o some_o have_v be_v urge_v in_o general_a against_o the_o publish_n to_o all_o christian_n view_v instruction_n about_o prayer_n and_o mystical_a practice_n proper_a to_o a_o few_o contemplative_a person_n for_o who_o alone_o the_o author_n intend_v they_o without_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o have_v they_o communicate_v &_o expose_v so_o general_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o treatise_n discourse_n of_o sublime_a mystic_a matter_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o also_o that_o whereas_o to_o such_o tender_a wellminded_n soul_n as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o say_a treatise_n be_v mean_v just_a liberty_n &_o condescendence_n be_v allow_v in_o many_o case_n not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o other_o that_o either_o in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o in_o a_o religious_a life_n do_v walk_v in_o other_o way_n these_o notwithstanding_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o liberty_n 10._o but_o sure_o as_o it_o will_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o forbid_v a_o physician_n to_o publish_v a_o book_n of_o remedy_n against_o some_o special_a disease_n for_o fear_v that_o some_o that_o be_v untouched_a of_o those_o disease_n or_o perhaps_o sick_a of_o the_o contrary_a shall_v hurt_v themselves_o with_o make_v use_n of_o medecine_n improper_a for_o they_o or_o molina_n the_o carthusian_n to_o publish_v his_o excellent_a instruction_n for_o priest_n least_o lay-person_n shall_v assume_v the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o that_o sublime_a call_v or_o aluarez_n de_fw-fr paz_n to_o print_v his_o volume_n about_o the_o duty_n &_o exercise_n of_o religious_a person_n because_o they_o be_v improper_a for_o secular_o so_o neither_o upon_o such_o ground_n ought_v these_o instruction_n be_v hinder_v from_o be_v public_a neither_o
in_o which_o they_o direct_v we_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o be_v order_v only_o towards_o a_o more_o perfect_a love_a of_o god_n and_o withdraw_v we_o from_o creature_n whereas_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o enormous_a vice_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o mislead_v light_n 34._o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n between_o catholic_n inspiration_n and_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o sectary_n such_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o divine_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o direct_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a humble_a obedient_a &_o devout_a catholic_n and_o such_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o disorder_n revenge_n wrath_n rebellion_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o dismal_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o spirit_n wherewith_o selfe-opinionated_n presumptuous_a frantic_a sectary_n be_v agitate_a what_o resemblance_n what_o agreement_n can_v there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o this_o evil_a spirit_n though_o it_o sacrilegious_o usurp_v the_o name_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o counterfeit_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o good_a one_o or_o if_o with_o the_o name_n it_o do_v sometime_o seem_v to_o counterfeit_v some_o outward_a resemblance_n and_o to_o some_o person_n show_v demure_a look_v &c_n &c_n yet_o the_o aequivocation_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o they_o must_v put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o perceive_v it_o not_o 35._o shall_v we_o then_o extinguish_v and_o in_o a_o sort_n exorcise_v the_o good_a divine_a spirit_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v raise_v up_o the_o evil_a one_o with_o it_o or_o rather_o shall_v we_o not_o confident_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o upon_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o good_a one_o the_o evil_a one_o will_v either_o vanish_v or_o the_o hideousnes_n of_o it_o will_v affright_v all_o from_o harken_v to_o it_o shall_v we_o forbid_v the_o sun_n to_o rise_v because_o in_o some_o unclean_a rot_a marsh_n some_o fog_n will_v arise_v with_o it_o we_o may_v as_o well_o annul_v the_o sacrament_n forbid_v prayer_n extinguish_v the_o scripture_n &c_n &c_n for_o from_o all_o these_o the_o devil_n have_v malicious_o take_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v and_o damn_v thousand_o of_o soul_n 36._o no_o doubt_v it_o be_v but_o that_o among_o those_o seduce_a and_o seduce_a people_n great_a number_n there_o be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v charitable_o instruct_v in_o such_o way_n of_o discern_v spirit_n they_o will_v be_v susprise_v and_o start_v to_o see_v to_o what_o kind_n of_o directour_n and_o guide_n they_o have_v unwary_o commit_v their_o soul_n if_o such_o as_o these_o can_v persuade_v and_o i_o beseech_v god_n they_o may_v even_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o while_n to_o suspend_v the_o pursuance_n of_o their_o busy_a design_n and_o reform_v of_o other_o and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o solitude_n allow_v themselves_o the_o leisure_n to_o turn_v their_o eye_n inward_a into_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o practice_v the_o humble_a selfe-renouncing_a resign_v way_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n teach_v in_o this_o book_n thereby_o to_o procure_v from_o god_n such_o light_n as_o then_o may_v be_v trust_v to_o nor_o they_o nor_o we_o shall_v ever_o repent_v that_o the_o publish_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o give_v they_o a_o happy_a occasion_n to_o do_v so_o 37._o and_o what_o great_a satisfaction_n can_v catholic_n have_v in_o their_o way_n and_o what_o great_a advantage_n can_v they_o have_v over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o proof_n make_v good_a by_o universal_a experience_n viz._n that_o whosoever_o sincere_o and_o constant_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o perfect_a prayer_n as_o be_v here_o teach_v if_o he_o be_v already_o a_o catholic_n he_o will_v most_o certain_o ever_o remain_v so_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n he_o will_v become_v afraid_a of_o remain_v his_o owâ—e_a pastor_n and_o guide_n for_o never_o any_o catholic_n that_o exercise_v spiritual_a prayer_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o catholic_n till_o he_o first_o cease_v so_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o prayer_n in_o any_o perfection_n never_o rest_v upon_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n 38._o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v suffice_v not_o only_o to_o justify_v the_o truth_n and_o innocency_n of_o this_o our_o doctrine_n concern_v divine_a inspiration_n but_o also_o the_o lawfullnes_n yea_o conveniency_n yea_o even_o the_o necessity_n of_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o for_o those_o very_a reason_n wherewith_o other_o will_v deter_v us._n for_o the_o obiectour_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o least_o franctick_a sectary_n shall_v think_v themselves_o justify_v in_o their_o pretence_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o conceive_v the_o publication_n necessary_a lest_o they_o shall_v think_v themselves_o justify_v in_o their_o pretence_n which_o till_o they_o see_v how_o unlike_a to_o true_a divine_a light_n and_o inspiration_n they_o be_v they_o may_v have_v some_o show_v for_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v when_o i_o call_v it_o our_o doctrine_n to_o appropriate_v it_o to_o any_o person_n or_o community_n for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v teach_v by_o all_o saint_n experience_v in_o internal_a way_n as_o will_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o infinite_a testimony_n ancient_a and_o modern_a if_o god_n shall_v engage_v we_o to_o such_o a_o labour_n by_o the_o opposition_n of_o any_o one_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o pious_a and_o sublime_a author_n of_o the_o treatise_n here_o abridge_v have_v doubtless_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a light_n spend_v more_o thought_n about_o this_o subject_n and_o take_v more_o pain_n in_o encouragng_n wellminded_n soul_n to_o fit_n themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o such_o light_n in_o distinguish_v it_o from_o false_a light_n and_o in_o show_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n then_o perhaps_o any_o other_o author_n former_o do_v and_o that_o be_v all_o for_o the_o doctrine_n in_o substance_n be_v all_o old_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o can_v show_v strange_a or_o new_a but_o only_o to_o such_o to_o who_o in_o these_o day_n antiquity_n do_v seem_v the_o great_a novelty_n 39_o have_v thus_o by_o declare_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o these_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o follow_a instruction_n open_v the_o barrier_n to_o give_v this_o book_n a_o free_a escape_n to_o range_v abroad_o at_o liberty_n and_o my_o only_a intention_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n to_o benefit_v thy_o soul_n dear_a reader_n for_o as_o for_o the_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n of_o gain_v credit_n or_o esteem_v with_o other_o thereby_o the_o ambition_n be_v so_o unworthy_a my_o profession_n and_o withal_o so_o poor_a and_o unreasonable_a consider_v that_o i_o can_v appropriate_v nothing_o to_o myself_o but_o a_o little_a pain_n in_o transcribe_v &_o digest_v another_o man_n labour_n that_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n with_o thou_o in_o that_o regard_n therefore_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v according_a to_o my_o utmost_a ability_n facilitate_v thy_o receive_n good_a to_o thy_o spirit_n hereby_o though_o i_o have_v no_o more_o objection_n to_o answer_n yet_o by_o converse_v with_o certain_a pious_a and_o learned_a person_n to_o who_o perusal_n and_o judgement_n this_o book_n be_v present_v have_v find_v that_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o clear_o express_v but_o that_o even_o a_o uninteress_v and_o unpassionate_a reader_n may_v perhaps_o stop_v a_o little_a at_o they_o i_o think_v expedient_a to_o let_v thou_o good_a reader_n be_v acquaint_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o give_v to_o they_o 40._o one_o point_n that_o seem_v to_o require_v a_o explication_n be_v that_o in_o the_o 1._o treat_n 2._o section_n 2._o chap._n where_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o care_n a_o spiritual_a disciple_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o sit_v directour_n for_o to_o leave_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o unexperienced_a &_o perhaps_o young_a &_o ignorant_a soul_n seem_v to_o they_o neither_o convenient_a nor_o prudent_a beside_o that_o in_o religious_a community_n such_o a_o permission_n will_v be_v a_o infringe_n of_o all_o due_a order_n and_o submission_n to_o superior_n but_o hereto_o be_v reply_v 1._o that_o religious_a person_n be_v express_o except_v in_o the_o book_n 2._o and_o as_o for_o other_o this_o very_a same_o advice_n be_v long_o since_o give_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o geneva_n auila_n etc._n etc._n true_a it_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o may_v oft_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n many_o good_a devout_a soul_n
which_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o yet_o to_o join_v with_o he_o but_o however_o he_o show_v in_o his_o bookâ—_n style_v la_fw-fr vie_n interieure_fw-fr that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o mystick_n union_n and_o that_o be_v so_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o former_a supposition_n 46._o beside_o these_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v other_o passage_n that_o thou_o also_o devout_a reader_n if_o thou_o have_v have_v the_o perusal_n before_o the_o impression_n will_v perhaps_o have_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o explain_v or_o interpret_v more_o at_o large_a if_o it_o prove_v so_o all_o we_o can_v do_v be_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o thy_o own_o candour_n and_o charity_n promise_v upon_o a_o re-impression_n all_o satisfaction_n possible_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n request_v that_o our_o own_o good_a meaning_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o approver_n may_v be_v our_o safeguard_n only_o one_o suit_n we_o make_v unto_o thou_o most_o reasonable_a and_o just_a which_o be_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o any_o passage_n till_o thou_o have_v read_v the_o whole_a book_n the_o same_o point_n and_o matter_n do_v occasional_o come_v in_o in_o several_a place_n and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o great_a a_o tire_v of_o thou_o to_o repeat_v in_o every_o place_n all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o phrase_n necessary_a for_o explanation_n or_o prevention_n of_o suspicion_n and_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o own_o good_a principal_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o reader_n we_o shall_v stand_v in_o little_a need_n of_o prepare_v thou_o with_o apology_n and_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o hurt_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o reader_n we_o thank_v god_n we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o least_o ill_a design_n to_o make_v we_o fear_v except_o only_o in_o thy_o behalf_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v be_v god_n almighty_a make_v thou_o whosever_v thou_o be_v a_o practiser_n of_o the_o good_a that_o thou_o will_v certain_o find_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v either_o for_o thou_o or_o ourselves_o 47._o thus_o true_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o i_o devout_a reader_n thou_o may_v free_o and_o without_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o any_o danger_n peruse_v and_o make_v thy_o best_a benefit_n of_o these_o follow_a instruction_n the_o which_o moreover_o as_o thou_o see_v have_v pass_v the_o censure_n and_o deserve_v the_o approbation_n of_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a person_n what_o ever_o opinion_n thou_o shall_v after_o read_v have_v of_o they_o at_o least_o i_o will_v oblige_v thou_o to_o acknouledge_v that_o here_o in_o the_o treatise_n that_o follow_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o covert_n indirect_a meaning_n or_o design_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n new_a a_o day_n to_o broach_v any_o bold_a new-fangled_a invention_n and_o much_o less_o of_o maintain_v undue_o what_o shall_v be_v duâ—y_o find_v fault_n with_o since_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o common_a view_v by_o one_o that_o as_o he_o hitherto_o have_v so_o here_o he_o do_v and_o by_o god_n grace_n ever_o will_v submit_v himself_o and_o his_o write_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o next_o to_o all_o other_o his_o superior_n this_o i_o profess_v as_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o humble_a obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o if_o i_o do_v not_o moreover_o express_o signify_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n i_o can_v not_o avoid_v some_o degree_n of_o guilt_n and_o imputation_n of_o not_o deliver_v candide_o and_o faithful_o our_o venerable_a author_n sense_n who_o in_o many_o place_n protest_v the_o like_a submission_n of_o all_o his_o write_n to_o all_o lawful_a authority_n whatsoever_o farewell_n dear_a reader_n oremus_fw-la invicens_fw-la ut_fw-la saluemur_fw-la amen_o