by_o the_o fight_n and_o be_v like_a by_o elation_n of_o mind_n to_o loose_v more_o in_o peace_n then_o by_o valiant_a fight_n we_o have_v gain_v in_o war_n but_o yet_o may_v we_o know_v it_o asmuch_o as_n be_v for_o our_o good_a consent_v and_o asmuch_o as_o god_n see_v to_o be_v healthful_a for_o we_o namely_o by_o conjecture_n and_o probability_n which_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n come_v two_o way_n first_o if_o he_o have_v this_o firm_a purpose_n and_o general_a resolution_n habitualy_a never_o at_o any_o time_n to_o commit_v mortal_a sin_n second_o if_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o think_v that_o he_o never_o give_v over_o the_o fight_n but_o still_o resist_v though_o this_o resistance_n seem_v not_o so_o strong_a for_o though_o it_o seem_v weak_a weakness_n this_o weakness_n may_v come_v of_o twoe_o cause_n first_o for_o want_v of_o good_a will_n to_o resist_v and_o then_o it_o be_v in_o deed_n such_o as_o it_o seem_v namely_o weak_a and_o so_o be_v very_o like_a to_o have_v offend_v second_o this_o weakness_n may_v come_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o impulsion_n of_o the_o temptation_n cause_v great_a feeling_n and_o delectation_n in_o the_o inferior_a part_n drown_v as_o it_o be_v the_o sensible_a feel_n and_o knowledge_n of_o resistance_n and_o goodwill_n which_o notwithstanding_o live_v and_o keep_v entire_a in_o the_o superior_a part_n and_o then_o this_o want_n of_o resistance_n be_v not_o such_o be_v it_o seem_v but_o be_v in_o deed_n very_o great_a and_o so_o he_o offend_v not_o but_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v say_v you_o of_o which_o of_o these_o twoe_o cause_n this_o feeble_a resistance_n come_v resolution_n i_o answer_v by_o the_o above_o say_v habitual_a and_o continual_a firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n never_o to_o commit_v sin_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o have_v this_o purpose_n he_o may_v know_v when_o he_o feel_v none_o or_o almost_o no_o will_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n that_o he_o have_v none_o in_o deed_n but_o if_o he_o have_v this_o general_a purpose_n he_o may_v very_o think_v that_o he_o have_v resist_v and_o keep_v pure_a his_o spirit_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o though_o like_o the_o three_o child_n in_o the_o glow_a furnace_n flame_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o concupiscence_n so_o heat_v by_o nabuchodonosor_n the_o devil_n 3._o king_n of_o all_o babylon_n and_o confusion_n moreover_o it_o must_v here_o be_v note_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n command_v or_o forbid_v we_o intend_v not_o only_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v mortal_a sin_n to_o commit_v they_o or_o to_o leave_v they_o undo_v but_o also_o little_a matter_n which_o be_v command_v be_v venial_a sin_n or_o imperfection_n to_o omit_v or_o be_v forbid_v be_v the_o like_a to_o commit_v for_o here_o we_o treat_v not_o only_o of_o the_o observe_n of_o god_n commandment_n but_o principal_o of_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o avoid_v of_o imperfection_n and_o here_o also_o must_v always_o be_v remember_v that_o as_o be_v above_o say_v by_o this_o word_n law_n or_o commandment_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o of_o superior_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a as_o likewise_o of_o the_o order_n state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o one_o and_o final_o of_o the_o commandment_n or_o intention_n not_o contrary_a to_o god_n of_o father_n mother_n or_o any_o other_o to_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v so_o that_o whenas_o by_o any_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o law_n commandment_n or_o intention_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n he_o shall_v much_o deceive_v himself_o which_o shall_v do_v the_o contrary_n be_v the_o thing_n never_o so_o small_a though_o under_o pretext_n of_o perfection_n or_o contemplation_n because_o as_o be_v write_v melior_fw-la est_fw-la obedientia_fw-la quam_fw-la victimae_fw-la 11._o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o whoesoever_o shall_v so_o do_v willing_o and_o witting_o ordinary_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n through_o inobedience_n by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o fall_v into_o some_o great_a error_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o also_o if_o he_o be_v of_o any_o particular_a order_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o leave_n of_o little_a custom_n and_o ceremony_n to_o help_v for_o his_o part_n to_o ruinate_v his_o order_n fence_v in_o and_o defend_v with_o such_o custom_n as_o a_o gardin_fw-fr with_o a_o hedge_n wherefore_o i_o wish_v he_o to_o hear_v what_o ecclesiastes_n say_v unto_o he_o 10._o qui_fw-la dissipat_v sepem_fw-la mordebit_fw-la eum_fw-la coluber_fw-la he_o which_o pull_v down_o the_o hedge_n the_o snake_n will_v bite_v he_o and_o to_o receive_v this_o admonition_n from_o the_o wise_a man_n 28._o ne_o transgrediaris_fw-la terminos_fw-la antiquos_fw-la quos_fw-la posuerunt_fw-la patres_fw-la tui_fw-la pass_v not_o the_o ancient_a bownd_n which_o thy_o father_n have_v put_v before_o thou_o for_o how_o can_v that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n that_o nourish_v proper_a will_n and_o leave_v of_o obedience_n or_o how_o can_v that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n that_o diminish_v true_a performance_n of_o profession_n but_o what_o more_o diminish_v true_a performance_n of_o his_o profession_n then_o to_o abandon_v the_o good_a custom_n and_o constitution_n of_o his_o religion_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o essential_a or_o very_a substance_n throf_o yet_o be_v they_o the_o wall_n trench_n simile_n or_o bulwark_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o for_o as_o no_o captain_n of_o a_o castle_n or_o governor_n of_o a_o town_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o beat_v down_o the_o wall_n or_o bulwark_n or_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o trench_n or_o ditch_n of_o the_o same_o which_o defend_v the_o town_n and_o make_v the_o enemy_n employ_v his_o force_n and_o spend_v his_o munition_n shot_n and_o powder_n to_o win_v the_o same_o and_o to_o beat_v they_o down_o before_o he_o can_v assalt_n the_o castle_n or_o town_n itself_o so_o be_v he_o no_o wise_a who_o beat_v down_o and_o abolish_v such_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n which_o keep_v in_o safety_n the_o essential_a of_o his_o rule_n namely_o his_o three_o vow_n and_o other_o thing_n command_v under_o pain_n of_o sin_n and_o which_o make_v the_o spiritual_a enemy_n to_o spend_v their_o force_n in_o expugn_v the_o same_o before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o as_o when_o such_o defence_n of_o the_o town_n be_v destroy_v the_o enemy_n layeng_v his_o siege_n against_o it_o forthwith_o plant_v his_o canon_n and_o beat_v at_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n against_o the_o very_a house_n of_o the_o same_o even_o unto_o the_o heart_n thereof_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v take_v and_o subdue_v in_o like_a manner_n when_o such_o ceremony_n be_v abrogate_a the_o enemy_n beseige_v the_o city_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o let_v lay_v on_o his_o whole_a force_n and_o with_o his_o fiery_a arrow_n shoot_v full_a butt_n against_o the_o naked_a essential_a point_n and_o undefended_a vow_n of_o his_o profession_n so_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o such_o contempt_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o though_o he_o be_v in_o great_a sublime_a contemplation_n yet_o if_o he_o know_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v he_o ought_v for_o the_o cause_n above_o say_v to_o leave_v the_o same_o but_o herein_o lie_v the_o sore_a and_o imperfection_n in_o this_o case_n that_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o diminish_v their_o spiritual_a light_n while_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o little_a thing_n and_o ceremony_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o omit_v they_o by_o frailty_n but_o also_o witting_o and_o of_o set_v purpose_n but_o â—f_o so_o it_o be_v that_o by_o these_o mean_v they_o be_v sequester_v from_o god_n and_o their_o light_n decrease_v it_o be_v either_o because_o they_o do_v it_o unwillinglie_o namely_o exteriorlie_o and_o not_o in_o mind_n which_o in_o effect_n before_o god_n who_o regard_v the_o will_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o undo_v or_o else_o if_o they_o do_v it_o willing_o it_o be_v not_o as_o here_o be_v teach_v for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v their_o end_n so_o far_o shall_v they_o be_v from_o be_v alienate_v from_o god_n and_o their_o light_n diminish_v that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o their_o light_n much_o increase_v because_o this_o will_v which_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n do_v illuminate_v illustrate_v and_o so_o change_v the_o work_n that_o of_o corporal_a they_o become_v spiritual_a of_o dark_a and_o exterior_a clear_a and_o interior_a and_o therefore_o of_o those_o that_o so_o do_v they_o it_o be_v write_v 38._o quia_fw-la tenebraenon_fw-mi obscurabuntur_fw-la a_o
