renounce_n of_o the_o world_n prayer_n &c_n &c_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v of_o his_o deordination_n upon_o which_o ground_n alone_o s._n bernard_n say_v that_o he_o will_v give_v absolution_n present_o to_o the_o great_a sinner_n in_o sickness_n if_o he_o will_v promise_v upon_o supposition_n of_o recovery_n to_o quit_v the_o world_n and_o embrace_v a_o penitential_a life_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o promise_v or_o perform_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o a_o unconuerted_a religious_a person_n that_o can_v promise_v no_o high_a state_n than_o he_o be_v in_o already_o with_o so_o little_a good_a effect_n to_o his_o soul_n 6._o yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o from_o hence_o any_o shall_v advise_o give_v way_n to_o despair_n or_o deliberate_o refuse_v to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o mortify_v their_o inordinate_a affection_n or_o to_o pray_v the_o best_a they_o can_v good_a purpose_n &_o action_n perform_v mere_o out_o of_o fear_n will_v produce_v some_o good_a effect_n &_o god_n goodness_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a may_v change_v fear_n into_o love_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o 7._o now_o though_o the_o case_n of_o tepid_a liver_n be_v not_o altogether_o so_o miserable_a yet_o it_o be_v infinite_o perilous_a &_o the_o issue_n extreme_o to_o be_v suspect_v for_o though_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o many_o great_a sin_n of_o commission_n yet_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a omission_n of_o duty_n to_o which_o their_o profession_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n oblige_v they_o and_o now_o what_o other_o new_a motive_n can_v they_o have_v to_o relinquish_v their_o negligence_n but_o only_o fear_v also_o or_o what_o prayer_n be_v they_o likely_a to_o make_v when_o their_o necessity_n be_v so_o great_a &_o the_o help_n to_o prayer_n so_o small_a 8._o the_o only_a secure_a way_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o incur_v this_o hazardous_a state_n in_o sickness_n be_v during_o health_n to_o combat_v against_o tepidity_n and_o by_o diligent_a prayer_n to_o provide_v one_o self_n of_o internal_a strength_n &_o grace_n for_o such_o soul_n by_o a_o prosecution_n of_o their_o accustom_a duty_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n make_v good_a use_n of_o their_o sickness_n &_o gain_v extreme_o by_o it_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o promise_v great_a matter_n as_o tepid_v soul_n usual_o do_v though_o they_o perform_v but_o little_a they_o have_v forethink_v of_o sickness_n &_o the_o tentation_n accompany_v it_o &_o now_o call_v to_o mind_n &_o execute_v former_a resolution_n make_v to_o improove_v for_o their_o soul_n advancement_n all_o state_n &_o condition_n &_o by_o occasion_n of_o their_o present_a corporal_a infirmity_n or_o pain_n to_o fortify_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n resignation_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n &_o adhesion_n to_o god_n thus_o sickness_n prove_v to_o they_o a_o great_a blessing_n than_o health_n and_o if_o they_o do_v recover_v they_o do_v yet_o more_o serious_o &_o feruorous_o perform_v their_o former_a exercise_n 9_o when_o sickness_n be_v actual_o come_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o accept_v &_o embrace_v it_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n yea_o though_o such_o sickness_n happen_v through_o the_o person_n own_o intemperance_n or_o other_o fault_n as_o a_o malefactor_n be_v oblige_v with_o resignation_n to_o accept_v of_o death_n deserve_v for_o some_o crime_n he_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v penitent_a &_o sorry_a for_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o harmful_a effect_n but_o the_o effect_n itself_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o providence_n yea_o in_o such_o case_n a_o soul_n may_v even_o rejoice_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o bring_v on_o she_o the_o smart_n and_o punishment_n of_o her_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n give_v she_o withal_o a_o profitable_a occasion_n to_o exercise_v her_o resignation_n from_o whence_o she_o may_v infer_v a_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v therefore_o spare_v she_o after_o this_o life_n 10._o a_o soul_n must_v not_o forbear_v this_o willing_a acceptation_n of_o sickness_n &c._n &c._n because_o perhaps_o she_o find_v great_a resistance_n thereto_o in_o sensuality_n yea_o she_o ought_v therefore_o the_o rather_o to_o accept_v it_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o superior_a will_n &_o not_o the_o will_n of_o sensuality_n that_o merit_v or_o demerit_v and_o so_o do_v the_o repugnance_n of_o sensuality_n will_v as_o well_o as_o the_o sickness_n turn_v to_o the_o merit_n &_o advancement_n of_o the_o soul_n 11._o now_o a_o soul_n must_v not_o content_v herself_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o to_o accept_v sickness_n but_o she_o must_v practice_v this_o almost_o continual_o and_o especial_o when_o any_o extraordinary_a pain_n or_o irkesomenes_n do_v afflict_v she_o and_o such_o acceptation_n must_v be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a but_o with_o a_o mind_n willing_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o such_o pain_n shall_v continue_v never_o so_o long_o 12._o she_o must_v particular_o take_v heed_n of_o one_o notable_a tentation_n which_o often_o befall_v good_a but_o imperfect_a soul_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o yield_v too_o free_o to_o impatience_n in_o sickness_n which_o be_v this_o nature_n be_v soon_o weary_a of_o suffer_v will_v suggest_v unto_o the_o soul_n to_o justify_v impatience_n among_o other_o incommodity_n of_o sickness_n this_o one_o that_o thereby_o she_o be_v put_v in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o pray_v or_o otherwise_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o her_o neighbour_n upon_o which_o she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o desire_v health_n with_o impatience_n false_o justify_v herself_o for_o such_o impatience_n as_o if_o she_o do_v not_o so_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v perform_v spiritual_a duty_n more_o perfect_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a &_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v a_o soul_n &_o a_o imperfect_a interrupt_a prayer_n make_v with_o resignation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o pain_n or_o trouble_v send_v by_o god_n be_v perhaps_o more_o efficacious_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o high_a elevation_n exercise_v otherwise_o 13._o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o the_o soul_n herself_o do_v not_o distinct_o &_o clear_o see_v how_o her_o present_a suffering_n external_a or_o internal_a may_v be_v profitable_a to_o she_o she_o be_v to_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o she_o must_v be_v content_v if_o such_o be_v his_o will_n to_o be_v blindfolded_a &_o humble_o to_o remain_v in_o her_o simplicity_n &_o in_o a_o reverential_a awe_n &_o admiration_n of_o the_o inscrutable_a way_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 14._o a_o sick_a person_n be_v to_o account_v himself_o after_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o god_n hand_n as_o his_o prisoner_n chain_v as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o weakness_n disable_v from_o the_o ordinary_a solace_n of_o conversation_n walk_v &c_n &c_n debar_v from_o eat_v what_o please_v the_o palate_n become_v profitable_a to_o none_o troublesome_a &_o chargeable_a to_o many_o expose_v ofttimes_o to_o bitter_a pain_n &_o sharp_a remedy_n of_o such_o pain_n &c_n &c_n a_o grievous_a indeed_o but_o yet_o a_o happy_a prison_n this_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o for_o unless_o the_o internal_a taste_n of_o the_o soul_n also_o be_v deprave_a she_o may_v by_o this_o occasion_n infinite_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a liberty_n health_n &_o strength_n by_o accept_v with_o indifference_n these_o incommodity_n &_o mortify_v her_o natural_a exorbitant_a desire_n of_o remedy_n not_o desire_v to_o escape_v but_o when_o &_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n shall_v ordain_v 15._o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o touch_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o soul_n during_o sickness_n she_o be_v to_o assure_v herself_o of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o if_o she_o think_v that_o her_o sickness_n may_v justify_v her_o neglect_n of_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n the_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n if_o these_o be_v not_o continue_v as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o health_n the_o soul_n herself_o will_v become_v the_o more_o sick_a of_o the_o two_o &_o expose_v to_o great_a danger_n than_o the_o body_n for_o most_o certain_o if_o sickness_n do_v not_o produce_v good_a effect_n of_o patience_n &_o resignation_n &c_n &c_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v produce_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o such_o effect_n