the_o first_o treatise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o general_n the_o first_o treatise_n and_o first_o section_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n thereof_o and_o general_a disposition_n require_v thereto_o cap._n i._n 1._o cap._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o continual_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n the_o end_n of_o man_n creation_n &_o practise_v by_o adam_n in_o innocence_n §_o 4._o 5._o man_n fall_n &_o misery_n through_o sin_n §_o 4._o 5._o which_o be_v transfuse_v into_o we_o &_o all_o his_o posterity_n §_o 8._o 9_o the_o reparation_n of_o mankind_n by_o christ_n §_o 10._o 11._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o divine_a love_n by_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o adam_n do_v 1._o it_o be_v only_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o move_v almighty_a god_n to_o create_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o &_o particular_o in_o this_o inferior_a visible_a world_n to_o create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n &_o similitude_n consist_v of_o a_o frail_a earthly_a body_n which_o be_v the_o prison_n of_o a_o immortal_a intellectual_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o his_o understanding_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o unlimited_a knowledge_n &_o by_o his_o will_n which_o can_v be_v replenish_v which_o any_o object_n of_o goodness_n less_o than_o infinite_a he_o may_v so_o govern_v &_o order_v himself_o &_o all_o other_o visible_a creature_n as_o thereby_o to_o arrive_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wit_n eternal_a beatitude_n both_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o heaven_n the_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o return_v to_o the_o divine_a principle_n from_o who_o he_o flow_v &_o a_o inconceaveible_o happy_a union_n with_o he_o both_o in_o mind_n contemplate_v eternal_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n &_o in_o will_n &_o affection_n eternal_o love_v admire_a &_o enjoy_v the_o say_a perfection_n 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v not_o except_o by_o his_o own_o free_a &_o wilful_a choice_n of_o misery_n fail_v from_o attain_v to_o the_o only_a universal_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n god_n be_v please_v to_o the_o natural_a vast_a capacity_n of_o man_n understanding_n &_o wâ—ll_n to_o add_v a_o supernatural_a light_n illustrate_v his_o mind_n to_o believe_v &_o know_v he_o &_o divine_a charity_n in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o weight_n to_o incline_v &_o draw_v the_o soul_n with_o out_o any_o defect_n or_o interruption_n to_o love_n god_n &_o he_o only_o so_o that_o by_o a_o continual_a presence_n of_o this_o light_n &_o a_o uninterrupt_a exercise_n of_o this_o love_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_v in_o time_n have_v attein_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o perfection_n of_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n as_o with_o out_o die_v to_o merit_v a_o translation_n from_o hence_o to_o heaven_n there_o eternal_o to_o enjoy_v a_o far_o more_o incomprehensible_o perfect_a and_o beatify_a union_n with_o god_n 3._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o happiness_n &_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v essential_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o union_n which_o adam_n during_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v &_o will_v always_o have_v practise_v be_v in_o a_o sort_n perpetual_a never_o be_v interrupt_v except_o perhaps_o in_o sleep_n for_o love_v god_n only_o &_o pure_o for_o himself_o he_o have_v no_o strange_a affection_n to_o distract_v he_o and_o the_o image_n of_o creature_n which_o either_o by_o his_o consideration_n of_o they_o or_o operation_n about_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o internal_a sense_n do_v not_o at_o all_o divert_v his_o mind_n from_o god_n because_o he_o contemplate_v they_o only_o in_o order_n to_o god_n or_o rather_o he_o contemplate_v god_n alone_o in_o they_o love_v &_o serve_v he_o only_o in_o all_o his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o working_n about_o they_o so_o that_o creature_n and_o all_o office_n towards_o they_o serve_v as_o step_n to_o raise_v adam_n to_o a_o more_o sublime_a &_o more_o intime_fw-la union_n with_o god_n the_o which_o be_v both_o his_o duty_n &_o his_o present_a happiness_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o his_o future_a eternal_a beatitude_n 4._o but_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o a_o wilful_a contempt_n &_o transgression_n of_o that_o one_o most_o easy_a command_n which_o god_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o not_o only_o break_v the_o foresay_a union_n &_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v god_n eternal_o in_o the_o future_a life_n but_o moreover_o be_v utter_o deve_v of_o all_o supernatural_a grace_n &_o extreme_o weaken_v &_o disorder_v in_o all_o their_o natural_a gift_n so_o that_o have_v lose_v that_o
though_o in_o themselves_o venial_a yet_o do_v much_o obscure_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o such_o imperfect_a soul_n do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o action_n &_o its_o essentials_n follow_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o by_o mix_v of_o sensual_a interest_n &_o end_n suggest_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n they_o do_v diminish_v its_o lustre_n beauty_n &_o value_v and_o so_o subtle_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o oft_o make_v its_o false_a suggestion_n pass_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o seldom_o miss_v the_o insinuate_a its_o poison_n in_o some_o degree_n either_o into_o the_o beginning_n or_o continuation_n of_o our_o best_a action_n 5._o from_o these_o unquestionable_a ground_n thus_o true_o lay_v it_o follow_v evident_o that_o in_o all_o good_a action_n &_o especial_o in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o conduct_v to_o contemplation_n &_o perfection_n god_n alone_o be_v our_o only_a master_n &_o director_n &_o creature_n when_v he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v they_o be_v only_o his_o instrument_n so_o that_o all_o other_o teacher_n whatsoever_o whether_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o external_a directour_n or_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n be_v no_o further_o nor_o otherwise_o to_o be_v follow_v or_o hearken_v to_o then_o as_o they_o be_v subordinate_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o internal_a direction_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o as_o god_n invite_v instruct_v &_o move_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o they_o by_o they_o to_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o will_n &_o by_o he_o enable_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n they_o will_v certain_o mislead_v us._n 5._o this_o be_v by_o all_o mystical_a writer_n acknowledge_v so_o fundamental_a a_o truth_n that_o without_o acknowledge_v it_o &_o work_v according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n so_o that_o to_o say_v as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v say_v by_o author_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_a but_o have_v no_o taste_n of_o these_o mystic_a matter_n take_v all_o your_o instruction_n from_o without_o from_o externall_n teacher_n or_o book_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n which_o can_v be_v teach_v by_o no_o other_o but_o god_n or_o by_o those_o who_o god_n special_o instruct_v &_o appoint_v determinate_o for_o the_o disciple_n present_a exigence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o internal_o teach_v both_o the_o teacher_n &_o disciple_n &_o his_o inspiration_n be_v the_o only_a lesson_n for_o both_o all_o our_o light_n therefore_o be_v from_o divine_a illumination_n &_o all_o our_o strength_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v from_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o our_o will_n &_o affection_n 7._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o so_o important_a a_o verity_n may_v more_o distinct_o be_v declare_v &_o more_o firm_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v god_n scholar_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n they_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o inspiration_n which_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n though_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o do_v extend_v further_o &_o to_o more_o &_o other_o particular_a object_n than_o the_o divine_a light_n or_o grace_n by_o which_o good_a christian_n live_v common_a life_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lead_v extend_v to_o yea_o then_o it_o do_v even_o in_o those_o that_o seek_v perfection_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n 8._o the_o light_n &_o virtue_n of_o common_a grace_n afford_v general_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n such_o internal_a illumination_n &_o motion_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o any_o sinful_a tentation_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v oblige_v though_o this_o direction_n be_v oft_o obey_v with_o many_o circumstantial_a defect_n and_o their_o action_n be_v so_o far_o &_o no_o further_o meritorious_a &_o please_a to_o god_n then_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o such_o internal_a grace_n or_o inspiration_n but_o as_o for_o other_o action_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o necessary_a obligation_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o the_o advance_v &_o perfect_v of_o holiness_n in_o their_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v the_o ordinary_a &_o usual_o esteem_v indifferent_a action_n of_o their_o life_n to_o a_o due_a improovement_n of_o such_o action_n they_o have_v neither_o the_o light_n nor_o the_o strength_n or_o very_o seldom_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o live_v distract_v life_n not_o use_v such_o solitude_n &_o recollection_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o dispose_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o receive_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n &_o virtue_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n by_o active_a exercise_n even_o the_o more_o perfect_a although_o they_o attain_v thereby_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n &_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o perform_v their_o necessary_a duty_n of_o holiness_n more_o perfect_o &_o with_o a_o more_o pure_a intention_n &_o likeewise_o make_v far_o great_a benefit_n for_o their_o advancement_n by_o action_n &_o occurrence_n more_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o also_o for_o want_n of_o habitual_a introversion_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n do_v pass_v over_o without_o benefit_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a action_n 9_o but_o as_o for_o contemplative_a liver_n those_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v make_v a_o sufficient_a progress_n towards_o perfection_n beside_o the_o common_a grace_n light_n or_o inspiration_n necessary_a for_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o essential_a duty_n the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o purify_v their_o action_n from_o a_o world_n of_o secret_a impurity_n &_o subtle_a mixture_n of_o the_o interest_n &_o end_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n invisible_a to_o all_o other_o soul_n beside_o this_o light_n i_o say_v which_o be_v presuppose_v &_o prerequire_v they_o walk_v in_o a_o continual_a supernatural_a light_n &_o be_v guide_v by_o assiduous_a inspiration_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o most_o ordinary_a &_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a action_n &_o occurrence_n in_o all_o which_o they_o clear_o see_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o do_v will_n of_o god_n &_o by_o they_o also_o to_o improove_v themselves_o in_o the_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o extraordinary_a light_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n introversion_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n 11._o more_o particular_o by_o this_o internal_a divine_a light_n a_o internal_a liver_n be_v or_o may_v be_v direct_v 1._o in_o the_o manner_n &_o circumstance_n when_o where_o &_o how_o any_o virtue_n may_v most_o proffitable_o &_o perfect_o be_v exercise_v for_o as_o for_o the_o substantial_a act_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n &_o the_o necessary_a oblige_a circumstance_n in_o which_o it_o can_v with_o out_o mortal_a sin_n be_v omit_v the_o light_n of_o common_a sanctify_a grace_n will_v suffice_v to_o direct_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n frequency_n length_n change_n &_o other_o circumstance_n of_o internal_a prayer_n 3._o in_o action_n or_o omission_n which_o absolute_o consider_v may_v seem_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a &_o at_o the_o present_a there_o may_v be_v as_o to_o ordinary_a light_n a_o uncertainty_n whether_o the_o do_v or_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a this_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o supernatural_a inspiration_n &_o light_n such_o action_n or_o omission_n be_v for_o example_n read_v study_v of_o such_o or_o such_o matter_n walk_v converse_v stay_v in_o or_o quit_v solitude_n in_o one_o cell_n take_v a_o journey_n undertake_v or_o refuse_v a_o employment_n accept_v or_o refuse_v inuitation_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n well-minded_a soul_n by_o solitude_n &_o introversion_n dispose_v themselves_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o impulse_n communicate_v to_o they_o which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o side_n of_o the_o doubt_n which_o if_o they_o correspond_v thereto_o will_v most_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n &_o suit_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n whereas_o without_o such_o light_n general_o soul_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o obscure_a light_n &_o impulse_n of_o nature_n &_o carnal_a end_n or_o interest_n without_o
