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 influence_n the_o humble_a and_o devout_a scholar_n be_v oblige_v to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v himself_o by_o prayer_n abstraction_n of_o life_n &c_n &c_n in_o solitude_n harken_v to_o his_o voice_n &_o call_n and_o learn_v how_o to_o distinguish_v it_o clear_o from_o the_o voice_n &_o solicitation_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n till_o that_o by_o long_a familiarity_n &_o conversation_n with_o god_n divine_a love_n alone_o will_v so_o clear_v his_o spiritual_a sight_n that_o he_o shall_v see_v at_o last_o no_o other_o light_n nor_o receive_v motion_n from_o any_o other_o but_o god_n only_o &_o this_o in_o all_o action_n omission_n and_o suffering_n though_o in_o themselves_o of_o the_o small_a importance_n 4._o this_o be_v our_o venerable_a author_n doctrine_n every_o where_o in_o all_o his_o treatise_n what_o ever_o the_o subject_n be_v inculcate_v and_o even_o to_o the_o weary_v of_o the_o reader_n continual_o repeat_v and_o assert_v indeed_o a_o doctrine_n it_o 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
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
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
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
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
spiritual_a author_n intend_v to_o recommend_v certain_a duty_n necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o entire_a selfe-abnegation_a purity_n of_o intention_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v urge_v the_o say_v duty_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n universal_o upon_o all_o &_o with_o such_o phrase_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o upon_o any_o defect_n in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n so_o by_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o full_a to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o most_o secret_a way_n &_o shift_n in_o which_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v ruin_v they_o do_v by_o this_o overmuch_o exactness_n &_o care_n instead_o of_o exciting_a the_o courage_n of_o their_o reader_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n quite_o dishearten_v they_o yea_o perhaps_o they_o make_v they_o suspect_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o present_a infirmity_n &_o imperfection_n lose_v all_o heart_n to_o adventure_v upon_o a_o attempt_n so_o unproportionable_a to_o their_o weak_a ability_n whereas_o if_o instruction_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o each_o practiser_n they_o will_v have_v go_v on_o with_o courage_n &_o good_a success_n 13._o voluntary_a reading_n must_v give_v place_n to_o prayer_n whensoever_o the_o soul_n find_v herself_o invite_v thereto_o 14._o the_o virtue_n of_o mortification_n may_v &_o sometime_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o read_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o any_o book_n or_o subject_n be_v very_o gustfull_a to_o a_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o power_n herself_o whole_o upon_o it_o with_o a_o intemperate_a greediness_n nor_o to_o let_v curiosity_n or_o delight_n too_o much_o possess_v she_o but_o let_v she_o now_o &_o then_o stop_v the_o pursuit_n of_o read_v lift_v up_o her_o mind_n by_o interruption_n to_o god_n &_o afterward_o continue_v at_o least_o in_o a_o virtual_a attention_n to_o he_o so_o mortify_v &_o qualify_a the_o impetuosity_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o give_v way_n to_o a_o unwillingnes_n to_o quit_v read_v for_o perform_v her_o appoint_a recollection_n or_o other_o exercise_n of_o obligation_n 15._o to_o conclude_v whosoever_o in_o read_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o chief_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n &_o divine_a call_n &_o make_v not_o the_o book_n say_n &_o example_n of_o other_o to_o serve_v the_o say_a spirit_n &_o call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n subject_a to_o book_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o never_o to_o read_v such_o book_n or_o receive_v humane_a instruction_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v cleave_v only_o to_o god_n who_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n will_v most_o assure_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v &_o defect_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o liberty_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v to_o soul_n in_o the_o read_n of_o other_o book_n i_o advise_v they_o to_o use_v in_o these_o instruction_n also_o that_o be_v to_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o practice_n only_o such_o direction_n as_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n &_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o grace_n shall_v show_v they_o to_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o indeed_o in_o all_o this_o book_n i_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o advice_n which_o i_o can_v confident_o say_v to_o be_v proper_o belong_v to_o all_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o internal_a life_n general_o except_o this_o that_o they_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n must_v not_o content_v themselves_o nor_o rest_n final_o in_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o follow_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o invitation_n without_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o any_o form_n or_o method_n they_o must_v from_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v ordinary_o meditation_n proceed_v to_o a_o more_o sublime_a prayer_n of_o immediate_a affection_n &_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o from_o thence_o ascend_v to_o the_o infuse_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n 17._o yea_o i_o dare_v with_o all_o confidence_n pronounce_v that_o if_o all_o spiritual_a book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lose_v &_o there_o be_v no_o external_a directour_n at_o all_o yet_o if_o a_o soul_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o essential_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a aptness_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a be_v only_o thus_o far_o well_o instruct_v at_o first_o will_v prosecute_v prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o will_v resigned_o undergo_v such_o necessary_a mortification_n as_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o she_o observe_v god_n &_o his_o call_v exterior_o &_o interior_o &_o so_o forsake_v herself_o &_o propose_v almighty_a god_n his_o will_n love_n &_o honour_n for_o her_o final_a intention_n the_o which_o she_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o she_o attend_v unto_o his_o inspiration_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v walk_v clear_o in_o perfect_a light_n &_o with_o all_o possible_a security_n &_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o due_a time_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a contemplation_n these_o be_v the_o two_o external_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v soul_n discover_v to_o they_o his_o will_n to_o wit_n instructour_n and_o book_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v another_o to_o wit_n law_n &_o precept_n of_o superior_n for_o god_n teach_v we_o also_o this_o way_n &_o never_o command_v contrary_o but_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o cap._n iu._n §_o 1._o of_o the_o 3._o &_o most_o principal_a way_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v internal_a liver_n viz._n immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n the_o order_n of_o particular_a consideration_n followingt_fw-fr â—ouching_a they_o §_o 2._o first_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o &_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o necessity_n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o say_a necessity_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o by_o his_o example_n §_o 7._o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o the_o say_a necessity_n 1._o the_o three_o foremention_v &_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o principal_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n instruct_v &_o direct_v internal_a liver_n in_o the_o secret_a path_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n &_o upon_o which_o do_v depend_v the_o two_o former_a be_v interiour_n illumination_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o only_a supreme_a master_n concern_v which_o inspiration_n it_o have_v already_o be_v show_v in_o general_n what_o they_o be_v how_o distinguish_v from_o the_o light_n &_o motion_n of_o common_a grace_n &_o what_o be_v the_o object_n about_o which_o principal_o they_o be_v exercise_v etc._n etc._n i_o will_v now_o treat_v more_o particular_o of_o they_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n viz._n 1._o there_o shall_v be_v further_a show_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o &_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n by_o remove_v the_o impediment_n 3._o how_o god_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o light_n &_o grace_n for_o her_o instru&ion_n instru&ion_n instru&ion_n &_o direction_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o &_o very_o secure_a to_o rely_v upon_o they_o 5._o that_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o come_v to_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a obedience_n 2._o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o proper_a &_o essential_a action_n of_o christian_a virtue_n the_o which_o receive_v all_o their_o meritoriousnes_n from_o the_o say_a inspiration_n but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o expect_v inspiration_n &_o call_v for_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o themselves_o indifferent_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n but_o sure_o since_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o by_o divine_n follow_v s._n augustin_n s._n thomas_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n do_v in_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v esteem_v indifferent_a but_o since_o they_o must_v have_v some_o end_n if_o the_o end_n be_v good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a &_o if_o evil_a they_o be_v evil_a however_o universal_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a because_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n &_o end_n wherewith_n they_o be_v do_v they_o may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n again_o since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v
oblige_v observance_n less_o submiss_a to_o authority_n and_o less_o assiduous_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 4._o therefore_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a conuentuall_a recite_v of_o the_o offiice_fw-la they_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o obligation_n thereto_o do_v not_o at_o all_o lie_n upon_o particular_a religious_a under_o sin_n except_o when_o they_o have_v be_v pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la express_o command_v by_o superior_n to_o frequent_v the_o choir_n at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o determinate_a time_n at_o other_o time_n they_o may_v be_v pennanced_a for_o negligence_n and_o aught_o to_o submit_v willing_o thereto_o but_o the_o obligation_n under_o sin_n to_o see_v that_o duty_n discharge_v lie_v only_o upon_o superior_n 5._o again_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o choir_n in_o case_n that_o when_o other_o be_v repeat_v the_o office_n they_o be_v employ_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n as_o light_v of_o candle_n fetch_v or_o turn_v of_o book_n music_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o repeat_v such_o part_n of_o the_o office_n as_o have_v pass_v during_o such_o their_o employment_n neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a in_o case_n of_o any_o considerable_a feebleness_n that_o they_o shall_v strain_n their_o voice_n to_o the_o tone_n of_o the_o convent_n unless_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o religious_a the_o office_n through_o their_o silence_n can_v be_v solemn_o discharge_v moreover_o if_o any_o reasonable_a occasion_n concern_v the_o office_n require_v their_o go_v out_o of_o the_o choir_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o repeat_v afterward_o what_o shall_v have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o at_o their_o return_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o the_o community_n etc._n etc._n 6._o but_o as_o touch_v the_o say_n of_o the_o office_n in_o private_a it_o be_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o learned_a man_n 1._o that_o a_o very_a ordinary_a indisposition_n will_v suffice_v to_o dispense_v 2._o that_o the_o mistake_n of_o one_o office_n for_o another_o be_v not_o considerable_a since_o it_o be_v only_o a_o day_n office_n be_v enjoin_v and_o not_o such_o a_o determinate_a office_n 3_o that_o if_o a_o few_o verse_n now_o and_o then_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o valuable_a 4._o that_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o repetition_n for_o want_n of_o attention_n or_o for_o not_o exact_a pronunciation_n etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o scrupulous_a soul_n be_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o have_v say_v such_o a_o particular_a hour_n or_o other_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o office_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o say_v it_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o time_n of_o say_v each_o part_n the_o liberty_n allow_v be_v full_o large_a enough_o other_o indulgence_n there_o be_v general_o permit_v of_o the_o which_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o inform_v themselves_o these_o will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o burden_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o many_o good_a tender_a soul_n do_v apprehend_v 7._o but_o the_o root_n of_o all_o these_o and_o all_o other_o scrupulous_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o positive_a assertion_n of_o certain_a learned_a doctor_n not_o censure_v or_o condemn_v by_o any_o viz._n that_o no_o religious_a person_n except_o they_o be_v in_o holy_a order_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o divine_a office_n in_o private_a under_o mortal_a sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o sin_n at_o all_o to_o omit_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n be_v evident_o in_o materia_fw-la gravi_fw-la 8._o the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v lessius_fw-la a_o very_a learned_a jesuit_n and_o marchantius_n a_o most_o prudent_a learned_a and_o conscientious_a provincial_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n francis_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o long_a experience_n in_o treat_v with_o tender_a soul_n profess_v that_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o timorous_a soul_n to_o publish_v this_o assertion_n and_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o press_v and_o conclude_v because_o the_o simple_a not-reciting_a of_o the_o office_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a for_o then_o all_o secular_n not_o recite_v it_o shall_v sin_v mortal_o there_o can_v be_v name_v no_o title_n under_o which_o it_o can_v be_v make_v obligatory_a 9_o for._n 1._o all_o those_o that_o will_v maintain_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v profess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o it_o for_o although_o our_o holy_a rule_n advise_v that_o in_o case_n any_o considerable_a number_n of_o