of_o enormous_a sin_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a because_o less_o corrigible_a such_o as_o be_v those_o spiritual_a sin_n of_o pride_n murmur_a factiousnes_n envy_n ambition_n &c_n &c_n beside_o which_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n of_o the_o want_n of_o perfect_v their_o soul_n by_o prayer_n of_o the_o avoid_n of_o which_o they_o never_o take_v any_o care_n although_o their_o profession_n and_o vow_n oblige_v they_o thereto_o 6._o again_o if_o tepidity_n though_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n be_v find_v in_o soul_n that_o be_v acquaint_v speculative_o with_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o pursue_v they_o in_o order_n to_o perfection_n but_o either_o for_o want_n of_o courage_n dare_v not_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o they_o or_o do_v it_o very_o faint_o cold_o or_o with_o frequent_a interruption_n and_o only_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o relinquish_v and_o abjure_v such_o way_n such_o as_o though_o they_o have_v not_o a_o wilful_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n wilful_o negligent_a in_o resist_v they_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o consider_v that_o their_o case_n in_o all_o respect_n approach_v near_o to_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o former_a and_o they_o will_v have_v guilt_n enough_o to_o take_v away_o all_o comfort_n almost_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n and_o to_o give_v they_o just_a apprehension_n for_o the_o future_a life_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o security_n 7._o for_o when_o such_o soul_n approach_v near_o unto_o death_n they_o will_v then_o too_o late_o consider_v that_o for_o want_n of_o diligent_a prayer_n there_o may_v be_v yea_o assure_o be_v in_o they_o a_o world_n of_o inordination_n impurity_n and_o defect_n undiscovered_a by_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v nor_o bewail_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o the_o state_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o life_n spend_v in_o a_o uninterrupt_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o give_v they_o light_n to_o see_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o which_o their_o profession_n oblige_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o yet_o wilful_o they_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o light_n or_o to_o make_v progress_n in_o those_o way_n &c._n &c._n and_o this_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o guilt_n beyond_o the_o former_a they_o be_v conscious_a likewise_o of_o a_o unexcusable_a and_o long_o continue_a unfaithfullnes_n never_o almost_o comply_v with_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o daily_o urge_v they_o to_o put_v themselves_o resolute_o into_o that_o only_a secure_a way_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n nor_o ever_o vigorous_o resist_v the_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n which_o they_o do_v discover_v in_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n such_o sad_a thought_n as_o these_o press_v as_o usual_o they_o do_v one_o upon_o another_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n what_o grievous_a apprehension_n what_o terrible_a uncerteinty_n must_v they_o need_v cause_n in_o tepid_a soul_n then_o most_o sensible_a of_o danger_n and_o fear_n so_o that_o their_o life_n will_v be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o continual_a remorse_n and_o their_o death_n very_o uncomfortable_a 8._o last_o to_o all_o these_o misery_n of_o a_o tepid_a life_n this_o also_o may_v be_v add_v as_o a_o increase_n of_o the_o guilt_n and_o consequent_o a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o dangerous_a state_n of_o soul_n infect_v with_o that_o poison_n which_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a themselves_n most_o ungrateful_o withdraw_v their_o own_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o by_o their_o ill_a example_n by_o mispend_v the_o time_n in_o vain_a extrovert_v conversation_n by_o discountenance_v those_o that_o be_v fâ—ruourous_a in_o internal_a way_n etc._n etc._n they_o infect_v their_o companion_n and_o so_o treacherous_o defraud_v almighty_a god_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o other_o also_o so_o that_o a_o tepid_v religious_a person_n though_o give_v to_o no_o enormous_a excess_n be_v oft_o more_o harmful_a in_o a_o community_n than_o a_o open_a scandalous_a liver_n because_o none_o that_o have_v any_o care_n of_o himself_o but_o will_n beware_v of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o latter_a be_v whereas_o a_o tepid_a soul_n unperceiveable_o instill_v into_o other_o the_o poisonous_a infection_n wherewith_v herself_o be_v taint_v 9_o from_o the_o ground_n