the_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n as_o if_o they_o do_v silent_o condemn_v their_o liberty_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o raise_v and_o disperse_v evil_a report_n of_o they_o calling_z they_o illuminat_n pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a visit_n and_o light_n person_n that_o walk_v in_o mirabilibus_fw-la super_fw-la se_fw-la &_o 6._o or_o at_o least_o to_o deride_v they_o as_o silly_a seduce_v melancholy_a spirit_n that_o follow_v unusual_a and_o dangerous_a way_n 18._o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o the_o like_a persecution_n calumny_n and_o contempt_n a_o well_o dispose_v soul_n that_o pure_o seek_v god_n must_v expect_v and_o be_v arm_v against_o and_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v by_o chance_n but_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a holy_a and_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o her_o good_a to_o exercise_v her_o courage_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o give_v she_o a_o opportunity_n to_o testify_v her_o true_a esteem_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n let_v she_o from_o hence_o not_o be_v affright_v but_o rather_o pursue_v internal_a way_n more_o vigorous_o as_o know_v that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o then_o that_o they_o be_v displease_v to_o carnal_a or_o at_o least_o ignorant_a man_n unexperienced_a in_o such_o divine_a way_n let_v she_o not_o with_o passion_n judge_v or_o condemn_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o she_o for_o many_o of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o good_a intention_n and_o zeal_n therein_o though_o a_o zeal_n not_o direct_v by_o knowledge_n if_o therefore_o she_o will_v attend_v to_o god_n follow_a his_o divine_a inspiration_n etc._n etc._n she_o will_v see_v that_o god_n will_v give_v her_o light_n and_o courage_n and_o much_o inward_a security_n in_o her_o way_n 19_o but_o her_o great_a and_o more_o frequent_a persecution_n will_v be_v from_o she_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o vicious_a habit_n root_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o will_v assault_v she_o many_o time_n with_o tentation_n and_o inward_a bitterness_n and_o agony_n sharp_a and_o strange_a than_o she_o do_v expect_v or_o can_v perhaps_o imagine_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o her_o design_n and_o continual_a endeavour_n both_o in_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v herself_o out_o of_o and_o above_o nature_n to_o contradict_v nature_n in_o all_o its_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o interest_n she_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o but_o that_o nature_n will_v continual_o struggle_v against_o the_o spirit_n especial_o be_v inflame_v by_o the_o devil_n who_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o employ_v all_o his_o art_n all_o his_o malice_n and_o fury_n to_o disturb_v a_o design_n so_o utter_o destructive_a to_o his_o infernal_a kingdom_n establish_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o carnal_a man_n the_o well_o mind_a soul_n therefore_o must_v make_v a_o general_a strong_a resolution_n to_o bear_v all_o with_o as_o much_o quietness_n as_o may_v be_v to_o distrust_v herself_o entire_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o god_n and_o to_o seek_v unto_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o all_o will_v assure_o be_v well_o she_o will_v find_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n whiâ—h_o at_o the_o first_o be_v burdensome_a will_n be_v bear_v with_o constancy_n become_v easy_a and_o delightful_a yea_o though_o she_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v the_o resistance_n of_o evil_a inclination_n in_o she_o yet_o as_o long_o as_o there_o remain_v in_o she_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o no_o such_o ill_a inclination_n will_v hinder_v her_o happiness_n cap_n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o a_o 3._o motive_n to_o resolution_n be_v the_o danger_n of_o repidity_n of_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o root_n be_v discover_v §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o the_o misery_n of_o a_o tepid_v religious_a person_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o internal_a way_n §_o 6._o 7._o or_o of_o one_o that_o know_v they_o but_o neglect_v to_o pursue_v they_o §_o 8._o 9_o how_o pestilent_a such_o be_v in_o a_o community_n §_o 10._o on_o the_o otherside_n a_o undiscreete_a passionate_a fervour_n may_v be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o negligence_n 1._o a_o three_o yet_o more_o press_v motive_n to_o a_o courageous_a resolution_n of_o prosecute_a internal_a way_n once_o begin_v and_o a_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o extreme_a necessity_n thereof_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extreme_a danger_n and_o misery_n unexpressible_a of_o a_o negligent_a and_o tepid_a life_n whether_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o world_n the_o which_o not_o only_o render_v perfection_n impossible_a to_o be_v attein_v but_o endanger_v the_o very_a root_n of_o essential_a sanctity_n and_o all_o pretention_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o among_o other_o mystic_a writer_n harphius_n in_o his_o twelue_fw-mi mortification_n earnest_o demonstrate_v 2._o tepidity_n be_v a_o bitter_a poysonnous_a root_n fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o negligent_a christian_n who_o though_o out_o of_o a_o servile_a fear_n they_o abstain_v from_o a_o habitual_a practice_n of_o acknowledged_a mortal_a actual_a sin_n and_o therefore_o groundless_o enough_o think_v themselves_o secure_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o hell_n yet_o they_o perform_v their_o external_a necessary_a obligation_n to_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n sleepy_o and_o heartles_o without_o any_o true_a affection_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o thing_n however_o outward_o do_v yea_o perhaps_o know_v no_o perfection_n beyond_o this_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n remain_v full_a of_o self_n love_n inward_a pride_n sensual_a desire_n aversion_n from_o internal_a conversation_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o pernicious_a tepidity_n be_v want_n of_o affection_n and_o esteem_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o a_o voluntary_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n not_o as_o they_o be_v sin_n but_o as_o the_o object_n of_o they_o be_v casefull_a or_o delightful_a to_o nature_n join_v with_o a_o willfullnes_n not_o to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o do_v any_o more_o in_o god_n service_n than_o what_o themselves_o judge_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o escape_n of_o hell_n 3._o such_o person_n if_o they_o live_v in_o religion_n must_v needs_o pass_v very_o uncomfortable_a and_o discontent_a life_n have_v exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o vain_a entertainment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o retain_v a_o strong_a affection_n to_o they_o in_o their_o heart_n with_o a_o incapacity_n of_o enjoy_v they_o they_o must_v undergo_v all_o obligation_n austerity_n and_o cross_n incident_a to_o a_o religious_a state_n without_o comfort_n but_o only_o in_o have_v dispatch_v they_o