doctrine_n fit_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o vocation_n of_o our_o rule_n 7._o sept._n 1629._o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n prior_n of_o s._n gregory_n and_o ordinary_a of_o the_o monastery_n of_o our_o lady_n of_o comfort_n in_o cambray_n again_o this_o treatise_n of_o doubt_n and_o call_v be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o 1630._o b._n rosendo_n barlow_n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n ben._n to_o the_o book_n of_o confession_n the_o original_a whereof_o be_v lose_v but_o a_o perfect_a transcript_n remain_v be_v this_o approbation_n i_o have_v read_v this_o book_n and_o have_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n for_o although_o the_o author_n dispute_v much_o against_o the_o urge_n of_o confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o spiritual_a profit_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o in_o any_o sort_n condemn_v the_o discreet_a use_n of_o frequent_a confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n but_o only_o the_o needless_a renumeration_n of_o they_o and_o of_o daily_a defect_n which_o can_v be_v use_v without_o great_a loss_n of_o time_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n in_o testimony_n of_o this_o i_o subscribe_v my_o name_n at_o cambray_n 17._o sept._n 1629._o br._n rudisind_v barlow_n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n bennet_n beside_o these_o many_o more_o approbation_n may_v be_v add_v annex_v by_o the_o same_o vv._n rr._n ff_n to_o other_o book_n as_o to_o that_o of_o discretion_n of_o sickness_n direction_n for_o the_o idiot_n devotion_n contain_v in_o 16._o several_a book_n remedy_n the_o stay_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o tentation_n in_o two_o volume_n a_o book_n call_v the_o five_o treatise_n the_o alphabet_n and_o abstract_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o make_v choice_n only_o of_o the_o forementioned_a because_o they_o treat_v of_o subject_n more_o likely_a to_o meet_v with_o contradiction_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o will_v suffice_v which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o original_n extant_a at_o cambray_n in_o the_o approver_n own_o hand-writing_n i_o will_v here_o adjoine_v the_o forementioned_a memorial_n contain_v both_o a_o approbation_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o our_o v._o venerable_a author_n a_o memorial_n write_v by_o the_o late_a v._o r._n f._n leander_n â—_o s._n marcino_n and_o place_v in_o the_o book_n of_o collection_n i_o have_v read_v over_o careful_o the_o book_n a._n b._n c._n and_o the_o alphabet_n &_o abstract_n as_o also_o the_o 3._o part_n of_o doubt_n &_o call_v beside_o diverse_a other_o treatise_n of_o the_o same_o author_n in_o all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v my_o approbation_n &_o allowance_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o they_o do_v all_o contain_v very_o sound_a &_o wholesome_a doctrine_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o devout_a soul_n &_o fit_a &_o agreeable_a to_o our_o call_v &_o rule_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o use_n of_o our_o dame_n the_o spirit_n of_o our_o holy_a rule_n consist_v principal_o in_o a_o spiritual_a union_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o affective_a prayer_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o will_v immediate_o upon_o god_n rather_o then_o intellectual_a &_o discursive_a prayer_n busy_v the_o understanding_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o our_o choir_n office_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o aspiration_n and_o affect_n and_o have_v very_o few_o discourse_n yet_o because_o the_o author_n refer_v the_o dame_n his_o scholar_n to_o his_o large_a explication_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o many_o place_n and_o to_o his_o practice_n in_o which_o he_o settle_v they_o both_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o those_o who_o know_v the_o author_n and_o this_o mystic_a way_n though_o most_o plain_a most_o secure_a and_o most_o compendious_a to_o perfection_n contain_v many_o hard_a &_o delicate_a point_n which_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v only_o accustom_v to_o intellectual_a meditation_n and_o little_a to_o affective_a prayer_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a abstraction_n which_o it_o require_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n lest_o the_o ensue_a confessor_n and_o directour_n shall_v mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o thereupon_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o prayer_n begin_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o house_n as_o we_o hope_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o soul_n in_o perfection_n proper_a to_o our_o call_v i_o have_v think_v convenient_a to_o note_v these_o few_o point_n follow_a first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o reader_n of_o these_o book_n &_o collection_n have_v always_o before_o his_o eye_n that_o they_o be_v write_v precise_o &_o only_o for_o such_o soul_n as_o by_o god_n holy_a grace_n do_v effectual_o &_o constant_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o as_o pure_a a_o abstraction_n from_o creature_n as_o may_v with_o discretion_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o community_n and_o consequent_o for_o such_o as_o abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o levity_n loss_n of_o time_n notable_a and_o know_v defect_n vain_a talk_n needless_a familiarity_n &_o in_o a_o word_n do_v take_v as_o much_o care_n as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o venial_a sin_n &_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o shâ—ll_v perceive_v or_o be_v warn_v of_o to_o be_v impediment_n to_o the_o divine_a union_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o a_o ground_n in_o all_o those_o collection_n &_o observation_n that_o the_o office_n of_o choir_n &_o action_n of_o obedience_n &_o conuentuall_a act_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o rule_n &_o statute_n be_v most_o exact_o to_o be_v keep_v &_o observe_v yea_o prefer_v before_o all_o other_o private_a exercise_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v always_o with_o reservation_n of_o the_o conuentuall_a discipline_n &_o public_a observance_n prescribe_v by_o obedience_n particular_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v a_o note_n which_o be_v give_v in_o one_o of_o these_o book_n &_o find_v but_o in_o few_o spiritual_a writer_n yet_o necessary_a for_o those_o religious_a that_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o choir_n viz_o that_o although_o the_o author_n commend_v so_o high_o mental_a prayer_n yet_o that_o prayer_n which_o be_v perfect_o mental_a &_o vocal_a too_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a then_o that_o which_o be_v mental_a only_o as_o will_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o in_o body_n &_o soul_n they_o â—hall_v praise_v &_o contemplate_v almighty_a god_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o although_o in_o this_o life_n our_o frail_a &_o weak_a body_n hinder_v our_o soul_n that_o our_o prayer_n can_v be_v so_o perfect_o mental_a &_o vocal_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n yet_o must_v our_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o practise_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n &_o joy_v all_o perseverance_n in_o union_n with_o he_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n inquire_v may_v be_v convert_v into_o mental_a that_o be_v that_o our_o vocal_a say_n &_o sing_v may_v be_v so_o lively_o animate_v as_o it_o be_v &_o inform_v with_o affect_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o spiritual_a prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o our_o rule_n nihil_fw-la praeponatur_fw-la operi_fw-la dei_fw-la nothing_n prefer_v before_o the_o office_n of_o the_o choir_n whereas_o in_o diverse_a place_n the_o author_n say_v that_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n even_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n without_o mental_a prayer_n &_o abstraction_n &_o mortification_n do_v not_o advance_v a_o soul_n one_o â—ot_n in_o spirit_n although_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o 3._o instrument_n of_o spiritual_a perfection_n yet_o lest_o any_o shall_v mistake_v his_o meaning_n as_o if_o these_o former_a exercise_n do_v not_o profit_n a_o soul_n at_o all_o without_o these_o instrument_n practise_v by_o few_o out_o of_o the_o former_a advice_n the_o reader_n must_v understand_v that_o by_o advancement_n in_o spirit_n be_v mean_v here_o not_o the_o bare_a avoid_n of_o grosser_n sin_n &_o some_o perfection_n too_o in_o active_a life_n which_o be_v get_v by_o these_o bodily_a exercise_n but_o a_o clear_a &_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n &_o a_o spiritualize_a of_o the_o soul_n by_o adhere_v to_o god_n &_o transcend_v all_o creature_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o do_v the_o mystic_a doctor_n call_v advancement_n in_o spirit_n &_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o but_o by_o the_o three_o above_o name_v instrument_n continual_o practise_v &_o employ_v by_o god_n grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o the_o author_n deni_v not_o but_o that_o a_o soul_n without_o the_o foresay_a exercise_n
which_o i_o have_v not_o find_v any_o yet_o to_o join_v with_o he_o but_o however_o he_o show_v in_o his_o bookâ—_n style_v la_fw-fr vie_n interieure_fw-fr that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o mystick_n union_n and_o that_o be_v so_o he_o may_v free_o enjoy_v the_o contentment_n of_o the_o former_a supposition_n 46._o beside_o these_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v other_o passage_n that_o thou_o also_o devout_a reader_n if_o thou_o have_v have_v the_o perusal_n before_o the_o impression_n will_v perhaps_o have_v give_v we_o occasion_n to_o explain_v or_o interpret_v more_o at_o large_a if_o it_o prove_v so_o all_o we_o can_v do_v be_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o thy_o own_o candour_n and_o charity_n promise_v upon_o a_o re-impression_n all_o satisfaction_n possible_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n request_v that_o our_o own_o good_a meaning_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o approver_n may_v be_v our_o safeguard_n only_o one_o suit_n we_o make_v unto_o thou_o most_o reasonable_a and_o just_a which_o be_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o any_o passage_n till_o thou_o have_v read_v the_o whole_a book_n the_o same_o point_n and_o matter_n do_v occasional_o come_v in_o in_o several_a place_n and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o great_a a_o tire_v of_o thou_o to_o repeat_v in_o every_o place_n all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o phrase_n necessary_a for_o explanation_n or_o prevention_n of_o suspicion_n and_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v for_o thy_o own_o good_a principal_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o reader_n we_o shall_v stand_v in_o little_a need_n of_o prepare_v thou_o with_o apology_n and_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o hurt_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o reader_n we_o thank_v god_n we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o the_o least_o ill_a design_n to_o make_v we_o fear_v except_o only_o in_o thy_o behalf_n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v be_v god_n almighty_a make_v thou_o whosever_v thou_o be_v a_o practiser_n of_o the_o good_a that_o thou_o will_v certain_o find_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v either_o for_o thou_o or_o ourselves_o 47._o thus_o true_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o i_o devout_a reader_n thou_o may_v free_o and_o without_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o any_o danger_n peruse_v and_o make_v thy_o best_a benefit_n of_o these_o follow_a instruction_n the_o which_o moreover_o as_o thou_o see_v have_v pass_v the_o censure_n and_o deserve_v the_o approbation_n of_o several_a pious_a and_o learned_a person_n what_o ever_o opinion_n thou_o shall_v after_o read_v have_v of_o they_o at_o least_o i_o will_v oblige_v thou_o to_o acknouledge_v that_o here_o in_o the_o treatise_n that_o follow_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o covert_n indirect_a meaning_n or_o design_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n new_a a_o day_n to_o broach_v any_o bold_a new-fangled_a invention_n and_o much_o less_o of_o maintain_v undue_o what_o shall_v be_v duâ—y_o find_v fault_n with_o since_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o common_a view_v by_o one_o that_o as_o he_o hitherto_o have_v so_o here_o he_o do_v and_o by_o god_n grace_n ever_o will_v submit_v himself_o and_o his_o write_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o next_o to_o all_o other_o his_o superior_n this_o i_o profess_v as_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o humble_a obedient_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o if_o i_o do_v not_o moreover_o express_o signify_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n i_o can_v not_o avoid_v some_o degree_n of_o guilt_n and_o imputation_n of_o not_o deliver_v candide_o and_o faithful_o our_o venerable_a author_n sense_n who_o in_o many_o place_n protest_v the_o like_a submission_n of_o all_o his_o write_n to_o all_o lawful_a authority_n whatsoever_o farewell_n dear_a reader_n oremus_fw-la invicens_fw-la ut_fw-la saluemur_fw-la amen_o the_o first_o treatise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o general_n the_o first_o treatise_n and_o first_o section_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n thereof_o and_o general_a disposition_n require_v thereto_o cap._n i._n 1._o cap._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o continual_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n the_o end_n of_o man_n creation_n &_o practise_v by_o adam_n in_o innocence_n §_o 4._o 5._o man_n fall_n &_o misery_n through_o sin_n §_o 4._o 5._o which_o be_v transfuse_v into_o we_o &_o all_o his_o posterity_n §_o 8._o 9_o the_o reparation_n of_o mankind_n by_o christ_n §_o 10._o 11._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o divine_a love_n by_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o adam_n do_v 1._o it_o be_v only_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o move_v almighty_a god_n to_o create_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o &_o particular_o in_o this_o inferior_a visible_a world_n to_o create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n &_o similitude_n consist_v of_o a_o frail_a earthly_a body_n which_o be_v the_o prison_n of_o a_o immortal_a intellectual_a spirit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o his_o understanding_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o unlimited_a knowledge_n &_o by_o his_o will_n which_o can_v be_v replenish_v which_o any_o object_n of_o goodness_n less_o than_o infinite_a he_o may_v so_o govern_v &_o order_v himself_o &_o all_o other_o visible_a creature_n as_o thereby_o to_o arrive_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v make_v to_o wit_n eternal_a beatitude_n both_o in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o heaven_n the_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o return_v to_o the_o divine_a principle_n from_o who_o he_o flow_v &_o a_o inconceaveible_o happy_a union_n with_o he_o both_o in_o mind_n contemplate_v eternal_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n &_o in_o will_n &_o affection_n eternal_o love_v admire_a &_o enjoy_v the_o say_a perfection_n 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v not_o except_o by_o his_o own_o free_a &_o wilful_a choice_n of_o misery_n fail_v from_o attain_v to_o the_o only_a universal_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n god_n be_v please_v to_o the_o natural_a vast_a capacity_n of_o man_n understanding_n &_o wâ—ll_n to_o add_v a_o supernatural_a light_n illustrate_v his_o mind_n to_o believe_v &_o know_v he_o &_o divine_a charity_n in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o weight_n to_o incline_v &_o draw_v the_o soul_n with_o out_o any_o defect_n or_o interruption_n to_o love_n god_n &_o he_o only_o so_o that_o by_o a_o continual_a presence_n of_o this_o light_n &_o a_o uninterrupt_a exercise_n of_o this_o love_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_v in_o time_n have_v attein_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o perfection_n of_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o world_n as_o with_o out_o die_v to_o merit_v a_o translation_n from_o hence_o to_o heaven_n there_o eternal_o to_o enjoy_v a_o far_o more_o incomprehensible_o perfect_a and_o beatify_a union_n with_o god_n 3._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o happiness_n &_o the_o end_n itself_o be_v essential_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o union_n which_o adam_n during_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v &_o will_v always_o have_v practise_v be_v in_o a_o sort_n perpetual_a never_o be_v interrupt_v except_o perhaps_o in_o sleep_n for_o love_v god_n only_o &_o pure_o for_o himself_o he_o have_v no_o strange_a affection_n to_o distract_v he_o and_o the_o image_n of_o creature_n which_o either_o by_o his_o consideration_n of_o they_o or_o operation_n about_o they_o do_v adhere_v to_o his_o internal_a sense_n do_v not_o at_o all_o divert_v his_o mind_n from_o god_n because_o he_o contemplate_v they_o only_o in_o order_n to_o god_n or_o rather_o he_o contemplate_v god_n alone_o in_o they_o love_v &_o serve_v he_o only_o in_o all_o his_o reflection_n on_o they_o or_o working_n about_o they_o so_o that_o creature_n and_o all_o office_n towards_o they_o serve_v as_o step_n to_o raise_v adam_n to_o a_o more_o sublime_a &_o more_o intime_fw-la union_n with_o god_n the_o which_o be_v both_o his_o duty_n &_o his_o present_a happiness_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o his_o future_a eternal_a beatitude_n 4._o but_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o a_o wilful_a contempt_n &_o transgression_n of_o that_o one_o most_o easy_a command_n which_o god_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o obedience_n have_v impose_v on_o they_o not_o only_o break_v the_o foresay_a union_n &_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v god_n eternal_o in_o the_o future_a life_n but_o moreover_o be_v utter_o deve_v of_o all_o supernatural_a grace_n &_o extreme_o weaken_v &_o disorder_v in_o all_o their_o natural_a gift_n so_o that_o have_v lose_v that_o