and_o consideration_n here_o mention_v it_o do_v appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o devout_a soul_n both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o pursuance_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n to_o excite_v and_o fortify_v her_o courageous_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o discouragement_n either_o from_o within_o or_o without_o but_o at_o what_o price_n soever_o and_o with_o what_o labour_n and_o suffering_n soever_o with_o fervour_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o duty_n belong_v thereto_o account_v tepidity_n and_o spiritual_a sloth_n as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o heâ—_n whole_a design_n the_o which_o if_o it_o be_v yield_v unto_o though_o but_o a_o little_a it_o will_v gather_v more_o force_n and_o at_o last_o grow_v irresistible_a 10._o but_o withal_o she_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v that_o such_o her_o courage_n and_o fervour_n must_v be_v exercise_v not_o impetuous_o out_o of_o passion_n or_o such_o impulse_n as_o a_o fit_a of_o sensible_a devotion_n will_v sometime_o produce_v in_o she_o but_o this_o fervour_n and_o resolution_n must_v chief_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o regulate_v by_o spiritual_a discretion_n according_a to_o her_o present_a force_n both_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n bestow_v on_o she_o and_o no_o further_o for_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o harm_n by_o out_o run_a grace_n as_o by_o neglect_v to_o correspond_v unto_o it_o hence_o it_o oft_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o wellminded_a soul_n be_v either_o push_v foward_a by_o a_o indiscrete_a passionate_a zeal_n or_o advise_v by_o unexperienced_a directour_n to_o undertake_v unnecessary_o and_o voluntary_o either_o rigorous_a mortification_n or_o excessive_a task_n of_o devotion_n and_o want_v strength_n to_o continue_v they_o have_v become_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o so_o that_o affect_v too_o hasty_o to_o attain_v unto_o perfection_n soon_o than_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o thereto_o they_o so_o over_o burden_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o give_v over_o quite_o all_o tendance_n to_o it_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o pace_n as_o may_v be_v last_v and_o that_o will_v suffice_v cap._n vi_o §_o 2._o etc._n etc._n a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v particular_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o strong_a resolution_n and_o courage_n to_o persevere_v shw_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o pilgrim_n travel_v to_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la 1._o now_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n and_o more_o effectual_a recommendation_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_a the_o supereminent_a nobleness_n of_o its_o end_n the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o firm_a courage_n to_o persevere_v and_o continual_o to_o make_v progress_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o it_o cost_v we_o with_o out_o which_o resolution_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o set_v one_o step_n forward_o in_o these_o way_n i_o will_v here_o annexe_v a_o passage_n extract_v out_o of_o that_o excellent_a treatise_n call_v scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la write_v by_o that_o eminent_a contemplative_a d._n walter_n hilton_n a_o carthusian_n monk_n in_o which_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o devout_a pilgrim_n desirous_a to_o travel_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o interpret_v the_o vision_n of_o peace_n or_o contemplation_n he_o deliver_v instruction_n very_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a touch_v the_o behaviour_n requisite_a in_o a_o devout_a soul_n for_o such_o a_o journey_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o aduises_n i_o will_v take_v liberty_n so_o to_o deliver_v brief_o as_o notwithstanding_o not_o to_o omit_v any_o important_a matter_n there_o more_o large_o and_o according_a to_o the_o old_a fashion_n express_v 21.22.23_o scala_fw-la perfect_a par_fw-fr 2._o cap._n 21.22.23_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o man_n say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o right_a way_n he_o address_v himself_o for_o advice_n to_o one_o that_o he_o hope_v be_v not_o unskillful_a in_o it_o and_o ask_v he_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n passable_a thither_o the_o other_o answer_v that_o the_o way_n thither_o be_v both_o long_a and_o full_a of_o very_o great_a
