Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
book_n	good_a	read_v	write_v	2,874	5	5.1956	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A09668	The mirrour of religious perfection deuided into foure bookes. Written in Italian by the R. F. Lucas Pinelli, of the Society of Iesus. And translated into English by a Father of the same Society.	Pinelli, Luca, 1542-1607.; Everard, Thomas, 1560-1633.; Wilson, John, ca. 1575-ca. 1645?, attributed name.	1618 (1618)	STC 19938; ESTC S114703	239,460	604

unto_o they_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o religious_a man_n if_o he_o bring_v his_o flesh_n in_o subjection_n by_o long_a watch_n and_o other_o asperitye_n of_o body_n as_o do_v the_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o wilderness_n who_o be_v now_o saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v honour_v in_o this_o militant_a church_n for_o light_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o crafty_a enemy_n propose_v not_o that_o those_o action_n shall_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n or_o please_v to_o god_n or_o exercise_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o discretion_n neither_o do_v he_o also_o declare_v when_o the_o force_n of_o man_n be_v not_o equal_a that_o it_o be_v not_o convenient_a for_o all_o to_o use_v the_o same_o severity_n towards_o themselves_o for_o what_o be_v mediocrity_n to_o one_o be_v overmuch_o to_o another_o neither_o do_v he_o give_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o need_v the_o counsel_n of_o spiritual_a father_n without_o which_o none_o may_v with_o security_n walk_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o spirit_n son_n see_v the_o devil_n deceyve_v thou_o by_o himself_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v by_o he_o in_o thy_o pennance_n and_o devotion_n follow_v not_o thy_o own_o head_n nor_o trust_v thyself_o 9_o final_o that_o a_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v discreet_a in_o all_o his_o action_n it_o be_v therefore_o also_o convenient_a because_o he_o be_v regular_a and_o reason_n require_v that_o he_o direct_v all_o his_o action_n to_o a_o certain_a square_n and_o rule_v &_o this_o be_v to_o be_v discreet_a and_o more_o than_o all_o this_o a_o religious_a man_n action_n must_v be_v address_v to_o my_o glory_n but_o what_o glory_n of_o i_o can_v it_o be_v if_o the_o same_o be_v vicious_a and_o indiscreet_a what_o please_v i_o not_o procure_v not_o either_o honour_n or_o glory_n consider_v now_o son_n if_o indiscretion_n in_o fast_v discipline_n and_o in_o other_o good_a work_n of_o that_o kind_n displease_v i_o so_o great_o how_o much_o think_v thou_o will_v it_o discontent_n i_o if_o a_o religious_a man_n be_v indiscreet_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o sleep_v and_o in_o the_o like_a action_n which_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o holy_a but_o indifferent_a how_o much_o shall_v he_o displease_v i_o if_o he_o exceed_v &_o be_v indiscreet_a in_o action_n that_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o if_o indiscretion_n be_v ill_a of_o itself_o conjoin_v to_o a_o bad_a thing_n it_o will_v doubtless_o be_v worse_o and_o will_v displease_v i_o more_o 10._o discretion_n be_v necessary_a as_o well_o for_o superior_n who_o govern_v other_o as_o for_o subject_n who_o be_v govern_v discretion_n which_o be_v the_o child_n of_o benevolence_n teach_v they_o to_o be_v love_v and_o benign_a father_n to_o be_v compassionate_a to_o their_o subject_n nor_o to_o impose_v heavy_a burden_n upon_o they_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o it_o teach_v the_o subject_n to_o reverence_v honour_n respect_n &_o obey_v their_o superior_n o_o how_o displease_v a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o i_o to_o see_v a_o subject_a indiscreet_a towards_o his_o superior_a indiscretion_n because_o it_o be_v crueltye_n daughter_n and_o hardness_n sister_n cause_v the_o subject_n to_o afflict_v his_o superior_a by_o show_v himself_o froward_a in_o obey_v and_o dissolute_a in_o discipline_n i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o many_o sigh_n and_o deep_a groan_n of_o the_o poor_a &_o afflict_a superior_n for_o their_o subject_n hardness_n of_o hart_n ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o shall_v have_v give_v the_o occasion_n the_o contempt_n that_o be_v do_v to_o superior_n be_v do_v to_o i_o and_o it_o appertain_v to_o i_o to_o examine_v and_o punish_v it_o of_o indifferency_n necessary_a for_o a_o religious_a man_n chap._n ix_o son_n thou_o have_v many_o a_o time_n and_o often_o hear_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o school_n of_o perfection_n &_o so_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o religion_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o labour_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o