religious_a by_o mean_n of_o any_o employment_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o the_o choir_n they_o shall_v in_o the_o place_n of_o such_o their_o employment_n recite_v the_o office_n in_o common_a yet_o it_o give_v no_o order_n at_o all_o to_o single_a religious_a person_n in_o that_o case_n 2._o the_o foundation_n and_o sustentation_n of_o religious_a community_n be_v not_o as_o that_o of_o cure_n or_o canonry_n to_o which_o there_o be_v correspondent_a by_o a_o debt_n of_o justice_n and_o virtual_a contract_v the_o recite_v of_o the_o canonical_a office_n so_o that_o restitution_n be_v due_a in_o case_n of_o omission_n but_o to_o foundation_n of_o monastery_n and_o pious_a oblation_n be_v correspondent_a only_o the_o performance_n and_o observance_n of_o religious_a vow_n fast_n austerity_n conuentuall_a prayer_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n &c_n &c_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o only_o oblation_n be_v make_v to_o conuent_v not_o under_o a_o title_n of_o justice_n but_o charity_n 10._o there_o remain_v therefore_o no_o other_o pretence_n for_o a_o obligation_n of_o particular_a religious_a not_o in_o sacris_fw-la to_o a_o private_a recite_v of_o the_o office_n but_o only_a custom_n that_o have_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o law._n now_o caietan_n doubt_v whether_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la there_o be_v any_o custom_n of_o it_o at_o all_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o receive_v neither_o be_v it_o by_o privilege_n that_o some_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o however_o if_o there_o be_v a_o custom_n yet_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n may_v appear_v 1._o because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o authority_n of_o superior_n it_o will_v have_v be_v establish_v by_o constitution_n which_o yet_o have_v never_o be_v do_v neither_o have_v any_o inquisition_n be_v make_v at_o visit_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o a_o fault_n 2._o because_o those_o doctor_n that_o most_o urge_v the_o obligation_n thereto_o yet_o never_o pretend_v the_o omit_v to_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mortal_a sin_n it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o 3._o because_o several_a learned_a man_n have_v public_o without_o censure_n protest_v against_o any_o obligation_n flow_a from_o such_o a_o custom_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v permit_v if_o prelate_n and_o superior_n have_v a_o intention_n that_o their_o subject_n shall_v esteem_v such_o a_o custom_n obligatory_a 4._o because_o there_o be_v certain_a order_n as_o the_o franciscan_n the_o nun_n of_o the_o annunciata_n &c_n &c_n which_o by_o their_o rule_n and_o a_o express_a vow_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o office_n in_o particular_a in_o case_n of_o absence_n from_o the_o choir_n which_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a if_o the_o general_a custom_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v sufficient_o oblige_v 5._o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o parity_n for_o whereas_o a_o custom_n have_v be_v general_o introduce_v among_o the_o cisâ—ertians_n by_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o order_n of_o recite_v the_o office_n of_o our_o b._n lady_n and_o of_o the_o dead_a yet_o in_o general_n chapter_n anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1618._o it_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o custom_n though_o introduce_v by_o the_o ancient_n and_o superior_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o lâ—w._n 11._o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o say_a author_n we_o may_v conceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o custom_n very_o laudable_o practise_v by_o devout_a souleâ—_n and_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v under_o title_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o convenient_a holy_a exercise_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v causeless_o neglect_v contemn_a or_o transgress_v a_o person_n so_o transgress_v if_o he_o do_v it_o out_o of_o indevotion_n and_o want_n of_o fervour_n in_o matter_n of_o piety_n may_v just_o be_v condemn_v or_o at_o least_o esteem_v a_o person_n indevout_a and_o negligent_a the_o which_o fault_n yet_o may_v be_v remedy_v some_o other_o more_o commodious_a way_n then_o by_o lay_v a_o snare_n upon_o tender_a soul_n or_o misinform_v they_o chap._n xi_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a kind_n of_o
state_n they_o may_v pray_v say_v their_o office_n exercise_v mortification_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o precedent_a conâ—ession_n though_o it_o be_v with_o great_a dejection_n heartlesnes_n &_o most_o grievous_a distraction_n that_o such_o soul_n apply_v themselves_o to_o internal_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o above_o all_o communicate_v during_o their_o suspicion_n be_v most_o grievous_a &_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o they_o 24._o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o a_o wellminded_n soul_n come_v to_o communicate_v according_a to_o order_n prescribe_v by_o her_o confessor_n and_o find_v a_o fear_n to_o seize_v upon_o she_o let_v she_o take_v courage_n lift_v up_o her_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n my_o god_n it_o be_v not_o by_o my_o own_o choice_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o thou_o speak_v to_o i_o by_o my_o confessor_n that_o i_o presume_v to_o approach_v to_o thy_o altar_n in_o thy_o name_n therefore_o and_o hope_v for_o thy_o blessing_n i_o will_v communicate_v notwithstanding_o the_o horror_n &_o fright_n which_o i_o feel_v in_o my_o soul_n these_o i_o accept_v as_o a_o pain_n and_o i_o do_v resign_v myself_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o pleasure_n for_o my_o humiliation_n i_o hope_v &_o be_o assure_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o condemn_v i_o for_o obedience_n and_o for_o resist_v the_o violent_a impulsion_n of_o my_o corrupt_a passion_n it_o be_v only_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o precious_a body_n of_o my_o lord_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v thy_o will_n that_o i_o shall_v communicate_v now_o i_o will_v abstain_v though_o this_o be_v christmas_n or_o easter-day_n and_o whatsoever_o confusion_n or_o shame_n i_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o abstain_v have_v say_v or_o think_v to_o this_o effect_n let_v she_o free_o communicate_v and_o be_v assure_v she_o shall_v not_o incur_v the_o least_o danger_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a merit_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n she_o may_v lift_v up_o her_o heart_n to_o god_n whensoever_o in_o confession_n she_o abstaine_v from_o mention_v such_o fault_n aâ—_n do_v cause_n disquietness_n in_o she_o 25._o such_o soul_n may_v also_o do_v well_o to_o practice_v very_o often_o in_o private_a spiritual_a communicate_v prepare_v themselves_o thereto_o by_o the_o forementioned_a brief_a and_o quiet_a examination_n frequent_v practise_v after_o this_o manner_n will_v beget_v a_o confidence_n to_o do_v it_o real_o upon_o occasion_n 26._o those_o soul_n to_o who_o these_o instruction_n have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v esteem_v proper_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o spiritual_a directour_n must_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o follow_a they_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v say_v by_o other_o or_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v in_o book_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o write_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o learned_a and_o unquestioned_a doctor_n they_o must_v therefore_o abstain_v from_o make_v consultation_n with_o other_o or_o demand_v their_o judgment_n or_o opinion_n for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o trouble_n and_o distraction_n neither_o willing_o or_o purposely_o ought_v they_o to_o read_v book_n make_v for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o soul_n and_o that_o give_v different_a advice_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o put_v themselves_o wilful_o into_o a_o tentation_n but_o let_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o these_o or_o the_o like_a instruction_n read_v they_o oft_o and_o serious_o resolve_v in_o &_o with_o prayer_n to_o practice_v according_o and_o they_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n expect_v a_o good_a success_n 27._o now_o they_o must_v not_o from_o hence_o expect_v advice_n to_o fit_v all_o case_n which_o be_v almost_o infinite_a but_o according_a to_o their_o particular_a necessity_n they_o must_v apply_v these_o general_n instruction_n observe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n their_o own_o experience_n and_o sometime_o likewise_o serve_v themselves_o of_o their_o natural_a judgement_n for_o of_o this_o let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o resolve_v to_o obey_v till_o satisfaction_n be_v give_v they_o to_o all_o their_o scrupulous_a objection_n &_o fear_n their_o case_n be_v desperate_a if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v they_o but_o a_o riddance_n from_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o tentation_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o quiet_a &_o satisfy_v they_o they_o must_v either_o obey_v though_o with_o their_o eye_n shut_v or_o they_o will_v live_v &_o die_v in_o the_o state_n of_o self-love_n and_o servile_a fear_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n to_o die_v in_o 28._o yet_o those_o who_o must_v of_o necessity_n at_o the_o first_o be_v help_v with_o rely_v upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o their_o confessor_n and_o directour_n must_v not_o final_o rest_v there_o but_o make_v use_n of_o such_o peace_n as_o by_o their_o mean_n they_o can_v obtain_v to_o dispose_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o our_o lord_n to_o learn_v confidence_n in_o he_o which_o will_v arise_v from_o frequent_a converse_v with_o he_o by_o prayer_n 29._o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n a_o general_a good_a way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v by_o oppose_v it_o in_o its_o root_n and_o cause_n the_o which_o be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a the_o spiritual_a cause_n of_o scrupulosity_n be_v tepidity_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o humour_n full_a of_o solicitude_n have_v and_o eagerne_n yet_o the_o true_a ground_n ofttimes_o of_o it_o be_v a_o unwillingnes_n and_o loathness_n to_o give_v god_n more_o than_o we_o must_v needs_o now_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_n of_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v uncertain_a from_o the_o ignorance_n thereof_o grow_n a_o general_a fear_n just_a enough_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o corrupt_v with_o self-love_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o be_v necessary_a almost_o in_o every_o thing_n either_o for_o want_n of_o right_a intention_n or_o some_o other_o important_a circumstance_n the_o which_o fear_v be_v servile_a be_v perplex_v confound_a and_o darken_n the_o proper_a remedy_n therefore_o be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v a_o humble_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o correct_v in_o we_o what_o be_v amiss_o &_o to_o supply_v what_o be_v defective_a as_o also_o a_o submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o sincere_o and_o entire_o to_o do_v to_o our_o uttermost_a what_o he_o require_v and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o soul_n estate_n its_o hope_n or_o danger_n so_o much_o by_o a_o view_v of_o our_o own_o perfection_n or_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o imperfection_n but_o only_o by_o our_o rely_v and_o affectionate_a dependence_n on_o god_n for_o the_o great_a &_o most_o perfect_a servant_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o grow_v in_o perfection_n the_o more_o light_a have_v they_o to_o discern_v innumerable_a imperfection_n in_o themselves_o which_o cause_v great_a humility_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o abate_v their_o dependence_n &_o confidence_n on_o god_n ground_v in_o his_o only_a goodness_n whereas_o imperfect_a tepid_a soul_n hope_v to_o gain_v security_n by_o diminish_v their_o imperfection_n the_o which_o arise_v from_o pride_n when_o they_o see_v their_o defect_n rather_o to_o increase_v they_o become_v deject_a fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a 30._o and_o such_o scrupulosity_n arise_v from_o tepidity_n do_v much_o increase_v it_o through_o a_o kind_n of_o despair_n of_o expel_v our_o own_o imperfectious_a by_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o true_a mean_n of_o expel_v they_o which_o be_v serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n if_o such_o soul_n therefore_o will_v take_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o life_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o see_v themselves_o otherwise_o then_o full_a of_o innumerable_a defect_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o give_v any_o account_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o ought_v even_o for_o that_o very_a impossibility_n sake_n to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o god_n &_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o pardon_n as_o also_o his_o help_n and_o concurrence_n to_o remove_v our_o defect_n as_o far_o as_o his_o good_a pleasure_n shall_v be_v again_o if_o they_o will_v not_o expect_v a_o certainty_n or_o security_n touch_v their_o state_n but_o be_v content_a to_o stand_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o mercy_n by_o which_o not_o only_o perfection_n but_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v they_o will_v short_o be_v free_v from_o their_o painful_a wearisome_a fear_n and_o scrupulosity_n 31._o again_o ofttimes_o this_o humour_n of_o a_o timorous_a scrupulosity_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v
