love_n speread_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o s._n augustin_n say_v to_o this_o verity_n give_v evident_a witness_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o public_a devotion_n da_fw-la domine_fw-la famulis_fw-la tuis_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la iussa_fw-la agnonimus_fw-la implere_fw-la caelesti_fw-la inspiratione_n valeamus_fw-la that_o be_v grant_v o_o lord_n unto_o thy_o servant_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v command_v by_o thou_o we_o may_v by_o thy_o heavenly_a inspiration_n accomplish_v and_o again_o auge_n populi_fw-la tui_fw-la vota_fw-la placatus_fw-la quia_fw-la in_o nullo_n fidelium_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la tua_fw-la inspiratione_n proveniunt_fw-la quarumlibet_fw-la incrementa_fw-la virtutum_fw-la that_o be_v increase_v in_o mercy_n o_o lord_n the_o desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n for_o not_o the_o least_o progress_n in_o any_o virtue_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o thy_o divine_a inspiration_n 24._o the_o second_o ground_n be_v consequent_a on_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o since_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o necessity_n oblige_v we_o to_o correspond_v unto_o they_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v equal_a for_o from_o no_o other_o root_n but_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o obligation_n do_v or_o can_v proceed_v all_o our_o mischief_n the_o guilt_n of_o such_o neglect_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a inasmuch_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v of_o such_o a_o active_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n cherish_v by_o we_o do_v deafen_v its_o call_n and_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n it_o will_v continual_o be_v waken_v by_o every_o occasion_n incite_v we_o to_o love_n god_n only_o and_o to_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o now_o by_o such_o neglect_n we_o be_v say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o contristate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o oft_o contristate_v he_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n come_v to_o quench_v he_o and_o the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o such_o negligent_a despiser_n of_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o call_n be_v powerful_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o his_o proverb_n 1.24_o quia_fw-la vocaviâ—_n &_o renuistis_fw-la &c._n &c._n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o regard_v i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n and_o i_o will_v mock_v when_o that_o which_o you_o do_v fear_n shall_v happen_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o i_o and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o shall_v rise_v early_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o findâ—_n i_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n incite_v we_o to_o action_n which_o be_v not_o of_o essential_a obligation_n yet_o so_o do_v we_o do_v contristate_v god_n spirit_n and_o more_o indispose_v ourselves_o afterward_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v its_o direction_n and_o mortal_a sin_n be_v seldom_o rush_v into_o upon_o the_o sudden_a they_o begin_v with_o lesser_a resistance_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o obscure_v and_o less_o capable_a to_o obey_v it_o in_o great_a matter_n but_o as_o for_o perfect_a soul_n they_o be_v in_o continual_a attendance_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n or_o in_o good_a work_n and_o exercise_n begin_v and_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n and_o also_o accompany_v by_o prayer_n 25._o the_o three_o preparatory_a ground_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o that_o since_o these_o so_o necessary_a internal_a inspiration_n must_v necessary_o be_v hearken_v to_o and_o correspond_v with_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v false_a suggestion_n either_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v counterfeit_v and_o subtle_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o possible_a yea_o satisfactory_a mean_n shall_v be_v afford_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o true_a and_o false_a inspiration_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o impossible_a obligation_n to_o obey_v we_o know_v not_o who_o nor_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v actuate_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o use_v as_o instrument_n of_o his_o illusion_n as_o of_o the_o save_a influx_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v the_o way_n between_o heaven_n &_o hell_n 26._o neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v sufficient_o perform_v god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n express_v clear_o in_o scripture_n likewise_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o our_o lawful_a superior_n for_o neither_o will_n the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o interior_a insluxe_n of_o grace_n avail_v we_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v content_a yea_o will_v suggest_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n to_o heart_n that_o he_o know_n will_v intend_v only_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o natural_a pride_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o self-love_n in_o they_o and_o beside_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o these_o external_a rule_n extend_v to_o all_o our_o action_n so_o as_o to_o regulate_v they_o in_o order_n to_o contemplation_n and_o perfection_n 27._o the_o four_o and_o last_o ground_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a inspiration_n of_o god_n from_o the_o false_a suggestion_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o only_a mean_n imaginable_a that_o can_v be_v proper_a natural_a and_o efficacious_a to_o obtain_v such_o a_o supernatural_a