religious_a discipline_n the_o scholar_n that_o have_v begin_v to_o follow_v his_o book_n have_v no_o thing_n else_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o to_o learn_v to_o speak_v &_o write_v latin_n first_o &_o after_o to_o pass_v over_o to_o the_o high_a science_n as_o touch_v the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v come_v to_o his_o say_a end_n he_o say_v not_o i_o will_v imprint_v these_o rule_n in_o my_o mind_n i_o must_v be_v conversant_a in_o this_o book_n and_o read_v it_o over_o &_o over_o i_o must_v hear_v such_o a_o lesson_n but_o he_o be_v indifferent_a &_o submit_v himself_o whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o master_n to_o read_v or_o hear_v whatsoever_o shall_v to_o he_o seem_v good_a if_o a_o religious_a man_n do_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o school_n of_o religion_n he_o shall_v never_o write_v or_o read_v well_o but_o shall_v commit_v many_o error_n in_o religious_a discipline_n his_o only_a care_n must_v now_o be_v to_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n but_o about_o the_o mean_v proper_a to_o religion_n let_v he_o be_v indifferent_a and_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o superior_a whatsoever_o be_v in_o that_o kind_a to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o religious_a man_n be_v true_o indifferent_a who_o will_n put_v as_o it_o be_v in_o to_o a_o pair_n of_o scal_n weigh_v not_o more_o to_o one_o part_n or_o thing_n then_o to_o another_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v what_o the_o superior_a command_v 2._o indifferency_n be_v resignation_n daughter_n &_o this_o can_v be_v without_o that_o therefore_o the_o religious_a man_n who_o be_v not_o touch_v his_o own_o person_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o appertain_v unto_o he_o resign_v to_o my_o will_n &_o to_o that_o of_o his_o superior_n who_o supply_v my_o place_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v indifferent_a o_o how_o little_a be_v that_o religious_a in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o i_o who_o when_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o his_o superior_a command_v he_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v ready_a indeed_o to_o obey_v yet_o he_o have_v rather_o do_v this_o or_o that_o &_o if_o that_o be_v not_o yield_v unto_o he_o he_o complain_v or_o murmure_v and_o sometime_o also_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o be_v command_v he_o this_o be_v no_o indifferency_n nor_o resignation_n but_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contract_n he_o that_o in_o accept_v of_o obedience_n use_v this_o but_o have_v a_o meaning_n that_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v but_o very_o slender_o reward_v who_o say_v i_o will_v do_v it_o but_o i_o will_v or_o will_v declare_v that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o dead_a to_o himself_o nor_o have_v renounce_v his_o own_o will_n in_o the_o world_n when_o thou_o be_v thy_o own_o master_n in_o deal_v with_o i_o do_v thou_o not_o say_v i_o will_v or_o i_o will_v and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v not_o yet_o either_o leave_v the_o world_n or_o it_o have_v not_o leave_v thou_o this_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o to_o put_v one_o foot_n into_o two_o stirrup_n and_o to_o have_v a_o will_n to_o serve_v two_o master_n the_o world_n do_v not_o leave_v they_o who_o do_v not_o first_o forsake_v it_o 3._o lord_n if_o i_o be_v indifferent_a and_o ready_a to_o perform_v all_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v command_v i_o who_o shall_v prove_v that_o to_o i_o to_o be_v better_o for_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o quiet_n son_n if_o thou_o seek_v to_o do_v that_o whereunto_o thy_o own_o affection_n sway_v thou_o who_o may_v secure_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v more_o expedient_a for_o thy_o soul_n and_o for_o thy_o quiet_n the_o good_a of_o soul_n proceed_v from_o i_o and_o that_o i_o communicate_v to_o they_o who_o be_v conjoin_v with_o the_o superior_a who_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o govern_v from_o who_o if_o thou_o because_o thou_o be_v not_o indifferent_a shall_v separate_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v deprive_v thyself_o of_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o i_o be_o accustom_v to_o bestow_v upon_o the_o subject_n by_o help_n of_o the_o superior_n beside_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o obedience_n thou_o ought_v to_o judge_v and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v best_a that_o thy_o superior_a where_o no_o sin_n be_v shall_v ordain_v &_o if_o thou_o be_v indifferent_a thou_o be_v bind_v prompt_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o if_o any_o error_n hap_n to_o be_v commit_v it_o shall_v neither_o be_v thy_o nor_o impute_v unto_o thou_o neither_o shall_v thou_o loose_v any_o part_n of_o thy_o merit_n a_o good_a religious_a man_n examine_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v better_a or_o worse_o that_o be_v command_v but_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o he_o if_o it_o seem_v better_a to_o the_o superior_a 4._o some_o there_o be_v who_o can_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o