trial_n of_o these_o virtue_n require_v of_o he_o to_o prepare_v some_o water_n for_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n the_o good_a priest_n with_o a_o modest_a chearfullnes_n obey_v &_o have_v quick_o bring_v the_o water_n s._n basile_n sit_v down_o command_v he_o to_o wash_v his_o foot_n who_o ready_o &_o diligent_o perform_v that_o command_n that_o be_v do_v the_o saint_n command_v the_o priest_n to_o sit_v down_o that_o so_o he_o in_o exchange_n may_v also_o wash_v his_o foot_n the_o humble_a &_o virtuous_o simple_a man_n without_o any_o excuse_n or_o contestation_n quiet_o &_o calm_o as_o it_o become_v one_o perfect_a in_o obedience_n suffer_v his_o foot_n to_o be_v wash_v by_o he_o that_o be_v then_o the_o most_o eminent_a &_o most_o reverence_a prelate_n in_o the_o eastern_a church_n upon_o this_o proof_n s._n basile_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v find_v a_o attendant_n fit_a for_o the_o employment_n to_o which_o he_o destine_v he_o &_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o the_o neighbour_n bishop_n take_v the_o priest_n with_o he_o for_o his_o inseparable_a comparison_n 25._o there_o be_v mention_v in_o our_o holy_a rule_n another_o sort_n of_o obedience_n of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o bring_v soul_n to_o perfection_n to_o wit_n a_o obedience_n not_o out_o of_o obligation_n &_o duty_n to_o superior_n but_o only_o from_o respect_n to_o brethren_n special_o ancient_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o out_o of_o charity_n &_o in_o conformity_n to_o s._n paul_n advice_n which_o be_v very_o general_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o honour_n prefer_v every_o one_o before_o ourselves_o this_o kind_n of_o obedience_n as_o receive_v proper_a command_n from_o such_o be_v now_o out_o of_o practice_n and_o whether_o this_o disuse_n have_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o simplicity_n &_o humility_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n or_o from_o imperfection_n &_o want_n of_o discretion_n &_o gravity_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a or_o perhaps_o from_o jealousy_n &_o a_o love_n of_o be_v absolute_a in_o superior_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a loss_n there_o be_v likewise_o obligation_n impose_v upon_o all_o juniour_n after_o any_o the_o least_o offence_n take_v by_o their_o ancient_n to_o make_v present_a satisfaction_n by_o prostration_n the_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v till_o that_o pardon_n &_o a_o benediction_n be_v give_v indeed_o in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o so_o much_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o so_o seldom_o mutual_a conversation_n be_v use_v offence_n be_v so_o rare_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o such_o simple_a humble_a soul_n as_o most_o religious_a person_n than_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o these_o obligation_n so_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o restore_v they_o be_v to_o restore_v that_o most_o profitable_a abstraction_n solitude_n and_o silence_n again_o 26._o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o one_o to_o seek_v the_o attain_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n which_o beside_o the_o outward_a work_n require_v a_o submission_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o superior_a &_o a_o renounce_n of_o one_o own_o judgement_n upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o indiscreet_a superior_a but_o by_o the_o serious_a &_o constant_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o alone_o purify_v the_o soul_n &_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n but_o god_n invisible_a to_o she_o so_o that_o without_o such_o prayer_n all_o other_o exterior_a practice_n of_o a_o officious_a humiliation_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n thereto_o chap._n xv._o §_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o here_o treat_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o mortification_n or_o virtue_n but_o principal_o such_o as_o be_v most_o proper_a &_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v &_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o a_o internal_a life_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n several_a advice_n and_o observation_n touch_v virtue_n in_o general_n 1._o hitherto_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o first_o instrument_n and_o mean_a of_o perfection_n to_o wit_n mortification_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o we_o conceive_v proper_a to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n that_o be_v in_o order_n to_o internal_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v not_o enlarge_v the_o discourse_n to_o comprehend_v universal_o all_o moral_a virtue_n the_o which_o be_v mortification_n to_o all_o our_o distemper_a affection_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o religious_a or_o internal_a liver_n for_o the_o rest_n the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o other_o book_n of_o christian_a morality_n which_o abundant_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_n the_o doctrine_n of_o which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n if_o reflection_n be_v make_v on_o the_o advice_n which_o have_v already_o be_v give_v concern_v the_o special_a virtue_n hitherto_o treat_v of_o to_o the_o which_o i_o will_v for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n add_v a_o few_o more_o touch_v virtue_n in_o general_n 2._o the_o first_o advice_n be_v this_o that_o before_o a_o soul_n can_v attain_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o she_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_a virtue_n not_o one_o except_v according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o psalmist_n ibunt_fw-la de_fw-la virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la videbit_fw-la ur_fw-la deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la in_o zion_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v go_v from_o one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o then_o &_o not_o till_o then_o the_o god_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v contemplate_v in_o zion_n so_o that_o if_o a_o soul_n make_v a_o stop_n at_o any_o virtue_n of_o willing_o favour_v herself_o in_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o she_o to_o ascend_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n where_o god_n be_v see_v 3._o the_o second_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o attain_v to_o virtue_n for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n as_o if_o a_o soul_n progress_n to_o perfection_n be_v by_o a_o successive_a gain_n of_o one_o virtue_n after_o another_o for_o example_n first_o possess_v herself_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n &_o have_v get_v that_o then_o proceed_v to_o patience_n humility_n chastity_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o root_n get_v together_o &_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n in_o one_o virtue_n but_o withal_o we_o make_v a_o proportionable_a progress_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o charity_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n they_o be_v only_o such_o duty_n as_o charity_n which_o alone_o direct_v we_o to_o god_n our_o last_o end_n will_v &_o do_v dictate_v to_o be_v practise_v on_o several_a &_o different_a occasion_n 4._o true_a it_o be_v that_o either_o by_o our_o natural_a temper_n or_o by_o have_v more_o frequent_a trial_n &_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n certain_a passion_n opposite_a to_o they_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o material_a disposition_n in_o corporal_a nature_n more_o subdue_v &_o regulate_v then_o other_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o spiritual_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n &_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n the_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o object_n be_v equal_o by_o a_o equality_n of_o proportion_n incline_v to_o all_o good_a and_o equal_o avert_v from_o all_o ill_a because_o divine_a love_n be_v equal_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o mortal_a sin_n and_o do_v combat_n &_o subdue_v self-love_n in_o all_o its_o branch_n our_o progress_n therefore_o express_v in_o the_o phrase_n de_fw-fr virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v from_o a_o low_a &_o more_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o charity_n and_o all_o its_o virtue_n to_o a_o high_a till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o mount_n of_o perfection_n 5._o the_o three_o advice_n be_v that_o this_o progress_n &_o increase_n in_o virtue_n be_v neither_o equal_a at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o soul_n by_o resist_v strong_a temptation_n &_o in_o virtue_n of_o more_o efficacious_a prayer_n do_v make_v great_a stride_n and_o pace_n neither_o be_v it_o always_o observable_a either_o by_o the_o traveller_n himself_o or_o other_o yea_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o perhaps_o convenient_a that_o we_o shall_v much_o heed_n the_o rule_n that_o be_v give_v by_o some_o for_o examination_n of_o our_o proficiency_n such_o enquiry_n seem_v not_o very_o suitable_a to_o humility_n &_o probable_o will_v not_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n in_o we_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o that_o we_o go_v on_o and_o that_o god_n know_v perfect_o our_o growth_n in_o piety_n &_o love_n &_o will_v most_o assure_o reward_n we_o proportional_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a to_o what_o degree_n of_o
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
in_o those_o for_o who_o it_o be_v proper_a be_v not_o usual_o much_o assault_v with_o such_o aridity_n except_o it_o be_v sometime_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o such_o prayer_n when_o soul_n will_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v good_a affection_n from_o a_o precedent_a motive_n consider_v by_o the_o understanding_n for_o then_o the_o heart_n may_v sometime_o prove_v barren_a or_o averse_a from_o such_o affection_n but_o however_o they_o that_o practise_v meditation_n may_v find_v some_o remedy_n by_o surcease_n the_o produce_v of_o affection_n &_o may_v either_o betake_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v mere_a act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v not_o so_o affective_a or_o retire_v themselves_o to_o their_o internal_a discourse_n 23._o the_o pain_n &_o anguish_n that_o good_a soul_n suffer_v from_o these_o aridity_n be_v very_o grievous_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o continual_a martyrdom_n and_o therefore_o the_o merit_n of_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o such_o discouragment_n in_o nature_n be_v the_o great_a and_o soul_n to_o who_o god_n shall_v give_v such_o constancy_n will_v find_v their_o exerciseâ—_n both_o much_o more_o secure_a however_o disgustful_a they_o be_v yea_o &_o much_o more_o profitable_a then_o if_o they_o have_v flow_v with_o sensible_a affection_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a be_v get_v by_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n courageous_o prosecute_v all_o virtue_n be_v exercise_v in_o it_o it_o be_v both_o prayer_n and_o most_o efficacious_a mortification_n too_o 24._o and_o indeed_o the_o only_a general_a effectual_a remedy_n against_o any_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v be_v cause_v by_o such_o aridity_n be_v this_o generosity_n of_o resolution_n not_o to_o seek_v contentment_n in_o nature_n by_o internal_a exercise_n nor_o to_o quit_v they_o for_o any_o dullnes_n coldness_n or_o aversion_n whatsoever_o let_v but_o soul_n do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v or_o know_v &_o they_o will_v find_v that_o their_o spiritual_a progress_n in_o the_o true_a solid_a &_o only_o meritorious_a love_n of_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v hinder_v but_o rather_o advance_v by_o such_o froward_a indisposition_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n 25._o and_o such_o courage_n &_o effectual_a resolution_n may_v well_o enough_o consist_v with_o these_o discouragement_n for_o the_o spirit_n who_o operation_n do_v not_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o corporal_a disposition_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o sensible_a aridity_n &_o obscurity_n perform_v its_o function_n with_o great_a efficacy_n the_o intellective_a faculty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n capable_a of_o illumination_n &_o the_o will_n of_o receive_v grace_n &_o strength_n from_o god_n and_o the_o light_n &_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v at_o such_o time_n be_v far_o more_o pure_a &_o divine_a then_o when_o corporal_a affection_n do_v abound_v for_o than_o they_o be_v communicate_v pure_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o the_o operation_n perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o such_o light_n &_o grace_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o meritorious_a because_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o nature_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v mingle_v she_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v confident_o be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v supernatural_a &_o divine_a the_o essential_a profit_n of_o a_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o light_n &_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o light_n &_o love_v therefore_o which_o be_v get_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n &_o in_o such_o struggle_a of_o nature_n be_v far_o more_o pure_a generous_a &_o withal_o more_o solide_o root_v in_o the_o soul_n then_o that_o which_o be_v get_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a affection_n because_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a combat_n against_o self-love_n &_o all_o the_o most_o secret_a subtle_a &_o deep_o hide_a snare_n of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o virtue_n become_v thus_o root_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o mean_n &_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sharp_a tentation_n there_o be_v less_o fear_n that_o they_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o other_o follow_a trial_n 26._o now_o at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o end_n to_o attain_v unto_o this_o most_o necessary_a courageousnes_n of_o mind_n such_o soul_n may_v do_v well_o to_o help_v themselves_o during_o their_o aridity_n with_o the_o best_a motive_n &_o most_o efficacious_a affection_n that_o they_o can_v furnish_v themselves_o withal_o either_o out_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o by_o collection_n out_o of_o book_n as_o likewise_o frequent_o to_o urge_v &_o even_o force_v themselves_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o such_o eiaculatory_a prayer_n &_o desire_n as_o these_o o_o my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o love_v thou_o as_o thou_o deserve_v when_o shall_v i_o love_v as_o i_o be_o love_v by_o thou_o o_o that_o i_o be_v free_v from_o myself_o that_o i_o may_v only_o love_v thou_o excita_fw-la potentiam_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o veni_fw-la veni_fw-la domine_fw-la &_o noli_fw-la tardare_fw-la exurgat_fw-la deus_fw-la &_o dissipentur_fw-la inimici_fw-la eius_fw-la &c_n &c_n 27._o such_o affection_n as_o these_o let_v a_o devout_a soul_n exercise_n in_o her_o recollection_n likewise_o the_o best_a she_o can_v in_o case_n she_o can_v see_v how_o other_o way_n to_o do_v better_o although_o without_o any_o gust_n or_o sensible_a contentment_n and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o accept_v &_o plentiful_o reward_n her_o good_a will_n &_o thereby_o promote_v she_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o best_o know_v she_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o since_o he_o have_v give_v she_o the_o generous_a courage_n to_o serve_v he_o without_o present_a wage_n he_o will_v at_o least_o in_o the_o next_o life_n multiply_v rewards_o upon_o she_o infinite_o above_o her_o expectation_n and_o she_o ought_v to_o account_v it_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o special_a love_n &_o esteem_v of_o she_o that_o he_o have_v select_v she_o to_o be_v a_o martyr_n of_o love_n &_o a_o soldier_n to_o who_o courage_n he_o commit_v the_o most_o difficult_a &_o hazardous_a employment_n 28._o in_o case_n that_o internal_a distress_n in_o prayer_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o soul_n to_o her_o seem_n can_v only_o keep_v herself_o in_o a_o outward_a posture_n of_o prayer_n all_o that_o she_o think_v or_o do_v appear_v to_o she_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o all_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n love_n &_o reverence_n to_o god_n that_o she_o may_v rather_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o he_o let_v she_o be_v patient_a &_o abstain_v from_o disquiet_v her_o mind_n with_o murmur_a complaint_n &_o by_o all_o mean_n let_v she_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o consolation_n in_o creature_n or_o recreative_a diversion_n in_o time_n appoint_v