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
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
they_o accept_v as_o a_o certain_a proof_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v beneficial_a to_o soul_n and_o therefore_o odious_a to_o the_o devil_n for_o so_o have_v all_o such_o thing_n be_v ever_o at_o the_o first_o entertain_v 2._o but_o among_o all_o the_o late_a master_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a contemplative_a prayer_n there_o be_v none_o deserve_v more_o out_o esteem_v nor_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v produce_v in_o this_o place_n than_o the_o late_a r._n f._n baltazar_n aluarez_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n well_o know_v unto_o and_o most_o high_o esteem_v by_o s._n teresa_n who_o be_v much_o assist_v &_o comfort_v by_o he_o during_o her_o trouble_n &_o difficulty_n the_o special_a benefit_n that_o may_v be_v reap_v from_o his_o story_n be_v that_o by_o occasion_n of_o his_o trial_n and_o examination_n about_o his_o prayer_n all_o the_o suspicion_n and_o allegation_n against_o it_o be_v well_o clear_v and_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o this_o treatise_n worthy_o confirm_v and_o assert_v 3._o this_o venerable_a person_n after_o he_o have_v with_o great_a diligence_n spend_v above_o fifteen_o year_n in_o meditation_n and_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n peculiar_a to_o his_o order_n and_o yet_o receive_v but_o little_a profit_n to_o his_o spirit_n by_o they_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_n torment_v with_o extreme_a doubtfullnes_n &_o unsatisfaction_n be_v at_o the_o last_o guide_v powerful_o by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o quit_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o prayer_n immediate_o in_o the_o will_n to_o the_o which_o divine_a motion_n he_o correspond_v present_o receive_v abundance_n of_o light_n and_o a_o perfect_a remedy_n against_o all_o his_o anguish_n and_o perplexity_n 4._o but_o his_o internal_a trouble_n cease_v outward_a difficulty_n begin_v for_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n &_o companion_n perceive_v that_o he_o walk_v in_o way_n unknow_v to_o they_o earnest_o require_v a_o examination_n of_o this_o new_a spirit_n insomuch_o as_o that_o out_o of_o spain_n these_o complaint_n come_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o their_o then_o general_n the_o most_o r._n f._n euerardus_fw-la mercurialis_n resident_a at_o rome_n by_o order_n from_o who_o his_o study_n be_v seal_v up_o &_o afterward_o search_v by_o learned_a father_n thereto_o appoint_v &_o all_o his_o paper_n examine_v though_o which_o afford_v no_o matter_n of_o just_a accusation_n at_o all_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a of_o great_a edification_n a_o second_o command_n come_v from_o the_o general_n to_o he_o to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o order_n &_o manner_n of_o his_o prayer_n 5._o this_o command_n oblige_v he_o to_o make_v a_o free_a &_o ingenuous_a apology_n for_o himself_o the_o which_o because_o it_o be_v most_o pertinent_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o instruction_n &_o beside_o be_v not_o common_a in_o many_o man_n hand_n i_o will_v here_o set_v down_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v relate_v with_o most_o commendable_a candour_n &_o ingenuity_n by_o f._n ludovicus_n de_fw-fr puente_n of_o the_o same_o society_n his_o scholar_n who_o write_v his_o life_n 6._o now_o in_o his_o say_a apology_n he_o free_o &_o humble_o declare_v that_o near_o sixteen_o year_n he_o have_v labour_v like_o one_o that_o till_v the_o ground_n without_o reap_v any_o fruit_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v much_o straighten_v with_o grief_n observe_v that_o he_o want_v the_o talent_n for_o which_o he_o see_v other_o esteem_v &_o particular_o that_o he_o be_v much_o trouble_v that_o be_v have_v not_o space_n enough_o allow_v he_o for_o prayer_n 〈◊〉_d this_o tentation_n he_o overcome_v resolve_v to_o employ_v no_o more_o time_n in_o prayer_n then_o bâ—y_v obedience_n permit_v &_o reject_v that_o foolish_a ambition_n of_o excel_v therein_o or_o of_o pretend_v to_o divine_a favour_n which_o other_o better_a deserve_v enjoy_v notwithstanding_o he_o still_o find_v his_o defect_n to_o multiply_v &_o rather_o to_o disquiet_v then_o humble_v he_o yea_o they_o make_v he_o in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o internal_a counsel_n &_o invitation_n of_o god_n moreover_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o unquietnes_n the_o defect_n of_o other_o also_o under_o his_o government_n do_v much_o increase_v his_o distemper_n so_o that_o he_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n of_o right_a government_n to_o make_v his_o subject_n perform_v all_o thing_n like_o himself_o with_o a_o melancholic_a deiectednes_n of_o mind_n 7._o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o fourteen_o year_n he_o find_v himself_o in_o a_o practice_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o he_o place_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n as_o a_o beggar_n say_v little_a but_o only_o expect_v a_o alm_n but_o by_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v not_o keep_v his_o mind_n fix_v on_o god_n but_o do_v overmuch_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o his_o trouble_n dejection_n &_o utter_a despair_n of_o approach_v to_o perfection_n increase_v since_o god_n have_v show_v hiw_v no_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o it_o seem_v he_o expect_v but_o as_o he_o confess_v very_o foolish_o since_o his_o come_n to_o god_n with_o such_o a_o expectation_n be_v a_o great_a fault_n than_o his_o former_a desert_v he_o yea_o hereby_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o that_o extreme_a confusion_n that_o for_o mere_a shame_n be_v dare_v not_o for_o a_o good_a space_n in_o prayer_n say_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v punish_v forgive_v &_o assist_v he_o 8._o but_o when_o sixteen_o year_n be_v pass_v he_o find_v his_o hair_n on_o the_o sudden_a unexpected_o quite_o change_v &_o dilate_a all_o his_o disquietness_n vanish_v &_o his_o soul_n free_v from_o all_o create_a thing_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o astonish_n joy_n like_o that_o of_o those_o which_o say_v lord_z when_o we_o see_v thou_o we_o have_v see_v all_o good_a and_o be_v entire_o satiate_v here_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o a_o congregation_n of_o person_n destine_v to_o beatitude_n the_o way_n whereto_o seem_v plain_a &_o easy_a now_o he_o receive_v a_o spiritual_a discretion_n to_o sever_v between_o the_o precious_a &_o the_o vile_a new_a notion_n and_o intelligence_n of_o verity_n be_v give_v he_o which_o feed_v his_o soul_n which_o joy_n &_o peace_n yet_o such_o illumination_n at_o the_o first_o be_v somewhat_o rare_a but_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apology_n they_o be_v become_v much_o more_o frequent_a 9_o instead_o of_o that_o anxie_fw-la y_o that_o he_o have_v former_o because_o his_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o be_v eminent_a be_v not_o satisfy_v now_o he_o be_v content_a to_o live_v under_o the_o cross_n now_o he_o do_v so_o humble_a himself_o under_o all_o that_o he_o be_v in_o confusion_n to_o appear_v before_o any_o notwithstanding_o though_o he_o honour_v all_o man_n yet_o he_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o needful_a to_o he_o as_o former_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o that_o it_o be_v both_o better_a and_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n only_o 10._o thence_o forward_o he_o perceive_v that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o internal_a light_n for_o the_o order_n both_o of_o himself_o &_o other_o under_o he_o even_o in_o the_o small_a matter_n and_o whereas_o sollicitude_n in_o government_n &c_n &c_n do_v former_o disquiet_v &_o opprese_n his_o spirit_n now_o he_o find_v that_o business_n be_v far_o better_a discharge_v by_o cast_v his_o care_n on_o god_n &_o put_v they_o out_o of_o his_o thought_n till_o the_o time_n come_v that_o he_o be_v to_o execute_v his_o duty_n so_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o throng_n of_o care_n he_o live_v without_o care_n now_o he_o be_v not_o as_o formerly_z trouble_v for_o that_o he_o have_v not_o time_n sufficient_a for_o prayer_n because_o he_o find_v that_o god_n give_v more_o in_o one_o hour_n to_o mortify_a resign_v soul_n then_o to_o other_o in_o many_o day_n and_o he_o find_v more_o profit_n to_o his_o spirit_n by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o employment_n impose_v by_o god_n then_o in_o vacancy_n &_o read_v spiritual_a book_n of_o his_o own_o election_n 11._o a_o sight_n of_o his_o defect_n now_o do_v he_o good_a by_o humble_v he_o &_o make_v he_o distrustful_a of_o himself_o &_o confident_a in_o god_n know_v that_o no_o defect_n nor_o know_o &_o deliberate_o persist_v in_o do_v hinder_v god_n counsel_n and_o design_n for_o our_o perfection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o under_o his_o government_n he_o find_v it_o a_o great_a folly_n for_o he_o to_o disquiet_v himself_o about_o they_o and_o that_o his_o former_a desire_n of_o make_v they_o sad_a &_o melancholic_a be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o impatience_n 12._o his_o prayer_n now_o be_v to_o place_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n both_o inward_o and_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
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