a_o foolish_a pronenes_n to_o discover_v their_o interior_a nor_o without_o a_o just_a necessity_n continue_v to_o seek_v instruction_n from_o without_o nothing_o will_v excuse_v it_o but_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a light_n in_o some_o special_a doubtful_a case_n &_o then_o also_o they_o have_v a_o internal_a inspiration_n &_o motion_n to_o seek_v it_o from_o other_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o divine_a internal_a master_n that_o they_o obey_v who_o speak_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o external_a director_n appoint_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n the_o devout_a reader_n may_v further_o see_v what_o the_o forementioned_a excellent_a author_n of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la say_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o 2._o part_n &_o 91._o chapter_n as_o likewise_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a chap._n 49._o &_o 54._o 3._o now_o to_o the_o end_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o soul_n as_o have_v freedom_n to_o make_v she_o own_o choice_n i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o quality_n necessary_a to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a director_n by_o which_o title_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v simple_o a_o confessarius_fw-la that_o be_v only_o to_o hear_v fault_n confess_v to_o give_v absolution_n &_o there_o a_o end_n for_o the_o ordinary_a quality_n of_o learning_n &_o prudence_n be_v sufficien_fw-fr thereto_o but_o by_o a_o spiritual_a director_n i_o intend_v one_o that_o beside_o this_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o disciple_n in_o all_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o her_o propension_n to_o contemplative_a way_n &_o that_o can_v at_o least_o teach_v she_o how_o she_o may_v fit_a herself_o with_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o she_o that_o know_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n &_o can_v determine_v how_o long_o she_o be_v to_o remain_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n &_o when_o to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o high_a that_o can_v judge_v what_o employment_n &c._n &c._n be_v helpful_a or_o hinder_v to_o her_o progress_n in_o internal_a way_n but_o especial_o that_o can_v teach_v she_o how_o to_o dispose_v herself_o to_o hearken_v to_o &_o follow_v god_n internal_a teach_n &_o to_o stand_v in_o no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v her_o externall_n directour_n etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o guide_n to_o enable_v he_o whereto_o there_o be_v general_o by_o spiritual_a writer_n require_v three_o principal_a quality_n 1._o a_o good_a natural_a judgement_n 2._o learning_n 3._o experience_n 4._o but_o because_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o all_o place_n &_o for_o all_o soul_n to_o find_v a_o director_n absolute_o perfect_a &_o qualify_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o fit_a condition_n therefore_o the_o say_a writer_n do_v dispute_v what_o quality_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o director_n capable_a of_o a_o sufficient_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o first_o condition_n to_o wit_n a_o good_a natural_a judgement_n though_o by_o all_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v insufficient_a alone_o yet_o be_v it_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o no_o considerable_a experience_n can_v be_v attein_v &_o learn_v if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o extravagant_a capricious_a spirit_n will_v prove_v rather_o pernicious_a then_o advantageous_a therefore_o the_o question_n remain_v between_o learning_n &_o experience_n whether_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a 5._o but_o true_o this_o scarce_a deserve_v to_o be_v a_o question_n for_o though_o for_o the_o assoyl_a of_o ordinary_a doubt_n &_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o about_o fast_v say_v the_o divine_a office_n confession_n restitution_n &c_n &c_n learning_n be_v the_o principal_a condition_n to_o be_v look_v after_o in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o guide_n for_o such_o purpose_n notwthstand_v since_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spiritual_a director_n that_o now_o we_o seek_v after_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o internal_a matter_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v say_v to_o wit_n contemplative_a prayer_n attend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v the_o resolute_a judgement_n of_o gerson_n auila_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n seraphinus_n firmanus_n &c_n &c_n that_o no_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o learning_n without_o experience_n but_o much_o to_o experience_n though_o without_o learning_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o instrument_n that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v both_o in_o ancient_a &_o modern_a time_n to_o employ_v in_o the_o instruct_v &_o guide_v of_o soul_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n have_v be_v person_n of_o small_a learning_n but_o great_a experience_n such_o as_o be_v s._n anthony_n s._n benedict_n s._n francis_n s._n teresa_n &c_n &c_n 6._o no_o learning_n therefore_o that_o may_v be_v get_v by_o study_n &_o read_v though_o of_o all_o the_o contemplative_a book_n that_o now_o be_v extant_a will_v alone_o serve_v to_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a director_n for_o internal_a liver_n but_o there_o be_v necessary_a experience_n &_o practice_v in_o the_o same_o prayer_n &_o other_o internal_a exercise_n that_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v for_o never_o so_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o discursive_a prayer_n will_v little_o avayle_v to_o qualify_v any_o person_n to_o become_v a_o proper_a &_o profitable_a director_n for_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n as_o all_o enclose_a religious_a man_n &_o woman_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v 7._o yea_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a for_o a_o wellmeaning_n soul_n to_o trust_v to_o her_o own_o internal_a light_n though_o obscure_a &_o to_o such_o instruction_n as_o book_n which_o treat_v of_o such_o kind_n of_o prayer_n will_v afford_v she_o or_o else_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o virtuous_a humble-minded_n directour_n who_o though_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a proportion_n either_o of_o experience_n or_o learning_n yet_o out_o of_o humility_n will_v not_o assume_v unto_o himself_o authority_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n above_o his_o reach_n but_o will_v encourage_v the_o soul_n either_o to_o seek_v out_o one_o more_o intelligent_a or_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o her_o own_o spirit_n illuminate_v by_o grace_n then_o to_o confide_v in_o such_o directour_n as_o believe_v &_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o world_n do_v so_o too_o that_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a kind_n of_o internal_a prayer_n &_o by_o consequence_n who_o best_o advice_n will_v be_v to_o make_v she_o suspect_v all_o tract_n &_o invitation_n wherewith_n god_n shall_v draw_v she_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a quiet_a pure_a prayer_n in_o spirit_n from_o which_o such_o directour_n will_v pluck_v she_o down_o to_o multiplicity_n distraction_n &_o unquietnes_n the_o best_a prayer_n that_o they_o can_v teach_v be_v that_o which_o be_v exercise_v more_o gross_o in_o the_o imagination_n in_o figure_v of_o seene_n posture_n &_o representation_n or_o by_o curious_a painful_a discourse_n in_o the_o understanding_n fettr_n her_o likewise_o with_o nice_a form_n &_o method_n in_o meditation_n both_o very_a insupportable_a &_o also_o unproffitable_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o the_o design_n of_o such_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n though_o very_o good_a &_o proper_a for_o those_o who_o live_v active_a life_n what_o order_n can_v such_o directour_n give_v touch_v the_o true_a use_n of_o aspiration_n of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n or_o concern_v other_o subtle_a pure_a elevation_n annihilation_n or_o internal_a reposefull_a silent_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o much_o less_o help_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o strange_a in_o explicable_a privatious_a the_o which_o be_v of_o infinite_a variety_n befalling_a to_o many_o soul_n high_o advance_v in_o contemplation_n 8._o what_o a_o misery_n therefore_o be_v it_o to_o see_v contemplative_a order_n yea_o even_o those_o of_o the_o great_a solitude_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n afford_v they_o so_o great_a advantage_n for_o contemplation_n to_o seek_v rule_n for_o contemplative_a prayer_n from_o those_o who_o profession_n be_v so_o absolute_o contrary_a thereto_o and_o the_o more_o that_o such_o incompetent_a directour_n be_v practise_v &_o advance_v in_o skill_n about_o their_o own_o exercise_n the_o more_o unfit_a be_v they_o to_o become_v guide_n to_o contemplative_a spirit_n &_o the_o more_o dangerous_a be_v it_o to_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o such_o experience_n join_v with_o learning_n will_v make_v they_o confident_a that_o their_o own_o way_n be_v the_o very_o best_a for_o all_o &_o zealous_a to_o draw_v all_o other_o to_o a_o like_n &_o admiration_n of_o it_o most_o certain_a it_o
that_o so_o much_o talk_v of_o spirit_n of_o a_o order_n nor_o how_o several_a order_n though_o never_o so_o much_o distinguish_v by_o habit_n or_o certain_a external_a practice_n if_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n can_v have_v any_o more_o than_o one_o spirit_n which_o direct_v they_o to_o make_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o be_v the_o seek_n of_o god_n in_o his_o internal_a way_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o for_o that_o only_a end_n beside_o conformable_a prayer_n to_o practice_v such_o observance_n &_o mortification_n as_o will_v best_o promote_v this_o design_n and_o sure_o this_o good_a spirit_n of_o religion_n &_o contemplation_n a_o good_a director_n of_o what_o profession_n soever_o will_v very_o studious_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v yea_o &_o moreover_o will_v no_o doubt_n oblige_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v very_o regular_a &_o zealous_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o good_a ordinance_n of_o the_o community_n &_o principal_o of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o their_o profession_n make_v instruct_v they_o withal_o how_o they_o may_v use_v such_o thing_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o their_o spirit_n &_o the_o service_n of_o god_n although_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o cunning_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a observance_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o he_o 17._o all_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o contemplative_a order_n be_v nor_o natural_o fit_v for_o contemplative_a way_n nor_o the_o seek_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v not_o &_o indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o much_o light_n in_o their_o interiour_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v guide_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n do_v the_o more_o need_n to_o have_v certain_a rule_n from_o without_o at_o least_o for_o the_o exterior_a and_o for_o such_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o direction_n that_o they_o shall_v more_o depend_v on_o externall_n guide_v 18._o he_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o spiritual_a director_n say_v thauâ—erus_n aught_o for_o some_o reasonable_a space_n of_o time_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o a_o few_o transitory_a conference_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o give_v he_o light_v concern_v their_o propension_n &_o disposition_n that_o he_o may_v fit_v they_o with_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o they_o both_o for_o the_o present_a &_o future_a and_o his_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o set_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o need_v to_o have_v much_o recourse_n unto_o he_o afterward_o the_o which_o be_v do_v by_o give_v they_o general_a direction_n about_o their_o prayer_n &_o especial_o how_o thereby_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o receive_v light_n from_o god_n who_o inspiration_n ought_v for_o the_o future_a to_o â—e_v their_o principal_a rule_n especial_o for_o the_o interiour_n and_o for_o the_o practise_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n give_v the_o disciple_n must_v use_v their_o own_o judgement_n &_o for_o a_o help_n they_o may_v also_o make_v use_n of_o such_o instruction_n as_o they_o may_v find_v in_o book_n so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v proper_a for_o their_o spirit_n but_o in_o case_n when_o neither_o their_o own_o judgement_n nor_o book_n will_v help_v they_o if_o the_o difficulty_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n they_o may_v again_o have_v recourse_n unto_o their_o director_n 19_o and_o in_o this_o sort_n be_v writer_n that_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o externall_n directour_n to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o such_o necessity_n be_v to_o last_v always_o good_a soul_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o confer_v with_o directour_n from_o whence_o will_v follow_v continual_a sollicitude_n scrupulosity_n &_o dangerous_a distraction_n &c._n &c._n most_o contrary_a to_o a_o internal_a spiritual_a life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o much_o repose_n cessation_n introversion_n &_o a_o continual_a attendance_n unto_o what_o god_n speak_v within_o unto_o a_o soul_n who_o if_o soul_n will_v humble_o &_o faithful_o depend_v on_o he_o will_v clear_v &_o resolve_v difficulty_n which_o externall_n master_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o but_o it_o be_v too_o general_a a_o humour_n in_o directour_n now_o adays_o to_o make_v themselves_o seem_v necessary_a unto_o their_o disciple_n who_o hey_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o their_o progress_n in_o spirit_n beside_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n not_o needful_a to_o be_v mention_v particular_o 20._o a_o soul_n thar_z have_v recourse_n to_o a_o instructor_n provide_v by_o god_n for_o she_o or_o that_o use_v her_o best_a advice_n she_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o must_v deal_v free_o plain_o &_o candid_o with_o he_o conceil_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o he_o &_o his_o direction_n she_o must_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n assure_v herself_o that_o if_o she_o do_v so_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o her_o heart_n &_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n himself_o god_n will_v enlighten_v he_o so_o that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v 21._o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n that_o except_o thereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fit_v a_o soul_n with_o a_o sort_n &_o degree_n of_o prayer_n suitable_a to_o her_o natural_a disposition_n not_o tie_v all_o soul_n to_o begin_v according_a to_o any_o general_a method_n for_o none_o such_o can_v be_v perscribe_v but_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o some_o &_o unless_o he_o teach_v she_o how_o she_o may_v become_v illuminate_v without_o he_o by_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n wherewith_o the_o mist_n of_o image_n &_o passion_n be_v dispel_v a_o light_n will_v spring_v forth_o in_o the_o soul_n far_o more_o clear_a &_o certain_a than_o any_o that_o can_v come_v from_o humane_a instruction_n not_o all_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n &_o angel_n join_v with_o all_o mortification_n imaginable_a will_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o contemplation_n for_o seldom_o or_o never_o do_v god_n work_v contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a complexion_n and_o till_o soul_n come_v to_o exercise_n in_o spirit_n &_o prayer_n infuse_v by_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v far_o from_o contemplation_n 22._o now_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o director_n to_o know_v exact_o the_o secret_a inclination_n of_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v so_o infinite_o various_a and_o therefore_o for_o the_o most_o part_n their_o instruction_n about_o prayer_n &_o attendance_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n must_v be_v general_a the_o which_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o must_v make_v a_o particular_a use_n of_o by_o observe_v their_o own_o ability_n &_o inclination_n &_o by_o mark_v what_o more_o particular_a form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n suit_n best_o with_o they_o &_o do_v they_o most_o good_a and_o this_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o a_o reasonable_a manner_n to_o do_v or_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v put_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v in_o those_o secret_a internal_a way_n 23._o if_o the_o way_n wherein_o a_o soul_n be_v put_v &_o have_v make_v a_o reasonable_a progress_n be_v indeed_o proper_a for_o she_o there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o frequent_a recourse_n unto_o her_o director_n neither_o ought_v he_o to_o examine_v she_o about_o her_o internal_a exercise_n of_o which_o he_o may_v judge_v well_o enough_o by_o her_o external_a comportment_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n interior_o but_o of_o itself_o it_o will_v break_v out_o exterior_o especial_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o right_a way_n as_o the_o spiritual_a director_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o interior_o in_o a_o good_a way_n then_o be_v she_o be_v forward_o to_o trouble_v her_o director_n with_o multiplicity_n of_o question_n &_o doubt_n &_o her_o readiness_n to_o discover_v she_o interiour_n to_o other_o who_o she_o have_v hear_v or_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v skilful_a in_o spirituality_n 24._o the_o image_n &_o internal_a distraction_n raise_v by_o impertinent_a consultation_n about_o the_o interiour_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o pernicious_a for_o distraction_n from_o without_o be_v but_o superficial_a whereas_o those_o be_v hatch_v &_o breed_v within_o the_o soul_n from_o some_o secret_a ill_a quality_n as_o fear_v scrupulosity_n curiosity_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v more_o profound_a &_o destructive_a to_o true_a recollection_n