out_o of_o malice_n they_o bear_v unto_o thou_o &_o therefore_o thou_o need_v to_o be_v very_o vigilant_a and_o well_o arm_v against_o their_o assault_n neither_o must_v thou_o be_v over_o confident_a though_o thy_o flesh_n be_v tie_v by_o vow_n since_o it_o be_v so_o crafty_a &_o insolent_a that_o though_o it_o can_v break_v out_o by_o break_v the_o band_n which_o it_o ever_o labour_v to_o do_v yet_o after_o her_o old_a manner_n though_o she_o be_v never_o so_o fast_o bind_v she_o make_v stir_n &_o tumult_n hope_v thereby_o either_o to_o work_v she_o own_o liberty_n or_o to_o give_v some_o deadly_a wound_n to_o chastity_n her_o enemy_n neither_o be_v thou_o so_o confident_a that_o chastity_n because_o it_o have_v for_o a_o time_n seat_v itself_o within_o the_o castle_n of_o thy_o hart_n be_v therefore_o secure_a &_o out_o of_o danger_n for_o most_o strong_a fortification_n many_o time_n be_v surprise_v &_o take_v on_o a_o sudden_a &_o overmuch_o security_n it_o common_o hurtful_a because_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o sloth_n &_o carelessness_n 2._o the_o first_o danger_n imminent_a be_v of_o treason_n for_o see_v chastity_n be_v round_o beset_v with_o enemy_n bear_v domestical_a and_o forayne_a it_o may_v easy_o be_v betray_v and_o therefore_o the_o religious_a must_v stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n that_o his_o domestical_a enemy_n namely_o his_o flesh_n be_v not_o second_v and_o back_v by_o enemy_n from_o abroad_o son_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v entertain_v delicate_o with_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v at_o thy_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o think_v thou_o may_v preserve_v thy_o chastity_n unstayned_a against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o flesh_n thou_o be_v great_o deceive_v because_o by_o that_o thou_o effecte_v nothing_o but_o this_o that_o thou_o give_v weapon_n &_o arm_n unto_o the_o flesh_n and_o what_o marvel_v if_o it_o after_o rise_v against_o the_o spirit_n what_o marvel_v if_o it_o go_v about_o to_o break_v the_o band_n of_o vow_n and_o to_o thrust_v chastity_n out_o of_o her_o possession_n though_o she_o have_v long_o stay_v therein_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o flesh_n not_o to_o be_v wanton_a chastise_v it_o then_o with_o hard_a diet_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v chastity_n betray_v nor_o to_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o her_o house_n put_v a_o guard_n upon_o she_o fast_v and_o watch_v be_v two_o good_a keeper_n who_o do_v not_o only_o keep_v and_o defend_v she_o but_o do_v also_o spoil_v the_o enemy_n of_o their_o weapon_n that_o they_o may_v not_o rise_v against_o she_o the_o more_o thou_o flatter_v and_o favour_v thy_o flesh_n the_o more_o strong_o it_o fortify_v itself_o against_o chastity_n 3._o lord_n for_o the_o sustain_v of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o serve_v of_o thy_o divine_a majesty_n a_o man_n need_v meat_n drink_n and_o sleep_v and_o if_o the_o flesh_n wax_v thereby_o proud_a and_o rise_v against_o the_o spirit_n or_o chastity_n it_o be_v not_o our_o fault_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o end_n propose_v by_o us._n son_n i_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o entertain_v of_o life_n and_o the_o sustain_v of_o travayle_n and_o labour_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v direct_v to_o my_o service_n and_o glory_n be_v bless_v good_a and_o laudable_a but_o i_o only_o improve_v what_o be_v superfluous_a meat_n and_o drink_v not_o necessary_a but_o immoderate_a set_v the_o flesh_n concupiscence_n on_o fire_n and_o bring_v the_o chastity_n in_o danger_n who_o eat_v over_o much_o serve_v not_o i_o but_o his_o own_o appetite_n and_o desire_n those_o please_v i_o who_o eat_v that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o serve_v i_o and_o contrariwise_o they_o discontent_n i_o much_o who_o seem_v to_o live_v th●●_n they_o may_v eat_v many_o of_o my_o most_o dear_a servant_n do_v not_o so_o to_o who_o it_o be_v a_o pain_n to_o eat_v and_o a_o loathe_n to_o sleep_n and_o in_o these_o man_n chastity_n reign_v as_o in_o her_o own_o kingdom_n moderate_a diet_n profit_v body_n and_o soul_n &_o contrariwise_o excess_n hurt_v they_o both_o 4._o another_o danger_n grow_v from_o th●_n sense_n which_o because_o they_o be_v the_o