contemplative_n to_o who_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o choir_n be_v both_o far_o more_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a to_o all_o end_v pretend_v to_o by_o such_o exercise_n than_o they_o be_v yea_o moreover_o great_a harm_n may_v come_v to_o soul_n profess_v contemplation_n by_o they_o for_o so_o great_a attention_n such_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o nice_a observance_n and_o such_o a_o captivity_n of_o spirit_n be_v require_v that_o when_o all_o be_v pass_v soul_n thereby_o ofttimes_o become_v disable_v to_o continue_v the_o internal_a prayer_n proper_a for_o they_o or_o to_o comply_v with_o many_o regular_a duty_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o may_v come_v from_o strict_a examan_n of_o conscience_n repetition_n of_o general_n confession_n etc._n etc._n very_o prejudicial_a to_o tender_a soul_n 7._o therefore_o as_o touch_v contemplative_a person_n who_o live_v perhaps_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o devote_a to_o the_o active_a way_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o such_o retirement_n and_o therein_o to_o exercise_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o state_n my_o advice_n to_o they_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o in_o as_o much_o stillnes_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v be_v and_o have_v receive_v instruction_n for_o their_o prayer_n let_v they_o in_o practice_n give_v as_o much_o scope_n as_o they_o well_o can_v to_o their_o good_a affection_n not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o the_o say_v affection_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o matter_n propose_v for_o meditation_n or_o no_o nor_o distract_n themselves_o with_o reflection_n upon_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o end_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o let_v they_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v all_o due_a liberty_n in_o spirit_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o confession_n therein_o proceed_v no_o further_a than_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v such_o particular_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o nourish_v fear_n and_o scrupulosity_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n 8._o and_o as_o for_o secular_a liver_n to_o who_o indeed_o the_o say_a retraite_n according_a to_o custom_n undertake_v at_o set_a time_n may_v prove_v of_o admirable_a profit_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o end_n the_o virtue_n of_o they_o may_v not_o quick_o expire_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a afterward_o to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o light_n receive_v in_o they_o and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o good_a purpose_n make_v during_o such_o retirement_n for_o they_o must_v not_o expect_v by_o a_o few_o day_n solitude_n and_o prayer_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o sanctity_n but_o only_o a_o transient_a good_a passion_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o which_o without_o future_a care_n to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o will_v quick_o vanish_v and_o their_o fervour_n will_v be_v cool_v 9_o moreover_o perceive_v evident_o by_o this_o experience_n the_o good_a effect_n of_o mental_a prayer_n they_o ought_v to_o resolve_v the_o best_a they_o can_v to_o allow_v some_o reasonable_a time_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o secular_a vocation_n use_v likewise_o as_o much_o abstraction_n as_o their_o state_n of_o life_n will_v permit_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o will_v not_o only_o return_v to_o all_o their_o former_a defectuousnes_n &_o sin_n but_o will_v moreover_o thereto_o add_v the_o guilt_n of_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n that_o so_o effectual_o call_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o their_o follow_a sin_n will_v be_v sin_n against_o clear_a light_n 10._o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o soul_n shall_v so_o rely_v upon_o the_o repeat_v such_o retirement_n and_o new_a take_n of_o the_o same_o practice_n of_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n as_o by_o they_o to_o make_v amends_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la for_o all_o fault_n past_a they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v for_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v very_o good_a to_o seek_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o procure_v remorse_n and_o contrition_n for_o past_a sin_n yet_o if_o a_o soul_n upon_o a_o consideration_n that_o she_o have_v such_o a_o special_a remedy_n in_o a_o readiness_n shall_v neglect_v the_o care_n &_o watchfullnes_n over_o herself_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v &_o not_o without_o just_a ground_n that_o that_o which_o she_o take_v for_o contrition_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a remorse_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v shower_n down_o his_o grace_n upon_o a_o soul_n so_o corrupt_v in_o her_o intention_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o a_o change_n from_o meditation_n to_o a_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o active_a liver_n §_o 3._o a_o soul_n of_o a_o contemplative_a profession_n when_o to_o leave_v operate_n with_o the_o understanding_n §_o 4._o exercise_n of_o the_o will_v more_o perfect_a than_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n §_o 5._o whether_o meditation_n on_o the_o passion_n may_v be_v leave_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o etc._n etc._n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a §_o 12._o 13._o etc._n etc._n advice_n show_v when_o a_o change_n of_o prayer_n be_v seasonable_a §_o 18._o 19_o more_o particular_a sign_n show_v the_o proper_a time_n of_o a_o change_n §_o 20._o the_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o change_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o abstract_a life_n and_o diligent_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n to_o fix_v continual_o in_o meditation_n or_o to_o rest_v in_o any_o degree_n of_o affective_a prayer_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o intellectual_a &_o spiritual_a operation_n be_v to_o become_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a abstract_a &_o universal_a and_o to_o carry_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n still_o high_o and_o further_o into_o god_n the_o activity_n of_o the_o imagination_n &_o understanding_n continual_o abate_v &_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o will_v continual_o increase_v and_o get_v ground_n upon_o the_o understanding_n till_o at_o last_o all_o its_o operation_n become_v so_o quiet_v and_o silence_v that_o they_o cease_v or_o at_o least_o become_v unperceptible_a 2._o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v thus_o invite_v and_o dispose_v to_o approach_v continual_o near_a and_o near_o unto_o god_n if_o she_o be_v either_o by_o she_o own_o or_o other_o ignorance_n so_o fetter_v with_o custom_n or_o rule_n that_o she_o be_v deprive_v of_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o correspond_v to_o such_o a_o invitation_n and_o to_o quit_v inferior_a exercise_n she_o will_v find_v no_o profit_n at_o all_o by_o her_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a pain_n which_o will_v endanger_v to_o force_v she_o to_o relinquish_v her_o recollection_n 3._o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o those_o who_o profession_n be_v to_o live_v active_a distract_a life_n though_o they_o do_v serious_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n answerable_a to_o that_o state_n for_o such_o may_v continue_v all_o their_o life_n in_o meditation_n and_o follow_v the_o method_n of_o it_o because_o what_o they_o lose_v by_o their_o distraction_n they_o may_v recover_v by_o their_o follow_a meditation_n the_o good_a image_n use_v therein_o expelling_a the_o vain_a image_n contract_v in_o their_o externall_n employment_n true_a it_o be_v that_o to_o such_o person_n meditation_n will_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a and_o more_o in_o spirit_n yet_o never_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v a_o direct_a use_n of_o the_o imagination_n 4._o when_o a_o contemplative_a soul_n therefore_o have_v for_o some_o reasonable_a time_n practise_v meditation_n and_o come_v to_o perceive_v that_o a_o further_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v become_v dry_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o her_o spirit_n cause_v great_a disgust_n and_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n she_o ought_v then_o to_o forbear_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n which_o she_o will_v then_o doubtless_o perform_v with_o great_a gust_n and_o facility_n to_o her_o notable_a profit_n in_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o some_o writer_n who_o think_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_v to_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a in_o comparison_n of_o inuentive_a meditation_n and_o curious_a speculation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n in_o as_o much_o as_o none_o but_o elevate_v spirit_n can_v perform_v this_o whereas_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a person_n can_v exercise_v act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o speculation_n consideration_n deduction_n of_o conclusion_n &c._n &c._n in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o god_n be_v of_o themselves_o of_o any_o virtue_n to_o give_v true_a perfection_n to_o a_o soul_n further_o than_o as_o they_o do_v excite_v
though_o in_o themselves_o venial_a yet_o do_v much_o obscure_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o such_o imperfect_a soul_n do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o action_n &_o its_o essentials_n follow_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o by_o mix_v of_o sensual_a interest_n &_o end_n suggest_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n they_o do_v diminish_v its_o lustre_n beauty_n &_o value_v and_o so_o subtle_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o oft_o make_v its_o false_a suggestion_n pass_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o seldom_o miss_v the_o insinuate_a its_o poison_n in_o some_o degree_n either_o into_o the_o beginning_n or_o continuation_n of_o our_o best_a action_n 5._o from_o these_o unquestionable_a ground_n thus_o true_o lay_v it_o follow_v evident_o that_o in_o all_o good_a action_n &_o especial_o in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o conduct_v to_o contemplation_n &_o perfection_n god_n alone_o be_v our_o only_a master_n &_o director_n &_o creature_n when_v he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v they_o be_v only_o his_o instrument_n so_o that_o all_o other_o teacher_n whatsoever_o whether_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o external_a directour_n or_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n be_v no_o further_o nor_o otherwise_o to_o be_v follow_v or_o hearken_v to_o then_o as_o they_o be_v subordinate_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o internal_a direction_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o as_o god_n invite_v instruct_v &_o move_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o they_o by_o they_o to_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o will_n &_o by_o he_o enable_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n they_o will_v certain_o mislead_v us._n 5._o this_o be_v by_o all_o mystical_a writer_n acknowledge_v so_o fundamental_a a_o truth_n that_o without_o acknowledge_v it_o &_o work_v according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n so_o that_o to_o say_v as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v say_v by_o author_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_a but_o have_v no_o taste_n of_o these_o mystic_a matter_n take_v all_o your_o instruction_n from_o without_o from_o externall_n teacher_n or_o book_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n which_o can_v be_v teach_v by_o no_o other_o but_o god_n or_o by_o those_o who_o god_n special_o instruct_v &_o appoint_v determinate_o for_o the_o disciple_n present_a exigence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o internal_o teach_v both_o the_o teacher_n &_o disciple_n &_o his_o inspiration_n be_v the_o only_a lesson_n for_o both_o all_o our_o light_n therefore_o be_v from_o divine_a illumination_n &_o all_o our_o strength_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v from_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o our_o will_n &_o affection_n 7._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o so_o important_a a_o verity_n may_v more_o distinct_o be_v declare_v &_o more_o firm_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v god_n scholar_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n they_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o inspiration_n which_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n though_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o do_v extend_v further_o &_o to_o more_o &_o other_o particular_a object_n than_o the_o divine_a light_n or_o grace_n by_o which_o good_a christian_n live_v common_a life_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lead_v extend_v to_o yea_o then_o it_o do_v even_o in_o those_o that_o seek_v perfection_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n 8._o the_o light_n &_o virtue_n of_o common_a grace_n afford_v general_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n such_o internal_a illumination_n &_o motion_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o any_o sinful_a tentation_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v oblige_v though_o this_o direction_n be_v oft_o obey_v with_o many_o circumstantial_a defect_n and_o their_o action_n be_v so_o far_o &_o no_o further_o meritorious_a &_o please_a to_o god_n then_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o such_o internal_a grace_n or_o inspiration_n but_o as_o for_o other_o action_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o necessary_a obligation_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o the_o advance_v &_o perfect_v of_o holiness_n in_o their_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v the_o ordinary_a &_o usual_o esteem_v indifferent_a action_n of_o their_o life_n to_o a_o due_a improovement_n of_o such_o action_n they_o have_v neither_o the_o light_n nor_o the_o strength_n or_o very_o seldom_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o live_v distract_v life_n not_o use_v such_o solitude_n &_o recollection_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o dispose_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o receive_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n &_o virtue_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n by_o active_a exercise_n even_o the_o more_o perfect_a although_o they_o attain_v thereby_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n &_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o perform_v their_o necessary_a duty_n of_o holiness_n more_o perfect_o &_o with_o a_o more_o pure_a intention_n &_o likeewise_o make_v far_o great_a benefit_n for_o their_o advancement_n by_o action_n &_o occurrence_n more_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o also_o for_o want_n of_o habitual_a introversion_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n do_v pass_v over_o without_o benefit_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a action_n 9_o but_o as_o for_o contemplative_a liver_n those_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v make_v a_o sufficient_a progress_n towards_o perfection_n beside_o the_o common_a grace_n light_n or_o inspiration_n necessary_a for_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o essential_a duty_n the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o purify_v their_o action_n from_o a_o world_n of_o secret_a impurity_n &_o subtle_a mixture_n of_o the_o interest_n &_o end_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n invisible_a to_o all_o other_o soul_n beside_o this_o light_n i_o say_v which_o be_v presuppose_v &_o prerequire_v they_o walk_v in_o a_o continual_a supernatural_a light_n &_o be_v guide_v by_o assiduous_a inspiration_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o most_o ordinary_a &_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a action_n &_o occurrence_n in_o all_o which_o they_o clear_o see_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o do_v will_n of_o god_n &_o by_o they_o also_o to_o improove_v themselves_o in_o the_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o extraordinary_a light_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n introversion_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n 11._o more_o particular_o by_o this_o internal_a divine_a light_n a_o internal_a liver_n be_v or_o may_v be_v direct_v 1._o in_o the_o manner_n &_o circumstance_n when_o where_o &_o how_o any_o virtue_n may_v most_o proffitable_o &_o perfect_o be_v exercise_v for_o as_o for_o the_o substantial_a act_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n &_o the_o necessary_a oblige_a circumstance_n in_o which_o it_o can_v with_o out_o mortal_a sin_n be_v omit_v the_o light_n of_o common_a sanctify_a grace_n will_v suffice_v to_o direct_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n frequency_n length_n change_n &_o other_o circumstance_n of_o internal_a prayer_n 3._o in_o action_n or_o omission_n which_o absolute_o consider_v may_v seem_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a &_o at_o the_o present_a there_o may_v be_v as_o to_o ordinary_a light_n a_o uncertainty_n whether_o the_o do_v or_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a this_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o supernatural_a inspiration_n &_o light_n such_o action_n or_o omission_n be_v for_o example_n read_v study_v of_o such_o or_o such_o matter_n walk_v converse_v stay_v in_o or_o quit_v solitude_n in_o one_o cell_n take_v a_o journey_n undertake_v or_o refuse_v a_o employment_n accept_v or_o refuse_v inuitation_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n well-minded_a soul_n by_o solitude_n &_o introversion_n dispose_v themselves_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o impulse_n communicate_v to_o they_o which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o side_n of_o the_o doubt_n which_o if_o they_o correspond_v thereto_o will_v most_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n &_o suit_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n whereas_o without_o such_o light_n general_o soul_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o obscure_a light_n &_o impulse_n of_o nature_n &_o carnal_a end_n or_o interest_n without_o