25._o the_o general_a remedy_n against_o almost_o all_o difficulty_n be_v these_o two_o 1._o riddance_n 2._o patience_n the_o former_a consist_v in_o afford_v to_o the_o soul_n some_o ease_n &_o latitude_n as_o far_o as_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v permit_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o perplex_v well-minded_n tender_a soul_n as_o confession_n say_v of_o the_o office_n obligation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n &_o some_o kind_n of_o tentation_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n such_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o neglect_v &_o transcend_v scrupulous_a nicety_n &_o they_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v prudent_o free_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o coustumes_n not_o obligatory_a and_o this_o remedy_n be_v proper_a against_o scrupulosity_n disintangle_v the_o soul_n from_o many_o snare_n which_o otherwise_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o she_o the_o other_o remedy_n of_o patience_n &_o abide_n be_v reasonable_a in_o case_n of_o aridity_n desolation_n &_o other_o such_o discouragement_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o which_o case_n the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v to_o behave_v herself_o as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v &_o to_o be_v quiet_o resign_v for_o what_o with_o all_o her_o industry_n she_o can_v help_v above_o all_o thing_n she_o be_v to_o be_v hearten_v to_o pursue_v courageous_o her_o appoint_a recollection_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o such_o opposition_n raise_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n &_o permit_v by_o god_n for_o her_o good_a the_o which_o if_o she_o do_v she_o will_v either_o disperse_v these_o tentation_n or_o obtain_v a_o divine_a light_n to_o perceive_v that_o the_o way_n both_o most_o proper_a &_o most_o secure_a by_o which_o god_n purpose_v to_o lead_v she_o to_o perfection_n be_v the_o way_n of_o aridity_n &_o obscurity_n as_o b_o john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n teach_v in_o his_o treatise_n call_v mount_n carmel_n and_o when_o she_o once_o perceive_v this_o than_o they_o will_v not_o only_o be_v supportable_a but_o even_o acceptable_a to_o she_o however_o if_o a_o soul_n do_v know_v or_o can_v be_v persuade_v how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v for_o she_o to_o suffer_v a_o little_a bitterness_n arise_v from_o such_o difficulty_n or_o perplexity_n then_o to_o hasten_v for_o a_o remedy_n by_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o or_o by_o turn_v herself_o to_o unnecessary_a solace_n in_o creature_n and_o also_o with_o what_o confidence_n she_o may_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o her_o internal_a master_n if_o she_o will_v serious_o by_o prayer_n seek_v to_o he_o she_o will_v save_v both_o herself_o &_o her_o director_n much_o trouble_n &_o inconvenience_n 26._o the_o instructor_n must_v use_v great_a wariness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n &_o scruple_n in_o his_o scholar_n mind_n by_o move_a needle_n &_o indiscreet_a question_n or_o by_o impertinent_a discourse_n concern_v spiritual_a matter_n for_o thereby_o he_o may_v come_v to_o raise_v such_o doubt_n as_o himself_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v &_o to_o put_v they_o so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o way_n as_o perhaps_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o again_o therefore_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n it_o be_v more_o fit_a that_o the_o subject_n of_o discourse_n shall_v be_v some_o external_a &_o indifferent_a matter_n wherein_o the_o party_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v than_o such_o as_o regard_v the_o interiour_n experience_n show_v how_o much_o inconvenience_n do_v come_v to_o soul_n by_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v great_a pretender_n to_o skill_n in_o spirituality_n &_o therefore_o out_o of_o vanity_n or_o a_o mistake_a charity_n be_v apt_a when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o be_v offer_v instruction_n about_o spiritual_a matter_n 27._o some_o soul_n do_v see_v their_o way_n before_o they_o far_o better_a than_o other_o &_o therefore_o do_v move_v fewuer_o question_n the_o instructor_n therefore_o be_v to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o all_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n &_o need_n of_o each_o spirit_n always_o remember_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v his_o own_o way_n nor_o indeed_o any_o determinate_a way_n of_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n but_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n how_o they_o may_v themselves_o find_v out_o the_o way_n proper_a for_o they_o by_o observe_v themselves_o what_o do_v good_a &_o what_o cause_v harm_n to_o their_o spirit_n in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o be_v only_a god_n usher_n &_o must_v lead_v soul_n in_o god_n way_n &_o not_o his_o own_o 28._o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a person_n it_o concern_v woman_n especial_o to_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o consultation_n &_o when_o necessity_n require_v to_o be_v brief_a in_o deliver_v their_o difficulty_n for_o otherwise_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v follow_v as_o 1._o loss_n of_o time_n both_o to_o the_o disciple_n &_o instructor_n 2._o distraction_n far_o more_o hurtful_a than_o if_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o most_o encombr_a employment_n of_o the_o community_n 3._o danger_n of_o multiply_v new_a perplexity_n by_o fear_v that_o they_o have_v not_o give_v a_o full_a &_o a_o right_a account_n of_o themselves_o &c_n &c_n beside_o one_o difficulty_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o new_a one_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o seek_v peace_n by_o disburden_v of_o the_o conscience_n by_o their_o indiscretion_n they_o may_v come_v both_o to_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o instructour_n &_o to_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o incurable_a perplexity_n &_o obscurity_n of_o mind_n 4._o great_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v that_o there_o may_v upon_o such_o occasion_n of_o unnecessary_a consultation_n ensue_v dangerous_a familiarity_n &_o freindships_n with_o such_o as_o may_v prove_v very_o unfit_a counselor_n thereupon_o s._n francis_n xaverius_n say_v that_o seldom_o be_v there_o so_o much_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o frequent_a treaty_n between_o person_n of_o different_a sex_n as_o there_o be_v peril_n in_o they_o to_o both_o 29._o this_o may_v suffice_v concern_v the_o quality_n &_o office_n of_o a_o external_a director_n as_o for_o more_o special_a duty_n belong_v to_o he_o in_o more_o particular_a case_n as_o scrupulosity_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v treat_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o particular_a subject_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o superior_n about_o the_o promote_a the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o subject_n soul_n although_o they_o be_v not_o consult_v with_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n somewhat_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n cap._n iii_o §_o 1._o of_o read_v which_o be_v next_o to_o prayer_n §_o 2._o some_o book_n may_v be_v read_v for_o diversion_n §_o 3._o but_o spiritual_a book_n only_o for_o the_o soul_n profit_n §_o 4._o 5._o book_n proper_a for_o contemplative_n etc._n etc._n §_o 6._o not_o to_o stop_v in_o obscure_a place_n §_o 7._o not_o to_o practice_v direction_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n §_o 9_o 10._o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o saint_n in_o mortification_n not_o to_o be_v imitate_v without_o great_a caution_n §_o 11_o why_o mystic_a author_n seem_v to_o write_v diverse_o §_o 12._o some_o author_n indiscreet_o require_v perfection_n at_o first_o §_o 13._o reading_n must_v give_v way_n to_o prayer_n §_o 14_o how_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o reading_n §_o 15._o 16._o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o apply_v instruction_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o in_o this_o book_n §_o 17._o a_o soul_n follow_v god_n may_v without_o book_n or_o instructour_n be_v lead_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n 1._o a_o second_o mean_v by_o which_o the_o divine_a spirit_n teach_v devout_a soul_n be_v the_o read_n of_o pious_a book_n and_o this_o exercise_n i_o esteem_v for_o worth_a &_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o be_v next_o unto_o prayer_n 2._o as_o for_o ordinary_o book_n as_o ecclesiastical_a story_n &c_n &c_n it_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o soul_n even_o in_o religion_n to_o read_v they_o for_o a_o innocent_a diversion_n &_o recreation_n so_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a end_n but_o that_o the_o intention_n further_o be_v by_o such_o diversion_n to_o dispose_v a_o weary_a soul_n the_o better_a afterward_o to_o pursue_v her_o internal_a exercise_n and_o this_o permission_n now_o be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a since_o that_o in_o religious_a community_n of_o man_n bodily_a labour_n be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n &_o in_o place_n thereof_o read_v &_o study_n have_v succeed_v as_o now_o the_o principal_a daily_a employment_n of_o keligious_a person_n who_o live_v much_o less_o abstract_v from_o the_o world_n be_v almost_o force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n in_o which_o learning_n be_v so_o value_v &_o so_o
abound_v 3._o but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a book_n the_o intention_n of_o a_o internal_a liver_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o those_o who_o live_v extrovert_v life_n who_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o vain_a curiosity_n or_o to_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o discourse_v of_o such_o sublime_a matter_n without_o any_o particular_a choice_n or_o consideration_n whether_o they_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o spirit_n for_o practice_v or_o no._n a_o contemplative_a soul_n in_o read_v such_o book_n must_v not_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a book_n or_o passage_n but_o moreover_o this_o be_v useful_a &_o proper_a for_o i_o &_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n in_o due_a time_n &_o place_n the_o good_a instruction_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a for_o i_o 4._o for_o such_o soul_n the_o book_n most_o proper_a be_v these_o follow_a scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la write_v by_o f._n walter_n hilton_n the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a write_v by_o a_o unknown_n author_n the_o secret_a path_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o likewise_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o soul_n write_v by_o r._n f._n constant_a in_o barbanson_n a_o capucin_n the_o book_n entitle_v of_o the_o threefold_a will_n of_o god_n write_v by_o r.f._n benet_n fitch_n alias_o ganfield_n a_o capucin_n likewise_o the_o work_n of_o s._n teresa_n of_o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n likewise_o harphius_n thaulerus_n suso_n rusbrochius_n richardus_fw-la de_fw-fr s._n victore_fw-la gerson_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o the_o ancient_n the_o live_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n live_v in_o the_o desert_n &_o cassian_n his_o conference_n of_o certain_a ancient_a hermit_n recommend_v particular_o unto_o we_o by_o our_o holy_a father_n s._n basiles_n rule_v etc._n etc._n then_o for_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n in_o a_o active_a life_n book_n most_o proper_a be_v the_o work_n of_o rodriguez_n of_o perfection_n the_o duke_n of_o gandy_n of_o good_a work_n mons_fw-la de_fw-fr sales_n ludovicus_n de_fw-fr puente_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o book_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n be_v granatensis_n blosius_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o few_o spiritual_a book_n there_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o intermingle_v of_o such_o instruction_n now_o i_o shall_v advise_v soul_n in_o a_o active_a life_n not_o at_o all_o to_o meddle_v with_o instruction_n belong_v to_o contemplation_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n to_o use_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o the_o perfection_n of_o external_a christian_a charity_n 5._o in_o all_o spiritual_a book_n as_o likewise_o in_o all_o that_o treat_v of_o christian_a morality_n such_o instruction_n as_o concern_v the_o essential_a quality_n &_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v proper_a to_o all_o soul_n yet_o not_o so_o the_o motive_n manner_n &_o circumstance_n of_o exercise_v the_o say_a virtue_n 6._o in_o read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n if_o any_o thing_n touch_v prayer_n &c_n &c_n occur_v as_o ofttimes_o it_o will_v happen_v that_o the_o spiritual_a disciple_n understand_v not_o let_v he_o pass_v it_o over_o &_o neither_o unnecessary_o trouble_v his_o own_o brain_n nor_o make_v it_o a_o business_n to_o trouble_v other_o about_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o perhaps_o in_o time_n after_o more_o read_v &_o especial_o more_o experience_n in_o prayer_n he_o will_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o 7._o and_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o do_v indeed_o or_o think_v he_o understand_v they_o let_v he_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o by_o practice_n out_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a judgement_n or_o like_n but_o let_v he_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n way_n &_o internal_a guidance_n by_o god_n &_o according_o make_v use_v of_o they_o otherwise_o instead_o of_o reap_v benefit_n such_o inconvenience_n may_v happen_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a he_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o read_v any_o book_n at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o have_v follow_v his_o own_o internal_a light_n as_o many_o good_a soul_n have_v do_v that_o never_o can_v read_v &_o yet_o seek_v god_n in_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o pray_v without_o any_o prescribe_a method_n practise_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o invitation_n &_o impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v attein_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n 8._o general_o mystic_a author_n write_v according_a to_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n &_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divine_a