with_o very_o little_a benefit_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o extreme_a wearisomenes_n and_o unwillingnes_n now_o what_o a_o resemblance_n to_o hell_n have_v such_o a_o life_n where_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n free_o to_o enjoy_v what_o the_o soul_n principal_o desire_v and_o where_o she_o be_v force_v continual_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o her_o inclination_n 4._o whereas_o if_o soul_n will_v courageous_o at_o once_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o god_n and_o with_o a_o discrete_a fervour_n combat_v against_o corrupt_a nature_n pursue_v their_o internal_a exercise_n they_o will_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n will_v cooperate_v not_o only_o to_o their_o eternal_a good_a but_o even_o to_o their_o present_a contentment_n and_o joy_n they_o will_v find_v pleasure_n even_o in_o their_o great_a mortification_n and_o cross_n by_o consider_v the_o love_n with_o which_o god_n send_v they_o and_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o their_o spirit_n reap_v by_o they_o what_o contentment_n can_v be_v great_a to_o any_o soul_n then_o to_o become_v a_o true_a inward_a friend_n of_o god_n chain_v unto_o he_o with_o a_o love_n the_o like_a whereto_o never_o be_v between_o any_o mortal_a creature_n to_o know_v and_o even_o feel_v that_o she_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v continual_o watchful_a over_o she_o and_o careful_a of_o her_o salvation_n none_o of_o which_o comfort_v tepid_v soul_n can_v hope_v to_o taste_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o only_o continual_o torture_v with_o present_a discontent_n but_o much_o more_o with_o a_o fear_n and_o horror_n consider_v their_o doubtfullnes_n about_o their_o future_a state_n 5._o if_o such_o tepid_a soul_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o with_o out_o some_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o they_o scarce_o can_v be_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a what_o apprehension_n and_o horror_n they_o will_v feel_v consider_v that_o a_o settle_a wilful_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n bring_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o imminent_a danger_n of_o a_o frequent_a incur_v actual_a mortal_a sin_n the_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o great_a kind_n
of_o enormous_a sin_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a because_o less_o corrigible_a such_o as_o be_v those_o spiritual_a sin_n of_o pride_n murmur_a factiousnes_n envy_n ambition_n &c_n &c_n beside_o which_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n of_o the_o want_n of_o perfect_v their_o soul_n by_o prayer_n of_o the_o avoid_n of_o which_o they_o never_o take_v any_o care_n although_o their_o profession_n and_o vow_n oblige_v they_o thereto_o 6._o again_o if_o tepidity_n though_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n be_v find_v in_o soul_n that_o be_v acquaint_v speculative_o with_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o pursue_v they_o in_o order_n to_o perfection_n but_o either_o for_o want_n of_o courage_n dare_v not_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o they_o or_o do_v it_o very_o faint_o cold_o or_o with_o frequent_a interruption_n and_o only_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o relinquish_v and_o abjure_v such_o way_n such_o as_o though_o they_o have_v not_o a_o wilful_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n wilful_o negligent_a in_o resist_v they_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o consider_v that_o their_o case_n in_o all_o respect_n approach_v near_o to_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o former_a and_o they_o will_v have_v guilt_n enough_o to_o take_v away_o all_o comfort_n almost_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n and_o to_o give_v they_o just_a apprehension_n for_o the_o future_a life_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o security_n 7._o for_o when_o such_o soul_n approach_v near_o unto_o death_n they_o will_v then_o too_o late_o consider_v that_o for_o want_n of_o diligent_a prayer_n there_o may_v be_v yea_o assure_o be_v in_o they_o a_o world_n of_o inordination_n impurity_n and_o defect_n undiscovered_a by_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v nor_o bewail_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o the_o state_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o life_n spend_v in_o a_o uninterrupt_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o give_v they_o light_n to_o see_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o which_o their_o profession_n oblige_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o yet_o wilful_o they_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o light_n or_o to_o make_v progress_n in_o those_o way_n &c._n &c._n and_o this_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o guilt_n beyond_o the_o former_a they_o be_v conscious_a likewise_o of_o a_o unexcusable_a and_o long_o continue_a unfaithfullnes_n never_o almost_o comply_v with_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o daily_o urge_v they_o to_o put_v themselves_o resolute_o into_o that_o only_a secure_a way_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n nor_o ever_o vigorous_o resist_v the_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n which_o they_o do_v discover_v in_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n such_o sad_a thought_n as_o these_o press_v as_o usual_o they_o do_v one_o upon_o another_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n what_o grievous_a apprehension_n what_o terrible_a uncerteinty_n must_v they_o need_v cause_n in_o tepid_a soul_n then_o most_o sensible_a of_o danger_n and_o fear_n so_o that_o their_o life_n will_v be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o continual_a remorse_n and_o their_o death_n very_o uncomfortable_a 8._o last_o to_o all_o these_o misery_n of_o a_o tepid_a life_n this_o also_o may_v be_v add_v as_o a_o increase_n of_o the_o guilt_n and_o consequent_o a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o dangerous_a state_n of_o soul_n infect_v with_o that_o poison_n which_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a themselves_n most_o ungrateful_o withdraw_v their_o own_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o by_o their_o ill_a example_n by_o mispend_v the_o time_n in_o vain_a extrovert_v conversation_n by_o discountenance_v those_o that_o be_v fâ—ruourous_a in_o internal_a way_n etc._n etc._n they_o infect_v their_o companion_n and_o so_o treacherous_o defraud_v almighty_a god_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o other_o also_o so_o that_o a_o tepid_v religious_a person_n though_o give_v to_o no_o enormous_a excess_n be_v oft_o more_o harmful_a in_o a_o community_n than_o a_o open_a scandalous_a liver_n because_o none_o that_o have_v any_o care_n of_o himself_o but_o will_n beware_v of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o latter_a be_v whereas_o a_o tepid_a soul_n unperceiveable_o instill_v into_o other_o the_o poisonous_a infection_n wherewith_v herself_o be_v taint_v 9_o from_o the_o ground_n and_o consideration_n here_o mention_v it_o do_v appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o devout_a soul_n both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o pursuance_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n to_o excite_v and_o fortify_v her_o courageous_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o discouragement_n either_o from_o within_o or_o without_o but_o at_o what_o price_n soever_o and_o with_o what_o labour_n and_o suffering_n soever_o with_o fervour_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o duty_n belong_v thereto_o account_v tepidity_n and_o spiritual_a sloth_n as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o heâ—_n whole_a design_n the_o which_o if_o it_o be_v yield_v unto_o though_o but_o a_o little_a it_o will_v gather_v more_o force_n and_o at_o last_o grow_v irresistible_a 10._o but_o withal_o she_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v that_o such_o her_o courage_n and_o fervour_n must_v be_v exercise_v not_o impetuous_o out_o of_o passion_n or_o such_o impulse_n as_o a_o fit_a of_o sensible_a devotion_n will_v sometime_o produce_v in_o