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
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
she_o own_o self_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n to_o which_o she_o natural_o bear_v a_o affection_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o this_o courage_n therefore_o it_o will_v behoove_v she_o both_o to_o use_v much_o prayer_n &_o oft_o to_o think_v serious_o on_o the_o blessing_n accompany_v &_o follow_a the_o due_a practice_n of_o it_o remember_v withal_o that_o custom_n will_v make_v that_o tolerable_a &_o even_o pleasant_a which_o at_o first_o seem_v in_o supportable_a 11._o more_o particular_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v those_o that_o be_v beginner_n in_o a_o internal_a course_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o in_o such_o a_o state_n their_o soul_n be_v so_o full_a of_o impurity_n &_o defect_n that_o scarce_o in_o any_o action_n of_o they_o at_o all_o they_o do_v intend_v god_n pure_o no_o not_o even_o in_o those_o that_o they_o perform_v with_o most_o advice_n &_o preparation_n &_o with_o the_o great_a calmness_n of_o spirit_n much_o less_o in_o action_n though_o substantial_o good_a in_o which_o their_o passion_n be_v engage_v therefore_o it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o during_o such_o state_n of_o imperfection_n in_o all_o time_n &_o occasion_n as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o whole_o to_o suppress_v all_o passion_n not_o suffer_v they_o to_o rise_v &_o swell_v in_o they_o though_o with_o a_o intention_n by_o they_o the_o better_a &_o more_o fervent_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n &_o obligation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o master_n of_o their_o passion_n can_v prevent_v they_o from_o cause_v a_o disorder_n even_o in_o the_o superior_a rational_a faculty_n also_o so_o that_o though_o reason_n can_v raise_v they_o at_o pleasure_n yet_o it_o can_v so_o calm_v they_o again_o nor_o hinder_v they_o from_o pursue_v those_o object_n out_o of_o motive_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n against_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v at_o first_o upon_o superior_a &_o spiritual_a motive_n 12._o i_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o recommend_v the_o practice_n according_a to_o this_o advice_n because_o i_o find_v that_o some_o good_a spiritual_a author_n do_v counsel_v a_o quite_o contrary_a proceed_n as_o a_o remedy_n &_o mean_n to_o subdue_v passion_n for_o they_o will_v have_v soul_n willing_o &_o purposely_o to_o raise_v they_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o certain_a height_n then_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n &_o motive_n of_o religion_n to_o quiet_a &_o pacify_v they_o again_o as_o for_o example_n in_o case_n of_o a_o injury_n receive_v they_o advise_v that_o we_o shall_v call_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o circumstance_n &_o aggravation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v indignation_n &_o resentment_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o passion_n be_v inflame_v then_o to_o suppress_v it_o by_o consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o his_o precept_n of_o charity_n to_o enemy_n of_o the_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o revenge_n &_o the_o bless_a rewards_o of_o patience_n &c_n &c_n the_o like_a they_o say_v concern_v a_o sensual_a desire_n to_o any_o object_n they_o will_v have_v it_o represent_v with_o all_o its_o allurement_n &_o charm_n so_o as_o to_o move_v a_o strong_a inclination_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v do_v present_o to_o suppress_v such_o inclination_n by_o strong_a resolution_n &_o by_o contrary_a practice_n only_o they_o forbid_v this_o practice_n in_o the_o passion_n of_o sensual_a impurity_n the_o which_o must_v not_o be_v reviue_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o 13._o to_o perfect_a soul_n this_o advice_n may_v be_v proper_a who_o have_v a_o establish_a dominion_n over_o their_o passion_n but_o as_o for_o the_o imperfect_a if_o they_o shall_v conform_v themselves_o to_o it_o two_o great_a inconvenience_n can_v scarce_o be_v prevent_v viz._n 1._o that_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n either_o to_o be_v unwilling_a or_o unable_a to_o restore_v peace_n unto_o their_o mind_n once_o much_o disquiet_v 2._o by_o a_o advise_a &_o earnest_a representation_n of_o such_o object_n as_o do_v raise_v passion_n in_o their_o mind_n they_o do_v thereby_o fix_v more_o firm_o in_o the_o memory_n the_o image_n of_o they_o &_o by_o that_o mean_n do_v dispose_v the_o say_a image_n to_o return_v at_o other_o time_n against_o their_o will_n when_o perhaps_o the_o reason_n &_o motive_n to_o repress_v they_o will_n either_o not_o be_v ready_a or_o the_o soul_n in_o no_o disposition_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o