incapable_a of_o error_n and_o the_o will_n seek_v nothing_o desire_v nothing_o but_o emoyes_n all_o 14._o now_o as_o touch_v the_o forementioned_a preparation_n soul_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n always_o of_o these_o but_o to_o use_v their_o own_o liberty_n that_o be_v a_o excellent_a preparation_n which_o the_o good_a simple_a devout_a old-woman_n be_v say_v to_o use_v who_o when_o she_o set_v herself_o to_o her_o devotion_n in_o the_o church_n say_v only_o o_o my_o god_n let_v that_o come_v to_o thou_o which_o i_o wish_v &_o let_v that_o befall_v i_o which_o thou_o desire_v and_o have_v say_v this_o present_o with_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n presence_n she_o abandon_v herself_o into_o god_n hand_n remain_v in_o this_o silent_a busy_a idleness_n &_o negative_a knowledge_n more_o full_a of_o fervour_n &_o light_n then_o all_o the_o speculation_n of_o the_o school_n or_o studious_a meditation_n of_o cloister_n 15._o now_o whereas_o the_o author_n commend_v this_o exercise_n both_o to_o the_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a confident_o affirm_v that_o any_o one_o may_v secure_o begin_v with_o it_o even_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n as_o many_o have_v do_v with_o great_a &_o speedy_a profit_n i_o conceive_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o will_v be_v need_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a courage_n in_o beginner_n to_o prosecute_v it_o for_o their_o understanding_n &_o inward_a sense_n not_o yet_o be_v store_v with_o good_a image_n to_o chase_v away_o vain_a distraction_n nor_o their_o will_n sufficient_o inflame_v with_o holy_a desire_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o they_o must_v often_o be_v assault_v terrible_o with_o most_o tedious_a aridity_n passion_n &c_n &c_n they_o will_v be_v oft_o suspicious_a that_o they_o spend_v most_o of_o their_o recollection_n in_o a_o mere_a fruitless_a idleness_n &_o so_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o doubt_n &_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o unquiet_a consultation_n with_o other_o but_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v this_o &_o resolute_o go_v on_o notwithstanding_o these_o discouragement_n no_o doubt_n they_o will_v reap_v inestimable_a benefit_n by_o it_o but_o consider_v these_o great_a tentation_n &_o danger_n i_o shall_v judge_v that_o the_o most_o secure_a way_n be_v not_o to_o adventure_v upon_o this_o exercise_n at_o the_o beginning_n till_o one_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o immediate_a acts._n and_o also_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o use_v great_a abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o to_o practice_v likewise_o out_o of_o time_n of_o prayer_n the_o same_o internal_a silence_n calm_v both_o the_o busy_a work_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o still_v the_o motion_n of_o even_o good_a desire_n both_o in_o study_n work_v say_v the_o office_n etc._n etc._n 16._o though_o the_o exercise_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o by_o long_o practice_v it_o grow_n more_o &_o more_o pure_a &_o abstract_a the_o silence_n &_o introversion_n grow_n more_o profound_a &_o the_o operation_n more_o imperceptible_a and_o it_o will_v in_o time_n secure_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o that_o which_o s._n teresa_n call_v the_o prayer_n of_o quietness_n which_o be_v indeed_o perfect_a contemplation_n to_o which_o this_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a degree_n &_o of_o which_o this_o be_v but_o a_o sleight_n imitation_n 17._o some_o spiritual_a writer_n do_v express_v the_o state_n &_o behaviour_n of_o a_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o this_o by_o his_o phrase_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v then_o aux_n escoutte_v that_o be_v she_o be_v watch_v &_o attend_v what_o god_n will_v speak_v to_o she_o or_o work_v in_o she_o the_o which_o phrase_n be_v to_o some_o very_a suspicious_a &_o offensive_a as_o if_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o practiser_n of_o such_o prayer_n do_v pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a visitation_n &_o favour_n from_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v whole_o averse_a and_o they_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o the_o phrase_n but_o only_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a disposition_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v put_v herself_o in_o to_o receive_v divine_a light_n &_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o tend_v pure_o &_o spiritual_o to_o god_n be_v by_o silence_v all_o noise_n of_o creature_n &_o their_o image_n by_o quiet_v all_o motion_n of_o passion_n by_o admit_v no_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o simple_a intelligence_n of_o object_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n &_o last_o by_o a_o real_a embrace_v with_o