operation_n in_o soul_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o same_o instruction_n will_v serve_v indefinite_o for_o all_o other_o whereas_o such_o be_v the_o in_o explicable_a variety_n of_o internal_a disposition_n that_o the_o same_o course_n &_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v scarce_o serve_v any_o two_o soul_n therefore_o if_o the_o indiscreet_a reader_n without_o consider_v their_o own_o spirit_n &_o enablement_n shall_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n either_o tarry_v too_o long_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n when_o god_n have_v fit_v they_o &_o do_v call_v they_o to_o a_o high_a or_o in_o a_o foolish_a ambition_n shall_v being_n unprepared_a presume_v to_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n too_o sublime_a &_o spiritual_a for_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o difficulty_n doubt_n &_o consultation_n 9_o but_o of_o all_o error_n the_o great_a &_o most_o dangerous_a be_v the_o indiscreet_a imitate_v the_o example_n &_o practice_n of_o saint_n in_o particular_a extraordinary_a corporal_a mortification_n voluntary_o yet_o by_o god_n special_a direction_n assume_v by_o they_o as_o labour_n fasting_n watch_n discipline_n &c_n &c_n for_o such_o a_o forwardness_n in_o other_o not_o call_v thereto_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v proceed_v mere_o from_o pride_n &_o self-love_n &_o will_v produce_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o same_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o if_o such_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n &_o patience_n as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o exercise_n this_o will_v cause_v infirmity_n of_o body_n deâ—ection_n of_o mind_n &_o weariness_n if_o not_o a_o utter_a cast_n of_o a_o spiritual_a course_n 10._o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o ought_v &_o easy_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o read_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o other_o be_v to_o admire_v god_n way_n in_o the_o conduct_v of_o his_o saint_n &_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o of_o humble_v &_o despise_v of_o ourselves_o see_v how_o short_a we_o come_v of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o virtue_n but_o no_o further_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n than_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n direct_v we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o enable_v we_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n yea_o &_o moreover_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v the_o leave_n &_o approbation_n of_o a_o prudent_a director_n till_o this_o be_v let_v we_o supply_v with_o a_o good_a will_n what_o our_o force_n will_v not_o reach_v unto_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o entangle_v ourselves_o by_o lay_v obligation_n or_o vow_n upon_o our_o soul_n about_o such_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v difficulty_n to_o discharge_v ourselves_o from_o when_o by_o trial_n we_o find_v the_o inconvenience_n 11._o mystic_a writer_n in_o express_v the_o spiritual_a way_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v lead_n do_v oft_o seem_v to_o differ_v extreme_o from_o one_o another_o the_o which_o difference_n notwithstanding_o if_o right_o understand_v be_v mere_o in_o the_o phrase_n &_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o the_o ground_n hereof_o be_v because_o the_o pure_a immaterial_a operation_n of_o perfect_a soul_n in_o prayer_n &_o especial_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o be_v patient_n only_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o intelligible_a word_n &_o phrase_n can_v perfect_o express_v they_o &_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v new_a word_n the_o best_a they_o can_v or_o to_o borrow_v similitude_n from_o corporal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v their_o conception_n more_o intelligible_a &_o thus_o do_v each_o one_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o find_v or_o conceive_v in_o himself_o or_o according_a to_o his_o skill_n in_o language_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v diversity_n among_o they_o herupon_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n observe_v that_o great_a harm_n may_v come_v by_o understand_v thing_n literal_o gross_o &_o sensible_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v express_v be_v intend_v &_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v spiritual_o 12._o some_o good_a
spiritual_a author_n intend_v to_o recommend_v certain_a duty_n necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o entire_a selfe-abnegation_a purity_n of_o intention_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v urge_v the_o say_v duty_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n universal_o upon_o all_o &_o with_o such_o phrase_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o upon_o any_o defect_n in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n so_o by_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o full_a to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o most_o secret_a way_n &_o shift_n in_o which_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v ruin_v they_o do_v by_o this_o overmuch_o exactness_n &_o care_n instead_o of_o exciting_a the_o courage_n of_o their_o reader_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n quite_o dishearten_v they_o yea_o perhaps_o they_o make_v they_o suspect_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o present_a infirmity_n &_o imperfection_n lose_v all_o heart_n to_o adventure_v upon_o a_o attempt_n so_o unproportionable_a to_o their_o weak_a ability_n whereas_o if_o instruction_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o each_o practiser_n they_o will_v have_v go_v on_o with_o courage_n &_o good_a success_n 13._o voluntary_a reading_n must_v give_v place_n to_o prayer_n whensoever_o the_o soul_n find_v herself_o invite_v thereto_o 14._o the_o virtue_n of_o mortification_n may_v &_o sometime_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o read_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o any_o book_n or_o subject_n be_v very_o gustfull_a to_o a_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o power_n herself_o whole_o upon_o it_o with_o a_o intemperate_a greediness_n nor_o to_o let_v curiosity_n or_o delight_n too_o much_o possess_v she_o but_o let_v she_o now_o &_o then_o stop_v the_o pursuit_n of_o read_v lift_v up_o her_o mind_n by_o interruption_n to_o god_n &_o afterward_o continue_v at_o least_o in_o a_o virtual_a attention_n to_o he_o so_o mortify_v &_o qualify_a the_o impetuosity_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o give_v way_n to_o a_o unwillingnes_n to_o quit_v read_v for_o perform_v her_o appoint_a recollection_n or_o other_o exercise_n of_o obligation_n 15._o to_o conclude_v whosoever_o in_o read_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o chief_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n &_o divine_a call_n &_o make_v not_o the_o book_n say_n &_o example_n of_o other_o to_o serve_v the_o say_a spirit_n &_o call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n subject_a to_o book_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o never_o to_o read_v such_o book_n or_o receive_v humane_a instruction_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v cleave_v only_o to_o god_n who_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n will_v most_o assure_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v &_o defect_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o liberty_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v to_o soul_n in_o the_o read_n of_o other_o book_n i_o advise_v they_o to_o use_v in_o these_o instruction_n also_o that_o be_v to_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o practice_n only_o such_o direction_n as_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n &_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o grace_n shall_v show_v they_o to_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o indeed_o in_o all_o this_o book_n i_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o advice_n which_o i_o can_v confident_o say_v to_o be_v proper_o belong_v to_o all_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o internal_a life_n general_o except_o this_o that_o they_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n must_v not_o content_v themselves_o nor_o rest_n final_o in_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o follow_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o invitation_n without_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o any_o form_n or_o method_n they_o must_v from_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v ordinary_o meditation_n proceed_v to_o a_o more_o sublime_a prayer_n of_o immediate_a affection_n &_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o from_o thence_o ascend_v to_o the_o infuse_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n 17._o yea_o i_o dare_v with_o all_o confidence_n pronounce_v that_o if_o all_o spiritual_a book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lose_v &_o there_o be_v no_o external_a directour_n at_o all_o yet_o if_o a_o soul_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o essential_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a aptness_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a be_v only_o thus_o far_o well_o instruct_v at_o first_o will_v prosecute_v prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o will_v resigned_o undergo_v such_o necessary_a mortification_n as_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o she_o observe_v god_n &_o his_o call_v exterior_o &_o interior_o &_o so_o forsake_v herself_o &_o propose_v almighty_a god_n his_o will_n love_n &_o honour_n for_o her_o final_a intention_n the_o which_o she_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o she_o attend_v unto_o his_o inspiration_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v walk_v clear_o in_o perfect_a light_n &_o with_o all_o possible_a security_n &_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o due_a time_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a contemplation_n these_o be_v the_o two_o external_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v soul_n discover_v to_o they_o his_o will_n to_o wit_n instructour_n and_o book_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v another_o to_o wit_n law_n &_o precept_n of_o superior_n for_o god_n teach_v we_o also_o this_o way_n &_o never_o command_v contrary_o but_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o cap._n iu._n §_o 1._o of_o the_o 3._o &_o most_o principal_a way_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v internal_a liver_n viz._n immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n the_o order_n of_o particular_a consideration_n followingt_fw-fr â—ouching_a they_o §_o 2._o first_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o &_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o necessity_n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o say_a necessity_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o by_o his_o example_n §_o 7._o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o the_o say_a necessity_n 1._o the_o three_o foremention_v &_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o principal_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n instruct_v &_o direct_v internal_a liver_n in_o the_o secret_a path_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n &_o upon_o which_o do_v depend_v the_o two_o former_a be_v interiour_n illumination_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o only_a supreme_a master_n concern_v which_o inspiration_n it_o have_v already_o be_v show_v in_o general_n what_o they_o be_v how_o distinguish_v from_o the_o light_n &_o motion_n of_o common_a grace_n &_o what_o be_v the_o object_n about_o which_o principal_o they_o be_v exercise_v etc._n etc._n i_o will_v now_o treat_v more_o particular_o of_o they_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n viz._n 1._o there_o shall_v be_v further_a show_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o &_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n by_o remove_v the_o impediment_n 3._o how_o god_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o light_n &_o grace_n for_o her_o instru&ion_n instru&ion_n instru&ion_n &_o direction_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o &_o very_o secure_a to_o rely_v upon_o they_o 5._o that_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o come_v to_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a obedience_n 2._o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o proper_a &_o essential_a action_n of_o christian_a virtue_n the_o which_o receive_v all_o their_o meritoriousnes_n from_o the_o say_a inspiration_n but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o expect_v inspiration_n &_o call_v for_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o themselves_o indifferent_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n but_o sure_o since_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o by_o divine_n follow_v s._n augustin_n s._n thomas_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n do_v in_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v esteem_v indifferent_a but_o since_o they_o must_v have_v some_o end_n if_o the_o end_n be_v good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a &_o if_o evil_a they_o be_v evil_a however_o universal_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a because_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n &_o end_n wherewith_n they_o be_v do_v they_o may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n again_o since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v
·_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n ·_o or_o direction_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n etc._n etc._n extract_v out_o of_o more_o than_o xl._n treatise_n write_v by_o the_o late_a ven._n father_n f._n augustin_n baker_n a_o monk_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n and_o methodical_o digest_v by_o the_o r._n f._n serenus_n cressy_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o congregation_n and_o print_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o convent_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n vol._n i._n at_o douai_n by_o john_n patte_n '_o and_o thomas_n fievet_n anno_fw-la d._n m.dc.lvii_o to_o our_o most_o r._n father_z laurence_n reyner_n precedent_n general_n of_o our_o h._n congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n benedict_n and_o to_o all_o our_o vv._n rr._n ff_n superior_n in_o the_o same_o vv._n rr._n ff_n such_o be_v the_o distemper_n of_o this_o age_n that_o only_o good_a book_n and_o such_o as_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o cure_v in_o the_o very_a root_n its_o disorder_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o protection_n you_o can_v in_o justice_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o refuse_v you_o to_o this_o the_o compose_n and_o publish_v whereof_o at_o this_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o your_o v._n r._n paternities_n order_n and_o command_n now_o those_o very_a command_n with_o so_o much_o advice_n and_o zeal_n unanimous_o make_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a proof_n that_o this_o book_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substantial_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v such_o a_o one_o so_o perfect_o good_a &_o medicinal_a as_o that_o i_o need_v not_o doubt_v and_o indeed_o shall_v be_v sorry_a it_o shall_v have_v any_o other_o faâ—e_o than_o the_o hatred_n of_o all_o those_o that_o love_n darkness_n more_o than_o light_n as_o for_o whatsoever_o fault_n may_v have_v happen_v through_o my_o want_n of_o skill_n in_o the_o compile_n i_o do_v not_o desire_v such_o patron_n to_o they_o yet_o true_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v all_o the_o diligence_n and_o care_n that_o i_o be_v capable_a of_o to_o provide_v that_o so_o excellent_a instruction_n shall_v not_o be_v too_o much_o disparage_v by_o the_o second_o copy_n and_o new_a fashion_n and_o dress_v upon_o they_o the_o pain_n herein_o take_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o very_o ordinary_a to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v consider_v hâ—w_o difficult_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v out_o of_o such_o a_o world_n of_o treatise_n write_v upon_o particular_a subject_n for_o the_o special_a necessity_n and_o use_n of_o certain_a devout_a person_n without_o any_o â—ye_z or_o design_n in_o the_o author_n of_o afford_v material_n