spiritual_a author_n intend_v to_o recommend_v certain_a duty_n necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o entire_a selfe-abnegation_a purity_n of_o intention_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v urge_v the_o say_v duty_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n universal_o upon_o all_o &_o with_o such_o phrase_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o upon_o any_o defect_n in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n so_o by_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o full_a to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o most_o secret_a way_n &_o shift_n in_o which_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v ruin_v they_o do_v by_o this_o overmuch_o exactness_n &_o care_n instead_o of_o exciting_a the_o courage_n of_o their_o reader_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n quite_o dishearten_v they_o yea_o perhaps_o they_o make_v they_o suspect_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o present_a infirmity_n &_o imperfection_n lose_v all_o heart_n to_o adventure_v upon_o a_o attempt_n so_o unproportionable_a to_o their_o weak_a ability_n whereas_o if_o instruction_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o each_o practiser_n they_o will_v have_v go_v on_o with_o courage_n &_o good_a success_n 13._o voluntary_a reading_n must_v give_v place_n to_o prayer_n whensoever_o the_o soul_n find_v herself_o invite_v thereto_o 14._o the_o virtue_n of_o mortification_n may_v &_o sometime_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o read_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o any_o book_n or_o subject_n be_v very_o gustfull_a to_o a_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o power_n herself_o whole_o upon_o it_o with_o a_o intemperate_a greediness_n nor_o to_o let_v curiosity_n or_o delight_n too_o much_o possess_v she_o but_o let_v she_o now_o &_o then_o stop_v the_o pursuit_n of_o read_v lift_v up_o her_o mind_n by_o interruption_n to_o god_n &_o afterward_o continue_v at_o least_o in_o a_o virtual_a attention_n to_o he_o so_o mortify_v &_o qualify_a the_o impetuosity_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o give_v way_n to_o a_o unwillingnes_n to_o quit_v read_v for_o perform_v her_o appoint_a recollection_n or_o other_o exercise_n of_o obligation_n 15._o to_o conclude_v whosoever_o in_o read_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o chief_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n &_o divine_a call_n &_o make_v not_o the_o book_n say_n &_o example_n of_o other_o to_o serve_v the_o say_a spirit_n &_o call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n subject_a to_o book_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o never_o to_o read_v such_o book_n or_o receive_v humane_a instruction_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v cleave_v only_o to_o god_n who_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n will_v most_o assure_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v &_o defect_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o liberty_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v to_o soul_n in_o the_o read_n of_o other_o book_n i_o advise_v they_o to_o use_v in_o these_o instruction_n also_o that_o be_v to_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o practice_n only_o such_o direction_n as_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n &_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o grace_n shall_v show_v they_o to_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o indeed_o in_o all_o this_o book_n i_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o advice_n which_o i_o can_v confident_o say_v to_o be_v proper_o belong_v to_o all_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o internal_a life_n general_o except_o this_o that_o they_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n must_v not_o content_v themselves_o nor_o rest_n final_o in_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o follow_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o invitation_n without_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o any_o form_n or_o method_n they_o must_v from_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v ordinary_o meditation_n proceed_v to_o a_o more_o sublime_a prayer_n of_o immediate_a affection_n &_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o from_o thence_o ascend_v to_o the_o infuse_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n 17._o yea_o i_o dare_v with_o all_o confidence_n pronounce_v that_o if_o all_o spiritual_a book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lose_v &_o there_o be_v no_o external_a directour_n at_o all_o yet_o if_o a_o soul_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o essential_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a aptness_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a be_v only_o thus_o far_o well_o instruct_v at_o first_o will_v prosecute_v prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o will_v resigned_o undergo_v such_o necessary_a mortification_n as_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o she_o observe_v god_n &_o his_o call_v exterior_o &_o interior_o &_o so_o forsake_v herself_o &_o propose_v almighty_a god_n his_o will_n love_n &_o honour_n for_o her_o final_a intention_n the_o which_o she_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o she_o attend_v unto_o his_o inspiration_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v walk_v clear_o in_o perfect_a light_n &_o with_o all_o possible_a security_n &_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o due_a time_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a contemplation_n these_o be_v the_o two_o external_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v soul_n discover_v to_o they_o his_o will_n to_o wit_n instructour_n and_o book_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v another_o to_o wit_n law_n &_o precept_n of_o superior_n for_o god_n teach_v we_o also_o this_o way_n &_o never_o command_v contrary_o but_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o cap._n iu._n §_o 1._o of_o the_o 3._o &_o most_o principal_a way_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v internal_a liver_n viz._n immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n the_o order_n of_o particular_a consideration_n followingt_fw-fr â—ouching_a they_o §_o 2._o first_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o &_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o necessity_n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o say_a necessity_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o by_o his_o example_n §_o 7._o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o the_o say_a necessity_n 1._o the_o three_o foremention_v &_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o principal_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n instruct_v &_o direct_v internal_a liver_n in_o the_o secret_a path_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n &_o upon_o which_o do_v depend_v the_o two_o former_a be_v interiour_n illumination_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o only_a supreme_a master_n concern_v which_o inspiration_n it_o have_v already_o be_v show_v in_o general_n what_o they_o be_v how_o distinguish_v from_o the_o light_n &_o motion_n of_o common_a grace_n &_o what_o be_v the_o object_n about_o which_o principal_o they_o be_v exercise_v etc._n etc._n i_o will_v now_o treat_v more_o particular_o of_o they_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n viz._n 1._o there_o shall_v be_v further_a show_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o &_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n by_o remove_v the_o impediment_n 3._o how_o god_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o light_n &_o grace_n for_o her_o instru&ion_n instru&ion_n instru&ion_n &_o direction_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o &_o very_o secure_a to_o rely_v upon_o they_o 5._o that_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o come_v to_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a obedience_n 2._o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o proper_a &_o essential_a action_n of_o christian_a virtue_n the_o which_o receive_v all_o their_o meritoriousnes_n from_o the_o say_a inspiration_n but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o expect_v inspiration_n &_o call_v for_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o themselves_o indifferent_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n but_o sure_o since_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o by_o divine_n follow_v s._n augustin_n s._n thomas_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n do_v in_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v esteem_v indifferent_a but_o since_o they_o must_v have_v some_o end_n if_o the_o end_n be_v good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a &_o if_o evil_a they_o be_v evil_a however_o universal_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a because_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n &_o end_n wherewith_n they_o be_v do_v they_o may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n again_o since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v
hastiness_n in_o perform_v our_o best_a &_o most_o necessary_a duty_n the_o which_o be_v discharge_v most_o efficacious_o &_o pure_o when_o they_o be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a stillnes_n calmness_n clearness_n of_o mind_n &_o resignation_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o place_n only_o to_o touch_v pass_o upon_o these_o impediment_n because_o in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v more_o large_o &_o purposely_o of_o they_o 4._o now_o to_o what_o end_n do_v we_o come_v into_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o these_o impediment_n in_o the_o world_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o attend_v to_o god_n &_o follow_v his_o divine_a guidance_n in_o this_o very_a point_n lie_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o secular_a &_o a_o religious_a state_n that_o a_o secular_a person_n secular_o mind_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o noise_n tumult_n &_o unavoidable_a distra&ions_n distra&ions_n distra&ions_n sollicitude_n &_o tentation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n can_v without_o much_o ado_n find_v leisure_n to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o the_o gain_n of_o his_o love_n even_o for_o a_o few_o minute_n every_o day_n or_o little_a often_o than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_o oblige_v he_o and_o all_o the_o direction_n that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o god_n service_n must_v come_v from_o without_o for_o by_o reason_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o image_n vain_a or_o sinful_a &_o so_o agitate_a with_o impetuous_a affection_n &_o design_n he_o can_v recollect_v himself_o to_o hear_v god_n speak_v in_o he_o whereas_o a_o religious_a person_n profess_v his_o only_a business_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o god_n internal_a voice_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o renounce_v all_o these_o impediment_n &_o distraction_n 5._o and_o sure_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o disciple_n of_o s._n benedict_n if_o they_o will_v cast_v a_o serious_a eye_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o rule_n they_o will_v find_v that_o as_o it_o be_v very_o moderate_a &_o prudent_o condescend_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o outward_a corporal_a austerity_n afflict_v to_o nature_n but_o not_o immediate_o helpful_a to_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o rigorous_a in_o the_o exact_v of_o silence_n solitude_n a_o renounce_v all_o proprietary_a solicitude_n for_o corporal_a necessity_n &_o all_o other_o mortification_n which_o will_v hinder_v the_o dissipate_v of_o our_o spirit_n &_o thought_n &_o indispose_v the_o soul_n to_o recollection_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n but_o special_o prayer_n which_o he_o call_v opus_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o which_o all_o other_o work_n &_o observance_n be_v to_o give_v place_n be_v most_o serious_o &_o incessant_o enjoin_v by_o the_o practice_n whereof_o we_o do_v above_o all_o other_o exercise_n transcend_v grosser_n &_o sensible_a image_n in_o the_o understanding_n &_o subdue_v unruly_a passion_n in_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o holy_a father_n principal_a care_n in_o all_o the_o observance_n enjoin_v by_o he_o be_v to_o free_v his_o disciple_n from_o these_o two_o general_a &_o most_o powerful_a hindrance_n to_o introversion_n &_o a_o continual_a attention_n to_o &_o conversation_n which_o god_n the_o which_o may_v most_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o s._n benedict_v rule_n 6._o there_o be_v moreover_o one_o special_a impediment_n to_o the_o observe_v &_o obey_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v &_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v less_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o ordinary_a spiritual_a writer_n this_o impediment_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o many_o soul_n do_v indiscreet_o prejudice_n yea_o oft_o take_v away_o quite_o that_o indifference_n &_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v serious_o follow_v the_o divine_a guidance_n in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o they_o then_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v foolish_a to_o prescribe_v unto_o god_n the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o lead_v we_o this_o be_v to_o oblige_v god_n to_o follow_v our_o way_n &_o to_o do_v our_o will_n &_o not_o we_o to_o perform_v he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o preconceiu_n d_o opinion_n &_o fore-practised_n coustume_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v for_o though_o such_o coustume_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o soul_n may_v be_v never_o so_o good_a &_o profitable_a yea_o tho_o former_o even_o to_o those_o person_n themselves_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o proper_a &_o beneficial_a yet_o this_o be_v only_o while_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n &_o degree_n of_o spirituality_n the_o which_o state_n alter_v as_o in_o progress_n it_o needs_o must_v then_o that_o which_o be_v former_o proper_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n &_o inspiration_n will_v become_v improper_a inconvenient_a &_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a internal_a guidance_n of_o god_n 7._o this_o impediment_n must_v necessary_o be_v remove_v &_o devout_a soul_n must_v continual_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o free_a indifferency_n &_o suppleness_n of_o spirit_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v become_v in_o many_o case_n &_o circumstance_n indispose_v to_o believe_v &_o incapable_a to_o execute_v that_o which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n shall_v dictate_v unto_o they_o yea_o they_o will_v oft_o contristate_v &_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v the_o say_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o a_o obstinate_a do_v of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o it_o move_v unto_o 8._o the_o reasonableness_n &_o necessity_n of_o this_o advice_n may_v be_v show_v by_o this_o example_n it_o may_v have_v be_v good_a &_o profitable_a for_o a_o soul_n when_o she_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a life_n to_o appoint_v unto_o herself_o certain_a voluntary_a devotion_n &_o vocal_a prayer_n &c_n &c_n or_o afterward_o to_o select_v certain_a peculiar_a subject_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o quatuor_fw-la novissima_fw-la the_o mystery_n of_o the_o passion_n &c_n &c_n or_o to_o prescribe_v unto_o herself_o certain_a time_n for_o some_o good_a external_a or_o internal_a practice_n or_o to_o make_v frequent_a examination_n of_o conscience_n confession_n &c_n &c_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a whilst_o the_o soul_n find_v profit_n by_o they_o &_o so_o long_o they_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v she_o to_o a_o high_a exercise_n &_o to_o a_o more_o pure_a efficacious_a prayer_n so_o that_o she_o begin_v to_o loose_v all_o gust_n in_o her_o former_a exercise_n the_o which_o do_v not_o only_o abridge_v she_o of_o the_o time_n necessary_a for_o she_o more_o perfect_a recollection_n but_o likewise_o dull_a the_o spirit_n &_o indispose_v it_o for_o such_o prayer_n &_o other_o more_o beneficial_a practice_n to_o which_o she_o be_v by_o a_o new_o clear_a divine_a light_n direct_v or_o invite_v &_o by_o divine_a grace_n enable_v in_o this_o case_n pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o former_a coustume_n because_o she_o find_v they_o commend_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n or_o because_o she_o do_v former_o reap_v profit_n by_o they_o this_o be_v to_o entangle_v fetter_v &_o captivate_v the_o spirit_n to_o renounce_v the_o divine_a guidance_n &_o to_o obstruct_v all_o way_n of_o advamcement_n in_o the_o path_n of_o contemplation_n the_o soul_n therefore_o in_o such_o or_o the_o like_a case_n must_v necessary_o use_v some_o violence_n upon_o herself_o to_o recover_v a_o true_a &_o most_o needful_a indifferency_n &_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n that_o so_o she_o may_v free_o follow_v god_n whithersoever_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o inspiration_n invite_v she_o be_v assure_v that_o she_o shall_v never_o by_o he_o be_v persuade_v or_o tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o her_o duty_n obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n or_o any_o other_o necessary_a obligation_n 9_o this_o instruction_n reach_v very_o far_o yea_o so_o far_o that_o even_o learned_a man_n yea_o some_o that_o pass_v for_o spiritual_a if_o they_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o true_a internal_a way_n of_o god_n spirit_n lead_v to_o contemplation_n will_v perhaps_o mislike_v the_o freedom_n which_o in_o many_o case_n must_v &_o have_v be_v allow_v by_o the_o best_a &_o most_o sublime_a mystic_a author_n to_o soul_n of_o some_o peculiar_a disposition_n &_o in_o certain_a circumstance_n and_o as_o for_o unlearned_a person_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n almost_o to_o be_v scandalize_v 10._o the_o special_a point_n therefore_o by_o which_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o many_o soul_n much_o abridge_v to_o their_o great_a hindrance_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v viz._n 1._o confession_n of_o certain_a venial_a sin_n 2._o coustumary_a solicitous_a examination_n of_o conscience_n 3._o in_o compliance_n with_o coustume_n to_o confess_v both_o often_o &_o likewise_o such_o imperfection_n as_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o mention_v