the_o will_n no_o other_o object_n but_o god_n himself_o without_o reflect_v or_o profess_v that_o the_o will_n adhere_v to_o he_o it_o be_v sure_o a_o far_a more_o perfect_a expression_n of_o resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o any_o difficulty_n &_o affliction_n real_o &_o quiet_o to_o embrace_v it_o with_o perfect_a silence_n then_o to_o busy_a one_o self_n with_o profession_n that_o one_o do_v embrace_v it_o as_o also_o actual_o &_o indeed_o to_o love_n then_o to_o say_v one_o love_n etc._n etc._n 18._o now_o though_o no_o distinct_a reflect_v or_o otherwise_o express_v act_n either_o of_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n be_v admit_v into_o this_o exercise_n yet_o the_o soul_n be_v far_o from_o that_o mere_a cessation_n or_o non-actuation_a profess_v by_o the_o frantic_a illuminate_v for_o here_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o case_n like_o to_o a_o tender_a mother_n with_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n regard_v her_o most_o amiable_a child_n she_o all_o the_o while_n say_v nothing_o neither_o think_v any_o express_a distinct_a thought_n of_o which_o she_o can_v give_v any_o account_n yet_o both_o her_o mind_n &_o will_v also_o be_v busy_a yea_o the_o mind_n in_o one_o simple_a regard_n have_v the_o virtue_n of_o many_o long_a discourse_n &_o the_o will_n in_o one_o quiet_a continue_a application_n have_v the_o quintessence_n of_o a_o thousand_o distinct_a affection_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o soul_n do_v actual_o regard_n god_n &_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n she_o do_v real_o with_o adoration_n humility_n resignation_n &_o love_n behave_v herself_o towards_o he_o and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o she_o shall_v tell_v he_o that_o she_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o presence_n or_o that_o she_o do_v adore_v love_n &_o resign_v herself_o to_o he_o she_o rather_o choose_v the_o psalmist_n way_n of_o praise_v &_o serve_v god_n who_o instead_o of_o the_o latin_a interpretation_n te_fw-la decet_fw-la hymnus_fw-la deus_fw-la in_o zion_n psalm_n 64._o in_o the_o hebrew_n expression_n follow_v by_o the_o septuagint_n say_v domine_fw-la tibi_fw-la silentium_fw-la laus_fw-la est_fw-la silence_n be_v praise_n to_o thou_o o_o lord_n &_o indeed_o the_o most_o effectual_a become_a praise_n of_o all_o other_o it_o be_v proceed_v out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n &_o majesty_n who_o the_o seraphin_n contemplate_v by_o cover_v their_o face_n &_o glorify_v most_o perfect_o in_o that_o profound_a and_o awful_a halfe-houre_n silence_n mention_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n 19_o thus_o we_o conclude_v our_o instruction_n concern_v the_o two_o inferior_a degree_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n the_o remainder_n of_o this_o book_n will_v be_v employ_v about_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o all_o our_o labour_n to_o wit_n perfect_a contemplation_n the_o advice_n about_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v for_o the_o inform_v of_o those_o that_o be_v arrive_v thereto_o for_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a light_n shine_v bright_o in_o their_o heart_n beyond_o all_o humane_a instruction_n but_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o those_o that_o tend_v towards_o so_o divine_a a_o state_n that_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o the_o labour_n pain_n bitterness_n &_o contradiction_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o way_n yea_o though_o the_o wellminded_n soul_n shall_v never_o in_o this_o life_n attain_v thereto_o yet_o faithful_o tend_v towards_o it_o to_o her_o last_o hour_n she_o will_v not_o want_n even_o here_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n of_o divine_a light_n &_o grace_n with_o a_o inestimable_a comfort_n of_o mind_n at_o her_o death_n and_o afterward_o she_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o the_o peculiar_a crown_n due_a to_o those_o that_o here_o do_v aspire_v to_o contemplation_n 20._o let_v no_o excuse_n therefore_o be_v admit_v no_o encumbrance_n hinder_v soul_n those_o especial_o who_o profession_n and_o state_n be_v contemplation_n to_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o prayer_n proper_a thereto_o with_o all_o courage_n &_o perseverance_n for_o as_o s._n teresa_n say_v it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o have_v a_o resolute_a determination_n and_o fix_a purpose_n of_o mind_n never_o to_o desist_v from_o diligent_a endeavour_n until_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o drink_v of_o this_o water_n of_o life_n i_o mean_v supernatural_a prayer_n labour_v therefore_o for_o it_o come_v what_o will_v come_v