or_o if_o she_o shall_v be_v willing_a it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o then_o such_o motive_n will_v not_o prove_v efficacious_a therefore_o imperfect_a soul_n may_v do_v best_a to_o deal_v with_o all_o passion_n as_o they_o ought_v with_o those_o of_o impurity_n namely_o to_o get_v the_o mastery_n over_o they_o by_o fly_v from_o they_o &_o if_o they_o can_v forget_v they_o 14._o yet_o this_o advice_n of_o prevent_v all_o passion_n &_o disturbance_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n may_v sometime_o cease_v when_o just_a reason_n &_o the_o necessary_a care_n of_o the_o good_a of_o other_o shall_v require_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v do_v with_o eagerne_n as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o superior_n correct_v their_o subject_n &c_n &c_n for_o than_o it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v some_o discreet_a way_n to_o passion_n without_o which_o their_o reproof_n will_v perhaps_o have_v but_o little_a effect_n yet_o even_o then_o also_o care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o prejudice_n their_o own_o internal_a quiet_n of_o mind_n &_o much_o less_o endanger_v to_o diminish_v true_a charity_n chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o certain_a general_a rule_n for_o mortification_n sufficient_a for_o some_o §_o 2._o 3._o by_o practice_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n be_v exercise_v 1._o a_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n 2._o a_o continual_a think_v on_o our_o own_o nothing_o §_o 4._o 5._o 6_o 7._o mortification_n be_v only_o perfect_o exercise_v in_o virtue_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o why_o §_o 8._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o mortification_n of_o contemplative_n &_o of_o active_a liver_n §_o 9_o externall_n practice_n or_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n not_o sufficient_a to_o cause_v mortification_n §_o 10._o how_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v to_o practice_v mortification_n §_o 11._o god_n care_n in_o dispense_n matter_n of_o mortification_n proportionable_a to_o each_o one_o strength_n §_o 12._o the_o effect_n of_o each_o act_n of_o mortification_n §_o 13._o 14._o it_o may_v happen_v that_o to_o a_o internal_a liver_n in_o religion_n some_o mortification_n may_v be_v more_o difficult_a then_o if_o he_o have_v live_v a_o common_a life_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o to_o discreet_a wellminded_n soul_n these_o three_o follow_a general_a direction_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n viz_o 1._o to_o do_v or_o forbear_v whatsoever_o any_o law_n divine_a or_o humane_a shall_v require_v of_o they_o to_o do_v or_o forbear_v and_o where_o order_n have_v be_v take_v by_o no_o such_o law_n there_o to_o follow_v the_o supernatural_a light_n &_o motion_n that_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n shall_v afford_v they_o do_v or_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o find_v will_v promote_v or_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o spiritual_a course_n without_o captivate_a themselves_n to_o any_o particular_a example_n custom_n or_o instruction_n 2._o to_o suffer_v with_o the_o best_a patience_n and_o resignation_n they_o can_v all_o the_o cross_n &_o contradiction_n to_o selfewill_n which_o by_o god_n providence_n shall_v be_v send_v to_o or_o upon_o they_o whether_o such_o cross_n regard_v external_a thing_n as_o injury_n disgrace_n sickness_n loss_n of_o friend_n or_o of_o good_n &c._n &c._n or_o internal_a as_o aridity_n obscurity_n inward_a distress_n involuntary_a rise_n of_o passion_n tentation_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v quiet_o suffer_v whether_o they_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o from_o creature_n 3._o if_o any_o thing_n please_v to_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o refection_n recreation_n or_o any_o thing_n displease_v to_o be_v omit_v to_o do_v or_o omit_v such_o thing_n not_o because_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o nature_n but_o because_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o god_n will_n by_o a_o constant_a &_o careful_a observe_n of_o these_o direction_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o good_a establish_a state_n of_o mortification_n &_o yet_o withal_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o convenient_a liberty_n &_o ease_n of_o mind_n to_o go_v on_o cheerful_o in_o internal_a way_n 2._o moreover_o if_o in_o practice_n according_a to_o these_o point_n a_o wellminded_n soul_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v at_o least_o a_o virtual_a intention_n to_o the_o love_n &_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o be_v such_o a_o intention_n
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