light_n to_o discern_v god_n will_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o a_o soul_n live_v a_o abstract_a internal_a recollect_v life_n spend_v in_o a_o continual_a attendance_n on_o god_n etc._n etc._n 28._o this_o be_v a_o way_n suitable_a to_o reason_n conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n &_o deliver_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a mystic_a author_n as_o may_v copious_o be_v demonstrrt_v if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o to_o pray_v perfect_o and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v divine_a grace_n be_v suspicious_a exercise_n to_o any_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v a_o way_n the_o which_o practise_v according_a to_o the_o instruction_n here_o deliver_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a and_o no_o possible_a inconvenience_n can_v flow_v from_o it_o 29._o here_o be_v no_o pretend_v to_o now_o or_o strange_a revelation_n no_o walk_v in_o mirabilibus_fw-la super_fw-la se_fw-la no_o zealous_a seditious_a reformation_n nor_o the_o least_o prejudice_n do_v or_o intend_v to_o peace_n unity_n humility_n obedience_n or_o any_o other_o divine_a virtue_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o these_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v hereby_o not_o only_o fortify_v and_o increase_v but_o by_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v perfect_o obtain_v 30._o and_o indeed_o since_o in_o a_o world_n of_o passage_n in_o holy_a scripture_n we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o double_a duty_n the_o one_o whereof_o perhaps_o in_o popular_a judgment_n seem_v to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v in_o due_a place_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v omit_v namely_o obedience_n both_o to_o god_n holy_a spirit_n inward_o direct_v and_o also_o to_o superior_n outward_o command_v by_o what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o reconcile_v such_o seem_o different_a and_o as_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o contrary_a precept_n but_o by_o join_v this_o doctrine_n to_o that_o concern_v outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v here_o do_v &_o do_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o either_o yea_o manifest_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o in_o their_o due_a circumstance_n if_o then_o for_o any_o outward_a carnal_a respect_n we_o shall_v conceal_v or_o discountenance_v this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o follow_a the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v efface_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o god_n servant_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o unction_n be_v teach_v in_o all_o thing_n again_o if_o on_o pretence_n of_o follow_v inspiration_n and_o internal_a light_n which_o can_v be_v so_o absolute_o certain_a we_o shall_v transgress_v the_o most_o evident_a cercaine_n command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n which_o be_v therefore_o god_n also_o there_o will_v quick_o follow_v a_o end_n of_o all_o order_n peace_n and_o government_n what_o other_o mean_a therefore_o be_v leave_v to_o comply_v with_o both_o these_o but_o to_o obey_v god_n both_o way_n that_o be_v command_v most_o certain_o when_o
especial_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o that_o state_n reason_n require_v that_o since_o in_o all_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o practise_v the_o end_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o be_v that_o which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v approve_v worthy_a the_o take_n pain_n for_o will_v give_v life_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n conduce_v thereto_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o precise_o of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o which_o indeed_o be_v of_o so_o supreme_a a_o excellence_n and_o divine_a profection_n above_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v design_v or_o seek_v after_o in_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o profession_n that_o those_o who_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o palate_n capable_a of_o a_o spiritual_a taste_n of_o it_o will_v think_v no_o difficulty_n no_o tediousness_n no_o bitterness_n or_o labour_n too_o great_a a_o price_n to_o purchase_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v before_o that_o the_o general_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v aspire_v unto_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o much_o more_o those_o who_o more_o special_a profession_n be_v to_o tend_v perfection_n whether_o in_o a_o active_a or_o a_o contemplative_a state_n be_v a_o perfect_a &_o constant_a union_n in_o spirit_n to_o god_n by_o love_n which_o be_v uninterrupt_a perfect_a prayer_n but_o the_o same_o end_n be_v different_o seek_v &_o attain_v by_o active_a and_o by_o contemplative_a spirit_n for_o in_o a_o active_a life_n the_o union_n be_v not_o so_o immediate_a stable_n sublime_a &_o intime_fw-la of_o the_o supreme_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o contemplative_a state_n but_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o active_a liver_n be_v much_o in_o the_o imaginative_a &_o discursive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o be_v likewise_o their_o union_n the_o effect_n indeed_o of_o it_o be_v more_o perceptible_a and_o therefore_o more_o apt_a to_o cause_v admiration_n in_o other_o but_o with_o all_o be_v much_o in_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a nor_o so_o peaceful_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o so_o stable_a nor_o immediate_a as_o be_v that_o of_o contemplative_n the_o charity_n of_o actives_a be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o the_o outward_a effect_n of_o it_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n and_o thereby_o cause_v great_a edification_n they_o be_v with_o all_o frequent_o multiply_v for_o strong_a