for_o a_o entire_a body_n of_o spirituality_n to_o frame_v such_o a_o body_n not_o at_o all_o defective_a and_o with_o pâ—râ—s_v not_o unproportionable_a now_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o though_o conscience_n alone_o and_o duty_n to_o your_o vv._n rr._n paternities_n will_v have_v have_v sufficient_a influence_n on_o i_o to_o prevent_v negligence_n yet_o i_o have_v moreover_o one_o motive_n beside_o to_o heighten_v my_o diligence_n which_o be_v gratitude_n for_o to_o the_o admiration_n and_o love_n of_o these_o excellent_a instruction_n i_o owe_v not_o only_o the_o hasten_v of_o my_o reconciliation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o catholic_n church_n as_o on_o this_o very_a day_n be_v the_o viâ—â—ile_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n m._n magdalen_n in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o h._n inquisition_n at_o rome_n but_o also_o the_o happiness_n of_o be_v a_o member_n through_o unworthy_a of_o your_o holy_a congregation_n it_o may_v notwithstanding_o fall_v out_o that_o with_o all_o my_o endeavour_n i_o may_v fail_v of_o give_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o point_n of_o art_n but_o that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v want_v in_o the_o principal_a condition_n of_o faithfullnes_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n i_o have_v that_o also_o of_o person_n learned_a and_o pious_a to_o whâ—m_o the_o write_n of_o the_o venerable_a author_n have_v be_v perfect_o know_v and_o familiar_a iâ—_n will_v doubtless_o seem_v strange_a to_o other_o but_o not_o to_o your_o paternity_n v._n r._n f._n precedent_n that_o so_o perfect_a instruction_n for_o contemplation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o one_o that_o have_v spenâ—_n 〈◊〉_d his_o whole_a life_n in_o the_o laborious_a employment_n of_o the_o apostolic_a mission_n but_o your_o v._n r._n paternity_n by_o experience_n know_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_o give_v themselves_o to_o seeâ—e_v almighty_a god_n by_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n what_o ever_o their_o employment_n be_v will_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o they_o never_o want_n opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o solitude_n now_o from_o such_o conversation_n it_o be_v that_o there_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n such_o illustration_n as_o not_o only_o give_v a_o splendour_n to_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o by_o reflection_n also_o serve_v to_o guide_v other_o the_o solitude_n that_o our_o venerable_a author_n enjoy_v be_v by_o his_o own_o election_n among_o friend_n penitent_n and_o disciple_n but_o god_n holy_a spirit_n lead_v your_o v._n r._n paternity_n into_o a_o desert_n far_o more_o suit_n of_o horror_n indeed_o but_o withal_o far_o more_o instructive_a a_o solitude_n of_o prison_n and_o dungeon_n among_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o humanity_n where_o yet_o by_o the_o light_n and_o force_v not_o only_o of_o your_o learning_n but_o also_o your_o devotion_n &c_n &c_n you_o can_v found_v church_n of_o convert_v a_o more_o sufficient_a and_o proper_a patron_n therefore_o and_o judge_n can_v not_o be_v find_v than_o your_o v._o r._n paternity_n of_o instruction_n of_o this_o nature_n so_o that_o from_o you_o it_o be_v that_o all_o other_o your_o religious_a subject_n receive_v they_o will_v through_o god_n grace_n daily_o with_o their_o increase_a fervour_n by_o their_o good_a practice_n and_o example_n recommend_v they_o to_o other_o abroad_o also_o vv._n rr._n ff_n from_o my_o cell_n in_o the_o convent_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n this_o 21._o of_o july_n 1657._o your_o vv._n rr._n pp_n in_o all_o duty_n and_o service_n in_o our_o lord_n br._n serenus_n cressy_n nos_fw-la fr._n laurentius_n reyner_n congregation_n anglicanae_n ordinis_fw-la s._n benedicti_fw-la praeses_fw-la generalis_fw-la visis_fw-la testimonijs_fw-la &_o approbationibus_fw-la rr._n pp_n congregationis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la benedicti_fw-la stapletoni_n s._n theologiae_n doctoris_fw-la &_o definitoris_fw-la dictae_fw-la congregationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n &_o leandri_fw-la à _fw-la s._n augustino_n s._n theologiae_n professoris_fw-la etc._n etc._n quibus_fw-la cura_fw-la examinandi_fw-la librum_fw-la quendam_fw-la spiritualem_fw-la anglicè_fw-la scriptum_n cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la sancta_fw-la sophia_n or_o direction_n etc._n etc._n à _fw-la nobis_fw-la demandata_fw-la fuerat_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la honorem_fw-la &_o gloriam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sanctae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la bonum_fw-la animarumque_fw-la uti_fw-la speramus_fw-la in_fw-la sancto_fw-la dei_fw-la amore_fw-la profectum_fw-la notabilem_fw-la ut_fw-la dictus_fw-la libre_fw-la praeli_fw-la beneficio_fw-la mundo_fw-la publicetur_fw-la per_fw-la praesentes_fw-la licentiam_fw-la damus_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la rei_fw-la testimonium_fw-la his_fw-la subscripsimus_fw-la &_o sigillum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la apposuimus_fw-la parisijs_fw-la in_o monasterio_n nostro_fw-la s._n edmundi_fw-la regis_fw-la &_o martyris_fw-la in_o suburbijs_fw-la d._n jacobi_fw-la maij._fw-la 4._o an._n d._n 1657._o fr._n laurentius_n reyner_n praeses_fw-la qui_fw-la supra_fw-la licet_fw-la indignus_fw-la de_fw-fr mandato_n r._n adm._n p._n praesidis_fw-la locus_fw-la sigilli_fw-la fr._n augustinus_n constable_n secretarius_n legi_fw-la diligenter_n librum_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la sancta_fw-la sophia_n or_o direction_n &c_n &c_n anglicè_fw-la scriptum_fw-la in_fw-la eoque_fw-la nihil_fw-la reperi_fw-la quod_fw-la orthodoxae_fw-la fidei_fw-la aut_fw-la bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la adversetur_fw-la testor_fw-la etiam_fw-la nihil_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la libro_fw-la contineri_fw-la praeter_fw-la regulas_fw-la &_o praecepta_fw-la ad_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la contemplativae_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la ducentia_fw-la ea_fw-la verò_fw-la tantâ_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la soliditate_fw-la perspicuitate_fw-la tamque_fw-la insigni_fw-la methodo_fw-la tractari_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la pijssimi_fw-la authoris_fw-la sanctitas_fw-la &_o in_o conductu_fw-la animarum_fw-la ad_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la apicem_fw-la peritia_fw-la nec_fw-la non_fw-la ipsius_fw-la collectoris_fw-la diligentia_fw-la &_o stili_fw-la nitor_fw-la abundè_fw-la comprobentur_fw-la verùm_fw-la etiam_fw-la summo_fw-la cum_fw-la perfectioris_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la studiosorum_fw-la fructu_fw-la in_o lucem_fw-la emittendum_fw-la nullo_n modo_fw-la dubitem_fw-la in_o super_fw-la authoris_fw-la mentem_fw-la videtur_fw-la adeo_fw-la assecutus_fw-la praefatus_fw-la collector_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o authoris_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la sunt_fw-la versati_fw-la genuinum_fw-la illius_fw-la foecum_fw-la necessariò_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la debeant_fw-la datum_n in_o monasterio_n nostro_fw-la s._n gregorij_fw-la duaci_fw-la 21._o ap._n 1657._o f._n benedictus_fw-la stapleton_n sac_n the._n doctor_n perlegi_fw-la librum_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la sancta_fw-la sophia_n etc._n etc._n anglicè_fw-la scriptum_fw-la testorque_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la nihil_fw-la reperiri_fw-la quod_fw-la orthodoxae_fw-la fideiaut_n
the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v most_o perfect_o perform_v in_o internal_a prayer_n in_o attention_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n what_o a_o expert_a persuade_v &_o subtle_a master_n love_n be_v beyond_o study_n or_o consideration_n we_o see_v even_o in_o natural_a and_o secular_a business_n one_o that_o be_v immerse_v in_o sensual_a love_n to_o any_o person_n have_v no_o need_n of_o instruction_n or_o book_n to_o teach_v he_o the_o art_n of_o love_v we_o see_v how_o skilful_a on_o the_o sudden_a such_o a_o one_o become_v in_o the_o way_n how_o to_o please_v the_o person_n belove_v he_o lose_v not_o neither_o out_o of_o ignorance_n nor_o negligence_n the_o least_o opportunity_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o he_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o other_o by_o the_o least_o sign_n the_o motion_n of_o a_o hand_n the_o cast_n of_o a_o eye_n be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v he_o and_o set_v he_o on_o work_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n or_o procure_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v content_v the_o party_n the_o like_a subtlety_n and_o perspicacy_n we_o may_v see_v in_o those_o earthy_a soul_n which_o cleave_v with_o a_o earnest_a affection_n unto_o riches_n what_o subtle_a way_n do_v they_o find_v out_o to_o increase_v their_o wealth_n such_o trifle_a inconsiderable_a thing_n they_o make_v use_v of_o for_o that_o purpose_n as_o another_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o can_v not_o see_v how_o to_o make_v profit_n by_o they_o they_o have_v almost_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n to_o foresee_v danger_n where_o none_o be_v and_o advantage_n probable_a or_o possible_a to_o happen_v many_o year_n after_o 17._o now_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o love_n be_v so_o quicksighted_n sure_o by_o this_o that_o where_o love_n to_o any_o particular_a object_n be_v predominant_a it_o subdue_v all_o other_o affection_n to_o all_o other_o object_n which_o will_v distract_v the_o thought_n and_o seduce_v the_o will_n from_o contemplate_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o thing_n so_o belove_v 18._o upon_o such_o ground_n therefore_o as_o these_o it_o be_v that_o s._n augustin_n call_v divine_a love_n luminosissimam_fw-la charitatem_fw-la most_o full_a of_o light_n and_o most_o enlighten_v for_o a_o soul_n that_o true_o love_v god_n with_o a_o love_n worthy_a of_o he_o have_v the_o mind_n clear_v from_o all_o strange_a image_n and_o the_o will_v purify_v from_o all_o strange_a affection_n be_v thereby_o enable_v pure_o to_o contemplate_v god_n without_o any_o distraction_n at_o all_o and_o be_v desirous_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o know_v how_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o all_o occurrence_n light_a and_o darkness_n consolation_n and_o desolation_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n all_o these_o contribute_v to_o the_o advance_v of_o this_o love._n yea_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o indifferent_a or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o that_o such_o a_o soul_n can_v perceive_v how_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o to_o please_v god_n thereby_o 19_o now_o since_o pure_a love_n be_v exercise_v immediate_o to_o god_n only_o in_o pure_a prayer_n by_o which_o alone_o the_o spirit_n be_v unite_v to_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n to_o obtain_v supernatural_a light_n according_a the_o say_n of_o david_n accedite_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o illuminamini_fw-la approach_v unto_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v enlighten_v and_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o holy_a prophet_n so_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o above_o twenty_o time_n in_o one_o psalm_n 118._o pray_v for_o such_o light_n to_o understand_v and_o discover_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n law_n and_o what_o be_v those_o wonderful_a thing_n sure_o not_o to_o be_v inform_v that_o murder_n or_o adultery_n be_v sin_n or_o general_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v with_o the_o whole_a soul_n for_o much_o more_o knowledge_n he_o have_v then_o this_o before_o he_o pray_v but_o be_v desirous_a to_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n and_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n alone_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o so_o oft_o make_v use_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o extraordinary_a light_n to_o be_v have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o discover_v and_o find_v out_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o case_n and_o doubtful_a circumstance_n 20._o now_o only_a such_o inspiration_n and_o such_o illumination_n as_o these_o do_v spiritual_a person_n pretend_v to_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o prayer_n and_o attend_v to_o god_n and_o if_o they_o do_v exercise_v prayer_n with_o a_o due_a fervour_n and_o constancy_n these_o they_o shall_v most_o certain_o enjoy_v and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n that_o whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o ordinary_a good_a christian_n be_v so_o dim-sighted_n as_o to_o see_v the_o divine_a will_n only_o in_o circumstance_n where_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a obligation_n so_o that_o they_o spend_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o action_n that_o do_v no_o way_n advance_v they_o in_o divine_a love_n be_v wrought_v chief_o in_o virtue_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o interest_n of_o nature_n those_o that_o be_v perfect_o internal_a liver_n be_v cloud_v by_o no_o vain_a image_n and_o distract_v by_o no_o inferior_a affection_n do_v see_v the_o divine_a will_n clear_o in_o the_o minute_a affair_n which_o they_o according_o make_v advantage_n by_o to_o improve_v themselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n so_o proportionable_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v the_o pretend_a inconvenience_n suspect_v to_o flow_v from_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o doctrine_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o causeless_o fear_v 21._o but_o the_o other_o objection_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n seem_v more_o considerable_a as_o imply_v a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o certain_a inconvenience_n and_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o publish_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v divine_a inspiration_n illumination_n and_o call_n for_o thus_o they_o argue_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o fanatic_a sectary_n which_o now_o swarm_v in_o england_n more_o than_o ever_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n from_o hence_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o frenzy_n and_o disorder_n all_o which_o they_o impute_v with_o all_o confidence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n illumination_n and_o impulse_n for_o can_v we_o forbid_v they_o to_o practice_v what_o we_o ourselves_o teach_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a duty_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a what_o fearful_a and_o execrable_a effect_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o pretend_a duty_n do_v produce_v among_o they_o it_o be_v by_o inspiration_n say_v they_o that_o their_o progenitour_n do_v break_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o inspiration_n they_o do_v still_o introduce_v endlesse_o new_a fancy_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v by_o inspiration_n that_o they_o endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n itself_o by_o infinite_a schism_n and_o pestilent_a reformation_n it_o be_v by_o inspiration_n that_o they_o employ_v the_o gospel_n to_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n from_o thence_o preach_v heresy_n in_o church_n and_o chamber_n sedition_n in_o state_n rebellion_n against_o prince_n and_o prelate_n so_o destroy_v all_o order_n unity_n and_o peace_n every_o where_o these_o thing_n consider_v what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o furnish_v they_o thus_o with_o arm_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o and_o to_o fight_v against_o god_n &_o his_o church_n 22._o this_o be_v the_o objection_n which_o though_o it_o have_v a_o fearful_a show_v yet_o be_v well_o examine_v it_o will_v prove_v no_o less_o weak_o ground_v then_o the_o former_a for_o the_o demonstrate_v therefore_o of_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o it_o i_o will_v by_o way_n of_o preparation_n lay_v down_o these_o follow_a undeniable_a principle_n brief_o mention_v before_o viz._n 23._o first_n that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o precept_n for_o the_o avoid_v of_o sin_n and_o in_o counsel_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o perfection_n that_o without_o they_o no_o action_n of_o we_o can_v be_v good_a or_o meritorious_a yea_o the_o duty_n of_o obligation_n which_o we_o perform_v or_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n free_o obey_v by_o we_o be_v only_o so_o far_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o his_o inspiration_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o undoubted_a verity_n but_o one_o of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a verity_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o attribute_n all_o good_a in_o we_o to_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o what_o be_v grace_n but_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o