beginner_n second_o mental_a prayer_n which_o be_v better_o as_o have_v more_o light_a and_o serve_v for_o those_o that_o be_v past_o the_o beginning_n three_o aspiration_n which_o be_v little_a short_a servant_n prayer_n and_o inflame_a suspire_n or_o desire_n come_v some_o time_n only_o from_o the_o heart_n some_o time_n from_o the_o mouth_n and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o more_o perfect_a kind_n as_o have_v less_o speculation_n and_o serve_v for_o those_o that_o have_v make_v some_o good_a progress_n final_o the_o prayer_n make_v in_o this_o only_a will_n of_o god_n by_o adhere_v only_o unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o best_a kind_n of_o all_o as_o be_v only_o ground_v upon_o and_o maintain_v by_o the_o pure_a love_n and_o charity_n of_o god_n and_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o have_v their_o spirit_n inflame_v simplify_v and_o purge_v from_o all_o image_n and_o imagination_n or_o for_o such_o as_o perhaps_o have_v not_o whole_o attain_v thereunto_o but_o yet_o their_o courage_n and_o patience_n in_o expect_v the_o tract_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v supply_v their_o want_n those_o therefore_o which_o by_o their_o confessor_n or_o director_n shall_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v such_o let_v they_o take_v this_o last_o mean_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o sudden_o illuminate_v and_o elevate_v unto_o the_o true_a and_o essential_a contemplation_n neither_o let_v they_o lose_v courage_n nor_o think_v it_o idleness_n or_o time_n lose_v so_o to_o expect_v and_o remain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o crucifix_n for_o so_o the_o soul_n profit_v more_o bring_v forth_o more_o profownd_v and_o spiritual_a act_n make_v a_o great_a offering_n of_o herself_o and_o a_o sweet_a holocaust_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o final_o please_v god_n more_o than_o when_o she_o fly_v through_o heaven_n discourse_v of_o divine_a and_o deep_a mystery_n and_o whensoever_o after_o such_o attend_v and_o due_a disposition_n god_n shall_v come_v and_o visit_v she_o she_o shall_v be_v more_o illuminate_v at_o one_o time_n than_o not_o do_v so_o in_o a_o hundred_o as_o for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o sufficient_a to_o practice_v this_o way_n but_o take_v some_o of_o the_o other_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n they_o must_v notwithstanding_o always_o remember_v that_o they_o use_v such_o mean_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n namely_o in_o this_o only_a will_n of_o god_n as_o have_v bein_z teach_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o all_o such_o vocal_a prayer_n meditation_n and_o aspiration_n they_o have_v this_o will_n of_o god_n so_o full_o sole_o and_o whole_o for_o their_o object_n and_o heart_n desire_v that_o they_o feel_v no_o will_n nor_o affection_n to_o be_v comfort_v illuminate_v or_o consolate_v in_o that_o their_o prayer_n but_o only_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o shall_v please_v god_n which_o whoesoever_o will_v do_v shall_v find_v excessive_a comfort_n and_o joy_n because_o he_o find_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o only_a comfort_n and_o joy_n and_o therefore_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o which_o seek_v most_o his_o own_o comfort_n shall_v least_o find_v it_o and_o contrary_a wise_a he_o that_o for_o the_o only_a will_n of_o god_n seek_v it_o least_o shall_v most_o ample_o find_v the_o same_o six_o point_n therefore_o or_o interior_a act_n be_v necessary_a for_o they_o which_o make_v their_o meditation_n prayer_n aspiration_n or_o contemplation_n according_a to_o this_o practice_n the_o first_o be_v 1._o to_o protest_v that_o they_o come_v to_o pray_v only_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o please_v he_o without_o seek_v consolation_n illumination_n or_o any_o satisfaction_n but_o here_o the_o fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a soul_n must_v not_o think_v that_o they_o be_v tie_v hereto_o under_o pain_n of_o any_o sin_n either_o mortal_a or_o venial_a because_o this_o protestation_n be_v in_o nature_n of_o a_o good_a purpose_n and_o not_o of_o any_o obligatorie_n promise_n the_o second_o 2._o to_o reflect_v on_o their_o interior_a and_o in_o sound_v the_o depth_n thereof_o to_o examine_v and_o discern_v without_o any_o partiality_n whether_o they_o have_v protest_v the_o truth_n or_o no_o in_o which_o examen_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o diligent_a and_o judge_n indifferent_a and_o he_o which_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o this_o point_n in_o sound_v well_o his_o interior_a shall_v open_v the_o gate_n to_o perfect_a contemplation_n the_o three_o 3._o to_o amend_v and_o correct_v what_o they_o find_v contrary_a to_o the_o say_a protestation_n master_a proper_a love_n which_o solicit_v always_o to_o desire_v sensible_a consolation_n or_o at_o least_o spiritual_a the_o four_o 4._o to_o rely_v continual_o on_o this_o divine_a pleasure_n 4._o as_o on_o the_o ground_n and_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o prayer_n not_o care_v so_o much_o to_o make_v any_o curious_a discourse_n and_o meditation_n nor_o to_o have_v fervour_n and_o devotion_n nor_o final_o to_o make_v their_o prayer_n according_a to_o self_n like_v as_o to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o this_o divine_a will_n and_o to_o be_v unite_v thereunto_o by_o a_o total_a resignation_n to_o cherish_v the_o same_o in_o their_o heart_n with_o love_n and_o to_o adore_v it_o with_o profownd_a reverence_n the_o five_o to_o discern_v and_o examine_v some_o time_n the_o foresay_a protestation_n by_o a_o simple_a reflection_n thereon_o to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o fall_v from_o her_o purity_n and_o in_o particular_a if_o the_o time_n seem_v not_o tedious_a the_o six_o to_o rest_v content_v yea_o and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o heart_n with_o a_o profownd_a joy_n and_o tranquillity_n at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o prayer_n whether_o it_o be_v sterile_a or_o fervent_a that_o they_o have_v obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v to_o weet_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n and_o note_v away_o that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v once_o well_o enter_v and_o elevate_v by_o this_o mean_n of_o abnegation_n for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n both_o in_o and_o out_o of_o prayer_n shall_v find_v no_o great_a difficulty_n afterward_o but_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n enter_v in_o again_o as_o have_v undo_v the_o knot_n find_v the_o secret_a and_o dive_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n and_o as_o have_v by_o experience_n find_v god_n the_o true_a light_n joy_n and_o life_n not_o where_o she_o think_v nor_o where_o ordinary_o man_n seek_v he_o namely_o in_o ourselves_o or_o in_o our_o own_o proper_a will_n nor_o in_o seek_v our_o own_o delight_n joy_n light_n and_o comfort_n but_o where_o she_o think_v he_o not_o to_o be_v and_o where_o common_o man_n never_o seek_v he_o to_o weet_v in_o renounce_v ourselves_o yea_o and_o our_o spiritual_a joy_n consolation_n and_o light_n postpose_v they_o all_o and_o put_v