for_o recollection_n &_o then_o all_o will_v be_v very_o well_o god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o of_o she_o than_o she_o be_v well_o able_a to_o do_v &_o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n always_o to_o subdue_v nature_n yet_o she_o may_v &_o must_v always_o withdraw_v her_o consent_n from_o its_o sinful_a suggestion_n &_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o danger_n therefore_o for_o what_o she_o can_v do_v let_v she_o be_v humble_v &_o resign_v and_o such_o humble_a resignation_n will_v prove_v a_o very_a efficacious_a prayer_n 29._o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o internal_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o imperfect_a soul_n during_o aridity_n through_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o natural_a propension_n be_v a_o true_o pure_a &_o spiritual_a prayer_n because_o as_o yet_o their_o exercise_n be_v indeed_o in_o sense_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o noble_a &_o supreme_a part_n of_o sensuality_n tend_v much_o towards_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o in_o that_o case_n do_v enjoy_v a_o internal_a light_n more_o clear_a &_o pure_a then_o while_o they_o exercise_v with_o flow_a affection_n in_o so_o much_o as_o their_o operation_n be_v then_o abstract_v from_o grosser_n sensuality_n and_o the_o more_o strong_a that_o their_o propension_n to_o introversion_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o &_o quick_o do_v they_o raise_v themselves_o to_o that_o clear_a superior_a region_n of_o light_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o propension_n &_o aptitude_n to_o internal_a way_n draw_v the_o person_n endow_v with_o it_o more_o &_o more_o deep_o towards_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o perfect_a operation_n whereof_o consist_v the_o consummation_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o 2._o a_o second_o discouragement_n in_o prayer_n opposite_a to_o perseverance_n to_o wit_n distraction_n §_o 3._o distraction_n be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o 5._o distraction_n about_o object_n to_o which_o we_o hear_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v most_o harmful_a §_o 6._o a_o remedy_n against_o they_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o remedy_n against_o all_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v come_v from_o distraction_n §_o 10._o difference_n
outward_o present_v to_o he_o &_o to_o rejoice_v with_o he_o permanent_o and_o habitual_o now_o he_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o imperfect_a &_o perfect_a soul_n in_o the_o point_n of_o enjoy_v the_o divine_a presence_n express_v by_o s._n thomas_n 22._o q._n 24._o a._n 9_o ad_fw-la 3._o et_fw-la opusc_fw-la 63._o and_o he_o perceive_v that_o those_o be_v blind_a that_o seek_v god_n with_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n &_o call_v upon_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v absent_a whereas_o be_v already_o his_o temple_n in_o which_o his_o divine_a majesty_n rest_v thâ—y_v aught_o to_o enjoy_v he_o actual_o and_o internal_o present_a in_o they_o sometime_o in_o his_o prayer_n he_o ponder_v while_n on_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o inspiration_n and_o light_n then_o give_v he_o sometime_o he_o remain_v in_o cessation_n and_o silence_n before_o god_n which_o manner_n of_o prayer_n he_o account_v a_o great_a treasure_n for_o than_o his_o heart_n his_o desire_n his_o secret_a intention_n his_o knowledge_n and_o all_o his_o power_n speak_v &_o god_n understand_v their_o mute_a language_n and_o with_o one_o aspect_n can_v expel_v his_o defect_n kindle_v his_o desire_n &_o give_v he_o wing_n to_o mount_v spiritual_o unto_o he_o now_o he_o take_v comfort_n in_o nothing_o but_o in_o suffer_v content_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o welcome_v to_o he_o in_o aridity_n as_o consolation_n be_v unwilling_a to_o know_v more_o than_o god_n free_o discover_v unto_o he_o or_o to_o make_v a_o more_o speedy_a progress_n or_o by_o any_o other_o way_n then_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o if_o his_o heart_n out_o of_o its_o natural_a infirmity_n do_v any_o time_n groan_v under_o his_o present_a burden_n his_o answer_n thereto_o will_v be_v iâ—_n not_o that_o good_a which_o god_n will_n to_o be_v &_o will_v it_o not_o a_o way_n incessant_o remain_v so_o or_o will_v god_n cease_v to_o perform_v his_o owâ—e_n will_v because_o thou_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v for_o thy_o good_a in_o conclusion_n his_o present_a establish_a comfort_n be_v to_o see_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n &_o to_o be_v treat_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a pleasure_n 13._o if_o sometime_o leave_v this_o quiet_a prayer_n to_o which_o god_n have_v bring_v he_o he_o offer_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o his_o former_a exercise_n of_o meditation_n he_o find_v that_o god_n give_v he_o a_o internal_a reprehension_n &_o restraint_n for_o his_o great_a assurance_n therefore_o he_o search_v mystic_a author_n s._n dionysius_n areopagita_n the_o mist_n theol._n c._n 1._o s._n augustin_n epistol_n 119._o s._n gregory_n moritur_fw-la lib._n 30._o 26._o etc._n etc._n s._n bernard_n in_o cant._n serm_n 55._o etc._n etc._n out_o of_o which_o he_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o as_o rest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o motion_n &_o a_o quiet_a habitation_n the_o end_n of_o a_o laborious_a build_n so_o this_o peaceful_a prayer_n &_o quiet_a enjoy_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o imperfect_a busy_a prayer_n of_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o internal_a discourse_v with_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o cease_v whensoever_o god_n enable_v soul_n to_o actuate_v pure_o by_o the_o will._n and_o that_o to_o do_v otherwise_o will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v be_v always_o prepare_v somewhat_o to_o eat_v &_o yet_o afterward_o refuse_v to_o taste_v that_o which_o be_v prepare_v by_o this_o divine_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_v the_o hoâ—y_a spirit_n of_o wisdom_n with_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n cap._n viij_o be_v obtain_v &_o with_o it_o perfect_a liberty_n 14._o in_o consequence_n hereto_o he_o proceed_v by_o reason_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o supreminent_a excellency_n of_o this_o reposefull_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n as_o 1._o that_o though_o in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n of_o the_o mind_n yet_o the_o soul_n silent_o present_v herself_o bâ—fore_o god_n with_o a_o firm_a faith_n that_o her_o desire_n be_v manifest_a to_o he_o do_v more_o than_o equivalent_o tell_v god_n her_o desire_n &_o withal_o exercise_v all_o virtue_n humble_v herself_o before_o he_o love_v he_o only_o and_o believe_v that_o leave_v she_o own_o way_n and_o constant_o hold_v to_o god_n all_o good_a will_v proceed_v from_o thence_o to_o she_o 2._o that_o in_o this_o prayer_n a_o soul_n have_v a_o far_o more_o sublime_a &_o worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o this_o still_a &_o quiet_a prayer_n may_v be_v far_o more_o prolixely_a &_o perseverant_o practise_v then_o the_o tire_a prayer_n of_o meditation_n â—ea_o it_o mâ—y_v come_v to_o be_v continual_a &_o without_o interruption_n 4._o that_o all_o the_o good_a effect_n of_o meditation_n as_o humility_n obedience_n &c_n &c_n be_v far_o more_o efficacious_o &_o perfect_o produce_v by_o this_o prayer_n then_o by_o that_o which_o be_v join_v wiâ—h_v inward_a reason_n 5._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o â—he_v exercise_n institute_v by_o s._n ignatius_n be_v more_o proper_a general_o for_o soul_n then_o this_o yet_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v proper_a for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v &_o prepare_v to_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v s._n ignatius_n his_o own_o practice_n who_o though_o in_o his_o less_o perfect_a state_n he_o pursue_v the_o imperfect_a exercise_n institute_v by_o he_o yet_o afterward_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o this_o sublime_a prayer_n by_o which_o he_o come_v to_o suffer_v divine_a thing_n that_o therefore_o as_o none_o ought_v to_o intrude_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o pure_a prayer_n till_o god_n have_v call_v and_o fit_v they_o for_o it_o so_o be_v call_v none_o ought_v to_o be_v forbid_v it_o as_o osanna_n in_o his_o alphabet_n teach_v and_o that_o whosoever_o forbid_v such_o shall_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o fault_n insomuch_o as_o a_o certain_a spiritual_a writer_n say_v that_o god_n will_v shorten_v the_o life_n of_o those_o superior_n who_o shall_v presume_v to_o discourage_v and_o affright_v any_o soul_n from_o these_o internal_a way_n except_o they_o desist_v from_o such_o a_o attempt_n 15._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o account_n which_o the_o most_o venerable_a f._n baltazar_n aluarez_n after_o a_o retirement_n of_o fifteen_o day_n with_o a_o most_o humble_a confession_n of_o his_o own_o defect_n &_o misery_n &_o a_o magnify_v of_o god_n liberal_a goodness_n extend_v towards_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o general_n 16._o now_o beside_o this_o account_n he_o write_v likewise_o a_o short_a discourse_n in_o which_o he_o do_v more_o full_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o prayer_n of_o rest_n and_o silence_n &_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o several_a objection_n which_o certain_a of_o his_o brethren_n have_v make_v and_o disperse_v against_o the_o say_a prayer_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o objection_n with_o hiâ—_n answer_v to_o they_o i_o will_v here_o adjoine_v 17._o the_o first_o objection_n be_v that_o one_o who_o exercise_v this_o prayer_n which_o admit_v neither_o of_o discoursâ—â—_n meditation_n nor_o any_o such_o like_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o spend_v his_o time_n unproffitable_o in_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v far_o better_o be_v bestow_v in_o external_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n 18._o the_o answer_n herto_o be_v that_o though_o the_o understanding_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n suspend_v from_o exercise_v its_o activity_n yet_o the_o soul_n be_v far_o from_o be_v idle_a on_o the_o contrary_n she_o perform_v that_o which_o s._n bernard_n call_v the_o business_n of_o all_o business_n for_o therein_o the_o stream_n of_o holy_a affection_n do_v free_o flow_v by_o love_v admire_a adore_a congratulate_v resign_v &_o offer_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n contemplate_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n &c_n &c_n and_o all_o this_o sometime_o in_o a_o few_o word_n sometime_o in_o silence_n in_o a_o word_n the_o soul_n behave_v herself_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o affection_n that_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a master_n herein_o do_v teach_v &_o move_v she_o to_o according_a to_o that_o of_o s._n dionysius_n areopagita_n to_o timotheus_n convert_v te_fw-fr ad_fw-la radium_fw-la etc._n etc._n turn_v thyself_o to_o the_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n fron_n hence_o that_o admirable_a union_n do_v proceed_v which_o the_o same_o saint_n call_v the_o union_n of_o the_o unknown_n with_o the_o unknown_n the_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a height_n of_o mystical_a theology_n &_o which_o without_o experience_n of_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o any_o 19_o the_o second_o objection_n be_v that_o to_o leave_v meditation_n out_o of_o a_o expectation_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o
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
which_o most_o probable_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hereto_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o say_n of_o s._n bernard_n modus_fw-la diligendi_fw-la deum_fw-la est_fw-la diligere_fw-la sine_fw-la modo_fw-la that_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o manner_n of_o love_v of_o god_n be_v to_o love_v he_o unmeasurable_o and_o free_o without_o a_o prescribe_a manner_n 9_o in_o the_o next_o place_n have_v show_v what_o encumbrance_n a_o soul_n be_v to_o avoid_v in_o her_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o declare_v positive_o and_o direct_o how_o i_o will_v advise_v she_o to_o behave_v herself_o therein_o 10._o let_v a_o soul_n that_o begin_v mental_a prayer_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o good_a book_n of_o that_o subject_n as_o fuluius_n androtius_n granatensis_n or_o the_o abridgement_n of_o puentes_n meditation_n which_o i_o will_v especial_o recommend_v 11._o let_v she_o begin_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o purgative_n way_n as_o concern_v sin_n death_n the_o final_a judgement_n hell_n or_o the_o like_a and_o let_v she_o abide_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o way_n till_o she_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o aversion_n from_o sin_n &_o that_o much_o of_o the_o fear_n and_o remorse_n that_o be_v former_o in_o she_o be_v depose_v so_o that_o she_o be_v come_v to_o have_v some_o good_a measure_n of_o confidence_n in_o god_n when_o she_o find_v these_o effect_n in_o she_o let_v she_o without_o regard_v whether_o she_o have_v run_v over_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o matter_n in_o her_o book_n belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n pass_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n which_o respect_v the_o illuminative_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v to_o such_o who_o matter_n or_o argument_n be_v some_o mystery_n of_o faith_n touch_v our_o lord_n life_n passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v and_o increase_v humility_n patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n in_o she_o 12._o be_v enter_v into_o the_o illuminative_a way_n let_v she_o in_o like_a manner_n abide_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o till_o she_o find_v herself_o apt_a for_o resignation_n love_n and_o other_o affection_n of_o the_o vnitive_a way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o let_v she_o thereupon_o apply_v herself_o 13._o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v due_o &_o in_o right_a order_n come_v into_o the_o illuminative_a &_o vnitive_a way_n as_o those_o way_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o master_n of_o meditation_n &_o after_o some_o time_n spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n proper_a to_o those_o way_n may_v afterward_o find_v herself_o call_v back_o to_o the_o purgative_n as_o after_o the_o commit_n of_o some_o fault_n extraordinary_a or_o during_o some_o unusual_a tentation_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n she_o be_v to_o yield_v thereto_o &_o abide_v in_o those_o inferior_a exercise_n as_o long_o as_o she_o find_v they_o proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o she_o which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v very_o long_o 14._o in_o like_a manner_n while_o she_o be_v in_o the_o purgative_n way_n if_o act_n of_o resignation_n love_n etc._n etc._n and_o much_o more_o if_o aspiration_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o she_o as_o some_o time_n they_o may_v let_v she_o by_o all_o mean_n correspond_v unto_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v relish_v to_o she_o neglect_v &_o forbear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o consider_v motive_n or_o to_o produce_v inferior_a act_n of_o contrition_n