in_o which_o they_o direct_v we_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o be_v order_v only_o towards_o a_o more_o perfect_a love_a of_o god_n and_o withdraw_v we_o from_o creature_n whereas_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o enormous_a vice_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o mislead_v light_n 34._o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n between_o catholic_n inspiration_n and_o the_o pretend_a inspiration_n of_o sectary_n such_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o so_o divine_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o direct_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a humble_a obedient_a &_o devout_a catholic_n and_o such_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o disorder_n revenge_n wrath_n rebellion_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o dismal_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o spirit_n wherewith_o selfe-opinionated_n presumptuous_a frantic_a sectary_n be_v agitate_a what_o resemblance_n what_o agreement_n can_v there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o this_o evil_a spirit_n though_o it_o sacrilegious_o usurp_v the_o name_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o counterfeit_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o good_a one_o or_o if_o with_o the_o name_n it_o do_v sometime_o seem_v to_o counterfeit_v some_o outward_a resemblance_n and_o to_o some_o person_n show_v demure_a look_v &c_n &c_n yet_o the_o aequivocation_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o they_o must_v put_v out_o their_o eye_n that_o perceive_v it_o not_o 35._o shall_v we_o then_o extinguish_v and_o in_o a_o sort_n exorcise_v the_o good_a divine_a spirit_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v raise_v up_o the_o evil_a one_o with_o it_o or_o rather_o shall_v we_o not_o confident_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o upon_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o good_a one_o the_o evil_a one_o will_v either_o vanish_v or_o the_o hideousnes_n of_o it_o will_v affright_v all_o from_o harken_v to_o it_o shall_v we_o forbid_v the_o sun_n to_o rise_v because_o in_o some_o unclean_a rot_a marsh_n some_o fog_n will_v arise_v with_o it_o we_o may_v as_o well_o annul_v the_o sacrament_n forbid_v prayer_n extinguish_v the_o scripture_n &c_n &c_n for_o from_o all_o these_o the_o devil_n have_v malicious_o take_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v and_o damn_v thousand_o of_o soul_n 36._o no_o doubt_v it_o be_v but_o that_o among_o those_o seduce_a and_o seduce_a people_n great_a number_n there_o be_v that_o if_o they_o be_v charitable_o instruct_v in_o such_o way_n of_o discern_v spirit_n they_o will_v be_v susprise_v and_o start_v to_o see_v to_o what_o kind_n of_o directour_n and_o guide_n they_o have_v unwary_o commit_v their_o soul_n if_o such_o as_o these_o can_v persuade_v and_o i_o beseech_v god_n they_o may_v even_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o a_o while_n to_o suspend_v the_o pursuance_n of_o their_o busy_a design_n and_o reform_v of_o other_o and_o retire_v themselves_o into_o solitude_n allow_v themselves_o the_o leisure_n to_o turn_v their_o eye_n inward_a into_o their_o own_o spirit_n and_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o practice_v the_o humble_a selfe-renouncing_a resign_v way_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n teach_v in_o this_o book_n thereby_o to_o procure_v from_o god_n such_o light_n as_o then_o may_v be_v trust_v to_o nor_o they_o nor_o we_o shall_v ever_o repent_v that_o the_o publish_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o give_v they_o a_o happy_a occasion_n to_o do_v so_o 37._o and_o what_o great_a satisfaction_n can_v catholic_n have_v in_o their_o way_n and_o what_o great_a advantage_n can_v they_o have_v over_o all_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n than_o this_o proof_n make_v good_a by_o universal_a experience_n viz._n that_o whosoever_o sincere_o and_o constant_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o perfect_a prayer_n as_o be_v here_o teach_v if_o he_o be_v already_o a_o catholic_n he_o will_v most_o certain_o ever_o remain_v so_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n he_o will_v become_v afraid_a of_o remain_v his_o owâ—e_a pastor_n and_o guide_n for_o never_o any_o catholic_n that_o exercise_v spiritual_a prayer_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o catholic_n till_o he_o first_o cease_v so_o to_o pray_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o prayer_n in_o any_o perfection_n never_o rest_v upon_o any_o soul_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n 38._o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v suffice_v not_o only_o to_o justify_v the_o truth_n and_o innocency_n of_o this_o our_o doctrine_n concern_v divine_a inspiration_n but_o also_o the_o lawfullnes_n yea_o conveniency_n yea_o even_o the_o necessity_n of_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o for_o those_o very_a reason_n wherewith_o other_o will_v deter_v us._n for_o the_o obiectour_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o least_o franctick_a sectary_n shall_v think_v themselves_o justify_v in_o their_o pretence_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o conceive_v the_o publication_n necessary_a lest_o they_o shall_v think_v themselves_o justify_v in_o their_o pretence_n which_o till_o they_o see_v how_o unlike_a to_o true_a divine_a light_n and_o inspiration_n they_o be_v they_o may_v have_v some_o show_v for_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v when_o i_o call_v it_o our_o doctrine_n to_o appropriate_v it_o to_o any_o person_n or_o community_n for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v teach_v by_o all_o saint_n experience_v in_o internal_a way_n as_o will_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o infinite_a testimony_n ancient_a and_o modern_a if_o god_n shall_v engage_v we_o to_o such_o a_o labour_n by_o the_o opposition_n of_o any_o one_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o pious_a and_o sublime_a author_n of_o the_o treatise_n here_o abridge_v have_v doubtless_o by_o the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o a_o supernatural_a light_n spend_v more_o thought_n about_o this_o subject_n and_o take_v more_o pain_n in_o encouragng_n wellminded_n soul_n to_o fit_n themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o such_o light_n in_o distinguish_v it_o from_o false_a light_n and_o in_o show_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n then_o perhaps_o any_o other_o author_n former_o do_v and_o that_o be_v all_o for_o the_o doctrine_n in_o substance_n be_v all_o old_a as_o christianity_n itself_o and_o can_v show_v strange_a or_o new_a but_o only_o to_o such_o to_o who_o in_o these_o day_n antiquity_n do_v seem_v the_o great_a novelty_n 39_o have_v thus_o by_o declare_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o these_o objection_n against_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o follow_a instruction_n open_v the_o barrier_n to_o give_v this_o book_n a_o free_a escape_n to_o range_v abroad_o at_o liberty_n and_o my_o only_a intention_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n to_o benefit_v thy_o soul_n dear_a reader_n for_o as_o for_o the_o mean_a or_o sinister_a end_n of_o gain_v credit_n or_o esteem_v with_o other_o thereby_o the_o ambition_n be_v so_o unworthy_a my_o profession_n and_o withal_o so_o poor_a and_o unreasonable_a consider_v that_o i_o can_v appropriate_v nothing_o to_o myself_o but_o a_o little_a pain_n in_o transcribe_v &_o digest_v another_o man_n labour_n that_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n with_o thou_o in_o that_o regard_n therefore_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v according_a to_o my_o utmost_a ability_n facilitate_v thy_o receive_n good_a to_o thy_o spirit_n hereby_o though_o i_o have_v no_o more_o objection_n to_o answer_n yet_o by_o converse_v with_o certain_a pious_a and_o learned_a person_n to_o who_o perusal_n and_o judgement_n this_o book_n be_v present_v have_v find_v that_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o clear_o express_v but_o that_o even_o a_o uninteress_v and_o unpassionate_a reader_n may_v perhaps_o stop_v a_o little_a at_o they_o i_o think_v expedient_a to_o let_v thou_o good_a reader_n be_v acquaint_v what_o satisfaction_n i_o give_v to_o they_o 40._o one_o point_n that_o seem_v to_o require_v a_o explication_n be_v that_o in_o the_o 1._o treat_n 2._o section_n 2._o chap._n where_o be_v treat_v of_o what_o care_n a_o spiritual_a disciple_n ought_v to_o take_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o sit_v directour_n for_o to_o leave_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o unexperienced_a &_o perhaps_o young_a &_o ignorant_a soul_n seem_v to_o they_o neither_o convenient_a nor_o prudent_a beside_o that_o in_o religious_a community_n such_o a_o permission_n will_v be_v a_o infringe_n of_o all_o due_a order_n and_o submission_n to_o superior_n but_o hereto_o be_v reply_v 1._o that_o religious_a person_n be_v express_o except_v in_o the_o book_n 2._o and_o as_o for_o other_o this_o very_a same_o advice_n be_v long_o since_o give_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o geneva_n auila_n etc._n etc._n true_a it_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o there_o may_v oft_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n many_o good_a devout_a soul_n
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
be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n why_o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n but_o even_o the_o knowledge_n almost_o of_o it_o be_v again_o lose_v in_o many_o contemplative_a order_n notwithstanding_o so_o few_o year_n be_v past_a since_o it_o be_v reviue_v by_o those_o eminent_a light_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n barbanzon_n etc._n etc._n 9_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o neither_o natural_a indgment_n learning_n nor_o experience_n all_o together_o be_v absolute_o sufficient_a to_o qualify_v a_o person_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o guide_a soul_n in_o all_o case_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o very_o oft_o a_o actual_a supernatural_a illumination_n will_v moreover_o be_v requisite_a &_o necessary_a though_o true_a it_o be_v that_o experience_a person_n have_v great_a advantage_n beyond_o what_o wit_n or_o learning_n can_v afford_v and_o such_o for_o matter_n beyond_o their_o experience_n no_o doubt_n will_v often_o remit_v soul_n to_o god_n &_o their_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o be_v a_o quality_n &_o office_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o person_n that_o bring_v no_o better_a endowment_n with_o they_o to_o the_o manage_n of_o contemplative_a soul_n but_o only_a subtlety_n of_o wit_n &_o learning_n or_o experience_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a &_o much_o inferior_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n such_o experience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v rather_o a_o disadvantage_n for_o such_o will_v resolve_v all_o case_n &_o though_o the_o direction_n they_o give_v must_v needs_o be_v improper_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v very_o absolute_a in_o require_v obedience_n whereas_o a_o person_n experience_v in_o the_o same_o internal_a way_n be_v humble_a withal_o for_o else_o say_v auila_n he_o also_o will_v probable_o be_v faulty_a too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o case_n able_a to_o give_v a_o resolute_a judgement_n yet_o find_v his_o own_o deficiency_n he_o will_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n &_o therpon_o out_o of_o humility_n will_v not_o scorn_v but_o rather_o be_v desirous_a to_o consult_v &_o take_v advice_n from_o other_o more_o able_a to_o resolve_v 10._o herpon_o it_o be_v that_o s._n teresa_n as_o it_o be_v record_v in_o her_o life_n much_o complain_v of_o the_o hurt_n that_o such_o resolute_a &_o in_o sufficient_a teacher_n do_v to_o she_o &_o will_v do_v to_o other_o and_o thaulerus_n worthy_o style_v a_o illuminate_v doctor_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o certain_a sermon_n that_o unless_o he_o be_v special_o illuminate_v by_o god_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o a_o doubt_n propose_v to_o he_o he_o will_v remit_v the_o party_n to_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o prayer_n what_o to_o do_v and_o let_v not_o such_o a_o one_o doubt_v say_v he_o but_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o faithful_a counsellor_n moreover_o he_o find_v great_a fault_n with_o those_o arrogant_a person_n that_o reprehend_v soul_n for_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o instinct_n &_o internal_a light_n &_o motion_n proceed_v from_o god_n spirit_n &_o for_o their_o call_v such_o by_o the_o title_n of_o new_a spirit_n or_o pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a illumination_n whereas_o say_v he_o those_o that_o take_v all_o their_o instruction_n from_o person_n &_o book_n will_v with_o very_o small_a success_n pursue_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n 11._o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o this_o employment_n of_o direct_v soul_n which_o above_o all_o other_o be_v most_o difficult_a &_o exceed_v even_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o angel_n yet_o out_o of_o a_o ambitious_a humour_n be_v invade_v by_o person_n whole_o unfit_a for_o it_o &_o that_o without_o any_o vocation_n from_o god_n voluntary_o undertake_v it_o so_o that_o no_o marvel_n it_o be_v if_o so_o little_a good_a come_v from_o such_o intruder_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o say_v auila_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o sublime_a a_o task_n nay_o say_v the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o geneva_n not_o one_o often_o thousand_o and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o so_o free_o offer_v themselves_o to_o so_o divine_a a_o employment_n do_v thereby_o show_v themselves_o to_o want_n the_o most_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o wit_n humility_n &_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o its_o difficulty_n &_o therefore_o their_o direction_n be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v 12._o hereupon_o thaulerus_n say_v that_o a_o soul_n intend_v perfection_n ought_v to_o seek_v out_o a_o experience_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o it_o cost_v she_o a_o journey_n of_o many_o german_a mile_n but_o say_v he_o if_o such_o a_o friend_n can_v be_v find_v then_o will_v a_o simple_a confessarius_fw-la serve_v though_o never_o so_o ignorant_a for_o even_o by_o such_o man_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o office_n so_o that_o they_o may_v secure_o be_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v even_o in_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v 13._o if_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v fearful_a &_o scrupulous_a be_v to_o choose_v a_o director_n she_o ought_v to_o avoid_v one_o of_o the_o like_a temper_n for_o passion_n which_o blind_v the_o seeker_n will_v also_o blind_v the_o director_n &_o so_o the_o blind_a will_v lead_v the_o blind_a 14._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o person_n consult_v with_o about_o difficulty_n concern_v internal_a prayer_n shall_v be_v learn_v or_o in_o holy_a order_n except_o doubt_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n intervene_v for_o though_o lay-person_n &_o woman_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n to_o preach_v public_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o forbid_v to_o give_v private_a instruction_n in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o such_o instructour_n we_o have_v diverse_a example_n as_o in_o the_o lay_v man_n that_o convert_v thâ—ulerus_n a_o learned_a doctor_n &_o a_o religious_a man_n and_o likewise_o in_o s._n catherine_n of_o sienna_n s._n teresa_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o a_o well_o