aspire_v and_o attain_v to_o such_o internal_a perfection_n without_o which_o the_o externall_n observance_n will_v be_v of_o no_o value_n but_o rather_o be_v final_o rest_v in_o without_o far_a application_n to_o the_o spirit_n empty_a hypocritical_a formality_n and_o more_o particular_o as_o touch_v the_o conference_n of_o the_o father_n write_v by_o cassian_n and_o express_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o holy_a father_n we_o reasonable_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o judge_v that_o his_o intention_n be_v we_o shall_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n make_v use_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o example_n there_o deliver_v by_o prudent_a holy_a and_o experience_a contemplative_n as_o a_o rule_n and_o patterne_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v conform_v ourselves_o principal_o in_o our_o internal_a exercise_n as_o be_v much_o more_o useful_a and_o proper_a for_o we_o than_o any_o instruction_n about_o such_o matter_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o other_o far_a more_o learned_a holy_a father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o general_o direct_v their_o speech_n to_o such_o as_o lead_v common_a life_n in_o the_o world_n 18._o this_o obligation_n be_v so_o manifest_a and_o unquestionable_a how_o can_v those_o new_a interpreter_n of_o our_o holy_a rule_n be_v excuse_v that_o extend_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o religious_a person_n no_o further_o then_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o exterior_a obedience_n and_o observance_n literal_o express_v in_o the_o rule_n or_o signify_v by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o superior_n sure_o they_o forget_v that_o it_o be_v to_o god_n only_o that_o we_o make_v our_o vow_n and_o not_o to_o man_n but_o only_o as_o his_o substitute_n and_o as_o appoint_v by_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o purify_n our_o soul_n for_o the_o destroy_n therefore_o of_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o interpretation_n yet_o too_o likely_a to_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o tepid_a spirit_n of_o this_o age_n it_o will_v suffice_v only_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n institute_v by_o our_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o 58._o chapter_n in_o these_o word_n suscipiendus_fw-la autem_fw-la in_fw-la oratorio_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v let_v he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o religious_a profession_n promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a community_n assemble_v in_o the_o church_n before_o god_n and_o his_o saint_n 1._o a_o constant_a stability_n in_o that_o state_n 2._o a_o conversion_n of_o his_o manner_n 3._o and_o obedience_n now_o of_o the_o three_o thing_n so_o solemn_o and_o with_o such_o affright_a circumstance_n vow_v conversion_n of_o manner_n can_v signify_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o internal_a purity_n of_o the_o soul_n obedience_n indeed_o seem_v to_o regard_v the_o outward_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n yet_o sure_o with_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o external_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o much_o more_o of_o those_o that_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love._n and_o as_o for_o stability_n it_o regard_v both_o these_o add_v to_o they_o a_o perseverance_n and_o a_o continual_a progress_n in_o both_o to_o the_o end_n 19_o these_o thing_n consider_v if_o god_n so_o earnest_o protest_v to_o the_o jew_n say_v my_o soul_n hate_v your_o new_a moon_n your_o solemn_a feast_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o yet_o be_v observance_n ordain_v by_o himself_o and_o this_o because_o those_o that_o practise_v they_o with_o all_o exactness_n rest_v in_o the_o outward_a action_n and_o neglect_v inward_a purity_n of_o the_o heart_n typify_v by_o they_o much_o more_o will_n god_n despise_v and_o hate_v a_o exact_a performance_n of_o regular_a observance_n command_v by_o man_n when_o the_o practiser_n of_o they_o do_v not_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o only_a true_a end_n regard_v by_o the_o institutour_n which_o be_v by_o they_o to_o dispose_v and_o fit_a soul_n to_o internal_a solitude_n aptness_n to_o receive_v divine_a light_n &_o grace_n and_o last_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o pure_a contemplative_a prayer_n without_o which_o a_o religious_a state_n will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o mere_a outward_a occupation_n on_o trade_n and_o if_o only_o so_o consider_v it_o be_v perhaps_o less_o perfect_a than_o one_o exercise_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o much_o good_a commodity_n may_v be_v derive_v to_o other_o also_o 20._o again_o when_o such_o condescend_v interpreter_n do_v further_o say_v that_o all_o our_o obligation_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o secundum_fw-la regulam_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o must_v know_v that_o this_o phrase_n secundum_fw-la regulam_fw-la be_v to_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o vow_n of_o obedience_n only_o import_v that_o a_o religious_a superior_a have_v not_o a_o vast_a unlimited_a authority_n but_o confine_v to_o the_o rule_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o limit_n prescribe_v to_o conversion_n of_o manner_n to_o christian_a holiness_n and_o perfection_n in_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v daily_o to_o make_v a_o further_a progress_n to_o the_o which_o duty_n as_o by_o become_v religious_a we_o have_v a_o great_a obligation_n so_o likewise_o have_v we_o a_o great_a necessity_n for_o though_o by_o enter_v into_o religion_n we_o do_v avoid_v many_o occasion_n and_o tentation_n to_o outward_a enormous_a sin_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o be_v free_v from_o our_o thought_n which_o will_v pursue_v we_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o more_o impetuous_o and_o dangerous_o in_o solitude_n then_o in_o company_n be_v indeed_o the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a for_o in_o solitude_n the_o soul_n have_v her_o whole_a free_a scope_n without_o interruption_n to_o pursue_v her_o thought_n so_o that_o a_o religious_a person_n that_o can_v think_v himself_o not_o oblige_v and_o that_o actual_o do_v not_o restrain_v and_o order_v his_o thought_n by_o divert_v and_o fix_v they_o on_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a object_n such_o a_o one_o if_o for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n he_o guard_v himself_o from_o outward_a scandalous_a crime_n yet_o he_o will_v more_v &_o more_o deep_o plunge_v himself_o in_o corrupt_a nature_n contract_v a_o great_a obscurity_n &_o incapacity_n of_o divine_a grace_n daily_o and_o such_o inward_a deordination_n will_v become_v more_o dangerous_a and_o incurable_a then_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v so_o frequent_a diversion_n now_o a_o poor_a and_o most_o ineffectual_a remedy_n against_o these_o will_v he_o find_v in_o a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o any_o external_a observance_n whatsoever_o yea_o perhaps_o they_o will_v serve_v to_o increase_v such_o ill_a habit_n of_o soul_n by_o breed_v pride_n and_o security_n in_o it_o 21._o a_o much_o better_o and_o more_o profitable_a interpreter_n of_o our_o holy_a rule_n therefore_o be_v devout_a s._n bernard_n in_o many_o passage_n in_o his_o work_n and_o particular_o in_o those_o word_n of_o his_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o william_n a_o abbot_n of_o the_o same_o order_n attendite_fw-la in_o regulam_fw-la dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o that_o be_v it_o consist_v not_o outward_o in_o the_o fashion_n of_o our_o clothes_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o corporal_a diet_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o inner_a man_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o so_o enforce_v upon_o we_o spiritual_a duty_n as_o that_o thou_o condemne_v a_o care_n of_o the_o external_a obseruamce_n enjoin_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n no_o by_o no_o mean_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o former_a spiritual_a duty_n must_v necessary_o and_o indispensable_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o these_o lastre_n must_v not_o be_v omit_v but_o otherwise_o when_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o one_o of_o these_o two_o must_v be_v omit_v in_o such_o case_n these_o be_v much_o rather_o to_o be_v omit_v than_o those_o former_a for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o noble_a than_o the_o body_n by_o so_o much_o be_v spiritual_a exercise_n more_o profitable_a than_o corporal_a 22._o neither_o will_v it_o avail_v the_o forementioned_a interpreter_n to_o say_v that_o their_o meaning_n be_v not_o to_o prejudice_n the_o obligation_n of_o religious_a person_n to_o internal_a duty_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o such_o obligation_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o divine_a law_n impose_v on_o they_o as_o christian_n and_o not_o on_o a_o externall_n law_n make_v by_o man_n and_o voluntary_o undergo_v for_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o excuse_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o make_n of_o our_o vow_n to_o god_n and_o the_o express_a obligation_n therein_o to_o a_o internal_a conversion_n of_o mamner_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o religious_a vow_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o far_o
understand_v it_o and_o indeed_o except_o it_o be_v so_o what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o a_o secular_a and_o religious_a state_n 7._o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n touch_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o way_n most_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a to_o bring_v a_o religious_a soul_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o such_o a_o ignorance_n will_v be_v but_o a_o small_a excuse_n and_o that_o but_o to_o very_a few_o for_o since_o both_o faith_n and_o experience_n teach_v we_o with_o what_o great_a defect_n what_o inordinate_a affection_n etc._n etc._n we_o enter_v into_o religion_n with_o a_o intention_n there_o to_o abate_v and_o mortify_v they_o and_o since_o even_o natural_a reason_n &_o daily_a experience_n likewise_o show_v we_o that_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v consist_v in_o externall_n observance_n which_o do_v not_o penetrate_v into_o the_o interiour_n yea_o without_o prayer_n and_o purity_n of_o intention_n to_o be_v have_v only_o by_o prayer_n they_o do_v rather_o nourish_v selfelove_n and_o self_n esteem_v since_o three_o the_o same_o experience_n convince_v we_o that_o such_o vocal_a prayer_n as_o we_o use_v and_o join_v to_o our_o other_o observance_n do_v not_o produce_v in_o we_o a_o sufficient_a purification_n of_o soul_n no_o nor_o that_o any_o other_o painful_a method_n of_o meditation_n unknow_v to_o the_o ancient_a contemplative_n do_v afford_v we_o sufficient_a light_n and_o grace_n for_o such_o a_o purpose_n because_o they_o pierce_v not_o deep_a enough_o into_o the_o spirit_n what_o reasonable_a soul_n but_o will_n hence_o conclude_v that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o other_o efficacious_a mean_n for_o the_o acquire_v of_o the_o end_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o and_o since_o god_n will_v infallible_o give_v light_n and_o grace_n to_o all_o those_o that_o have_v recourse_n unto_o he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o only_a culpable_a ground_n of_o such_o ignorance_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o such_o prayer_n and_o the_o root_n of_o such_o neglect_n a_o sensual_a tepid_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n hate_v to_o raise_v itself_o too_o god_n and_o let_v any_o one_o judge_n whether_o a_o ignorance_n so_o ground_v can_v excuse_v we_o especial_o consider_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n require_v the_o practice_n of_o such_o prayer_n in_o all_o our_o small_a undertake_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o his_o rule_n be_v only_o a_o preparation_n to_o perfection_n he_o refer_v we_o further_o to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n who_o manner_n of_o prayer_n if_o we_o will_v imitate_v we_o shall_v make_v some_o approach_n at_o least_o to_o that_o perfection_n to_o the_o almost_o inconceivable_a sublimity_n and_o purity_n whereof_o they_o attain_v 8._o now_o if_o ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o any_o religious_a person_n for_o either_o not_o endeavour_v after_o interiour_n purity_n of_o soul_n by_o prayer_n in_o spirit_n or_o endeavour_v after_o a_o wrong_n improper_a manner_n &_o way_n how_o much_o less_o excusable_a nay_o how_o deep_o culpable_a before_o god_n will_v those_o be_v who_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o only_a true_a internal_a way_n lead_v to_o contemplation_n &_o withal_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o help_n leisure_n &_o advantage_n for_o that_o purpose_n &_o yet_o out_o of_o a_o settle_a slothfullnes_n &_o fix_a love_n to_o sensual_a object_n have_v not_o the_o courage_n or_o will_n to_o walk_v in_o they_o yea_o perhaps_o have_v once_o comfortable_o walk_v in_o they_o do_v most_o ingrateful_o &_o perfidious_o forsake_v &_o turn_v out_o of_o they_o reap_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o their_o knowledge_n but_o perhaps_o a_o ability_n to_o talk_v of_o they_o to_o the_o help_n of_o other_o it_o may_v be_v but_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o pride_n &_o self-love_n so_o that_o their_o knowledge_n of_o their_o obligation_n &_o end_n of_o their_o profession_n help_v to_o lead_v they_o further_o from_o it_o 9_o but_o above_o all_o most_o miserable_a will_v their_o condition_n be_v who_o live_v in_o contemplative_a order_n &_o not_o have_v either_o sufficient_a knowledge_n or_o grace_n to_o practice_v themselves_o the_o exercise_n of_o true_a internal_a prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n shall_v deter_v other_o therefrom_o &_o discountenance_v or_o perhaps_o persecute_v those_o who_o god_n have_v inspire_v to_o renew_v the_o only_a proper_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n the_o decay_n of_o which_o have_v be_v the_o decay_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o monastical_a religion_n 10._o true_a it_o be_v that_o to_o justify_v such_o undue_a proceed_n &_o to_o gain_v a_o esteem_n to_o their_o own_o inferior_a exercise_n partiality_n have_v suggest_v to_o they_o certain_a seem_a reason_n &_o pretence_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n &_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a &_o do_v expose_v the_o exerciser_n of_o it_o to_o illusion_n or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o regular_a observance_n &_o obedience_n or_o that_o perhaps_o it_o may_v diminish_v the_o credit_n which_o some_o religious_a order_n have_v gain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o long_a solemn_a office_n laborious_o celebrate_v but_o as_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n in_o the_o last_o treatise_n demonstrate_v all_o these_o accusation_n make_v against_o contemplative_a prayer_n be_v most_o unjust_a and_o groundless_a on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o practise_v such_o prayer_n as_o they_o ought_v be_v most_o careful_a of_o conformity_n to_o religious_a duty_n &_o especial_o the_o divine_a office_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o out_o of_o conscience_n &_o with_o great_a purity_n of_o intention_n 11._o indeed_o true_a internal_a liver_n be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a for_o gain_v credit_n &_o esteem_v with_o the_o world_n &_o much_o less_o will_v they_o make_v that_o a_o end_n of_o their_o religious_a observance_n on_o the_o contrary_a their_o cordial_a desire_n be_v to_o live_v unknow_v &_o exclude_v from_o the_o world_n approve_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n only_o neither_o be_v they_o forward_o to_o usurp_v office_n abroad_o not_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o of_o preach_v hear_v confession_n of_o secular_o &c_n &c_n by_o which_o the_o most_o necessary_a solitude_n &_o recollectednes_n which_o by_o their_o profession_n ought_v to_o be_v prise_v above_o all_o thing_n be_v interrupt_v &_o oft_o utter_o destroy_v and_o the_o more_o confident_o do_v they_o express_v a_o zeal_n for_o these_o essential_a thing_n as_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o supply_v they_o sufficient_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o their_o corporal_a sustenance_n as_o long_o as_o they_o prefer_v the_o care_n of_o purify_n their_o soul_n &_o comply_v with_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o profession_n before_o such_o inferior_a thing_n s._n anthony_n be_v so_o careful_a of_o preserve_v this_o spirit_n of_o solitude_n &_o disingagement_n from_o all_o treat_v with_o the_o world_n that_o he_o forbid_v his_o monk_n to_o enter_v into_o church_n frequent_v by_o multitude_n and_o much_o less_o will_v he_o suffer_v they_o to_o invite_v &_o call_v secular_o into_o their_o own_o church_n and_o s._n stephen_n of_o grammont_n upon_o experience_n of_o what_o extreme_a prejudice_n the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n have_v receive_v by_o neglect_v a_o solitary_a abstract_a life_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n in_o his_o rule_n to_o have_v public_a church_n or_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o oratory_n the_o presence_n of_o secular_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o let_v they_o take_v holywater_n home_o with_o they_o or_o to_o quit_v their_o desert_n to_o preach_v to_o other_o he_o command_v they_o to_o avoid_v confraternity_n &c_n &c_n and_o to_o prevent_v complaint_n &_o fear_n least_o by_o so_o rigorous_a a_o sequestration_n from_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o penury_n he_o most_o assure_o protest_v unto_o they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o they_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n quit_v all_o pretension_n to_o the_o world_n 12._o but_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o bitterness_n show_v by_o some_o against_o internal_a prayer_n restore_v by_o several_a most_o illuminate_v &_o glorious_a saint_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n may_v be_v fear_v to_o proceed_v partly_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o pride_n &_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o acknowledge_v any_o religious_a exercise_n to_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o those_o practise_v so_o long_o by_o themselves_o or_o to_o see_v that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v gain_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o religious_a person_n &c_n &c_n to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o cease_v 13._o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n those_o that_o place_n perfection_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o