abound_v 3._o but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a book_n the_o intention_n of_o a_o internal_a liver_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o those_o who_o live_v extrovert_v life_n who_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o vain_a curiosity_n or_o to_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o discourse_v of_o such_o sublime_a matter_n without_o any_o particular_a choice_n or_o consideration_n whether_o they_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o spirit_n for_o practice_v or_o no._n a_o contemplative_a soul_n in_o read_v such_o book_n must_v not_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a book_n or_o passage_n but_o moreover_o this_o be_v useful_a &_o proper_a for_o i_o &_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n in_o due_a time_n &_o place_n the_o good_a instruction_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a for_o i_o 4._o for_o such_o soul_n the_o book_n most_o proper_a be_v these_o follow_a scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la write_v by_o f._n walter_n hilton_n the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a write_v by_o a_o unknown_n author_n the_o secret_a path_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o likewise_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o soul_n write_v by_o r._n f._n constant_a in_o barbanson_n a_o capucin_n the_o book_n entitle_v of_o the_o threefold_a will_n of_o god_n write_v by_o r.f._n benet_n fitch_n alias_o ganfield_n a_o capucin_n likewise_o the_o work_n of_o s._n teresa_n of_o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n likewise_o harphius_n thaulerus_n suso_n rusbrochius_n richardus_fw-la de_fw-fr s._n victore_fw-la gerson_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o the_o ancient_n the_o live_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n live_v in_o the_o desert_n &_o cassian_n his_o conference_n of_o certain_a ancient_a hermit_n recommend_v particular_o unto_o we_o by_o our_o holy_a father_n s._n basiles_n rule_v etc._n etc._n then_o for_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n in_o a_o active_a life_n book_n most_o proper_a be_v the_o work_n of_o rodriguez_n of_o perfection_n the_o duke_n of_o gandy_n of_o good_a work_n mons_fw-la de_fw-fr sales_n ludovicus_n de_fw-fr puente_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o book_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n be_v granatensis_n blosius_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o few_o spiritual_a book_n there_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o intermingle_v of_o such_o instruction_n now_o i_o shall_v advise_v soul_n in_o a_o active_a life_n not_o at_o all_o to_o meddle_v with_o instruction_n belong_v to_o contemplation_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n to_o use_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o the_o perfection_n of_o external_a christian_a charity_n 5._o in_o all_o spiritual_a book_n as_o likewise_o in_o all_o that_o treat_v of_o christian_a morality_n such_o instruction_n as_o concern_v the_o essential_a quality_n &_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v proper_a to_o all_o soul_n yet_o not_o so_o the_o motive_n manner_n &_o circumstance_n of_o exercise_v the_o say_a virtue_n 6._o in_o read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n if_o any_o thing_n touch_v prayer_n &c_n &c_n occur_v as_o ofttimes_o it_o will_v happen_v that_o the_o spiritual_a disciple_n understand_v not_o let_v he_o pass_v it_o over_o &_o neither_o unnecessary_o trouble_v his_o own_o brain_n nor_o make_v it_o a_o business_n to_o trouble_v other_o about_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o perhaps_o in_o time_n after_o more_o read_v &_o especial_o more_o experience_n in_o prayer_n he_o will_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o 7._o and_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o do_v indeed_o or_o think_v he_o understand_v they_o let_v he_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o by_o practice_n out_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a judgement_n or_o like_n but_o let_v he_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n way_n &_o internal_a guidance_n by_o god_n &_o according_o make_v use_v of_o they_o otherwise_o instead_o of_o reap_v benefit_n such_o inconvenience_n may_v happen_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a he_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o read_v any_o book_n at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o have_v follow_v his_o own_o internal_a light_n as_o many_o good_a soul_n have_v do_v that_o never_o can_v read_v &_o yet_o seek_v god_n in_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o pray_v without_o any_o prescribe_a method_n practise_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o invitation_n &_o impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v attein_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n 8._o general_o mystic_a author_n write_v according_a to_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n &_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divine_a operation_n in_o soul_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o same_o instruction_n will_v serve_v indefinite_o for_o all_o other_o whereas_o such_o be_v the_o in_o explicable_a variety_n of_o internal_a disposition_n that_o the_o same_o course_n &_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v scarce_o serve_v any_o two_o soul_n therefore_o if_o the_o indiscreet_a reader_n without_o consider_v their_o own_o spirit_n &_o enablement_n shall_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n either_o tarry_v too_o long_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n when_o god_n have_v fit_v they_o &_o do_v call_v they_o to_o a_o high_a or_o in_o a_o foolish_a ambition_n shall_v being_n unprepared_a presume_v to_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n too_o sublime_a &_o spiritual_a for_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o difficulty_n doubt_n &_o consultation_n 9_o but_o of_o all_o error_n the_o great_a &_o most_o dangerous_a be_v the_o indiscreet_a imitate_v the_o example_n &_o practice_n of_o saint_n in_o particular_a extraordinary_a corporal_a mortification_n voluntary_o yet_o by_o god_n special_a direction_n assume_v by_o they_o as_o labour_n fasting_n watch_n discipline_n &c_n &c_n for_o such_o a_o forwardness_n in_o other_o not_o call_v thereto_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v proceed_v mere_o from_o pride_n &_o self-love_n &_o will_v produce_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o same_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o if_o such_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n &_o patience_n as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o exercise_n this_o will_v cause_v infirmity_n of_o body_n deâ—ection_n of_o mind_n &_o weariness_n if_o not_o a_o utter_a cast_n of_o a_o spiritual_a course_n 10._o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o ought_v &_o easy_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o read_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o other_o be_v to_o admire_v god_n way_n in_o the_o conduct_v of_o his_o saint_n &_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o of_o humble_v &_o despise_v of_o ourselves_o see_v how_o short_a we_o come_v of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o virtue_n but_o no_o further_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n than_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n direct_v we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o enable_v we_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n yea_o &_o moreover_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v the_o leave_n &_o approbation_n of_o a_o prudent_a director_n till_o this_o be_v let_v we_o supply_v with_o a_o good_a will_n what_o our_o force_n will_v not_o reach_v unto_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o entangle_v ourselves_o by_o lay_v obligation_n or_o vow_n upon_o our_o soul_n about_o such_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v difficulty_n to_o discharge_v ourselves_o from_o when_o by_o trial_n we_o find_v the_o inconvenience_n 11._o mystic_a writer_n in_o express_v the_o spiritual_a way_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v lead_n do_v oft_o seem_v to_o differ_v extreme_o from_o one_o another_o the_o which_o difference_n notwithstanding_o if_o right_o understand_v be_v mere_o in_o the_o phrase_n &_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o the_o ground_n hereof_o be_v because_o the_o pure_a immaterial_a operation_n of_o perfect_a soul_n in_o prayer_n &_o especial_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o be_v patient_n only_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o intelligible_a word_n &_o phrase_n can_v perfect_o express_v they_o &_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v new_a word_n the_o best_a they_o can_v or_o to_o borrow_v similitude_n from_o corporal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v their_o conception_n more_o intelligible_a &_o thus_o do_v each_o one_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o find_v or_o conceive_v in_o himself_o or_o according_a to_o his_o skill_n in_o language_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v diversity_n among_o they_o herupon_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n observe_v that_o great_a harm_n may_v come_v by_o understand_v thing_n literal_o gross_o &_o sensible_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v express_v be_v intend_v &_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v spiritual_o 12._o some_o good_a
on_o the_o other_o side_n voluntary_a mortification_n be_v such_o as_o on_o our_o own_o head_n &_o without_o the_o advice_n &_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o interiour_n we_o voluntary_o assume_v or_o impose_v on_o ourselves_o either_o because_o we_o have_v see_v or_o read_v of_o other_o that_o have_v do_v the_o like_a &_o thereupon_o without_o further_a due_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o state_n or_o ability_n we_o will_v hope_v they_o will_v advance_v we_o as_o much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n such_o be_v voluntary_a corporal_a fast_n beyond_o what_o the_o church_n or_o regular_n observance_n do_v require_v wear_v of_o haircloth_n chain_n &c_n &c_n obstinate_a silence_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o community_n do_v appoint_v conversation_n etc._n etc._n to_o these_o may_v be_v abd_v a_o assume_v the_o task_n of_o say_v so_o many_o vocal_a prayer_n rosary_n etc._n etc._n 4._o this_o distinction_n be_v premise_v the_o devout_a reader_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o whatsoever_o hitherto_o have_v or_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n end_n &_o benefit_n of_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v &_o apply_v only_o to_o mortification_n of_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v voluntary_a and_o moreover_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n &_o direction_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o soul_n whether_o religious_a or_o other_o as_o be_v enter_v or_o desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a course_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 5._o as_o touch_v therefore_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o necessary_a mortification_n according_a to_o the_o whole_a latitude_n before_o express_v a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v as_o be_v her_o duty_n &_o obligation_n with_o all_o courage_n &_o fervour_n to_o accept_v &_o cheerful_o undergo_v they_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o foremencion_v inestimable_a benefit_n attend_v they_o they_o be_v of_o great_a security_n free_a from_o all_o peril_n of_o error_n indiscretion_n or_o pride_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o voluntary_a mortification_n those_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v proper_o such_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o yea_o moreover_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v a_o spiritual_a disciple_n to_o assume_v any_o considerable_a mortification_n beside_o such_o as_o attend_v his_o present_a state_n of_o life_n till_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a call_v to_o they_o that_o be_v till_o after_o that_o have_v spend_v a_o considerable_a time_n in_o internal_a prayer_n he_o have_v receive_v light_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o fitness_n for_o he_o &_o grace_n or_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o undertake_v &_o pursue_v they_o cheerful_o &_o withal_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o his_o superior_a or_o spiritual_a director_n yea_o though_o he_o have_v a_o body_n as_o strong_a as_o samson_n &_o withal_o a_o very_a good_a inclination_n to_o internal_a way_n i_o shall_v hardly_o be_v the_o first_o proposer_n mover_n &_o inciter_n of_o he_o to_o such_o extraordinary_a mortification_n unless_o some_o special_a occasion_n require_v they_o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o any_o special_a tentation_n then_o assalt_v he_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a and_o voluntary_a although_o supernumerary_a but_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n ordinary_a &_o necessary_a yea_o &_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v ask_v my_o counsel_n about_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mortification_n &_o upon_o examination_n i_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o he_o be_v move_v to_o desire_v they_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o sure_a course_n