they_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o mind_n for_o the_o actual_a remembrance_n and_o great_a joy_n which_o she_o have_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v his_o pleasure_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o can_v not_o so_o renounce_v ourselves_o absolute_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v for_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o that_o we_o think_v we_o shall_v so_o leave_v and_o loose_v both_o that_o which_o we_o desire_v and_o our_o own_o contentment_n but_o when_o once_o by_o such_o experience_n the_o soul_n have_v find_v out_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o by_o renounce_v yea_o and_o forget_v she_o own_o will_n and_o joy_n for_o the_o divine_a will_n her_o will_n and_o joy_n be_v not_o annihilate_v nor_o lose_v but_o be_v find_v in_o god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n with_o a_o hundred_o time_n more_o find_v she_o feel_v now_o no_o more_o repugnance_n nor_o sadness_n to_o renounce_v herself_o and_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n her_o deer_n and_o only_a son_n isaac_n her_o proper_a will_n and_o joy_n know_v assure_o that_o though_o â—â—eé_v be_v bind_v and_o lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n of_o â—er_n heart_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n ready_a to_o be_v behead_v and_o in_o the_o fire_n of_o charity_n she_o be_v willing_a to_o consume_v he_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o die_v but_o live_v â—nd_v according_a to_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o joy_n and_o laughter_n and_o of_o this_o subject_n of_o prayer_n a_o man_n may_v see_v the_o little_a table_n or_o direction_n which_o we_o have_v make_v for_o a_o method_n and_o entry_n to_o meditation_n a_o daily_a examination_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o practiser_n of_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o sum_n or_o abridgement_n of_o all_o this_o part_n in_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o practice_n thereof_o first_o let_v he_o examine_v whether_o he_o have_v govern_v himself_o and_o order_v his_o action_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o
spiritual_a rule_n and_o document_n touch_v interior_a exercise_n it_o fare_v not_o as_o in_o other_o book_n which_o chief_o or_o at_o least_o partly_o tend_v to_o delight_v the_o ear_n by_o pleasant_a word_n or_o move_v affection_n by_o please_a term_n but_o by_o plainness_n of_o document_n and_o clearness_n of_o doctrine_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o a_o easy_a and_o familiar_a mean_n to_o practise_v the_o same_o thus_o hearty_o wish_v your_o daily_a progress_n in_o all_o virtue_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n holy_a protection_n and_o myself_o poor_a sinner_n by_o your_o prayer_n to_o his_o sweet_a mercy_n your_o poor_a brother_n and_o cousin_n in_o christ_n jesus_n b._n benet_n call_v heertosore_n vv._n fitche_n to_o the_o devout_n religious_a english-woman_n of_o the_o covent_n of_o s._n ursula_n at_o lovayn_n and_o of_o s._n benet_n at_o brussels_n and_o particular_o to_o his_o devout_a cousin_n wiseman_n in_o both_o house_n and_o to_o all_o other_o religious_a of_o our_o nation_n in_o flanders_n devout_fw-la sister_n in_o christ_n and_o dear_a cousin_n many_o year_n have_v pass_v since_o this_o book_n be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o above_o say_v of_o s._n bridget_n but_o be_v twoe_o sundry_a time_n put_v to_o print_v in_o england_n where_o i_o be_v then_o in_o prison_n it_o be_v both_o time_n take_v though_o it_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a touch_n either_o controversy_n or_o matter_n of_o state_n since_o which_o time_n have_v bein_z erect_v that_o your_o religious_a house_n at_o brussels_n and_o aswell_o the_o same_o as_o that_o of_o lovayne_n have_v bein_z better_a know_v unto_o i_o for_o the_o intercourse_n of_o letter_n betwixt_o you_o and_o i_o my_o loving_a cousin_n at_o lovayne_n and_o by_o your_o rendition_n my_o good_a cousin_n at_o brussels_n and_o because_o i_o owe_v you_o and_o your_o house_n the_o like_a office_n as_o to_o the_o above_o say_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o kindred_n and_o country_n and_o that_o as_o say_v the_o philosopher_n bonum_fw-la quò_fw-la communius_fw-la eo_fw-la melius_fw-la the_o good_a be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v more_o common_a and_o final_o for_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o book_n particular_o fit_v those_o of_o your_o vocation_n i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o direct_v it_o also_o unto_o you_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o smallnesse_n of_o the_o work_n dissuade_v therfrom_o wayeng_v less_o in_o the_o one_o scale_n of_o the_o balance_n of_o my_o consideration_n than_o the_o ponderousnesse_n of_o the_o say_a cause_n put_v against_o it_o in_o the_o other_o especial_o the_o balance_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o charitable_a affection_n which_o shall_v never_o cease_v to_o work_v and_o do_v the_o office_n which_o kin_n and_o country_n call_v upon_o i_o to_o perform_v and_o though_o the_o thing_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o so_o sinful_a and_o vile_a a_o wretch_n from_o who_o it_o come_v be_v of_o so_o small_a value_n and_o so_o unworthy_a the_o print_n that_o i_o have_v often_o time_n hinder_v the_o same_o howsoever_o the_o great_a persuasion_n of_o other_o and_o due_a affection_n to_o the_o above_o name_v make_v i_o consent_v thereunto_o in_o england_n yet_o in_o time_n perceive_v it_o be_v so_o acceptable_a in_o these_o part_n to_o all_o sort_n aswell_o of_o authority_n as_o of_o learning_n and_o perfection_n and_o see_v it_o so_o much_o publish_v throughout_o france_n though_o paynful_o by_o write_v i_o have_v bein_z more_o encourage_v to_o present_v the_o same_o unto_o you_o though_o for_o the_o three_o part_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o thought_n meet_v to_o be_v publish_v as_o treat_v of_o matter_n somewhat_o high_a for_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n and_o if_o it_o bring_v you_o any_o spiritual_a profit_n i_o beseech_v you_o recompense_v i_o with_o this_o prayer_n that_o i_o be_v not_o like_o the_o candle_n which_o whilst_o it_o lighten_v other_o consume_v itself_o nor_o as_o the_o conduct_n pipe_n which_o convay_v water_n from_o the_o fountain_n to_o other_o not_o retain_v any_o for_o itself_o fare_v you_o well_o your_o poor_a brother_n and_o cousin_n in_o christ_n jesus_n b._n benet_n call_v heretofore_o vv._n fitch_n to_o the_o reader_n gentle_a reader_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a book_n entitle_v the_o method_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o latin_a french_a and_o english_a which_o in_o the_o beginning_n speak_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n lest_o therefore_o thou_o may_v think_v that_o this_o book_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o same_o or_o not_o much_o different_a and_o so_o thy_o affection_n to_o read_v this_o be_v diminish_v thou_o shall_v understand_v that_o they_o differre_fw-la in_o all_o matter_n in_o subject_n method_n and_o pretend_a scope_n for_o that_o book_n have_v but_o some_o one_o chapter_n or_o document_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o this_o three_o book_n or_o part_n that_o go_v to_o other_o discourse_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o this_o pursue_v this_o only_a point_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o propownd_v it_o as_o the_o end_n of_o our_o action_n but_o this_o as_o the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o end_v of_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a life_n geve_v precept_n for_o every_o one_o yea_o that_o book_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o touch_v the_o will_n of_o god_n show_v not_o how_o to_o know_v it_o but_o this_o give_v mean_n how_o to_o know_v the_o same_o that_o speak_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o distinction_n but_o this_o distinguish_v it_o mystical_o into_o three_o final_o that_o book_n speak_v of_o the_o exterior_a will_n but_o this_o enter_v into_o the_o knowledge_n taste_n and_o feel_v of_o the_o internal_a will_n as_o it_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n