purity_n &_o simplicity_n of_o spirit_n such_o may_v call_v themselves_o monk_n &_o contemplative_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o show_v no_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o the_o habit_n &_o a_o certain_a outward_a formal_a solemn_a &_o severe_a comportment_n under_o which_o may_v be_v hide_v a_o secret_n most_o profound_a self_n love_n &_o pride_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o that_o memorable_a say_n of_o hesychius_n a_o holy_a illuminate_v monk_n he_o that_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n say_v he_o that_o be_v marriage_n possession_n &_o the_o like_a such_o a_o one_o indeed_o have_v make_v the_o exterior_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o not_o as_o yet_o the_o interiour_n but_o he_o that_o have_v renounce_v his_o own_o thought_n &_o affection_n such_o a_o one_o have_v make_v true_o the_o interiour_n man_n aÌ„_o monk_n also_o and_o very_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o small_a desire_n thereunto_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o outward_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o it_o be_v a_o task_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n to_o make_v the_o interiour_n man_n so_o too_o now_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o interiour_n monk_n say_v he_o be_v the_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o that_o internal_a prayer_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o ancient_a hermit_n what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o how_o it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v to_o they_o internal_a &_o bring_v many_o soul_n ancient_o to_o perfection_n and_o why_o it_o will_v not_o now_o do_v so_o ordinary_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o the_o great_a help_n that_o the_o ancient_n find_v by_o external_a labour_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o recollection_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o how_o manual_a labour_n come_v to_o give_v place_n to_o study_n that_o which_o be_v defend_v §_o 14._o the_o late_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n recompense_v other_o defect_n 1._o that_o internal_a spiritual_a prayer_n be_v serious_o &_o almost_o continual_o practise_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v apparent_a both_o out_o of_o the_o live_v &_o conference_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o few_o proof_n extant_a that_o appoint_a time_n be_v set_v for_o the_o exercise_v it_o conuentual_o except_o in_o the_o foremencioned_n story_n of_o the_o monk_n tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o superior_n &_o directour_n of_o soul_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n oblige_v to_o enjoin_v daily_a recollection_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o daily_a private_a &_o continual_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v not_o so_o helpful_a &_o advantageous_a to_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o most_o necessary_a simplicity_n &_o purity_n of_o soul_n as_o ancient_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v some_o supply_n for_o this_o defect_n by_o such_o conuentuall_a recollection_n the_o which_o they_o institute_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a because_o they_o perceive_v or_o fear_v that_o religious_a soul_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v out_o of_o tepidity_n neglect_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a &_o so_o efficacious_a 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o compare_v the_o manner_n of_o live_v observe_v ancient_o by_o religious_a person_n with_o the_o modern_a in_o these_o day_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o great_a advantage_n they_o enjoy_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n beyond_o we_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o their_o set_a devotion_n what_o they_o be_v and_o 2._o their_o daily_a employment_n during_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o day_n 3._o as_o concern_v the_o first_o their_o appoint_a devotion_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a be_v only_o recite_v â—he_n psalter_n to_o which_o they_o sometime_o adjoin_v a_o little_a read_n of_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o foremencionâ—d_a conventuall_a mental_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o short_a be_v only_o such_o short_a aspiration_n as_o god_n spirit_n do_v suggest_v unto_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o their_o public_a vocal_a prayer_n yea_o &_o in_o private_a when_o they_o do_v purposely_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n they_o seldom_o vary_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a devotion_n for_o than_o they_o also_o use_v the_o psalter_n 4._o now_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n alone_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n available_a to_o bring_v soul_n to_o perfect_a contemplation_n which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o neither_o do_v nor_o ordinary_o speak_v candoe_v i_o shall_v declare_v more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v hereafter_o to_o treat_v of_o prayer_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o to_o point_v only_o at_o the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o difference_n viz_o 1._o one_o reason_n be_v their_o incomparable_o more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n more_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o almost_o perpetual_a silence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a 2._o a_o second_o be_v their_o fast_n abstinence_n &_o other_o austerity_n beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o infirm_a corporal_a complexion_n 3._o a_o three_o be_v their_o externall_n employment_n out_o of_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o do_v far_o better_a dispose_n soul_n to_o recollection_n to_o attendance_n on_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &c_n &c_n then_o those_o ordinary_o practise_v in_o these_o day_n 5._o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o vocal_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o such_o pure_a resign_v humble_a mortify_v &_o undistract_a soul_n have_v the_o efficacy_n to_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollect_v introversion_n which_o doubtless_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o profound_a not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v in_o their_o vocal_a exercise_n but_o also_o during_o their_o externall_n business_n than_o it_o be_v ordinary_o with_o we_o in_o the_o height_n of_o our_o best_a recollection_n 6._o but_o a_o more_o large_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o speak_v purposely_o of_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v only_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o three_o forename_a advantage_n of_o corporal_a labour_n which_o to_o the_o ancient_n prove_v a_o help_n to_o contemplation_n far_o more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o general_a employment_n of_o religious_a in_o these_o day_n 7._o for_o the_o demonstrate_v whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o ancient_o soul_n embrace_v a_o religious_a life_n be_v move_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o penance_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o solitude_n for_o the_o get_n of_o learning_n or_o for_o the_o dispose_n themselves_o to_o holy_a order_n be_v likewise_o poor_a unprovided_a of_o annual_a rent_n or_o foundation_n the_o which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v or_o desire_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n expression_n cap._n 48._o they_o do_v then_o only_o account_v themselves_o to_o be_v verè_fw-la monachi_fw-la si_fw-la de_fw-fr labour_v manuum_fw-la suarum_fw-la viverent_fw-la true_a monk_n whilst_o they_o live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v both_o by_o necessity_n &_o choice_n oblige_v to_o corporal_a labour_n 8._o but_o their_o principal_a care_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o aspire_v unto_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o he_o they_o ordinary_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o labour_n as_o be_v not_o distractive_a &_o such_o as_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o solitude_n &_o silence_n so_o that_o during_o the_o say_a labour_n they_o keep_v their_o mind_n continual_o fix_v on_o god_n such_o labour_n be_v the_o make_n of_o basket_n or_o some_o other_o work_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o require_v no_o solicitude_n &_o very_o small_a exactness_n or_o attention_n and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o such_o be_v the_o charity_n of_o bishop_n &_o other_o good_a person_n their_o neighbour_n that_o to_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o care_n about_o the_o dispose_n or_o sell_v of_o their_o work_n as_o likewise_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v recourse_n to_o market_n for_o the_o sale_n thereof_o order_n be_v take_v that_o such_o work_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n &_o a_o competent_a price_n allow_v they_o for_o they_o 9_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o externall_n labour_v be_v exercise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n prove_v a_o wonderful_a help_n thereto_o dispose_v they_o to_o prayer_n &_o almost_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o
be_v god_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n teach_v s._n anthony_n this_o art_n &_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n when_o be_v unable_a to_o keep_v his_o mind_n continual_o bend_v in_o actual_a prayer_n he_o grow_v weary_a of_o solitude_n &_o in_o a_o never_a disposition_n to_o quit_v it_o at_o which_o time_n a_o angelâ—_n appear_v to_o he_o busy_o employ_v in_o make_v basket_n of_o the_o rind_n of_o palm_n signify_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n intermit_v his_o devotion_n so_o spend_v the_o time_n that_o he_o can_v not_o employ_v in_o prayer_n 10._o such_o be_v the_o externall_n daily_a employment_n of_o the_o ancient_a contemplative_n &_o so_o great_a virtue_n do_v they_o find_v in_o they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o which_o mean_v so_o many_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o so_o sublime_a a_o degree_n of_o contemplation_n yea_o &_o general_o most_o of_o they_o arrive_v to_o very_o great_a simplicity_n of_o spirit_n &_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n 11._o but_o when_o afterward_o by_o the_o most_o plentifully-flowing_a charity_n of_o devout_a christian_n there_o be_v not_o only_o take_v from_o religious_a all_o necessity_n of_o sustain_v themselves_o by_o corporal_a labour_n but_o they_o be_v moreover_o rich_o furnish_v and_o enable_v to_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o many_o other_o we_o may_v well_o judge_v that_o it_o will_v become_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v a_o continuance_n of_o much_o manual_a labour_n pure_o and_o only_o for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o spirit_n when_o otherwise_o it_o be_v both_o needle_n and_o afflict_v to_o the_o body_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o since_o necessary_o some_o employment_n beside_o prayer_n must_v be_v find_v out_o for_o the_o entertain_n of_o those_o solitary_a liver_n learn_v as_o the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o other_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o yet_o so_o that_o for_o many_o age_n corporal_a labour_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v 12._o yet_o â—his_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a nor_o i_o suppose_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o so_o great_a and_o almost_o universal_a a_o change_n as_o afterward_o follow_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o a_o coenobiticall_a life_n but_o we_o may_v reasonable_o impute_v the_o say_a exchange_n of_o labour_n for_o study_n in_o a_o principal_a manner_n to_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o stand_v in_o such_o extreme_a need_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o labourer_n in_o god_n vineyard_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o charity_n of_o religious_a man_n themselves_o who_o during_o that_o most_o horrible_a ignorance_n and_o depravation_n reign_v over_o all_o the_o world_n almost_o beside_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o repay_v the_o wonderful_a charity_n of_o good_a christian_n by_o extend_v a_o great_a charity_n in_o communicate_v to_o they_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o their_o temporal_a hence_o come_v a_o necessity_n of_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o indeed_o for_o several_a age_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n whole_o sustain_v by_o they_o yea_o moreover_o by_o their_o zeal_n labour_n and_o wisdom_n the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o heathen_n also_o and_o many_o province_n and_o kingdom_n adjoin_v to_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n consider_v no_o wonder_n be_v there_o if_o the_o introduce_v of_o read_v and_o study_n in_o the_o place_n of_o manual_a labour_n be_v avoidable_o necessary_a 13._o but_o perhaps_o some_o there_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o affect_v or_o please_v with_o the_o present_a reputation_n or_o commodidity_n enjoy_v by_o religious_a person_n that_o assent_v to_o what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v will_v notwithstanding_o infer_v that_o since_o learning_n be_v now_o become_v so_o much_o dilate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o zeal_n and_o charity_n of_o ancient_a monastical_a religious_a there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o the_o like_a necessity_n of_o their_o interess_a themselves_o in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o return_v to_o their_o old_a corporal_a employment_n and_o labour_n 14._o herto_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o even_o still_o there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o far_o great_a frequentation_n of_o sacrament_n in_o these_o day_n above_o the_o ancient_a time_n but_o moreover_o if_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n religious_a person_n shall_v quit_v study_n return_v to_o their_o ancient_a employment_n of_o manual_a labour_n from_o which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v god_n himself_o do_v doubtless_o withdraw_v they_o beside_o that_o their_o ignorance_n will_v render_v they_o the_o universal_a object_n of_o contempt_n through_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o will_v likewise_o expose_v they_o as_o for_o their_o state_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o all_o that_o either_o envy_a or_o covet_v the_o scarce_o subsistence_n leave_v they_o and_o as_o to_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o be_v turn_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o the_o variety_n of_o directour_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o guide_v they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v all_o man_n will_v be_v deter_v from_o adjoin_v themselves_o unto_o they_o for_o continue_v a_o succession_n 15._o now_o though_o as_o have_v be_v say_v such_o a_o change_n have_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n make_v in_o the_o external_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n yet_o still_o the_o same_o essential_a indispensable_a obligation_n of_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n remain_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o which_o although_o study_v join_v with_o prayer_n seem_v in_o some_o regard_v to_o be_v less_o advantageous_a than_o ancient_o such_o labour_n as_o the_o egyptian_a monk_n etc._n etc._n undertake_v be_v yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o goodness_n to_o his_o seruamt_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n by_o raise_v up_o several_a holy_a person_n to_o teach_v more_o accurate_o then_o former_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n for_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o to_o person_n far_o more_o distract_v by_o study_n then_o ancient_o they_o be_v by_o labour_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o moderate_a quiet_a attention_n to_o god_n vocal_a prayer_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prolong_v have_v not_o ordinary_o speak_v sufficient_a force_n to_o recollect_v the_o mind_n habitual_o or_o to_o suppress_v and_o cure_v the_o many_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o use_n of_o appoint_a daily_a recollection_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o to_o such_o prayer_n we_o may_v most_o principal_o impute_v the_o great_a light_n and_o help_n for_o contemplation_n afford_v by_o some_o late_a saint_n in_o religious_a order_n and_o in_o the_o world_n also_o to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o god_n church_n that_o sole_a exercise_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n make_v amends_o for_o all_o other_o defect_n in_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o the_o ancient_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o special_a duty_n of_o religious_a person_n §_o 2._o a_o religious_a person_n ought_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v always_o under_o obedience_n §_o 3._o 4._o quality_n necessary_a in_o a_o religious_a superior_a §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o that_o active_a spirit_n be_v very_o improper_a to_o govern_v such_o as_o be_v contemplative_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n §_o 10._o a_o fearful_a example_n in_o bernardinus_fw-la othinus_n show_v how_o dangerous_a the_o neglect_n of_o internal_a prayer_n be_v in_o a_o religious_a superior_a 1._o have_v thus_o large_o set_v down_o the_o proper_a and_o only_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n to_o wit_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o recollect_v contemplative_a prayer_n alone_o i_o will_v further_o add_v some_o more_o special_a duty_n belong_v to_o religious_a person_n according_a to_o their_o several_a relation_n and_o quality_n as_o superior_n or_o other_o subordinate_a officer_n subject_n etc._n etc._n for_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n as_o obedience_n poverty_n humility_n etc._n etc._n the_o handle_n of_o they_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n 2._o now_o with_o what_o mind_n a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o embrace_v a_o religious_a profession_n be_v signify_v to_o we_o in_o that_o notable_a passage_n in_o our_o holy_a father_n rule_n where_o he_o say_v in_o coenobio_fw-la degens_fw-la desiderat_fw-la sibi_fw-la abbatem_fw-la praeesse_fw-la that_o be_v whosoever_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a community_n be_v desirous_a that_o
