the_o treasure_n of_o vow_a chastity_n in_o secular_a person_n also_o the_o widow_n glass_n write_v by_o the_o rr._n father_n leonard_n lessius_fw-la and_o fuluius_n androtius_n both_o of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o i._n w._n p._n permissu_fw-la superiorum_fw-la 1621._o to_o the_o honourable_a and_o right_a virtuous_a gentlewoman_n mrs_n anne_z vaux_z honourable_a and_o right_o worthy_a the_o constant_a report_n of_o your_o virtuous_a life_n in_o the_o state_n whereof_o this_o little_a book_n entreat_v have_v invite_v i_o to_o entitle_v the_o same_o unto_o your_o name_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v write_v for_o the_o profit_n of_o all_o in_o general_a who_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n to_o embrace_v the_o state_n of_o vow_a chastity_n and_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n among_o secular_a person_n if_o the_o subject_n seem_v new_a or_o strange_a to_o any_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o have_v attentive_o read_v &_o consider_v the_o several_a passage_n therein_o they_o will_v remain_v abundant_o satisfy_v for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o author_n intention_n who_o be_v know_v to_o be_v famous_a both_o for_o learning_n and_o piety_n thereby_o to_o derogate_v from_o other_o stats_n of_o life_n but_o rather_o by_o show_v the_o good_a &_o commodity_n which_o may_v proceed_v by_o embrace_v of_o this_o those_o that_o be_v more_o perfect_a in_o themselves_o may_v hereby_o be_v the_o more_o honour_a and_o reverence_v of_o all_o neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o propose_v in_o this_o ensew_a discourse_n which_o have_v not_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o person_n of_o both_o sex_n &_o for_o that_o cause_n so_o much_o admire_v and_o extol_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o those_o day_n howsoever_o the_o same_o may_v seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v in_o some_o late_a age_n so_o much_o in_o use_n and_o therefore_o think_v now_o behooveful_a to_o be_v again_o renew_v to_o our_o 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you_o to_o present_v in_o my_o name_n to_o your_o two_o most_o worthy_a sister_n who_o for_o the_o long_a constant_a &_o most_o exemplar_n profession_n of_o that_o noble_a and_o worthy_a state_n of_o chaste_a widowhood_n may_v seem_v to_o claim_v a_o just_a title_n thereunto_o but_o i_o deem_v not_o my_o labour_n in_o translate_n it_o worthy_a to_o be_v present_v to_o so_o honourable_a matron_n in_o a_o dedicatory_a a_o part_n not_o doubt_v but_o the_o same_o will_v be_v more_o grateful_a come_v through_o your_o hand_n who_o be_v so_o near_o a_o kin_n unto_o they_o both_o by_o nature_n &_o grace_n see_v virginity_n and_o widowhood_n have_v ever_o be_v account_v sister_n and_o betroth_v to_o the_o same_o eternal_a spouse_n christ_n jesus_n accept_v then_o right_a worthy_a gentlewoman_n these_o few_o sheet_n of_o paper_n by_o i_o translate_v out_o of_o latin_a as_o a_o future_a earnest_n of_o some_o better_a gift_n wherewith_o i_o intend_v to_o present_v you_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n among_o the_o many_o of_o your_o pious_a and_o devout_a exercise_n forget_v he_o not_o who_o will_v ever_o remain_v your_o devote_a servant_n i._n w._n the_o good_a and_o commodity_n of_o the_o state_n of_o life_n which_o some_o profess_v live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o vow_v chastity_n there_o be_v not_o want_v in_o these_o our_o day_n among_o secular_a person_n very_o many_o as_o well_o widow_n as_o virgin_n who_o aspire_a to_o perfection_n have_v a_o desire_n as_o far_o as_o they_o may_v convenient_o to_o sequester_v themselves_o from_o the_o trouble_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o the_o world_n thereby_o to_o employ_v their_o mind_n more_o free_o and_o secur_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o who_o notwithstanding_o to_o live_v in_o monasterye_n either_o it_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a or_o else_o ground_v upon_o sufficient_a reason_n they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o resolve_v for_o the_o way_n &_o manner_n of_o serve_a god_n be_v diverse_a &_o those_o who_o can_v aspire_v to_o the_o high_a &_o most_o perfect_a be_v not_o therefore_o constrain_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o mean_a &_o least_o noble_a wherefore_o many_o there_o be_v who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n reject_v the_o vanity_n of_o rich_a and_o costly_a apparel_n and_o take_v a_o plain_a &_o simple_a habit_n consecrate_v their_o virginity_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o avoid_v the_o conversation_n of_o secular_a person_n as_o much_o as_o they_o may_v do_v employ_v themselves_o whole_o in_o the_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o devotion_n yet_o nevertheless_o because_o there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o who_o i_o know_v not_o out_o of_o what_o zeal_n carp_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o such_o manner_n of_o life_n i_o be_o for_o this_o respect_n win_v at_o the_o entreaty_n of_o a_o special_a friend_n to_o declare_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a father_n in_o what_o degree_n such_o kind_n of_o life_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o who_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o much_o pertain_v to_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n i_o have_v purpose_v to_o handle_v it_o in_o eight_o little_a chapter_n follow_v where_o in_o the_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n that_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v pious_a and_o laudable_a in_o the_o second_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o example_n out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n in_o the_o three_o the_o same_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o authoritye_n of_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o four_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o theological_a argument_n in_o the_o five_o the_o same_o be_v also_o confirm_v out_o of_o the_o good_a &_o commodity_n which_o ensue_v of_o chastity_n the_o six_o contain_v a_o solution_n to_o certain_a objection_n make_v concern_v the_o merit_n of_o marriage_n &_o chastity_n the_o seven_o set_v down_o certain_a admonition_n &_o advice_n to_o be_v exact_o follow_v in_o this_o estate_n the_o eight_o sheweth_z that_o this_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o call_v a_o estate_n chap._n i._n wherein_o it_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n wherein_o some_o man_n or_o woman_n live_v in_o the_o world_n leave_v of_o costly_a apparel_n &_o use_v plain_a and_o modest_a attire_n do_v vow_v chastity_n be_v laudable_a and_o meritorious_a before_o god_n there_o be_v many_o in_o this_o age_n who_o use_v over_o much_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n disallow_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n yet_o by_o what_o reason_n or_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v