she_o but_o this_o fervour_n and_o resolution_n must_v chief_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o regulate_v by_o spiritual_a discretion_n according_a to_o her_o present_a force_n both_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n bestow_v on_o she_o and_o no_o further_o for_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o harm_n by_o out_o run_a grace_n as_o by_o neglect_v to_o correspond_v unto_o it_o hence_o it_o oft_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o wellminded_a soul_n be_v either_o push_v foward_a by_o a_o indiscrete_a passionate_a zeal_n or_o advise_v by_o unexperienced_a directour_n to_o undertake_v unnecessary_o and_o voluntary_o either_o rigorous_a mortification_n or_o excessive_a task_n of_o devotion_n and_o want_v strength_n to_o continue_v they_o have_v become_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o so_o that_o affect_v too_o hasty_o to_o attain_v unto_o perfection_n soon_o than_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o thereto_o they_o so_o over_o burden_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o give_v over_o quite_o all_o tendance_n to_o it_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o pace_n as_o may_v be_v last_v and_o that_o will_v suffice_v cap._n vi_o §_o 2._o etc._n etc._n a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v particular_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o strong_a resolution_n and_o courage_n to_o persevere_v shw_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o pilgrim_n travel_v to_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la 1._o now_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n and_o more_o effectual_a recommendation_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_a the_o supereminent_a nobleness_n of_o its_o end_n the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o firm_a courage_n to_o persevere_v and_o continual_o to_o make_v progress_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o it_o cost_v we_o with_o out_o which_o resolution_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o set_v one_o step_n forward_o in_o these_o way_n i_o will_v here_o annexe_v a_o passage_n extract_v out_o of_o that_o excellent_a treatise_n call_v scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la write_v by_o that_o eminent_a contemplative_a d._n walter_n hilton_n a_o carthusian_n monk_n in_o which_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o devout_a pilgrim_n desirous_a to_o travel_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o interpret_v the_o vision_n of_o peace_n or_o contemplation_n he_o deliver_v instruction_n very_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a touch_v the_o behaviour_n requisite_a in_o a_o devout_a soul_n for_o such_o a_o journey_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o aduises_n i_o will_v take_v liberty_n so_o to_o deliver_v brief_o as_o notwithstanding_o not_o to_o omit_v any_o important_a matter_n there_o more_o large_o and_o according_a to_o the_o old_a fashion_n express_v 21.22.23_o scala_fw-la perfect_a par_fw-fr 2._o cap._n 21.22.23_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o man_n say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o right_a way_n he_o address_v himself_o for_o advice_n to_o one_o that_o he_o hope_v be_v not_o unskillful_a in_o it_o and_o ask_v he_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n passable_a thither_o the_o other_o answer_v that_o the_o way_n thither_o be_v both_o long_a and_o full_a of_o very_o great_a
herself_o in_o the_o point_n of_o gluttony_n and_o the_o main_a mischief_n of_o the_o tentation_n be_v prevent_v when_o we_o be_v come_v to_o cast_v of_o the_o habitual_a affection_n to_o eat_v &_o drink_v especial_o to_o feast_v the_o which_o bring_v many_o inconvenience_n to_o a_o internal_a liver_n as_o 1._o loss_n of_o time_n 2._o peril_n of_o intemperance_n &_o other_o misbehaviour_n 3._o hurtful_a distraction_n 4._o indisposition_n to_o prayer_n 5._o intemperance_n likewise_o in_o another_o use_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o wit_n talk_v etc._n etc._n 4._o imperfect_a soul_n therefore_o must_v make_v it_o their_o care_n in_o refection_n to_o avoid_v these_o special_a defect_n to_o wit_n eat_v or_o drink_v 1._o too_o much_o 2._o with_o too_o great_a earnestness_n 3._o too_o hasty_o prevent_v the_o due_a time_n 4._o delicate_o 5._o with_o a_o precedent_a studiousnes_n to_o provide_v please_a meat_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o two_o first_o quality_n or_o defect_n such_o soul_n may_v happen_v to_o offend_v who_o yet_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n have_v attain_a to_o a_o spiritual_a disesteem_v &_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o please_v sensuality_n for_o they_o on_o occasion_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o eat_v with_o some_o excess_n and_o ardour_n but_o rare_o do_v such_o offend_v in_o the_o follow_a quality_n 5._o now_o the_o mark_v by_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v discern_v whether_o she_o have_v in_o she_o a_o disaffection_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v 1._o if_o her_o chief_a delight_n &_o esteem_v be_v in_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o that_o she_o diligent_o pursue_v they_o 2._o if_o she_o seek_v not_o after_o nor_o willing_o admit_v extraordinary_a feast_n 3._o if_o be_v alone_o she_o do_v not_o entertain_v herself_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o thing_n nor_o talk_v of_o they_o with_o gust_n 4._o if_o when_o she_o be_v force_v to_o take_v refection_n she_o take_v they_o as_o of_o necessity_n &_o duty_n 5._o if_o she_o can_v be_v content_a so_o that_o god_n will_v be_v such_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v please_v taste_n etc._n etc._n 6._o in_o case_n that_o necessary_a civility_n shall_v oblige_v a_o spiritual_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o a_o feast_n he_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v watchful_a over_o himself_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o he_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o do_v because_o than_o other_o being_n more_o eager_a to_o their_o meat_n will_v less_o mark_v he_o and_o to_o entertain_v the_o time_n which_o be_v ordinary_o long_a let_v he_o choose_v such_o meat_n as_o be_v the_o light_a &_o of_o the_o easy_a digestion_n for_o so_o do_v he_o may_v both_o seem_v to_o avoid_v singularity_n in_o abstain_v more_o than_o other_o &_o yet_o in_o effect_n eat_v far_o less_o in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o go_v thither_o with_o a_o mind_n &_o affection_n to_o abstinence_n &_o retain_v such_o affection_n 7._o this_o one_o unavoidable_a misery_n there_o be_v in_o eat_v &_o drink_v how_o temperate_o soever_o that_o a_o soul_n for_o such_o a_o time_n &_o for_o some_o space_n afterward_o be_v force_v to_o descend_v from_o that_o height_n of_o spirit_n that_o she_o have_v attain_a to_o by_o virtue_n of_o her_o precedent_a recollection_n so_o that_o if_o before_o she_o have_v a_o sight_n &_o experimental_a perception_n that_o god_n be_v all_o &_o herself_n nothing_o she_o will_v afterward_o have_v no_o other_o sight_n of_o this_o but_o her_o ordinary_a sight_n of_o faith_n by_o reason_n that_o her_o spirit_n be_v more_o active_a &_o her_o internal_a sense_n fill_v with_o image_n &_o vapour_n 8._o yet_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o abridge_v herself_o of_o a_o necessary_a quantity_n in_o refection_n for_o her_o prayer_n sake_n or_o other_o internal_a exercise_n for_o that_o will_v for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o do_v more_o harm_n to_o the_o spirit_n by_o too_o much_o enfeeble_v the_o body_n neither_o be_v she_o to_o judge_v that_o she_o have_v offend_v by_o excess_n because_o she_o find_v a_o heaviness_n and_o perhaps_o some_o indigestion_n for_o some_o space_n after_o refection_n for_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o that_o debility_n of_o complexion_n which_o ordinary_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a life_n since_o as_o s._n hildegardis_n say_v the_o love_n of_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o dwell_v in_o robustious_a body_n 9_o it_o be_v not_o our_o petty_a fail_n through_o frailty_n or_o ignorance_n and_o much_o