that_o be_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o the_o undertake_n of_o they_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v in_o read_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v practise_v they_o &_o many_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n but_o this_o show_v that_o spirit_n fit_a for_o extraordinary_a mortification_n be_v rare_o to_o be_v find_v be_v only_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o lead_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o make_v they_o example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o use_v they_o for_o his_o instrument_n in_o great_a work_n as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n esteem_v we_o fit_a or_o intend_v we_o for_o such_o extraordinary_a matter_n therefore_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o to_o undergo_v such_o mortification_n as_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o &_o most_o proportionable_a 8._o in_o all_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v no_o provision_n nor_o order_n make_v for_o such_o extraordinary_a or_o supernumerary_a mortification_n but_o only_o in_o the_o 49._o cap._n about_o diet_n &_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o undertake_v such_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o superior_a the_o neglect_n of_o which_o approbation_n be_v impute_v to_o rashness_n for_o our_o holy_a father_n as_o he_o know_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n which_o come_v from_o god_n &_o therefore_o he_o be_v exact_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o the_o austerity_n command_v in_o the_o rule_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v he_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o probable_o attend_v the_o undertake_v such_o extraordinary_a one_o by_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v common_o induce_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o fancy_n humour_n or_o sudden_a passion_n for_o such_o be_v seldom_o attend_v with_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n who_o neither_o be_v oblige_v nor_o ordinary_o will_v bestow_v his_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n for_o the_o undergo_n of_o any_o morcification_n but_o such_o as_o be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o evident_o ordain_v by_o his_o inspiration_n and_o experience_n witness_n this_o because_o we_o seldom_o see_v soul_n to_o persevere_v in_o those_o which_o they_o assume_v by_o their_o own_o free_a election_n and_o while_o they_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o purity_n of_o intention_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o root_n of_o all_o religious_a voluntary_a austerity_n by_o those_o word_n of_o his_o cap._n 40._o quibus_fw-la donat_fw-la deus_fw-la tolerantiam_fw-la abstinentiae_fw-la that_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o courage_n or_o strength_n to_o suffer_v extraordinary_a abstinence_n add_v withal_o that_o such_o voluntary_a abstinence_n must_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n cum_fw-la gaudio_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o great_a caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n &_o make_v use_n of_o instruction_n &_o example_n find_v especial_o concern_v this_o point_n in_o spiritual_a book_n because_o otherwise_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o plunge_v herself_o into_o great_a inconvenience_n &_o difficulty_n for_o while_o she_o do_v imitate_v such_o extraordinary_a practice_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v yet_o imperfect_a she_o will_v entertain_v a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o herself_o &_o not_o receive_v grace_n to_o persevere_v she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v from_o thence_o matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n &_o dejection_n so_o far_o as_o perhaps_o to_o become_v dishearten_v from_o further_a tendance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o contract_v thereby_o a_o obscurity_n in_o her_o understanding_n especial_o if_o she_o be_v unlearned_a by_o which_o she_o will_v become_v disable_v to_o distinguish_v necessary_a mortification_n from_o voluntary_a 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a &_o to_o many_o soul_n will_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a advice_n which_o some_o spiritual_a author_n give_v viz._n that_o a_o spiritual_a disciple_n shall_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a in_o case_n that_o several_a object_n be_v offer_v to_o choice_n take_v that_o which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n as_o if_o many_o several_a dish_n be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o eat_v only_o that_o which_o we_o least_o like_a &_o thus_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a contradiction_n &_o cross_v of_o nature_n 11._o sure_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n perfect_a be_v capable_a of_o make_v good_a use_n of_o such_o advice_n for_o only_o such_o can_v with_o facility_n discretion_n &_o profit_n practise_v they_o as_o for_o the_o less_o perfect_a if_o they_o practise_v they_o with_o any_o willingness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o true_a ground_n be_v because_o thereby_o they_o do_v covert_o comply_v with_o nature_n some_o orhe_a way_n nourish_v selfe-esteeme_a contempt_n of_o other_o not_o so_o courageous_a
pure_a prayer_n do_v thereby_o omit_v due_a petition_n for_o either_o common_a or_o particular_a necessity_n on_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o necessity_n be_v know_v to_o god_n who_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o ardent_o desire_v a_o supply_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o much_o in_o make_v express_a prayer_n for_o they_o because_o they_o will_v rather_o employ_v their_o affection_n in_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o know_v be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o not-expresse-asking_a they_o do_v privy_o and_o most_o efficacious_o ask_v &_o obtain_v the_o say_v petition_n and_o as_o for_o devotion_n to_o saint_n they_o account_v it_o to_o be_v their_o chief_a honour_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v 29._o the_o seven_o &_o last_o objection_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o author_n have_v before_o answer_v in_o his_o account_n to_o his_o general_n viz._n that_o this_o fashion_n of_o prayer_n call_v soul_n from_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n institute_v by_o s._n ignatius_n the_o which_o answer_n need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o diversity_n of_o prayer_n may_v cause_v faction_n in_o the_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o perfect_a may_v lawful_o practice_v way_n not_o common_a to_o the_o imperfect_a without_o any_o fear_n of_o division_n or_o any_o intention_n of_o contradict_v or_o despise_v of_o other_o 30._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n both_o of_o the_o account_v give_v by_o the_o v._o r._n father_n baltazar_n aluarez_n to_o his_o general_n touch_v his_o prayer_n as_o likewise_o of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o tempest_n raise_v against_o he_o be_v as_o to_o his_o own_o person_n very_o prosperous_a &_o happy_a for_o after_o a_o most_o strict_a examination_n his_o innocence_n &_o truth_n be_v assert_v by_o his_o write_n &_o his_o most_o humble_a patience_n manifest_v in_o his_o whole_a behaviour_n moreover_o the_o general_n conceive_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o he_o that_o he_o prefer_v he_o to_o two_o office_n successive_o of_o the_o great_a dignity_n &_o trust_n that_o the_o society_n than_o have_v in_o spain_n notwithstanding_o the_o same_o general_n not_o approve_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a manner_n of_o prayer_n though_o acknowledged_a to_o proceed_v from_o a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v common_o disperse_v and_o indifferent_o teach_v through_o the_o order_n as_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o activity_n yet_o none_o ever_o do_v execute_v the_o office_n impose_v with_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o say_v r._n father_n baltazar_n therefore_o a_o decree_n be_v make_v to_o forbid_v the_o spread_a of_o it_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v produce_v the_o desire_a effect_n the_o second_o section_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n of_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n viz._n meditation_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o several_a degree_n and_o station_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n as_o the_o three_o way_n purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o 5._o they_o be_v best_a distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n §_o 6._o 7._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n §_o 16._o 17._o how_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o say_a degree_n §_o 18._o 19_o how_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a §_o 20._o 21._o the_o degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o diverse_a but_o that_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v intermix_v §_o 22._o 23._o 24._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n to_o wit_n meditation_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o way_n also_o purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a 1._o it_o be_v general_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o that_o write_v treatise_n of_o spiritual_a doctrine_n to_o begin_v with_o a_o division_n of_o the_o several_a station_n or_o ascent_n observe_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o but_o such_o a_o division_n i_o have_v conceive_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v reserve_v to_o this_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o spiritual_a progress_n there_o be_v a_o ascent_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n universal_o of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o well_o of_o mortification_n as_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o a_o progress_n be_v to_o be_v make_v with_o reference_n principal_o to_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o increase_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n whereof_o so_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v make_v a_o proportionable_a progress_n in_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o virtue_n dispose_v to_o contemplation_n and_o perfection_n 2._o now_o several_a mystic_a author_n according_a to_o the_o several_a notion_n that_o they_o have_v both_o of_o the_o end_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o mean_v conduce_v thereto_o have_v by_o several_a term_n make_v the_o division_n of_o its_o degree_n the_o most_o ancient_a division_n be_v into_o three_o state_n 1._o of_o beginner_n 2._o of_o proficient_n 3._o of_o such_o as_o be_v perfect_a yet_o withal_o they_o do_v not_o signify_v by_o what_o distinctive_a mark_v each_o of_o these_o state_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o other_o but_o general_o in_o latter_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v divide_v 1._o into_o the_o purgative_n way_n in_o which_o all_o sinful_a defect_n be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n 2._o the_o illuminative_a way_n by_o which_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v introduce_v 3._o the_o vnitive_a way_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o exercise_n to_o wit_n a_o union_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n by_o perfect_a charity_n 3._o beside_o these_o many_o other_o division_n may_v be_v find_v as_o of_o f._n benet_n canfield_n who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o all_o our_o exercise_n do_v by_o a_o division_n of_o the_o say_a will_n into_o 1._o externall_n 2._o internal_a 3._o essential_a or_o supereminent_a will_n virtual_o divide_v all_o spiritual_a exercise_n into_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a and_o conformable_a to_o these_o three_o notion_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will._n again_o other_o divide_v all_o exercise_n into_o 1._o active_a 2._o contemplative_a etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v of_o no_o importance_n which_o of_o these_o division_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v 4._o but_o since_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o degree_n of_o perfection_n general_o understand_v as_o relate_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v best_a conceive_v and_o measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o indeed_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v degree_n as_o several_a state_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o mortification_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n because_o the_o perfect_a do_v the_o same_o action_n though_o in_o a_o more_o perfect_a degree_n than_o the_o imperfect_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o r._n f._n constantin_n barbanson_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o experience_a author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v secret_n sentier_n de_fw-fr l'amour_fw-fr divin_v divide_v the_o whole_a progress_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a life_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o prayer_n which_o say_v he_o have_v these_o degree_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o meditation_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n without_o meditation_n the_o which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o imperfect_a 3._o afterward_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o a_o experimental_a perception_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o she_o 4._o then_o follow_v the_o great_a desolation_n 5._o the_o which_o be_v pass_v there_o succeed_v a_o sublime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o from_o thence_o after_o many_o interchangeable_a rise_n and_o fall_n the_o which_o be_v find_v likewise_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n the_o soul_n enter_v into_o the_o divine_a yet_o most_o secret_a way_n of_o perfection_n 5._o now_o this_o order_n of_o he_o in_o gross_a as_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o suitable_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o follow_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o collect_v the_o four_o last_o degree_n into_o one_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o distinguish_v three_o degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o wit_n 1._o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n 2._o the_o prayer_n of_o force_a immediate_a act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n without_o discourse_n preparatory_a thereto_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o pure_a active_a contemplation_n or_o aspiration_n as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o without_o any_o force_n flow_a from_o the_o