gate_n o●_n the_o hart_n where_o chastity_n reside_v need_v a_o strong_a guard_n because_o both_o good_a and_o evil_n make_v their_o entrance_n thereby_o into_o the_o hart_n he_o that_o bath_n not_o a_o diligent_a and_o careful_a eye_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o his_o house_n shall_v oftentimes_o find_v something_o miss_v &_o take_v away_o or_o within_o it_o shall_v find_v something_o that_o ●he_n will_v not_o and_o will_v wish_v away_o for_o door_n be_v make_v that_o they_o may_v be_v shut_v and_o open_v they_o be_v shut_v against_o man_n unknown_a and_o that_o may_v do_v hurt_v they_o be_v open_v to_o man_n know_v &_o to_o friend_n who_o may_v help_v a_o religious_a man_n must_v not_o permit_v any_o one_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n of_o chastity_n without_o examine_v he_o first_o 5._o so_o do_v they_o in_o frontiere_a place_n and_o town_n of_o kingdom_n and_o there_o most_o of_o all_o where_o there_o be_v fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o treason_n from_o enemy_n where_o not_o only_o be_v examine_v those_o that_o desire_v to_o enter_v but_o their_o pack_n also_o letter_n and_o weapon_n be_v view_v and_o search_v that_o nothing_o hurtful_a be_v bring_v into_o the_o city_n and_o this_o vigilancy_n be_v not_o discommend_v but_o commend_v and_o yet_o this_o care_n and_o diligence_n oftentimes_o do_v not_o remedy_v all_o inconvenience_n since_o experience_n reach_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o watch_n and_o ward_n at_o the_o gate_n there_o be_v many_o treason_n commit_v wherefore_o then_o shall_v not_o a_o religious_a man_n stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n in_o keep_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o hart_n wherein_o he_o have_v all_o his_o good_a and_o whereon_o depend_v both_o his_o salvation_n and_o his_o eternal_a damnation_n who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o vigilancy_n and_o diligence_n be_v overmuch_o where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o enemy_n who_o keep_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o sense_n negligent_o shall_v find_v death_n enter_v into_o his_o house_n 6._o moreover_o to_o converse_v and_o keep_v company_n with_o lascivious_a person_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o chaste_a be_v to_o cast_v one_o self_n into_o a_o manifest_a danger_n of_o lose_v his_o chastity_n for_o as_o experience_n have_v teach_v more_o chaste_a person_n have_v be_v by_o the_o lascivious_a draw_v to_o intemperance_n then_o have_v lascivious_a be_v by_o the_o chaste_a induce_v to_o chastity_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n as_o after_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o integrity_n of_o life_n he_o be_v more_o prone_a to_o evil_n then_o to_o good_a and_o as_o the_o sick_a rather_o desit_v those_o thing_n that_o delight_v the_o taste_n then_o profit_v the_o health_n but_o if_o the_o conversation_n with_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n arise_v peradventure_o of_o a_o inordinate_a affection_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n imminent_a for_o if_o the_o only_a company_n with_o unchaste_a person_n be_v dangerous_a of_o how_o great_a danger_n will_v it_o be_v to_o keep_v company_n with_o carnal_a affection_n he_o that_o be_v provoke_v by_o the_o object_n from_o without_o and_o put_v forward_o by_o a_o affection_n from_o within_o soon_o fall_v though_o he_o be_v spiritual_a and_o therefore_o my_o servant_n who_o be_v in_o love_n with_o chastity_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o perceave_v themselves_o to_o be_v by_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n draw_v to_o dangerous_a company_n forthwith_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o chastity_n for_o he_o easy_o learn_v to_o halt_v who_o often_o converse_v and_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o halt_n 7._o the_o same_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o read_v of_o wanton_a book_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o chastity_n i_o know_v not_o how_o that_o religious_a man_n can_v be_v excuse_v who_o keep_v such_o a_o infection_n within_o his_o chamber_n poison_n though_o it_o be_v put_v into_o good_a and_o wholesome_a meat_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v poison_n or_o to_o kill_v they_o who_o take_v it_o even_o so_o unchaste_a matter_n whether_o express_v in_o picture_n or_o interlace_v in_o the_o book_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n do_v neither_o forgo_v the_o name_n of_o dishonesty_n nor_o cease_v to_o hurt_v the_o beholder_n reader_n or_o hearer_n and_o if_o unto_o secular_a man_n the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n can_v in_o good_a conscience_n be_v permit_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o religious_a that_o profess_v chastity_n what_o be_v read_v in_o book_n be_v reflect_v upon_o in_o hart_n &_o what_o be_v ruminate_v in_o mind_n be_v easy_o retain_v in_o the_o affection_n 8._o there_o be_v another_o enemy_n of_o chastity_n the_o more_o to_o be_v fear_v the_o more_o hardly_o he_o be_v