love_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o labour_n whereas_o the_o deed_n of_o contemplative_a soul_n except_o when_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n call_v they_o to_o exterior_a employment_n be_v but_o few_o and_o in_o appearance_n but_o small_a &_o little_o regard_v or_o esteem_v by_o other_o yet_o those_o mean_a action_n of_o they_o in_o god_n esteem_n may_v be_v prefer_v incomparable_o before_o the_o other_o as_o be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o perfect_a degree_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a as_o proceed_v from_o a_o immediate_a and_o most_o certain_a impulse_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o conduct_n light_n &_o virtue_n such_o soul_n do_v far_o more_o clear_o perceive_v and_o more_o faithful_o &_o constant_o follow_v even_o in_o their_o daily_a and_o ordinary_a practice_n then_o active_a liver_n do_v or_o can_v in_o their_o action_n of_o high_a importance_n last_o the_o charity_n of_o contemplative_n though_o it_o be_v less_o stir_v &_o buisy_n yet_o be_v far_o more_o profound_o root_v in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n cause_v a_o union_n much_o more_o spiritual_a &_o divine_a 5._o s._n bernard_n perfect_o experience_v in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n writing_n to_o certain_a religious_a father_n of_o the_o carthusian_n order_n profess_v the_o same_o excellent_o express_v this_o union_n in_o these_o word_n aliorum_fw-la est_fw-la deo_fw-la seruire_fw-la vestrum_fw-la adhaerere_fw-la aliorum_fw-la est_fw-la deo_fw-la credere_fw-la scire_fw-la amare_fw-la revereri_fw-la vestrum_fw-la est_fw-la sapere_fw-la intelligere_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la frui_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o that_o live_v active_a life_n either_o in_o the_o world_n or_o religion_n â—o_o serve_v god_n but_o it_o be_v you_o to_o adhere_v inseparable_o unto_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o other_o to_o believe_v to_o know_v to_o love_v to_o adore_v god_n but_o to_o you_o to_o taste_v to_o understand_v to_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o 6._o consonant_o to_o this_o expression_n of_o s._n bernard_n mystic_a writer_n do_v teach_v that_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v the_o attain_v unto_o a_o habitual_a &_o almost_o uninterrupt_a perfect_a union_n with_o god_n in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o fruitive_a possession_n of_o he_o &_o a_o real_a experimental_a perception_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o depth_n &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v full_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o he_o alone_o not_o onâ—y_o all_o deliberate_a affection_n to_o creature_n be_v exclude_v but_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o image_n of_o they_o also_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v distractive_a to_o the_o soul_n 7._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a perceptible_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a soul_n be_v unspeakable_a &_o divine_a for_o he_o be_v in_o they_o both_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n internal_a &_o externall_n be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o also_o as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o direct_v both_o the_o action_n &_o person_n to_o himself_o only_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n unto_o they_o a_o light_a to_o direct_v secure_o all_o their_o step_n and_o to_o order_v all_o their_o working_n even_o those_o also_o which_o seem_v the_o most_o indifferent_a the_o which_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o far_a advancement_n of_o they_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o immediate_a union_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o protect_v they_o in_o all_o tentation_n and_o danger_n a_o internal_a force_n and_o vigour_n within_o they_o to_o make_v they_o do_v &_o suffer_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o his_o pleasure_n be_v they_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v they_o not_o only_o believe_v &_o know_v but_o even_o feel_v &_o taste_v he_o to_o be_v the_o universal_a infinite_a good_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o he_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o bless_a state_n of_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o spirit_n to_o a_o absolute_a internal_a solitude_n a_o transcendency_n &_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o themselves_o to_o a_o heavenly-mindednes_a &_o fix_a attention_n to_o god_n only_o and_o this_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o employment_n to_o other_o never_o so_o distractive_a and_o final_o to_o a_o gustfull_a knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o a_o strict_a application_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o love_n above_o knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o fruition_n &_o repose_n in_o he_o with_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o their_o will_n so_o that_o they_o become_v after_o a_o inexpressible_a manner_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yea_o one_o spirit_n one_o will_n one_o love_n with_o he_o be_v in_o a_o sort_n deify_v &_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n hereas_fw-la mortality_n be_v capable_a of_o 8._o to_o this_o purpose_n saih_o the_o same_o s._n bern_n amor_fw-la dei_fw-la vel_fw-la amor_fw-la deus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n amori_fw-la hominis_fw-la se_fw-la infundens_fw-la afficit_fw-la eum_fw-la sibi_fw-la &_o amans_fw-la semetipsum_fw-la de_fw-la homine_fw-la deus_fw-la secum_fw-la unum_fw-la efficit_fw-la &_o spiritum_fw-la eius_fw-la &_o amorem_fw-la eius_fw-la that_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o love_v which_o be_v god_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v himself_o into_o the_o love_n of_o man_n incline_v &_o appli_v mâ—n_z by_o love_n unto_o himself_o and_o thus_o god_n love_v himself_o by_o man_n make_v both_o his_o spirit_n &_o love_v one_o with_o himself_o 9_o a_o most_o bless_a state_n this_o be_v certain_o be_v the_o portion_n choose_v by_o mary_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o call_v optimam_fw-la partem_fw-la the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o divine_a grace_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v in_o this_o life_n and_o wherewith_o he_o enrich_v two_o in_o a_o singular_a mnaner_n those_o his_o most_o high_o favour_v &_o most_o tender_o love_a friend_n s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o s._n mary_n magdalen_n but_o in_o a_o yet_o more_o supereminent_a degree_n his_o own_o most_o heavenly_a virgin-mother_n 10._o happy_a therefore_o be_v those_o soul_n upon_o which_o god_n bestow_v a_o desire_n &_o ambition_n so_o glorious_a as_o serious_o &_o effectual_o to_o tend_v aspire_v and_o endeavour_v
&_o have_v no_o other_o employment_n during_o their_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o silence_n but_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o internal_a teacher_n &_o put_v in_o execution_n his_o inspiration_n in_o all_o their_o action_n both_o internal_a &_o external_a to_o this_o purpose_n say_v a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n that_o as_o it_o be_v by_o god_n inspiration_n that_o we_o begin_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n so_o likewise_o magisterio_fw-la &_o illuminatione_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la pervenimus_fw-la by_o the_o discipline_n instruction_n &_o illumination_n of_o god_n we_o attain_v to_o perfection_n another_o say_v that_o a_o soul_n can_v do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o unless_o she_o be_v quotidianâ_fw-la domini_fw-la illuminatione_fw-la illustrata_fw-la enlighten_v by_o a_o daily_a illumination_n from_o god_n these_o be_v expression_n that_o our_o holy_a father_n himself_o use_v &_o it_o seem_v borrow_v they_o from_o the_o same_o author_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o in_o his_o rule_n he_o content_v himself_o with_o ordain_v prescription_n for_o the_o exterior_a only_o because_o he_o know_v that_o the_o interiour_n can_v only_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n but_o withal_o his_o ordination_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v see_v his_o intention_n and_o only_a design_n be_v by_o they_o to_o dispose_v soul_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o observe_v &_o follow_a the_o inspiration_n &_o inward_a instruction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o all_o exterior_a observance_n will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o perfection_n such_o be_v very_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o abstraction_n from_o all_o intercourse_n either_o with_o the_o business_n or_o news_n of_o the_o world_n almost_o continual_a silence_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o rule_n he_o signify_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o spirit_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a aim_n of_o a_o religious_a soul_n so_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o rule_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o externall_n observance_n express_o command_v therein_o as_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o perfection_n to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o live_v and_o conference_n of_o the_o father_n he_o profess_v with_o great_a humility_n but_o with_o great_a truth_n also_o that_o his_o intention_n thereby_o be_v that_o those_o which_o observe_v it_o be_v enable_v to_o declare_v in_o some_o sort_n honestatem_fw-la morum_fw-la aut_fw-la initium_fw-la conversationis_fw-la eos_fw-la habere_fw-la that_o they_o have_v attein_v to_o a_o laudable_a exterior_a carriage_n &_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a religious_a conversation_n but_o say_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v tend_v to_o perfection_n sunt_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la patrum_fw-la as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v he_o must_v according_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n attend_v unto_o the_o divine_a master_n by_o exercise_v according_a to_o his_o instruction_n that_o pure_a sublime_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o practise_v &_o discover_v and_o suitable_a herto_o s._n francis_n likewise_o in_o his_o rule_n advise_v his_o disciple_n thus_o attendant_z fratres_fw-la quod_fw-la super_fw-la omne_fw-la desiderare_fw-la debent_fw-la habere_fw-la spiritum_fw-la domini_fw-la &_o sanctam_fw-la eius_fw-la operationem_fw-la that_o be_v the_o religious_a brethren_n must_v attentive_o mark_v that_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o his_o holy_a operation_n in_o their_o soul_n 7._o to_o conclude_v either_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o perfection_n may_v be_v attein_v mere_o by_o avoid_v mortal_a sin_n &_o do_v such_o action_n of_o virtue_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n which_o to_o say_v be_v manifest_o foolish_a &_o false_a and_o likewise_o that_o action_n more_o indifferent_a &_o not_o so_o universal_o oblige_v such_o as_o be_v certain_a more_o profitable_a manner_n of_o prayer_n external_a religious_a observance_n refection_n conversation_n with_o our_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o a_o holy_a intention_n &_o of_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v against_o experience_n and_o moreover_o that_o without_o internal_a grace_n actual_o operate_a which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o divine_a illumination_n &_o impulse_n these_o ordinary_a inferior_a action_n may_v be_v exalt_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n which_o the_o great_a necessary_a virtue_n can_v not_o produce_v which_o to_o say_v be_v impiety_n or_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a