yea_o and_o essential_o god_n himself_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o part_n but_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o difference_n which_o by_o read_v thou_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o conveniency_n betwixt_o they_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v here_o teach_v throughout_o the_o active_a contemplative_a and_o supereminent_a life_n be_v there_o touch_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o book_n of_o active_a life_n and_o if_o this_o have_v affinity_n with_o that_o it_o will_v never_o have_v bein_z so_o require_v and_o publish_v in_o france_n especial_o so_o paynful_o by_o write_v before_o it_o be_v print_v and_o particular_o among_o religious_a order_n where_o that_o book_n be_v so_o common_a as_o for_o the_o other_o three_o book_n mention_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o print_v though_o ready_a to_o go_v to_o the_o prefle_n and_o if_o this_o or_o they_o bring_v unto_o thy_o sowlle_n any_o profit_n or_o consolation_n i_o desire_v for_o recompense_v some_o memory_n of_o i_o in_o thy_o holy_a prayer_n fare_v well_o thou_o in_o christ_n jesus_n b._n benet_n the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n contain_v a_o brief_a and_o perspicvous_a abridgement_n of_o all_o the_o whole_a spiritual_a life_n reduce_v to_o this_o only_a point_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n divide_v into_o three_o part_n the_o first_o parte_fw-la of_o the_o exterior_a will_v of_o god_n comprehend_v the_o active_a life_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o utility_n of_o this_o exercise_n compare_v with_o other_o chap._n i._n have_v well_o consider_v the_o diversity_n of_o way_n and_o multitude_n of_o exercise_n find_v out_o and_o practise_v by_o many_o learned_a and_o devoute_a person_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o true_a perfection_n and_o in_o fine_a find_v that_o as_o they_o tend_v all_o to_o one_o end_n so_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o much_o different_a but_o rather_o in_o substance_n all_o one_o how_o differet_fw-la soever_o they_o seem_v i_o have_v desire_v for_o the_o great_a light_n and_o profit_n of_o devout_a soul_n and_o more_o facility_n life_n to_o abridge_v and_o reduce_v they_o all_o to_o one_o only_a point_n in_o which_o may_v shine_v and_o clear_o be_v see_v all_o the_o other_o and_o which_o not_o withstand_v such_o brevity_n may_v be_v easy_a to_o comprehend_v and_o perspicuous_a to_o understand_v to_o which_o effect_n i_o can_v find_v no_o point_n so_o fit_a as_o this_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o though_o the_o perfect_a soul_n and_o illuminate_v spirit_n clear_o do_v see_v and_o discern_v all_o way_n and_o exercise_n in_o every_o one_o and_o every_o one_o in_o all_o principal_o in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o sublime_a yet_o be_v this_o verify_v rather_o in_o this_o exercise_n and_o point_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n then_o in_o any_o other_o for_o that_o here_o in_o all_o the_o other_o exercise_n be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o not_o only_o the_o perfect_a and_o illuminate_v person_n but_o also_o the_o beginner_n if_o he_o will_v a_o little_a consider_v may_v see_v they_o
every_o man_n estate_n quality_n and_o condition_n be_v he_o lord_n or_o subject_n master_n or_o servant_n lay_v or_o religious_a moreover_o i_o say_v and_o by_o reason_n which_o i_o add_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n for_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o know_v by_o the_o law_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n do_v not_o extend_v itself_o unto_o neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v they_o as_o for_o example_n whither_o to_o take_v holy_a order_n or_o not_o to_o marry_v or_o to_o live_v single_a to_o take_v a_o voyage_n or_o to_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o sit_v or_o to_o stand_v to_o speak_v oâ—_n to_o be_v silent_a and_o a_o thousand_o other_o thing_n which_o daily_o come_v in_o practice_n neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o leave_v indifferent_a and_o a_o man_n know_v not_o therein_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o seem_v a_o hindrance_n or_o let_v to_o our_o above_o say_a rule_n teach_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v do_v it_o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o where_o no_o law_n resolve_v the_o matter_n but_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a reason_n must_v bear_v the_o sway_n by_o which_o word_n reason_n be_v mean_v discretion_n piety_n and_o counsel_n how_o in_o particular_a this_o reason_n must_v resolve_v every_o such_o doubtful_a thing_n shall_v forthwith_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n be_v declare_v further_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n because_o that_o as_o the_o material_a rule_n be_v the_o thing_n whereby_o to_o draw_v a_o line_n straight_o and_o whereby_o we_o try_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v right_a or_o crooked_a so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v only_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o work_n word_n or_o thought_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o they_o be_v straight_o by_o right_a intention_n or_o crooked_a by_o any_o blind_a affection_n i_o say_v in_o the_o active_a life_n which_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o exterior_a action_n but_o also_o the_o interior_a intention_n not_o only_o the_o outward_a conversation_n but_o also_o the_o inward_a reformation_n if_o one_o say_v answer_n why_o then_o do_v you_o call_v it_o the_o will_v exterior_a see_v it_o touch_v and_o reform_v the_o interior_a i_o answer_v because_o it_o receive_v her_o light_n and_o direction_n from_o the_o exterior_a namely_o by_o the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o exterior_a in_o do_v thing_n or_o leave_v they_o undo_v in_o accept_v or_o reject_v according_a to_o the_o same_o law_n and_o final_o because_o though_o it_o be_v something_o interior_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o rectifieng_v of_o the_o intention_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v well_o call_v exterior_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o twoe_o will_n which_o be_v whole_o conversant_a in_o the_o interior_a rule_v how_o to_o know_v and_o practice_v this_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n chap._n vi_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o after_o have_v declare_v what_o this_o will_n be_v by_o the_o above_o say_v definition_n in_o general_a we_o show_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o some_o rule_n more_o particular_a that_o so_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o leave_v undo_v what_o to_o be_v accept_v and_o what_o reject_v we_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o before_o have_v bein_z teach_v by_o the_o above_o say_v general_a rule_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n this_o particular_a rule_n be_v this_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v of_o that_o which_o be_v say_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o offer_v or_o present_v themselves_o unto_o we_o to_o be_v do_v or_o suffer_v admit_v or_o reject_v be_v they_o corporal_a or_o spiritual_a be_v of_o three_o sort_n namely_o command_v forbid_a or_o 〈◊〉_d indifferent_a 〈◊〉_d neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o nothing_o can_v come_v or_o happen_v but_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o of_o these_o three_o kind_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o kind_n command_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v command_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o weet_v that_o we_o do_v it_o we_o must_v therefore_o do_v it_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o above_o say_v general_a rule_n to_o weet_v only_a because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o for_o no_o other_o end_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n forbid_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v forbid_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o know_v that_o we_o do_v it_o not_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v