the_o mirror_n of_o religious_a perfection_n divide_v into_o four_o book_n write_a in_o italian_a by_o the_o r._n f._n lucas_n pinelli_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n and_o translate_v into_o english_a by_o a_o father_n of_o the_o same_o society_n ihs_n psalm_n 138._o verse_n 15._o imperfectum_fw-la meum_fw-la viderunt_fw-la oculi_fw-la tui_fw-la permissu_fw-la superiorum_fw-la m.dc.xviii_o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a and_o religious_a lady_n barbara_n wiseman_n abbess_n of_o the_o english_a monastery_n of_o zion_n in_o lisbon_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n brigit_fw-la and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o religious_a sister_n of_o that_o holy_a house_n and_o family_n right_o reverend_a lady_n and_o religious_a sister_n do_v not_o the_o abundance_n of_o my_o respectful_a affection_n to_o your_o holy_a house_n and_o family_n overcome_v the_o distance_n of_o place_n or_o my_o small_a acquaintance_n i_o shall_v not_o commend_v this_o little_a treatise_n of_o religious_a perfection_n to_o a_o patronage_n so_o far_o remote_a from_o our_o native_a country_n but_o rather_o seek_v a_o protector_n near_a home_n but_o see_v so_o much_o land_n as_o lie_v between_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o fame_n of_o your_o virtuous_a example_n &_o austere_a life_n from_o pass_v into_o these_o part_n so_o neither_o shall_v the_o sea_n drown_v my_o desire_n of_o your_o continual_a progress_n nor_o stay_v they_o from_o adventure_v with_o this_o present_n to_o make_v they_o know_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o religious_a mirror_n you_o may_v behold_v rare_a virtue_n and_o according_o draw_v in_o yourselves_o the_o form_n of_o high_a perfection_n here_o shall_v you_o find_v whatsoever_o may_v help_v to_o the_o spiritual_a advancement_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o by_o read_v attentive_o reap_v condign_a fruit_n of_o your_o devout_a labour_n the_o method_n be_v easy_a the_o style_n plain_a the_o treasure_n thereof_o infinite_o rich_a and_o the_o author_n well_o know_v through_o the_o world_n by_o his_o worthy_a treatise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n whereof_o this_o one_o may_v seem_v by_o god_n special_a providence_n appoint_v for_o fuel_n to_o increase_v the_o fire_n of_o devotion_n in_o your_o breast_n thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o heart_n of_o many_o worthy_a personage_n to_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o your_o example_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v your_o ladyship_n nor_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o virtuous_a family_n with_o a_o long_a epistle_n but_o end_n with_o many_o hearty_a wish_n of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o your_o soul_n by_o this_o resplendent_a mirror_n and_o of_o happiness_n to_o our_o afflict_a country_n by_o your_o return_n to_o your_o ancient_n zion_n now_o forlorn_a and_o desolate_a by_o your_o absence_n at_o least_o that_o i_o may_v meet_v with_o you_o in_o the_o heavenly_a zion_n with_o all_o respectfullnes_n i_o crave_v your_o holy_a prayer_n this_o feast_n of_o the_o glorious_a virgin_n saint_n brigit_fw-la rest_v ever_o your_o lafoy_n devote_a servant_n i._n vv._n the_o preface_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o religious_a servant_n of_o god_n it_o be_v my_o intention_n religious_a reader_n in_o a_o simple_a and_o perspicuous_a stile_n to_o write_v a_o treatise_n no_o like_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v entitle_v the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n compose_v by_o that_o learned_a and_o religious_a servant_n of_o god_n thomas_n à_fw-fr kempis_n but_o yet_o very_o fit_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o religious_a person_n wherein_o certain_a wholesome_a admonition_n and_o document_n be_v by_o christ_n our_o lord_n prescribe_v unto_o every_o religious_a person_n as_o well_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o defect_n as_o the_o attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n of_o spiritual_a life_n whereunto_o by_o obligation_n of_o his_o vocation_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o aspire_v this_o little_a work_n of_o i_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v compile_v it_o by_o god_n assist_v hand_n so_o have_v i_o think_v good_a to_o dedicate_v the_o same_o to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o incite_v &_o stir_v up_o to_o the_o read_n thereof_o