principal_a necessary_a cause_n by_o who_o virtue_n we_o be_v inform_v &_o enable_v to_o improove_v &_o make_v use_n of_o these_o action_n for_o the_o attain_v of_o so_o sublime_a a_o end_n as_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n be_v &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attein_v and_o indeed_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v under_o external_a rule_n &_o so_o secret_a &_o undiscoverable_a be_v the_o internal_a disposition_n of_o soul_n &_o their_o operation_n that_o they_o can_v be_v clear_o perceive_v nor_o consequent_o order_v but_o by_o he_o to_o who_o alone_o our_o figmentum_fw-la our_o heart_n &_o all_o the_o secret_a inclination_n &_o motion_n of_o they_o be_v naked_a &_o transparent_a cap._n v._n §_o 1._o all_o internal_a liver_n oblige_v to_o attend_v to_o god_n inspiration_n §_o 2._o therefore_o the_o impediment_n to_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v remove_v which_o be_v two_o first_o distract_n image_n which_o be_v expel_v by_o abstraction_n of_o life_n §_o 3._o the_o 2_o impediment_n be_v unruly_a passion_n which_o be_v calm_v by_o mortification_n &_o peace_n of_o mind_n §_o 4._o 5._o the_o end_n why_o a_o religious_a state_n especial_o of_o s._n benedict_v institution_n be_v undertake_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o inpediment_n §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o a_o three_o more_o special_a impediment_n to_o wit_n want_v of_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o follow_v god_n direction_n cause_v by_o voluntary_a burden_n &_o coustume_n assume_v several_a such_o be_v exemplify_v in_o 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a internal_a teacher_n be_v establish_v there_o follow_v from_o thence_o a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o all_o those_o who_o profession_n oblige_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o those_o way_n towards_o the_o sublime_a end_n propose_v to_o attend_v unto_o &_o obey_v this_o only_a most_o necessary_a master_n and_o because_o each_o one_o have_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o false_a teacher_n that_o always_o urge_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o perverse_a teach_n &_o to_o neglect_v the_o divine_a teacher_n therefore_o the_o way_n to_o become_v a_o diligent_a &_o obedient_a disciple_n to_o god_n holy_a spirit_n will_v be_v 1._o to_o neglect_v contradict_v &_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o silence_v the_o teach_n &_o suggestion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n 2._o and_o second_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n 2._o for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v two_o general_a impediment_n that_o nature_n lay_v in_o our_o way_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o attend_v to_o god_n the_o first_o be_v distract_n image_n the_o second_o unquiet_a passion_n now_o the_o remedy_n against_o the_o former_a be_v abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o not_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o business_n that_o belong_v not_o unto_o we_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o curiosity_n of_o know_v or_o hear_v strange_a or_o new_a thing_n not_o pertinent_a to_o our_o profession_n the_o temper_n of_o our_o tongue_n from_o vain_a unproffitable_a conversation_n the_o reduce_v our_o thought_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o multiplicity_n to_o unity_n by_o fix_v they_o continual_o on_o the_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v that_o unum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la &c_n &c_n 3._o again_o the_o only_a proper_a remedy_n against_o the_o other_o impediment_n to_o wit_n unquiet_a passion_n be_v first_o mortification_n of_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o creature_n of_o all_o vain_a encombr_v freindships_n all_o factious_a partiality_n all_o thoughtful_a provision_n for_o the_o content_v of_o our_o sensual_a desire_n but_o especial_o of_o that_o most_o dangerous_a because_o most_o in_o time_n &_o spiritual_a thirst_n of_o knowledge_n unnecessary_a &_o of_o all_o ambition_n to_o get_v victory_n or_o glory_n by_o dispute_v writing_n &c_n &c_n as_o likewise_o of_o all_o anger_n impatience_n melancholy_a fear_n scrupulosity_n &c_n &c_n and_o second_o a_o studious_a care_n to_o preserve_v our_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o peace_n tranquillity_n &_o cheerfullnes_n possible_a not_o suffer_v any_o passion_n to_o be_v raise_v in_o our_o mind_n during_o our_o imperfect_a state_n no_o not_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_v upon_o good_a &_o holy_a object_n because_o they_o will_v obscure_v &_o disorder_v our_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v avoid_v all_o violence_n &_o impetuous_a
that_o which_o be_v affective_a for_o as_o for_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n the_o world_n be_v but_o even_o burden_a with_o book_n which_o with_o more_o than_o sufficient_a niceness_n prescribe_v rule_n &_o method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o with_o too_o partial_a a_o affection_n magnify_v it_o the_o author_n of_o such_o book_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n or_o perhaps_o scarce_o know_v what_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v the_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n that_o immediate_o bring_v soul_n to_o contemplation_n &_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n 3._o some_o there_o be_v that_o because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n &_o mystical_a doctor_n such_o exact_a instruction_n touch_v the_o practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o be_v now_o common_a &_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n do_v therefore_o undervalue_v &_o despise_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n not_o at_o all_o necessary_a but_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a subject_a