to_o many_o externall_n observance_n yet_o a_o view_v of_o the_o patience_n quietness_n and_o resignation_n show_v by_o they_o be_v more_o edify_v to_o soul_n under_o their_o care_n than_o all_o the_o most_o exact_a external_a regularity_n and_o severity_n of_o active_a spirit_n 6._o yea_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o temporal_a benefit_n to_o community_n contemplative_a spirit_n be_v more_o advantageous_a than_o active_a because_o they_o not_o put_v any_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o industry_n prudence_n and_o activity_n but_o only_o in_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o those_o that_o for_o temporal_a regard_n will_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n unseemly_a or_o misbecome_a their_o abstract_a state_n do_v enjoy_v the_o effect_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n far_o more_o plentiful_o while_o they_o prefer_v his_o love_n and_o service_n before_o any_o humane_a distract_n sollicitude_n for_o outward_a thing_n memorable_a example_n of_o great_a blessing_n attend_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o god_n we_o find_v abundant_o in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a monk_n and_o more_o late_o in_o the_o life_n of_o suso_n joannes_n the_o cruse_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o want_n of_o such_o confidence_n in_o active_a spirit_n proceed_v mere_o from_o defect_n in_o divine_a love_n and_o that_o from_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o hence_o proceed_v hurtful_a &_o unseemly_a compliance_n with_o the_o world_n a_o regard_n rather_o to_o wealth_n then_o good_a will_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o enter_v into_o religion_n etc._n etc._n 10._o a_o fearful_a example_n of_o the_o mischief_n follow_a the_o neglect_n of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o a_o superior_a we_o find_v in_o bernardinus_fw-la ochinus_n a_o superior_a in_o a_o most_o strict_a order_n who_o be_v a_o famous_a zealous_a preacher_n and_o as_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o outward_a appearance_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sanctity_n yet_o withal_o to_o comply_v with_o those_o outward_a employment_n a_o great_a neglecter_n of_o internal_a conuentuall_a recollection_n and_o when_o he_o be_v sometime_o charitable_o admonish_v of_o such_o his_o tepidity_n his_o ordinary_a answer_n be_v do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o who_o be_v always_o in_o a_o good_a action_n be_v always_o in_o prayer_n which_o say_v of_o his_o have_v be_v true_a if_o such_o good_a action_n have_v be_v perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o grace_n obtain_v thereby_o for_o than_o they_o have_v be_v virtual_o prayer_n whereas_o action_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o good_a if_o they_o want_n that_o purity_n of_o intention_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o pure_a prayer_n be_v in_o god_n esteem_n of_o little_a or_o no_o value_v the_o principal_a motive_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o corrupt_v nature_n be_v likely_a to_o suggest_v ochinus_n therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o neglect_n be_v by_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n prophetical_o warn_v that_o he_o must_v expect_v some_o terrible_a issue_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n cave_n ne_fw-la te_fw-la ordo_fw-la euâ—mat_fw-la that_o be_v take_v heed_n that_o our_o order_n be_v not_o hereafter_o constreive_v to_o vomit_v thou_o out_o of_o it_o the_o which_o unhappy_o fall_v out_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o other_o specious_a quality_n and_o endowment_n he_o first_o forsake_v god_n be_v afterward_o forsake_v by_o he_o and_o become_v a_o wretched_a antitrinitarian_n apostate_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o apostate_n of_o these_o time_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v former_o live_v in_o religious_a order_n do_v own_o their_o apostasy_n and_o perdition_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n so_o much_o as_o to_o such_o neglect_n and_o apostasy_n first_o from_o prayer_n the_o which_o holy_a exercise_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o their_o habit_n first_o and_o afterward_o of_o their_o faith_n chap._n viii_o §_o 1._o superior_n ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v the_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o they_o admit_v to_o religion_n §_o 2._o 3._o great_a danger_n to_o community_n from_o loose_a spirit_n §_o 4._o 5._o other_o ill_a quality_n to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o of_o a_o good_a nature_n what_o be_v and_o how_o to_o be_v prise_v §_o 10._o 11._o inconvenience_n by_o admit_v active_a spirit_n into_o contemplative_a religion_n §_o 12._o 13._o 14._o 15._o sufficient_a time_n for_o recollection_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o all_o religious_a §_o 16._o superior_n will_v be_v accountable_a for_o disorder_n in_o their_o flock_n 1._o now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o a_o superior_n care_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o community_n consist_v in_o provide_v or_o admit_v into_o it_o only_o such_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o it_o by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o all_o such_o officer_n and_o counselor_n be_v concern_v to_o who_o the_o law_n have_v refer_v the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o a_o regular_a life_n and_o be_v afterward_o upon_o their_o approbation_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o a_o great_a consideration_n of_o this_o point_n be_v more_o necessary_a in_o these_o day_n then_o ancient_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o now_o as_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n time_n when_o incorrigible_a person_n may_v be_v expel_v the_o congregation_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o i_o suppose_v needful_a to_o advise_v such_o as_o be_v in_o those_o office_n to_o take_v care_n how_o they_o admit_v loose_a spirit_n into_o religion_n among_o they_o who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intend_v god_n or_o his_o service_n all_o who_o action_n have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o either_o fear_n of_o penance_n or_o hope_n of_o gain_v reputation_n preferment_n &c_n &c_n who_o body_n be_v prisoner_n in_o religion_n but_o their_o mind_n and_o desire_n wander_v in_o the_o world_n who_o must_v enjoy_v all_o privilege_n and_o corporal_a help_n equal_o with_o the_o best_a yea_o and_o general_o use_v they_o most_o wasteful_o without_o consideration_n of_o other_o who_o find_v no_o taste_n or_o contentment_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v even_o force_v to_o seek_v satisfaction_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o for_o the_o pass_n of_o the_o time_n to_o frame_v design_n to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v faction_n and_o this_o especial_o against_o those_o that_o they_o see_v do_v most_o intend_v god_n on_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v from_o of_o themselves_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o a_o regular_a life_n who_o will_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o all_o duty_n for_o the_o least_o corporal_a incommodity_n who_o will_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o like_o themselves_o that_o their_o party_n and_o power_n may_v be_v great_a last_o who_o reap_v so_o little_a good_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o other_o that_o probable_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n only_o serve_v to_o increase_v their_o guilt_n and_o misery_n 3._o such_o loose_a spirit_n be_v worse_o in_o a_o community_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a spirituality_n be_v common_a then_o in_o other_o place_n because_o there_o they_o be_v wilful_o naught_o and_o do_v resist_v amendment_n if_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o some_o tolerable_a order_n yet_o this_o reach_n only_o to_o the_o exterior_a &_o last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o superior_n eye_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o superior_n themselves_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n feel_v the_o great_a smart_n from_o such_o undue_a admission_n be_v likely_a to_o find_v daily_o great_a bitterness_n from_o their_o obstinacy_n such_o loose_a spirit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o burdensome_a multiplicity_n of_o law_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v little_a avayleable_a for_o their_o amendment_n and_o yet_o do_v abridge_v the_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n necessary_a to_o devout_a wellminded_a soul_n nourish_v scrupulosity_n etc._n etc._n in_o they_o 4._o let_v the_o best_a care_n that_o be_v possible_a be_v use_v notwithstanding_o some_o unfit_a person_n will_v through_o easiness_n partial_a affection_n or_o other_o respect_n in_o the_o examiner_n slip_v in_o if_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v apparent_o bid_v be_v receive_v what_o a_o community_n will_v there_o be_v provide_v many_o that_o seem_v good_a will_v prove_v bad_a but_o seldom_o or_o never_o will_v those_o that_o appear_v bad_a become_v good_a god_n indeed_o can_v change_v the_o worst_a but_o yet_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n in_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o especial_o where_o
a_o religious_a person_n be_v to_o raise_v a_o stock_n for_o his_o whole_a future_a life_n so_o that_o if_o a_o novice-ship_n be_v negligent_o &_o unprovident_o spend_v he_o will_v scarce_o ever_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a good_n for_o after_o his_o profession_n he_o will_v beside_o liberty_n have_v many_o more_o distraction_n more_o freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o more_o intercourse_n with_o the_o news_n &_o affair_n abroad_o beside_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o some_o office_n &_o employment_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o some_o perhaps_o will_v suppose_v he_o already_o fit_a &_o prepare_v in_o spirit_n 6._o at_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o novice-ship_n the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a with_o who_o he_o converse_v so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o inward_a acquaintance_n lest_o be_v so_o tender_a as_o he_o be_v yet_o he_o happen_v quick_o to_o be_v corrupt_v with_o the_o society_n of_o negligent_a tepid_a companion_n for_o want_v of_o this_o care_n too_o oft_o it_o happen_v that_o all_o the_o good_a get_v in_o a_o novice-ship_n be_v clean_o lose_v in_o a_o short_a time_n since_o usual_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o way_n preserve_v but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o they_o be_v first_o get_v therefore_o since_o it_o be_v by_o prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n that_o a_o novice_n procure_v all_o the_o little_a proportion_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o must_v expect_v that_o it_o will_v no_o other_o way_n be_v preserve_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o the_o superior_a shall_v appoint_v such_o a_o one_o his_o companion_n 7._o a_o soul_n must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a diligence_n nor_o yet_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n or_o two_o that_o will_v ordinary_o speak_v suffice_v to_o get_v a_o habit_n and_o stability_n in_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o a_o young_a beginner_n ought_v to_o imprint_v deep_o in_o his_o heart_n this_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o advice_n that_o his_o duty_n be_v never_o to_o abate_v or_o slacken_v but_o rather_o continual_o to_o increase_v in_o firmness_n of_o mind_n and_o resolution_n to_o proceed_v courageous_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n in_o the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o spirit_n for_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o his_o novice-ship_n be_v once_o end_v he_o must_v never_o expect_v such_o advantage_n thereto_o afterward_o such_o stillnes_n such_o want_n of_o interruption_n and_o tentation_n such_o clear_a light_n and_o such_o calmness_n of_o passion_n as_o he_o enjoy_v before_o therefore_o least_o by_o a_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o a_o rigorous_a solitude_n and_o silence_n to_o ordinary_a conversing_n and_o perhaps_o employment_n or_o however_n study_v he_o shall_v come_v to_o endanger_v a_o decay_n in_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v miserable_o reduce_v to_o his_o first_o natural_a state_n or_o worse_o for_o indeed_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v if_o such_o a_o decay_n happen_v let_v he_o be_v very_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a to_o avoid_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v hinder_v he_o from_o prosecute_a internal_a prayer_n and_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o continue_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o use_v all_o abstraction_n possible_a as_o if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o his_o novice-ship_n 8._o indeed_o superior_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o put_v their_o young_a religious_a into_o distractive_a employment_n or_o study_n either_o soon_o or_o more_o than_o can_v well_o stand_v with_o their_o spirit_n or_o before_o they_o be_v reasonable_o well_o ground_v in_o prayer_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o imperfect_a beginner_n have_v such_o hindrance_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o spirit_n whereas_o if_o a_o good_a foundation_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n be_v once_o lay_v such_o a_o soul_n by_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o study_n or_o externall_n office_n will_v suffer_v no_o decay_n yea_o moreover_o he_o will_v probable_o profit_n in_o study_n above_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o natural_a ability_n by_o reason_n that_o passion_n which_o much_o distract_v and_o darken_v even_o the_o natural_a understanding_n will_v be_v much_o abate_v by_o prayer_n and_o moreover_o he_o will_v undertake_v his_o study_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v increase_v his_o attention_n and_o diligence_n yet_o perhaps_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o abstinence_n and_o exercise_n in_o spirit_n his_o bodily_a strength_n will_v not_o be_v vigorous_a enough_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o support_v very_o much_o study_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v so_o the_o loss_n be_v not_o great_a since_o the_o divine_a love_n will_v sufficient_o recompense_v all_o other_o want_v so_o it_o fare_v with_o our_o holy_a father_n who_o as_o s._n gregory_n say_v be_v sapienter_fw-la indoctus_fw-la his_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o despise_v all_o learning_n which_o be_v not_o helpful_a or_o not_o necessary_a to_o his_o advancement_n in_o the_o divine_a love_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n 9_o true_o so_o great_a harm_n come_v to_o young_a religious_a after_o a_o novice-ship_n well_o spend_v by_o be_v put_v immediate_o to_o school_n &_o for_o that_o purpose_n dispense_v with_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n about_o their_o monastical_a duty_n of_o prayer_n abstraction_n silence_v &c_n &c_n that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o fit_a when_o person_n of_o tender_a age_n come_v to_o demand_v the_o habit_n to_o put_v they_o of_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inform_v they_o well_o about_o prayer_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o before_o they_o undertake_v a_o religious_a state_n they_o shall_v dispatch_v their_o course_n of_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n and_o during_o such_o a_o course_n to_o use_v as_o much_o abstraction_n and_o recollection_n as_o well_o they_o can_v for_o which_o they_o will_v then_o find_v more_o time_n than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v religious_a because_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o choir_n &_o other_o regular_a observance_n so_o that_o if_o study_v be_v then_o a_o hindrance_n to_o prayer_n how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o be_v so_o in_o case_n they_o have_v be_v religious_a have_v do_v all_o this_o then_o in_o god_n name_n let_v they_o demand_v the_o habit._n by_o this_o mean_n good_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v interrupt_v in_o their_o religious_a course_n nor_o put_v in_o danger_n never_o again_o to_o recover_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o follow_a such_o direction_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o die_v before_o the_o time_n of_o take_v the_o habit_n they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o in_o god_n account_n they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o religious_a soul_n whole_o consecrate_v unto_o he_o chap._n x._o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o english_a benedictius_n to_o the_o mission_n the_o sublime_a perfection_n of_o that_o employment_n §_o 3._o 4._o the_o care_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o religious_a superior_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o particular_a religious_a §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o 11._o great_a danger_n of_o seek_v that_o employment_n and_o false_a pretence_n to_o obtain_v it_o etc._n etc._n §_o 12._o how_o the_o say_a charge_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v 1._o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o adjoine_v to_o this_o section_n concern_v a_o religious_a state_n certain_a consideration_n &_o advice_n touch_v a_o subject_n which_o though_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o religious_a person_n in_o general_a yet_o be_v annex_v to_o our_o profession_n in_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o s._n benedict_v order_n and_o that_o be_v the_o apostolical_a mission_n into_o england_n the_o which_o all_o that_o profess_v do_v by_o a_o particular_a vow_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o undertake_v whensoever_o they_o shall_v be_v command_v by_o superior_n 2._o a_o employment_n this_o be_v of_o high_a importance_n and_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n if_o due_o undertake_v and_o administer_v but_o the_o care_n thereof_o only_o belong_v to_o superior_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v worthy_a both_o of_o their_o prudence_n and_o zeal_n by_o a_o right_a manage_n whereof_o they_o may_v procure_v great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o soul_n miserable_o mislead_v by_o infinite_a &_o most_o pernicious_a error_n 3._o but_o as_o for_o particular_a religious_a they_o be_v mere_o to_o be_v passive_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o undergo_n of_o all_o the_o pain_n incommodity_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o whensoever_o it_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o accessary_a obligation_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n give_v they_o a_o vocation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n that_o this_o do_v make_v