that_o so_o much_o talk_v of_o spirit_n of_o a_o order_n nor_o how_o several_a order_n though_o never_o so_o much_o distinguish_v by_o habit_n or_o certain_a external_a practice_n if_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n can_v have_v any_o more_o than_o one_o spirit_n which_o direct_v they_o to_o make_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o be_v the_o seek_n of_o god_n in_o his_o internal_a way_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o for_o that_o only_a end_n beside_o conformable_a prayer_n to_o practice_v such_o observance_n &_o mortification_n as_o will_v best_o promote_v this_o design_n and_o sure_o this_o good_a spirit_n of_o religion_n &_o contemplation_n a_o good_a director_n of_o what_o profession_n soever_o will_v very_o studious_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v yea_o &_o moreover_o will_v no_o doubt_n oblige_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v very_o regular_a &_o zealous_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o good_a ordinance_n of_o the_o community_n &_o principal_o of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o their_o profession_n make_v instruct_v they_o withal_o how_o they_o may_v use_v such_o thing_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o their_o spirit_n &_o the_o service_n of_o god_n although_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o cunning_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a observance_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o he_o 17._o all_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o contemplative_a order_n be_v nor_o natural_o fit_v for_o contemplative_a way_n nor_o the_o seek_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v not_o &_o indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o much_o light_n in_o their_o interiour_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v guide_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n do_v the_o more_o need_n to_o have_v certain_a rule_n from_o without_o at_o least_o for_o the_o exterior_a and_o for_o such_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o direction_n that_o they_o shall_v more_o depend_v on_o externall_n guide_v 18._o he_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o spiritual_a director_n say_v thauâ—erus_n aught_o for_o some_o reasonable_a space_n of_o time_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o a_o few_o transitory_a conference_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o give_v he_o light_v concern_v their_o propension_n &_o disposition_n that_o he_o may_v fit_v they_o with_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o they_o both_o for_o the_o present_a &_o future_a and_o his_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o set_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o need_v to_o have_v much_o recourse_n unto_o he_o afterward_o the_o which_o be_v do_v by_o give_v they_o general_a direction_n about_o their_o prayer_n &_o especial_o how_o thereby_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o receive_v light_n from_o god_n who_o inspiration_n ought_v for_o the_o future_a to_o â—e_v their_o principal_a rule_n especial_o for_o the_o interiour_n and_o for_o the_o practise_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n give_v the_o disciple_n must_v use_v their_o own_o judgement_n &_o for_o a_o help_n they_o may_v also_o make_v use_n of_o such_o instruction_n as_o they_o may_v find_v in_o book_n so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v proper_a for_o their_o spirit_n but_o in_o case_n when_o neither_o their_o own_o judgement_n nor_o book_n will_v help_v they_o if_o the_o difficulty_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n they_o may_v again_o have_v recourse_n unto_o their_o director_n 19_o and_o in_o this_o sort_n be_v writer_n that_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o externall_n directour_n to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o such_o necessity_n be_v to_o last_v always_o good_a soul_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o confer_v with_o directour_n from_o whence_o will_v follow_v continual_a sollicitude_n scrupulosity_n &_o dangerous_a distraction_n &c._n &c._n most_o contrary_a to_o a_o internal_a spiritual_a life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o much_o repose_n cessation_n introversion_n &_o a_o continual_a attendance_n unto_o what_o god_n speak_v within_o unto_o a_o soul_n who_o if_o soul_n will_v humble_o &_o faithful_o depend_v on_o he_o will_v clear_v &_o resolve_v difficulty_n which_o externall_n master_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o but_o it_o be_v too_o general_a a_o humour_n in_o directour_n now_o adays_o to_o make_v themselves_o seem_v necessary_a unto_o their_o disciple_n who_o hey_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o their_o progress_n in_o spirit_n beside_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n not_o needful_a to_o be_v mention_v particular_o 20._o a_o soul_n thar_z have_v recourse_n to_o a_o instructor_n provide_v by_o god_n for_o she_o or_o that_o use_v her_o best_a advice_n she_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o must_v deal_v free_o plain_o &_o candid_o with_o he_o conceil_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o he_o &_o his_o direction_n she_o must_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n assure_v herself_o that_o if_o she_o do_v so_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o her_o heart_n &_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n himself_o god_n will_v enlighten_v he_o so_o that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v 21._o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n that_o except_o thereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fit_v a_o soul_n with_o a_o sort_n &_o degree_n of_o prayer_n suitable_a to_o her_o natural_a disposition_n not_o tie_v all_o soul_n to_o begin_v according_a to_o any_o general_a method_n for_o none_o such_o can_v be_v perscribe_v but_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o some_o &_o unless_o he_o teach_v she_o how_o she_o may_v become_v illuminate_v without_o he_o by_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n wherewith_o the_o mist_n of_o image_n &_o passion_n be_v dispel_v a_o light_n will_v spring_v forth_o in_o the_o soul_n far_o more_o clear_a &_o certain_a than_o any_o that_o can_v come_v from_o humane_a instruction_n not_o all_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n &_o angel_n join_v with_o all_o mortification_n imaginable_a will_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o contemplation_n for_o seldom_o or_o never_o do_v god_n work_v contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a complexion_n and_o till_o soul_n come_v to_o exercise_n in_o spirit_n &_o prayer_n infuse_v by_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v far_o from_o contemplation_n 22._o now_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o director_n to_o know_v exact_o the_o secret_a inclination_n of_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v so_o infinite_o various_a and_o therefore_o for_o the_o most_o part_n their_o instruction_n about_o prayer_n &_o attendance_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n must_v be_v general_a the_o which_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o must_v make_v a_o particular_a use_n of_o by_o observe_v their_o own_o ability_n &_o inclination_n &_o by_o mark_v what_o more_o particular_a form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n suit_n best_o with_o they_o &_o do_v they_o most_o good_a and_o this_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o a_o reasonable_a manner_n to_o do_v or_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v put_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v in_o those_o secret_a internal_a way_n 23._o if_o the_o way_n wherein_o a_o soul_n be_v put_v &_o have_v make_v a_o reasonable_a progress_n be_v indeed_o proper_a for_o she_o there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o frequent_a recourse_n unto_o her_o director_n neither_o ought_v he_o to_o examine_v she_o about_o her_o internal_a exercise_n of_o which_o he_o may_v judge_v well_o enough_o by_o her_o external_a comportment_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n interior_o but_o of_o itself_o it_o will_v break_v out_o exterior_o especial_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o right_a way_n as_o the_o spiritual_a director_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o interior_o in_o a_o good_a way_n then_o be_v she_o be_v forward_o to_o trouble_v her_o director_n with_o multiplicity_n of_o question_n &_o doubt_n &_o her_o readiness_n to_o discover_v she_o interiour_n to_o other_o who_o she_o have_v hear_v or_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v skilful_a in_o spirituality_n 24._o the_o image_n &_o internal_a distraction_n raise_v by_o impertinent_a consultation_n about_o the_o interiour_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o pernicious_a for_o distraction_n from_o without_o be_v but_o superficial_a whereas_o those_o be_v hatch_v &_o breed_v within_o the_o soul_n from_o some_o secret_a ill_a quality_n as_o fear_v scrupulosity_n curiosity_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v more_o profound_a &_o destructive_a to_o true_a recollection_n