to_o great_a inconvenience_n expose_v soul_n to_o illusion_n error_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o do_v only_o recommend_v &_o exact_v vocal_a prayer_n &_o a_o solemn_a protract_a performance_n of_o it_o 4._o notwithstanding_o to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v heedful_o read_v the_o writing_n not_o only_o of_o the_o ancient_a solitary_n but_o likewise_o of_o s._n augustin_n s._n basile_n s._n gregory_n nazianzene_n &_o other_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o both_o know_v and_o practise_v most_o profound_a &_o recollect_v devotion_n internal_o yea_o &_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n &_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o spirit_n sufficient_a proof_n whereof_o shall_v occasional_o hereafter_o be_v insert_v 5._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o deliur_v any_o exact_a method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o prayer_n the_o which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a or_o at_o least_o not_o at_o all_o needful_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n for_o to_o soul_n that_o live_v as_o ancient_o they_o do_v entire_o sequester_v from_o all_o world_o business_n or_o conversation_n in_o continual_a laborious_a &_o penitential_a exercise_n have_v no_o image_n of_o creature_n to_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o much_o less_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o creature_n to_o depress_v they_o from_o mount_v to_o spiritual_a union_n with_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o such_o to_o know_v that_o their_o duty_n &_o the_o end_n of_o their_o solitude_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o all_o other_o more_o nice_a or_o particular_a instruction_n will_v have_v prove_v but_o distractive_a &_o intangle_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n though_o he_o ordain_v daily_o conuentuall_a short_a recollection_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o which_o he_o call_v pure_a prayer_n yet_o he_o neither_o interpret_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o such_o prayer_n for_o all_o his_o disciple_n understand_v that_o sufficient_o &_o much_o less_o do_v he_o deliver_v any_o instruction_n how_o to_o exercise_v it_o 6._o but_o in_o these_o day_n in_o which_o religious_a person_n and_o other_o that_o aspire_v to_o spiritual_a contemplation_n do_v either_o want_n the_o mean_n to_o enjoy_v or_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v such_o solitude_n and_o austerity_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o world_n god_n raise_v up_o first_o in_o germany_n master_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o suso_n harphius_n eschius_fw-la thaulerus_n etc._n etc._n in_o former_a time_n and_o more_o late_o in_o spain_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n who_o no_o question_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o may_v witness_v have_v judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o foresay_a advantage_n by_o add_v a_o certain_a obligation_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o internal_a recollect_v prayer_n prescribe_v order_n &_o time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o they_o have_v likewise_o more_o exact_o discover_v the_o degree_n and_o progress_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o earnest_o do_v they_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o diligent_a pursuance_n of_o it_o profess_v that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o essential_a design_n of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a life_n 7._o i_o will_v content_v myself_o in_o this_o place_n to_o express_v the_o ground_n &_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n of_o those_o &_o other_o illuminate_v person_n the_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reviue_n of_o decay_a spirituality_n in_o the_o world_n by_o produce_v a_o passage_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n take_v out_o of_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n in_o for_o 2._o rogat_fw-la which_o be_v this_o ego_fw-la illud_fw-la mihi_fw-la videor_fw-la verissime_fw-la posse_fw-la affirmare_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v most_o true_o &_o confident_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o without_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o internal_a prayer_n none_o will_v ever_o become_v true_o spiritual_a nor_o attain_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o see_v many_o which_o often_o time_n in_o the_o year_n do_v approach_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n &_o as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n &_o infirmity_n will_v permit_v do_v with_o sufficient_a diligence_n endeavour_v to_o purge_v away_o all_o the_o stain_n &_o uncleanenes_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v no_o progress_n but_o be_v still_o the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o confession_n if_o a_o week_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o tribunal_n again_o they_o bring_v neither_o few_o nor_o lesser_a fault_n than_o such_o as_o be_v former_o confess_v yea_o without_o offend_v against_o truth_n i_o may_v add_v some_o what_o more_o strange_a than_o all_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o see_v sometime_o religious_a person_n &_o not_o a_o few_o priest_n which_o by_o their_o vocation_n &_o habit_n profess_v sanctity_n &_o moreover_o do_v assiduous_o read_v divine_a scripture_n &_o book_n of_o piety_n they_o do_v often_o if_o not_o daily_o celebrate_v the_o most_o holy_a sacrifice_n they_o have_v neither_o wife_n nor_o child_n but_o be_v free_a from_o all_o care_n &_o sollicitude_n which_o may_v distract_v they_o from_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o divine_a thing_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o they_o be_v so_o veyd_v of_o all_o devotion_n &_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o