move_v so_o to_o do_v beside_o those_o which_o jovinian_a the_o ancient_a heretic_n &_o those_o also_o of_o his_o coat_n even_o in_o these_o time_n have_v allege_v i_o can_v imagine_v neither_o do_v i_o think_v they_o have_v any_o other_o unless_o perhaps_o they_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n which_o this_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v subject_a unto_o &_o be_v terrify_v with_o more_o danger_n of_o live_v chaste_a in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o may_v think_v it_o more_o secure_a to_o vow_v chastity_n in_o the_o one_o then_o in_o the_o other_o but_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o state_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o commendable_a and_o of_o great_a merit_n before_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o same_o practise_v not_o only_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n but_o also_o of_o youth_n itself_o this_o be_v evident_o convince_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o our_o lord_n himself_o matth._n 9_o do_v open_o commend_v this_o institution_n for_o first_o when_o the_o apostl_n hear_v the_o speech_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n concern_v marriage_n answer_v si_fw-mi ita_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o such_o be_v
demetriades_n be_v grant_v they_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o virginity_n s._n philip_n the_o apostle_n before_o his_o apostleship_n bring_v up_o three_o daughter_n also_o whereof_o two_o remain_v virgin_n till_o they_o be_v very_o old_a as_o polycrates_n in_o s._n hierome_n report_v de_fw-fr scrip._n ecclesiast_n in_o polycrate_n s._n petronilla_n daughter_n s_o peter_n vow_v virginity_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o obtain_v sudden_a death_n from_o almighty_a god_n s._n tecla_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n paul_n embrace_v the_o same_o as_o s._n ambrose_n witness_v in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o virgin_n s._n iphigenia_n daughter_n to_o the_o king_n of_o ethiopia_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o s._n matthew_n as_o abdias_n write_v in_o her_o life_n flavia_n domitilla_n daughter_n to_o clemens_n the_o consul_n &_o s._n peter_n host_n at_o rome_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n clement_n as_o s._n bede_n witness_v in_o his_o martyrologe_n the_o 7._o of_o may_n or_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o his_o life_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o nereus_n and_o achilleus_n s._n valeria_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n martialis_n as_o appear_v out_o of_o his_o epistle_n add_v tholosanos_n chap._n 8._o s._n pudentiana_n &_o her_o sister_n praxedes_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n final_o s._n anatolia_n apollonia_n balbina_n barbara_n pelagia_n catherina_n caecilia_n agatha_n agnes_n lucia_n basilla_n christina_n dorothea_n emerentiana_n prisca_n euphemia_n saturnina_n susanna_n victoria_n theodora_n and_o innumerable_a other_o continue_v virgin_n in_o the_o world_n even_o to_o their_o death_n and_o honour_v their_o virginity_n with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n moreover_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o s._n cyprian_n s._n ambrose_n &_o s._n hierome_n with_o other_o holy_a father_n that_o there_o be_v in_o those_o age_n infinite_a who_o consecrate_v their_o virginity_n to_o almighty_a god_n although_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o monastery_n but_o dwell_v either_o in_o their_o parent_n house_n or_o in_o their_o own_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o proper_a good_n or_o else_o live_v many_o together_o in_o common_a the_o same_o appear_v also_o out_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o faustus_n manichaeus_n in_o s._n augustine_n in_o his_o 30._o book_n against_o faustus_n the_o 4._o chap._n where_o faustus_n thus_o object_v necvidetis_fw-la hinc_fw-la etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v you_o see_v here_o both_o your_o virgin_n to_o be_v note_v of_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o yourselves_o to_o become_v his_o prelate_n who_o contentious_o always_o incite_v they_o to_o this_o profession_n by_o your_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v almost_o now_o in_o your_o church_n a_o great_a number_n of_o virgin_n then_o of_o marry_a woman_n by_o which_o speech_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o bishop_n &_o prelate_n every_o where_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v earnest_o incite_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o virginity_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o do_v public_o profess_v virginity_n be_v as_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v marry_v see_v s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o 30._o book_n of_o virgin_n where_o he_o show_v the_o same_o most_o evident_o among_o these_o also_o many_o be_v very_o eminent_a and_o wealthy_a as_o the_o daughter_n of_o senator_n and_o prince_n and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v wait_v woman_n to_o follow_v they_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o as_o it_o appear_v out_o of_o s._n hierome_n in_o his_o 8._o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n where_o he_o also_o warn_v such_o mistress_n that_o as_o they_o themselves_o go_v modest_o in_o their_o apparel_n so_o they_o shall_v cause_v their_o woman_n of_o attendance_n also_o to_o avoid_v vanity_n in_o their_o attire_n &_o see_v that_o their_o habit_n be_v modest_a and_o grave_a beside_o many_o father_n have_v write_v of_o the_o attire_n and_o discipline_n of_o virgin_n as_o tertullian_n s._n cyprian_n s._n ambrose_n s._n hierome_n in_o diverse_a place_n of_o their_o work_n all_o which_o they_o direct_v special_o unto_o such_o as_o live_v out_o of_o monasterye_n at_o their_o own_o government_n embrace_v virginity_n and_o the_o say_v holy_a father_n do_v warn_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v see_v in_o public_a without_o veil_n and_o civil_o accompany_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o use_v secular_a ornament_n that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o paint_v and_o vanity_n in_o their_o clothes_n that_o they_o shall_v avoid_v unprofitable_a meeting_n marriage_n and_o banquet_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v their_o alm_n with_o a_o pure_a intention_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o orphan_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o distress_n all_o which_o thing_n it_o be_v manifest_a do_v belong_v to_o such_o as_o be_v at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o retain_v their_o proper_a substance_n neither_o have_v we_o only_a example_n of_o chastity_n in_o single_a or_o unmarried_a folk_n but_o also_o even_o in_o those_o themselves_n which_o be_v marry_v which_o to_o avoid_v tediousness_n i_o omit_v see_v marulus_n in_o his_o 4._o book_n the_o 7._o and_o 8._o chap._n