pleasure_n sake_n and_o not_o for_o virtue_n it_o be_v ourselves_o only_o that_o we_o love_v in_o such_o a_o person_n who_o we_o then_o love_v not_o proper_o as_o a_o person_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n pleasurable_a to_o us._n but_o by_o a_o love_n of_o friendship_n we_o do_v at_o least_o we_o profess_v to_o love_v the_o person_n for_o the_o person_n sake_n and_o to_o seek_v therein_o not_o our_o own_o good_a but_o only_o the_o person_n for_o who_o great_a good_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o neglect_v our_o own_o yea_o sometime_o for_o the_o person_n contentment_n safety_n etc._n etc._n to_o sacrifice_v our_o own_o contentment_n or_o may_v be_v our_o life_n also_o thus_o far_o friendship_n have_v be_v describe_v in_o ancient_n and_o latter_a time_n and_o charity_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledged_a to_o be_v a_o love_n of_o friendship_n to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n only_o to_o man_n or_o ourselves_o 5._o indeed_o if_o we_o narrow_o examine_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v aâ—y_o other_o true_a friendship_n but_o charity_n or_o the_o love_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o god_n or_o for_o god_n and_o that_o all_o other_o pretend_v freindships_n either_o among_o heathen_n or_o christian_n be_v mere_a sensual_a self-love_n for_o though_o in_o some_o freindâ—hips_n as_o they_o be_v call_v some_o have_v profess_v so_o absolute_a a_o purity_n and_o freedom_n from_o selfe-interest_n as_o for_o their_o friend_n sake_n to_o neglect_v not_o only_o all_o temporal_a respect_n of_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n &c_n &c_n but_o also_o willing_o expose_v their_o life_n yet_o indeed_o the_o true_a motive_n of_o all_o be_v a_o sensual_a love_n unto_o themselves_o for_o therefore_o for_o their_o friend_n sake_n they_o make_v choice_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o to_o live_v deprive_v of_o they_o because_o the_o want_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sensual_a contentment_n be_v far_o more_o bitter_a &_o insupportable_a to_o they_o then_o the_o pain_n of_o suffer_a death_n which_o will_v quick_o be_v finish_v whereas_o the_o languour_n and_o torture_v of_o the_o other_o will_v never_o have_v cease_v till_o death_n 6._o but_o charity_n be_v only_o and_o in_o the_o most_o strict_a sense_n a_o friendship_n because_o therein_o all_o our_o love_n be_v terminate_v in_o god_n only_o we_o love_v nothing_o but_o he_o or_o for_o he_o yea_o we_o direct_v the_o love_n not_o only_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o also_o of_o ourselves_o only_o to_o he_o 7._o now_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o our_o love_n to_o god_n must_v be_v a_o free_a unconcern_v love_n renounce_v all_o interest_n or_o expectation_n of_o reward_n as_o a_o motive_n thereto_o and_o how_o this_o pure_o free_a love_n may_v nothwitstanding_n consist_v with_o yea_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o hope_n of_o retribution_n in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n see_v the_o follow_a appendix_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o treatise_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o 2._o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o superior_a will_n not_o the_o sensitive_a affection_n though_o oft_o in_o beginner_n it_o operate_v much_o there_o §_o 3._o 4._o several_a act_n or_o fruit_n of_o charity_n §_o 5._o 6._o the_o secure_a practice_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v by_o self_n abnegation_n §_o 7._o propriety_n make_v and_o fill_v hell_n and_o resignation_n heaven_n 1._o the_o most_o precious_a virtue_n of_o charity_n reside_v not_o in_o sensuality_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o painful_a longing_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o cause_v motion_n in_o the_o heart_n yea_o though_o it_o become_v such_o a_o love_n as_o mystic_n call_v a_o languish_a love_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o sensual_a love_n use_n to_o be_v a_o troublesome_a unquiet_a passion_n but_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o superior_a soul_n be_v a_o quiet_a but_o most_o resolute_a determination_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n to_o seek_v god_n and_o a_o perfect_a union_n with_o he_o the_o which_o resolution_n she_o will_v not_o give_v over_o for_o any_o distraction_n or_o occur_v difficulty_n whatsoever_o yea_o than_o it_o be_v oft_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a when_o the_o heart_n or_o inferior_a nature_n receive_v the_o least_o contentment_n by_o it_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_n feel_v the_o great_a disgust_n and_o desolation_n and_o such_o a_o resolution_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o high_a esteem_n we_o have_v by_o