fear_v etc._n etc._n belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n 15._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n &_o necessity_n of_o these_o advice_n be_v this_o because_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v &_o order_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n &_o disposition_n of_o soul_n &_o not_o the_o method_n of_o book_n and_o therefore_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n call_v they_o to_o &_o be_v likely_a to_o subdue_v inordinate_a affection_n in_o they_o therefore_o scrupulous_a &_o fearful_a soul_n even_o in_o the_o beginning_n eat_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o terror_n etc._n etc._n which_o belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o exercise_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v love_n confidence_n in_o god_n etc._n etc._n 16._o for_o some_o short_a space_n before_o a_o soul_n begin_v her_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n let_v she_o look_v upon_o the_o book_n and_o therein_o peruse_v the_o point_n that_o she_o intend_v to_o meditate_v on_o or_o rather_o indeed_o those_o point_n be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o provide_v before_o hand_n that_o be_v overnight_n for_o the_o morning-meditation_n and_o after_o dinner_n for_o the_o evening_n so_o do_v she_o will_v be_v less_o to_o seek_v about_o they_o &_o better_o employ_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o her_o exercise_n 17._o let_v she_o not_o trust_v her_o memory_n for_o the_o point_n that_o she_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o but_o have_v the_o book_n ready_a that_o she_o may_v look_v on_o it_o as_o she_o shall_v have_v need_n and_o let_v she_o take_v one_o point_n after_o another_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n or_o as_o she_o shall_v have_v determine_v before_o when_o she_o prepare_v for_o the_o succeed_a recollection_n 18._o in_o her_o meditate_v on_o each_o point_n let_v she_o behave_v herself_o after_o this_o manner_n 1._o with_o her_o memory_n and_o understanding_n let_v she_o think_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o point_n 2._o out_o of_o which_o let_v she_o draw_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o will_n may_v be_v incline_v some_o way_n or_o other_o towards_o god_n 3._o and_o thereupon_o let_v she_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v as_o of_o humiliation_n adoration_n resignation_n contrition_n etc._n etc._n abide_v in_o such_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o long_o as_o the_o will_n have_v life_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o or_o as_o long_o as_o she_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o 4._o the_o which_o fail_v and_o grow_v to_o be_v disgustful_a let_v she_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o point_n therein_o behave_v herself_o likewise_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n so_o proceed_v in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o follow_a till_o she_o have_v spend_v a_o competent_a time_n in_o her_o recollection_n 19_o now_o i_o conceive_v a_o competent_a time_n for_o one_o recollection_n spend_v in_o meditation_n to_o be_v a_o hour_n or_o very_o little_a less_o whereas_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v a_o lesser_a space_n will_v suffice_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v 1._o because_o in_o this_o latter_a exercise_n more_o act_n of_o the_o will_v wherein_o all_o good_a do_v consist_v be_v produce_v then_o in_o meditation_n 2._o and_o beside_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n be_v more_o dry_a and_o wearisome_a except_o in_o some_o few_o that_o abound_v in_o sensible_a affection_n then_o be_v meditation_n to_o soul_n fit_a for_o it_o 20._o during_o meditation_n let_v the_o soul_n neglect_v the_o too_o common_a practice_n in_o which_o meditation_n be_v make_v rather_o a_o study_n and_o speculation_n than_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n spend_v no_o more_o time_n in_o invent_v motive_n and_o in_o internal_a discourse_n then_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o move_v the_o will_n to_o good_a affection_n but_o as_o for_o such_o affection_n let_v she_o abide_v in_o they_o as_o long_o as_o she_o can_v for_o therein_o consist_v all_o the_o profit_n and_o if_o upon_o one_o consideration_n or_o motive_n she_o can_v produce_v many_o act_n of_o the_o will_n let_v she_o not_o fail_v to_o do_v so_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o each_o act_n as_o long_o as_o she_o find_v that_o she_o be_v enable_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o understanding_n shall_v lie_v quiet_a as_o it_o be_v a_o sleep_n and_o without_o exercise_n 21._o indeed_o in_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o effectual_a call_n to_o a_o internal_a life_n their_o meditation_n will_v have_v little_a study_n or_o speculation_n in_o they_o for_o after_o a_o short_a and_o quick_a reflection_n on_o the_o matter_n mystery_n or_o motive_n they_o will_v forthwith_o produce_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o their_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o reason_v or_o infer_v as_o a_o simple_a call_n to_o mind_n or_o think_v on_o a_o subject_n out_o of_o which_o the_o will_n may_v produce_v some_o act_n or_o other_o answerable_a to_o the_o point_v reflect_v on_o by_o the_o understanding_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o meditate_v be_v proper_a for_o many_o ignorant_a person_n especial_o woman_n which_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o internal_a discourse_v 22._o a_o soul_n that_o practice_n meditation_n will_v find_v
suitable_a to_o reason_n but_o be_v moreover_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o learned_a and_o experience_v mystic_a writer_n and_o particular_o the_o devout_a reader_n may_v see_v what_o barbancon_n in_o his_o secret_n sentier_n 1_o cap._n 6._o admonit_fw-la 2._o have_v write_v on_o this_o point_n 13._o thus_o have_v show_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n for_o a_o soul_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n with_o all_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o divine_a guidance_n from_o each_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o another_o more_o sublime_a they_o become_v more_o proper_a &_o profitable_a i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o give_v more_o particular_a advice_n concern_v pass_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n to_o that_o of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o will_v show_v by_o what_o sign_n and_o mark_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v reasonable_o judge_v and_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o change_n and_o transition_n be_v proper_a for_o she_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o my_o intention_n and_o desire_n be_v that_o soul_n shall_v principal_o depend_v on_o their_o internal_a light_n which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n will_v afford_v they_o in_o and_o by_o prayer_n 14._o let_v every_o devout_a soul_n diligent_o pursue_v her_o present_a exercise_n in_o prayer_n advise_o undertake_v or_o recommend_v to_o she_o by_o a_o prudent_a director_n till_o there_o come_v a_o proper_a time_n for_o a_o change_n let_v she_o say_v the_o excellent_a author_n of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la content_v herself_o with_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o bestow_v on_o she_o a_o better_a which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v for_o her_o good_a and_o so_o do_v she_o can_v but_o increase_v in_o charity_n although_o she_o see_v no_o evident_a proof_n of_o her_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a operation_n whensoever_o it_o shall_v be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o her_o prayer_n he_o will_v by_o degree_n so_o press_v she_o thereto_o that_o in_o the_o end_n she_o shall_v both_o clear_o perceive_v and_o correspond_v to_o his_o invitation_n and_o till_o that_o time_n come_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o she_o to_o examine_v or_o frame_v any_o judgement_n of_o her_o progress_n her_o best_a be_v to_o do_v her_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n 15._o a_o change_n whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o discourse_n be_v abate_v and_o the_o whole_a internal_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n by_o little_a be_v reduce_v to_o blind_a operation_n of_o the_o will_v the_o which_o operation_n or_o affection_n likewise_o grow_v by_o practice_n more_o and_o more_o natural_a quiet_a pure_a silent_a subtle_a imperceptible_a and_o profound_a the_o divine_a spirit_n draw_v the_o soul_n in_o her_o exercise_n ever_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o itself_o 16._o ordinary_o when_o a_o time_n of_o change_n from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a to_o a_o more_o sublime_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n come_v it_o will_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a or_o at_o once_o be_v perceive_v or_o but_o very_o obscure_o &_o doubtful_o only_o a_o soul_n will_v perceive_v a_o better_n in_o her_o exercise_n her_o operation_n by_o little_a and_o little_o become_v more_o spiritual_a and_o indeed_o in_o some_o person_n there_o be_v almost_o daily_a a_o better_n and_o purify_n of_o their_o prayer_n the_o which_o themselves_o do_v or_o may_v well_o enough_o observe_v though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o subtlety_n 17._o far_o less_o inconvenience_n will_v follow_v by_o detain_v a_o soul_n somewhat_o too_o long_o in_o a_o humble_a inferior_a exercise_n as_o of_o meditation_n when_o she_o be_v fit_a and_o ripe_a for_o a_o more_o sublime_a one_o then_o if_o through_o inconsideration_n levity_n or_o a_o ambitious_a humour_n to_o imitate_v example_n or_o instruction_n in_o book_n not_o pertinent_a to_o she_o she_o shall_v at_o the_o first_o or_o before_o her_o time_n be_v put_v into_o one_o above_o her_o present_a capacity_n for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n a_o easy_a and_o present_a remedy_n may_v be_v find_v by_o exalt_v the_o soul_n afterward_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n suitable_a to_o her_o present_a disposition_n till_o which_o be_v do_v she_o will_v at_o least_o exercise_v her_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o judgement_n by_o which_o she_o will_v receive_v much_o profit_n but_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o remedy_n in_o the_o other_o case_n because_o first_o the_o natural_a unwillingnes_n and_o shame_n that_o be_v in_o soul_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o too_o hasty_a ambition_n and_o to_o descend_v lower_n will_v secret_o hinder_v they_o and_o beside_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o misapply_v certain_a document_n in_o spiritual_a author_n which_o forbid_v soul_n to_o quit_v their_o present_a exercise_n for_o one_o inferior_a through_o any_o discouragement_n from_o aridity_n or_o unsatisfaction_n find_v in_o they_o notwithstanding_o except_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o mortification_n of_o return_v to_o meditation_n in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o incur_v a_o habitual_a dryenes_n melancholy_a and_o stupidity_n and_o morever_o they_o will_v run_v into_o a_o endless_a labarynth_n perplex_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o therein_o to_o the_o great_a disquiet_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o trouble_v of_o other_o with_o question_n and_o doubt_n 18._o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v often_o invite_v soul_n to_o some_o change_n in_o prayer_n according_a to_o that_o which_o before_o they_o have_v read_v in_o some_o book_n and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o book_n as_o a_o light_n send_v they_o from_o god_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o secret_a motion_n and_o invitation_n afford_v they_o by_o god_n to_o apply_v such_o instruction_n that_o be_v their_o sure_a guide_n without_o which_o they_o must_v apply_v nothing_o that_o they_o find_v in_o book_n 19_o more_o particular_o by_o these_o follow_a sign_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n perceive_v and_o judge_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o she_o to_o change_v her_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n as_o for_o example_n to_o quit_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o a_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n etc._n etc._n 20._o first_o she_o will_v not_o find_v that_o pleasure_n satisfaction_n and_o profit_n in_o her_o present_a exercise_n which_o former_o she_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o sensible_a disgust_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o impotency_n to_o practice_v internal_a discourse_n any_o long_o or_o if_o she_o will_v force_v herself_o to_o observe_v her_o method_n of_o meditate_v it_o will_v produce_v no_o effect_n upon_o her_o affection_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v flow_v far_o more_o free_o and_o this_o disgust_n be_v not_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o nor_o as_o former_o upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o corporal_a distemper_n passion_n aridity_n or_o any_o unusual_a accident_n but_o it_o be_v a_o last_a disgust_n arise_v from_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o grow_v in_o perfection_n join_v with_o a_o uncertainty_n or_o fear_n that_o the_o way_n wherein_o she_o now_o be_v be_v not_o proper_a to_o effect_v that_o desire_n 21._o second_o she_o will_v thereupon_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o certain_a motion_n or_o inward_a invitation_n to_o enter_v into_o some_o other_o new_a exercise_n at_o yet_o not_o clear_o know_v to_o she_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o new_a exercise_n propose_v to_o she_o there_o be_v however_o a_o motion_n to_o a_o cessation_n from_o the_o present_a exercise_n at_o least_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v when_o from_o aspiration_n a_o soul_n be_v invite_v to_o a_o rest_a and_o repose_v in_o god_n with_o a_o cessation_n of_o all_o active_a aspiration_n or_o affection_n the_o which_o be_v a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o a_o supernatural_a contemplation_n 22._o three_o a_o devout_a soul_n consider_v the_o benefit_n that_o she_o have_v hitherto_o reap_v by_o her_o present_a exercise_n and_o her_o accustomance_n to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o leave_v consider_v likewise_o that_o for_o want_n of_o trial_n she_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o know_v the_o worth_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a propose_a exercise_n the_o which_o at_o first_o appear_v a_o little_a strange_a and_o uncouth_a to_o she_o she_o will_v not_o easy_o see_v or_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v prove_v as_o profitable_a as_o her_o present_a exercise_n have_v already_o be_v for_o