reject_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o undo_v and_o this_o for_o the_o same_o only_a intention_n of_o god_n will_v all_o other_o intention_n reject_v and_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a forget_v as_o concern_v the_o three_o indifferent_a namely_o of_o thing_n indifferent_a they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n to_o weet_v agreeable_a to_o nature_n or_o sensuality_n as_o hear_v curious_a talk_n or_o news_n view_v the_o beauty_n of_o some_o person_n stately_a building_n and_o such_o like_a or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o sensuality_n as_o keep_v silence_n geve_v alm_n fast_v not_o command_v or_o in_o different_a to_o nature_n and_o sensuality_n as_o to_o go_v this_o way_n or_o another_o to_o sit_v or_o to_o walk_v or_o final_o whatsoever_o he_o find_v no_o more_o inclination_n to_o do_v then_o to_o leave_v undo_v if_o the_o thing_n offer_v or_o that_o present_v itself_o be_v of_o the_o first_o kind_n according_a to_o sensuality_n or_o affection_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o refuse_v and_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o second_o repugnant_a to_o sensuality_n or_o affection_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o accept_v it_o both_o which_o be_v proposition_n manifest_a by_o the_o scripture_n every_o leaf_n whereof_o almost_o do_v exhort_v we_o to_o mortification_n of_o the_o old_a man_n as_o mortificate_n membra_fw-la vestra_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la super_fw-la terram_fw-la 3._o mortify_v your_o member_n that_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n do_v and_o siautem_fw-la spiritu_fw-la facta_fw-la carnis_fw-la mortificaveritis_fw-la vivetis_fw-la if_o by_o the_o spirit_n you_o mortify_v the_o act_n of_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v live_v yet_o with_o this_o exception_n if_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a discretion_n require_v not_o the_o contrary_a have_v respect_n to_o health_n person_n quality_n time_n and_o place_n with_o other_o like_a circumstance_n but_o if_o such_o be_v the_o circumstance_n and_o so_o indifferent_a the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n as_o in_o verity_n a_o man_n know_v not_o which_o to_o do_v or_o choose_v either_o to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v to_o resist_v or_o admit_v the_o thing_n then_o must_v he_o dispatch_v and_o choose_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o always_o with_o the_o intention_n above_o say_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o with_o distraction_n importance_n and_o break_v his_o brain_n and_o loss_n of_o time_n make_v too_o long_a discussion_n except_o which_o happen_v seldom_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o such_o consequence_n that_o it_o deserve_v it_o in_o which_o case_n he_o must_v use_v prayer_n and_o counfaile_v of_o godly_a man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o mature_a judgement_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o three_o kind_n namely_o indifferent_a neither_o according_a nor_o yet_o against_o sensuality_n to_o do_v or_o to_o leave_v undo_v a_o man_n may_v choose_v which_o side_n he_o will_v always_o with_o this_o intention_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o mind_n unto_o himself_o i_o will_v do_v or_o accept_v or_o i_o will_v not_o do_v or_o reject_v this_o for_o thy_o will_n and_o pleasure_n which_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o so_o he_o shall_v leave_v or_o do_v with_o this_o intention_n shall_v be_v as_o well_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v bein_z command_v or_o forbid_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o work_n follow_v the_o intention_n so_o that_o such_o thing_n not_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v make_v good_a or_o bad_a by_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a intention_n for_o better_a intelligence_n whereof_o must_v be_v understand_v that_o as_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n as_o well_o little_a as_o great_a appertain_v to_o he_o that_o be_v master_n thereof_o so_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o work_n word_n and_o thought_n of_o a_o man_n appertain_v unto_o his_o lord_n and_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v nothing_o be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a either_o in_o accept_v or_o reject_v consent_v or_o resist_v do_v or_o suffer_v but_o for_o he_o and_o his_o glory_n 3._o the_o apostle_n say_v quodcunque_fw-la facitis_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la avi_fw-la in_o opere_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la jesu_fw-la christi_fw-la facite_fw-la whatsoever_o you_o do_v
enim_fw-la in_o intellectu_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la fuerit_fw-la prius_fw-la in_o sensu_fw-la there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o first_o of_o all_o in_o some_o of_o the_o five_o sense_n which_o five_o sense_n bring_v it_o into_o the_o three_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n intelligence_n memory_n and_o will_n which_o keep_v retain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v digest_v work_n and_o metamorphose_v the_o same_o into_o another_o form_n by_o take_v away_o the_o veil_n thereof_o put_v of_o the_o corporal_a image_n and_o so_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o pure_a abstraction_n do_v lodge_v it_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n thus_o i_o say_v the_o work_n be_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o it_o appertain_v unto_o us._n take_v therefore_o the_o work_n in_o this_o fort_n it_o be_v the_o very_a will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o he_o that_o so_o do_v it_o spirit_n and_o life_n for_o though_o there_o be_v some_o darkness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o image_n or_o imagination_n of_o the_o work_n in_o my_o spirit_n yet_o be_v the_o same_o turn_v into_o light_n by_o the_o fervour_n and_o light_n of_o this_o divine_a will_n whereby_o the_o soul_n see_v nor_o taste_v aught_o else_o but_o god_n and_o his_o sweet_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o how_o much_o more_o willing_o the_o work_n be_v do_v in_o this_o order_n to_o weet_v in_o not_o divide_v the_o work_n and_o the_o will_n but_o esteem_v the_o very_a work_n to_o be_v the_o very_a will_n so_o much_o the_o more_o clear_o do_v the_o soul_n see_v this_o will_n and_o perfect_o enjoy_v god_n the_o work_n that_o seem_v corporal_a be_v so_o turn_v whole_o into_o spiritual_a and_o note_v that_o when_o i_o say_v one_o must_v not_o look_v on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o work_n my_o meaning_n be_v as_o i_o have_v say_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v or_o behold_v the_o will_n a_o part_n as_o it_o be_v not_o but_o as_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n with_o the_o work_n as_o it_o be_v nor_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v his_o spirit_n and_o affection_n from_o the_o work_n but_o contrariwise_o fix_v it_o still_o in_o the_o same_o yet_o always_o as_o in_o his_o will_n where_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o as_o some_o be_v in_o this_o extremity_n to_o turn_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o work_n and_o fix_v it_o on_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o be_v they_o in_o far_o great_a number_n which_o lean_a to_o the_o contrary_a turn_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o fix_v it_o on_o the_o work_n so_o that_o as_o the_o one_o which_o be_v spiritual_a find_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o in_o his_o work_n so_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o worldling_n and_o undevout_a do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o seek_v it_o not_o in_o his_o will_n for_o as_o we_o do_v but_o lie_v to_o god_n and_o in_o vain_a seduce_v ourselves_o in_o think_v to_o love_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o neglect_v his_o work_n so_o do_v we_o no_o less_o when_o we_o think_v to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o yet_o neglect_v his_o will_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o to_o unite_v both_o these_o extremity_n and_o amend_v these_o