fulgosus_n in_o the_o 4._o chap._n ignat._v in_o his_o 6._o book_n out_o of_o which_o it_o appear_v evident_o that_o this_o institution_n of_o embrace_v &_o profess_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v most_o frequent_a and_o usual_a ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o very_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a chap._n iii_o the_o same_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a father_n mervailous_n be_v the_o commendation_n which_o holy_a father_n give_v to_o this_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v no_o less_o refer_v to_o such_o as_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o those_o which_o profess_v it_o in_o monasterye_n s._n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la tharsenses_n call_v virgin_n so_o vow_v unto_o god_n the_o priest_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o offer_v their_o body_n to_o god_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n eas_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o virginitate_fw-la degunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n account_v say_v he_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o state_n of_o virginity_n as_o priest_n of_o christ._n s._n athanasius_n in_o his_o little_a work_n of_o virginity_n about_o the_o end_n say_v magna_fw-la virtus_fw-la continentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n continency_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n purity_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v boast_v of_o great_a be_v the_o praise_n of_o virgin_n o_o virginity_n treasure_n inconsumable_a garland_n never_o to_o be_v wither_v temple_n of_o almighty_a god_n house_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n margarite_n most_o precious_a overcom_a of_o death_n &_o hell_n life_n of_o angel_n crown_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n s._n cyprian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o habit_n and_o discipline_n of_o virgin_n nunc_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la virgin_n sermo_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n now_o speak_v we_o of_o virgin_n say_v he_o of_o who_o by_o how_o much_o their_o glory_n be_v the_o more_o eminent_a by_o so_o much_o their_o care_n be_v the_o great_a this_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o ecclesiastical_a bud_n the_o ornament_n and_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n itself_o the_o hopeful_a towardness_n of_o praise_n and_o honour_n a_o work_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a the_o image_n of_o god_n correspondent_a to_o the_o sanctimony_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o more_o beautiful_a part_n of_o christ_n his_o flock_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o si_fw-mi praemium_fw-la pollicitationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o promise_n thou_o will_v count_v thy_o labour_n little_a immortality_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o persever_v perpetual_a liâ—e_z be_v propose_v a_o reward_n our_o lord_n promise_v a_o kingdom_n preserve_v you_o virgin_n preserve_v that_o which_o you_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v preserve_v that_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v for_o great_a be_v the_o reward_n provide_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n that_o which_o we_o must_v be_v hereafter_o you_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v already_o you_o possess_v in_o present_a the_o glory_n of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v you_o pass_v through_o the_o time_n without_o take_v infection_n from_o they_o as_o long_o as_o you_o persevere_v in_o chastity_n and_o virginity_n you_o be_v equal_a even_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n solid_a and_o untouched_a virginity_n only_o endure_v only_o last_v for_o ever_o the_o first_o precept_n s._n cyprian_n go_v still_o on_o of_o almighty_a god_n command_v to_o increase_v and_o generate_v the_o second_o persuade_v contynency_n whilst_o the_o world_n be_v rude_a &_o unpeople_v by_o our_o fertility_n by_o generation_n we_o be_v multiply_v &_o grow_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o mankind_n but_o now_o when_o the_o world_n be_v people_v and_o fill_v those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o chastity_n be_v make_v eunuch_n spiritual_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o
accompany_v with_o joy_n everlasting_a these_o &_o many_o other_o thing_n holy_a father_n have_v write_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o virginity_n by_o which_o the_o excellency_n &_o worth_n thereof_o may_v be_v good_a know_v and_o esteem_v no_o one_o virtue_n or_o estate_n of_o life_n be_v commend_v with_o so_o great_a affection_n &_o consent_v of_o holy_a father_n as_o this_o hereupon_o especial_o in_o former_a age_n a_o infinite_a multitude_n have_v embrace_v it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o 3._o book_n of_o virgin_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o eastern_a &_o african_a church_n there_o be_v more_o virgin_n consecrate_v to_o almighty_a god_n than_o we_o have_v man_n bear_v in_o our_o part_n here_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o mankind_n be_v not_o thereby_o diminish_v but_o increase_v if_o any_o one_o quoth_v he_o imagine_v that_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v diminish_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o virgin_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o where_o there_o be_v few_o virgin_n there_o be_v also_o the_o few_o person_n and_o where_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v more_o frequent_a who_o be_v lover_n and_o imbracer_n of_o virginity_n there_o also_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v more_o great_a consider_v how_o many_o alexandria_n &_o all_o the_o eastern_a part_n with_o the_o church_n also_o of_o africa_n be_v wont_n every_o year_n to_o consecrate_v few_o man_n be_v here_o beget_v then_o there_o virgin_n consecrate_v the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v overcome_v with_o liberality_n but_o if_o the_o parent_n offer_v he_o a_o child_n or_o two_o he_o render_v they_o eight_o or_o ten_o grant_v fruitefullnes_n and_o fortunate_a child-bearing_a to_o such_o as_o be_v mother_n and_o fill_v their_o house_n with_o his_o blessing_n therefore_o even_o as_o faithful_a pay_v of_o tithe_n &_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a bring_v not_o poverty_n since_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n prosper_v and_o increase_v our_o substance_n &_o make_v our_o field_n the_o more_o fruitful_a as_o s._n hierome_n teach_v serm._n 219._o de_fw-fr tempore_fw-la so_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o virginity_n hinder_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o waste_v the_o number_n of_o secular_a person_n but_o obteyn_v it_o a_o long_a benediction_n chap._n four_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v also_o by_o reason_n the_o error_n of_o