as_o they_o can_v find_v relish_n in_o it_o and_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o advice_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o a_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n who_o word_n record_v by_o cassianus_n 9_o conf._n c._n 25._o be_v these_o haec_fw-la oratio_fw-la licet_fw-la omnem_fw-la videatur_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la plenitudinem_fw-la continere_fw-la utpote_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v this_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n although_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o fullnes_n of_o all_o perfection_n as_o be_v either_o begin_v or_o establish_v by_o our_o lord_n own_o authority_n yet_o it_o do_v promote_v those_o that_o be_v familiar_o exercise_v in_o it_o to_o that_o far_o more_o sublime_a state_n which_o we_o mention_v before_o conduct_v they_o to_o that_o inflame_a prayer_n that_o far_o more_o supereminent_a actuation_n of_o soul_n know_v or_o experience_v by_o very_a few_o yea_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o altogether_o inexpressible_a the_o which_o transcend_v all_o humane_a sense_n or_o knowledge_n be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o any_o sound_n of_o speech_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o tongue_n nor_o any_o pronunciation_n of_o word_n but_o it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o sublime_a braier_n which_o the_o spirit_n illustrate_v by_o a_o infusion_n of_o heavenly_a light_n do_v not_o design_n or_o express_v by_o humane_a language_n but_o have_v all_o the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n unite_v &_o conglobate_v it_o do_v plentiful_o gush_v it_o forth_o but_o of_o the_o heart_n as_o water_v out_o of_o a_o copious_a fountain_n &_o ineffable_o pour_v it_o out_o unto_o our_o lord_n in_o that_o one_o short_a moment_n of_o time_n send_v forth_o so_o many_o &_o so_o great_a desire_n as_o the_o soul_n herself_o make_v a_o reflection_n on_o her_o own_o operation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v nor_o even_o conceive_v 28._o but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a to_o find_v soul_n so_o compose_v in_o their_o imagination_n &_o resolute_a in_o their_o will_n as_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o one_o only_a exercise_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v make_v a_o collection_n of_o several_a kind_n with_o sufficient_a variety_n &_o mixture_n these_o i_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o several_a book_n use_v my_o own_o liberty_n and_o judgement_n in_o alter_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o more_o proper_a for_o those_o that_o prosecute_v internal_a affective_a prayer_n &_o for_o that_o purpose_n ofttimes_o leave_v out_o many_o discourse_n &_o consideration_n intermingle_v with_o they_o in_o the_o book_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v extract_v 29._o now_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v nor_o desire_v that_o soul_n practise_v affective_a prayer_n shall_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o these_o particular_a exercise_n or_o to_o the_o order_n observe_v in_o they_o they_o may_v if_o they_o conceive_v it_o for_o their_o purpose_n frame_v other_o exercise_n for_o their_o own_o use_n either_o by_o select_v here_o &_o there_o out_o of_o these_o or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o book_n such_o act_n or_o affection_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v agree_v to_o their_o spirit_n but_o have_v frame_v such_o a_o collection_n i_o will_v serious_o advise_v they_o to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o advice_n here_o set_v down_o especial_o in_o this_o chapter_n 30._o the_o read_n of_o some_o pious_a discourse_n before_o recollection_n usual_o practise_v in_o community_n be_v a_o good_a &_o profitable_a practice_n but_o especial_o proper_a for_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o advance_v beyond_o meditation_n who_o may_v do_v well_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o mystery_n read_v that_o after_o they_o may_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n yet_o better_a it_o be_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o meditation_n prepare_v beforehand_o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o by_o once_o read_v over_o the_o point_n of_o a_o mystery_n they_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o imprint_v in_o the_o memory_n so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o 31._o but_o as_o for_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n i_o shall_v not_o require_v of_o they_o the_o like_a attention_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o will_v employ_v that_o time_n in_o chase_v away_o distract_n image_n in_o place_v themselves_o in_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o beg_v god_n assistance_n &_o direct_v their_o follow_a recollection_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o if_o in_o their_o private_a recollection_n they_o shall_v premise_v some_o competent_a read_n i_o conceive_v that_o s._n augustins_n confession_n soliloquy_n the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n &_o such_o other_o book_n affectuous_o write_v will_v be_v most_o commodious_a for_o they_o or_o above_o all_o certain_a passage_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n contain_v some_o word_n speak_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o will_v likely_o be_v a_o most_o profitable_a &_o effectual_a preparation_n but_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v prescribe_v for_o these_o thing_n every_o one_o therefore_o be_v to_o choose_v that_o book_n &_o subject_n that_o he_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o he_o 32._o when_o the_o preparation_n by_o reading_n be_v pass_v let_v the_o person_n apply_v himself_o to_o his_o recollection_n look_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o act_n or_o affection_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o employ_v his_o prayer_n upon_o and_o after_o this_o withdrawing_a his_o eye_n from_o the_o book_n let_v he_o think_v awhile_o upon_o it_o frame_v a_o spiritual_a image_n or_o conception_n of_o it_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v let_v he_o forthwith_o produce_v a_o act_n or_o affection_n to_o god_n answerable_a to_o the_o matter_n rest_v thereon_o as_o long_o as_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o last_v and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o follow_a act_n in_o like_a manner_n 33._o some_o soul_n there_o be_v that_o through_o a_o secret_a natural_a quality_n in_o their_o internal_a sense_n can_v so_o work_v with_o the_o imagination_n as_o to_o produce_v a_o image_n that_o may_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o they_o such_o person_n consequent_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v &_o much_o less_o for_o meditation_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o pious_a desire_n or_o amorous_a affection_n but_o general_o soul_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o be_v rather_o enable_v for_o act_n of_o the_o will_v then_o affection_n yet_o so_o that_o sometime_o also_o they_o will_v find_v affection_n more_o flow_a then_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_o they_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o they_o 34._o it_o may_v happen_v sometime_o to_o devout_a soul_n that_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o disable_v to_o either_o of_o they_o in_o such_o case_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o use_v a_o discreet_a violence_n on_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v some_o good_a act_n most_o relish_v to_o they_o for_o where_o force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v there_o act_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o superior_a will_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o affection_n but_o if_o after_o trial_n they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v in_o so_o constrain_v a_o exercise_n &_o so_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n &_o likely_a to_o spend_v the_o time_n appoint_v in_o a_o unproffitable_a idleness_n let_v they_o try_v if_o a_o more_o imperfect_a exercise_n will_v fit_v they_o either_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o the_o three_o person_n as_o if_o he_o be_v absent_a or_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o or_o address_v themselves_o to_o angel_n saint_n or_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o can_v perform_v even_o this_o mental_o that_o be_v neither_o with_o attention_n nor_o gust_n let_v they_o do_v it_o at_o least_o vocal_o withal_o exercise_v as_o much_o patience_n stillnes_n &_o quietness_n as_o may_v be_v and_o do_v thus_o let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o that_o thereby_o they_o will_v afford_v unto_o their_o spirit_n a_o good_a wholesome_a &_o profitable_a though_o tastle_n repast_n 35._o but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o it_o shall_v happen_v which_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o way_n insupportable_a to_o they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o oll_n both_o the_o understanding_n &_o will_n fail_v they_o then_o since_o no_o active_a work_v externall_n or_o internal_a will_v help_v they_o they_o may_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a desolation_n &_o desertion_n so_o that_o their_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o pure_a suffer_v with_o patience_n &_o resignation_n exercise_v these_o the_o best_a they_o can_v in_o such_o circumstance_n the_o which_o if_o they_o will_v do_v then_o will_v this_o afflict_a desolation_n real_o prove_v more_o profitable_a than_o a_o state_n &_o prayer_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
only_o in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n burr_n also_o in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o a_o sinful_a defect_n by_o reason_n that_o where_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o possess_v the_o soul_n the_o very_a image_n of_o creature_n can_v but_z more_o or_o less_o defile_v she_o how_o comfortable_a therefore_o &_o how_o only_o secure_a be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n 18._o those_o that_o be_v unexperienced_a may_v and_o often_o do_v call_v this_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n and_o unproffitable_a cessation_n as_o martha_n complain_v against_o her_o sister_n mary_n but_o those_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o all_o business_n as_o s._n bernard_n call_v it_o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v not_o without_o a_o special_a and_o certain_a inspiration_n from_o god_n interest_n themselves_o in_o external_a business_n nor_o perhaps_o employ_v much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o devotion_n in_o express_a prayer_n for_o common_a necessity_n yet_o those_o unexpressible_a devotion_n which_o they_o exercise_v &_o in_o which_o they_o tacit_o involve_v the_o needs_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v far_o more_o prevalent_a with_o god_n than_o the_o busy_a endeavour_n &_o prayer_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o a_o few_o such_o secret_a &_o unknown_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chariot_n &_o horseman_n the_o strength_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o church_n where_o they_o live_v 19_o i_o know_v that_o some_o mystic_a author_n do_v constitute_v several_a distinct_a state_n follow_a active_a contemplation_n as_o barbanson_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o after_o that_o of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o all_o these_o great_a variety_n of_o ascent_n &_o descent_n &c_n &c_n likewise_o f._n ben._n canfield_n in_o his_o last_o &_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o essential_a &_o supereminent_a will_n of_o god_n make_v mention_n of_o several_a distinct_a exercise_n as_o denudation_n a_o active_a &_o passive_a annihilation_n &c_n &c_n these_o author_n perhaps_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n &_o with_o regard_n to_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o what_o they_o deliver_v needs_o not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a measure_n for_o all_o neither_o will_v i_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v distinct_a state_n some_o of_o which_o i_o will_v mention_v as_o the_o great_a desolation_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n subtle_o to_o search_v into_o they_o those_o happy_a soul_n who_o god_n shall_v so_o high_o favour_v as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o vision_n and_o contemplation_n will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o light_n from_o any_o but_o god_n to_o conduct_v they_o in_o those_o hide_a divine_a path_n and_o the_o unexperienced_a will_v reap_v but_o little_a profit_n from_o such_o curious_a inquiry_n 20._o i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o deliver_v in_o a_o general_a manner_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n 2._o and_o from_o thence_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o treat_v modest_o concern_v passive_a union_n &_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o that_o great_a desolation_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o say_a union_n 4._o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v the_o whole_a book_n with_o a_o very_a short_a description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n chap._n two_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o centemplation_n to_o wit_n aspiration_n and_o wâ—y_o they_o be_v so_o call_v §_o 3._o example_n of_o aspiration_n §_o 4._o â—_o etc._n etc._n agreement_n &_o difference_n between_o aspiration_n and_o other_o internal_a acts._n §_o 11._o 12._o etc._n etc._n how_o a_o soul_n become_v ripe_a for_o aspiration_n &_o pass_v to_o they_o §_o 16._o 17._o aspiration_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o external_a business_n and_o why_o §_o 18._o 19_o great_a variety_n of_o aspiration_n to_o wit_n with_o or_o without_o word_n etc._n etc._n §_o 23._o 24._o etc._n etc._n the_o great_a benefit_n and_o fruit_n of_o aspiration_n 1._o internal_a prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n consist_v of_o certain_a most_o pure_o spiritual_a operation_n of_o the_o will_n longing_n &_o thirst_v after_o god_n &_o a_o union_n with_o he_o in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o his_o most_o proper_a dwell_v be_v 2._o these_o perfect_a operation_n be_v by_o spiritual_a author_n several_o name_v as_o elevation_n inward_a stir_n of_o the_o spirit_n aspiration_n &c_n &c_n we_o will_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n make_v use_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o last_o term_n of_o aspiration_n as_o most_o proper_a in_o a_o general_a notion_n to_o express_v the_o say_a operation_n for_o 1._o by_o they_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a ambition_n do_v aspire_v to_o raise_v &_o elevate_v herself_o out_o of_o inferior_a nature_n &_o to_o mount_v to_o the_o apicem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la which_o be_v god_n throne_n 2._o by_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n do_v breath_n forth_o her_o ardent_a affection_n to_o god_n as_o the_o heart_n force_v the_o lung_n to_o send_v forth_o that_o air_n which_o they_o have_v former_o suck_v in_o that_o they_o may_v draw_v in_o fresh_a air_n to_o refrigerate_v it_o so_o that_o in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o quick_a reciprocal_a motion_n of_o empty_v &_o fill_v of_o rise_v &_o fall_v for_o after_o every_o aspiration_n there_o be_v a_o short_a descent_n &_o then_o a_o mount_a high_a than_o before_o 3._o because_o as_o our_o outward_a breathe_n be_v a_o action_n as_o it_o be_v pure_o natural_a perform_v without_o any_o labour_n at_o all_o or_o so_o much_o as_o election_n so_o a_o soul_n root_v in_o charity_n breathe_v forth_o these_o pure_a aspiration_n without_o any_o force_n use_v upon_o herself_o they_o flow_a from_o she_o free_o both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o &_o in_o a_o sort_n natural_o 4._o because_o as_o the_o motion_n make_v in_o breathe_v do_v not_o hinder_v but_o rather_o advance_v all_o other_o motion_n &_o