hastiness_n in_o perform_v our_o best_a &_o most_o necessary_a duty_n the_o which_o be_v discharge_v most_o efficacious_o &_o pure_o when_o they_o be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a stillnes_n calmness_n clearness_n of_o mind_n &_o resignation_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o place_n only_o to_o touch_v pass_o upon_o these_o impediment_n because_o in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v more_o large_o &_o purposely_o of_o they_o 4._o now_o to_o what_o end_n do_v we_o come_v into_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o these_o impediment_n in_o the_o world_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o attend_v to_o god_n &_o follow_v his_o divine_a guidance_n in_o this_o very_a point_n lie_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o secular_a &_o a_o religious_a state_n that_o a_o secular_a person_n secular_o mind_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o noise_n tumult_n &_o unavoidable_a distra&ions_n distra&ions_n distra&ions_n sollicitude_n &_o tentation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n can_v without_o much_o ado_n find_v leisure_n to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o the_o gain_n of_o his_o love_n even_o for_o a_o few_o minute_n every_o day_n or_o little_a often_o than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_o oblige_v he_o and_o all_o the_o direction_n that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o god_n service_n must_v come_v from_o without_o for_o by_o reason_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o image_n vain_a or_o sinful_a &_o so_o agitate_a with_o impetuous_a affection_n &_o design_n he_o can_v recollect_v himself_o to_o hear_v god_n speak_v in_o he_o whereas_o a_o religious_a person_n profess_v his_o only_a business_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o god_n internal_a voice_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o renounce_v all_o these_o impediment_n &_o distraction_n 5._o and_o sure_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o disciple_n of_o s._n benedict_n if_o they_o will_v cast_v a_o serious_a eye_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o rule_n they_o will_v find_v that_o as_o it_o be_v very_o moderate_a &_o prudent_o condescend_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o outward_a corporal_a austerity_n afflict_v to_o nature_n but_o not_o immediate_o helpful_a to_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o rigorous_a in_o the_o exact_v of_o silence_n solitude_n a_o renounce_v all_o proprietary_a solicitude_n for_o corporal_a necessity_n &_o all_o other_o mortification_n which_o will_v hinder_v the_o dissipate_v of_o our_o spirit_n &_o thought_n &_o indispose_v the_o soul_n to_o recollection_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n but_o special_o prayer_n which_o he_o call_v opus_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o which_o all_o other_o work_n &_o observance_n be_v to_o give_v place_n be_v most_o serious_o &_o incessant_o enjoin_v by_o the_o practice_n whereof_o we_o do_v above_o all_o other_o exercise_n transcend_v grosser_n &_o sensible_a image_n in_o the_o understanding_n &_o subdue_v unruly_a passion_n in_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o holy_a father_n principal_a care_n in_o all_o the_o observance_n enjoin_v by_o he_o be_v to_o free_v his_o disciple_n from_o these_o two_o general_a &_o most_o powerful_a hindrance_n to_o introversion_n &_o a_o continual_a attention_n to_o &_o conversation_n which_o god_n the_o which_o may_v most_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o s._n benedict_v rule_n 6._o there_o be_v moreover_o one_o special_a impediment_n to_o the_o observe_v &_o obey_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v &_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v less_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o ordinary_a spiritual_a writer_n this_o impediment_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o many_o soul_n do_v indiscreet_o prejudice_n yea_o oft_o take_v away_o quite_o that_o indifference_n &_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v serious_o follow_v the_o divine_a guidance_n in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o they_o then_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v foolish_a to_o prescribe_v unto_o god_n the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o lead_v we_o this_o be_v to_o oblige_v god_n to_o follow_v our_o way_n &_o to_o do_v our_o will_n &_o not_o we_o to_o perform_v he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o preconceiu_n d_o opinion_n &_o fore-practised_n coustume_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v for_o though_o such_o coustume_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o soul_n may_v be_v never_o so_o good_a &_o profitable_a yea_o tho_o former_o even_o to_o those_o person_n themselves_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o proper_a &_o beneficial_a yet_o this_o be_v only_o while_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n &_o degree_n of_o spirituality_n the_o which_o state_n alter_v as_o in_o progress_n it_o needs_o must_v then_o that_o which_o be_v former_o proper_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n &_o inspiration_n will_v become_v improper_a inconvenient_a &_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a internal_a guidance_n of_o god_n 7._o this_o impediment_n must_v necessary_o be_v remove_v &_o devout_a soul_n must_v continual_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o free_a indifferency_n &_o suppleness_n of_o spirit_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v become_v in_o many_o case_n &_o circumstance_n indispose_v to_o believe_v &_o incapable_a to_o execute_v that_o which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n shall_v dictate_v unto_o they_o yea_o they_o will_v oft_o contristate_v &_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v the_o say_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o a_o obstinate_a do_v of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o it_o move_v unto_o 8._o the_o reasonableness_n &_o necessity_n of_o this_o advice_n may_v be_v show_v by_o this_o example_n it_o may_v have_v be_v good_a &_o profitable_a for_o a_o soul_n when_o she_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a life_n to_o appoint_v unto_o herself_o certain_a voluntary_a devotion_n &_o vocal_a prayer_n &c_n &c_n or_o afterward_o to_o select_v certain_a peculiar_a subject_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o quatuor_fw-la novissima_fw-la the_o mystery_n of_o the_o passion_n &c_n &c_n or_o to_o prescribe_v unto_o herself_o certain_a time_n for_o some_o good_a external_a or_o internal_a practice_n or_o to_o make_v frequent_a examination_n of_o conscience_n confession_n &c_n &c_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a whilst_o the_o soul_n find_v profit_n by_o they_o &_o so_o long_o they_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v she_o to_o a_o high_a exercise_n &_o to_o a_o more_o pure_a efficacious_a prayer_n so_o that_o she_o begin_v to_o loose_v all_o gust_n in_o her_o former_a exercise_n the_o which_o do_v not_o only_o abridge_v she_o of_o the_o time_n necessary_a for_o she_o more_o perfect_a recollection_n but_o likewise_o dull_a the_o spirit_n &_o indispose_v it_o for_o such_o prayer_n &_o other_o more_o beneficial_a practice_n to_o which_o she_o be_v by_o a_o new_o clear_a divine_a light_n direct_v or_o invite_v &_o by_o divine_a grace_n enable_v in_o this_o case_n pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o former_a coustume_n because_o she_o find_v they_o commend_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n or_o because_o she_o do_v former_o reap_v profit_n by_o they_o this_o be_v to_o entangle_v fetter_v &_o captivate_v the_o spirit_n to_o renounce_v the_o divine_a guidance_n &_o to_o obstruct_v all_o way_n of_o advamcement_n in_o the_o path_n of_o contemplation_n the_o soul_n therefore_o in_o such_o or_o the_o like_a case_n must_v necessary_o use_v some_o violence_n upon_o herself_o to_o recover_v a_o true_a &_o most_o needful_a indifferency_n &_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n that_o so_o she_o may_v free_o follow_v god_n whithersoever_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o inspiration_n invite_v she_o be_v assure_v that_o she_o shall_v never_o by_o he_o be_v persuade_v or_o tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o her_o duty_n obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n or_o any_o other_o necessary_a obligation_n 9_o this_o instruction_n reach_v very_o far_o yea_o so_o far_o that_o even_o learned_a man_n yea_o some_o that_o pass_v for_o spiritual_a if_o they_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o true_a internal_a way_n of_o god_n spirit_n lead_v to_o contemplation_n will_v perhaps_o mislike_v the_o freedom_n which_o in_o many_o case_n must_v &_o have_v be_v allow_v by_o the_o best_a &_o most_o sublime_a mystic_a author_n to_o soul_n of_o some_o peculiar_a disposition_n &_o in_o certain_a circumstance_n and_o as_o for_o unlearned_a person_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n almost_o to_o be_v scandalize_v 10._o the_o special_a point_n therefore_o by_o which_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o many_o soul_n much_o abridge_v to_o their_o great_a hindrance_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v viz._n 1._o confession_n of_o certain_a venial_a sin_n 2._o coustumary_a solicitous_a examination_n of_o conscience_n 3._o in_o compliance_n with_o coustume_n to_o confess_v both_o often_o &_o likewise_o such_o imperfection_n as_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o mention_v