§_o 3._o 4._o who_o be_v apt_a or_o unapt_a for_o meditation_n §_o 5._o 6._o general_o most_o soul_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o why_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o what_o those_o be_v to_o do_v that_o be_v unapt_a for_o meditation_n §_o 11._o the_o misery_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o prayer_n improper_a for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v meditation_n or_o discursive_a prayer_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v treat_v here_o not_o with_o that_o exact_a niceness_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o book_n current_a in_o all_o hand_n yet_o sufficient_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a design_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o therefore_o the_o instruction_n concern_v it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o that_o perfect_a state_n and_o withal_o move_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o say_v call_n and_o to_o such_o many_o instruction_n will_v not_o be_v proper_a 2._o meditation_n be_v such_o a_o internal_a prayer_n in_o which_o a_o devout_a soul_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v in_o hand_n the_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o exact_a search_n into_o the_o several_a point_n and_o circumstance_n in_o it_o with_o the_o understanding_n or_o imagination_n she_o may_v extract_v motive_n of_o good_a affection_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o produce_v suitable_a affection_n in_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a motive_n as_o long_o as_o such_o virtue_n will_v last_v 3._o this_o be_v a_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v neither_o dispose_v nor_o enable_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o token_n either_o of_o excellency_n of_o wit_n &_o judgement_n or_o of_o true_a devotion_n to_o be_v apt_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o that_o a_o soul_n do_v abound_v with_o devotion_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o god_n the_o less_o be_v she_o enable_v or_o dispose_v thereto_o yea_o incapable_a of_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o again_o some_o superficial_a wit_n full_a of_o fancy_n but_o want_v solidity_n of_o judgement_n and_o which_o be_v not_o natural_o much_o dispose_v to_o devotion_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discursive_a prayer_n they_o will_v perform_v it_o better_o and_o thrive_v more_o in_o it_o than_o other_o though_o of_o sharp_a wit_n solid_a judgement_n and_o great_a ability_n both_o in_o learning_n and_o invention_n and_o that_o withal_o have_v very_o good_a will_n to_o seek_v our_o lord_n 4._o woman_n be_v general_o speak_v less_o apt_a for_o meditation_n than_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v more_o disable_v in_o judgement_n and_o invention_n and_o more_o abound_v in_o will_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o will_n draw_v the_o stream_n from_o the_o understanding_n therefore_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o they_o be_v not_o compel_v without_o necessity_n to_o tarry_v long_o in_o discursive_a exercise_n lest_o thereby_o they_o be_v much_o prejudice_v in_o the_o head_n and_o spirit_n with_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n any_o way_n but_o much_o harm_n in_o be_v detain_v from_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o beneficial_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n in_o holy_a affection_n 5._o now_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o inexpressible_a variety_n in_o the_o internal_a disposition_n of_o person_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v certain_a &_o general_a rule_n to_o fit_v all_o except_o this_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a course_n all_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o natural_o incapable_a of_o raise_v affection_n by_o internal_a discourse_n aught_o to_o apply_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o to_o tarry_v therein_o till_o they_o find_v themselves_o ripe_a for_o a_o future_a exercise_n to_o the_o which_o they_o will_v attain_v soon_o or_o late_a either_o according_a to_o their_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o practise_v meditation_n or_o the_o measure_n and_o grace_n of_o devotion_n which_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o or_o their_o natural_a aptness_n or_o unaptnes_n for_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n 6._o this_o advice_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o soul_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o light_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n till_o a_o convenient_a time_n spend_v in_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n for_o though_o perhaps_o while_o the_o fervour_n novitius_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o one_o conversion_n a_o soul_n be_v then_o full_a of_o affection_n may_v for_o a_o while_o have_v little_a need_n of_o motive_n to_o open_v the_o passage_n to_o the_o say_a affection_n which_o of_o themselves_o will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o flow_v yet_o that_o fervour_n cease_v they_o will_v be_v at_o a_o miserable_a loss_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o aridity_n obscurity_n &_o desolation_n have_v no_o refuge_n at_o all_o except_o their_o understanding_n be_v store_v with_o good_a motive_n of_o holy_a affection_n cause_v by_o former_a consideration_n and_o meditation_n 7._o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o those_o nice_a distract_n painful_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o many_o book_n or_o to_o frame_v curious_a pageant_n &_o scene_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o be_v meditate_a on_o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o such_o a_o employment_n of_o the_o imagination_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o by_o their_o profession_n live_v active_a distract_a life_n to_o the_o end_n by_o such_o working_n of_o the_o fancy_n to_o wipe_v out_o as_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a image_n contract_v abroad_o by_o superinduce_v or_o paint_v over_o they_o new_a and_o holy_a image_n yet_o for_o those_o who_o be_v more_o solitary_a &_o abstract_a such_o a_o way_n of_o meditate_v will_v be_v very_o painful_a &_o the_o profit_n so_o little_a as_o it_o will_v not_o countervail_v the_o pain_n to_o such_o therefore_o it_o will_v suffice_v with_o moderate_a attention_n to_o think_v on_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o mystery_n propose_v or_o on_o such_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o either_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n or_o do_v even_o natural_o attend_v it_o &_o from_o thence_o to_o draw_v as_o strong_a feruorous_a &_o frequent_a affection_n as_o may_v be_v 8._o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v natural_o utter_o disable_v and_o incapable_a of_o meditate_v as_o many_o woman_n be_v it_o be_v very_o requisite_a in_o the_o beginning_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o least_o supply_v the_o benefit_n that_o come_v from_o meditation_n by_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o their_o recollection_n with_o much_o serious_a &_o attentive_a read_n of_o some_o pious_a book_n the_o which_o may_v in_o some_o good_a proportion_n recompense_n meditation_n 9_o but_o in_o case_n a_o soul_n incapable_a of_o meditation_n and_o unable_a likewise_o to_o read_v shall_v undertake_v a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a course_n as_o none_o be_v exclude_v such_o a_o one_o must_v resolve_v to_o take_v a_o very_a great_a courage_n to_o pursue_v her_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v but_o a_o dry_a exercise_n &_o want_v sensible_a devotion_n be_v very_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v prepare_v not_o to_o be_v daunt_v with_o aridity_n and_o distraction_n the_o which_o distraction_n she_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o resist_v or_o expel_v but_o only_o by_o pure_a obstinacy_n of_o the_o will_v not_o to_o attend_v they_o or_o care_n for_o they_o and_o last_o she_o must_v use_v more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n and_o solitude_n to_o prevent_v the_o multiply_a of_o distract_n image_n 10._o those_o who_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n be_v more_o serious_o affect_v to_o the_o discourse_v part_n of_o it_o then_o to_o the_o good_a desire_n and_o purpose_n which_o shall_v flow_v from_o such_o discourse_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o many_o peril_n as_o of_o pride_n curiosity_n extravagant_a opinion_n yea_o pernicious_a error_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o danger_n be_v the_o predominancy_n that_o their_o imagination_n have_v over_o their_o other_o faculty_n which_o incline_v they_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o subtle_a aerial_a and_o curious_a discourse_n and_o with_o frame_v of_o place_n &_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o mystery_n all_o which_o inconvenience_n be_v avoid_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n which_o be_v a_o blind_a faculty_n be_v best_a
and_o profitable_a recollection_n and_o therefore_o such_o elegant_a and_o sprightly_a expression_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o s._n augustins_n confession_n soliloquy_n &c_n &c_n or_o in_o s._n bernard_n s._n teresas_n exclamation_n &c_n &c_n though_o they_o be_v more_o full_a of_o life_n and_o more_o apt_a to_o inflame_v affection_n be_v read_v out_o of_o time_n of_o recollection_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o recollection_n because_o the_o pleasingnes_n and_o exquisiteness_n of_o the_o expression_n give_v too_o much_o exercise_v and_o contentment_n to_o the_o fancy_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n distract_v and_o enfeeble_v the_o actuation_n of_o the_o will._n this_o i_o say_v hold_v most_o general_o true_a yet_o if_o soul_n do_v find_v their_o profit_n more_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o let_v they_o in_o god_n name_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o 18._o the_o more_o impetuous_a that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n immediate_a act_n &_o the_o more_o still_o quiet_a peaceable_a and_o profound_a that_o they_o be_v so_o there_o be_v no_o wilful_a negligence_n the_o more_o effectual_a and_o profitable_a be_v they_o and_o the_o more_o efficacious_a to_o still_o passion_n as_o also_o to_o compose_v and_o settle_v the_o imagination_n 19_o there_o may_v come_v much_o harm_n to_o a_o soul_n by_o cessation_n from_o internal_a work_n and_o from_o all_o tendance_n to_o god_n in_o her_o recollection_n if_o so_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o such_o cessation_n be_v a_o desire_n and_o expectation_n to_o hear_v god_n speak_v after_o any_o unusual_a manner_n within_o she_o and_o tell_v she_o some_o new_a thing_n or_o other_o for_o by_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o foolish_a presumption_n she_o will_v deserve_v and_o pu_fw-fr herself_n in_o a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o at_o least_o vain_o to_o conceive_v and_o interpret_v she_o own_o imagination_n to_o be_v internal_a speaking_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v prove_v very_o perilous_a if_o a_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o such_o fancy_n as_o probable_o such_o soul_n will_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n pleasure_n be_v such_o as_o to_o communicate_v his_o will_n internal_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o will_v speak_v and_o work_v whether_o the_o soul_n will_v or_o no_o and_o whether_o she_o will_v or_o no_o she_o must_v hear_v and_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o let_v she_o abstain_v from_o such_o indiscreet_a invitation_n or_o expect_v such_o divine_a conversation_n let_v she_o continue_v quiet_o her_o exercise_n and_o not_o cease_v till_o god_n force_v she_o to_o cease_v they_o 20._o the_o custom_n practise_v by_o some_o spiritual_a directour_n of_o require_v from_o all_o their_o disciple_n a_o account_n of_o their_o internal_a prayer_n former_o judge_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a as_o cause_v distraction_n and_o too_o frequent_a reflection_n with_o solicitude_n upon_o their_o present_a actuation_n to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v remember_v they_o &_o so_o be_v able_a to_o relate_v they_o the_o say_a custom_n i_o say_v be_v moreover_o beside_o this_o inconvenience_n &_o uselesnes_n of_o extreme_a difficulty_n in_o this_o exercise_n the_o which_o be_v simple_a &_o plain_a act_v only_o or_o chief_o by_o the_o will_n can_v well_o be_v explicate_v inasmuch_o as_o the_o act_n leave_v scarce_o any_o sensible_a impression_n in_o the_o memory_n and_o last_o they_o be_v exercise_v direct_o to_o god_n without_o any_o reflection_n now_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o reflection_n that_o a_o soul_n take_v noude_a of_o and_o remember_v her_o actuation_n 21._o where_o there_o be_v a_o good_a propension_n in_o the_o interiour_n to_o introversion_n a_o act_n produce_v by_o the_o will_n to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o much_o more_o prompt_a facile_a &_o profound_a but_o also_o far_o more_o efficacious_a than_o any_o other_o without_o such_o a_o propension_n can_v be_v though_o the_o party_n be_v never_o so_o learned_a &_o employ_v never_o so_o much_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_a soul_n of_o the_o great_a propension_n may_v sometime_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o meditation_n but_o unless_o their_o director_n mislead_v &_o wrong_v they_o they_o will_v not_o tarry_v long_o therein_o but_o will_v present_o break_v forth_o copious_o into_o good_a affection_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o &c_n &c_n touch_v certain_a form_n of_o immediate_a act_n &c_n &c_n adjoin_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n &_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v §_o 15._o 16._o &c_n &c_n great_a variety_n of_o act_n there_o be_v some_o direct_v to_o the_o pure_a divinity_n some_o to_o our_o lord_n humanity_n some_o to_o saint_n some_o to_o the_o soul_n herself_o &c_n &c_n &_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o they_o §_o 24._o 25._o 26._o to_o what_o soul_n one_o form_n of_o exercise_n without_o variety_n may_v be_v proper_a §_o 27._o of_o exercise_v upon_o the_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la the_o excellency_n thereof_o §_o 28._o 29._o soul_n be_v not_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o certain_a form_n §_o 30._o 31._o 32._o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o usual_a read_n in_o preparation_n to_o recollection_n §_o 33._o 34._o &c_n &c_n how_o soul_n that_o can_v make_v use_n of_o image_n be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o §_o 37._o 38._o what_o order_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o change_n of_o acts._n §_o 41._o soul_n must_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o these_o or_o any_o set_v form_n of_o exercise_n but_o they_o must_v choose_v for_o themselves_o 1._o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n i_o have_v adjoin_v a_o collection_n of_o several_a pattern_n of_o exercise_n by_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o holy_a affection_n for_o the_o use_n &_o practice_v of_o those_o who_o either_o in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o religion_n god_n shall_v call_v to_o a_o internal_a life_n of_o contemplation_n i_o do_v not_o not_o conceive_v any_o necessity_n to_o annexe_v any_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n partly_o because_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_a pass_o &_o in_o order_n to_o affective_a prayer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o remote_a preparation_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v pattern_n of_o such_o exercise_n abundant_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o the_o which_o may_v suffice_v any_o internal_a liver_n be_v practise_v according_a to_o the_o instruction_n here_o former_o