jovinian_a be_v that_o virginity_n do_v not_o excel_v marriage_n which_o he_o mean_v by_o virginity_n take_v absolute_o and_o general_o whether_o it_o be_v profess_v by_o person_n live_v in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o religion_n he_o therefore_o who_o confess_v that_o virginity_n profess_v in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o marriage_n but_o not_o that_o which_o be_v embrace_v in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o least_o half_a a_o jovinianist_n because_o he_o be_v half_a of_o his_o opinion_n nay_o rather_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o real_o a_o jovinianist_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o virginity_n be_v of_o it_o own_o nature_n better_o they_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o whole_a error_n of_o jovinian_a about_o this_o matter_n consist_v for_o if_o of_o it_o own_o proper_a nature_n it_o be_v better_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o same_o be_v also_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v better_o see_v s._n augustine_n cap._n 28._o add_v quod-vult-deum_a and_o s._n jerome_n in_o his_o 10._o book_n against_o the_o same_o jovinian_a etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v not_o laudable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o vow_v virginity_n live_v in_o the_o world_n either_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o keep_v their_o vow_n in_o that_o estate_n or_o else_o because_o chastity_n be_v not_o better_a than_o marriag_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v not_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v a_o heresy_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o these_o our_o day_n who_o for_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v unless_o the_o person_n know_v that_o he_o be_v peculiar_o inspire_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n not_o the_o latter_a for_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o jovinian_a aforesaid_a concern_v the_o gift_n of_o chastity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o gift_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o will_v resolve_v to_o live_v chaste_a if_o he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o he_o to_o obtain_v the_o same_o of_o almighty_a god_n if_o there_o be_v so_o great_a difficulty_n to_o live_v chaste_a in_o the_o world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o meritorious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bind_v himself_o thereto_o by_o vow_n then_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v of_o it_o own_o nature_n vain_a &_o of_o no_o effect_n to_o he_o that_o make_v it_o and_o so_o he_o may_v free_o break_v that_o which_o be_v of_o such_o difficulty_n as_o seem_v moral_o impossible_a but_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v to_o wit_n that_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v of_o it_o own_o nature_n vain_a &_o of_o no_o effect_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v break_v without_o a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n see_v the_o above_o mention_v testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o tim._n 5._o it_o be_v very_o commendable_a &_o meritorious_a for_o young_a man_n also_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n to_o vow_v chastity_n yea_o the_o church_n bind_v all_o such_o as_o have_v take_v holy_a order_n thereunto_o therefore_o if_o man_n do_v it_o &_o that_o it_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o to_o do_v so_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v the_o like_a for_o woman_n such_o as_o be_v young_a both_o maid_n &_o widow_n especial_o since_o man_n live_v in_o far_o great_a danger_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o great_a freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o their_o less_o bashfulness_n together_o with_o more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o temptation_n from_o whence_o we_o see_v it_o proceed_v that_o more_o man_n which_o vow_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n do_v offend_v against_o their_o vow_n then_o woman_n yea_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o that_o sex_n who_o vow_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n do_v violat_a their_o vow_n in_o so_o much_o that_o oftentimes_o in_o a_o great_a city_n for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n you_o shall_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n more_o easy_a for_o woman_n to_o do_v then_o for_o man_n &_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o man_n do_v laudable_o take_v upon_o they_o such_o vow_n neither_o can_v they_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o they_o be_v once_o undertake_v if_o it_o be_v meritorious_a to_o keep_v virginity_n in_o religion_n why_o be_v it_o not_o also_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n alter_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o excellency_n itself_o thereof_o and_o a_o devout_a will_n unto_o it_o and_o this_o pious_a inclination_n may_v be_v have_v as_o well_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o virgin_n purpose_v with_o herself_o to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n and_o to_o consecrate_v her_o virginity_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o she_o may_v serve_v he_o the_o more_o perfect_o that_o she_o may_v follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o she_o may_v imitate_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o most_o bless_a mother_n that_o she_o may_v apply_v all_o her_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o health_n of_o her_o soul_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o profession_n of_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v meritorious_a as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o only_o commendable_a in_o monasterye_n but_o also_o in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v other_o good_a work_n as_o to_o pray_v to_o fast_o to_o give_v corporal_a and_o spiritual_a alm_n to_o chastise_v our_o body_n and_o to_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o vow_n thereunto_o then_o if_o other_o good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o worth_n &_o esteem_n nor_o their_o merit_n before_o god_n by_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v virginity_n and_o single_a life_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v the_o more_o prayse-worthyto_a be_v temperate_a and_o to_o abstain_v sit_v at_o a_o banquet_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bridle_v our_o appetite_n even_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o provocation_n so_o likewise_o may_v it_o be_v a_o deed_n of_o great_a merit_n to_o live_v chaste_o in_o the_o world_n where_o occasion_n of_o fall_v be_v more_o frequent_a as_o for_o example_n when_o there_o be_v lawful_a reason_n why_o such_o occasion_n may_v not_o be_v convenient_o shun_v which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v willing_o avoid_v the_o state_n