the_o mortification_n of_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o treat_v of_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v incident_a more_o particular_o to_o tender_v devout_a soul_n especial_o woman_n that_o pursue_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o which_o be_v usual_o call_v scrupulosity_n which_o be_v a_o mix_v kind_n of_o passion_n the_o most_o contrary_a to_o that_o peace_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n of_o any_o other_o as_o be_v envenom_a with_o whatsoever_o cause_n anxiety_n and_o inward_a torment_n almost_o in_o all_o other_o passion_n it_o regard_v sin_n and_o hell_n the_o most_o abhor_a and_o most_o terrible_a object_n of_o all_o other_o and_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o all_o the_o bitterness_n that_o be_v find_v in_o fear_n despair_n ineffectual_a desire_n uncertainty_n of_o judgement_n jealousy_n etc._n etc._n and_o penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a mind_n and_o spirit_n obscure_v and_o trouble_v the_o under_o stand_v our_o only_a director_n and_o torture_v the_o will_n by_o pluck_v it_o violent_o contrary_a way_n almost_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o cause_v the_o most_o pestilent_a disorder_n that_o a_o wellmeaning_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o so_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v obstinate_o cherish_v it_o sometime_o end_v in_o direct_a frenzy_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o a_o desperate_a forsake_v of_o all_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o where_o it_o be_v in_o a_o less_o degree_n yet_o it_o cause_v image_n so_o distract_n so_o intime_o penetrate_v &_o so_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v so_o destructive_a to_o prayer_n with_o recollectednes_n that_o it_o deserve_v all_o care_n and_o prudence_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o prevent_n or_o expel_v it_o 4._o for_o which_o purpose_n i_o will_v here_o according_a to_o the_o best_a light_n that_o god_n have_v give_v i_o afford_v such_o tender_a soul_n as_o be_v upon_o this_o rack_n of_o scrupulosity_n the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v and_o such_o ac_fw-la if_o they_o will_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o practice_v according_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o through_o god_n help_v they_o will_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o passion_n i_o shall_v insist_v with_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a copiousnes_n upon_o this_o subject_n because_o this_o so_o dangerous_a a_o passion_n be_v but_o too_o ordinary_a among_o soul_n of_o the_o best_a disposition_n 5._o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v make_v this_o protestation_n that_o these_o foll_v wing_n instruction_n in_o which_o a_o great_a yet_o necessary_a condescendency_n be_v allow_v in_o many_o case_n do_v belong_v unto_o &_o application_n of_o they_o only_o to_o be_v make_v by_o such_o tender_a fearful_a soul_n as_o desire_v and_o intend_v sincere_o to_o follow_v internal_a prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n with_o as_o much_o courage_n &_o diligence_n as_o their_o frailty_n will_v permit_v such_o do_v indeed_o too_o often_o stand_v in_o need_n and_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o assistance_n &_o indulgence_n that_o reason_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v possible_o allow_v as_o be_v person_n thrt_n will_v probable_o turn_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o not_o to_o the_o ease_n or_o contentment_n of_o sensual_a nature_n which_o they_o account_v their_o great_a enemy_n and_o much_o less_o to_o unlawful_a liberty_n 6._o i_o do_v protest_v therefore_o against_o all_o extroverted_a liver_n or_o any_o of_o different_a temper_n and_o exercise_n that_o shall_v presume_v to_o apply_v or_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o any_o indulgence_n etc._n etc._n here_o not_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o they_o will_v but_o mislead_v themselves_o and_o reap_v harm_n by_o so_o do_v it_o seldom_o fall_v out_o that_o such_o person_n have_v a_o fear_n of_o a_o sin_n commit_v or_o of_o the_o mortal_a heynousnes_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o have_v be_v commit_v and_o therefore_o for_o no_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o trouble_n of_o mind_n ought_v they_o to_o expect_v any_o dispensation_n from_o due_a examination_n of_o their_o conscience_n express_v confession_n &c_n &c_n whereas_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o the_o forementioned_a tender_a soul_n do_v take_v those_o for_o mortal_a sin_n which_o be_v mere_a tentation_n yea_o perhaps_o pure_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o such_o strict_a examination_n or_o confession_n will_v