on_o the_o other_o side_n voluntary_a mortification_n be_v such_o as_o on_o our_o own_o head_n &_o without_o the_o advice_n &_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o interiour_n we_o voluntary_o assume_v or_o impose_v on_o ourselves_o either_o because_o we_o have_v see_v or_o read_v of_o other_o that_o have_v do_v the_o like_a &_o thereupon_o without_o further_a due_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o state_n or_o ability_n we_o will_v hope_v they_o will_v advance_v we_o as_o much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n such_o be_v voluntary_a corporal_a fast_n beyond_o what_o the_o church_n or_o regular_n observance_n do_v require_v wear_v of_o haircloth_n chain_n &c_n &c_n obstinate_a silence_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o community_n do_v appoint_v conversation_n etc._n etc._n to_o these_o may_v be_v abd_v a_o assume_v the_o task_n of_o say_v so_o many_o vocal_a prayer_n rosary_n etc._n etc._n 4._o this_o distinction_n be_v premise_v the_o devout_a reader_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o whatsoever_o hitherto_o have_v or_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n end_n &_o benefit_n of_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v &_o apply_v only_o to_o mortification_n of_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v voluntary_a and_o moreover_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n &_o direction_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o soul_n whether_o religious_a or_o other_o as_o be_v enter_v or_o desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a course_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 5._o as_o touch_v therefore_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o necessary_a mortification_n according_a to_o the_o whole_a latitude_n before_o express_v a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v as_o be_v her_o duty_n &_o obligation_n with_o all_o courage_n &_o fervour_n to_o accept_v &_o cheerful_o undergo_v they_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o foremencion_v inestimable_a benefit_n attend_v they_o they_o be_v of_o great_a security_n free_a from_o all_o peril_n of_o error_n indiscretion_n or_o pride_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o voluntary_a mortification_n those_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v proper_o such_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o yea_o moreover_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v a_o spiritual_a disciple_n to_o assume_v any_o considerable_a mortification_n beside_o such_o as_o attend_v his_o present_a state_n of_o life_n till_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a call_v to_o they_o that_o be_v till_o after_o that_o have_v spend_v a_o considerable_a time_n in_o internal_a prayer_n he_o have_v receive_v light_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o fitness_n for_o he_o &_o grace_n or_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o undertake_v &_o pursue_v they_o cheerful_o &_o withal_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o his_o superior_a or_o spiritual_a director_n yea_o though_o he_o have_v a_o body_n as_o strong_a as_o samson_n &_o withal_o a_o very_a good_a inclination_n to_o internal_a way_n i_o shall_v hardly_o be_v the_o first_o proposer_n mover_n &_o inciter_n of_o he_o to_o such_o extraordinary_a mortification_n unless_o some_o special_a occasion_n require_v they_o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o any_o special_a tentation_n then_o assalt_v he_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a and_o voluntary_a although_o supernumerary_a but_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n ordinary_a &_o necessary_a yea_o &_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v ask_v my_o counsel_n about_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mortification_n &_o upon_o examination_n i_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o he_o be_v move_v to_o desire_v they_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o sure_a course_n that_o be_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o the_o undertake_n of_o they_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v in_o read_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v practise_v they_o &_o many_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n but_o this_o show_v that_o spirit_n fit_a for_o extraordinary_a mortification_n be_v rare_o to_o be_v find_v be_v only_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o lead_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o make_v they_o example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o use_v they_o for_o his_o instrument_n in_o great_a work_n as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n esteem_v we_o fit_a or_o intend_v we_o for_o such_o extraordinary_a matter_n therefore_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o to_o undergo_v such_o mortification_n as_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o &_o most_o proportionable_a 8._o in_o all_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v no_o provision_n nor_o order_n make_v for_o such_o extraordinary_a or_o supernumerary_a mortification_n but_o only_o in_o the_o 49._o cap._n about_o diet_n &_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o undertake_v such_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o superior_a the_o neglect_n of_o which_o approbation_n be_v impute_v to_o rashness_n for_o our_o holy_a father_n as_o he_o know_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n which_o come_v from_o god_n &_o therefore_o he_o be_v exact_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o the_o austerity_n command_v in_o the_o rule_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v he_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o probable_o attend_v the_o undertake_v such_o extraordinary_a one_o by_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v common_o induce_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o fancy_n humour_n or_o sudden_a passion_n for_o such_o be_v seldom_o attend_v with_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n who_o neither_o be_v oblige_v nor_o ordinary_o will_v bestow_v his_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n for_o the_o undergo_n of_o any_o morcification_n but_o such_o as_o be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o evident_o ordain_v by_o his_o inspiration_n and_o experience_n witness_n this_o because_o we_o seldom_o see_v soul_n to_o persevere_v in_o those_o which_o they_o assume_v by_o their_o own_o free_a election_n and_o while_o they_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o purity_n of_o intention_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o root_n of_o all_o religious_a voluntary_a austerity_n by_o those_o word_n of_o his_o cap._n 40._o quibus_fw-la donat_fw-la deus_fw-la tolerantiam_fw-la abstinentiae_fw-la that_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o courage_n or_o strength_n to_o suffer_v extraordinary_a abstinence_n add_v withal_o that_o such_o voluntary_a abstinence_n must_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n cum_fw-la gaudio_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o great_a caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n &_o make_v use_n of_o instruction_n &_o example_n find_v especial_o concern_v this_o point_n in_o spiritual_a book_n because_o otherwise_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o plunge_v herself_o into_o great_a inconvenience_n &_o difficulty_n for_o while_o she_o do_v imitate_v such_o extraordinary_a practice_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v yet_o imperfect_a she_o will_v entertain_v a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o herself_o &_o not_o receive_v grace_n to_o persevere_v she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v from_o thence_o matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n &_o dejection_n so_o far_o as_o perhaps_o to_o become_v dishearten_v from_o further_a tendance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o contract_v thereby_o a_o obscurity_n in_o her_o understanding_n especial_o if_o she_o be_v unlearned_a by_o which_o she_o will_v become_v disable_v to_o distinguish_v necessary_a mortification_n from_o voluntary_a 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a &_o to_o many_o soul_n will_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a advice_n which_o some_o spiritual_a author_n give_v viz._n that_o a_o spiritual_a disciple_n shall_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a in_o case_n that_o several_a object_n be_v offer_v to_o choice_n take_v that_o which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n as_o if_o many_o several_a dish_n be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o eat_v only_o that_o which_o we_o least_o like_a &_o thus_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a contradiction_n &_o cross_v of_o nature_n 11._o sure_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n perfect_a be_v capable_a of_o make_v good_a use_n of_o such_o advice_n for_o only_o such_o can_v with_o facility_n discretion_n &_o profit_n practise_v they_o as_o for_o the_o less_o perfect_a if_o they_o practise_v they_o with_o any_o willingness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o true_a ground_n be_v because_o thereby_o they_o do_v covert_o comply_v with_o nature_n some_o orhe_a way_n nourish_v selfe-esteeme_a contempt_n of_o other_o not_o so_o courageous_a
well_o as_o other_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o far_o from_o favour_v this_o pernicious_o officious_a and_o uncharitable_a humour_n of_o accuse_v or_o inform_v in_o any_o of_o their_o religious_a much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n can_v extend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o brotherly_a charity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o excuse_v or_o however_o to_o oblige_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o accuser_n or_o informer_n against_o his_o brethren_n a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a to_o their_o subject_n soul_n will_v be_v allege_v by_o such_o superior_n as_o be_v of_o a_o curious_a inquisitive_a disposition_n and_o be_v continual_o search_v into_o the_o behaviour_n of_o their_o religious_a but_o little_a good_a reformation_n will_v ever_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o a_o humour_n of_o jealous_a curiosity_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v the_o breed_n of_o discontent_n general_o in_o all_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o private_a uncharitable_a informer_n 10._o it_o be_v more_o secure_a for_o one_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o offend_v in_o his_o tongue_n to_o be_v in_o company_n of_o many_o then_o of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o he_o affect_v therefore_o particular_a intimacy_n and_o private_a correspondence_n between_o religious_a be_v much_o to_o be_v avoid_v both_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o community_n and_o the_o good_a of_o each_o private_a religious_a person_n 11._o no_o word_n be_v to_o be_v speak_v nor_o action_n do_v mere_o upon_o the_o motive_n of_o edify_v other_o and_o indeed_o where_o recreative_a conversation_n be_v allow_v the_o most_o commodious_a subject_n of_o discourse_n be_v pure_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o be_v neither_o apt_a to_o move_v passion_n nor_o to_o leave_v distract_n image_n in_o the_o hearer_n mind_n 12._o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v some_o advice_n touch_v religious_a recreation_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v fit_a to_o be_v prohibit_v because_o we_o say_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n extend_v itself_o universal_o to_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o one_o life_n on_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_a reason_n but_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a among_o the_o ancient_a saint_n famous_a for_o contemplation_n show_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a yea_o at_o due_a time_n necessary_a to_o this_o purpose_n seem_v the_o story_n of_o s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n the_o first_o doctor_n and_o example_n of_o contemplation_n who_o custom_n be_v to_o recreate_v himself_o with_o a_o tame_a dove_n for_o which_o be_v censure_v by_o a_o hunter_n that_o pass_v by_o as_o for_o a_o action_n that_o be_v beneath_o his_o gravity_n and_o not_o beseem_v one_o that_o profess_v a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n he_o defend_v himself_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o reprover_n by_o show_v that_o as_o a_o bow_n if_o it_o be_v always_o bend_v will_v loose_v its_o force_n so_o the_o mind_n likewise_o will_v become_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o divine_a thought_n if_o no_o relaxation_n be_v allow_v to_o it_o consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n that_o can_v always_o supply_v fit_a spirit_n to_o action_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o its_o inclination_n 13._o true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v extant_a not_o order_n about_o conuentuall_a recreation_n which_o argue_v that_o none_o be_v practise_v in_o those_o day_n yea_o our_o holy_a father_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n how_o every_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o common_a notwithstanding_o after_o refection_n he_o enjoin_v the_o religious_a to_o retire_v each_o one_o into_o his_o cell_n permit_v they_o a_o convenient_a time_n to_o refresh_v themselves_o alone_o either_o with_o sleep_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o that_o warm_a climate_n or_o otherwise_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v if_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o sleep_v for_o no_o certain_a employment_n be_v then_o appoint_v 14._o but_o because_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n our_o complexion_n be_v not_o suppose_v able_a to_o support_v so_o great_a solitude_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o have_v superior_n allow_v and_o ordain_v daily_o certain_a time_n for_o recreative_a conference_n almost_o oblige_v each_o particular_a religious_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o beside_o at_o certain_a season_n monthly_a or_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v they_o have_v afford_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o diet._n 15._o neither_o do_v this_o prejudice_n the_o duty_n of_o continual_a mortification_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v in_o extreme_a rigour_n because_o then_o nature_n even_o in_o the_o able_a complexion_n will_v be_v destroy_v and_o beside_o recreation_n be_v appoint_v that_o mortification_n may_v be_v better_a &_o more_o fervent_o exercise_v afterward_o add_v herunto_o that_o even_o in_o recreation_n itself_o mortification_n may_n and_o aught_o in_o some_o reasonable_a degree_n to_o be_v discreet_o exercise_v so_o as_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o to_o power_n itself_o forth_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o nature_n but_o to_o keep_v a_o moderate_a watchfullnesse_n over_o itself_o and_o to_o refer_v the_o contentment_n find_v therein_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n 16._o to_o speak_v a_o little_a therefore_o particular_o touch_v such_o conference_n decency_n be_v in_o gross_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o prescribe_v any_o set_v order_n or_o manner_n for_o the_o talk_n as_o not_o to_o speak_v unasked_a not_o to_o exceed_v such_o a_o limitation_n of_o word_n &c._n &c._n to_o omit_v many_o particular_a caution_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v here_o some_o more_o freedom_n must_v be_v allow_v so_o it_o go_v not_o too_o far_o 17._o among_o woman_n there_o can_v scarce_o be_v any_o recreation_n if_o the_o tongue_n be_v too_o much_o stint_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o their_o talk_n shall_v be_v of_o spiritual_a matter_n both_o because_o such_o talk_n be_v far_o from_o be_v recreative_a as_o likewise_o because_o none_o but_o expert_a person_n ought_v to_o discourse_v of_o such_o subject_n indeed_o to_o make_v such_o the_o subject_n of_o ordinary_a discourse_n even_o between_o the_o most_o able_a experience_a person_n either_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v not_o convenient_a at_o all_o except_o some_o special_a occasion_n make_v it_o expedient_a for_o it_o usual_o proceed_v from_o pride_n or_o a_o willingness_n to_o interest_n one_o self_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o and_o may_v produce_v inconvenient_a effect_n in_o both_o 18._o the_o matter_n and_o condition_n of_o recreative_a discourse_n therefore_o may_v be_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o particular_o refer_v to_o the_o interiour_n of_o any_o of_o the_o party_n but_o if_o it_o regard_v a_o religious_a state_n that_o it_o be_v about_o less_o considerable_a external_a matter_n as_o ceremony_n custom_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o it_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o cause_v chearfullnes_n though_o not_o laughter_n which_o our_o holy_a father_n will_v have_v banish_v from_o his_o community_n now_o discourse_v about_o such_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v idle_a word_n 3._o it_o be_v better_a to_o talk_v of_o the_o ocurrence_n of_o former_a time_n then_o of_o the_o present_a because_o our_o holy_a father_n forbid_v the_o inquire_a or_o tell_v of_o news_n in_o the_o world_n for_o fear_v lest_o the_o hearer_n be_v interest_v may_v become_v distract_v with_o sollicitude_n 4._o it_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o probable_o will_v leave_v in_o the_o mind_n any_o hurtful_a image_n 5._o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o enter_v so_o deep_a into_o his_o mind_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v raise_v any_o passion_n there_o 6._o it_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n â—y_a which_o any_o one_o present_a or_o absent_a may_v be_v prejudice_v or_o contristate_v nor_o indeed_o afterward_o distract_v etc._n etc._n 19_o as_o touch_v those_o that_o be_v natural_o of_o melancholic_a disposition_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o that_o they_o give_v not_o way_n to_o so_o pestilent_a a_o humour_n nature_n will_v incline_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o recreation_n and_o diversion_n and_o be_v very_o subtle_a it_o will_v suggest_v pretence_n to_o justify_v a_o froward_a loneliness_n &_o a_o humour_n not_o able_a to_o support_v innocent_a conversation_n as_o if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o a_o religious_a solitude_n and_o recollection_n but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n such_o a_o perverse_a solitude_n be_v employ_v