shame_n and_o immodesty_n &_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v past_a and_o afterward_o reward_v with_o innumerable_a discommodity_n for_o present_o after_o conception_n there_o follow_v a_o kind_n of_o irksomeness_n idle_a dream_n giddiness_n unsetlednes_n of_o the_o head_n melancholy_a convulsion_n of_o the_o hartstringe_n absurd_a long_n after_o meat_n and_o a_o general_a perturbation_n of_o nature_n then_o follow_v the_o pain_n of_o childbearing_n which_o be_v both_o violent_a to_o the_o sense_n &_o oftentimes_o endure_v long_o and_o to_o many_o bring_v death_n also_o and_o then_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v with_o what_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n must_v it_o be_v bring_v up_o until_o it_o come_v to_o be_v of_o some_o strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o nature_n how_o many_o time_n a_o day_n must_v it_o be_v make_v clean_o feed_v make_v up_o apparel_v lay_v to_o sleep_n rock_v in_o the_o cradle_n take_v out_o again_o to_o give_v it_o suck_v and_o be_v hold_v out_o how_o many_o time_n must_v it_o be_v flatter_v and_o entreat_v with_o fair_a speech_n &_o with_o a_o thousand_o pretty_a hypocrisy_n and_o flatter_n to_o make_v it_o leave_v cry_v or_o to_o sleep_v these_o be_v the_o contynuall_a exercise_n of_o such_o as_o be_v mother_n and_o in_o such_o they_o be_v employ_v not_o on_o lie_v all_o day_n long_o but_o also_o most_o part_n of_o the_o night_n so_o that_o they_o can_v scarce_o take_v any_o rest_n but_o with_o often_o interruption_n i_o omit_v the_o sluttishnes_n the_o ill_a savour_n the_o weep_a crying_z &_o brawl_a which_o they_o be_v constrain_v daily_o to_o suffer_v i_o omit_v also_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n which_o they_o have_v when_o their_o child_n begin_v to_o grow_v big_a &_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o diverse_a chance_n of_o the_o world_n what_o great_a grief_n they_o have_v if_o it_o chance_v they_o shall_v miscarry_v and_o die_v if_o by_o evil_a company_n they_o shall_v be_v allure_v to_o villainy_n and_o dishonesty_n if_o they_o shall_v prove_v stubborn_a and_o disobedient_a against_o their_o parent_n if_o they_o shall_v spend_v &_o waste_v their_o parent_n good_n at_o play_n drink_v or_o at_o any_o other_o unlawful_a game_n if_o without_o their_o parent_n consent_v they_o shall_v marry_v to_o these_o affliction_n the_o whole_a life_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v mother_n be_v always_o subject_a for_o albeit_o the_o parent_n be_v very_o devout_a and_o religious_a yet_o it_o happen_v oftentimes_o that_o the_o child_n be_v wicked_a and_o lewd_a and_o with_o their_o misdemeanour_n and_o ill_a live_n torment_v their_o parent_n as_o we_o have_v example_n in_o adam_n and_o cain_n in_o noë_n and_o cham_n in_o abraham_n and_o ishmael_n in_o isaac_n and_o esau_n in_o jacob_n and_o many_o of_o his_o son_n in_o david_n amon_n and_o absolom_n with_o infinite_a other_o therefore_o since_o sacred_a virginity_n deliver_v from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v deserve_o to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o be_v another_o commodity_n of_o virginity_n and_o single_a life_n be_v that_o it_o free_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o care_n of_o govern_v a_o family_n of_o increase_v the_o stock_n and_o wealth_n of_o their_o estate_n of_o marry_v their_o child_n &_o of_o leave_v they_o ample_a patrimony_n for_o of_o these_o four_o thing_n all_o parent_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n most_o careful_a &_o solicitous_a yea_o common_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o whole_o addict_v and_o give_v to_o such_o business_n as_o they_o can_v scarce_o ever_o think_v serious_o on_o god_n or_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n these_o thing_n they_o keep_v always_o in_o mind_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o spend_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n these_o thing_n so_o waste_v and_o wear_v out_o all_o the_o ability_n &_o power_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o have_v no_o strength_n leave_v to_o consider_v or_o think_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a great_o therefore_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o this_o estate_n to_o be_v pity_v for_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o hurtful_a a_o great_a deal_n then_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o good_a thought_n be_v a_o great_a damage_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o money_n the_o three_o commodity_n of_o virginity_n and_o single_a life_n be_v that_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n be_v free_v from_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n of_o marriage_n more_o fit_a &_o prepare_v to_o serve_v almighty_a god_n and_o procure_v its_o own_o safety_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a good_a of_o this_o life_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o be_v commend_v special_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o 1._o cor._n 7._o where_o he_o say_v mulier_fw-la innupta_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o woman_n unmarried_a and_o a_o virgin_n think_v on_o what_o belong_v unto_o god_n that_o she_o may_v be_v holy_a both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o better_a nor_o more_o healthful_a unto_o our_o soul_n they_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o obtain_v of_o our_o soul_n welfare_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v we_o make_v &_o adorn_v with_o these_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n understanding_n memory_n and_o will._n we_o have_v not_o receive_v these_o to_o employ_v they_o about_o transitory_a and_o servile_a matter_n without_o any_o fruit_n at_o all_o but_o to_o address_v they_o to_o eternal_a and_o celestial_a thing_n for_o our_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n all_o earthly_a thing_n be_v to_o base_a &_o contemptible_a for_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v above_o all_o visible_a thing_n to_o fix_v and_o exercise_v itself_o there_o about_o the_o shortness_n itself_o of_o our_o life_n together_o with_o the_o uncertinty_a &_o necessity_n of_o die_v may_v just_o recall_v we_o from_o the_o care_n of_o temporal_a matter_n &_o address_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o solicitude_n of_o thing_n eternal_a whereupon_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 7._o say_v tempus_fw-la breve_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n time_n be_v short_a it_o remain_v that_o such_o as_o have_v wife_n be_v as_o those_o who_o have_v they_o not_o and_o those_o who_o mourn_n like_o those_o who_o mourn_v not_o &_o those_o who_o rejoice_v like_o those_o who_o rejoice_v not_o and_o those_o who_o buy_v like_o those_o who_o possess_v not_o and_o those_o who_o use_v this_o world_n like_o those_o who_o use_v it_o not_o for_o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o etc._n etc._n by_o which_o word_n he_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o