loss_n our_o suppose_a fail_n judge_v so_o by_o our_o scrupulosity_n that_o can_v cause_n god_n to_o be_v avert_v from_o we_o or_o that_o will_v hinder_v our_o union_n with_o he_o for_o for_o such_o defect_n we_o shall_v be_v attoan_v with_o god_n in_o our_o next_o recollection_n or_o it_o may_v be_v soon_o but_o those_o be_v indeed_o prejudicial_a defect_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o settle_a affection_n to_o sensual_a object_n 10._o to_o correct_v the_o vice_n of_o eagerne_n in_o eat_v abbot_n isacius_n advise_v his_o monk_n that_o when_o they_o stretch_v forth_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o their_o meat_n or_o drink_v they_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o a_o certain_a mental_a unwillingnes_n 11._o let_v every_o one_o content_a himself_o with_o what_o god_n by_o superior_n provide_v for_o he_o account_v that_o how_o mean_a or_o course_n soever_o to_o be_v the_o very_o best_a for_o he_o &_o not_o that_o which_o can_v be_v procure_v without_o solicitude_n &_o impatience_n neither_o ought_v any_o to_o justify_v or_o excuse_v his_o impatience_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o obligation_n that_o every_o one_o have_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n be_v far_o more_o endamage_v by_o such_o impatience_n &_o solicitude_n than_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v desire_v for_o the_o body_n can_v do_v it_o good_a 12._o we_o have_v small_a reason_n to_o love_v the_o body_n for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o one_o way_n or_o other_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o cherish_v therefore_o &_o satisfy_v its_o inordinate_a desire_n be_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o sin_n as_o if_o our_o natural_a corruption_n do_v not_o sufficient_o incline_v we_o thereto_o 13._o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o body_n may_v sometime_o require_v not_o only_o healthy_a but_o also_o well_o taste_v meat_n not_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o our_o sensuality_n but_o the_o uphold_v of_o our_o strength_n as_o s._n augustin_n say_v in_o which_o case_n meat_n of_o good_a relish_n even_o as_o such_o may_v be_v seek_v for_o yea_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o &_o this_o for_o the_o recreate_v and_o comfort_v of_o nature_n and_o such_o corporal_a consolation_n may_v also_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o spirit_n but_o where_o no_o such_o necessity_n be_v to_o seek_v for_o such_o meat_n be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o religious_a temperance_n and_o even_o during_o such_o necessity_n to_o seek_v they_o either_o with_o solicitude_n or_o so_o as_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o community_n be_v contrary_a to_o religious_a poverty_n &_o resignation_n 14._o as_o many_o defect_n &_o hindrance_n to_o spiritual_a progress_n do_v flow_v by_o occasion_n of_o refection_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o wellminded_n soul_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o advantage_n for_o their_o progress_n in_o spirit_n for_o 1._o it_o oblige_v a_o soul_n to_o watch_n &_o pray_v that_o she_o be_v not_o overcome_v by_o the_o tentation_n 2._o it_o may_v give_v occasion_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n in_o case_n of_o the_o want_n of_o thing_n contentful_a to_o nature_n as_o likewise_o of_o temperance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o 3._o the_o experience_n of_o our_o frequent_a excess_n beyond_o true_a necessity_n may_v afford_v great_a matter_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n 4._o by_o the_o mean_n of_o resection_n there_o be_v give_v to_o soul_n certain_a pausing_n &_o diversion_n from_o spiritual_a working_n necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o to_o work_v afterward_o more_o vigorous_o &_o intense_o 15._o vix_fw-la perfectus_fw-la discernit_fw-la etc._n etc._n sâ—ith_n s._n gregory_n a_o perfect_a soul_n do_v scarce_o discern_v the_o secret_a tentation_n &_o subtle_a subreption_n of_o sensuality_n urge_v soul_n to_o take_v more_o than_o necessity_n or_o obedience_n require_v &_o the_o only_a light_n necessary_a for_o such_o discern_a come_v from_o internal_a prayer_n and_o moreover_o till_o the_o soul_n by_o prayer_n be_v raise_v above_o sensuality_n she_o can_v have_v strength_n enough_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o inordinate_a desire_n thereof_o which_o she_o do_v discern_v and_o when_o soul_n be_v arrive_v to_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n they_o oppose_v such_o desire_n rather_o by_o neglect_v &_o forget_v the_o body_n then_o by_o
the_o mortification_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v incident_a more_o particular_o to_o tender_v devout_a soul_n especial_o woman_n that_o pursue_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v scrupulosity_n which_o be_v a_o mix_v kind_n of_o passion_n the_o most_o contrary_a to_o that_o peace_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n of_o any_o other_o as_o be_v envenom_a with_o whatsoever_o cause_n anxiety_n and_o inward_a torment_n almost_o in_o all_o other_o passion_n it_o regard_v sin_n and_o hell_n the_o most_o abhor_a and_o most_o terrible_a object_n of_o all_o other_o and_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o all_o the_o bitterness_n that_o be_v find_v in_o fear_n despair_n ineffectual_a desire_n uncertainty_n of_o judgement_n jealousy_n etc._n etc._n and_o penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a mind_n and_o spirit_n obscure_v and_o trouble_v the_o under_o stand_v our_o only_a director_n and_o torture_v the_o will_n by_o pluck_v it_o violent_o contrary_a way_n almost_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o cause_v the_o most_o pestilent_a disorder_n that_o a_o wellmeaning_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o so_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v obstinate_o cherish_v it_o sometime_o end_v in_o direct_a frenzy_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o a_o desperate_a forsake_v of_o all_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o where_o it_o be_v in_o a_o less_o degree_n yet_o it_o cause_v image_n so_o distract_n so_o intime_o penetrate_v &_o so_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o prayer_n with_o recollectednes_n that_o it_o deserve_v all_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o prevent_n or_o expel_v it_o 4._o for_o which_o purpose_n i_o will_v here_o according_a to_o the_o best_a light_n that_o god_n have_v give_v i_o afford_v such_o tender_a soul_n as_o be_v upon_o this_o rack_n of_o scrupulosity_n the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v and_o such_o ac_fw-la if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o practice_v according_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o through_o god_n help_v they_o will_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o passion_n i_o shall_v insist_v with_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a copiousnes_n upon_o this_o subject_n because_o this_o so_o dangerous_a a_o passion_n be_v but_o too_o ordinary_a among_o soul_n of_o the_o best_a disposition_n 5._o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v make_v this_o protestation_n that_o these_o foll_v wing_n instruction_n in_o which_o a_o great_a yet_o necessary_a condescendency_n be_v allow_v in_o many_o case_n do_v belong_v unto_o &_o application_n of_o they_o only_o to_o be_v make_v by_o such_o tender_a fearful_a soul_n as_o desire_v and_o intend_v sincere_o to_o follow_v internal_a prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n with_o as_o much_o courage_n &_o diligence_n as_o their_o frailty_n will_v permit_v such_o do_v indeed_o too_o often_o stand_v in_o need_n and_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o assistance_n &_o indulgence_n that_o reason_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v possible_o allow_v as_o be_v person_n thrt_n will_v probable_o turn_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o not_o to_o the_o ease_n or_o contentment_n of_o sensual_a nature_n which_o they_o account_v their_o great_a enemy_n and_o much_o less_o to_o unlawful_a liberty_n 6._o i_o do_v protest_v therefore_o against_o all_o extroverted_a liver_n or_o any_o of_o