govern_v monastery_n of_o woman_n where_o a_o good_a course_n of_o internal_a prayer_n approve_v by_o superior_n and_o learned_a divine_n be_v once_o well_o settle_v it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o instruction_n concern_v it_o shall_v rather_o come_v from_o superior_n within_o because_o otherwise_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frequent_a change_n of_o directour_n perhaps_o of_o contrary_a spirit_n &_o many_o of_o they_o little_o practise_v in_o such_o prayer_n soul_n will_v be_v govern_v uncertain_o &_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o their_o way_n 15._o though_o it_o seem_v evident_o more_o reasonable_a &_o more_o proportionable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o person_n profess_v a_o religious_a state_n to_o be_v conduct_v by_o other_o of_o the_o s_o ne_fw-fr profession_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la then_o by_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n thereto_o yet_o scarce_o any_o directour_n can_v be_v find_v more_o improper_a for_o such_o suppose_v that_o they_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n then_o be_v religious_a guide_n of_o active_a spirit_n that_o know_v no_o further_o of_o prayer_n than_o meditation_n &_o that_o show_v more_o zeal_n for_o a_o exact_a observance_n of_o ceremony_n or_o a_o multiply_a of_o external_a voluntary_a austerity_n the_o which_o of_o themselves_o &_o unless_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n have_v no_o special_a influence_n on_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o serve_v either_o for_o a_o outward_a show_v of_o rigour_n or_o for_o keep_v soul_n from_o mispending_a the_o time_n then_o for_o the_o more_o essential_a internal_a duty_n of_o prayer_n solitude_n of_o spirit_n interiour_n mortification_n &c_n &c_n much_o more_o profitable_a to_o such_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o director_n though_o not_o of_o any_o religious_a profession_n that_o will_v impose_v on_o soul_n only_o such_o austerity_n as_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o a_o internal_a life_n such_o as_o be_v perfect_a abstraction_n silence_n solitude_n convenient_a abstinence_n &c_n &c_n and_o for_o other_o matter_n not_o much_o necessary_a nor_o much_o effectual_a leave_v they_o in_o a_o due_a moderate_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n especial_o such_o as_o will_v not_o impose_v on_o they_o any_o form_n of_o mental_a prayer_n however_o like_v or_o practise_v by_o themselves_o but_o for_o such_o matter_n rathet_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n &_o that_o will_v not_o torture_v they_o with_o painful_a iterate_v coustumary_a confession_n &c_n &c_n 16._o and_o whereas_o it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o object_v that_o probable_o such_o directour_n be_v stranger_n as_o to_o the_o special_a distinctive_a spirit_n of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o community_n may_v endanger_v in_o their_o disciple_n a_o loss_n of_o the_o say_a spirit_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o
§_o 3._o 4._o who_o be_v apt_a or_o unapt_a for_o meditation_n §_o 5._o 6._o general_o most_o soul_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o why_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o what_o those_o be_v to_o do_v that_o be_v unapt_a for_o meditation_n §_o 11._o the_o misery_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o prayer_n improper_a for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v meditation_n or_o discursive_a prayer_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v treat_v here_o not_o with_o that_o exact_a niceness_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o book_n current_a in_o all_o hand_n yet_o sufficient_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a design_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o therefore_o the_o instruction_n concern_v it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o that_o perfect_a state_n and_o withal_o move_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o say_v call_n and_o to_o such_o many_o instruction_n will_v not_o be_v proper_a 2._o meditation_n be_v such_o a_o internal_a prayer_n in_o which_o a_o devout_a soul_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v in_o hand_n the_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o exact_a search_n into_o the_o several_a point_n and_o circumstance_n in_o it_o with_o the_o understanding_n or_o imagination_n she_o may_v extract_v motive_n of_o good_a affection_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o produce_v suitable_a affection_n in_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a motive_n as_o long_o as_o such_o virtue_n will_v last_v 3._o this_o be_v a_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v neither_o dispose_v nor_o enable_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o token_n either_o of_o excellency_n of_o wit_n &_o judgement_n or_o of_o true_a devotion_n to_o be_v apt_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o that_o a_o soul_n do_v abound_v with_o devotion_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o god_n the_o less_o be_v she_o enable_v or_o dispose_v thereto_o yea_o incapable_a of_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o again_o some_o superficial_a wit_n full_a of_o fancy_n but_o want_v solidity_n of_o judgement_n and_o which_o be_v not_o natural_o much_o dispose_v to_o devotion_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discursive_a prayer_n they_o will_v perform_v it_o better_o and_o thrive_v more_o in_o it_o than_o other_o though_o of_o sharp_a wit_n solid_a judgement_n and_o great_a ability_n both_o in_o learning_n and_o invention_n and_o that_o withal_o have_v very_o good_a will_n to_o seek_v our_o lord_n 4._o woman_n be_v general_o speak_v less_o apt_a for_o meditation_n than_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v more_o disable_v in_o judgement_n and_o invention_n and_o more_o abound_v in_o will_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o will_n draw_v the_o stream_n from_o the_o understanding_n therefore_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o they_o be_v not_o compel_v without_o necessity_n to_o tarry_v long_o in_o discursive_a exercise_n lest_o thereby_o they_o be_v much_o prejudice_v in_o the_o head_n and_o spirit_n with_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n any_o way_n but_o much_o harm_n in_o be_v detain_v from_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o beneficial_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n in_o holy_a affection_n 5._o now_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o inexpressible_a variety_n in_o the_o internal_a disposition_n of_o person_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v certain_a &_o general_a rule_n to_o fit_v all_o except_o this_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a course_n all_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o natural_o incapable_a of_o raise_v affection_n by_o internal_a discourse_n aught_o to_o apply_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o to_o tarry_v therein_o till_o they_o find_v themselves_o ripe_a for_o a_o future_a exercise_n to_o the_o which_o they_o will_v attain_v soon_o or_o late_a either_o according_a to_o their_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o practise_v meditation_n or_o the_o measure_n and_o grace_n of_o devotion_n which_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o or_o their_o natural_a aptness_n or_o unaptnes_n for_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n 6._o this_o advice_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o soul_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o light_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n till_o a_o convenient_a time_n spend_v in_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n for_o though_o perhaps_o while_o the_o fervour_n novitius_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o one_o conversion_n a_o soul_n be_v then_o full_a of_o affection_n may_v for_o a_o while_o have_v little_a need_n of_o motive_n to_o open_v the_o passage_n to_o the_o say_a affection_n which_o of_o themselves_o will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o flow_v yet_o that_o fervour_n cease_v they_o will_v be_v at_o a_o miserable_a loss_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o aridity_n obscurity_n &_o desolation_n have_v no_o refuge_n at_o all_o except_o their_o understanding_n be_v store_v with_o good_a motive_n of_o holy_a affection_n cause_v by_o former_a consideration_n and_o meditation_n 7._o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o those_o nice_a distract_n painful_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o many_o book_n or_o to_o frame_v curious_a pageant_n &_o scene_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o be_v meditate_a on_o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o such_o a_o employment_n of_o the_o imagination_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o by_o their_o profession_n live_v active_a distract_a life_n to_o the_o end_n by_o such_o working_n of_o the_o fancy_n to_o wipe_v out_o as_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a image_n contract_v abroad_o by_o superinduce_v or_o paint_v over_o they_o new_a and_o holy_a image_n yet_o for_o those_o who_o be_v more_o solitary_a &_o abstract_a such_o a_o way_n of_o meditate_v will_v be_v very_o painful_a &_o the_o profit_n so_o little_a as_o it_o will_v not_o countervail_v the_o pain_n to_o such_o therefore_o it_o will_v suffice_v with_o moderate_a attention_n to_o think_v on_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o mystery_n propose_v or_o on_o such_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o either_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n or_o do_v even_o natural_o attend_v it_o &_o from_o thence_o to_o draw_v as_o strong_a feruorous_a &_o frequent_a affection_n as_o may_v be_v 8._o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v natural_o utter_o disable_v and_o incapable_a of_o meditate_v as_o many_o woman_n be_v it_o be_v very_o requisite_a in_o the_o beginning_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o least_o supply_v the_o benefit_n that_o come_v from_o meditation_n by_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o their_o recollection_n with_o much_o serious_a &_o attentive_a read_n of_o some_o pious_a book_n the_o which_o may_v in_o some_o good_a proportion_n recompense_n meditation_n 9_o but_o in_o case_n a_o soul_n incapable_a of_o meditation_n and_o unable_a likewise_o to_o read_v shall_v undertake_v a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a course_n as_o none_o be_v exclude_v such_o a_o one_o must_v resolve_v to_o take_v a_o very_a great_a courage_n to_o pursue_v her_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v but_o a_o dry_a exercise_n &_o want_v sensible_a devotion_n be_v very_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v prepare_v not_o to_o be_v daunt_v with_o aridity_n and_o distraction_n the_o which_o distraction_n she_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o resist_v or_o expel_v but_o only_o by_o pure_a obstinacy_n of_o the_o will_v not_o to_o attend_v they_o or_o care_n for_o they_o and_o last_o she_o must_v use_v more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n and_o solitude_n to_o prevent_v the_o multiply_a of_o distract_n image_n 10._o those_o who_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n be_v more_o serious_o affect_v to_o the_o discourse_v part_n of_o it_o then_o to_o the_o good_a desire_n and_o purpose_n which_o shall_v flow_v from_o such_o discourse_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o many_o peril_n as_o of_o pride_n curiosity_n extravagant_a opinion_n yea_o pernicious_a error_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o danger_n be_v the_o predominancy_n that_o their_o imagination_n have_v over_o their_o other_o faculty_n which_o incline_v they_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o subtle_a aerial_a and_o curious_a discourse_n and_o with_o frame_v of_o place_n &_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o mystery_n all_o which_o inconvenience_n be_v avoid_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n which_o be_v a_o blind_a faculty_n be_v best_a
which_o most_o probable_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hereto_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o say_n of_o s._n bernard_n modus_fw-la diligendi_fw-la deum_fw-la est_fw-la diligere_fw-la sine_fw-la modo_fw-la that_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o manner_n of_o love_v of_o god_n be_v to_o love_v he_o unmeasurable_o and_o free_o without_o a_o prescribe_a manner_n 9_o in_o the_o next_o place_n have_v show_v what_o encumbrance_n a_o soul_n be_v to_o avoid_v in_o her_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o declare_v positive_o and_o direct_o how_o i_o will_v advise_v she_o to_o behave_v herself_o therein_o 10._o let_v a_o soul_n that_o begin_v mental_a prayer_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o good_a book_n of_o that_o subject_n as_o fuluius_n androtius_n granatensis_n or_o the_o abridgement_n of_o puentes_n meditation_n which_o i_o will_v especial_o recommend_v 11._o let_v she_o begin_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o purgative_n way_n as_o concern_v sin_n death_n the_o final_a judgement_n hell_n or_o the_o like_a and_o let_v she_o abide_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o way_n till_o she_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o aversion_n from_o sin_n &_o that_o much_o of_o the_o fear_n and_o remorse_n that_o be_v former_o in_o she_o be_v depose_v so_o that_o she_o be_v come_v to_o have_v some_o good_a measure_n of_o confidence_n in_o god_n when_o she_o find_v these_o effect_n in_o she_o let_v she_o without_o regard_v whether_o she_o have_v run_v over_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o matter_n in_o her_o book_n belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n pass_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n which_o respect_v the_o illuminative_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v to_o such_o who_o matter_n or_o argument_n be_v some_o mystery_n of_o faith_n touch_v our_o lord_n life_n passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v and_o increase_v humility_n patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n in_o she_o 12._o be_v enter_v into_o the_o illuminative_a way_n let_v she_o in_o like_a manner_n abide_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o till_o she_o find_v herself_o apt_a for_o resignation_n love_n and_o other_o affection_n of_o the_o vnitive_a way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o let_v she_o thereupon_o apply_v herself_o 13._o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v due_o &_o in_o right_a order_n come_v into_o the_o illuminative_a &_o vnitive_a way_n as_o those_o way_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o master_n of_o meditation_n &_o after_o some_o time_n spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n proper_a to_o those_o way_n may_v afterward_o find_v herself_o call_v back_o to_o the_o purgative_n as_o after_o the_o commit_n of_o some_o fault_n extraordinary_a or_o during_o some_o unusual_a tentation_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n she_o be_v to_o yield_v thereto_o &_o abide_v in_o those_o inferior_a exercise_n as_o long_o as_o she_o find_v they_o proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o she_o which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v very_o long_o 14._o in_o like_a manner_n while_o she_o be_v in_o the_o purgative_n way_n if_o act_n of_o resignation_n love_n etc._n etc._n and_o much_o more_o if_o aspiration_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o she_o as_o some_o time_n they_o may_v let_v she_o by_o all_o mean_n correspond_v unto_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v relish_v to_o she_o neglect_v &_o forbear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o consider_v motive_n or_o to_o produce_v inferior_a act_n of_o contrition_n fear_v etc._n etc._n belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n 15._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n &_o necessity_n of_o these_o advice_n be_v this_o because_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v &_o order_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n &_o disposition_n of_o soul_n &_o not_o the_o method_n of_o book_n and_o therefore_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n call_v they_o to_o &_o be_v likely_a to_o subdue_v inordinate_a affection_n in_o they_o therefore_o scrupulous_a &_o fearful_a soul_n even_o in_o the_o beginning_n