in_o confession_n 4._o renew_v of_o general_a confession_n 5._o the_o force_v act_n of_o sensible_a contrition_n 6._o not_o content_v once_o self_n many_o time_n with_o virtual_a examination_n of_o conscience_n 7._o use_v certain_a vocal_a prayer_n voluntary_o 8._o the_o oblige_a one_o self_n to_o coustume_n &_o ceremony_n not_o of_o obligation_n 9_o continue_v voluntary_a mortification_n when_o the_o soul_n find_v no_o benefit_n by_o they_o but_o rather_o become_v dishearten_v &_o deject_a 10._o practise_v what_o be_v find_v in_o book_n though_o improper_a for_o the_o spirit_n 11._o imitate_v unwary_o the_o good_a practice_n of_o other_o 12._o oblige_v once_o self_a not_o to_o quit_v the_o meditate_v on_o the_o passion_n 13._o do_v thing_n mere_o for_o edification_n 14._o tie_v once_o self_n to_o nice_a method_n order_n &_o a_o determinate_a number_n of_o succeed_a act_n or_o affection_n in_o recollection_n 15._o exercise_v corporal_a labour_n &_o austerity_n without_o due_a consideration_n &_o necessity_n 16_o adhere_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o internal_a exercise_n when_o perhaps_o the_o soul_n be_v invite_v &_o enable_v to_o a_o high_a 17._o the_o trouble_v one_o self_n to_o inquire_v after_o or_o to_o procure_v sermon_n 18._o the_o oblige_a one_o self_n to_o a_o determinate_a posture_n in_o prayer_n 19_o the_o voluntary_a hear_n of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o mass_n 20._o set_a devotion_n or_o exercise_n to_o saint_n or_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a or_o live_a 21._o solicitous_a or_o distract_n care_v to_o gain_v indulgence_n by_o go_v to_o such_o or_o such_o church_n 22._o adjoin_v once_o self_n to_o confraternity_n and_o the_o several_a duty_n belong_v to_o they_o 23._o iterate_v the_o office_n in_o case_n any_o thing_n through_o inaduertence_n have_v be_v omit_v 24._o generally_n fettr_n one_o self_n with_o any_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o of_o obligation_n 25._o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o entangle_v the_o soul_n by_o hasty_a &_o undiscreete_a promise_n &_o vow_n make_v during_o some_o fit_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n or_o in_o a_o passion_n of_o remorse_n fear_v etc._n etc._n by_o these_o &_o other_o such_o practice_n as_o these_o which_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v of_o obligation_n many_o soul_n in_o desire_n tend_v to_o perfection_n do_v so_o overburden_v &_o entangle_v themselves_o that_o they_o either_o can_v observe_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o or_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n to_o follow_v whither_o it_o will_v draw_v they_o &_o thereby_o remain_v in_o their_o imperfect_a state_n without_o hope_n of_o make_v any_o progress_n unless_o they_o will_v renounce_v their_o own_o preconceive_a judgement_n &_o preassume_v selfe-imposed_n obligation_n 11_o hitherto_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o impediment_n by_o which_o soul_n be_v hinder_v from_o attend_v to_o &_o obey_v their_o internal_a divine_a teacher_n who_o only_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o every_o one_o in_o all_o circumstance_n &_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o direct_v for_o the_o very_o best_a every_o soul_n that_o with_o humility_n and_o resignation_n have_v recourse_n to_o he_o 12._o now_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n which_o be_v all_o activity_n &_o will_v be_v continual_o think_v on_o &_o love_v somewhat_o that_o if_o these_o impediment_n cause_v by_o impertinent_a image_n of_o creature_n inordinate_a affection_n to_o they_o &_o by_o a_o voluntary_a shackle_v the_o soul_n with_o assume_v opinion_n &_o coustume_n be_v once_o remove_v she_o will_v see_v clear_o what_o she_o ought_v to_o follow_v &_o love_v which_o be_v god_n only_o for_o creature_n be_v remove_v &_o forget_v nothing_o remain_v but_o god_n no_o other_o light_n for_o our_o understanding_n nor_o other_o object_n for_o our_o will_n &_o affection_n but_o he_o only_o 13._o and_o the_o general_a of_o all_o other_o most_o efficacious_a mean_o to_o remove_v all_o these_o impediment_n be_v by_o abstraction_n &_o prayer_n in_o spirit_n to_o aspire_v unto_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollection_n &_o introversion_n for_o such_o prayer_n beside_o the_o virtue_n of_o impetration_n by_o which_o god_n will_v be_v move_v according_a to_o his_o so_o frequent_a &_o express_v promise_n to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o meek_a &_o humble_a it_o have_v also_o a_o direct_a virtue_n to_o procure_v this_o illumination_n in_o as_o much_o as_o therein_o our_o soul_n see_v he_o &_o nothing_o else_o so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n to_o follow_v but_o he_o and_o especial_o in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o prayer_n in_o spirit_n divine_a charity_n be_v most_o firm_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n which_o make_v they_o insensible_a to_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o will_v divert_v our_o attention_n or_o affection_n and_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n thar_z love_v of_o what_o object_n soever_o it_o be_v do_v more_o clear_a the_o mind_n &_o conferr_v in_o a_o moment_n as_o it_o be_v more_o skill_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o object_n belove_v may_v be_v obtain_v than_o never_o so_o much_o study_v or_o meditation_n cap._n vi_o §_o 1._o 2._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o good_a action_n in_o us._n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o it_o do_v not_o work_v of_o itself_o unless_o excite_v by_o actual_a grace_n &_o our_o endeavour_n §_o 7._o by_o the_o use_n &_o employment_n of_o this_o gift_n there_o be_v raise_v in_o we_o a_o supernatural_a light_n of_o discretion_n as_o prudence_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n §_o 8._o how_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n cause_v illumination_n §_o 9_o 10._o supernatural_a light_n be_v 1._o actual_a 2._o permanent_a §_o 11._o the_o effect_n of_o supernatural_a discretion_n §_o 12._o 13._o 14._o 15._o contemplative_n &_o active_a liver_n both_o guide_v by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n but_o different_o §_o 16._o how_o imperfect_a soul_n may_v do_v their_o ordinary_a daily_a action_n in_o light_n 1._o the_o three_o point_v before_o propose_v for_o our_o consideration_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o internal_a inspiration_n be_v the_o manner_n how_o god_n communicate_v his_o light_n &_o grace_n to_o our_o understanding_n &_o will_n for_o our_o instruction_n &_o direction_n in_o the_o mystic_a way_n of_o contemplation_n 2._o now_o for_o a_o clear_a explication_n of_o this_o point_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o that_o fundamental_a grace_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v donum_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o which_o be_v confer_v on_o all_o in_o baptism_n &_o be_v afterward_o by_o actual_a sin_n smother_v or_o extinguish_v be_v renew_v by_o penance_n prayer_n &c_n &c_n &_o cherish_v or_o increase_v by_o the_o worthy_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n &_o other_o virtuous_a practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n this_o grace_n i_o say_v what_o ever_o it_o be_v physical_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v examine_v scholastical_o which_o be_v not_o my_o intent_n be_v a_o certain_a divine_a principle_n or_o faculty_n partake_v somewhat_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o permanent_a habit_n infuse_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o which_o he_o be_v enable_v whensoever_o the_o free_a will_n concur_v actual_o both_o for_o know_v believe_v &_o practise_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o extend_v itself_o through_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n cure_v the_o distemper_n want_v &_o deordination_n that_o sin_n have_v cause_v in_o they_o 3._o this_o new_a divine_a faculty_n therefore_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v express_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n when_o he_o say_v signatum_fw-la est_fw-la super_fw-la nos_fw-la lumen_fw-la vultus_fw-la tui_fw-la domine_fw-la that_o be_v the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n o_o lord_n be_v like_o a_o seal_n stamp_v on_o our_o soul_n do_v not_o neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o alone_o actual_o to_o produce_v any_o save_a effect_n as_o we_o see_v that_o a_o musician_n or_o a_o poet_n though_o never_o so_o skilful_a do_v not_o therefore_o ever_o actual_o sing_v or_o write_v verse_n until_o some_o certain_a occasion_n or_o circumstance_n do_v actual_o determine_v they_o thereto_o as_o gain_v or_o request_n of_o other_o or_o praise_n or_o a_o mind_n to_o please_v themselves_o &c_n &c_n for_o the_o actual_a employment_n &_o exercise_n of_o such_o grace_n there_o be_v moreover_o necessary_a a_o actual_a aid_n from_o god_n who_o by_o a_o special_a divine_a providence_n do_v often_o administer_v occasion_n hint_n &_o enablement_n exciting_a the_o will_n to_o waken_v this_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o otherwise_o will_v lie_v vacant_a &_o unuseful_a 4._o and_o proof_n of_o this_o daily_a experience_n show_v we_o both_o in_o ourselves_o &_o other_o how_o a_o sermon_n or_o