cold_a in_o divine_a love_n &_o so_o earnest_a in_o the_o love_n of_o secular_a vanity_n so_o replenish_v with_o impatience_n envy_n &_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n that_o they_o seem_v not_o one_o iott_n to_o differ_v from_o secular_a person_n whole_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o serious_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o exercise_n of_o introversion_n but_o only_o esteem_v &_o regard_v the_o exterior_a &c_n &c_n thus_o far_o be_v the_o word_n &_o too_o just_a complaint_n of_o the_o learned_a &_o pious_a cardinal_n 8._o the_o which_o with_o very_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v further_o extend_v even_o to_o those_o religious_a who_o by_o their_o profession_n ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n &_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o true_a way_n thereto_o erroneous_o believe_v that_o by_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o outward_a observance_n &_o the_o solemn_a say_n of_o the_o office_n adjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o internal_a discursive_a prayer_n do_v yet_o find_v but_o little_a fruit_n as_o to_o any_o interior_a reformation_n or_o simplification_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o rest_v in_o such_o active_a exercise_n which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o solitary_a liver_n lose_v all_o their_o virtue_n &_o do_v not_o from_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o true_o enlighten_v exercise_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n which_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_v by_o good_a affection_n quiet_o &_o calm_o produce_v &_o not_o with_o the_o understanding_n a_o prayer_n make_v without_o those_o distract_n method_n or_o that_o busy_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o weary_v of_o the_o soul_n by_o laborious_a discourse_n which_o be_v only_o inferior_a &_o imperfect_a preparation_n to_o true_a prayer_n 9_o now_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n we_o will_v add_v certain_a virtue_n benefit_n &_o preeminence_n thereof_o compare_v with_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o
show_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n affliction_n passion_n &_o distraction_n a_o soul_n may_v as_o true_o &_o efficacious_o dispose_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o superior_a spirit_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o corporal_a organ_n fix_v they_o upon_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o he_o for_o her_o final_a end_n and_o submit_v herself_o with_o resignation_n &_o love_n to_o he_o even_o for_o send_v she_o such_o trial_n as_o she_o can_v in_o her_o great_a solitude_n &_o most_o quiet_a introversion_n and_o this_o be_v best_a do_v without_o any_o violence_n or_o impetuosity_n but_o with_o great_a tranquillity_n dart_v a_o spiritual_a regard_n to_o god_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o she_o may_v be_v as_o true_o &_o effectual_o unite_v to_o god_n though_o not_o according_a to_o sense_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o trouble_n as_o in_o her_o great_a sensible_a union_n 23._o a_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v thus_o vigilant_a &_o industrious_a may_v assure_v herself_o that_o god_n who_o lay_v this_o office_n on_o she_o do_v it_o not_o for_o her_o harm_n but_o for_o her_o great_a good_a &_o to_o give_v her_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v several_a virtue_n which_o otherwise_o she_o will_v have_v want_v at_o least_o the_o perfection_n of_o they_o as_o likewise_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o her_o fidelity_n to_o he_o amid_o whatsoever_o encumbrance_n &_o tentation_n now_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o virtue_n she_o will_v make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o spirit_n at_o least_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v solid_a charity_n if_o not_o for_o light_v of_o contemplation_n and_o retain_v a_o love_n to_o prayer_n &_o practise_v it_o as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v she_o will_v come_v to_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o disposition_n that_o when_o she_o shall_fw-mi return_n to_o her_o former_a vacancy_n &_o solitude_n she_o will_v make_v a_o a_o wonderful_a progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n thus_o she_o may_v see_v that_o as_o the_o office_n have_v peril_n in_o it_o so_o will_v god_n proportionable_o increase_v his_o grace_n &_o assistance_n 24._o for_o want_n of_o this_o care_n &_o vigilance_n over_o their_o interior_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o in_o religious_a conuent_v that_o fruitless_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o employment_n in_o some_o sort_n beneficial_a to_o other_o but_o of_o little_a profit_n yea_o perhaps_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o themselves_o as_o some_o that_o read_v lesson_n of_o philosophy_n or_o divinity_n yea_o even_o many_o that_o pass_v their_o whole_a time_n almost_o in_o spiritual_a employment_n as_o preach_v hear_v confession_n give_v spiritual_a direction_n &c_n &c_n for_o these_o work_n be_v perform_v not_o in_o virtue_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n &_o consequent_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o action_n perform_v in_o a_o state_n of_o distraction_n god_n spirit_n seldom_o give_v a_o blessing_n to_o they_o chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o how_o internal_a liver_n ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n the_o benefit_n of_o sickness_n to_o such_o only_a §_o 3._o 4._o &c_n &c_n the_o great_a danger_n of_o soul_n unprovided_a for_o sickness_n especial_o of_o tepid_a soul_n in_o a_o religious_a state_n §_o 9_o 10._o 11._o how_o sickness_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v §_o 12._o 13._o of_o a_o certain_a great_a tentation_n in_o sickness_n §_o 14._o a_o