twoe_o contrary_a imperfection_n the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o above_o say_v maxim_n must_v be_v join_v with_o his_o work_n and_o his_o work_n with_o his_o will_n and_o never_o make_v they_o twoe_o but_o perfect_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o work_n be_v his_o very_a will_n and_o that_o his_o will_n be_v the_o very_a accomplish_n of_o the_o work_n though_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o latter_a imperfection_n of_o do_v the_o work_n without_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n appertain_v to_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o actual_a remembrance_n of_o the_o four_o degree_n of_o perfect_a intention_n chap._n xi_o the_o four_o degree_n of_o this_o throne_n degree_n or_o persection_n of_o this_o intention_n be_v certainty_n or_o assurance_n with_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v munit_v and_o fortify_v namely_o that_o when_o one_o have_v direct_v his_o intention_n to_o do_v the_o work_n for_o the_o only_a will_n of_o god_n he_o assure_v himself_o that_o in_o verity_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o this_o degree_n and_o perfection_n of_o assurance_n be_v exclude_v all_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n degree_n which_o because_o in_o this_o point_n they_o often_o intrude_v them self_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a and_o faithful_a practice_n thereof_o i_o will_v endeavour_n to_o resolve_v they_o by_o declare_v and_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n whereof_o they_o spring_v the_o first_o cause_n then_o cause_n whereof_o these_o doubt_n do_v spring_n be_v because_o in_o matter_n indifferent_a a_o man_n know_v not_o whether_o he_o have_v choose_v that_o side_n which_o please_v god_n or_o nor_o in_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n which_o happen_v because_o forget_v his_o rule_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o discern_v the_o matter_n take_v a_o wrong_a mean_n of_o discern_v the_o same_o to_o weet_v in_o weigh_v the_o exterior_a thing_n and_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o god_n to_o leave_v or_o do_v it_o to_o do_v this_o or_o to_o do_v that_o for_o remedy_v therefore_o hereof_o remedy_n he_o must_v know_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o mean_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o must_v judge_v thereof_o by_o a_o interior_a discussion_n and_o not_o by_o the_o exterior_a thing_n namely_o by_o a_o view_n or_o examen_fw-la of_o the_o intention_n which_o if_o it_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o have_v in_o verity_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v his_o will_n because_o in_o such_o indifferent_a thing_n the_o work_n follow_v the_o intention_n and_o not_o the_o intention_n the_o work_n the_o second_o doubt_n be_v in_o little_a matter_n cause_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o smallness_n and_o little_a value_n thereof_o persuade_v some_o that_o god_n esteem_v not_o such_o thing_n say_v as_o it_o be_v in_o themselves_o god_n care_v much_o for_o this_o or_o that_o or_o have_v god_n need_v or_o make_v he_o account_v of_o these_o smalle_a thing_n the_o remedy_n whereof_o be_v remedy_n to_o remember_v that_o as_o we_o must_v not_o serve_v god_n only_o with_o a_o part_n but_o with_o all_o our_o force_n so_o must_v we_o not_o only_o do_v some_o of_o our_o action_n but_o all_o for_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o little_a aswell_o as_o the_o great_a also_o that_o god_n measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o work_n not_o by_o the_o exterior_a value_n but_o by_o the_o inward_a intention_n and_o a_o little_a thing_n in_o our_o eye_n may_v be_v great_a before_o god_n simlie_o for_o like_a as_o the_o garment_n of_o russet_a embroider_a with_o gold_n and_o set_v with_o pearl_n be_v rich_a than_o that_o of_o velvet_n without_o any_o ornament_n the_o cloak_n line_v with_o velvet_n be_v more_o costly_a than_o one_o of_o taffeta_n line_v with_o serge_n so_o the_o least_o work_n exterior_a with_o perfect_a intention_n be_v better_a than_o the_o great_a with_o a_o imperfect_a intention_n final_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v to_o remember_v to_o what_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o say_v 3._o omne_fw-la quodcunque_fw-la facitis_fw-la in_o verbo_fw-la aut_fw-la in_o opere_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la domininostri_fw-la jesu_fw-la christi_fw-la facite_fw-la all_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v or_o say_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o say_v that_o all_o our_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v for_o god_n he_o except_v not_o the_o least_o work_n yea_o include_v the_o least_o word_n and_o s._n augustin_n to_o this_o purpose_n say_v 46._o thou_o do_v praise_v god_n when_o thou_o do_v thy_o business_n the_o three_o kind_n of_o thing_n whereof_o these_o doubt_n and_o this_o hesitation_n come_v causae_fw-la be_v thing_n pleasant_a and_o sensual_a as_o eat_v drink_v recreation_n and_o the_o like_a because_o that_o be_v so_o agreeable_a unto_o nature_n and_o sensuality_n some_o will_v think_v perhaps_o that_o they_o say_v not_o sincere_o but_o rather_o fain_o and_o mock_v as_o it_o be_v god_n in_o say_v they_o do_v they_o for_o his_o only_a will_n and_o to_o please_v he_o feel_v that_o it_o please_v their_o nature_n and_o sensuality_n which_o error_n proceed_v from_o the_o evil_a custom_n whereunto_o a_o man_n have_v give_v himself_o to_o do_v such_o thing_n only_o by_o the_o motion_n tract_n and_o impulsion_n of_o pleasure_n and_o sensuality_n without_o intention_n or_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o have_v contract_v such_o a_o long_a custom_n to_o do_v they_o so_o to_o satisfy_v their_o insatiable_a and_o brutish_a sensuality_n not_o
immundicitie_fw-la babble_v and_o dullnes_n of_o wit_n final_o of_o lechery_n with_o her_o unclean_a brood_n of_o blindness_n of_o heart_n inconsideration_n precipitation_n incontinency_n love_n of_o himself_o hatred_n of_o god_n affection_n of_o this_o world_n and_o horror_n of_o the_o next_o of_o all_o which_o kind_n of_o sin_n or_o temptation_n of_o they_o one_o may_v take_v occasion_n to_o renounce_v his_o will_n and_o so_o upon_o all_o these_o matter_n rehearse_v touch_v the_o body_n or_o the_o soul_n a_o man_n may_v have_v sufficient_a matter_n to_o practice_v this_o exercise_n of_o such_o i_o say_v and_o so_o palpable_a thing_n as_o the_o very_a novice_n and_o beginner_n can_v not_o but_o find_v out_o and_o cler_o discern_v aswell_o therefore_o the_o beginner_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o entrance_n as_o the_o other_o for_o their_o excitation_n and_o diligence_n must_v limit_v to_o themselves_o every_o day_n a_o certain_a number_n of_o mortification_n take_v of_o these_o thing_n above_o say_v and_o especial_o of_o those_o wherein_o they_o find_v themselves_o most_o weak_a renounce_v themselves_o therein_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n not_o forget_v still_o to_o view_v and_o examine_v in_o every_o one_o if_o their_o pure_a intention_n throne_n of_o ivory_n where_o god_n great_a solomon_n sit_v be_v elevate_v and_o establish_v on_o the_o six_o degree_n above_o say_v and_o so_o both_o the_o beginner_n shall_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o true_a discern_a and_o knowledge_n of_o their_o interior_a which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o altogether_o necessary_a and_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v continual_o keep_v profitable_o in_o their_o exercise_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o shall_v make_v great_a advancement_n and_o progress_n in_o the_o same_o where_o notwithstanding_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o our_o meaning_n be_v not_o by_o the_o particular_a practice_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o acquit_v they_o of_o the_o general_a and_o continual_a â—in_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o though_o it_o be_v suffiâ—tient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o practice_v this_o rule_n only_o at_o those_o time_n and_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v â—in_v this_o order_n limit_v out_o and_o bind_v himself_o unto_o