faith_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o innumerable_a obligation_n lay_v by_o he_o on_o us._n this_o make_v a_o inflame_a soul_n to_o despise_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o for_o god_n and_o to_o tend_v to_o he_o with_o a_o resolution_n of_o enjoy_v he_o though_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o pleasure_n riches_n honour_n yea_o and_o the_o life_n itself_o 2._o yet_o so_o generous_a a_o love_n as_o this_o be_v not_o get_v sudden_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o imperfect_a &_o much_o allay_v by_o self-interest_n and_o seek_v contentment_n to_o nature_n even_o in_o the_o action_n do_v for_o god_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o ordinary_o during_o such_o a_o state_n of_o imperfection_n god_n cherish_v the_o soul_n with_o sensible_a comfort_n &_o gust_n which_o she_o feel_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o love_n to_o he_o she_o will_v scarce_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o proceed_v 3._o the_o act_n effect_n and_o fruit_n proper_a to_o pure_a charity_n or_o divine_a friendship_n be_v 1._o to_o be_v unite_v in_o affection_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a &_o only_o good_a with_o who_o in_o some_o sort_n we_o be_v one_o 2_o out_o of_o love_n to_o he_o to_o take_v joy_n in_o his_o perfection_n congratulate_v with_o he_o therefore_o &_o exult_v that_o he_o be_v adore_v &_o glorify_v by_o angel_n &_o saint_n 3._o to_o will_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o immutability_n of_o those_o perfection_n 4._o to_o desire_v and_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o endeavour_v that_o all_o creature_n may_v love_v and_o adore_v he_o that_o infidel_n and_o sinner_n may_v be_v convert_v to_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v reign_v by_o love_n in_o all_o 5._o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o all_o offence_n both_o our_o own_o and_o other_o commit_v against_o he_o 6._o in_o pure_a love_n to_o he_o to_o determine_v faithful_o and_o unchangeable_o to_o serve_v he_o 7._o to_o take_v iâ—y_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o 8._o with_o indifferency_n to_o accept_v of_o all_o thing_n from_o his_o hand_n as_o well_o thing_n displease_v to_o our_o nature_n as_o please_v 9_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n 10._o to_o love_v all_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o mere_o for_o that_o reason_n 11._o for_o his_o sake_n to_o love_v all_o man_n yea_o even_o our_o enemy_n &_o persecutor_n nay_o moreover_o to_o endeavour_v to_o express_v some_o effect_n of_o love_n more_o to_o they_o than_o other_o as_o be_v special_a instrument_n of_o procure_v great_a good_a to_o we_o then_o our_o friend_n be_v 12._o to_o do_v all_o the_o honour_n we_o can_v to_o he_o and_o all_o the_o service_n we_o can_v to_o other_o for_o his_o sake_n 13._o in_o nothing_o to_o seek_v temporal_a commodity_n but_o only_o to_o please_v he_o 14._o to_o imitate_v he_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n that_o be_v imitable_a and_o particular_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o love_v other_o with_o the_o like_a freedom_n of_o love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o not_o seek_v any_o commodity_n to_o himself_o thereby_o 15._o to_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v he_o the_o best_a we_o can_v and_o yet_o withal_o to_o rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v serve_v more_o perfect_o by_o other_o 16._o to_o serve_v and_o love_v he_o only_o in_o the_o service_n &_o love_n that_o we_o show_v to_o superior_n equal_v or_o inferior_n 17._o to_o resolve_v never_o to_o accept_v of_o any_o contentment_n but_o in_o he_o nor_o other_o happiness_n but_o only_o he_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o rest_v with_o affection_n in_o any_o of_o his_o gift_n but_o only_o in_o himself_o 18._o never_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n but_o still_o to_o endeavour_v to_o love_v he_o more_o and_o better_a 19_o to_o desire_v to_o suffer_v for_o he_o here_o be_v for_o the_o present_a content_v with_o hope_n only_o of_o enjoy_v for_o the_o future_a 20._o to_o hate_v ourselves_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n our_o insensiblenes_n of_o his_o goodness_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o most_o perfect_a hatred_n never_o be_v weary_a in_o persecute_v and_o mortify_v ourselves_o 21._o to_o love_v he_o equal_o in_o his_o command_n as_o in_o his_o rewards_o 22._o to_o congratulate_v &_o take_v contentment_n in_o any_o act_n of_o temporal_a severity_n exercise_v by_o he_o on_o us._n 23._o never_o