mark_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n before_o i_o begin_v any_o work_n i_o do_v serious_o offer_v it_o to_o god_n beg_v his_o assistance_n 22._o active_a liver_n have_v need_v in_o almost_o all_o their_o action_n of_o moment_n to_o frame_v a_o actual_a intention_n but_o not_o so_o the_o contemplative_a who_o be_v always_o habitual_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o such_o iteration_n of_o actual_a intention_n will_v cause_v too_o much_o distraction_n to_o they_o 23._o to_o conclude_v how_o difficult_a and_o uneasy_a soever_o to_o nature_n the_o attain_n to_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v because_o thereby_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v propriety_n be_v root_v out_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n therefore_o consider_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o never_o will_v be_v want_v to_o our_o endeavour_n soul_n of_o good_a will_n will_v find_v it_o neither_o impossible_a nor_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n as_o at_o first_o it_o appear_v if_o they_o will_v attempt_v it_o with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o quicken_v &_o fortify_v which_o resolution_n i_o will_v end_v this_o discourse_n with_o that_o pierce_a saying_n of_o harphius_n o_o how_o great_a and_o hide_a deceit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v appear_v say_v he_o and_o be_v discover_v and_o consequent_o be_v severe_o punish_v after_o this_o life_n for_o that_o soul_n have_v not_o here_o be_v purify_v and_o make_v deiforme_a in_o their_o intention_n god_n almighty_n give_v we_o the_o grace_n to_o discover_v now_o and_o reform_v this_o perilous_a and_o secret_a self-seeking_a of_o nature_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n amen_o chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o love_v of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o &_o other_o creature_n and_o how_o the_o love_n to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o be_v order_v §_o 3._o even_o that_o love_n which_o be_v duty_n in_o heathen_n etc._n etc._n be_v defectuous_a §_o 4._o we_o can_v not_o love_v other_o true_o &_o meritorious_o till_o we_o first_o love_n god_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o all_o affection_n not_o proceed_v from_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v §_o 8._o all_o intellectual_a creature_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n except_o the_o damn_a soul_n &_o devil_n §_o 9_o of_o the_o order_n of_o charity_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12_o 13._o 14._o those_o be_v most_o to_o be_v love_v even_o above_o ourselves_o who_o god_n love_v most_o yet_o certain_a duty_n proceed_v from_o love_n as_o honour_n sustenance_n alm_n etc._n etc._n be_v first_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o parent_n friend_n &c_n &c_n and_o special_o to_o ourselves_o §_o 15._o 16._o 17._o further_a proof_n of_o this_o §_o 18._o whether_o beauty_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v a_o motive_n of_o love._n §_o 19_o 20._o 21._o 22._o of_o love_n extend_v to_o enemy_n who_o be_v esteem_v enemy_n §_o 23._o great_a grace_n require_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n aright_o §_o 24._o 25._o degree_n of_o love_n to_o suppose_v enemy_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o §_o 26_o of_o a_o special_a kind_n of_o love_n call_v philadelphia_n or_o love_n of_o the_o fraternity_n of_o believe_v holy_a christian_n catholic_n 1._o before_o we_o end_v the_o subject_n of_o divine_a love_n something_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o love_n to_o ourselves_o &_o our_o neighbour_n in_o and_o for_o god_n for_o as_o for_o the_o love_n which_o out_o of_o god_n we_o bear_v to_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v altogether_o defectuous_a and_o ground_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o more_o vehement_a it_o be_v the_o more_o defectuous_a be_v it_o 2._o the_o right_a order_v therefore_o of_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o brethren_n consist_v in_o this_o 1._o that_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o love_n must_v be_v the_o divine_a will_n &_o command_n 2._o the_o ground_n thereof_o must_v be_v the_o relation_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v to_o god_n as_o capable_a of_o the_o communication_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o beatitude_n 3._o the_o end_n must_v be_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o either_o by_o our_o endeavour_n exhortaion_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v love_v &_o glorify_v by_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o consist_v our_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n 4._o last_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o love_n must_v be_v the_o superior_a will_n especial_o as_o for_o tenderness_n of_o nature_n distract_n sollicitude_n &_o unquiet_a image_n in_o the_o mind_n touch_v those_o we_o love_v the_o best_a &_o safe_a course_n will_v be_v to_o mortify_v &_o diminish_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v as_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a sensual_a affection_n the_o which_o as_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o be_v not_o subordinate_a &_o direct_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v defectuous_a 3._o hence_o appear_v first_o that_o affection_n in_o person_n that_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v full_a of_o defectuousnesse_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a respect_n before_o mention_v for_o though_o for_o example_n the_o love_n which_o child_n owe_v to_o their_o parent_n &_o the_o affection_n mutual_o due_a between_o husband_n &_o wife_n &c_n &c_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n &_o right_a reason_n &_o consequent_o so_o far_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n so_o that_o the_o want_n or_o refusal_n of_o such_o love_n &_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n &_o office_n require_v by_o such_o relation_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n yet_o there_o can_v bâ—_n no_o merit_n either_o in_o such_o love_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o divine_a charity_n nor_o direct_v to_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n by_o perfect_a love_n from_o which_o all_o merit_n proceed_v 4._o second_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o meritorious_o love_v ourselves_o nor_o our_o brethren_n till_o first_o we_o be_v firm_o root_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v indeed_o only_a love_n to_o god_n by_o reflection_n or_o the_o love_a of_o god_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o he_o &_o which_o he_o either_o love_n or_o may_v love_v 5._o therefore_o a_o internal_a liver_n ought_v to_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a affection_n to_o creature_n i_o mean_v all_o particular_a freindships_n &_o intimacy_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o as_o for_o such_o affection_n as_o be_v necessary_o due_a by_o virtue_n of_o some_o respect_n &_o relation_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o ourselves_o &_o any_o other_o such_o a_o one_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sensual_a portion_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o there_o they_o will_v cause_v great_a distraction_n &_o hindrance_n of_o our_o most_o necessary_a love_n to_o god_n 6._o a_o serious_a care_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o this_o advice_n be_v very_o necessary_a especial_o in_o religious_a community_n both_o for_o our_o own_o good_a &_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o sensual_a freindships_n ground_a on_o external_a or_o sensual_a respect_n be_v most_o unbeseeming_a person_n that_o have_v consecrate_v themselves_o only_o to_o god_n &_o infinite_o prejudicial_a to_o abstraction_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n &_o much_o more_o if_o they_o be_v between_o person_n of_o different_a sex_n such_o particular_a intimatcy_n can_v choose_v but_o cause_n particulity_n faction_n particular_a design_n &c_n &c_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n &_o harm_n of_o the_o community_n 7._o the_o least_o defectuous_a among_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o particular_a friendship_n may_v be_v the_o resentment_n &_o gratitude_n for_o benefit_n especial_o spiritual_a one_o that_o have_v ben_fw-mi receive_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n also_o we_o ought_v to_o prevent_v the_o settle_n of_o amity_n in_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o content_v ourselves_o with_o requite_v such_o obligation_n by_o our_o prayer_n or_o by_o a_o return_n of_o proportionable_a benefit_n 8._o now_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o intellectual_a creature_n that_o be_v to_o all_o angel_n &_o all_o man_n whether_o alive_a or_o dead_a except_o only_o the_o reprobate_a angel_n &_o damn_a soul_n which_o be_v not_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v god_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o the_o glorify_a saint_n &_o angel_n must_v be_v a_o congratulation_n with_o they_o for_o their_o happiness_n &_o for_o the_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n &_o which_o god_n will_v eternal_o bear_v reciprocal_o to_o they_o
sound_n and_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o discursive_a prayer_n be_v little_a valuable_a except_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o or_o perform_v in_o order_n to_o the_o cause_v a_o attention_n as_o we_o may_v call_v it_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o affection_n 16._o these_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o which_o more_o may_v be_v add_v as_o shall_v be_v show_v which_o flow_v from_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v consider_v a_o wellminded_n soul_n will_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o that_o may_v avail_v to_o purchase_v so_o unualuable_a a_o jewell_fw-mi and_o religious_a superior_n will_v esteem_v that_o nothing_o do_v so_o essential_o belong_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o instruct_v &_o further_o their_o subject_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o s._n bernard_n docendus_fw-la est_fw-la incipiens_fw-la spiritualiter_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o a_o corporibus_fw-la vel_fw-la corporum_fw-la imaginibus_fw-la cum_fw-la deum_fw-la cogitat_fw-la quantum_fw-la potest_fw-la recedere_fw-la that_o be_v whosoever_o begin_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v be_v teach_v spiritual_a prayer_n and_o in_o elevate_n his_o mind_n to_o god_n to_o transcend_v all_o body_n &_o bodily_a image_n and_o with_o just_a reason_n do_v the_o holy_a grecian_a abbot_n nilus_n a_o disciple_n of_o s._n john_n chrysostome_n say_v beata_fw-la mens_fw-la quae_fw-la dum_fw-la orat_fw-la &c_n &c_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o when_o she_o pray_v empty_v herself_n entire_o of_o all_o image_n &_o form_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o pray_v feruorous_o &_o without_o distraction_n such_o a_o soul_n increase_v continual_o in_o the_o desire_n &_o love_n of_o god_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o when_o she_o pray_v do_v altogether_o quit_v the_o use_n &_o exercise_v of_o all_o her_o sense_n happy_a be_v the_o soul_n that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n lose_v the_o possession_n &_o interest_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n but_o god_n 17._o and_o indeed_o a_o soul_n must_v expect_v to_o pass_v through_o a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n before_o she_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o purity_n in_o prayer_n for_o as_o the_o same_o author_n say_v vniversum_fw-la bellum_fw-la quod_fw-la internos_fw-la &_o doemones_fw-la conflaetur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr alia_fw-la re_fw-la quà m_fw-la de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la that_o be_v all_o the_o war_n &_o controversy_n that_o be_v between_o we_o &_o the_o devil_n be_v about_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o prayer_n as_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o we_o &_o most_o destructive_a to_o all_o his_o design_n and_o hereupon_o a_o certain_a holy_a father_n be_v ask_v what_o duty_n in_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o most_o difficult_a answer_v to_o pray_v well_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o prayer_n can_v never_o be_v perfect_o exercise_v till_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o impurity_n yea_o not_o only_o from_o the_o affection_n but_o all_o image_n also_o of_o creature_n chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o 2._o condition_n require_v to_o affective_a prayer_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_a by_o our_o lord_n precept_n §_o 3._o the_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o precept_n both_o in_o practice_n &_o teach_v in_o these_o time_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n call_v euchite_n that_o misunderstand_v this_o precept_n neglect_v all_o other_o duty_n beside_o prayer_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o say_a precept_n oblige_v we_o to_o pray_v continual_o §_o 8._o all_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o prayer_n §_o 9_o how_o the_o neglect_n of_o actual_a prayer_n may_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n §_o 10._o our_o religion_n profession_n &_o rule_n oblige_v we_o to_o aspire_v to_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n §_o 11._o 12._o neither_o vocal_a prayer_n nor_o meditation_n can_v become_v uninterrupt_a but_o only_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n §_o 13._o 4._o 15._o 16._o whether_o the_o habit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n may_v be_v attain_v hy_z prolong_v vocal_a office_n §_o 17_o 18._o that_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o daily_a recollection_n §_o 19_o 20._o who_o they_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n 1._o have_v show_v the_o necessity_n &_o excellency_n of_o affective_a prayer_n i_o will_v now_o rreate_v of_o certain_a quality_n &_o condition_n requisite_a thereto_o of_o which_o i_o will_v at_o the_o present_a insist_v only_o on_o three_o to_o wit_n 1._o the_o first_o regard_v the_o extension_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o second_o the_o intention_n or_o fervour_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o three_o the_o cause_n or_o principle_n from_o which_o it_o must_v proceed_v to_o wit_n the_o divine_a spirit_n 2._o as_o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o extension_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v our_o lord_n command_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o omit_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n oportet_fw-la semper_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o non_fw-la deficere_fw-la we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v &_o not_o to_o cease_v or_o faint_a in_o it_o and_o s._n paul_n exhort_v indifferent_o all_o christian_n sine_fw-la intermissione_n orate_fw-la pray_v without_o intermission_n now_o in_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n so_o express_v so_o universal_a &_o so_o confirm_v &_o repeat_v both_o affirmative_o &_o negative_o that_o all_o exception_n &_o derogation_n seem_v to_o be_v exclude_v &_o that_o it_o bind_v both_o semper_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la semper_fw-la in_o all_o the_o gospel_n we_o can_v scarce_o find_v a_o precept_n so_o fast-binding_a &_o so_o unquestionable_a 3._o this_o be_v evident_a how_o can_v any_o one_o without_o grief_n &_o indignation_n read_v the_o strange_a dispensation_n &_o escape_n invent_v &_o allow_v by_o some_o late_a writer_n to_o defeat_v this_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n because_o perhaps_o no_o man_n can_v positive_o say_v that_o hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la actual_a prayer_n be_v necessary_a &_o oblige_v under_o mortal_a sin_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v that_o except_o two_o or_o three_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a to_o pray_v that_o be_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n that_o a_o child_n come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n &_o in_o the_o last_o moment_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v ready_a to_o expire_v for_o then_o indeed_o some_o of_o they_o not_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o mortal_a sin_n a_o soul_n can_v deliberate_o &_o wilful_o neglect_v to_o lift_v up_o itself_o too_o god_n as_o for_o the_o divine_a office_n those_o to_o who_o the_o recite_v of_o it_o be_v of_o obligation_n such_o say_v they_o be_v only_o bind_v under_o mortal_a sin_n to_o the_o external_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o for_o the_o mentality_n of_o it_o that_o be_v only_o a_o matter_n of_o counsel_n of_o perfection_n 4._o in_o the_o ancient_a time_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a sect_n of_o heretic_n that_o wander_v as_o far_o wide_v the_o contrary_a way_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n neglect_v yea_o condemn_v all_o other_o thing_n beside_o prayer_n despise_v the_o sacrament_n omit_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o their_o vocation_n refuse_v to_o do_v any_o external_a act_n of_o charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o frenzy_n they_o be_v call_v euchitae_n that_o be_v person_n that_o do_v nothing_o but_o pray_v 5._o but_o the_o truth_n lie_v between_o these_o two_o extreme_n for_o most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v unto_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n and_o yet_o most_o certain_a also_o it_o be_v that_o beside_o simple_a prayer_n there_o be_v many_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o us._n the_o sense_n therefore_o and_o importance_n of_o our_o lord_n precept_n of_o pray_v continual_o without_o fail_v may_v be_v clear_v by_o two_o passage_n of_o s._n paul_n the_o first_o be_v this_o 1._o tim._n 4._o cibos_fw-la creavit_fw-la deus_fw-la ad_fw-la percipiendum_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v god_n have_v create_v meat_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o give_v of_o thanks_o by_o his_o faithful_a servant_n &_o those_o which_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n for_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a &_o nothing_o to_o be_v reject_v which_o be_v receive_v with_o give_v of_o thanks_o for_o it_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o by_o prayer_n the_o second_o be_v 1._o cor._n 10._o sive_fw-la ergo_fw-la manducatis_fw-la sive_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v therefore_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o what_o other_o thing_n soever_o you_o do_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v 1._o that_o all_o creature_n be_v in_o their_o use_n unsanctified_a unto_o we_o that_o be_v