different_a temper_n and_o exercise_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o apply_v or_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o any_o indulgence_n etc._n etc._n here_o not_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o they_o will_v but_o mislead_v themselves_o and_o reap_v harm_n by_o so_o do_v it_o seldom_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o person_n have_v a_o fear_n of_o a_o sin_n commit_v or_o of_o the_o mortal_a heynousnes_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o therefore_o for_o no_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o trouble_n of_o mind_n ought_v they_o to_o expect_v any_o dispensation_n from_o due_a examination_n of_o their_o conscience_n express_v confession_n &c_n &c_n whereas_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o the_o forementioned_a tender_a soul_n do_v take_v those_o for_o mortal_a sin_n which_o be_v mere_a tentation_n yea_o perhaps_o pure_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o such_o strict_a examination_n or_o confession_n will_v only_o nourish_v their_o most_o distract_n anguish_v of_o mind_n &_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n 7._o now_o to_o encourage_v such_o tender_a wellminded_n soul_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o the_o like_a advice_n proper_a for_o they_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o that_o very_a disposition_n to_o wit_n a_o tender_a fearfullnes_n of_o offend_a god_n which_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o this_o so_o pernicious_a a_o passion_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v this_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v the_o most_o advantageous_a of_o all_o other_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o speedy_a progress_n in_o internal_a way_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o purity_n of_o heart_n the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o contemplation_n above_o all_o other_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a snare_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o hinder_v they_o namely_o by_o take_v advantage_n from_o such_o tenderness_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n full_a of_o multiplicity_n and_o unquiet_a apprehension_n with_o the_o which_o snare_n if_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entangle_v they_o will_v find_v that_o scrupulosity_n will_v be_v far_o from_o be_v effectual_a to_o cure_v any_o of_o their_o imperfection_n yea_o it_o will_v make_v contemplative_a prayer_n impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o it_o 8._o such_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v natural_a to_o many_o frequent_o happen_v to_o be_v much_o increase_v immediate_o after_o the_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o then_o especial_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v for_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o increase_n of_o tenderness_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o conscience_n of_o former_a sin_n as_o too_o severe_a a_o judgement_n of_o their_o present_a imperfection_n the_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v multiply_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n give_v to_o their_o present_a exercise_n as_o likewise_o because_o â—y_a the_o practice_n of_o such_o exercise_n they_o have_v a_o new_a light_n to_o discover_v a_o world_n of_o defect_n former_o invisible_a to_o they_o hence_o they_o become_v fearful_a of_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o know_v as_o yet_o no_o other_o remedy_n but_o confession_n they_o torment_v themselves_o with_o anxious_a preparation_n thereto_o and_o their_o fear_n yet_o not_o cease_v by_o have_v receive_v absolution_n and_o beside_o the_o same_o opposition_n of_o sensuality_n against_o internal_a prayer_n continue_v they_o begin_v to_o suspect_v their_o former_a confession_n which_o therefore_o they_o renew_v so_o that_o all_o their_o thought_n almost_o be_v take_v up_o with_o these_o suspicion_n of_o themselves_o unsatisfaction_n in_o their_o confession_n &c_n &c_n and_o by_o give_v way_n to_o such_o anxious_a customary_a confession_n to_o which_o also_o perhaps_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o their_o indiscreet_a guide_n they_o endanger_v themselves_o to_o contract_v a_o incurable_a disease_n of_o most_o pernicious_a scrupulosity_n and_o servile_a fear_n from_o which_o terrible_a anguish_n deiectednes_n and_o heartlesnes_n in_o all_o spiritual_a duty_n do_v follow_v with_o danger_n of_o render_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o of_o a_o internal_a life_n begin_v a_o condition_n less_o fruitful_a yea_o more_o dangerous_a than_o a_o common_a extroverted_a life_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v 9_o devout_a fowl_n therefore_o be_v earnest_o wish_v to_o make_v timely_a provision_n against_o these_o inconueniency_n &_o courageous_o to_o resist_v scrupulosity_n in_o the_o beginning_n according_a to_o the_o advice_n here_o follow_a and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n and_o prudence_n as_o far_o as_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o likewise_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o directour_n that_o will_v feed_v this_o humour_n to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n most_o pernicious_a of_o frequent_a iterate_a confession_n either_o particular_a or_o general_n if_o such_o care_n be_v have_v in_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v no_o disease_n more_o easy_o curable_a
to_o desist_v from_o seek_v he_o by_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o time_n of_o desertion_n &_o aridity_n 13._o and_o if_o they_o will_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o then_o from_o what_o cause_n soever_o it_o proceed_v yea_o though_o the_o devil_n himself_o help_v or_o change_v the_o body_n shall_v have_v cause_v it_o no_o harm_n can_v come_v unto_o they_o thereby_o for_o a_o soul_n be_v most_o secure_a while_o she_o neglect_v &_o disesteeme_v the_o effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o transcend_v it_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o exercise_v herself_o towards_o god_n quiet_o yet_o resolute_o in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o by_o the_o like_a practice_n may_v a_o soul_n obtain_v the_o like_a security_n in_o all_o extraordinary_a doubtful_a case_n of_o vision_n ecstasy_n &c_n &c_n 14._o more_o particular_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v tear_n which_o be_v usual_a effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n a_o soul_n must_v be_v wary_a that_o she_o give_v not_o free_a scope_n unto_o they_o what_o ever_o the_o object_n or_o cause_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v compassion_n to_o our_o lord_n suffering_n or_o contrition_n for_o her_o own_o sin_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v best_o to_o suppress_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v they_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o flow_v for_o otherwise_o beside_o the_o harm_n that_o may_v outward_o happen_v to_o the_o body_n by_o impair_n the_o health_n or_o weaken_v the_o head_n they_o will_v keep_v she_o still_o below_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o immortification_n with_o little_a or_o no_o advancement_n towards_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v hinder_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o obscure_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v discover_v her_o secret_a defect_n nor_o what_o will_v best_o keep_v she_o in_o her_o way_n let_v she_o therefore_o exercise_v these_o act_n in_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o will_n from_o whence_o all_o merit_n come_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v perform_v with_o quietness_n &_o stillnes_n yet_o withal_o more_o efficacious_o then_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n 15._o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o perfect_a soul_n when_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n bestow_v on_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tear_n as_o to_o s._n arsenius_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v flow_v almost_o continual_o with_o they_o