and_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v already_o extant_a no_o small_a store_n of_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o i_o trust_v this_o of_o i_o will_v be_v neither_o unprofitable_a nor_o unpleasant_a and_o as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o and_o the_o same_o gust_n of_o all_o in_o read_v and_o handle_v such_o spiritual_a affair_n so_o be_v it_o convenient_a that_o oftentimes_o the_o same_o matter_n be_v handle_v diverse_a and_o sundry_a way_n that_o thereby_o every_o one_o may_v read_v and_o affect_v what_o shall_v best_o agree_v with_o his_o taste_n almighty_a god_n vouchsafe_v of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o communicate_v unto_o we_o all_o so_o much_o of_o his_o grace_n as_o both_o by_o this_o and_o other_o spiritual_a treatise_n we_o may_v reap_v that_o fruit_n which_o may_v preserve_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o from_o all_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o amen_n the_o table_n of_o chapter_n the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o end_n which_o god_n require_v of_o those_o who_o he_o call_v to_o religion_n ch●p_n 1._o pag_n 1._o chap._n 2._o wherein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o love_n and_o serve_v of_o god_n whereunto_o a_o religious_a person_n be_v bind_v and_o what_o god_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n pag._n 6._o chap._n 3._o that_o a_o religious_a person_n ought_v to_o make_v great_a reckon_n of_o his_o vocation_n pag._n 12._o chap._n 4._o how_o great_o a_o religious_a man_n offend_v god_n who_o make_v light_a reckon_n of_o his_o vocation_n and_o religion_n pag._n 20._o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o tentation_n and_o danger_n of_o leave_v one_o vocation_n pag._n 27._o chap._n 6._o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o religious_a man_n to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o religion_n but_o he_o must_v earnest_o labour_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o vocation_n pag._n 34._o chap._n 7._o that_o a_o religious_a man_n must_v attend_v and_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o his_o own_o religion_n and_o not_o of_o another_o pag._n 39_o chap._n 8._o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a religious_a man_n pag._n 45._o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o inward_a defect_n that_o be_v impediment_n to_o religious_a perfection_n pag._n 53._o chap._n 10._o of_o other_o outward_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n that_o be_v impediment_n to_o perfection_n p_o 58._o chap._n 11._o how_o perfection_n be_v final_o to_o be_v attain_v pag._n 65._o chap._n 12._o of_o the_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o accompayn_v a_o religious_a man_n that_o attend_v to_o perfection_n pag_n 71._o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o great_a pain_n and_o misery_n that_o religious_a man_n do_v suffer_v who_o forsake_v and_o leave_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n pag._n 76._o chap._n 14._o that_o a_o religious_a man_n ought_v with_o great_a confidence_n to_o labour_v to_o the_o attain_v of_o perfection_n pag._n 81_o chap._n 15._o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n shall_v divert_v a_o religious_a man_n from_o pursue_v after_o persection_n and_o get_v thereof_o pag._n 87._o chap._n 16._o that_o a_o good_a religious_a man_n must_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o perfection_n but_o must_v labour_v &_o aspire_v to_o a_o great_a p._n 96._o chap._n 17._o that_o a_o religious_a man_n must_v conserve_v and_o keep_v the_o perfection_n he_o have_v get_v and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o keep_v it_o pag._n 103._o the_o second_o book_n chap._n 1._o of_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o three_o vow_n that_o be_v make_v by_o religious_a person_n p._n 109._o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o utility_n and_o profit_n that_o vow●_n bring_v and_o cause_n to_o religious_a person_n pag._n 114._o chap._n 3._o how_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n the_o three_o vow_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v p._n 121._o chap._n 4._o how_o convenient_a it_o be_v that_o religious_a man_n bound_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o three_o vow_n p._n 127._o chap._n 5._o how_o religious_a perfection_n consist_v ●n_v the_o three_o vow_n pag._n 134._o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o perfect_a observation_n of_o religious_a vow_n pag._n 142._o chap._n 7._o of_o the_o three_o vow_n in_o particular_a and_o first_o of_o the_o vow_n of_o poverty_n how_o agreeable_a and_o requisite_a it_o be_v that_o religious_a be_v lover_n thereof_o p._n 150_o chap._n 8._o of_o the_o dignity_n and_o commendation_n ●f_o religious_a poverty_n pag._n 158._o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o utility_n and_o profit_n that_o voluntary_a poverty_n bring_v to_o the_o religious_a pag._n 164._o chap._n 10._o how_o god_n even_o in_o this_o life_n reward_v the_o religious_a for_o their_o vow_n of_o poverty_n p._n 171._o chap._n 11._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o observe_n ●he_v vow_n of_o poverty_n pag._n 179._o chap._n 12._o