over_o our_o passion_n that_o they_o break_v not_o forth_o so_o as_o to_o indispose_v we_o even_o for_o present_a recollection_n &_o much_o less_o for_o the_o appoint_a recollection_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v 6._o such_o as_o do_v practice_v mortification_n in_o a_o measure_n suitable_a to_o their_o state_n thereby_o root_a out_o those_o inordinate_a assection_n which_o cause_n distraction_n in_o prayer_n &_o be_v hindrance_n to_o a_o state_n of_o recollectednes_n for_o as_o that_o fundamental_a precept_n of_o love_a god_n oblige_v a_o soul_n at_o least_o never_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o so_o do_v that_o of_o prayer_n oblige_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v in_o a_o disposition_n &_o readiness_n to_o it_o 20._o therefore_o let_v soul_n consider_v in_o what_o a_o unsecure_a and_o dangerous_a state_n they_o remain_v that_o content_n themselves_o with_o a_o few_o heartless_a distract_a vocal_a prayer_n since_o not_o any_o tentation_n can_v be_v resist_v without_o a_o actual_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o that_o the_o best_a prayer_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v make_v beside_o it_o be_v not_o with_o prayer_n as_o with_o other_o art_n or_o habit_n a_o student_n by_o cessation_n from_o study_n do_v not_o present_o loose_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o diminish_v the_o knowledge_n that_o he_o have_v before_o but_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o in_o actual_a prayer_n or_o at_o least_o in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n &_o a_o habitual_a desire_n of_o prayer_n sink_v present_o into_o nature_n &_o lose_v much_o of_o that_o strength_n that_o she_o have_v former_o there_o be_v not_o always_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v particular_a virtue_n as_o temperance_n patience_n chastity_n &c_n &c_n because_o tentation_n do_v not_o always_o assault_v we_o but_o we_o may_v always_o pray_v &_o always_o we_o have_v need_v so_o to_o do_v for_o a_o soul_n except_o she_o be_v in_o prayer_n or_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n be_v alive_a in_o she_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o distraction_n &_o disunion_n from_o god_n &_o consequent_o expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o enemy_n be_v withal_o deprive_v of_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o resist_v they_o so_o that_o the_o danger_n &_o misery_n of_o a_o unrecollected_a life_n be_v inexplicable_a chap._n v._n §_o 1._o the_o second_o condition_n requisite_a in_o affective_a prayer_n to_o wit_n fervour_n or_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o the_o seat_n of_o this_o devotion_n be_v not_o necessary_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o of_o a_o twofold_a sensible_a devotion_n §_o 7._o it_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v neglect_v nor_o too_o much_o prise_v §_o 8._o 9_o certain_a exterior_a effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n from_o which_o great_a inconvenience_n may_v ensue_v §_o 10._o sensible_a devotion_n no_o sure_a sign_n of_o true_a grace_n a_o fearful_a example_n thereof_o §_o 11._o 12._o 23._o what_o use_v imperfect_a soul_n be_v to_o make_v of_o it_o §_o 14._o fear_n be_v to_o be_v repress_v §_o 15._o perfect_a soul_n in_o small_a danger_n by_o it_o §_o 16._o of_o the_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n quite_o contrary_a to_o sensible_a yet_o not_o to_o true_a devotion_n §_o 17._o 18._o 19_o the_o excellent_a benefit_n that_o may_v come_v from_o the_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n §_o 20._o the_o cause_n of_o aridity_n §_o 21_o 22._o vocal_a prayer_n &_o meditation_n not_o so_o much_o subject_n thereto_o §_o 23._o 24._o more_o good_a come_v from_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n courageous_o pursue_v then_o from_o the_o prayer_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n §_o 25._o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o its_o good_a disposition_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o temper_n of_o sensitive_a nature_n §_o 26._o 27._o mean_v to_o beget_v courage_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n §_o 25._o how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o in_o the_o most_o violent_a distress_n in_o prayer_n §_o 29._o the_o prayer_n exercise_v by_o imperfect_a soul_n during_o aridity_n be_v not_o proper_o in_o spirit_n 1._o as_o 1._o prayer_n for_o the_o quantity_n or_o extension_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v incessant_a at_o least_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o ingredient_n in_o all_o other_o work_n whether_o they_o be_v study_v labour_n conversation_n &c._n &c._n the_o which_o may_v be_v without_o any_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o the_o work_n yea_o to_o the_o great_a improvement_n &_o supernaturalize_v of_o it_o so_o far_o that_o where_o prayer_n be_v want_v the_o most_o specious_a work_n be_v of_o no_o value_n at_o all_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o quality_n or_o intention_n of_o it_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v instantissima_fw-la say_v our_o holy_a father_n in_o prologue_n with_o all_o possible_a fervour_n &_o earnestness_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o immediate_a &_o most_o perfect_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o god_n aught_o like_o charity_n itself_o to_o proceed_v ex_fw-la toto_fw-la cord_n ex_fw-la tota_fw-la anima_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la totis_fw-la viribus_fw-la from_o the_o whole_a heart_n the_o whole_a soul_n &_o the_o whole_a strength_n therefore_o as_o he_o offend_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o charity_n that_o employ_v either_o his_o spirit_n sensitive_a soul_n or_o corporal_a strength_n on_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n or_o which_o have_v respect_n to_o god_n his_o love_n or_o glory_n so_o if_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o do_v willing_o suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v upon_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n or_o if_o we_o harbour_v any_o desire_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o free_a tendance_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o if_o we_o employ_v our_o corporal_a strength_n about_o any_o other_o matter_n but_o such_o as_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v intend_v for_o god_n in_o our_o prayer_n we_o do_v so_o far_o neglect_v to_o correspond_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o fervour_n &_o instance_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o prayer_n 2._o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o employ_v our_o corporal_a force_n or_o member_n or_o to_o force_v our_o sensible_a affection_n to_o concur_v in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n or_o as_o if_o god_n do_v require_v that_o this_o fervour_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o sensitive_a nature_n for_o that_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o sensual_a part_n move_v often_o against_o our_o will_n be_v insensible_a averse_a &_o impatient_a of_o accompany_v our_o spiritual_a actuation_n which_o common_o do_v mortify_v &_o contradict_v the_o desire_n of_o nature_n 2._o and_o moreover_o when_o sensible_a fervour_n &_o devotion_n do_v insinuate_v itself_o in_o our_o recollection_n especial_o in_o imperfect_a soul_n it_o do_v rather_o endanger_v to_o depress_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o advance_v they_o &_o do_v perhaps_o more_o nourish_v self-love_n then_o contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o divine_a love_n 3._o it_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o if_o this_o fervour_n be_v in_o our_o superior_a will_n alone_o though_o sensitive_a nature_n seem_v to_o partake_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v then_o be_v say_v to_o be_v instant_a &_o feruorous_a when_o the_o will_v out_o of_o a_o worthy_a &_o high_a esteem_n of_o this_o most_o necessary_a &_o most_o excellent_a duty_n resolute_o &_o with_o perseverance_n pursue_v they_o notwithstanding_o any_o contradiction_n in_o nature_n or_o discouragement_n from_o without_o for_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a fervour_n of_o spirit_n that_o contradict_v the_o contrary_a malignant_a fervour_n of_o nature_n &_o underualewe_n all_o sensible_a case_n &_o contentment_n compare_v with_o the_o spiritual_a good_a that_o be_v cause_v by_o prayer_n 4._o this_o be_v that_o good_a quality_n which_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o he_o who_o at_o midnight_n go_v to_o his_o neighbour_n to_o borrow_v three_o loaf_n of_o bread_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o a_o friend_n that_o be_v then_o arrive_v call_v by_o a_o homely_a name_n to_o wit_n improbitatem_fw-la or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a impudence_n the_o which_o quality_n notwithstanding_o he_o require_v in_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n &_o promise_v a_o infallible_a success_n thereto_o now_o that_o improbity_n or_o impudence_n imply_v a_o importunate_a earnestness_n a_o resolution_n to_o take_v no_o denial_n nor_o to_o stand_v upon_o nice_a civility_n but_o ra_o she_o then_o to_o return_v empty_a to_o force_v out_o a_o grant_n even_o by_o weary_v out_o the_o person_n to_o who_o we_o address_v ourselves_o so_o that_o it_o include_v both_o a_o great_a fervour_n &_o a_o uncessant_a perseverance_n in_o such_o fervour_n the_o which_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o continual_a prayer_n yea_o in_o one_o only_a petition_n
which_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v in_o will_n &_o affection_n to_o god_n only_o 5._o these_o therefore_o be_v two_o quality_n requisite_a in_o prayer_n 1._o earnestness_n or_o fervour_n &_o 2._o perseverance_n both_o which_o be_v likewise_o include_v in_o the_o term_n instantissima_fw-la give_v to_o prayer_n by_o our_o holy_a father_n imperfect_a soul_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v ofttimes_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v unefficacious_a as_o be_v deprive_v of_o these_o condition_n 1._o the_o former_a when_o they_o do_v not_o perceive_v a_o tenderness_n &_o melt_a devotion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n 2._o and_o the_o late_a they_o will_v fear_v be_v want_v whensoever_o they_o find_v themselves_o though_o unwilling_o distract_v therefore_o to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n &_o that_o a_o right_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n sensible_a devotion_n &_o distraction_n i_o will_v treat_v of_o they_o both_o showing_z what_o good_a or_o ill_a effect_n may_v proceed_v from_o the_o former_a and_o what_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o hinder_v any_o inconvenience_n from_o the_o latter_a 6._o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a sensible_a devotion_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v find_v in_o good_a but_o imperfect_a soul_n &_o it_o begin_v in_o sensitive_a nature_n cause_v great_a tenderness_n there_o &_o from_o thence_o it_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o spirit_n produce_v good_a &_o melt_a affection_n to_o god_n &_o especial_o in_o discursive_a prayer_n to_o the_o humanity_n &_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n 2._o another_o sensible_a devotion_n there_o be_v of_o perfect_a soul_n the_o which_o begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n &_o abound_v there_o overflows_a &_o by_o communication_n descend_v into_o inferior_a sensitive_a nature_n cause_v like_o effect_n to_o the_o former_a now_o there_o be_v little_a need_n to_o give_v caution_n of_o instruction_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o because_o perfect_a soul_n walk_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n &_o be_v establish_v in_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v transport_v with_o the_o please_a effect_n which_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v in_o inferior_a nature_n nor_o to_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a gluttony_n by_o which_o their_o affection_n may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o god_n &_o fix_v on_o such_o mean_a gift_n of_o he_o as_o these_o be_v that_o therefore_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o speak_v concern_v sensible_a devotion_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v find_v in_o soul_n less_o perfect_a for_o for_o such_o only_a all_o these_o instruction_n be_v mean_v 7._o suâ—h_o soul_n than_o be_v to_o be_v inform_v that_o though_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v indeed_o at_o the_o first_o a_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n intend_v by_o he_o for_o their_o encouragement_n &_o advancement_n in_o his_o pure_a love_n as_o it_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v neglect_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o over_o high_o to_o be_v prise_v for_o as_o very_o good_a effect_n may_v flow_v from_o it_o be_v well_o &_o discreet_o use_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a without_o such_o discretion_n it_o may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a endanger_v to_o plunge_v they_o more_o deep_o in_o self-love_n &_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o which_o it_o be_v much_o immerse_v and_o so_o it_o will_v produce_v a_o effect_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o for_o which_o prayer_n be_v ordain_v a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v to_o separate_v that_o which_o be_v good_a &_o profitable_a in_o such_o devotion_n from_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a &_o dangerous_a renounce_v &_o mortify_v this_o latter_a &_o with_o discretion_n give_v way_n &_o make_v her_o profit_n of_o the_o other_o 8._o the_o special_a sign_n &_o effect_n of_o such_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v ofttimes_o very_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o alteration_n cause_v by_o it_o in_o corporal_a nature_n draw_v tear_n from_o the_o eye_n procure_v heat_n and_o reddnes_n in_o the_o face_n spring_v motion_n in_o the_o heart_n like_a to_o the_o leap_v of_o a_o fiâ—h_n in_o the_o water_n say_v harphius_n and_o in_o some_o it_o cause_v so_o perceivable_a a_o open_n and_o shut_v in_o the_o heart_n say_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o from_o such_o unusual_a motion_n &_o agitation_n about_o the_o heart_n a_o windy_a vapour_n will_v now_o &_o then_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o head_n cause_v a_o prick_a pain_n there_o the_o which_o if_o the_o head_n be_v not_o strong_a may_v continue_v a_o good_a space_n yea_o if_o good_a care_n be_v not_o take_v to_o interrupt_v such_o impetuosity_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o blood_n will_v first_o boil_v &_o afterward_o will_v grow_v thick_a and_o congealed_a incapable_a of_o motion_n and_o this_o once_o happen_v the_o inward_a sweetness_n former_o feel_v will_v be_v turn_v into_o sadness_n dejection_n and_o stupidity_n thence_o will_v follow_v complaint_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v forsake_v of_o god_n yea_o she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n desperate_o to_o renounce_v all_o further_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o that_o she_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o recover_v her_o former_a sensible_a affection_n the_o far_a will_v she_o be_v from_o it_o &_o impatience_n for_o this_o will_v render_v she_o still_o more_o indispose_v more_o darken_v in_o the_o understanding_n &_o more_o stupefy_v in_o her_o affection_n 9_o now_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n proceed_v from_o self-love_n &_o a_o too_o gluttonous_a delectation_n in_o sensible_a sweetness_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a visit_n there_o will_v follow_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v yet_o far_o more_o dangerous_a effect_n in_o unprepared_a soul_n the_o which_o will_v probable_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o nourish_v pride_n in_o themselves_o &_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o 10._o to_o abate_v the_o too_o high_a esteem_n that_o unwary_a soul_n may_v have_v of_o this_o sensible_a fervour_n &_o devotion_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a disposition_n or_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o we_o read_v of_o several_a impious_a person_n that_o have_v enjoy_v it_o so_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o certain_a wicked_a tyrant_n call_v william_n prince_n of_o juliers_n how_o at_o his_o devotion_n in_o the_o midnight_n of_o our_o lord_n natuity_n he_o twice_o or_o thrice_o feel_v so_o great_a a_o internal_a sweetness_n in_o divine_a visitation_n that_o he_o profess_v afterward_o that_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o purchase_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o half_a his_o dominion_n such_o another_o consolation_n yet_o after_o his_o death_n it_o be_v reveil_v to_o a_o certain_a holy_a person_n that_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n condemn_v to_o torment_n equal_a to_o those_o that_o that_o wicked_a persecute_v imperour_n maxentius_n suffer_v 11._o the_o root_n of_o such_o sensible_a sweetness_n be_v oftentimes_o a_o mere_a natural_a temper_n of_o body_n yea_o by_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n also_o will_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o raise_v &_o increase_v it_o in_o immortified_a self-willed_n soul_n know_v that_o they_o will_v make_v ill_a use_n of_o it_o either_o to_o the_o augment_v of_o their_o pride_n or_o to_o a_o presumptuous_a undertake_v of_o mortification_n above_o their_o strength_n by_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n their_o spirit_n will_v be_v so_o exhaust_v &_o their_o force_n enfeeble_v that_o they_o will_v become_v unable_a any_o more_o to_o correspond_v with_o divine_a grace_n even_o in_o duty_n necessary_o belong_v to_o their_o profession_n and_o when_o this_o happen_v than_o all_o sweetness_n of_o devotion_n cease_v &_o in_o place_n thereof_o succeed_v anguish_n scrupulosity_n pusillanimity_n &_o perhaps_o even_o desperation_n therefore_o wellminded_n soul_n be_v to_o take_v special_a care_n of_o prevent_v these_o effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n the_o which_o without_o great_a vigilance_n they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o incur_v and_o thereupon_o harphius_n advise_v earnest_o such_o to_o moderate_v with_o discretion_n the_o violent_a impulse_n of_o their_o internal_a desire_n to_o god_n for_o say_v he_o if_o they_o shall_v always_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o their_o ability_n pursue_v they_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o in_o a_o short_a time_n quite_o exhaust_v &_o disable_v to_o perform_v even_o easy_a and_o more_o necessary_a obligation_n 12._o the_o true_a use_n &_o benefit_n therefore_o that_o imperfect_a soul_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o sensible_a devotion_n when_o god_n send_v it_o be_v this_o that_o without_o rest_v much_o on_o it_o or_o force_v themselves_o to_o continue_v it_o they_o shall_v make_v it_o a_o instrument_n to_o fortify_v &_o establish_v the_o solid_a true_a love_n &_o esteem_v of_o god_n in_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o to_o confirm_v a_o unshake_a resolution_n in_o themselves_o never_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