upon_o she_o &_o divert_v her_o attention_n from_o god_n which_o can_v scarce_o be_v while_o she_o be_v vigilant_a to_o expel_v all_o image_n whatsoever_o that_o may_v cause_v she_o to_o break_v her_o internal_a silence_n she_o can_v easy_o recover_v the_o say_v silent_a attention_n by_o renew_v if_o need_v be_v a_o short_a express_a act_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n etc._n etc._n 8._o in_o this_o attention_n to_o god_n she_o be_v far_o from_o expect_v any_o extraordinary_a illumination_n favour_n or_o visit_n of_o which_o she_o account_v herself_o utter_o unworthy_a 9_o last_o she_o have_v no_o suspicion_n or_o fear_n lest_o such_o a_o respectful_a silence_n shall_v be_v mere_a idleness_n or_o cessation_n for_o she_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n and_o since_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n be_v all_o activity_n so_o that_o it_o can_v continue_v a_o moment_n with_o hout_n some_o desire_n the_o soul_n then_o reject_v all_o desire_n towards_o create_a object_n she_o can_v choose_v but_o tend_v inward_o in_o her_o affection_n to_o god_n for_o which_o end_n only_o she_o put_v herself_o in_o such_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n her_o tendance_n then_o be_v much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o mount_a of_o a_o eagle_n after_o a_o precedent_n vigorous_a spring_a motion_n and_o extension_n of_o her_o wing_n the_o which_o cease_v in_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o flight_n be_v continue_v for_o a_o good_a space_n with_o a_o great_a swiftness_n but_o withal_o with_o great_a stillnes_n quietness_n &_o ease_n without_o any_o wave_n of_o the_o wing_n at_o all_o or_o the_o least_o force_n use_v in_o any_o member_n be_v in_o as_o much_o ease_n &_o stillnes_n as_o if_o she_o be_v repose_v in_o her_o nest_n 10._o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o fashion_n of_o that_o internal_a prayer_n of_o silence_n recommend_v by_o roias_n the_o which_o without_o any_o variation_n he_o will_v have_v exercise_v daily_o morning_n &_o evening_n allow_v to_o each_o recollection_n about_o a_o hour_n 11._o now_o the_o advantage_n that_o he_o not_o without_o ground_n of_o reason_n attribute_n to_o it_o be_v 1._o that_o it_o cause_v far_o more_o profound_a recollection_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o set_v internal_a prayer_n because_o a_o soul_n have_v either_o by_o a_o short_a discourse_n or_o exercise_v of_o faith_n oblation_n etc._n etc._n find_v he_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o her_o repose_n she_o than_o leave_v all_o the_o room_n and_o appartement_n of_o sense_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a void_a &_o empty_a &_o pass_v forward_o to_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v pure_a clear_a and_o secure_a 2._o it_o do_v extreme_o abate_v the_o activity_n both_o of_o the_o imagination_n &_o passion_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v it_o suffer_v to_o stir_v at_o all_o 3._o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o contemplate_v in_o it_o be_v apprehend_v simple_o and_o true_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o superior_a spirit_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v discourse_n in_o the_o understanding_n image_n permit_v to_o rest_n in_o the_o fancy_n &_o sensible_a motion_n of_o tenderness_n in_o the_o heart_n there_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_o &_o entire_o the_o object_n of_o such_o operation_n in_o spiritu_fw-la non_fw-la in_o commotione_fw-la dominus_fw-la say_v the_o prophet_n elias_n god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o rush_a wind_n he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o stir_n of_o passion_n or_o of_o the_o imagination_n but_o in_o sibilo_fw-la aurae_fw-la tenuis_fw-la he_o be_v in_o the_o silent_a whisper_n of_o a_o soft_a air_n and_o say_v david_n factus_fw-la est_fw-la in_o pace_fw-la locus_fw-la eius_fw-la his_o place_n of_o abode_n be_v in_o the_o clear_a &_o peaceful_a region_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o moreover_o by_o this_o exercise_n we_o come_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a operation_n of_o selfe-annihilation_a by_o which_o both_o ourselves_o and_o all_o creature_n be_v so_o transcend_v and_o forget_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o can_v the_o devil_n find_v where_o to_o fasten_v a_o tentation_n we_o present_v to_o god_n the_o temple_n of_o our_o soul_n empty_a to_o the_o end_n he_o alone_o may_v possess_v it_o which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v and_o withal_o most_o rich_o adorn_v it_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o guest_n 12._o to_o these_o benefit_n may_v be_v add_v this_o which_o be_v a_o great_a one_o and_o fruitful_a in_o many_o blessing_n to_o wit_n that_o in_o this_o exercise_n all_o divine_a virtue_n be_v in_o a_o very_a sublime_a manner_n exercise_v viz._n 1._o