for_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v continual_o in_o all_o thing_n practice_v the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d have_v bein_z teach_v as_o well_o and_o as_o diligent_o as_o he_o can_v and_o that_o over_o and_o beside_o that_o general_a care_n and_o practice_v incertain_a and_o unlimited_a he_o shall_v have_v this_o particular_a careful_a practice_n thereof_o thus_o task_v and_o limit_v out_o and_o that_o for_o the_o cause_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n above_o allege_v of_o twoe_n error_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o this_o exercise_n with_o their_o remedy_n chap._n xviii_o we_o think_v it_o here_o necessaries_n to_o give_v a_o advertisement_n of_o twoe_o error_n and_o contrary_a extremity_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o first_o be_v error_n of_o those_o which_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o jacob_n who_o assoon_o as_o he_o be_v marry_v unto_o rachel_n figure_v the_o contemplative_a life_n despise_a lia_n represent_v the_o active_a life_n for_o see_v clear_o and_o perfect_o the_o whole_a active_a life_n so_o brief_o in_o this_o compendium_n they_o may_v easy_o comprehend_v the_o same_o and_o so_o perchanceâ—_n may_v think_v that_o that_o suffice_v without_o any_o far_a practice_n thereof_o again_o see_v themselves_o so_o elevate_v even_o at_o the_o first_o true_a and_o saythfull_a practice_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o transport_v as_o it_o be_v into_o the_o contemplative_a life_n they_o will_v willing_o remain_v therein_o for_o the_o sweetness_n they_o find_v in_o such_o contemplation_n for_o remedy_v whereof_o they_o must_v understand_v remedy_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v the_o active_a life_n by_o only_a speculation_n but_o must_v also_o have_v it_o by_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o practice_v virtue_n or_o extirpate_v vice_n which_o knowledge_n by_o this_o rule_n be_v easy_o have_v but_o they_o must_v also_o put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n by_o root_a but_o vice_n and_o plant_v virtue_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o have_v acquire_v some_o good_a habit_n thereof_o for_o though_o this_o rule_n and_o way_n above_o all_o other_o give_v a_o marvellous_a advantage_n and_o advancement_n both_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o active_a life_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a therein_o unless_o he_o join_v thereto_o faithful_a practice_n so_o that_o though_o by_o the_o â—ight_n of_o this_o exercise_n a_o man_n know_v the_o active_a life_n and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v present_o a_o gate_n open_a to_o the_o contemplative_a for_o the_o great_a affinity_n and_o likeness_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o active_a life_n with_o that_o which_o be_v comtemplative_a yet_o must_v he_o not_o at_o the_o first_o enter_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o to_o cast_v of_o the_o active_a as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o any_o more_o need_n to_o practice_v himself_o therein_o but_o must_v still_o pursue_v the_o mortification_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o passion_n which_o he_o shall_v more_o sufficient_o and_o speedy_o do_v by_o this_o rule_n then_o any_o other_o the_o faithful_a practice_n whereof_o effect_v in_o twoe_o or_o three_o moonthe_n that_o which_o some_o other_o do_v not_o in_o so_o many_o year_n the_o other_o error_n and_o contrary_a extremity_n which_o here_o may_v happen_v be_v error_n of_o those_o who_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o mariea_n will_v not_o choose_v the_o better_a part_n with_o martha_n have_v so_o great_a affection_n to_o the_o active_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o contemplative_a and_o all_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o excellency_n thereof_o where_o weâ—_n mean_v not_o only_o of_o the_o exterior_a active_a life_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o interior_a consist_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o intelligence_n and_o of_o the_o will_n for_o some_o see_v themselves_o draw_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n out_o of_o the_o active_a life_n and_o from_o their_o accustom_a act_n of_o discourse_n meditation_n and_o aspiration_n and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v by_o this_o right_a rule_n to_o fix_v the_o full_a force_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o this_o only_a will_n of_o god_n and_o whole_o to_o adhear_v thereto_o wherein_o consist_v the_o pure_a and_o essential_a contemplation_n they_o know_v not_o where_o they_o be_v nor_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o and_o so_o turn_v away_o and_o cast_v of_o such_o naked_a and_o pure_a contemplation_n esteem_v that_o the_o spiritual_a practice_n of_o the_o mind_n have_v neither_o profit_n nor_o yet_o any_o verity_n which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o such_o their_o accustom_a act_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o wit_n for_o remedy_v then_o of_o this_o error_n intelligence_n and_o for_o the_o cast_n of_o of_o these_o superfluous_a act_n and_o first_o for_o those_o of_o the_o intelligence_n the_o practiser_n of_o this_o rule_n must_v know_v that_o our_o interior_a be_v not_o make_v perfect_a nor_o the_o true_a contemplation_n get_v by_o such_o discourse_n and_o speculation_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o by_o fervour_n love_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n because_o that_o no_o speculation_n of_o the_o intelligence_n can_v possess_v or_o enjoy_v god_n but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o will_n mon._n and_o therefore_o s._n denis_n say_v suppositae_fw-la deitenebrae_fw-la cooperiuntur_fw-la omni_fw-la lumine_fw-la &_o absconduntur_fw-la omni_fw-la cognitioni_fw-la &_o si_fw-la aliquis_fw-la videns_fw-la deum_fw-la intellexit_fw-la quod_fw-la vidit_fw-la non_fw-la it_z sum_fw-la vidit_fw-la sed_fw-la aliquid_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la eius_fw-la the_o hide_a darkness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o call_v the_o abundance_n of_o light_n be_v unknown_a to_o all_o light_n and_o keep_v secret_a from_o all_o knowledge_n and_o if_o any_o one_o see_v god_n have_v understand_v what_o he_o see_v he_o have_v not_o see_v he_o but_o somewhat_o appertain_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o speculation_n of_o the_o intelligence_n do_v proportion_n god_n allmightie_a infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o smalle_a capacity_n but_o contrariwise_o the_o will_n by_o love_n proportion_v itself_o in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o immensity_n infinity_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o intelligence_n make_v god_n like_a unto_o man_n cause_v he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o descend_v unto_o we_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o will_n make_v man_n like_o unto_o god_n elevate_n the_o soul_n unto_o he_o final_o this_o speculation_n of_o the_o intelligence_n be_v a_o human_a thing_n make_v we_o remain_v in_o ourselves_o but_o the_o