for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v begin_v from_o the_o spirit_n who_o operation_n inferior_a nature_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o rather_o promote_v in_o they_o and_o such_o tear_n flow_v tanquam_fw-la plwia_fw-la in_o vellus_fw-la like_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n into_o a_o fleece_n of_o wool_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n &_o bitterness_n in_o inferior_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o grant_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n and_o therefore_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v may_v &_o no_o doubt_n will_v without_o any_o danger_n comply_v with_o it_o since_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o god_n only_o &_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v to_o depress_v the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o to_o draw_v sensitive_a nature_n upward_o into_o the_o spirit_n cause_v it_o likewise_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v with_o david_n cor_fw-la meum_fw-la &_o caro_fw-la mea_fw-la exult_v averunt_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la viwm_fw-la sensitive_a nature_n not_o only_o join_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o serve_v &_o love_v of_o god_n but_o likewise_o find_v its_o contentment_n therein_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o solid_a &_o secure_a sensible_a fervour_n be_v by_o a_o discreet_a underualue_v &_o repress_v of_o that_o which_o be_v original_o &_o mere_o sensible_a 16._o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o temper_n in_o prayer_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n in_o the_o which_o the_o inferior_a soul_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o part_n at_o all_o in_o the_o actuation_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o only_o unactive_a but_o very_o repugnant_a unto_o they_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o uneasine_n &_o pain_n in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o heart_n or_o sensitive_a appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n find_v much_o bitterness_n in_o it_o and_o the_o imagination_n in_o a_o sort_n refuse_v to_o suggest_v necessary_a image_n thereto_o any_o further_a than_o as_o the_o superior_a soul_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dominion_n it_o have_v over_o it_o do_v even_o by_o mere_a force_n constrain_v it_o 17._o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o soul_n that_o give_v themselves_o to_o internal_a prayer_n but_o some_o time_n or_o other_o do_v find_v themselves_o in_o great_a indisposition_n thereto_o have_v great_a obscurity_n in_o the_o mind_n &_o great_a insensibility_n in_o the_o affection_n so_o that_o if_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v not_o well_o instruct_v &_o prepare_v they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n in_o case_n that_o such_o contradiction_n in_o inferior_a nature_n continue_v long_o to_o be_v deject_a yea_o and_o perhaps_o deter_v from_o pursue_v prayer_n for_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o their_o recollection_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o since_o for_o as_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v or_o actuate_v towards_o god_n be_v mere_a loss_n of_o time_n and_o of_o no_o worth_a at_o all_o &_o therefore_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o employ_v their_o time_n some_o other_o way_n 18._o yea_o some_o soul_n there_o be_v conduct_v by_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o way_n but_o only_o by_o such_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n find_v no_o sensible_a contentment_n in_o any_o recollection_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a continual_a pain_n &_o contradiction_n and_o yet_o by_o a_o privy_a grace_n &_o courage_n imprint_v deep_o in_o the_o spirit_n cease_v not_o for_o all_o that_o but_o resolute_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o continue_v the_o best_a they_o can_v their_o internal_a exercise_n to_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n 19_o it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o have_v natural_o a_o good_a propension_n to_o introversion_n to_o continue_v constant_a to_o their_o recollection_n when_o aridity_n obscurity_n and_o desolation_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n for_o it_o be_v this_o propension_n alone_o assi_v by_o divine_a grace_n that_o hold_v they_o to_o their_o recollection_n &_o that_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v themselves_o up_o in_o all_o their_o difficulty_n and_o tentation_n 20._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o aridity_n and_o indisposition_n to_o prayer_n ordinary_o speak_v for_o sometime_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v &_o oft_o do_v send_v or_o permit_v such_o tentation_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o be_v principal_o a_o certain_a particular_a natural_a complexion_n of_o some_o &_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o by_o their_o corporal_a temper_n be_v most_o fit_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a affection_n for_o of_o all_o other_o such_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o these_o aridity_n and_o obscurity_n because_o the_o humour_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o body_n together_o with_o the_o change_n of_o weather_n &c_n &c_n have_v a_o far_o great_a influence_n upon_o these_o sensible_a affection_n then_o upon_o the_o mere_a operation_n either_o of_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o whensoever_o the_o say_v corporal_a disposition_n come_v by_o any_o accident_n to_o be_v alter_v such_o affectionate_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o these_o internal_a distress_n &_o be_v in_o such_o a_o afflict_a disconsolate_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o help_v themselves_o by_o any_o discourse_n to_o which_o ordinary_o they_o be_v indispose_v from_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o devout_a woman_n who_o natural_o do_v more_o abound_v with_o sensible_a affection_n than_o man_n be_v more_o subject_a to_o be_v afflict_v &_o persecute_v with_o these_o aridity_n 21._o such_o discouragement_n do_v least_o appear_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o which_o befit_v all_o kind_n of_o spirit_n &_o all_o sort_n of_o temper_n whether_o they_o discourse_v internal_o or_o not_o and_o whether_o they_o can_v produce_v internal_a act_n of_o the_o will_n upon_o conceive_a image_n or_o not_o for_o all_o these_o at_o all_o time_n and_o howsoever_o they_o be_v corporal_o dispose_v may_v make_v their_o profit_n more_o or_o less_o of_o vocal_a prayer_n 22._o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n likewise_o
of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a season_n 26._o and_o as_o concern_v tentation_n to_o infidelity_n despair_v &c_n &c_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v i_o will_v only_o add_v these_o two_o advice_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v all_o invent_v of_o reason_n or_o dispute_n to_o oppose_v the_o tentation_n 2._o to_o turn_v the_o mind_n neglect_o from_o the_o say_a tentation_n &_o to_o fix_v it_o with_o resignation_n &_o confidence_n on_o god_n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a remedy_n for_o soul_n especial_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o internal_a way_n for_o these_o require_v no_o study_n nor_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n to_o encounter_v the_o enemy_n who_o be_v able_a to_o entangle_v even_o the_o most_o learned_a that_o in_o confidence_n of_o their_o ability_n dare_v contest_v with_o he_o and_o yet_o these_o remedy_n be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v even_o his_o most_o fiery_a dart_n and_o moreover_o this_o one_o expedient_a of_o turn_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o object_n but_o god_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o be_v a_o universal_a remedy_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n be_v the_o usual_a exercise_n of_o those_o soul_n for_o who_o these_o instruction_n be_v principal_o write_v 27._o to_o this_o purpose_n cardinal_n bellarmine_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr arte_fw-la bene_fw-la moriendi_fw-la from_o barocius_n bishop_n of_o milan_n relate_v a_o sad_a story_n of_o two_o doctor_n in_o that_o university_n famous_a for_o scholastic_a controversy_n the_o one_o whereof_o after_o his_o death_n do_v according_a to_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n former_o make_v appear_v to_o his_o friend_n after_o a_o most_o affright_a manner_n all_o burn_a in_o flame_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o woeful_a condition_n a_o little_a before_o my_o expire_a say_v he_o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o i_o doubt_n &_o argument_n against_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o which_o i_o out_o of_o a_o confidence_n in_o my_o own_o ability_n undertake_v to_o resolve_v find_v myself_o so_o press_v with_o new_a reply_n that_o in_o the_o end_n be_v quite_o overcome_v i_o renounce_v the_o catholic_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n &_o assent_v to_o the_o arian_n heresy_n and_o in_o that_o state_n a_o just_a judgement_n for_o my_o pride_n i_o expire_v so_o receive_v this_o reward_n of_o heresy_n the_o live_a companion_n astonish_v with_o this_o relation_n reveal_v the_o case_n to_o some_o pious_a friend_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v advice_n direct_o conformable_a to_o these_o here_o before_o deliver_v and_o thereupon_o spend_v the_o remainder_n of_o his_o time_n more_o in_o prayer_n &_o pennance_n then_o study_v &_o not_o long_o after_o approach_v to_o his_o end_n the_o same_o tentation_n assault_v he_o for_o the_o devil_n require_v of_o he_o a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v get_v no_o other_o answer_n from_o he_o but_o this_o i_o believe_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v and_o be_v thereupon_o ask_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v he_o answer_v the_o church_n teach_v that_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o which_o word_n he_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o assist_v he_o by_o which_o mean_n he_o elude_v the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o enemyâ—_n and_o as_o afterward_o appear_v to_o some_o of_o those_o his_o good_a counsellor_n in_o a_o glorious_a manner_n he_o manifest_v he_o pass_v to_o heaven_n 28._o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o touch_v mortification_n to_o be_v practise_v about_o externall_n thing_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a in_o all_o state_n that_o it_o belong_v as_o well_o to_o the_o infirmary_n as_o the_o refectory_n for_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n &_o occurrent_n in_o this_o life_n there_o lie_v a_o snare_n to_o be_v avoid_v &_o a_o enemy_n to_o be_v combat_v so_o that_o whosoever_o out_o of_o slothfullnes_n shall_v forbear_v to_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n will_v the_o next_o day_n be_v more_o avert_v from_o it_o nature_n get_v strength_n against_o the_o spirit_n 29._o in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o sickness_n be_v a_o tentation_n &_o a_o snare_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n well_o use_v a_o occasion_n of_o victory_n against_o impatience_n &_o self-love_n &_o of_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a perfection_n 30._o more_o particular_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n proper_a in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n be_v 1._o not_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o pain_n &_o incommodity_n of_o it_o to_o impatience_n 2._o not_o to_o yield_v to_o a_o immoderate_a satisfaction_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o suggest_v a_o desire_n either_o of_o seek_v improper_a or_o unlawful_a remedy_n or_o when_o please_a nourishment_n refreshment_n etc._n etc._n be_v offer_v to_o us._n 3_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o spiritual_a sloth_n &_o neglect_v of_o our_o devotion_n to_o god_n of_o which_o we_o will_v speak_v when_o we_o etreate_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n 31._o as_o concern_v the_o mortification_n of_o impatience_n by_o restrain_v the_o tongue_n from_o break_v out_o into_o complaint_n or_o murmur_n &_o the_o mind_n from_o yield_v to_o melancholy_n &_o discontent_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n the_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a subject_n of_o sickness_n i_o will_v therefore_o only_o add_v these_o two_o advice_n 1._o that_o the_o infirm_a person_n will_v consider_v that_o impatience_n in_o sickness_n be_v not_o only_o harmful_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o likewise_o to_o the_o body_n too_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a patience_n peacefullnes_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o mortify_a temperance_n which_o be_v heavenly_a ornament_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v withal_o very_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o restore_v health_n in_o as_o much_o as_o thereby_o neither_o will_v the_o patient_a out_o of_o immortification_n refuse_v bitter_a thing_n which_o be_v advantageous_a to_o health_n nor_o greedy_o seek_v please_a thing_n which_o be_v harmful_a 2._o that_o patience_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o least_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n although_o violence_n of_o pain_n shall_v force_v the_o patient_a to_o groan_v or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o cry_v out_o the_o which_o if_o they_o afford_v ease_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v condemn_v 32._o next_o touch_v the_o mortification_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o sickness_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a &_o fit_v for_o a_o sick_a person_n to_o desire_n &_o seek_v remedy_n proper_a in_o that_o case_n yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v without_o too_o much_o solicitude_n &_o disquietness_n of_o mind_n and_o in_o case_n such_o remedy_n can_v be_v have_v a_o content_a submission_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o want_n or_o refusal_n of_o they_o be_v of_o admirable_a virtue_n to_o advance_v the_o soul_n since_o necessity_n declare_v such_o a_o want_n to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o for_o the_o soul_n great_a good_n a_o most_o perfect_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o lord_n who_o among_o the_o other_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v most_o greivous_o afflict_v with_o thirst_n in_o which_o case_n he_o demand_v refreshment_n but_o all_o assuagement_n be_v deny_v he_o yea_o gall_n be_v present_v to_o he_o to_o inflame_v his_o thirst_n he_o complain_v not_o at_o all_o 33._o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o exercise_v temperance_n by_o repress_v sensuality_n in_o the_o interior_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alike_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o health_n &_o sickness_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n as_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o such_o temperance_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o those_o meat_n and_o solace_n which_o will_v misbecome_v a_o spiritual_a person_n in_o health_n may_v be_v very_o allowable_a and_o expedient_a in_o sickness_n only_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v that_o the_o yield_n to_o some_o reasonable_a pleasure_n and_o recreation_n of_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o spiritual_a discretion_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n so_o as_o not_o to_o hinder_v internal_a exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o because_o such_o be_v god_n will_n and_o not_o that_o a_o undue_a liberty_n shall_v be_v allow_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o sickness_n to_o give_v the_o reins_n to_o sensual_a appetite_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o state_n of_o sickness_n more_o easy_a and_o pleasurable_a perhaps_o then_o that_o of_o health_n it_o be_v nothing_o considerable_a as_o in_o itself_o whether_o the_o body_n have_v ease_n or_o no_o all_o the_o matter_n be_v how_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o spirit_n if_o bodily_a ease_n may_v indeed_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o spirit_n it_o