affect_v and_o addict_v to_o transitory_a thing_n then_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o us._n we_o ought_v to_o have_v care_n of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a punishment_n and_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a joy_n for_o in_o comparison_n of_o these_o all_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a of_o this_o world_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o no_o account_v so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o madness_n practise_v in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v be_v the_o great_a to_o neglect_v the_o high_a and_o everlasting_a thing_n &_o to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v base_a and_o transitory_a with_o so_o great_a hazard_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n therefore_o as_o that_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v miserable_a and_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o wise_a man_n which_o entangle_v the_o mind_n with_o care_n of_o base_a &_o earthly_a thing_n howsoever_o glorious_a and_o honourable_a they_o seem_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v that_o state_n happy_a &_o most_o desirous_o to_o be_v embrace_v which_o free_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o these_o care_n &_o trouble_n and_o affoard_v it_o commodity_n to_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o its_o own_o welfare_n and_o such_o be_v single_a life_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v neither_o in_o woman_n only_o but_o also_o in_o man_n single_a life_n have_v all_o these_o effect_n for_o most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o of_o woman_n have_v place_n also_o in_o man_n yet_o man_n in_o marriage_n be_v most_o common_o expose_v to_o more_o discommodity_n and_o inconvenience_n than_o woman_n because_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o maintain_v the_o household_n and_o of_o the_o great_a business_n lie_v upon_o he_o and_o infinite_a disdain_n of_o the_o wife_n offence_n jealousy_n suspicion_n complaint_n and_o forwardness_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v as_o s._n hierome_n prosecute_v it_o very_o elegant_o out_o of_o theophrastus_n the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o jovinianus_n who_o word_n it_o seem_v here_o good_a to_o set_v down_o fertur_fw-la inquit_fw-la aureolus_n etc._n etc._n heer_n be_v bring_v quoth_v he_o a_o little_a golden_a book_n of_o theophrastus_n write_v concern_v marriage_n in_o which_o he_o ask_v this_o question_n whether_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v marry_v a_o wife_n or_o no_o and_o
be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o he_o say_v it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o passion_n of_o lust_n to_o a_o virtuous_a virgin_n every_o time_n that_o she_o expose_v herself_o to_o public_a view_n to_o wit_n because_o that_o thereby_o she_o with_o her_o face_n open_a cast_v her_o eye_n free_o about_o to_o see_v &_o to_o be_v see_v be_v easy_o corrupt_v in_o spirit_n &_o that_o the_o very_o gaze_v itself_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o unchaste_a mind_n and_o again_o afterward_o the_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v be_v not_o a_o chaste_a desire_n but_o admit_v somewhat_o that_o belong_v not_o unto_o a_o virgin_n as_o also_o the_o desire_n to_o delight_v other_o inbehold_v she_o for_o true_a entire_a and_o pure_a virginity_n fear_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o it_o own_o self_n yea_o it_o endure_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o woman_n that_o delight_v in_o gaze_v since_o the_o eye_n of_o itself_o be_v far_o different_a from_o such_o it_o fly_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o her_o head_n as_o to_o a_o helmet_n &_o as_o to_o a_o buckler_n which_o defend_v she_o it_o be_v a_o protection_n against_o the_o blow_n of_o temptation_n against_o the_o dart_n of_o scandal_n against_o suspicion_n &_o whisper_v and_o emulation_n yea_o and_o against_o envy_n itself_o after_o this_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o bashfulness_n entrench_v thyself_o within_o the_o bull_n work_n of_o modesty_n build_v up_o a_o wall_n for_o thy_o sex_n which_o keep_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o let_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o to_o enter_v thou_o have_v marry_v christ_n and_o deliver_v thy_o body_n to_o he_o thou_o have_v espouse_v the_o maturity_n of_o thy_o year_n to_o he_o go_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o bid_v those_o who_o be_v marry_v to_o other_o to_o veil_n themselves_o much_o more_o those_o which_o be_v espouse_v unto_o he_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o woman_n attire_n of_o brabant_n be_v very_o fit_a which_o be_v call_v by_o they_o hueke_v which_o the_o very_o noble_a matron_n of_o that_o country_n use_v when_o they_o will_v not_o be_v know_v in_o any_o public_a assembly_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o exercise_n which_o holy_a father_n prescribe_v to_o be_v use_v by_o virgin_n these_o be_v fast_v prayer_n read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n and_o handiwork_n in_o the_o daily_a use_n and_o variety_n whereof_o they_o may_v spend_v all_o their_o time_n most_o profitable_o fast_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n for_o by_o this_o the_o root_n of_o many_o temptation_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o many_o vice_n be_v cut_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v make_v more_o fit_a to_o converse_v daily_o with_o almighty_a god_n with_o great_a comfort_n &_o fruit_n from_o who_o it_o conceive_v all_o its_o good_a from_o whence_o all_o saint_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v derive_v the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n by_o fast_v i_o mean_v not_o such_o fast_a as_o shall_v weaken_v or_o impair_v nature_n but_o such_o whereby_o the_o body_n become_v more_o healthful_a the_o mind_n more_o quick_a and_o the_o concupiscence_n more_o subject_a s._n hierome_n commend_v great_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o 8._o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n de_fw-fr custodia_fw-la virginit_fw-la after_o say_v he_o diligent_o take_v heed_n of_o impure_a thought_n you_o must_v put_v on_o the_o ornament_n of_o fast_v and_o sing_v with_o david_n i_o have_v humble_v my_o soul_n in_o fast_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o afterwards_o fast_v be_v not_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o foundation_n of_o other_o and_o be_v both_o sanctification_n &_o chastity_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n it_o affoard_v stair_n to_o such_o as_o will_v ascend_v to_o the_o top_n &_o yet_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o crown_v a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o fast_v be_v term_v by_o s._n hierome_n sanctification_n and_o chastity_n of_o other_o virtue_n it_o be_v call_v sanctification_n because_o it_o make_v