only_o nourish_v their_o most_o distract_n anguish_v of_o mind_n &_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n 7._o now_o to_o encourage_v such_o tender_a wellminded_n soul_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o the_o like_a advice_n proper_a for_o they_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o that_o very_a disposition_n to_o wit_n a_o tender_a fearfullnes_n of_o offend_a god_n which_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o this_o so_o pernicious_a a_o passion_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o if_o they_o can_v avoid_v this_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v the_o most_o advantageous_a of_o all_o other_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o speedy_a progress_n in_o internal_a way_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o purity_n of_o heart_n the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o contemplation_n above_o all_o other_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a snare_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o hinder_v they_o namely_o by_o take_v advantage_n from_o such_o tenderness_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n full_a of_o multiplicity_n and_o unquiet_a apprehension_n with_o the_o which_o snare_n if_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v entangle_v they_o will_v find_v that_o scrupulosity_n will_v be_v far_o from_o be_v effectual_a to_o cure_v any_o of_o their_o imperfection_n yea_o it_o will_v make_v contemplative_a prayer_n impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o those_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o dangerous_a effect_n of_o it_o 8._o such_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v natural_a to_o many_o frequent_o happen_v to_o be_v much_o increase_v immediate_o after_o the_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o then_o especial_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v for_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o increase_n of_o tenderness_n at_o that_o time_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o conscience_n of_o former_a sin_n as_o too_o severe_a a_o judgement_n of_o their_o present_a imperfection_n the_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v multiply_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n give_v to_o their_o present_a exercise_n as_o likewise_o because_o â—y_a the_o practice_n of_o such_o exercise_n they_o have_v a_o new_a light_n to_o discover_v a_o world_n of_o defect_n former_o invisible_a to_o they_o hence_o they_o become_v fearful_a of_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o know_v as_o yet_o no_o other_o remedy_n but_o confession_n they_o torment_v themselves_o with_o anxious_a preparation_n thereto_o and_o their_o fear_n yet_o not_o cease_v by_o have_v receive_v absolution_n and_o beside_o the_o same_o opposition_n of_o sensuality_n against_o internal_a prayer_n continue_v they_o begin_v to_o suspect_v their_o former_a confession_n which_o therefore_o they_o renew_v so_o that_o all_o their_o thought_n almost_o be_v take_v up_o with_o these_o suspicion_n of_o themselves_o unsatisfaction_n in_o their_o confession_n &c_n &c_n and_o by_o give_v way_n to_o such_o anxious_a customary_a confession_n to_o which_o also_o perhaps_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o their_o indiscreet_a guide_n they_o endanger_v themselves_o to_o contract_v a_o incurable_a disease_n of_o most_o pernicious_a scrupulosity_n and_o servile_a fear_n from_o which_o terrible_a anguish_n deiectednes_n and_o heartlesnes_n in_o all_o spiritual_a duty_n do_v follow_v with_o danger_n of_o render_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o of_o a_o internal_a life_n begin_v a_o condition_n less_o fruitful_a yea_o more_o dangerous_a than_o a_o common_a extroverted_a life_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v 9_o devout_a fowl_n therefore_o be_v earnest_o wish_v to_o make_v timely_a provision_n against_o these_o inconueniency_n &_o courageous_o to_o resist_v scrupulosity_n in_o the_o beginning_n according_a to_o the_o advice_n here_o follow_a and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n and_o prudence_n as_o far_o as_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o likewise_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o directour_n that_o will_v feed_v this_o humour_n to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n most_o pernicious_a of_o frequent_a iterate_a confession_n either_o particular_a or_o general_n if_o such_o care_n be_v have_v in_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v no_o disease_n more_o easy_o curable_a