who_o know_v not_o the_o way_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o excuse_n but_o if_o one_o illuminate_v &_o by_o long_a instruction_n intelligent_a of_o the_o spiritual_a way_n as_o the_o religious_a be_v shall_v stray_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n and_o by_o inconstancy_n forsake_v his_o former_a state_n what_o excuse_n can_v he_o pretend_v for_o himself_o for_o it_o can_v be_v any_o just_a excuse_n that_o he_o complain_v that_o he_o can_v be_v at_o quiet_a in_o religion_n and_o in_o conclusion_n be_v afraid_a of_o the_o perdition_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o much_o as_o by_o this_o pretext_n he_o seek_v to_o cover_v and_o conceal_v his_o own_o inconstancy_n but_o he_o labour_v in_o vain_a since_o he_o be_v unquiet_a for_o none_o other_o reason_n then_o for_o that_o he_o have_v a_o will_n to_o be_v unquiet_a 3._o o_o how_o much_o be_v this_o poor_a man_n deceive_v think_v that_o he_o shall_v find_v more_o quiet_a in_o the_o world_n than_o he_o have_v in_o religion_n as_o though_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o trouble_n &_o cross_n nor_o grievous_a sin_n commit_v or_o that_o in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v more_o excellent_a remedye_n and_o mean_n for_o procure_v of_o quiet_a and_o of_o the_o soul_n good_a then_o there_o be_v in_o religion_n it_o be_v nothing_o so_o my_o son_n but_o these_o be_v mere_a fancy_n of_o thy_o and_o own_o jangling_n and_o decyet_n of_o the_o enemy_n he_o that_o aspire_v to_o quiet_a and_o constancy_n in_o his_o vocation_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a pledge_n of_o salvation_n must_v be_v humble_a a_o humble_a man_n if_o any_o thing_n happen_v hard_a or_o heavy_a unto_o he_o say_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o religious_a man_n neither_o be_v he_o trouble_v because_o he_o think_v himself_o worthy_a to_o suffer_v more_o incommoditye_n than_o he_o do_v perseverance_n also_o depend_v on_o patience_n which_o be_v the_o elder_a sister_n without_o which_o perseverance_n can_v stand_v for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o patience_n in_o suffer_a adversity_n perseverance_n eftsoon_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n since_o it_o consist_v in_o endure_a trouble_n pain_n travel_n &_o misery_n until_o the_o life_n end_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o perseverance_n crow_v the_o work_n because_o it_o communicate_v unto_o they_o their_o last_o perfection_n for_o that_o without_o it_o they_o shall_v be_v imperfect_a for_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o do_v good_a but_o he_o who_o persever_v in_o good_a neither_o be_v a_o reward_n grant_v to_o he_o who_o work_v well_o but_o to_o he_o who_o persi_v in_o do_v good_a until_o the_o very_a end_n many_o begin_v well_o but_o all_o do_v not_o end_v well_o 4._o some_o forbear_v to_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n because_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n for_o when_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o pain_n be_v a_o sore_a thing_n and_o very_o hard_a &_o which_o they_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o a_o way_n with_o they_o cast_v down_o their_o burden_n who_o when_o they_o may_v &_o be_v of_o power_n to_o overcome_v be_v nevertheless_o overcome_v and_o overthrow_v by_o their_o inconstancy_n but_o perseverance_n temper_v this_o fear_n and_o animate_v a_o man_n to_o persist_v manful_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a work_n as_o much_o as_o be_v requisite_a son_n if_o thou_o desire_v to_o wear_v the_o crown_n of_o pursue_v rance_n thou_o must_v shun_v two_o extreme_n thereunto_o contrary_a the_o one_o be_v call_v niceness_n and_o ease_n which_o easy_o yield_v and_o turn_v the_o back_n for_o some_o difficultye_n that_o occur_v and_o present_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n the_o other_o be_v a_o pertinacy_n and_o will_v that_o adher_v over_o much_o to_o it_o own_o judgement_n but_o perseverance_n that_o keep_v the_o mean_a neither_o permit_v the_o good_a work_n once_o begone_v to_o be_v hinder_v by_o any_o difficulty_n nor_o to_o be_v put_v off_o or_o differ_v long_o than_o reason_n require_v 5._o lord_n i_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o perseverance_n in_o good_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o gift_n and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v have_v