on_o the_o other_o side_n voluntary_a mortification_n be_v such_o as_o on_o our_o own_o head_n &_o without_o the_o advice_n &_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o interiour_n we_o voluntary_o assume_v or_o impose_v on_o ourselves_o either_o because_o we_o have_v see_v or_o read_v of_o other_o that_o have_v do_v the_o like_a &_o thereupon_o without_o further_a due_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o state_n or_o ability_n we_o will_v hope_v they_o will_v advance_v we_o as_o much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n such_o be_v voluntary_a corporal_a fast_n beyond_o what_o the_o church_n or_o regular_n observance_n do_v require_v wear_v of_o haircloth_n chain_n &c_n &c_n obstinate_a silence_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o community_n do_v appoint_v conversation_n etc._n etc._n to_o these_o may_v be_v abd_v a_o assume_v the_o task_n of_o say_v so_o many_o vocal_a prayer_n rosary_n etc._n etc._n 4._o this_o distinction_n be_v premise_v the_o devout_a reader_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o whatsoever_o hitherto_o have_v or_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n end_n &_o benefit_n of_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v &_o apply_v only_o to_o mortification_n of_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v voluntary_a and_o moreover_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n &_o direction_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o soul_n whether_o religious_a or_o other_o as_o be_v enter_v or_o desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a course_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 5._o as_o touch_v therefore_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o necessary_a mortification_n according_a to_o the_o whole_a latitude_n before_o express_v a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v as_o be_v her_o duty_n &_o obligation_n with_o all_o courage_n &_o fervour_n to_o accept_v &_o cheerful_o undergo_v they_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o foremencion_v inestimable_a benefit_n attend_v they_o they_o be_v of_o great_a security_n free_a from_o all_o peril_n of_o error_n indiscretion_n or_o pride_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o voluntary_a mortification_n those_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v proper_o such_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o yea_o moreover_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v a_o spiritual_a disciple_n to_o assume_v any_o considerable_a mortification_n beside_o such_o as_o attend_v his_o present_a state_n of_o life_n till_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a call_v to_o they_o that_o be_v till_o after_o that_o have_v spend_v a_o considerable_a time_n in_o internal_a prayer_n he_o have_v receive_v light_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o fitness_n for_o he_o &_o grace_n or_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o undertake_v &_o pursue_v they_o cheerful_o &_o withal_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o his_o superior_a or_o spiritual_a director_n yea_o though_o he_o have_v a_o body_n as_o strong_a as_o samson_n &_o withal_o a_o very_a good_a inclination_n to_o internal_a way_n i_o shall_v hardly_o be_v the_o first_o proposer_n mover_n &_o inciter_n of_o he_o to_o such_o extraordinary_a mortification_n unless_o some_o special_a occasion_n require_v they_o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o any_o special_a tentation_n then_o assalt_v he_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a and_o voluntary_a although_o supernumerary_a but_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n ordinary_a &_o necessary_a yea_o &_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v ask_v my_o counsel_n about_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mortification_n &_o upon_o examination_n i_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o he_o be_v move_v to_o desire_v they_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o sure_a course_n that_o be_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o the_o undertake_n of_o they_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v in_o read_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v practise_v they_o &_o many_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n but_o this_o show_v that_o spirit_n fit_a for_o extraordinary_a mortification_n be_v rare_o to_o be_v find_v be_v only_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o lead_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o make_v they_o example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o use_v they_o for_o his_o instrument_n in_o great_a work_n as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n esteem_v we_o fit_a or_o intend_v we_o for_o such_o extraordinary_a matter_n therefore_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o to_o undergo_v such_o mortification_n as_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o &_o most_o proportionable_a 8._o in_o all_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v no_o provision_n nor_o order_n make_v for_o such_o extraordinary_a or_o supernumerary_a mortification_n but_o only_o in_o the_o 49._o cap._n about_o diet_n &_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o undertake_v such_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o superior_a the_o neglect_n of_o which_o approbation_n be_v impute_v to_o rashness_n for_o our_o holy_a father_n as_o he_o know_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n which_o come_v from_o god_n &_o therefore_o he_o be_v exact_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o the_o austerity_n command_v in_o the_o rule_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v he_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o probable_o attend_v the_o undertake_v such_o extraordinary_a one_o by_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v common_o induce_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o fancy_n humour_n or_o sudden_a passion_n for_o such_o be_v seldom_o attend_v with_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n who_o neither_o be_v oblige_v nor_o ordinary_o will_v bestow_v his_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n for_o the_o undergo_n of_o any_o morcification_n but_o such_o as_o be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o evident_o ordain_v by_o his_o inspiration_n and_o experience_n witness_n this_o because_o we_o seldom_o see_v soul_n to_o persevere_v in_o those_o which_o they_o assume_v by_o their_o own_o free_a election_n and_o while_o they_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o purity_n of_o intention_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o root_n of_o all_o religious_a voluntary_a austerity_n by_o those_o word_n of_o his_o cap._n 40._o quibus_fw-la donat_fw-la deus_fw-la tolerantiam_fw-la abstinentiae_fw-la that_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o courage_n or_o strength_n to_o suffer_v extraordinary_a abstinence_n add_v withal_o that_o such_o voluntary_a abstinence_n must_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n cum_fw-la gaudio_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o great_a caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n &_o make_v use_n of_o instruction_n &_o example_n find_v especial_o concern_v this_o point_n in_o spiritual_a book_n because_o otherwise_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o plunge_v herself_o into_o great_a inconvenience_n &_o difficulty_n for_o while_o she_o do_v imitate_v such_o extraordinary_a practice_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v yet_o imperfect_a she_o will_v entertain_v a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o herself_o &_o not_o receive_v grace_n to_o persevere_v she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v from_o thence_o matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n &_o dejection_n so_o far_o as_o perhaps_o to_o become_v dishearten_v from_o further_a tendance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o contract_v thereby_o a_o obscurity_n in_o her_o understanding_n especial_o if_o she_o be_v unlearned_a by_o which_o she_o will_v become_v disable_v to_o distinguish_v necessary_a mortification_n from_o voluntary_a 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a &_o to_o many_o soul_n will_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a advice_n which_o some_o spiritual_a author_n give_v viz._n that_o a_o spiritual_a disciple_n shall_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a in_o case_n that_o several_a object_n be_v offer_v to_o choice_n take_v that_o which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n as_o if_o many_o several_a dish_n be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o eat_v only_o that_o which_o we_o least_o like_a &_o thus_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a contradiction_n &_o cross_v of_o nature_n 11._o sure_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n perfect_a be_v capable_a of_o make_v good_a use_n of_o such_o advice_n for_o only_o such_o can_v with_o facility_n discretion_n &_o profit_n practise_v they_o as_o for_o the_o less_o perfect_a if_o they_o practise_v they_o with_o any_o willingness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o true_a ground_n be_v because_o thereby_o they_o do_v covert_o comply_v with_o nature_n some_o orhe_a way_n nourish_v selfe-esteeme_a contempt_n of_o other_o not_o so_o courageous_a
§_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