give_v and_o as_o for_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o affective_a contemplative_a prayer_n to_o wit_n perfect_a aspiration_n i_o have_v content_v myself_o with_o select_v a_o few_o which_o be_v add_v in_o the_o conclusion_n rather_o to_o show_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n the_o form_n &_o manner_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o use_n of_o perfect_a soul_n ripe_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o such_o be_v conduct_v immediate_o &_o entire_o by_o a_o divine_a light_n &_o have_v no_o need_n of_o humane_a prescription_n neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o proffitable_o make_v use_v of_o any_o other_o affection_n then_o only_o such_o as_o god_n holy_a spirit_n shall_v suggest_v to_o they_o 2._o as_o touch_v therefore_o the_o foresay_a exercise_n of_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o affection_n i_o have_v compile_v a_o sufficient_a variety_n of_o they_o proper_a for_o all_o state_n &_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o act_n of_o remorse_n fear_v contrition_n &c._n &c._n which_o belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n and_o likewise_o act_v of_o adoration_n glorification_n humiliation_n resignation_n &_o love_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o illuminative_a &_o vnitive_a way_n i_o have_v moreover_o make_v some_o distinct_a exercise_n of_o affection_n more_o proper_a for_o some_o soul_n then_o be_v those_o which_o i_o call_v act_n of_o the_o will._n beside_o i_o have_v set_v down_o most_o copious_o pattern_n of_o simple_a act_n of_o resignation_n as_o be_v general_o the_o most_o useful_a &_o proper_a for_o most_o soul_n and_o last_o several_a exercise_n there_o be_v mix_v &_o interlace_v partly_o with_o act_n &_o partly_o with_o affection_n &_o those_o not_o of_o one_o but_o several_a kind_n because_o many_o soul_n there_o be_v that_o can_v content_v themselves_o with_o be_v tie_v to_o any_o one_o kind_a of_o determinate_a exercise_n and_o therefore_o my_o desire_n be_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o temper_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o one_o may_v find_v a_o exercise_n proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o he_o or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v put_v in_o the_o way_n how_o to_o fâ—ame_v for_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o a_o soul_n that_o after_o a_o sufficient_a time_n diligent_o spend_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n be_v mature_o call_v &_o conduct_v by_o god_n
of_o light_n and_o comfort_n the_o which_o profit_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n more_o intimely_a in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o therefore_o be_v more_o efficacious_a to_o the_o soul_n advancement_n 36._o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v scarce_o allow_v the_o suffer_a soul_n to_o divert_v &_o ease_v her_o mind_n by_o read_v &_o much_o less_o by_o any_o corporal_a exercise_n during_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o her_o recollection_n or_o if_o so_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o she_o find_v by_o a_o little_a glance_v on_o a_o book_n a_o affection_n to_o be_v raise_v let_v she_o pursue_v the_o say_a affection_n &_o quit_v read_v present_o for_o read_v at_o such_o time_n be_v allow_v mere_o for_o necessity_n aught_o to_o be_v use_v no_o further_o than_o necessity_n shall_v require_v 37._o no_o certain_a rule_n or_o determination_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o the_o time_n that_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o certain_a kind_n of_o act_n as_o of_o contrition_n &_o other_o of_o the_o purgative_n way_n before_o they_o pass_v into_o those_o of_o resignation_n or_o love_n which_o be_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n only_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o long_o &_o deep_a that_o soul_n have_v be_v plunge_v in_o vicious_a habit_n the_o long_o probable_o will_v it_o be_v before_o they_o be_v ripe_a for_o such_o a_o passage_n yet_o that_o time_n may_v be_v contract_v by_o fervour_n in_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n to_o some_o few_o month_n will_v suffice_v to_o remain_v in_o act_n of_o contrition_n &c_n &c_n to_o some_o not_o many_o day_n yea_o some_o soul_n as_o tender_a innocent_a virgin_n &c_n &c_n be_v so_o well_o affect_v to_o god_n &_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o vicious_a custom_n that_o they_o may_v at_o the_o first_o be_v put_v into_o act_n of_o resignation_n or_o love_n 38._o but_o herein_o every_o one_o be_v to_o regard_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o conscience_n observe_v whether_o he_o find_v therein_o quietness_n &_o competent_a satisfaction_n in_o which_o case_n he_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v that_o he_o may_v relinquish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o purgative_n way_n 39_o but_o as_o for_o give_v over_o the_o act_n of_o resignation_n &_o love_n &c_n &c_n from_o thence_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n god_n know_v a_o much_o long_a space_n of_o time_n be_v require_v even_o in_o soul_n the_o most_o innocent_a for_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o settle_a habitual_a charity_n fix_v in_o the_o soul_n through_o long_a &_o constant_a practice_n of_o force_a act_n of_o the_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o barbanson_n who_o say_v that_o soul_n may_v from_o meditation_n immediate_o pass_v to_o aspiration_n it_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o man_n choice_n when_o he_o will_v exercise_v aspiration_n of_o which_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o mover_n &_o director_n and_o whatsoever_o industry_n in_o prayer_n a_o soul_n shall_v use_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a that_o she_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o exercise_n in_o youth_n before_o the_o boil_a heat_n &_o activity_n of_o nature_n be_v well_o qualify_v 40._o notwithstanding_o in_o whatsoever_o exercise_n a_o soul_n shall_v be_v if_o such_o aspiration_n do_v offer_v themselves_o she_o be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o they_o &_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v she_o be_v to_o cease_v all_o other_o force_v &_o elect_a acts._n 41._o to_o conclude_v these_o instruction_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o follow_a pattern_n of_o exercise_n of_o act_n &c_n &c_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o only_a for_o a_o necessity_n such_o as_o common_o beginner_n have_v yea_o &_o most_o soul_n even_o after_o they_o have_v for_o a_o good_a while_n pursue_v this_o internal_a prayer_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o interiour_n without_o seek_v abroad_o do_v minister_v sufficient_a matter_n unto_o they_o of_o resignation_n love_v &c_n &c_n either_o suggest_a by_o occasion_n of_o occur_v difficulty_n or_o come_v of_o itself_o into_o their_o mind_n such_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o pray_v without_o any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o furnish_v from_o within_o be_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o exercise_n in_o book_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n even_o of_o some_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o may_v be_v prevent_v &_o much_o holpen_v by_o god_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o however_o it_o be_v good_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o book_n in_o readiness_n to_o help_v they_o in_o case_n they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n least_o for_o want_n of_o matter_n so_o suggest_v they_o shall_v be_v idle_a &_o at_o a_o stand_n for_o such_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o their_o first_o sensible_a fervour_n but_o when_o that_o cease_v as_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o it_o will_v they_o must_v not_o scorn_v to_o descend_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o book_n but_o also_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o inferior_a exercise_n &_o help_n suitable_a to_o their_o imperfect_a state_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o 2._o more_o special_a advice_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o assection_n of_o divine_a love._n §_o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n likewise_o touch_v act_n of_o resignation_n the_o great_a profit_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o say_v acts._n §_o 9_o several_a object_n of_o resignation_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o etc._n etc._n far_o instruction_n concern_v the_o exercise_v of_o the_o say_v acts._n §_o 22._o all_o act_n whatsoever_o must_v give_v way_n to_o aspiration_n 1._o whereas_o all_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n consist_v either_o 1._o of_o such_o affection_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v suitable_a motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n 2._o or_o of_o act_n of_o the_o will_n produce_v by_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o superior_a soul_n as_o among_o holy_a affection_n the_o principal_a be_v love_n the_o source_n and_o mover_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o among_o all_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o considerable_a be_v those_o of_o resignation_n or_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n 2._o now_o have_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n speak_v sufficient_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o divine_a love_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v more_o particular_a instruction_n how_o to_o employ_v that_o inward_a affection_n of_o charity_n immediate_o to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n former_o give_v but_o as_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o resignation_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o exercise_n of_o love_n too_o but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o regard_v external_a difficulty_n as_o the_o occasion_n or_o matter_n about_o which_o such_o love_n be_v express_v it_o be_v a_o exercise_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o treat_v of_o &_o above_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v recommend_v as_o be_v general_o the_o most_o secure_a &_o profitable_a of_o all_o other_o exercise_n 3._o for_o though_o act_n of_o pure_a melt_a love_n to_o god_n in_o which_o all_o image_n of_o creature_n yea_o all_o direct_a representation_n of_o god_n be_v exclude_v be_v in_o themselves_o more_o perfect_a &_o vnitive_a then_o be_v act_n of_o resignation_n which_o involve_v in_o themselves_o image_n of_o external_a thing_n to_o wit_n the_o special_a difficulty_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n intend_v to_o resign_v herself_o notwithstanding_o to_o recompense_v this_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o act_n of_o resignation_n far_o more_o security_n and_o less_o danger_n of_o propriety_n or_o self-interest_n then_o in_o act_n of_o immediate_a love_n the_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_n stir_n and_o please_a motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n very_o few_o soul_n can_v practice_v they_o pure_o and_o without_o propriety_n except_o they_o be_v exalt_v to_o a_o supreme_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a divine_a charity_n again_o there_o be_v in_o resignation_n exercise_v more_o direct_o true_a mortification_n and_o contradiction_n to_o self_n love_n &_o interest_n then_o in_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n more_o purify_n and_o consider_v the_o daily_a and_o hourly_o use_v that_o we_o have_v thereof_o in_o unavoidable_a occur_v difficulty_n it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o though_o act_v of_o resignation_n which_o be_v also_o the_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o divine_a love_n do_v involve_v in_o themselves_o image_n of_o external_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o act_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o tarry_v in_o such_o image_n but_o present_o pass_v from_o and_o out_o of_o they_o into_o god_n 4._o good_a lord_n what_o million_o of_o question_n debate_n &_o
understanding_n and_o fervour_n in_o the_o will_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n extinguish_v yet_o out_o of_o this_o darkness_n god_n produce_v light_a and_o strength_n from_o this_o infirmity_n 8._o for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o this_o case_n of_o desolation_n the_o soul_n do_v by_o her_o free_a will_n or_o rather_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n beyond_o all_o her_o faculty_n remain_v in_o a_o constant_a union_n &_o adhesion_n to_o god_n although_o no_o such_o union_n do_v appear_v unto_o she_o yea_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o she_o be_v not_o only_o estrange_v but_o even_o avert_v from_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o secret_a but_o firm_a adhesion_n she_o make_v election_n of_o god_n as_o her_o only_a good_a the_o which_o may_v to_o any_o but_o herself_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o her_o carriage_n during_o that_o state_n for_o she_o break_v not_o out_o into_o any_o murmur_n she_o seek_v not_o to_o comfort_v herself_o by_o admit_v any_o inordinate_a externall_n solace_n not_o do_v any_o thing_n deliberate_o by_o which_o to_o rid_v herself_o from_o such_o a_o afflict_a estate_n soon_o or_o otherwise_o then_o god_n will_v have_v she_o to_o do_v she_o practise_v tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o tempest_n of_o passion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n she_o exercise_v resignation_n without_o the_o least_o contentment_n to_o herself_o therein_o she_o learn_v patience_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o impatience_n &_o resignation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o irresignation_n in_o a_o word_n she_o yield_v herself_o as_o a_o prey_n unto_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o this_o most_o sharp_a purgatory_n of_o love._n the_o which_o be_v a_o immediate_a dispoition_n to_o a_o establish_a state_n of_o perfection_n 9_o more_o particular_o the_o fruit_n &_o benefit_n flow_a from_o this_o most_o sad_a estate_n support_v with_o patience_n &_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a 1._o for_o first_o hereby_o the_o devout_a soul_n obtain_v a_o new_a light_n to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n desertion_n in_o the_o garden_n &_o on_o the_o cross_n &_o from_o this_o light_n a_o most_o inflame_a love_n to_o he_o now_o she_o cease_v to_o wander_v why_o he_o shall_v deprecate_v a_o cup_n so_o mortal_o bitter_a as_o this_o &_o that_o it_o shall_v work_v such_o strange_a effect_n on_o he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v cry_v out_o eli_n eli_n lammasabacthani_fw-la &_o by_o this_o desertion_n of_o his_o which_o last_v till_o the_o very_a last_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n she_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o end_n put_v to_o she_o 2._o now_o she_o learn_v by_o experience_n to_o make_v a_o division_n between_o the_o supreme_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o inferior_a nature_n yea_o between_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o same_o for_o that_o portion_n of_o she_o by_o which_o she_o cleave_v to_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o other_o three_o person_n distinct_a from_o herself_o that_o suffer_v complain_v and_o desire_n for_o she_o