i'faith_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n quit_v all_o discourse_n and_o doubt_v believe_v &_o even_o perceive_v the_o divine_a presence_n by_o which_o she_o conquer_v the_o world_n exalt_v herself_o so_o much_o above_o all_o create_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o sight_n 2._o hope_v because_o the_o soul_n place_v herself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o posture_n of_o a_o beggar_n confident_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v impart_v to_o she_o both_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o ability_n to_o fulfil_v it_o 3._o love_n because_o the_o soul_n resolute_o affect_v nothing_o but_o correspondence_n to_o the_o divine_a love._n 4._o resignation_n since_o the_o soul_n forget_v all_o private_a interest_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o ask_v neither_o repose_n nor_o business_n but_o only_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v have_v she_o to_o enjoy_v do_v or_o suffer_v 5._o patience_n because_o herein_o the_o soul_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v many_o aridity_n desolation_n obscurity_n encumbrance_n of_o thought_n tentation_n and_o other_o internal_a affliction_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o thaulerus_n give_v unto_o a_o exercise_n much_o resemble_v this_o the_o name_n of_o the_o afflict_a exercise_n 6._o purity_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v hereby_o separate_v from_o all_o adhesion_n to_o creature_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n only_o 7._o mortification_n of_o which_o here_o be_v the_o very_a quintessence_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n act_v in_o spirit_n only_o they_o the_o flesh_n become_v insipid_a &_o without_o taste_n say_v s._n gregory_n the_o flesh_n with_o all_o its_o desire_n be_v here_o slay_v as_o it_o be_v and_o bury_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o eye_n see_v nothing_o please_v to_o sense_n the_o ear_n hear_v nothing_o the_o tongue_n be_v silent_a a_o curtain_n be_v draw_v before_o all_o image_n &_o representation_n in_o the_o memory_n the_o will_n be_v separate_v from_o all_o create_a thing_n neither_o willing_a nor_o nill_v any_o of_o they_o but_o permit_v god_n to_o will_n for_o she_o 8._o obedience_n for_o the_o understand_a contract_n and_o abase_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o discourse_n and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n command_v 9_o humility_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a degree_n because_o the_o soul_n therein_o and_o thereby_o be_v even_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 10._o in_o a_o word_n here_o be_v adoration_n sacrifice_n devotion_n &_o all_o grace_n unite_v together_o where_o creature_n be_v exclude_v &_o god_n with_o all_o his_o perfection_n be_v alone_o expose_v to_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v contemplate_v by_o the_o mind_n embrace_v by_o the_o will_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o all_o her_o operation_n here_o be_v abstraction_n in_o perfection_n and_o as_o phaulerus_n say_v all_o virtue_n be_v learn_v in_o learning_n abstraction_n 13._o this_o be_v a_o exercise_n fit_a for_o all_o sort_n almost_o &_o all_o disposition_n of_o soul_n learn_v be_v but_o a_o small_a furtherance_n neither_o needs_o it_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o it_o it_o exclude_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n exercise_n or_o devotion_n for_o any_o kind_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o preparation_n to_o find_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v once_o do_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o chase_v away_o all_o object_n that_o be_v not_o god_n that_o she_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o alone_o know_v he_o most_o perfect_o by_o ignorance_n approach_v to_o he_o by_o rest_v and_o forbear_v all_o motion_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o most_o comfortable_o and_o proffitable_o by_o silence_n by_o this_o holy_a idleness_n in_o pure_a recollective_a prayer_n the_o soul_n attain_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o most_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o that_o which_o be_v obscure_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n &_o can_v be_v know_v by_o discourse_n this_o be_v that_o mors_fw-la angelorum_fw-la death_n of_o angel_n that_o s._n bernard_n desire_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o regard_v not_o neither_o live_v in_o themselves_o as_o the_o apostate_n angel_n do_v but_o in_o god_n only_o &_o god_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n exercise_v in_o this_o but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a to_o wit_n simple_a intelligence_n which_o be_v