to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n may_v &_o indeed_o ought_v at_o the_o first_o to_o take_v for_o the_o subject_n of_o her_o recollection_n those_o act_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o vnitive_a way_n to_o wit_n act_n of_o divine_a love_n resignation_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v find_v utter_o unfit_a for_o meditation_n and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o begin_v a_o spiritual_a course_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_n acts._n for_o for_o such_o a_o soul_n ordinary_o speak_v it_o will_v be_v expedient_a that_o at_o the_o beginning_n she_o take_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o her_o act_n such_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o purgative_n way_n as_o act_n of_o contrition_n fear_v of_o judgement_n hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o advice_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o blosius_n in_o the_o x._o &_o xi_o chapter_n of_o his_o institution_n 4._o now_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n &_o affection_n i_o will_v advise_v a_o soul_n that_o be_v well_o dispose_v &_o resolve_v to_o practice_v they_o that_o at_o the_o first_o she_o will_v rather_o use_v they_o mental_o because_o it_o be_v less_o distractive_a &_o more_o recollective_a unless_o by_o experience_n she_o find_v that_o the_o use_v they_o vocal_o do_v most_o relish_n with_o her_o spirit_n and_o as_o in_o some_o disposition_n it_o may_v cause_v a_o more_o intime_fw-la and_o perfect_a recollection_n 5._o whereas_o every_o exercise_n consist_v of_o about_o ten_o clause_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n let_v she_o not_o tie_v herself_o precise_o to_o that_o number_n in_o any_o recollection_n but_o if_o one_o exercise_n will_v not_o serve_v let_v she_o borrow_v from_o the_o next_o follow_a and_o again_o if_o one_o be_v too_o much_o for_o one_o time_n let_v she_o use_v as_o many_o of_o those_o act_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v as_o will_v suffice_v for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o more_o and_o in_o the_o next_o recollection_n let_v she_o begin_v where_o she_o last_o end_v 6._o a_o devout_a soul_n will_v find_v that_o by_o diligent_a practice_n in_o progress_n of_o time_n the_o number_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o each_o recollection_n will_v come_v to_o diminish_v so_o that_o whereas_o at_o the_o beginning_n perhaps_o ten_o act_n will_v scare_v suffice_v for_o one_o recollection_n afterward_o five_o or_o three_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v one_o will_v ofttimes_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o let_v she_o general_o observe_v the_o order_n and_o sequel_n of_o the_o say_a act_n contain_v in_o the_o exercise_n proper_a for_o she_o beginning_n and_o prosecute_n they_o as_o they_o lie_v for_o otherwise_o she_o will_v spend_v the_o precious_a time_n allot_v for_o prayer_n in_o look_v here_o and_o there_o for_o somewhat_o that_o may_v be_v please_v to_o her_o fancy_n or_o humour_n &_o yet_o in_o the_o end_n perhaps_o not_o content_v herself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o she_o may_v come_v to_o find_v will_v scarce_o countervail_v the_o distraction_n incur_v and_o time_n lose_v and_o again_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a custom_n of_o some_o to_o take_v at_o random_n the_o act_n or_o affection_n on_o which_o they_o will_v exercise_v themselves_o open_v the_o book_n and_o at_o adventure_n make_v use_n of_o what_o their_o eye_n first_o light_n on_o 8._o yet_o let_v she_o not_o tie_v herself_o so_o rigorous_o &_o superstitious_o to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a act_n but_o that_o if_o without_o search_v there_o shall_v be_v offer_v to_o her_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n be_v it_o resignation_n love_n or_o aspiration_n &_o which_o may_v be_v gustfull_a to_o she_o let_v she_o entertain_v it_o &_o therein_o abide_v as_o long_o as_o the_o relish_n of_o it_o last_v and_o that_o cease_v let_v she_o return_v to_o prosecute_v the_o act_n of_o the_o present_a exercise_n 9_o yet_o one_o special_a case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o a_o soul_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o oblige_v herself_o to_o any_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o say_a exercise_n and_o that_o be_v when_o she_o find_v that_o fear_n or_o scrupulosity_n do_v over_o much_o abound_v in_o she_o cause_v unquietnes_n dejection_n and_o want_n of_o confidence_n in_o god_n in_o which_o caâ—â—_n let_v she_o by_o all_o mean_n omit_v such_o exercise_n or_o act_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o raise_v or_o feed_v such_o passion_n in_o she_o and_o instead_o of_o they_o let_v she_o apply_v herself_o to_o exercise_n of_o hope_n love_n and_o joy_n in_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v cherish_v in_o she_o 10._o yea_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o disposition_n ought_v even_o in_o the_o beginning_n after_o their_o first_o conversion_n not_o to_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o exercise_n that_o concern_v remorse_n for_o sin_n or_o other_o matter_n of_o fear_n as_o death_n judgement_n and_o hell_n but_o rather_o to_o fix_v upon_o affection_n contrary_a to_o their_o present_a disposition_n and_o in_o case_n of_o new_a fault_n commit_v let_v their_o contrition_n or_o detestation_n of_o sin_n be_v rather_o exercise_v in_o a_o generality_n or_o virtual_o in_o act_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n then_o particular_o direct_o and_o express_o and_o let_v they_o not_o be_v scrupulous_a herein_o out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o at_o such_o time_n god_n expect_v painful_a remorse_n from_o they_o or_o earnest_a expression_n of_o detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o such_o detestation_n be_v sufficient_o involue_v in_o a_o act_n of_o direct_a love_n to_o god_n which_o contain_v much_o perfection_n beside_o such_o act_n therefore_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o she_o be_v consequent_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 11._o a_o soul_n have_v pitch_v upon_o any_o act_n or_o affection_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a exercise_n let_v she_o tarry_v as_o long_o upon_o each_o of_o they_o without_o pass_v to_o a_o other_o as_o her_o gust_n unto_o such_o a_o affection_n last_v and_o as_o she_o find_v profit_n to_o her_o spirit_n by_o it_o 12._o whensoever_o in_o any_o clause_n there_o be_v contain_v matter_n of_o several_a desire_n or_o affection_n let_v she_o in_o she_o mind_n and_o exercise_v separate_v they_o and_o rest_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o several_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o say_v exercise_n will_v last_v long_o and_o yield_v more_o profit_n 13._o after_o that_o all_o the_o exercise_n appoint_v for_o she_o have_v be_v pass_v over_o let_v she_o repeat_v and_o pursue_v they_o again_o and_o again_o unless_o she_o do_v find_v herself_o draw_v by_o god_n to_o some_o other_o exercise_n more_o perfect_a as_o be_v that_o of_o aspiration_n and_o indeed_o whensoever_o in_o her_o exercise_n during_o her_o recollection_n she_o do_v find_v herself_o move_v to_o perfect_a aspiration_n elevation_n of_o the_o will_v &c_n &c_n or_o else_o to_o produce_v some_o other_o act_n as_o of_o resignation_n &c_n &c_n upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o present_a cross_n to_o be_v sustain_v let_v she_o not_o fail_v to_o correspond_v to_o such_o a_o invitation_n 14._o those_o that_o can_v find_v no_o profit_n or_o relish_n by_o any_o of_o these_o prescribe_a exercise_n or_o the_o like_a may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o ripe_a for_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o discursive_a prayer_n till_o it_o lose_v its_o relish_n and_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o find_v gust_n in_o affection_n 15._o the_o act_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o follow_a exercise_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n direct_v to_o god_n himself_o or_o the_o pure_a divinity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v internal_a conversation_n with_o god_n the_o which_o be_v perfect_a introversion_n and_o of_o all_o active_a assume_v exercise_n be_v the_o most_o profitable_a 16._o but_o withal_o such_o actuation_n be_v ofttimes_o very_o painful_a by_o reason_n that_o such_o introversion_n be_v exercise_v without_o the_o help_n of_o grosser_n image_n the_o which_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o recreate_v diversion_n in_o they_o and_o when_o such_o image_n do_v offer_v themselves_o the_o soul_n tend_v to_o the_o naked_a divinity_n tarry_v not_o in_o they_o but_o transcend_v or_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o her_o mind_n find_v no_o gust_n in_o a_o object_n so_o perfect_o spiritual_a become_v willing_a to_o ease_v itself_o by_o fasten_v upon_o some_o other_o good_a but_o inferior_a object_n she_o be_v by_o some_o writer_n teach_v to_o withdraw_v her_o attention_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n the_o which_o violence_n and_o self_n contradiction_n can_v be_v without_o much_o pain_n in_o so_o much_o that_o soul_n become_v thereby_o sometime_o so_o tire_v with_o such_o introversion_n and_o find_v so_o great_a difficulty_n in_o seek_v the_o divine_a presence_n so_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o lose_v all_o comfort_n