choose_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fear_v that_o she_o will_v choose_v and_o consent_v to_o sin_n she_o be_v mighty_o support_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o she_o think_v he_o utter_o estrange_v and_o separate_v from_o she_o thus_o at_o last_o she_o perceive_v that_o she_o can_v operate_v without_o any_o perceptible_a use_n of_o her_o faculty_n 3._o hereby_o she_o learn_v a_o perfect_a disappropriation_n and_o transcendence_n even_o of_o the_o high_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o a_o contentation_n to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o god_n have_v to_o bestow_v on_o she_o except_o only_o himself_o 4._o the_o sight_n of_o the_o unexpressible_a weakness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o nature_n leave_v to_o itself_o without_o any_o sensible_a influence_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n produce_v in_o she_o a_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o hatred_n of_o herself_o 5._o last_o by_o this_o most_o sharp_a purgatory_n of_o love_n she_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o most_o perfect_a confidence_n in_o god_n of_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o security_n of_o god_n unchangeable_a love_n to_o she_o not_o to_o be_v disturb_v by_o any_o possible_a future_a affliction_n for_o what_o have_v a_o soul_n leave_v to_o fear_n that_o can_v with_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n support_v yea_o and_o make_v her_o benefit_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n himself_o chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o of_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o precedent_a exercise_n and_o of_o all_o the_o change_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n a_o stable_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o prayer_n §_o 4._o 5._o wherein_o that_o state_n consist_v the_o testimony_n of_o suso_n §_o 6._o 7._o the_o wonderful_a purity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o the_o soul_n operation_n in_o this_o state_n out_o of_o barbanson_n etc._n etc._n §_o 9_o 10._o of_o the_o union_n of_o nothing_o with_o nothing_o etc._n etc._n §_o 11._o the_o sublimity_n of_o angelical_a love_n in_o perfect_a soul_n §_o 12._o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o it_o remain_v only_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n that_o something_o be_v say_v of_o the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o change_n 2._o and_o sure_o that_o end_n must_v needs_o be_v supereminent_o excellent_a for_o the_o attain_n whereof_o such_o incredible_a labour_n both_o interior_a and_o exterior_a must_v be_v undertake_v and_o whereto_o such_o wonderful_a divine_a grace_n and_o visit_n be_v only_o instrumental_a disposition_n suso_n write_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n concern_v the_o foresay_a passive_a union_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n have_v a_o distinct_a view_n of_o of_o god_n her_o original_a say_v that_o though_o the_o say_a contemplation_n continue_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o moment_n it_o so_o replenish_v his_o heart_n with_o joy_n that_o he_o wonder_v it_o do_v not_o cleave_v asunder_o on_o the_o other_o side_n upon_o the_o subsequent_a most_o contrary_a visitation_n by_o a_o spiritual_a desertion_n the_o heart_n become_v so_o replenish_v with_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n as_o if_o all_o gilead_n have_v not_o balm_n enough_o to_o assuage_v it_o 3._o and_o for_o what_o end_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v rest_v final_o in_o the_o joy_n conceive_v by_o such_o a_o fruition_n nor_o mere_o to_o torture_v the_o soul_n by_o such_o a_o bitter_a desolation_n our_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v not_o receive_v but_o love_v all_o these_o favour_n therefore_o and_o all_o these_o suffering_n do_v end_n in_o this_o namely_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o love_n in_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o all_o our_o perfection_n consist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o love_n and_o a_o entire_a conformity_n with_o the_o divine_a will._n 4._o there_o be_v therefore_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n no_o strange_a novelty_n or_o wonder_n pretend_v to_o divine_a love_n be_v all_o it_o begin_v with_o love_n and_o resignation_n and_o there_o it_o end_v likewise_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o degree_n &_o lustre_n of_o it_o love_n even_o in_o its_o most_o imperfect_a state_n be_v most_o divine_o beautiful_a the_o which_o beauty_n be_v wonderful_o increase_v by_o exercise_n but_o when_o by_o such_o fiery_a trial_n and_o purification_n as_o also_o by_o so_o near_o approach_v as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o beauty_n and_o light_n in_o passive_a union_n this_o love_n be_v exalt_v to_o its_o perfection_n how_o new_a how_o admirable_a and_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_v of_o it_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hear_v those_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o have_v have_v some_o experience_n in_o it_o and_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_n at_o it_o 5._o that_o which_o the_o forementioned_a suso_n in_o his_o nine_o rock_n write_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o love_n in_o gross_a be_v not_o so_o abstruse_a o_o how_o small_a say_v he_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o perfect_a soul_n and_o yet_o as_o few_o as_o they_o be_v god_n set_v they_o as_o pillar_n to_o support_v his_o church_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o it_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v dissipate_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o such_o soul_n be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n then_o of_o all_o christian_n beside_o they_o approach_v very_o near_o to_o god_n their_o original_a and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o vile_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o this_o yet_o by_o fit_n a_o certain_a clarity_n or_o glimpse_n of_o their_o prime_a principle_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o which_o
and_o that_o in_o consequence_n thereto_o the_o late_a venerable_a author_n have_v as_o brief_o with_o great_a sincerity_n and_o clearness_n present_v his_o sense_n in_o that_o matter_n the_o vv._n rr._n ff_n in_o chapter_n do_v present_o absolve_v the_o v._o author_n cause_v withal_o his_o opponent_n to_o subscribe_v to_o a_o write_v conceive_v in_o a_o manner_n verbatim_o out_o of_o the_o account_v give_v by_o the_o author_n but_o on_o that_o occasion_n they_o impose_v on_o the_o two_o foresay_a vv._n rr._n approver_n once_o more_o diligent_o to_o peruse_v the_o several_a treatise_n compose_v by_o the_o v._o author_n who_o most_o free_o &_o humble_o submit_v they_o to_o their_o censure_n so_o that_o on_o that_o occasion_n they_o renew_v their_o former_a testimony_n and_o approbation_n from_o hence_o belove_a reader_n thou_o will_v perceive_v and_o can_v not_o but_o give_v thy_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n also_o to_o the_o prudent_a care_n express_v by_o our_o h._n congregation_n not_o to_o permit_v any_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n even_o to_o the_o private_a read_n and_o use_n of_o their_o religious_a subject_n till_o all_o possâ—ble_a circumspection_n &_o diligence_n have_v first_o be_v use_v that_o nothing_o shall_v therein_o be_v contain_v that_o may_v produce_v the_o least_o danger_n prejudice_n or_o inconvenience_n and_o after_o all_o this_o way_n be_v not_o give_v to_o a_o publish_v the_o say_a book_n till_o twenty_o year_n be_v pass_v when_o in_o a_o general_n chapter_n assemble_v in_o a._n d._n 1653._o at_o paris_n the_o vv._n rr._n ff_n perceive_v the_o many_o bless_a fruit_n proceed_v from_o the_o say_v write_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o all_o regular_a duty_n of_o solitude_n obedience_n humility_n and_o devotion_n especial_o in_o the_o convent_n of_o our_o rr._n dame_n of_o cambray_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o moreover_o find_v that_o many_o among_o the_o secular_a clergy_n in_o england_n yea_o that_o several_a devout_a person_n of_o the_o laity_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v to_o the_o wonderful_a profit_n of_o their_o soul_n make_v use_v of_o some_o of_o the_o say_a treatise_n and_o not_o any_o one_o appear_v that_o do_v make_v any_o opposition_n at_o all_o to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n by_o unanimous_a agreement_n nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la it_o be_v order_v that_o a_o methodical_a abridgement_n of_o the_o spiritual_a instruction_n disperse_v through_o the_o numerous_a treatise_n of_o the_o late_a venerable_a f._n augustin_n baker_n shall_v for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o soul_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o public_a to_o the_o say_a approbation_n i_o will_v adjoine_v a_o short_a discourse_n write_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o religious_a dame_n of_o cambray_n by_o the_o foresay_a most_o r._n father_n leander_n à _fw-fr s._n martino_n and_o by_o he_o call_v a_o memorial_n in_o which_o he_o brief_o explain_v the_o principal_a advice_n deliver_v by_o our_o venerable_a author_n as_o likewise_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a call_n and_o inspiration_n at_o one_o glance_n represent_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o say_a doctrine_n acknowledge_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v perfect_o comformable_a to_o his_o sense_n of_o it_o the_o approbation_n follow_v the_o first_o book_n write_v by_o our_o ven._n author_n be_v certain_a collection_n out_o of_o several_a spiritual_a writer_n which_o he_o entitle_v with_o the_o letter_n a._n b._n c._n after_o which_o he_o compose_v himself_o several_a treatise_n the_o which_o he_o entitle_v with_o the_o follow_a letter_n d._n f._n g._n h._n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n d._n consist_v of_o about_o 300._o aphorism_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o sum_n of_o spiritual_a doctrine_n or_o direction_n for_o contemplation_n have_v these_o approbation_n legi_fw-la &_o approbavi_fw-la hunc_fw-la libellum_fw-la pro_fw-la usu_fw-la monialium_fw-la nostrarum_fw-la ego_fw-la fr._n leander_n s._n th._n doctor_n &_o prior_n s._n gregorij_fw-la huius_fw-la monasterij_fw-la b._n mariae_fw-la de_fw-fr consolation_n ordinarius_fw-la indignus_fw-la augusti_fw-la 17._o 1629._o again_o in_o the_o re-examination_n allowed_n br._n leander_n br._n rosendo_n again_o lectus_fw-la est_fw-la hic_fw-la libellus_fw-la &_o admissus_fw-la &_o approbatus_fw-la a_o i_o fr._n leandro_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n pro_fw-la usu_fw-la monalium_fw-la nostrarum_fw-la f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n ordinarius_fw-la to_o the_o book_n f._n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o direction_n for_o contemplation_n and_z treat_v of_o certain_a erroneous_a opinion_n frequent_a in_o these_o day_n also_o of_o matter_n of_o confession_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n together_o with_o a_o caetalogue_n of_o choice_n spiritual_a book_n etc._n etc._n the_o approbation_n this_o second_o part_n of_o direction_n for_o contemplation_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a to_o be_v read_v but_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v learn_v something_o here_o and_o know_v where_o to_o learn_v more_o and_o to_o perform_v their_o obligation_n without_o trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o loss_n of_o time_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n priour_n s._n gregory_n eiusd_v ord._n &_o congreg_n ordinarius_fw-la monalium_fw-la b._n rosendo_n barlow_v precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n bennet_n the_o the_o book_n g._n the_o 3._o part_n of_o variety_n of_o contemplation_n etc._n etc._n the_o approbation_n i_o have_v read_v over_o diligent_o this_o book_n and_o find_v it_o in_o all_o point_v worthy_a of_o allowance_n full_a of_o very_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o fit_a for_o our_o spirit_n and_o call_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v allow_v of_o it_o for_o the_o use_n of_o our_o nun_n and_o commend_v much_o unto_o they_o the_o practice_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n herein_o contain_v 27._o aug._n 1629._o fr._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n mâ—rtino_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 this_o book_n call_v direction_n for_o contemplation_n the_o 3._o part_n be_v a_o brief_a sum_n of_o what_o be_v large_o handle_v by_o the_o best_a mystic_a author_n that_o write_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v read_v and_o read_v again_o duaci_fw-la 24._o dec._n 1629._o br._n rosendo_n barlow_v precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n bennet_n to_o the_o book_n h._n treat_v of_o purity_n of_o intention_n custodia_fw-la cordis_n &_o of_o meditation_n on_o the_o passion_n the_o approbation_n this_o 4._o part_v of_o direction_n for_o contemplation_n be_v replenish_v with_o pass_v good_a document_n &_o very_o fine_a explication_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o most_o serviceable_a to_o such_o as_o serious_o seek_v a_o perfect_a course_n of_o life_n douai_n 24._o dec._n 1629._o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n prior_n of_o s._n gregory_n eiusd_v ord._n &_o congregationis_fw-la 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 bennet_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o doubt_n and_o call_n be_v these_o approbation_n i_o have_v careful_o read_v over_o these_o 3._o book_n of_o doubt_n and_o call_v and_o find_v they_o to_o contain_v nothing_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a order_n but_o rather_o very_a many_o necessary_a &_o secure_a instruction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o internal_a prayer_n all_o conformable_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o best_a mâ—â—isters_n of_o spirit_n that_o have_v write_v of_o these_o matter_n may._n 12._o 1630._o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n mâ—rtino_n prior_n of_o the_o english_a benedictin_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n again_o item_n probatus_fw-la a_o i_o f._n leandro_n praeside_fw-la congregationis_fw-la 1634._o aprilis_fw-la 4._o to_o the_o 2._o part_v of_o doubt_n and_o call_n be_v these_o approbation_n this_o book_n call_v the_o second_o part_n of_o doubt_n &_o call_v may_v lawful_o be_v read_v it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o reader_n 4._o jan._n 1630._o b._n rosendo_n barlow_v precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n bennet_n scene_z &_o allow_v as_o contain_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_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 item_n approbavi_fw-la f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n praeses_fw-la cong_n 1634._o apr._n 4._o to_o the_o 3._o part_v of_o doubt_n and_o call_n be_v these_o approbation_n see_v and_o allow_v as_o contain_v very_o profitable_a and_o wholesome_a
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 â—_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 shâ—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 â—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 â—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 conâ—â—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 â—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