eat_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o terror_n etc._n etc._n which_o belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o exercise_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v love_n confidence_n in_o god_n etc._n etc._n 16._o for_o some_o short_a space_n before_o a_o soul_n begin_v her_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n let_v she_o look_v upon_o the_o book_n and_o therein_o peruse_v the_o point_n that_o she_o intend_v to_o meditate_v on_o or_o rather_o indeed_o those_o point_n be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o provide_v before_o hand_n that_o be_v overnight_n for_o the_o morning-meditation_n and_o after_o dinner_n for_o the_o evening_n so_o do_v she_o will_v be_v less_o to_o seek_v about_o they_o &_o better_o employ_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o her_o exercise_n 17._o let_v she_o not_o trust_v her_o memory_n for_o the_o point_n that_o she_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o but_o have_v the_o book_n ready_a that_o she_o may_v look_v on_o it_o as_o she_o shall_v have_v need_n and_o let_v she_o take_v one_o point_n after_o another_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n or_o as_o she_o shall_v have_v determine_v before_o when_o she_o prepare_v for_o the_o succeed_a recollection_n 18._o in_o her_o meditate_v on_o each_o point_n let_v she_o behave_v herself_o after_o this_o manner_n 1._o with_o her_o memory_n and_o understanding_n let_v she_o think_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o point_n 2._o out_o of_o which_o let_v she_o draw_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o will_n may_v be_v incline_v some_o way_n or_o other_o towards_o god_n 3._o and_o thereupon_o let_v she_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v as_o of_o humiliation_n adoration_n resignation_n contrition_n etc._n etc._n abide_v in_o such_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o long_o as_o the_o will_n have_v life_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o or_o as_o long_o as_o she_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o 4._o the_o which_o fail_v and_o grow_v to_o be_v disgustful_a let_v she_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o point_n therein_o behave_v herself_o likewise_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n so_o proceed_v in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o follow_a till_o she_o have_v spend_v a_o competent_a time_n in_o her_o recollection_n 19_o now_o i_o conceive_v a_o competent_a time_n for_o one_o recollection_n spend_v in_o meditation_n to_o be_v a_o hour_n or_o very_o little_a less_o whereas_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v a_o lesser_a space_n will_v suffice_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v 1._o because_o in_o this_o latter_a exercise_n more_o act_n of_o the_o will_v wherein_o all_o good_a do_v consist_v be_v produce_v then_o in_o meditation_n 2._o and_o beside_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n be_v more_o dry_a and_o wearisome_a except_o in_o some_o few_o that_o abound_v in_o sensible_a affection_n then_o be_v meditation_n to_o soul_n fit_a for_o it_o 20._o during_o meditation_n let_v the_o soul_n neglect_v the_o too_o common_a practice_n in_o which_o meditation_n be_v make_v rather_o a_o study_n and_o speculation_n than_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n spend_v no_o more_o time_n in_o invent_v motive_n and_o in_o internal_a discourse_n then_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o move_v the_o will_n to_o good_a affection_n but_o as_o for_o such_o affection_n let_v she_o abide_v in_o they_o as_o long_o as_o she_o can_v for_o therein_o consist_v all_o the_o profit_n and_o if_o upon_o one_o consideration_n or_o motive_n she_o can_v produce_v many_o act_n of_o the_o will_n let_v she_o not_o fail_v to_o do_v so_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o each_o act_n as_o long_o as_o she_o find_v that_o she_o be_v enable_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o understanding_n shall_v lie_v quiet_a as_o it_o be_v a_o sleep_n and_o without_o exercise_n 21._o indeed_o in_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o effectual_a call_n to_o a_o internal_a life_n their_o meditation_n will_v have_v little_a study_n or_o speculation_n in_o they_o for_o after_o a_o short_a and_o quick_a reflection_n on_o the_o matter_n mystery_n or_o motive_n they_o will_v forthwith_o produce_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o their_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o reason_v or_o infer_v as_o a_o simple_a call_n to_o mind_n or_o think_v on_o a_o subject_n out_o of_o which_o the_o will_n may_v produce_v some_o act_n or_o other_o answerable_a to_o the_o point_v reflect_v on_o by_o the_o understanding_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o meditate_v be_v proper_a for_o many_o ignorant_a person_n especial_o woman_n which_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o internal_a discourse_v 22._o a_o soul_n that_o practice_n meditation_n will_v find_v
and_o profitable_a recollection_n and_o therefore_o such_o elegant_a and_o sprightly_a expression_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o s._n augustins_n confession_n soliloquy_n &c_n &c_n or_o in_o s._n bernard_n s._n teresas_n exclamation_n &c_n &c_n though_o they_o be_v more_o full_a of_o life_n and_o more_o apt_a to_o inflame_v affection_n be_v read_v out_o of_o time_n of_o recollection_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o recollection_n because_o the_o pleasingnes_n and_o exquisiteness_n of_o the_o expression_n give_v too_o much_o exercise_v and_o contentment_n to_o the_o fancy_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n distract_v and_o enfeeble_v the_o actuation_n of_o the_o will._n this_o i_o say_v hold_v most_o general_o true_a yet_o if_o soul_n do_v find_v their_o profit_n more_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o let_v they_o in_o god_n name_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o 18._o the_o more_o impetuous_a that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n be_v in_o this_o exercise_n immediate_a act_n &_o the_o more_o still_o quiet_a peaceable_a and_o profound_a that_o they_o be_v so_o there_o be_v no_o wilful_a negligence_n the_o more_o effectual_a and_o profitable_a be_v they_o and_o the_o more_o efficacious_a to_o still_o passion_n as_o also_o to_o compose_v and_o settle_v the_o imagination_n 19_o there_o may_v come_v much_o harm_n to_o a_o soul_n by_o cessation_n from_o internal_a work_n and_o from_o all_o tendance_n to_o god_n in_o her_o recollection_n if_o so_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o such_o cessation_n be_v a_o desire_n and_o expectation_n to_o hear_v god_n speak_v after_o any_o unusual_a manner_n within_o she_o and_o tell_v she_o some_o new_a thing_n or_o other_o for_o by_o give_v way_n to_o such_o a_o foolish_a presumption_n she_o will_v deserve_v and_o pu_fw-fr herself_n in_o a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o at_o least_o vain_o to_o conceive_v and_o interpret_v she_o own_o imagination_n to_o be_v internal_a speaking_n of_o god_n and_o this_o may_v prove_v very_o perilous_a if_o a_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o such_o fancy_n as_o probable_o such_o soul_n will_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o if_o god_n pleasure_n be_v such_o as_o to_o communicate_v his_o will_n internal_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o will_v speak_v and_o work_v whether_o the_o soul_n will_v or_o no_o and_o whether_o she_o will_v or_o no_o she_o must_v hear_v and_o suffer_v and_o therefore_o let_v she_o abstain_v from_o such_o indiscreet_a invitation_n or_o expect_v such_o divine_a conversation_n let_v she_o continue_v quiet_o her_o exercise_n and_o not_o cease_v till_o god_n force_v she_o to_o cease_v they_o 20._o the_o custom_n practise_v by_o some_o spiritual_a directour_n of_o require_v from_o all_o their_o disciple_n a_o account_n of_o their_o internal_a prayer_n former_o judge_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a as_o cause_v distraction_n and_o too_o frequent_a reflection_n with_o solicitude_n upon_o their_o present_a actuation_n to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v remember_v they_o &_o so_o be_v able_a to_o relate_v they_o the_o say_a custom_n i_o say_v be_v moreover_o beside_o this_o inconvenience_n &_o uselesnes_n of_o extreme_a difficulty_n in_o this_o exercise_n the_o which_o be_v simple_a &_o plain_a act_v only_o or_o chief_o by_o the_o will_n can_v well_o be_v explicate_v inasmuch_o as_o the_o act_n leave_v scarce_o any_o sensible_a impression_n in_o the_o memory_n and_o last_o they_o be_v exercise_v direct_o to_o god_n without_o any_o reflection_n now_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o reflection_n that_o a_o soul_n take_v noude_a of_o and_o remember_v her_o actuation_n 21._o where_o there_o be_v a_o good_a propension_n in_o the_o interiour_n to_o introversion_n a_o act_n produce_v by_o the_o will_n to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o much_o more_o prompt_a facile_a &_o profound_a but_o also_o far_o more_o efficacious_a than_o any_o other_o without_o such_o a_o propension_n can_v be_v though_o the_o party_n be_v never_o so_o learned_a &_o employ_v never_o so_o much_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_a soul_n of_o the_o great_a propension_n may_v sometime_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o meditation_n but_o unless_o their_o director_n mislead_v &_o wrong_v they_o they_o will_v not_o tarry_v long_o therein_o but_o will_v present_o break_v forth_o copious_o into_o good_a affection_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o &c_n &c_n touch_v certain_a form_n of_o immediate_a act_n &c_n &c_n adjoin_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n &_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v §_o 15._o 16._o &c_n &c_n great_a variety_n of_o act_n there_o be_v some_o direct_v to_o the_o pure_a divinity_n some_o to_o our_o lord_n humanity_n some_o to_o saint_n some_o to_o the_o soul_n herself_o &c_n &c_n &_o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o they_o §_o 24._o 25._o 26._o to_o what_o soul_n one_o form_n of_o exercise_n without_o variety_n may_v be_v proper_a §_o 27._o of_o exercise_v upon_o the_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la the_o excellency_n thereof_o §_o 28._o 29._o soul_n be_v not_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o certain_a form_n §_o 30._o 31._o 32._o what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o usual_a read_n in_o preparation_n to_o recollection_n §_o 33._o 34._o &c_n &c_n how_o soul_n that_o can_v make_v use_n of_o image_n be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o §_o 37._o 38._o what_o order_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o change_n of_o acts._n §_o 41._o soul_n must_v not_o bind_v themselves_o to_o these_o or_o any_o set_v form_n of_o exercise_n but_o they_o must_v choose_v for_o themselves_o 1._o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o book_n i_o have_v adjoin_v a_o collection_n of_o several_a pattern_n of_o exercise_n by_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o holy_a affection_n for_o the_o use_n &_o practice_v of_o those_o who_o either_o in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o religion_n god_n shall_v call_v to_o a_o internal_a life_n of_o contemplation_n i_o do_v not_o not_o conceive_v any_o necessity_n to_o annexe_v any_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n partly_o because_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o only_a pass_o &_o in_o order_n to_o affective_a prayer_n to_o which_o it_o be_v but_o a_o remote_a preparation_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v pattern_n of_o such_o exercise_n abundant_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o the_o which_o may_v suffice_v any_o internal_a liver_n be_v practise_v according_a to_o the_o instruction_n here_o former_o give_v and_o as_o for_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o affective_a contemplative_a prayer_n to_o wit_n perfect_a aspiration_n i_o have_v content_v myself_o with_o select_v a_o few_o which_o be_v add_v in_o the_o conclusion_n rather_o to_o show_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n the_o form_n &_o manner_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o use_n of_o perfect_a soul_n ripe_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o such_o be_v conduct_v immediate_o &_o entire_o by_o a_o divine_a light_n &_o have_v no_o need_n of_o humane_a prescription_n neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o proffitable_o make_v use_v of_o any_o other_o affection_n then_o only_o such_o as_o god_n holy_a spirit_n shall_v suggest_v to_o they_o 2._o as_o touch_v therefore_o the_o foresay_a exercise_n of_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o affection_n i_o have_v compile_v a_o sufficient_a variety_n of_o they_o proper_a for_o all_o state_n &_o disposition_n of_o soul_n as_o act_n of_o remorse_n fear_v contrition_n &c._n &c._n which_o belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n and_o likewise_o act_v of_o adoration_n glorification_n humiliation_n resignation_n &_o love_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o illuminative_a &_o vnitive_a way_n i_o have_v moreover_o make_v some_o distinct_a exercise_n of_o affection_n more_o proper_a for_o some_o soul_n then_o be_v those_o which_o i_o call_v act_n of_o the_o will._n beside_o i_o have_v set_v down_o most_o copious_o pattern_n of_o simple_a act_n of_o resignation_n as_o be_v general_o the_o most_o useful_a &_o proper_a for_o most_o soul_n and_o last_o several_a exercise_n there_o be_v mix_v &_o interlace_v partly_o with_o act_n &_o partly_o with_o affection_n &_o those_o not_o of_o one_o but_o several_a kind_n because_o many_o soul_n there_o be_v that_o can_v content_v themselves_o with_o be_v tie_v to_o any_o one_o kind_a of_o determinate_a exercise_n and_o therefore_o my_o desire_n be_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o temper_n to_o the_o end_n that_o every_o one_o may_v find_v a_o exercise_n proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o he_o or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v put_v in_o the_o way_n how_o to_o fâ—ame_v for_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o 3._o a_o soul_n that_o after_o a_o sufficient_a time_n diligent_o spend_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n be_v mature_o call_v &_o conduct_v by_o god_n