molestation_n and_o affliction_n yea_o in_o that_o case_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v that_o they_o be_v strong_o assist_v with_o god_n holq_n spirit_n since_o they_o overcome_v so_o great_a tentation_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n 21._o the_o twelve_o and_o last_o rule_n it_o can_v proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n when_o soul_n visit_v with_o revelation_n &c_n &c_n shall_v obstinate_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o experience_a superior_n and_o directour_n unless_o the_o person_n be_v able_a to_o yield_v most_o convince_a proof_n thereof_o and_o moreover_o shall_v serious_o profess_v that_o god_n together_o with_o the_o secret_n reveyl_v have_v imprint_v in_o their_o soul_n this_o assurance_n and_o belief_n also_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o obedience_n be_v a_o most_o secure_a remedy_n against_o all_o possible_a inconvenience_n and_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n in_o no_o case_n this_o be_v that_o that_o s._n teresa_n serious_o enjoine_v and_o most_o constant_o practise_v herself_o and_o this_o in_o very_o strange_a circumstance_n when_o the_o confessarius_fw-la condemn_v she_o be_v both_o unlearned_a &_o impertinent_a etc._n etc._n but_o withal_o spiritual_a directour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v rash_a in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o to_o judge_v till_o after_o a_o long_a experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o a_o due_a weigh_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o revelation_n discover_v to_o they_o it_o be_v likewise_o requisite_a that_o those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v themselves_o devout_a exercise_v in_o prayer_n and_o in_o good_a state_n towards_o god_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v from_o he_o receive_v light_a to_o direct_v other_o 22._o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o touch_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o soul_n after_o the_o receive_n of_o such_o supernatural_a favour_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o the_o principal_a care_n that_o she_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v that_o she_o do_v not_o bear_v a_o deliberate_a and_o fix_a love_n to_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o consequent_o that_o she_o do_v not_o either_o express_o or_o implicit_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o have_v such_o vision_n revelation_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o case_n that_o god_n without_o her_o prayer_n have_v send_v they_o that_o she_o do_v not_o usual_o without_o necessity_n talk_v of_o such_o matter_n or_o love_v to_o hear_v other_o talk_v of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n of_o a_o undue_a affection_n to_o they_o 23._o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n say_v that_o when_o god_n do_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n make_v know_v unto_o humble_a soul_n his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o hand_n some_o great_a employment_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v likely_o gain_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o excellency_n and_o probable_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o conceive_v some_o extraordinary_a worth_a to_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o high_o favour_v by_o god_n which_o conceit_n the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v he_o do_v ofentimes_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v the_o fear_n and_o repugnance_n that_o they_o have_v former_o to_o such_o thing_n cause_v in_o they_o a_o desire_n and_o readiness_n much_o rather_o to_o the_o undergo_n of_o some_o vile_a or_o base_a office_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o thus_o with_o jeremy_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a when_o the_o bid_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n counterfeit_n privy_o a_o divine_a mission_n for_o he_o with_o his_o commission_n cause_v a_o forwardness_n in_o soul_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o employment_n of_o excellency_n or_o otherwise_o grateful_a to_o nature_n as_o also_o a_o great_a aversion_n from_o those_o that_o either_o suspect_v or_o will_v dissuade_v they_o from_o such_o undertake_n 24._o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v by_o serious_a consideration_n to_o raise_v and_o increase_v in_o herself_o a_o apprehension_n and_o aversion_n from_o such_o matter_n say_v with_o s._n peter_n exi_n a_o i_o etc._n etc._n go_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o by_o exercise_v so_o profitable_a a_o mortification_n she_o will_v secure_v herself_o from_o all_o peril_n and_o render_v herself_o very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n serious_a instruction_n to_o a_o disappropriation_n and_o mortify_v our_o love_n to_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scala_n perfectionis_fw-la angela_n de_fw-fr fulginio_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n call_v interiour_n abnegation_n there_o be_v this_o passage_n to_o god_n it_o belong_v to_o give_v rare_a and_o excellent_a gift_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o belong_v to_o refuse_v they_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o approach_v unto_o a_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n duty_n be_v in_o humility_n to_o draw_v back_o as_o s._n peter_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o god_n to_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o her_o duty_n be_v to_o humble_a and_o abase_v herself_o for_o as_o our_o nature_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n desire_v a_o proper_a excellency_n and_o sublimity_n yea_o even_o in_o thing_n holy_a and_o appertain_v to_o god_n so_o our_o spirit_n illuminate_v by_o grace_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o our_o nature_n ought_v incessant_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o occasion_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o excellency_n except_o in_o essential_a virtue_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o poverty_n and_o lowne_n even_o in_o sacred_a thing_n that_o so_o she_o be_v not_o less_o careful_a and_o resolute_a to_o overcome_v herself_o than_o nature_n be_v to_o seek_v herself_o thus_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a contestation_n between_o god_n and_o the_o humble_a soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v most_o incline_v &_o forward_o to_o embrace_v these_o high_a and_o grateful_a thing_n must_v necessary_o make_v such_o resistance_n not_o yield_v till_o pure_a necessity_n force_v they_o and_o till_o god_n take_v from_o they_o all_o power_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o to_o refuse_v the_o excellence_n of_o that_o grace_n whereunto_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o continual_o and_o powerful_o urge_v and_o draw_v they_o instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o auilas_fw-la epistle_n 25._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a virgin_n coleta_n who_o when_o god_n offer_v to_o reveyle_v unto_o her_o diverse_a secret_n answer_v lord_n god_n it_o suffice_v i_o only_o to_o know_v thou_o and_o the_o sin_n in_o which_o i_o have_v offend_v thou_o and_o to_o obtain_v thy_o pardon_n for_o they_o but_o most_o notable_a in_o this_o regard_n be_v the_o example_n of_o suso_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o publish_v to_o all_o estate_n in_o the_o world_n the_o pope_n bishop_n abbot_n &c._n &c._n their_o vice_n and_o enormity_n represent_v to_o he_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o nine_o rock_n he_o out_o of_o that_o habitual_a fear_n and_o humility_n that_o be_v in_o he_o do_v so_o resist_v the_o execute_v such_o a_o charge_n that_o till_o he_o be_v adiur_v and_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o and_o so_o force_v to_o it_o even_o against_o his_o will_n he_o have_v never_o yield_v and_o then_o also_o he_o submit_v himself_o with_o much_o bewail_v his_o misery_n express_v his_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o pride_n and_o therefore_o humble_o beg_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v conceiled_a from_o the_o world_n and_o last_o protest_v his_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o nothing_o but_o only_a to_o god_n himself_o his_o resistance_n indeed_o be_v so_o obstinate_a that_o god_n tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o true_a but_o indiscreet_a humility_n he_o will_v present_o have_v cast_v he_o into_o hell_n for_o it_o 26._o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v favour_v with_o extraordinary_a grace_n if_o they_o do_v due_o consider_v their_o state_n and_o danger_n will_v find_v little_a ground_n to_o exalt_v themselves_o or_o to_o despise_v other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o low_a but_o withal_o far_o more_o secure_a way_n 27._o now_o for_o the_o prevent_n and_o avoid_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o ill_o use_v such_o favour_n and_o divine_a grace_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o self_n love_n and_o pride_n spiritual_a author_n do_v serious_o enjoin_v such_o person_n so_o visit_v by_o god_n not_o to_o trust_v their_o own_o judgement_n or_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v any_o thing_n of_o consequence_n upon_o such_o revelation_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o 28._o and_o herein_o great_a