sick_a person_n be_v god_n prisoner_n §_o 15._o spiritual_a exercise_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v neglect_v in_o sickness_n §_o 16._o how_o mortification_n be_v then_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o internal_a tentation_n §_o 17._o 18._o particular_o how_o fear_n of_o death_n &_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o follow_v be_v to_o be_v mortify_v §_o 19_o 20._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o future_a state_n §_o 26._o 27._o of_o tentation_n to_o infidelity_n despair_v &c_n &c_n a_o story_n out_o of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n §_o 28._o 29._o &c_n &c_n how_o mortification_n about_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v then_o to_o be_v exercise_v 34_o &c_n &c_n solicitude_n about_o health_n misbecome_v religious_a person_n §_o 37._o in_o sickness_n &_o pain_n we_o be_v best_a sensible_a of_o our_o lord_n suffering_n §_o 38._o advice_n to_o those_o that_o attend_v on_o the_o sick_a §_o 39_o 40._o a_o sick_a person_n chief_a care_n must_v be_v not_o to_o neglect_v internal_a prayer_n §_o 46._o prayer_n be_v the_o universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o tentation_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n §_o 48._o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o her_o state_n in_o sickness_n 1._o the_o second_o state_n before_o mention_v that_o require_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n and_o provision_n as_o seem_v less_o proper_a for_o internal_a exercise_n be_v the_o state_n of_o sickness_n the_o which_o though_o it_o do_v exact_v a_o great_a solicitude_n &_o vigilance_n as_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o a_o condition_n ireversible_a yet_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o more_o secure_a state_n then_o that_o of_o external_a employment_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o be_v such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n to_o sensual_a object_n whereas_o in_o sickness_n all_o thing_n do_v rather_o drive_v a_o soul_n to_o seek_v &_o adhere_v unto_o god_n since_o all_o other_o comfort_n do_v fail_v she_o and_o all_o pleasure_n become_v distasteful_a to_o she_o moreover_o in_o sickness_n there_o be_v continual_a occasion_n of_o high_a resignation_n and_o far_o less_o sollicitude_n about_o temporal_a matter_n for_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o sick_a person_n be_v forbear_v &_o hold_v of_o patience_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o not-doing_a then_o do_v 2._o now_o since_o it_o concern_v a_o soul_n most_o deep_o to_o be_v well-disposed_n in_o sickness_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o give_v some_o general_a advice_n to_o soul_n already_o practise_v in_o internal_a way_n &_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o chief_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n the_o which_o advice_n notwithstanding_o our_o sick_a person_n ought_v only_o so_o far_o to_o make_v use_n of_o as_o he_o find_v they_o proper_a for_o his_o spirit_n &_o case_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o without_o just_a reason_n that_o a_o ancient_a holy_a man_n say_v that_o a_o religious_a spiritual_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a meditation_n of_o death_n because_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o our_o exercise_n be_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o our_o great_a account_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v give_v it_o with_o joy_n &_o not_o with_o fear_n 4._o if_o when_o sickness_n be_v come_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o learn_v how_o she_o ought_v to_o behave_v herself_o it_o will_v go_v hard_a with_o she_o by_o reason_n that_o then_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o great_a blindness_n of_o understanding_n and_o deadness_n of_o will_n all_o her_o thought_n and_o care_n will_v be_v employ_v in_o seek_v to_o avoid_v pain_n to_o pass_v away_o the_o tedious_a time_n and_o to_o recover_v and_o if_o any_o good_a thought_n come_v into_o her_o mind_n it_o be_v fear_n that_o principal_o raise_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o serious_a conversion_n be_v seldom_o give_v in_o sickness_n when_o passion_n do_v swell_v &_o immortification_n come_v thick_a upon_o one_o another_o and_o a_o soul_n that_o in_o health_n have_v neglect_v god_n &_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o conversion_n can_v with_o any_o reason_n or_o confidence_n expect_v a_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a grace_n to_o work_v a_o sudden_a cordial_a conversion_n if_o that_o one_o be_v whole_a life_n spend_v in_o painful_a mortification_n &_o serious_a recollection_n be_v but_o even_o little_a enough_o to_o conquer_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o will_n &_o the_o glewyne_n of_o our_o affection_n adhere_v to_o sensual_a object_n what_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o few_o interrupt_v inefficacious_a prayer_n or_o purpose_n in_o sickness_n suggest_v mere_o by_o fear_n upon_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n &_o judgement_n while_o there_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o secret_a love_n to_o those_o sinful_a delight_n that_o must_v now_o be_v forsake_v upon_o which_o ground_n s._n hierome_n have_v a_o terrible_a say_n that_o among_o those_o that_o defer_v their_o conversion_n till_o their_o death_n scarce_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v save_v 5._o and_o i_o believe_v the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o perilous_a because_o have_v enjoy_v so_o great_a help_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n she_o have_v with_o so_o unpardonable_a a_o ingratitude_n neglect_v they_o whereas_o a_o secular_a person_n be_v touch_v in_o sickness_n may_v resolve_v to_o seek_v those_o mean_n of_o abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o
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