other_o virtue_n flourish_v and_o work_v their_o effect_n the_o better_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o sanctify_v it_o be_v call_v chastity_n becanse_o it_o procure_v cleanesse_n of_o body_n and_o hart_n wherein_o consist_v all_o other_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o that_o this_o fast_v must_v be_v moderate_a &_o such_o as_o may_v not_o weaken_v the_o body_n but_o refresh_v &_o quicken_v the_o mind_n s._n jerome_n warn_v we_o in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o say_v neither_o do_v i_o prescribe_v to_o you_o immoderate_a fast_v or_o such_o abstinence_n as_o shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o meat_n by_o which_o body_n that_o be_v tender_a and_o delicate_a may_v be_v quick_o bring_v out_o of_o health_n and_o grow_v sick_a before_o they_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o holy_a conversation_n s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o virgin_n say_v that_o the_o spare_v of_o meat_n and_o abstinence_n from_o drink_n make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o vice_n for_o it_o make_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v rather_o a_o fast_o of_o sobriety_n they_o affliction_n prayer_n also_o under_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v principal_o necessary_a first_o because_o by_o this_o we_o must_v obtain_v daily_a supply_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o resist_v temptation_n and_o fulfil_v god_n divine_a commandment_n and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n wherefore_o our_o lord_n warn_v we_o that_o we_o always_o pray_v to_o wit_n as_o much_o as_o convenient_o we_o may_v and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o frailty_n and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n will_v permit_v we_o for_o our_o perseverance_n and_o eternal_a safety_n depend_v on_o prayer_n second_o by_o prayer_n &_o meditation_n we_o list_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o almighty_a god_n we_o place_v ourselves_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o presence_n we_o consider_v his_o majesty_n his_o power_n and_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n &_o his_o providence_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n we_o adore_v he_o and_o praise_v he_o we_o give_v he_o thanks_n and_o bless_v he_o there_o we_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o call_v to_o mind_n all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v both_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o us._n for_o this_o cause_n especial_o a_o virgin_n must_v abandon_v marriage_n and_o secularity_n &_o embrace_v the_o state_n of_o holy_a virginity_n according_a to_o the_o apostole_fw-la to_o wit_n that_o she_o may_v think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o lord_n that_o she_o may_v be_v holy_a in_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o she_o may_v behave_v herself_o worthy_o in_o the_o presence_n &_o conversation_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o she_o may_v stick_v so_o close_o unto_o he_o that_o she_o may_v never_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o as_o our_o interpreter_n translate_v it_o that_o she_o may_v have_v free_a leave_n to_o beseech_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o hindrance_n here_o be_v delight_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o this_o consist_v as_o it_o be_v the_o paradise_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o these_o thing_n our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o angel_n without_o these_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v be_v dry_a &_o barren_a for_o all_o comfort_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n proceed_v from_o the_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o divine_a matter_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o those_o who_o apply_v not_o themselves_o with_o great_a love_n and_o desire_n to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n they_o must_v needs_o remain_v dry_a or_o at_o leastwise_o they_o shall_v never_o taste_v the_o most_o excellent_a delight_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o prayer_n &_o meditation_n the_o mind_n be_v exercyse_v and_o grow_v zealous_a in_o the_o function_n &_o habit_n of_o other_o virtue_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v more_o abundant_o obtain_v by_o it_o whereby_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n be_v make_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a hence_o the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v viam_fw-la mandatorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o have_v run_v the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n whilst_o thou_o dilate_v my_o hartwith_o joy_n and_o why_o because_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n &_o the_o worth_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o charity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n to_o come_v be_v show_v thereby_o unto_o us._n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o must_v needs_o great_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o office_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o own_o
salvation_n read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n also_o be_v commend_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o come_v very_o near_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n for_o as_o by_o prayer_n we_o obtain_v the_o conversation_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o so_o do_v we_o it_o also_o by_o read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n whereupon_o isidorus_n in_o his_o 3._o book_n of_o sentence_n the_o 8._o chap._n say_v who_o always_o will_v converse_v with_o god_n must_v pray_v often_o and_o read_v much_o for_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o speak_v familiar_o unto_o god_n but_o when_o we_o read_v he_o speak_v unto_o us._n and_o afterward_o be_v add_v that_o spiritual_a profit_n also_o proceed_v from_o pray_v and_o read_v last_o handiwork_n be_v great_o commend_v for_o this_o be_v a_o especial_a and_o beneficial_a exercise_n for_o three_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v thereby_o somewhat_o to_o release_v and_o refresh_v our_o mind_n for_o we_o can_v always_o attend_v to_o read_v or_o pray_v but_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o recreate_v our_o mind_n by_o intermix_v of_o labour_n sometime_o between_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v overwearyed_a and_o this_o be_v do_v most_o convenient_o by_o outward_a employment_n in_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o buysy_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o manner_n of_o variety_n become_v most_o grateful_a to_o our_o weak_a and_o changeable_a nature_n and_o have_v be_v use_v in_o all_o age_n by_o man_n and_o woman_n such_o as_o be_v holy_a and_o likewise_o it_o help_v to_o avoid_v idleness_n which_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o by_o