may_v so_o profit_n in_o spirit_n as_o active_a soul_n do_v that_o live_v in_o world_o manner_n that_o they_o may_v careful_o avoid_v sin_n &_o keep_v god_n commandment_n &_o be_v true_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o follow_a his_o will_n by_o the_o use_n of_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o frequency_n of_o sacrament_n although_o they_o use_v not_o much_o mental_a prayer_n abstraction_n &_o mortification_n for_o if_o they_o use_v none_o at_o all_o as_o no_o good_a christian_n but_o use_v they_o in_o some_o degree_n undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o profit_n at_o all_o in_o spirit_n neither_o active_o nor_o contemplative_o nor_o avoid_v sin_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o sort_n unite_v to_o god_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confession_n whereas_o the_o author_n dispute_v much_o against_o the_o use_n of_o confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n as_o necessary_a to_o spiritual_a profit_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a condemn_v the_o discreet_a use_n of_o frequent_a confession_n but_o only_o the_o needless_a numeration_n of_o venial_a sin_n &_o daily_a defect_n which_o some_o soul_n do_v make_v in_o their_o confession_n with_o great_a anxiety_n of_o mind_n &_o some_o confessor_n do_v oblige_v their_o penitent_n unto_o with_o great_a prejudice_n of_o that_o cheerful_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n which_o a_o soul_n shall_v have_v to_o converse_v in_o prayer_n with_o god_n &_o be_v common_o a_o cause_n of_o scrupule_n one_o of_o the_o great_a banns_n of_o spiritual_a perfection_n so_o that_o for_o soul_n that_o be_v by_o nature_n prone_a to_o fear_v &_o scrupulosity_n the_o director_n of_o necessity_n must_v moderate_v they_o both_o in_o the_o frequency_n of_o confession_n &_o matter_n to_o be_v confess_v yea_o he_o may_v advise_v they_o to_o confess_v few_o time_n than_o other_o free_a soul_n do_v otherwise_o for_o soul_n that_o be_v cheerful_a &_o valiant_a &_o courageous_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o author_n oblige_v they_o in_o his_o practice_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n much_o more_o those_o that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o careful_a in_o avoid_v occasion_n of_o ordinary_a defect_n i_o say_v he_o oblige_v they_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o constitution_n oblige_v which_o be_v not_o under_o any_o sin_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v sin_v as_o often_o as_o they_o omit_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n but_o as_o a_o laudable_a counsel_n &_o profitable_a observance_n which_o under_o a_o penalty_n &_o regular_a correction_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v &_o not_o omit_v but_o by_o advice_n of_o the_o spiritual_a father_n or_o leave_n of_o the_o superior_a note_v also_o that_o he_o do_v worthy_o advertise_v a_o defect_n of_o many_o who_o come_v to_o confession_n make_v the_o principal_a intention_n of_o it_o only_o the_o absolution_n from_o sin_n i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o defect_n because_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o intention_n must_v be_v the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n by_o which_o formal_o infuse_v or_o pour_v into_o ourselves_o god_n almighty_n do_v blot_n out_o sin_n &_o wipe_v they_o away_o now_o although_o absolution_n from_o sin_n be_v never_o give_v without_o infusion_n of_o grace_n yet_o ought_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o penitent_a to_o be_v principal_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n for_o if_o he_o principal_o intend_v the_o absolution_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o reflection_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o its_o own_o profit_n by_o self-love_n desire_v to_o avoid_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n &_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o deformity_n of_o guiltiness_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o good_a desire_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o property_n of_o beginner_n in_o love_n &_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n &_o be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o transcend_v itself_o &_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v only_o in_o god_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o set_v examan_n of_o conscience_n the_o author_n do_v not_o condemn_v it_o especial_o for_o soul_n who_o be_v not_o great_o advance_v in_o perfection_n but_o for_o soul_n which_o daily_a profit_n &_o grow_v in_o grace_n he_o prefer_v the_o exercise_n of_o love_n &_o not_o without_o cause_n for_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o our_o recollection_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a &_o speedy_a way_n to_o amend_v ourselves_o by_o wrap_v all_o our_o defect_n in_o a_o generality_n &_o so_o endeavour_v to_o consume_v they_o as_o it_o be_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n of_o love_n then_o by_o particularise_v they_o &_o discuss_v they_o in_o singular_a because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n that_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v yet_o this_o doctrine_n hinder_v not_o but_o if_o any_o notable_a defect_n have_v be_v commit_v it_o shall_v be_v by_o a_o particular_a reflection_n amend_v yet_o rather_o by_o a_o amorous_a conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o humility_n then_o by_o turn_v itself_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o defect_n in_o particular_a and_o doubtless_o a_o soul_n that_o according_a to_o the_o author_n doctrine_n do_v so_o careful_o avoid_v all_o defect_n that_o it_o present_o upon_o sight_n of_o any_o default_n exact_v a_o amendment_n of_o itself_o such_o a_o soul_n need_v not_o set_v examen_fw-la but_o supli_v the_o use_n thereof_o by_o a_o more_o noble_a exercise_n which_o be_v as_o i_o term_v it_o a_o humble_a consume_n of_o all_o her_o defect_n in_o one_o bundle_n in_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o a_o set_n examen_fw-la be_v profitable_a for_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o vnitive_a love_n &_o be_v counsel_v by_o our_o father_n blosius_n in_o diverse_a place_n &_o by_o s._n bernard_n in_o his_o book_n to_o the_o carthusian_n in_o these_o word_n nemo_fw-la te_fw-la plus_fw-la diligit_fw-la nemo_fw-la te_fw-la fidelius_fw-la iudicab_n mane_fw-la praeteritae_fw-la noctis_fw-la fac_fw-la a_o temetipso_fw-la exactionem_fw-la &_o futurae_fw-la diei_fw-la tu_fw-la tibi_fw-la indicito_fw-la cautionem_fw-la vespere_fw-la diei_fw-la praeteritae_fw-la rationem_fw-la exige_fw-la &_o superuenientis_fw-la noctis_fw-la fac_fw-la indictionem_fw-la â—â—c_fw-la districte_a nequaquam_fw-la tibi_fw-la aliquando_fw-la lascivire_fw-la vacabit_fw-la that_o be_v none_o love_v thou_o more_o none_o will_v judge_v thou_o more_o faithful_o than_o thou_o own_o self_n in_o the_o morning_n then_o exact_a a_o account_n of_o the_o night_n pass_v &_o appoint_v thyself_o a_o caveat_n for_o the_o day_n ensue_v at_o evening_n take_v account_n of_o the_o day_n pass_v &_o order_v the_o course_n of_o the_o night_n follow_v thus_o district_o examine_v thyself_o thou_o will_v find_v no_o leisure_n to_o play_v the_o wanton_a and_o long_o before_o s._n bernard_n the_o holy_a abbot_n s._n dorotheus_n commend_v the_o same_o exercise_n serm_n 11._o as_o usual_a among_o all_o monk_n quo_fw-la pacto_fw-la per_fw-la singulos_fw-la dies_fw-la nosipsos_fw-la purgare_fw-la &_o propemodum_fw-la expiare_fw-la debeamus_fw-la exactissime_fw-la docuerunt_fw-la maiores_fw-la &_o patres_fw-la nostri_fw-la nempe_fw-la ut_fw-la vespere_fw-la sedulo_fw-la quisquam_fw-la perquirat_fw-la &_o investiget_fw-la quomodo_fw-la pertransierit_fw-la drem_fw-la illum_fw-la rursus_fw-la mane_n examinet_fw-la quomodo_fw-la exegerit_fw-la noctem_fw-la illam_fw-la et_fw-la paenitentiam_fw-la agate_n ac_fw-la resipiscat_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la si_fw-la quo_fw-la pacto_fw-la ut_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la peccatum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la admiserit_fw-la and_o long_o before_o he_o holy_a s._n ephrem_n that_o live_v but_o 250._o year_n after_o christ_n our_o lord_n passion_n have_v the_o commendation_n of_o a_o set_n examen_fw-la in_o these_o golden_a word_n diebus_fw-la singulis_fw-la vesperi_fw-la &_o mane_n diligenter_n considera_fw-la quo_fw-la pacto_fw-la se_fw-la habeant_fw-la negotia_fw-la tua_fw-la &_o mercimonij_fw-la ratio_fw-la et_fw-la vespere_fw-la quidem_fw-la ingressus_fw-la in_o cubiculum_fw-la cordis_fw-la tui_fw-la examina_fw-la teipsum_fw-la at_o dicito_fw-la putasne_fw-la hodie_fw-la in_o aliquo_fw-la deum_fw-la exacerbavi_fw-la nuquid_fw-la verba_fw-la otiosa_fw-la protuli_fw-la num_fw-la per_fw-la contemptum_fw-la negligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la peccavi_fw-la num_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la fratrem_fw-la irritavi_fw-la num_fw-la alicuius_fw-la famam_fw-la detractionibus_fw-la laceravi_fw-la &c_n &c_n et_fw-la facto_fw-la iam_fw-la dilucalo_fw-la rursus_fw-la eadem_fw-la tecum_fw-la meditare_fw-la &_o dicito_fw-la quomodo_fw-la putas_fw-la ista_fw-la mihi_fw-la nox_fw-la praeterijt_fw-la lucratus_fw-la sum_n in_o ea_fw-la mercimonium_fw-la meum_fw-la numquid_fw-la improbae_fw-la ac_fw-la sordidae_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la invaserunt_fw-la i_o atque_fw-la illis_fw-la libenter_fw-la immoratus_fw-la sum_fw-la &c_n &c_n neither_o do_v our_o author_n discommend_v this_o set_v examen_fw-la but_o the_o defective_a use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o to_o make_v it_o in_o order_n to_o confession_n which_o doubtless_o in_o a_o soul_n well_o advance_v breed_v needless_a image_n since_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v