operation_n so_o may_v aspiration_n be_v exercise_v during_o other_o ordinary_a employment_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o either_o or_o without_o any_o considerable_a distraction_n except_o they_o be_v such_o business_n that_o do_v require_v a_o special_a fix_a attention_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o serious_a study_n now_o in_o such_o employment_n if_o they_o be_v impose_v by_o necessity_n or_o obedience_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o quit_v her_o aspiration_n and_o so_o do_v she_o will_v gain_v as_o much_o by_o her_o obedience_n as_o she_o will_v by_o prayer_n 3._o now_o these_o aspiration_n be_v certain_a short_a &_o lively_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o she_o express_v a_o thirsty_a longing_n after_o god_n such_o as_o these_o be_v my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o love_v thou_o alone_o when_o shall_v i_o be_v unite_v to_o thou_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n but_o thou_o alone_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v live_v &_o reign_v alone_o in_o my_o soul_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o alone_o suffise_v i_o do_v not_o thou_o know_v o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o love_v thou_o only_o let_v i_o be_v nothing_o &_o be_v thou_o all_o o_o my_o god_n o_o love_n o_o love_n o_o infinite_a universal_a good_a when_o shall_v i_o come_v &_o appear_v before_o the_o face_n of_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n let_v i_o love_v thou_o only_o &_o that_o be_v sufficient_a when_o shall_v i_o die_v that_o my_o god_n alone_o may_v live_v in_o i_o etc._n etc._n 4._o now_o the_o same_o affection_n such_o as_o these_o that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n may_v also_o be_v use_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o expression_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n and_o even_o in_o meditation_n itself_o but_o yet_o the_o manner_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n produce_v the_o say_v affection_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v different_a in_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a soul_n and_o the_o say_a aspiration_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o other_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will._n 5._o for_o first_o such_o feruorous_a affection_n tend_v direct_o &_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v the_o entire_a matter_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n whereas_o in_o immediate_a act_n they_o be_v only_o now_o &_o then_o interlace_v but_o the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o such_o act_n be_v the_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n as_o in_o act_n of_o resignation_n etc._n etc._n 6._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
tu_fw-la autem_fw-la relinque_fw-la sensus_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o o_o timothy_n relinquish_v the_o sense_n and_o sensible_a exercise_n yea_o abandon_v all_o intellectual_a operation_n and_o with_o a_o courageous_a force_n of_o mind_n repress_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o utmost_a possibility_n raise_v thyself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o renounce_n of_o all_o knowledge_n to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n above_o all_o substance_n or_o be_v &_o knowledge_n 11._o but_o these_o be_v secret_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o except_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v taste_v can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v comprehend_v bless_a be_v those_o soul_n that_o thus_o loose_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o this_o loss_n be_v so_o infinite_o gainful_a that_o it_o be_v cheap_o buy_v with_o all_o the_o anguish_v of_o mortification_n all_o the_o travel_n of_o meditation_n &_o all_o the_o aridity_n obscurity_n and_o desolation_n attend_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n this_o loss_n be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o these_o exercise_n and_o labour_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o divine_a inaction_n we_o mortify_v our_o passion_n to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v loose_v they_o we_o exercise_v discursive_a prayer_n by_o sensible_a image_n to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v loose_v all_o use_n of_o image_n and_o discourse_n and_o we_o actuate_v immediate_o by_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o state_n of_o stability_n in_o prayer_n above_o all_o direct_a exercise_n of_o any_o of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n a_o state_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v oft_o bring_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o her_o working_n be_v force_v to_o cease_v all_o work_v to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n may_v operate_v in_o she_o so_o that_o till_o a_o soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n do_v not_o enjoy_v a_o secure_a and_o perfect_a possession_n of_o it_o 12._o and_o thus_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o which_o especial_o the_o station_n and_o degree_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v we_o have_v endeavour_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v not_o altogether_o unproffitable_o with_o all_o simplicity_n and_o perspicuity_n to_o declare_v the_o order_n and_o cbange_n of_o they_o if_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o prayer_n give_v we_o the_o grace_n and_o courage_n to_o proceed_v de_fw-fr virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la according_a to_o these_o step_n and_o these_o direction_n we_o shall_v without_o doubt_n soon_o or_o late_a arrive_v unto_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n where_o god_n be_v see_v a_o mountain_n to_o we_o that_o stand_v below_o enuiron_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o have_v their_o dwell_n there_o it_o be_v peace_n &_o serenity_n and_o light_n it_o be_v a_o intellectual_a heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sun_n nor_o moon_n but_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n of_o it_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n rest_n upon_o we_o all_o amen_o amen_o finis_fw-la a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n dear_a christian_a reader_n there_o be_v intend_v and_o according_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o the_o precedent_a treatise_n that_o hereto_o shall_v be_v adjoin_v a_o appendix_n consist_v of_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o several_a subject_n as_o 1._o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o may_v be_v conceive_v very_o expedient_a for_o the_o unlearned_a to_o enable_v they_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v many_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n both_o touch_v tentation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n or_o disparagement_n to_o divine_a charity_n to_o love_n god_n for_o a_o reward_n so_o that_o such_o a_o reward_n be_v the_o bless_a enjoy_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o any_o inferior_a end_n please_v to_o sense_n etc._n etc._n 3._o a_o protestation_n which_o in_o one_o word_n be_v here_o make_v against_o the_o least_o intention_n of_o reflect_v with_o censure_n or_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o way_n or_o do_n of_o other_o whether_o directour_n or_o disciple_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o good_a practice_n teach_v or_o use_v by_o they_o as_o consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o much_o more_o against_o all_o thought_n of_o decry_v any_o ceremonious_a or_o solemn_a observance_n practise_v in_o or_o by_o any_o community_n etc._n etc._n the_o venerable_a author_n of_o these_o instruction_n be_v of_o a_o spirit_n too_o full_a of_o charity_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o too_o averse_a from_o so_o mean_v a_o ambition_n as_o to_o seek_v the_o procure_n a_o esteem_n to_o himself_o or_o his_o own_o write_n by_o the_o depress_v of_o other_o so_o that_o whensoever_o he_o give_v any_o advice_n or_o caution_n touch_v such_o matter_n his_o intention_n only_o be_v that_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o exalt_v of_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudice_v by_o the_o foresay_a practice_n the_o which_o whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a hereto_o or_o no_o only_a superior_n be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n 4._o a_o answer_n to_o certain_a objection_n make_v by_o some_o since_o the_o venerable_a author_n death_n against_o the_o publish_n of_o these_o instruction_n especial_o touch_v divine_a inspiration_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o abridgement_n purpose_v to_o annexe_v here_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n but_o certain_a press_a occasion_n oblige_v we_o to_o hasten_v the_o publish_n of_o this_o present_a work_n and_o likewise_o a_o unwillingness_n that_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o swell_v to_o too_o great_a a_o proportion_n and_o bulk_n for_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v judge_v expedient_a to_o omit_v the_o say_v discourse_n which_o to_o a_o charitable_a reader_n will_v not_o be_v necessary_a or_o however_o to_o remit_v they_o to_o another_o impression_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v encourage_v thereto_o only_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o last_o of_o these_o particular_a point_n viz._n the_o answer_n to_o to_o such_o objection_n as_o have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o expose_v indifferent_o to_o the_o world_n instruction_n intend_v only_o for_o a_o few_o solitary_a devout_a religious_a soul_n and_o especial_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o execute_v divine_a inspiration_n and_o call_n it_o be_v judge_v very_o expedient_a and_o almost_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v omit_v but_o rather_o premise_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n i_o will_v detain_v thou_o no_o long_o devout_a reader_n but_o only_a to_o tell_v thou_o that_o if_o by_o god_n grace_n these_o instruction_n prove_v instrumental_a to_o the_o teach_n or_o promote_a thou_o in_o pure_a prayer_n my_o hope_n be_v thou_o will_v not_o in_o thy_o prayer_n be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o poor_a unworthy_a author_n of_o this_o abridgement_n a_o postscript_n to_o the_o reader_n belove_a charitable_a reader_n to_o recompense_v with_o some_o advantage_n the_o want_n of_o a_o promise_a appendix_n which_o be_v to_o have_v contain_v certain_a discourse_n frame_v by_o the_o unworthy_a author_n of_o this_o methodical_a abridgement_n for_o a_o clear_a though_o not_o necessary_a explication_n of_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n i_o here_o present_a unto_o thou_o the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v give_v by_o two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a father_n of_o our_o congregation_n famous_a through_o all_o christendom_n for_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a eminency_n of_o their_o endowment_n to_o wit_n the_o v._o r._n f._n leander_n à _fw-it sancto_fw-it martino_n and_o the_o v._o r._n f._n rudisind_v barlow_n both_o doctor_n in_o divinity_n and_o who_o have_v several_a time_n be_v precedent_n general_n of_o our_o holy_a congregation_n etc._n etc._n the_o which_o approbation_n they_o give_v first_o voluntary_o upon_o the_o request_n of_o the_o venerable_a author_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o write_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o a_o second_o time_n by_o the_o commission_n and_o order_n of_o the_o general_n chapter_n assemble_v at_o dovay_n a._n d._n 1633._o in_o which_o a_o attempt_n have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o certâ—iâ—e_n religious_a father_n to_o cast_v some_o aspersion_n on_o the_o say_a doctrine_n special_o concern_v divine_a inspiration_n and_o call_n as_o if_o the_o lawful_a authority_n of_o superior_n do_v receive_v prejudice_n thereby_o but_o when_o the_o say_v r._n father_n have_v in_o a_o short_a write_v deliver_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o suspicion_n and_o allegation_n
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
ought_v any_o to_o fear_v least_o ordinary_a christian_n will_v foolish_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o relaxation_n about_o confession_n etc._n etc._n necessary_o allow_v to_o wellminded_n scrupulous_a soul_n that_o pursue_v contemplation_n way_n in_o a_o abstract_a life_n &_o solitude_n or_o that_o soul_n that_o live_v distract_v solicitous_a active_a life_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v so_o will_v judge_v themselves_o interest_v in_o the_o way_n &_o exercise_n of_o internal_a contemplative_a liver_n or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o but_o beginner_n or_o have_v make_v but_o small_a proficiency_n in_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v so_o foolish_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o aspire_v to_o exercise_n more_o sublime_a than_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o receive_v infinite_a prejudice_n by_o their_o indiscreet_a ambition_n add_v hereto_o that_o in_o several_a occasion_n there_o have_v be_v use_v &_o inculcate_v in_o this_o book_n the_o best_a prevention_n caution_n and_o provision_n that_o possible_o can_v be_v devise_v against_o all_o misunderstanding_n and_o misapplication_n of_o any_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o conclude_v it_o may_v seem_v a_o sufficient_a safeguard_v for_o i_o to_o have_v herein_o the_o example_n of_o the_o v._o r._n f._n a._n cr._n a_o person_n much_o esteem_v for_o learning_n and_o piety_n who_o have_v not_o only_o publish_v in_o a_o additionall_n treatise_n to_o the_o conflict_n of_o the_o soul_n instruction_n for_o contemplation_n but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o maxim_n though_o brief_a be_v very_o conformable_a to_o what_o be_v here_o express_v more_o large_o 11._o the_o special_a fear_a inconvenience_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o doctrine_n touch_v divine_a inspiration_n do_v regard_n partly_o some_o that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o principal_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n thereto_o as_o for_o the_o former_a it_o be_v suspect_v that_o by_o urge_v so_o serious_o the_o duty_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o follow_a divine_a inspiration_n some_o even_o of_o the_o more_o sober_a catholic_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v jealous_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o practiser_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n will_v seem_v thereby_o to_o exempt_v themselves_o in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o ordinary_a jurisdiction_n of_o prelate_n and_o magistrate_n pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a illumination_n and_o commission_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o mirabilibus_fw-la super_fw-la seâ—_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o a_o prejudice_n &_o contempt_n also_o may_v be_v cast_v upon_o the_o common_a order_n and_o rule_n concern_v faith_n and_o good_a manner_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n 12._o now_o not_o to_o forestall_v what_o be_v copious_o deliver_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n to_o wit_n that_o due_a obedience_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o superior_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudice_v