of_o light_n and_o comfort_n the_o which_o profit_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n more_o intimely_a in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o therefore_o be_v more_o efficacious_a to_o the_o soul_n advancement_n 36._o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v scarce_o allow_v the_o suffer_a soul_n to_o divert_v &_o ease_v her_o mind_n by_o read_v &_o much_o less_o by_o any_o corporal_a exercise_n during_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o her_o recollection_n or_o if_o so_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o she_o find_v by_o a_o little_a glance_v on_o a_o book_n a_o affection_n to_o be_v raise_v let_v she_o pursue_v the_o say_a affection_n &_o quit_v read_v present_o for_o read_v at_o such_o time_n be_v allow_v mere_o for_o necessity_n aught_o to_o be_v use_v no_o further_o than_o necessity_n shall_v require_v 37._o no_o certain_a rule_n or_o determination_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o the_o time_n that_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o certain_a kind_n of_o act_n as_o of_o contrition_n &_o other_o of_o the_o purgative_n way_n before_o they_o pass_v into_o those_o of_o resignation_n or_o love_n which_o be_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n only_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o long_o &_o deep_a that_o soul_n have_v be_v plunge_v in_o vicious_a habit_n the_o long_o probable_o will_v it_o be_v before_o they_o be_v ripe_a for_o such_o a_o passage_n yet_o that_o time_n may_v be_v contract_v by_o fervour_n in_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n to_o some_o few_o month_n will_v suffice_v to_o remain_v in_o act_n of_o contrition_n &c_n &c_n to_o some_o not_o many_o day_n yea_o some_o soul_n as_o tender_a innocent_a virgin_n &c_n &c_n be_v so_o well_o affect_v to_o god_n &_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o vicious_a custom_n that_o they_o may_v at_o the_o first_o be_v put_v into_o act_n of_o resignation_n or_o love_n 38._o but_o herein_o every_o one_o be_v to_o regard_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o conscience_n observe_v whether_o he_o find_v therein_o quietness_n &_o competent_a satisfaction_n in_o which_o case_n he_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v that_o he_o may_v relinquish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o purgative_n way_n 39_o but_o as_o for_o give_v over_o the_o act_n of_o resignation_n &_o love_n &c_n &c_n from_o thence_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n god_n know_v a_o much_o long_a space_n of_o time_n be_v require_v even_o in_o soul_n the_o most_o innocent_a for_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o settle_a habitual_a charity_n fix_v in_o the_o soul_n through_o long_a &_o constant_a practice_n of_o force_a act_n of_o the_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o barbanson_n who_o say_v that_o soul_n may_v from_o meditation_n immediate_o pass_v to_o aspiration_n it_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o man_n choice_n when_o he_o will_v exercise_v aspiration_n of_o which_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o mover_n &_o director_n and_o whatsoever_o industry_n in_o prayer_n a_o soul_n shall_v use_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a that_o she_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o exercise_n in_o youth_n before_o the_o boil_a heat_n &_o activity_n of_o nature_n be_v well_o qualify_v 40._o notwithstanding_o in_o whatsoever_o exercise_n a_o soul_n shall_v be_v if_o such_o aspiration_n do_v offer_v themselves_o she_o be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o they_o &_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v she_o be_v to_o cease_v all_o other_o force_v &_o elect_a acts._n 41._o to_o conclude_v these_o instruction_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o follow_a pattern_n of_o exercise_n of_o act_n &c_n &c_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o only_a for_o a_o necessity_n such_o as_o common_o beginner_n have_v yea_o &_o most_o soul_n even_o after_o they_o have_v for_o a_o good_a while_n pursue_v this_o internal_a prayer_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o interiour_n without_o seek_v abroad_o do_v minister_v sufficient_a matter_n unto_o they_o of_o resignation_n love_v &c_n &c_n either_o suggest_a by_o occasion_n of_o occur_v difficulty_n or_o come_v of_o itself_o into_o their_o mind_n such_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o pray_v without_o any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o furnish_v from_o within_o be_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o exercise_n in_o book_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n even_o of_o some_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o may_v be_v prevent_v &_o much_o holpen_v by_o god_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o however_o it_o be_v good_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o book_n in_o readiness_n to_o help_v they_o in_o case_n they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n least_o for_o want_n of_o matter_n so_o suggest_v they_o shall_v be_v idle_a &_o at_o a_o stand_n for_o such_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o their_o first_o sensible_a fervour_n but_o when_o that_o cease_v as_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o it_o will_v they_o must_v not_o scorn_v to_o descend_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o book_n but_o also_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o inferior_a exercise_n &_o help_n suitable_a to_o their_o imperfect_a state_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o 2._o more_o special_a advice_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o assection_n of_o divine_a love._n §_o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n likewise_o touch_v act_n of_o resignation_n the_o great_a profit_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o say_v acts._n §_o 9_o several_a object_n of_o resignation_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o etc._n etc._n far_o instruction_n concern_v the_o exercise_v of_o the_o say_v acts._n §_o 22._o all_o act_n whatsoever_o must_v give_v way_n to_o aspiration_n 1._o whereas_o all_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n consist_v either_o 1._o of_o such_o affection_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v suitable_a motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n 2._o or_o of_o act_n of_o the_o will_n produce_v by_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o superior_a soul_n as_o among_o holy_a affection_n the_o principal_a be_v love_n the_o source_n and_o mover_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o among_o all_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o considerable_a be_v those_o of_o resignation_n or_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n 2._o now_o have_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n speak_v sufficient_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o divine_a love_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v more_o particular_a instruction_n how_o to_o employ_v that_o inward_a affection_n of_o charity_n immediate_o to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n former_o give_v but_o as_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o resignation_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o exercise_n of_o love_n too_o but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o regard_v external_a difficulty_n as_o the_o occasion_n or_o matter_n about_o which_o such_o love_n be_v express_v it_o be_v a_o exercise_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o treat_v of_o &_o above_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v recommend_v as_o be_v general_o the_o most_o secure_a &_o profitable_a of_o all_o other_o exercise_n 3._o for_o though_o act_n of_o pure_a melt_a love_n to_o god_n in_o which_o all_o image_n of_o creature_n yea_o all_o direct_a representation_n of_o god_n be_v exclude_v be_v in_o themselves_o more_o perfect_a &_o vnitive_a then_o be_v act_n of_o resignation_n which_o involve_v in_o themselves_o image_n of_o external_a thing_n to_o wit_n the_o special_a difficulty_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n intend_v to_o resign_v herself_o notwithstanding_o to_o recompense_v this_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o act_n of_o resignation_n far_o more_o security_n and_o less_o danger_n of_o propriety_n or_o self-interest_n then_o in_o act_n of_o immediate_a love_n the_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_n stir_n and_o please_a motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n very_o few_o soul_n can_v practice_v they_o pure_o and_o without_o propriety_n except_o they_o be_v exalt_v to_o a_o supreme_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a divine_a charity_n again_o there_o be_v in_o resignation_n exercise_v more_o direct_o true_a mortification_n and_o contradiction_n to_o self_n love_n &_o interest_n then_o in_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n more_o purify_n and_o consider_v the_o daily_a and_o hourly_o use_v that_o we_o have_v thereof_o in_o unavoidable_a occur_v difficulty_n it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o though_o act_v of_o resignation_n which_o be_v also_o the_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o divine_a love_n do_v involve_v in_o themselves_o image_n of_o external_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o act_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o tarry_v in_o such_o image_n but_o present_o pass_v from_o and_o out_o of_o they_o into_o god_n 4._o good_a lord_n what_o million_o of_o question_n debate_n &_o
of_o the_o understanding_n 2._o of_o the_o will_n and_o 3._o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n likewise_o 10._o first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o understanding_n there_o be_v thereby_o a_o divine_a light_n communicate_v not_o reveal_v or_o discover_v any_o new_a verity_n but_o afford_v a_o most_o firm_a clear_a assurance_n and_o experimental_a perception_n of_o those_o verity_n of_o catholic_n religion_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o which_o assurance_n the_o soul_n perceive_v to_o be_v divine_o communicate_v to_o she_o 11._o o_o happy_a evidence_n of_o our_o catholic_n belief_n no_o thanks_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v after_o such_o sight_n which_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o any_o thing_n we_o see_v with_o our_o corporal_a eye_n sure_o the_o first_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n come_v by_o such_o contemplation_n communicate_v to_o the_o apostle_n &c._n &c._n as_o s._n paul_n witness_n of_o himself_o for_o one_o who_o see_v and_o even_o feel_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o deliver_v by_o tradition_n to_o other_o 12._o such_o contemplation_n as_o this_o make_v s._n teresa_n so_o confident_a in_o the_o point_n of_o her_o belief_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o she_o be_v able_a to_o dispute_v with_o and_o confound_v all_o the_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o therein_o she_o may_v perhaps_o be_v deceive_v if_o that_o god_n do_v not_o further_o enable_v she_o then_o by_o such_o contemplation_n only_o for_o though_o they_o serve_v to_o establish_v most_o firm_o her_o own_o belief_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o suffice_v to_o enable_v she_o to_o dispute_v with_o and_o convince_v other_o because_o neither_o can_v she_o intelligible_o enough_o express_v what_o she_o have_v see_v and_o if_o she_o can_v yet_o will_v not_o all_o believe_v she_o nor_o be_v they_o rational_o oblige_v to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o doubtless_o she_o will_v never_o have_v undertake_v of_o her_o own_o accord_n without_o a_o special_a motion_n and_o invitation_n from_o god_n to_o have_v enter_v into_o any_o such_o dispute_n indeed_o if_o god_n have_v urge_v she_o thereto_o then_o doubtless_o he_o will_v have_v give_v she_o a_o especial_a assistance_n and_o force_n 13._o a_o soul_n that_o be_v new_o awaken_v as_o it_o be_v from_o such_o a_o contemplation_n or_o union_n come_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o any_o spiritual_a book_n will_v pierce_v far_o more_o deep_o into_o the_o verity_n contain_v in_o they_o &_o will_v see_v clear_a light_n and_o feel_v far_o more_o perfect_a taste_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n therein_o then_o ever_o before_o so_o that_o all_o the_o knowledge_n that_o she_o former_o have_v will_v seem_v unto_o her_o mere_a darkness_n and_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n only_o whereas_o now_o she_o penetrate_v into_o the_o internal_a spirit_n of_o the_o write_n 14._o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v by_o this_o supernatural_a union_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o will_n &_o affection_n be_v equal_o admirable_a in_o so_o much_o as_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o mortification_n &_o other_o internal_a exercise_n will_v not_o so_o purify_v the_o soul_n as_o a_o few_o minute_n pass_v in_o such_o a_o divine_a inaction_n here_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o a_o soul_n perfect_o feel_v she_o own_o nothing_o and_o god_n totality_n &_o thereby_o be_v strange_o advance_v in_o humility_n &_o the_o divine_a love._n for_o be_v so_o immediate_o unite_v to_o god_n so_o illustrate_v with_o his_o heavenly_a light_n &_o inflame_v with_o his_o love_n all_o creature_n &_o herself_n above_o all_o be_v become_v as_o nothing_o yea_o perfect_o odious_a to_o she_o beside_o there_o be_v many_o secret_a defect_n in_o a_o soul_n so_o subtle_a &_o intime_fw-la that_o they_o can_v neither_o he_o cure_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o discover_v but_o by_o a_o passive_a union_n in_o so_o much_o as_o hereby_o the_o soul_n be_v advance_v to_o perfection_n in_o a_o manner_n &_o degree_n not_o to_o be_v imagine_v far_o more_o efficacious_o then_o by_o all_o the_o former_a action_n of_o her_o life_n put_v together_o so_o that_o the_o follow_a aspiration_n &_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n become_v far_o more_o pure_a &_o efficacious_a then_o before_o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o good_a fruit_n &_o effect_n upon_o the_o will_n such_o passive_a union_n will_v be_v little_o profitable_a unto_o the_o soul_n for_o our_o merit_n consist_v in_o our_o own_o free_a act_n produce_v in_o virtue_n of_o divine_a grace_n assist_v we_o &_o not_o in_o the_o operation_n simple_o wherein_o god_n be_v only_a agent_n &_o we_o patient_n 15._o in_o the_o three_o place_n these_o supernatural_a union_n be_v of_o that_o virtue_n that_o they_o do_v whole_o subdue_v the_o imagination_n &_o other_o internal_a sense_n to_o the_o superior_a soul_n so_o that_o they_o can_v as_o they_o listen_v wander_v to_o &_o fro_o but_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o happy_a servitude_n to_o the_o spirit_n that_o without_o any_o stress_n or_o violence_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o attend_v it_o in_o all_o its_o employment_n &_o occasion_n or_o if_o the_o imagination_n do_v sometime_o wander_v yet_o it_o never_o fasten_v itself_o with_o delight_n on_o any_o external_a perish_a object_n by_o reason_n that_o self-love_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n extinguish_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v reduce_v or_o howsoever_o by_o its_o wander_n it_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o interrupt_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 16._o moreover_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o mystic_n that_o soul_n which_o former_o during_o the_o precedent_n less_o perfect_a exercise_n be_v of_o quite_o different_a even_o contrary_a disposition_n &_o natural_a complexion_n after_o such_o supernatural_a union_n do_v come_v to_o a_o very_a near_o resemblance_n to_o one_o a_o other_o as_o we_o see_v that_o several_a way_n or_o path_n which_o from_o far_o distant_a place_n lead_v to_o a_o city_n the_o near_o they_o approach_v to_o the_o city_n the_o near_a also_o do_v they_o come_v to_o one_o a_o other_o &_o at_o last_o fall_n into_o &_o make_v one_o common_a high_a way_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o nature_n &_o its_o particular_a affection_n &_o inclination_n be_v now_o so_o wear_v &_o even_o burn_v out_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o grace_n that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n the_o which_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v uniform_a &_o like_a to_o one_o another_o 17._o it_o will_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o these_o thing_n here_o speak_v of_o a_o supernatural_a passive_a union_n shall_v seem_v incredible_a or_o perhaps_o to_o be_v but_o dream_n of_o extravagant_a or_o melancholic_a spirit_n not_o only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o catholic_a faith_n but_o those_o catholic_n also_o that_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o internal_a way_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o all_o this_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o most_o devout_a humble_a &_o spiritual_o prudent_a person_n some_o of_o they_o very_o learn_v also_o who_o profess_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o and_o this_o by_o a_o internal_a command_n of_o god_n spirit_n &_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o they_o will_v perhaps_o judge_v more_o wary_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o withal_o consider_v that_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n no_o such_o divine_a grace_n and_o communication_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o they_o will_v however_o reap_v this_o benefit_n by_o they_o if_o not_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o the_o best_a they_o can_v for_o the_o enjoy_v they_o at_o least_o they_o will_v abhor_v all_o novelty_n in_o doctrine_n &_o continue_v unshake_a and_o obedient_a child_n to_o the_o church_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o of_o the_o great_a desolation_n usual_o follow_v a_o intellectual_a passive_a union_n §_o 4._o 5._o etc._n etc._n a_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n &_o woeful_a bitterness_n of_o this_o desolation_n §_o 8._o how_o a_o devout_a soul_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o behave_v herself_o therein_o §_o 9_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o fruit_n proceed_v from_o this_o desertion_n well_o undergo_v 1._o a_o soul_n have_v once_o experience_v such_o extraordinary_a divine_a favour_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v thou_o lord_n of_o thy_o goodness_n have_v make_v my_o hill_n so_o strong_a but_o if_o she_o think_v so_o she_o will_v find_v herself_o strange_o deceive_v for_o as_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n consist_v of_o perpetual_a change_n of_o elevation_n and_o