all_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o devout_a and_o holy_a life_n for_o as_o s._n jerome_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n say_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o hurtful_a to_o any_o devout_a purpose_n then_o idleness_n which_o do_v not_o only_o omit_v to_o get_v new_a perfection_n but_o also_o waste_v that_o which_o be_v get_v before_o and_o bless_a ignatius_n say_v otium_fw-la omnium_fw-la malorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n idleness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o all_o mischief_n for_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o employ_v be_v open_a to_o all_o suggestion_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o devil_n whereby_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o seneca_n witness_v that_o although_o the_o body_n be_v guiltless_a yet_o the_o mind_n be_v idle_a fall_v into_o a_o thousand_o sort_n of_o lewdness_n wherefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v always_o do_v of_o somewhat_o and_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n about_o one_o good_a action_n or_o other_o that_o the_o devil_n may_v always_o find_v we_o busy_a last_o it_o be_v beneficial_a for_o the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n and_o to_o give_v good_a example_n also_o and_o to_o relieve_v other_o for_o no_o alm_n be_v so_o please_v to_o almighty_a god_n no_o gift_n so_o acceptable_a as_o that_o which_o be_v earn_v by_o our_o own_o labour_n s._n hierome_n discourse_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o omit_v it_o rest_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o three_o to_o wit_n of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o riches_n holy_a father_n set_v down_o the_o manner_n at_o large_a how_o among_o virgin_n those_o who_o be_v wealthy_a shall_v employ_v their_o mean_n to_o wit_n not_o in_o superfluous_a apparel_n not_o in_o banquet_v and_o pleasure_n not_o in_o adorn_v their_o body_n not_o in_o jewel_n pearl_n ring_n bracelet_n not_o in_o rich_a &_o curious_a houshould-stuff_n not_o in_o riot_n and_o excess_n of_o bravery_n above_o their_o neighbour_n but_o in_o the_o succour_n &_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v servant_n of_o god_n s._n cyprian_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr disciplina_fw-la &_o habitu_fw-la viginum_n discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o thing_n i_o will_v only_o allege_v one_o sentence_n for_o brevitye_n sake_n locupletem_fw-la te_fw-la dicu_n etc._n etc._n thou_o boast_v quoth_v he_o that_o thou_o be_v wealthy_a and_o rich_a and_o thou_o think_v that_o it_n behoove_v thou_o to_o use_v the_o riches_n which_o god_n have_v permit_v thou_o to_o possess_v do_v so_o use_v they_o but_o let_v it_o be_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v concern_v the_o health_n of_o thy_o soul_n use_v they_o but_o in_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v thou_o to_o use_v they_o &_o in_o which_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o &_o teach_v thou_o how_o to_o do_v let_v the_o poor_a find_v thou_o to_o be_v rich_a and_o those_o that_o be_v needy_a perceive_v thou_o to_o be_v wealthy_a put_v out_o thy_o patrimony_n to_o use_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god_n give_v meat_n unto_o christ_n that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o sustain_v the_o glory_n of_o thy_o virginity_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v reward_v by_o our_o lord_n beg_v it_o of_o he_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n there_o where_o no_o thief_n can_v dig_v they_o out_o where_o no_o wait-lay_a or_o night-robber_n can_v break_v through_o purchase_v to_o thyself_o possession_n but_o let_v they_o be_v of_o heaven_n where_o neither_o rust_n shall_v eat_v nor_o hail_n fall_v upon_o nor_o sun_n burn_v nor_o rain_n corrupt_v thy_o fruit_n they_o be_v continual_a and_o everlasting_a free_a from_o the_o touch_n of_o secular_a abuse_n etc._n etc._n and_o s._n hierome_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n say_v consideremus_fw-la etc._n etc._n let_v we_o consider_v how_o wise_o wisdom_n itself_o have_v speak_v sell_v what_o thou_o have_v to_o who_o be_v this_o command_v to_o wit_n to_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a sell_v not_o a_o part_n of_o thy_o good_n but_o all_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v sell_v they_o what_o follow_v give_v they_o to_o the_o poor_a not_o to_o the_o rich_a not_o to_o thy_o neighbour_n who_o be_v wealthy_a not_o to_o maintain_v excess_n but_o to_o suffice_v necessity_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n or_o thy_o cousin_n or_o kinsman_n thou_o shall_v consider_v in_o he_o no_o other_o respect_n but_o his_o poverty_n let_v the_o bowel_n of_o those_o that_o be_v hungry_a not_o the_o fat_a banquet_n of_o those_o that_o surfeit_n receive_v thy_o alm_n etc._n etc._n yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o s._n hierom_n that_o if_o a_o virgin_n enter_v not_o in_o to_o religion_n she_o shall_v deprive_v herself_o of_o that_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o herself_o to_o live_v on_o in_o good_a for_o but_o that_o she_o bestow_v there_a which_o she_o have_v superfluous_a for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a &_o that_o after_o the_o manner_n which_o she_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n s._n cyprian_n before_o mention_v go_v yet_o for_o ward_n speak_v to_o those_o who_o have_v vow_v virginity_n and_o be_v very_o rich_a &_o wealthy_a thus_o but_o there_o be_v some_o rich_a woman_n &_o very_o wealthy_a who_o will_v set_v out_o and_o show_v their_o store_n &_o say_v that_o they_o must_v use_v their_o own_o good_n let_v these_o first_o understand_v that_o she_o be_v rich_a who_o be_v rich_a in_o god_n that_o she_o be_v wealthy_a who_o be_v wealthy_a in_o christ_n that_o those_o be_v good_n indeed_o which_o be_v spiritual_a divine_a and_o heavenly_a which_o lead_v we_o to_o god_n which_o with_o steadfast_a possession_n remain_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v with_o god_n but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v earthly_a get_v in_o this_o world_n and_o here_o to_o remain_v within_o the_o world_n they_o must_v be_v contemn_v as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n itself_o who_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n we_o do_v then_o renounce_v when_o with_o a_o better_a pace_n we_o come_v towards_o god_n s._n john_n do_v exhort_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o contest_v with_o his_o spiritual_a &_o heavenly_a voice_n do_v not_o say_v he_o love_v the_o world_n nor_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v pass_v and_o the_o concupiscence_n thereof_o but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o even_o as_o god_n abide_v for_o ever_o wherefore_o eternal_a &_o divine_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o god_n will_n that_o so_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o divine_a ex-example_n who_o do_v warn_v we_o and_o