by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_o establish_v and_o all_o possible_a suspicion_n all_o imaginable_a case_n to_o the_o contrary_n solue_v hereto_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o by_o a_o pretend_v to_o divine_a illumination_n etc._n etc._n a_o contempt_n may_v be_v cast_v upon_o the_o common_a doctrine_n &_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o apprehension_n for_o never_o do_v any_o spiritual_a mâ—stick_a writer_n pretend_v to_o receive_v any_o new_a or_o former_o unknown_a light_n or_o revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n beyond_o what_o have_v be_v know_v and_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n the_o light_n that_o such_o person_n by_o god_n gracious_a visit_n receive_v be_v only_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o ordinary_a mystery_n the_o which_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o they_o a_o great_a love_n to_o they_o a_o abhor_v of_o all_o novelty_n of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o most_o fervent_a zeal_n to_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o reduce_n of_o all_o vnbeleiver_n misbeleiver_n and_o schismatic_n into_o its_o bosom_n and_o communion_n 13._o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n and_o a_o holy_a christian_a conversation_n they_o know_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o christian_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o glospell_n and_o propose_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o god_n church_n in_o counsel_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n the_o only_a advantage_n that_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v pretend_v to_o and_o acquire_v by_o attend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v a_o more_o perfect_a use_n and_o a_o more_o faithful_a application_n of_o the_o ordinary_a precept_n of_o holiness_n or_o of_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n to_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o embrace_v of_o such_o counsel_n a_o extend_v of_o they_o further_o and_o to_o more_o particular_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v teach_v by_o book_n or_o attain_v by_o study_n 14._o all_o christian_n know_v that_o to_o blaspheme_n to_o lie_v to_o defraud_v to_o be_v rebellious_a unchaste_a revengeful_a etc._n etc._n be_v sin_n odious_a to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v yea_o moreover_o they_o know_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n that_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o intend_v his_o love_n and_o honour_n etc._n etc._n moreover_o all_o know_v that_o beside_o the_o essential_o necessary_a christian_a duty_n there_o be_v other_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o those_o upon_o who_o god_n have_v bestow_v a_o extraordinary_a vocation_n and_o grace_n enable_v they_o to_o cast_v from_o they_o all_o secular_a anxiety_n and_o other_o impediment_n to_o perfect_a charity_n and_o to_o put_v themselves_o in_o a_o condition_n of_o solitude_n obedience_n etc._n etc._n the_o which_o afford_v they_o the_o best_a expedient_n &_o help_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o conformity_n to_o his_o will_n even_o in_o the_o small_a matter_n all_o this_o in_o gross_a be_v know_v to_o all_o christian_n of_o any_o reasonable_a capacity_n &_o good_a education_n 15._o but_o yet_o the_o wise_a the_o most_o subtle_a &_o learned_a christian_n will_v never_o be_v able_a by_o any_o humane_a endeavour_n of_o study_n or_o meditation_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n even_o those_o essential_a precept_n after_o a_o perfect_a manner_n that_o be_v with_o a_o intention_n not_o only_o right_a but_o also_o pure_a &_o deiforme_a and_o much_o less_o will_v they_o by_o such_o weak_a help_n be_v enable_v to_o discern_v in_o a_o thousand_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n what_o be_v most_o perfect_a most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o conformable_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n as_o for_o example_n 1._o how_o when_o two_o good_a or_o indifferent_a thing_n be_v propose_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o preference_n of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o present_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v prove_v most_o advantageous_a to_o perfection_n 2._o how_o to_o spiritualise_v even_o the_o ordinary_a indifferent_a occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n daily_o and_o hourly_o 3._o how_o to_o perceive_v what_o manner_n &_o degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v most_o proper_a &_o profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n in_o her_o present_a state_n 4._o or_o what_o mortification_n be_v in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n most_o advantageous_a 5._o or_o how_o to_o discern_v the_o state_n inclination_n &_o spiritual_a necessity_n of_o other_o soul_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n 6._o or_o last_o to_o discover_v a_o thousand_o secret_a subtlety_n close_a interest_n &_o reservation_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o mingle_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o almost_o in_o all_o our_o best_a action_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o and_o a_o thousand_o like_a case_n not_o all_o the_o read_n or_o study_n in_o the_o world_n will_v enable_v soul_n to_o carry_v themselves_o perfect_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o precept_n or_o counsel_n which_o in_o gross_a all_o know_v to_o be_v necessary_a at_o least_o to_o the_o attain_n to_o perfection_n but_o a_o distinct_a actual_a supernatural_a light_n and_o grace_n be_v necessary_a and_o this_o not_o to_o teach_v we_o new_a precept_n or_o furnish_v we_o with_o new_a counsel_n but_o circumstantial_o to_o apply_v those_o which_o be_v common_a and_o universal_o know_v for_o want_n of_o which_o light_n it_o be_v that_o the_o true_a way_n to_o perfection_n be_v almost_o unknown_a even_o to_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o seek_n of_o perfection_n and_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o book_n and_o instruction_n about_o it_o 16._o by_o what_o other_o mean_n than_o be_v such_o light_a to_o be_v have_v sure_o by_o no_o other_o but_o by_o
the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v most_o perfect_o perform_v in_o internal_a prayer_n in_o attention_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n what_o a_o expert_a persuade_v &_o subtle_a master_n love_n be_v beyond_o study_n or_o consideration_n we_o see_v even_o in_o natural_a and_o secular_a business_n one_o that_o be_v immerse_v in_o sensual_a love_n to_o any_o person_n have_v no_o need_n of_o instruction_n or_o book_n to_o teach_v he_o the_o art_n of_o love_v we_o see_v how_o skilful_a on_o the_o sudden_a such_o a_o one_o become_v in_o the_o way_n how_o to_o please_v the_o person_n belove_v he_o lose_v not_o neither_o out_o of_o ignorance_n nor_o negligence_n the_o least_o opportunity_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o he_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o other_o by_o the_o least_o sign_n the_o motion_n of_o a_o hand_n the_o cast_n of_o a_o eye_n be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v he_o and_o set_v he_o on_o work_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n or_o procure_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v content_v the_o party_n the_o like_a subtlety_n and_o perspicacy_n we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o earthy_a soul_n which_o cleave_v with_o a_o earnest_a affection_n unto_o riches_n what_o subtle_a way_n do_v they_o find_v out_o to_o increase_v their_o wealth_n such_o trifle_a inconsiderable_a thing_n they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o another_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o can_v not_o see_v how_o to_o make_v profit_n by_o they_o they_o have_v almost_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n to_o foresee_v danger_n where_o none_o be_v and_o advantage_n probable_a or_o possible_a to_o happen_v many_o year_n after_o 17._o now_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o love_n be_v so_o quicksighted_n sure_o by_o this_o that_o where_o love_n to_o any_o particular_a object_n be_v predominant_a it_o subdue_v all_o other_o affection_n to_o all_o other_o object_n which_o will_v distract_v the_o thought_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n from_o contemplate_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o thing_n so_o belove_v 18._o upon_o such_o ground_n therefore_o as_o these_o it_o be_v that_o s._n augustin_n call_v divine_a love_n luminosissimam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la most_o full_a of_o light_n and_o most_o enlighten_v for_o a_o soul_n that_o true_o love_v god_n with_o a_o love_n worthy_a of_o he_o have_v the_o mind_n clear_v from_o all_o strange_a image_n and_o the_o will_v purify_v from_o all_o strange_a affection_n be_v thereby_o enable_v pure_o to_o contemplate_v god_n without_o any_o distraction_n at_o all_o and_o be_v desirous_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o know_v how_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o all_o occurrence_n light_a and_o darkness_n consolation_n and_o desolation_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o contribute_v to_o the_o advance_v of_o this_o love._n yea_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o indifferent_a or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o that_o such_o a_o soul_n can_v perceive_v how_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o to_o please_v god_n thereby_o 19_o now_o since_o pure_a love_n be_v exercise_v immediate_o to_o god_n only_o in_o pure_a prayer_n by_o which_o alone_o the_o spirit_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n to_o obtain_v supernatural_a light_n according_a the_o say_n of_o david_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la approach_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v and_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o holy_a prophet_n so_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o above_o twenty_o time_n in_o one_o psalm_n 118._o pray_v for_o such_o light_n to_o understand_v and_o discover_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n and_o what_o be_v those_o wonderful_a thing_n sure_o not_o to_o be_v inform_v that_o murder_n or_o adultery_n be_v sin_n or_o general_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v with_o the_o whole_a soul_n for_o much_o more_o knowledge_n he_o have_v then_o this_o before_o he_o pray_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n and_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n alone_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o so_o oft_o make_v use_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n to_o be_v have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o discover_v and_o find_v out_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o case_n and_o doubtful_a circumstance_n 20._o now_o only_a such_o inspiration_n and_o such_o illumination_n as_o these_o do_v spiritual_a person_n pretend_v to_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o prayer_n and_o attend_v to_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v exercise_v prayer_n with_o a_o due_a fervour_n and_o constancy_n these_o they_o shall_v most_o certain_o enjoy_v and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n that_o whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ordinary_a good_a christian_n be_v so_o dim-sighted_n as_o to_o see_v the_o divine_a will_n only_o in_o circumstance_n where_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a obligation_n so_o that_o they_o spend_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o action_n that_o do_v no_o way_n advance_v they_o in_o divine_a love_n be_v wrought_v chief_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o interest_n of_o nature_n those_o that_o be_v perfect_o internal_a liver_n be_v cloud_v by_o no_o vain_a image_n and_o distract_v by_o no_o inferior_a affection_n do_v see_v the_o divine_a will_n clear_o in_o the_o minute_a affair_n which_o they_o according_o make_v advantage_n by_o to_o improve_v themselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n so_o proportionable_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v the_o pretend_a inconvenience_n suspect_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o causeless_o fear_v 21._o but_o the_o other_o objection_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n seem_v more_o considerable_a as_o imply_v a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o certain_a inconvenience_n and_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v divine_a inspiration_n illumination_n and_o call_n for_o thus_o they_o argue_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o fanatic_a sectary_n which_o now_o swarm_v in_o england_n more_o than_o ever_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n from_o hence_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o frenzy_n and_o disorder_n all_o which_o they_o impute_v with_o all_o confidence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n illumination_n and_o impulse_n for_o can_v we_o forbid_v they_o to_o practice_v what_o we_o ourselves_o teach_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a what_o fearful_a and_o execrable_a effect_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o pretend_a duty_n do_v produce_v among_o they_o it_o be_v by_o inspiration_n say_v they_o that_o their_o progenitour_n do_v break_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o inspiration_n they_o do_v still_o introduce_v endlesse_o new_a fancy_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v by_o inspiration_n that_o they_o endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n itself_o by_o infinite_a schism_n and_o pestilent_a reformation_n it_o be_v by_o inspiration_n that_o they_o employ_v the_o gospel_n to_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n from_o thence_o preach_v heresy_n in_o church_n and_o chamber_n sedition_n in_o state_n rebellion_n against_o prince_n and_o prelate_n so_o destroy_v all_o order_n unity_n and_o peace_n every_o where_o these_o thing_n consider_v what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o furnish_v they_o thus_o with_o arm_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o and_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n &_o his_o church_n 22._o this_o be_v the_o objection_n which_o though_o it_o have_v a_o fearful_a show_v yet_o be_v well_o examine_v it_o will_v prove_v no_o less_o weak_o ground_v then_o the_o former_a for_o the_o demonstrate_v therefore_o of_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o it_o i_o will_v by_o way_n of_o preparation_n lay_v down_o these_o follow_a undeniable_a principle_n brief_o mention_v before_o viz._n 23._o first_n that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o precept_n for_o the_o avoid_v of_o sin_n and_o in_o counsel_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o perfection_n that_o without_o they_o no_o action_n of_o we_o can_v be_v good_a or_o meritorious_a yea_o the_o duty_n of_o obligation_n which_o we_o perform_v or_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n free_o obey_v by_o we_o be_v only_o so_o far_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o his_o inspiration_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o undoubted_a verity_n but_o one_o of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o attribute_n all_o good_a in_o we_o to_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o what_o be_v grace_n but_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o