but_o by_o thy_o benefit_n and_o that_o thou_o give_v it_o where_o and_o to_o who_o it_o best_o please_v thou_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o they_o seem_v free_a from_o all_o fault_n as_o many_o as_o persevere_v not_o in_o a_o good_a work_n begin_v since_o they_o may_v for_o excuse_n of_o themselves_o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n son_n it_o be_v true_a that_o perseverance_n in_o good_a work_n be_v my_o gift_n but_o yet_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o persevere_v in_o good_a as_o in_o a_o thing_n necessary_a for_o thy_o soul_n health_n and_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o own_o power_n to_o go_v against_o that_o purpose_n of_o thou_o or_o also_o with_o the_o help_n of_o my_o grace_n to_o keep_v and_o continue_v it_o neither_o though_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n come_v from_o i_o ought_v thou_o therefore_o to_o be_v dismay_v do_v thou_o thy_o own_o part_n manful_o and_o i_o will_v discharge_v i_o in_o assist_v thou_o with_o my_o grace_n where_o need_n be_v 6._o tell_v i_o now_o my_o son_n what_o there_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o may_v make_v thou_o afraid_a of_o not_o persevere_v be_v they_o perhaps_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n that_o be_v in_o religion_n or_o because_o all_o necessarye_n of_o body_n be_v not_o competent_o afford_v thou_o but_o neither_o these_o nor_o all_o thing_n else_o can_v give_v a_o religious_a man_n just_a cause_n of_o give_v over_o his_o good_a purpose_n i_o do_v myself_o from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o my_o come_n into_o the_o world_n till_o my_o go_v out_o of_o it_o again_o suffer_v many_o and_o great_a incommoditye_n and_o my_o labour_n and_o pain_n still_o increase_v with_o my_o year_n and_o if_o i_o move_v out_o of_o my_o love_n to_o thou_o persist_v in_o carry_v my_o cross_n of_o pain_n and_o toil_a till_o my_o death_n why_o shall_v not_o thou_o for_o the_o love_n of_o i_o persevere_v in_o good_a which_o by_o my_o special_a inspiration_n thou_o have_v choose_v why_o shall_v thou_o without_o cause_n abandon_v that_o whereunto_o thou_o have_v voluntary_o tie_v thyself_o 7._o consider_v son_n what_o sentence_n be_v pronounce_v touch_v this_o that_o salvation_n be_v promise_v not_o to_o the_o beginner_n but_o to_o the_o perseverant_fw-la till_o death_n consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v already_o define_v that_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o after_o his_o hand_n once_o put_v to_o the_o plough_n look_v behind_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o devil_n enter_v together_o with_o thy_o will_n that_o he_o may_v afterward_o bring_v thou_o out_o with_o his_o own_o he_o pretend_v the_o yoke_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v heavy_a that_o he_o may_v make_v thou_o to_o become_v a_o apostata_fw-la and_o a_o fugitive_n of_o his_o camp_n it_o be_v not_o grievous_a that_o be_v endure_v for_o the_o love_n of_o i_o and_o though_o thou_o may_v pass_v over_o this_o life_n without_o pain_n and_o cross_n yet_o that_o manner_n of_o life_n shall_v not_o content_v thou_o because_o i_o thy_o lord_n do_v ever_o live_v in_o travail_n and_o carry_v of_o my_o cross_n 8._o he_o that_o persever_v not_o in_o good_a work_n iniur_v i_o because_o i_o have_v inspire_v those_o good_a work_n he_o that_o without_o just_a cause_n neglect_v to_o persevere_v in_o the_o state_n that_o i_o have_v assign_v he_o do_v a_o work_n please_v to_o the_o devil_n because_o he_o resemble_v himself_o to_o he_o who_o from_o a_o angel_n state_n fall_v down_o to_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n he_o that_o by_o inconstancy_n give_v over_o the_o good_a begin_v overthrow_v his_o own_o deed_n and_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n better_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o book_n the_o four_o book_n of_o religious_a perfection_n wherein_o be_v treat_v touch_v the_o spiritual_a action_n of_o a_o religious_a man_n whereby_o may_v be_v understand_v what_o progress_n and_o profit_n he_o have_v make_v in_o the_o purchase_n of_o perfection_n how_o a_o religious_a man_n must_v not_o take_v it_o ill_o though_o he_o be_v contemn_v of_o other_o chap._n i._n son_n why_o be_v thou_o so_o much_o afflict_v and_o trouble_v when_o thou_o perceive_v other_o to_o have_v little_a regard_n of_o thou_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o so_o earnest_o seek_v after_o honour_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o great_a name_n be_v thou_o enter_v into_o religion_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v esteem_v of_o other_o or_o rather_o that_o thou_o may_v with_o more_o security_n come_v to_o life_n eveerlasting_a have_v thou_o renounce_v the_o world_n for_o the_o please_a of_o man_n or_o that_o