it_o to_o be_v â—etter_a to_o live_v therein_o then_o in_o her_o own_o will_n the_o â—hich_v have_v once_o take_v full_a fast_o and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o she_o draw_v exalt_v raviâ—eth_v and_o conjoin_v she_o inseparable_o to_o itself_o and_o lift_v she_o up_o as_o amber_n do_v the_o straw_n and_o like_o a_o torrent_n of_o delight_n break_v out_o upon_o she_o and_o overflow_a she_o do_v so_o water_n and_o inebriate_v she_o and_o so_o whole_o replenish_v her_o interior_a that_o like_o as_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v into_o a_o sea_n of_o sweetness_n she_o remain_v so_o clean_o deprive_v of_o she_o own_o force_n and_o power_n that_o the_o divine_a will_n take_v plenary_a possession_n of_o she_o through_o a_o absolute_a maysterie_n and_o without_o all_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n impel_v she_o onward_o to_o all_o goodness_n and_o work_v in_o she_o by_o she_o and_o with_o she_o all_o these_o holy_a and_o amorous_a interior_a operation_n and_o effect_n and_o note_v that_o betwixt_o this_o manifestation_n and_o purity_n of_o intention_n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a augmentation_n and_o reciprocal_a increase_n for_o as_o that_o spring_v of_o this_o so_o this_o augment_v by_o that_o wherefore_o how_o much_o great_a be_v the_o purity_n of_o intention_n so_o much_o clear_a also_o will_v be_v the_o manifestation_n and_o how_o much_o clear_a be_v this_o manifestation_n so_o much_o great_a will_v be_v that_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o how_o much_o soon_o the_o soul_n shall_v have_v attain_a this_o purity_n so_o much_o the_o speedy_a shall_v she_o likewise_o enjoy_v that_o manifestation_n final_o when_o the_o sowlle_n have_v once_o find_v this_o treasor_n and_o taste_v this_o pleasure_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_o for_o she_o to_o renounce_v from_o thenceforth_o herself_o and_o to_o continue_v this_o purity_n of_o intention_n see_v that_o a_o man_n easy_o forgo_v the_o lesser_a good_a and_o pleasure_n to_o enjoy_v the_o great_a of_o admiration_n the_o second_o degree_n chap._n iii_o after_o this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o pleasure_n which_o god_n take_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o will_n degree_n succeed_v another_o degree_n to_o weet_v admiration_n cause_n proceed_v of_o three_o principal_a cause_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n the_o second_o a_o man_n own_o nothing_o the_o three_o the_o admirable_a familiarity_n of_o god_n with_o the_o sowlle_n as_o touch_v the_o first_o cause_n the_o unmeasurable_a greatness_n of_o god_n almighty_a begin_v here_o to_o discover_v itself_o so_o wonderful_o that_o it_o whole_o astonish_v the_o sowlle_n for_o this_o interior_a will_n by_o which_o she_o be_v absorb_v and_o with_o which_o she_o be_v become_v one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n give_v she_o so_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o she_o know_v and_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o be_v or_o essence_n which_o be_v true_a and_o that_o all_o thing_n else_o but_o it_o be_v nothing_o which_o although_o they_o have_v some_o certain_a borrow_a be_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v any_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v betwixt_o their_o be_v and_o that_o of_o god_n from_o which_o it_o all_o proceed_v who_o shall_v not_o be_v infinite_a if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o than_o he_o for_o there_o shall_v he_o end_v where_o that_o other_o shall_v begin_v now_o than_o the_o sowlle_n know_v and_o see_v this_o verity_n by_o her_o own_o experience_n she_o be_v so_o ground_v and_o establish_v therein_o not_o by_o particular_a discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o by_o a_o general_a and_o simple_a view_n and_o by_o her_o inheasion_n to_o god_n as_o that_o she_o neither_o see_v know_v nor_o feel_v any_o other_o thing_n then_o this_o infinite_a essence_n and_o incomprehensible_a beauty_n wherewith_o astonish_v she_o heerhence_o begin_v to_o taste_v the_o immensity_n or_o infinity_n which_o she_o have_v but_o only_o hear_v tell_v of_o afore_o and_o this_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o infinity_n of_o god_n engender_v this_o admiration_n in_o the_o sowlle_fw-la furthermore_o nothing_o this_o admiration_n be_v augment_v by_o the_o contrary_a cause_n to_o weet_v our_o nothing_n cause_n which_o be_v as_o great_a a_o extremity_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o no_o less_o profownd_v gulf_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o point_n come_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o other_o for_o contraria_fw-la iuxta_fw-la se_fw-la posita_fw-la magis_fw-la elucescunt_fw-la contrary_n set_v one_o by_o another_o be_v more_o evident_a so_o that_o like_a as_o black_a be_v more_o perspicuous_a set_v by_o white_a so_o do_v man_n nothing_o appear_v more_o clear_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o immensity_n of_o god_n as_o also_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o immensity_n of_o god_n by_o comparison_n with_o man_n nothing_o yea_o these_o twoe_o point_n be_v so_o incident_a one_o to_o the_o other_o that_o without_o the_o one_o you_o can_v not_o know_v the_o other_o insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o see_v the_o infinite_a essence_n of_o god_n till_o first_o he_o know_v his_o own_o nothing_o neither_o yet_o his_o own_o nothing_o before_o he_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o this_o divine_a immensity_n but_o the_o sowlle_n once_o know_v it_o know_v forthwith_o right_a perfect_o her_o own_o nothing_o the_o sight_n whereof_o put_v she_o into_o a_o astonishment_n and_o admiration_n make_v she_o to_o break_v forth_o and_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n 2._o ad_fw-la nihilum_fw-la redactus_fw-la sum_fw-la &_o nescivi_fw-la i_o be_o bring_v to_o nothing_o and_o wist_v it_o not_o for_o why_o she_o have_v so_o long_o contemplate_v and_o so_o intimate_o embrace_v this_o infinite_a essence_n in_o this_o will_n that_o when_o she_o retorn_v to_o behold_v herself_o in_o conference_n and_o comparison_n with_o this_o infinity_n she_o acknowledge_v herself_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o very_a nothing_o the_o which_o acknowledgement_n free_v she_o and_o give_v she_o a_o frank_a access_n to_o god_n and_o free_a egress_n and_o regress_n unto_o he_o at_o her_o pleasure_n as_o he_o himself_o witness_v say_v egredietur_fw-la &_o ingredietur_fw-la &_o pascua_fw-la inveniet_fw-la 10._o she_o shall_v go_v forth_o and_o enter_v and_o shall_v find_v pasture_n but_o these_o twoe_o divine_a illustration_n and_o operation_n be_v follow_v by_o a_o three_o to_o weet_v by_o a_o great_a familiarity_n and_o sweetness_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v towards_o the_o sowlle_n whereat_o she_o remain_v yet_o more_o astonish_v for_o that_o common_o like_o seek_v and_o accompany_v with_o their_o like_a as_o noblemen_z with_o noblemen_z gentleman_n with_o gentleman_n ploughman_n with_o ploughman_n beggar_n with_o beggar_n insomuch_o as_o to_o see_v a_o lord_n converse_v with_o a_o beggar_n be_v a_o note_n of_o heroical_a and_o admirable_a goodness_n in_o he_o but_o if_o a_o king_n shall_v be_v see_v to_o do_v it_o it_o will_v be_v repute_v a_o humility_n and_o condescent_n worthy_a of_o immortal_a memory_n now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o goodness_n and_o humility_n compare_v with_o god_n who_o so_o vouchsafe_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n true_o nothing_o else_o but_o malice_n and_o pride_n if_o then_o it_o seem_v so_o great_a goodness_n one_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o converse_v with_o another_o what_o bounty_n trow_v you_o be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o god_n of_o god_n familiar_a with_o a_o worm_n 49._o and_o which_o have_v nothing_o but_o come_v from_o he_o yea_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o with_o a_o sin_v full_a sowlle_n and_o his_o enemy_n seek_v she_o woo_v she_o cheer_v she_o show_v she_o all_o lovely_a and_o gracious_a regard_n and_o incessant_o honour_v she_o with_o some_o particular_a grace_n or_o other_o in_o fine_a make_v show_n as_o though_o he_o have_v some_o special_a need_n of_o she_o yea_o seek_a her_o grace_n with_o such_o instance_n love_n and_o humility_n as_o though_o all_o his_o good_a depend_v on_o her_o consent_n and_o all_o his_o felicity_n consist_v in_o her_o favour_n the_o sowlle_n lo_o mount_v to_o this_o degree_n and_o see_v with_o a_o illuminat_fw-la eye_n the_o extent_n of_o so_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o she_o not_o only_o fall_v into_o a_o profownd_a admiration_n thereof_o but_o depart_v even_o out_o of_o herself_o through_o extreme_a astonishment_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o fall_v thereby_o as_o into_o a_o trance_n or_o ecstasy_n in_o excess_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n she_o cry_v out_o say_v 2._o fulcite_fw-la i_o floribus_fw-la stipate_v i_o malis_fw-la quia_fw-la amore_fw-la langueo_fw-la prop_v i_o up_o with_o flower_n beset_v i_o round_o with_o apple_n for_o lo_o i_o languish_v for_o love_n if_o the_o twoe_o qweene_n hester_n and_o she_o of_o saba_n fall_v into_o a_o ecstasy_n the_o one_o in_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o king_n