oblige_v observance_n less_o submiss_a to_o authority_n and_o less_o assiduous_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 4._o therefore_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a conuentuall_a recite_v of_o the_o offiice_fw-la they_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o obligation_n thereto_o do_v not_o at_o all_o lie_n upon_o particular_a religious_a under_o sin_n except_o when_o they_o have_v be_v pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la express_o command_v by_o superior_n to_o frequent_v the_o choir_n at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o determinate_a time_n at_o other_o time_n they_o may_v be_v pennanced_a for_o negligence_n and_o aught_o to_o submit_v willing_o thereto_o but_o the_o obligation_n under_o sin_n to_o see_v that_o duty_n discharge_v lie_v only_o upon_o superior_n 5._o again_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o choir_n in_o case_n that_o when_o other_o be_v repeat_v the_o office_n they_o be_v employ_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n as_o light_v of_o candle_n fetch_v or_o turn_v of_o book_n music_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o repeat_v such_o part_n of_o the_o office_n as_o have_v pass_v during_o such_o their_o employment_n neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a in_o case_n of_o any_o considerable_a feebleness_n that_o they_o shall_v strain_n their_o voice_n to_o the_o tone_n of_o the_o convent_n unless_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o religious_a the_o office_n through_o their_o silence_n can_v be_v solemn_o discharge_v moreover_o if_o any_o reasonable_a occasion_n concern_v the_o office_n require_v their_o go_v out_o of_o the_o choir_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o repeat_v afterward_o what_o shall_v have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o at_o their_o return_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o the_o community_n etc._n etc._n 6._o but_o as_o touch_v the_o say_n of_o the_o office_n in_o private_a it_o be_v the_o general_a vote_n of_o learned_a man_n 1._o that_o a_o very_a ordinary_a indisposition_n will_v suffice_v to_o dispense_v 2._o that_o the_o mistake_n of_o one_o office_n for_o another_o be_v not_o considerable_a since_o it_o be_v only_o a_o day_n office_n be_v enjoin_v and_o not_o such_o a_o determinate_a office_n 3_o that_o if_o a_o few_o verse_n now_o and_o then_o be_v omit_v that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o valuable_a 4._o that_o none_o be_v oblige_v to_o repetition_n for_o want_n of_o attention_n or_o for_o not_o exact_a pronunciation_n etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o scrupulous_a soul_n be_v in_o a_o uncertainty_n whether_o they_o have_v say_v such_o a_o particular_a hour_n or_o other_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o office_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o say_v it_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o time_n of_o say_v each_o part_n the_o liberty_n allow_v be_v full_o large_a enough_o other_o indulgence_n there_o be_v general_o permit_v of_o the_o which_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o inform_v themselves_o these_o will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o burden_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o many_o good_a tender_a soul_n do_v apprehend_v 7._o but_o the_o root_n of_o all_o these_o and_o all_o other_o scrupulous_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o positive_a assertion_n of_o certain_a learned_a doctor_n not_o censure_v or_o condemn_v by_o any_o viz._n that_o no_o religious_a person_n except_o they_o be_v in_o holy_a order_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o divine_a office_n in_o private_a under_o mortal_a sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o sin_n at_o all_o to_o omit_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n be_v evident_o in_o materia_fw-la gravi_fw-la 8._o the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v lessius_fw-la a_o very_a learned_a jesuit_n and_o marchantius_n a_o most_o prudent_a learned_a and_o conscientious_a provincial_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n francis_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o long_a experience_n in_o treat_v with_o tender_a soul_n profess_v that_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n in_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o timorous_a soul_n to_o publish_v this_o assertion_n and_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o press_v and_o conclude_v because_o the_o simple_a not-reciting_a of_o the_o office_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a for_o then_o all_o secular_n not_o recite_v it_o shall_v sin_v mortal_o there_o can_v be_v name_v no_o title_n under_o which_o it_o can_v be_v make_v obligatory_a 9_o for._n 1._o all_o those_o that_o will_v maintain_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v profess_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n for_o it_o for_o although_o our_o holy_a rule_n advise_v that_o in_o case_n any_o considerable_a number_n of_o religious_a by_o mean_n of_o any_o employment_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o the_o choir_n they_o shall_v in_o the_o place_n of_o such_o their_o employment_n recite_v the_o office_n in_o common_a yet_o it_o give_v no_o order_n at_o all_o to_o single_a religious_a person_n in_o that_o case_n 2._o the_o foundation_n and_o sustentation_n of_o religious_a community_n be_v not_o as_o that_o of_o cure_n or_o canonry_n to_o which_o there_o be_v correspondent_a by_o a_o debt_n of_o justice_n and_o virtual_a contract_v the_o recite_v of_o the_o canonical_a office_n so_o that_o restitution_n be_v due_a in_o case_n of_o omission_n but_o to_o foundation_n of_o monastery_n and_o pious_a oblation_n be_v correspondent_a only_o the_o performance_n and_o observance_n of_o religious_a vow_n fast_n austerity_n conuentuall_a prayer_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n &c_n &c_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o only_o oblation_n be_v make_v to_o conuent_v not_o under_o a_o title_n of_o justice_n but_o charity_n 10._o there_o remain_v therefore_o no_o other_o pretence_n for_o a_o obligation_n of_o particular_a religious_a not_o in_o sacris_fw-la to_o a_o private_a recite_v of_o the_o office_n but_o only_a custom_n that_o have_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o law._n now_o caietan_n doubt_v whether_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la there_o be_v any_o custom_n of_o it_o at_o all_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o receive_v neither_o be_v it_o by_o privilege_n that_o some_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o however_o if_o there_o be_v a_o custom_n yet_o that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n may_v appear_v 1._o because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o authority_n of_o superior_n it_o will_v have_v be_v establish_v by_o constitution_n which_o yet_o have_v never_o be_v do_v neither_o have_v any_o inquisition_n be_v make_v at_o visit_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o such_o a_o custom_n as_o a_o fault_n 2._o because_o those_o doctor_n that_o most_o urge_v the_o obligation_n thereto_o yet_o never_o pretend_v the_o omit_v to_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mortal_a sin_n it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o 3._o because_o several_a learned_a man_n have_v public_o without_o censure_n protest_v against_o any_o obligation_n flow_a from_o such_o a_o custom_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v permit_v if_o prelate_n and_o superior_n have_v a_o intention_n that_o their_o subject_n shall_v esteem_v such_o a_o custom_n obligatory_a 4._o because_o there_o be_v certain_a order_n as_o the_o franciscan_n the_o nun_n of_o the_o annunciata_n &c_n &c_n which_o by_o their_o rule_n and_o a_o express_a vow_n be_v oblige_v to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o office_n in_o particular_a in_o case_n of_o absence_n from_o the_o choir_n which_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a if_o the_o general_a custom_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v sufficient_o oblige_v 5._o the_o same_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o parity_n for_o whereas_o a_o custom_n have_v be_v general_o introduce_v among_o the_o cisâ—ertians_n by_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o order_n of_o recite_v the_o office_n of_o our_o b._n lady_n and_o of_o the_o dead_a yet_o in_o general_n chapter_n anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1618._o it_o be_v declare_v that_o this_o custom_n though_o introduce_v by_o the_o ancient_n and_o superior_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o lâ—w._n 11._o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o say_a author_n we_o may_v conceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o custom_n very_o laudable_o practise_v by_o devout_a souleâ—_n and_o have_v be_v indeed_o receive_v under_o title_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o convenient_a holy_a exercise_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v causeless_o neglect_v contemn_a or_o transgress_v a_o person_n so_o transgress_v if_o he_o do_v it_o out_o of_o indevotion_n and_o want_n of_o fervour_n in_o matter_n of_o piety_n may_v just_o be_v condemn_v or_o at_o least_o esteem_v a_o person_n indevout_a and_o negligent_a the_o which_o fault_n yet_o may_v be_v remedy_v some_o other_o more_o commodious_a way_n then_o by_o lay_v a_o snare_n upon_o tender_a soul_n or_o misinform_v they_o chap._n xi_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a kind_n of_o
against_o conscience_n or_o what_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v doubtful_a account_v every_o thing_n that_o they_o fear_v without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a reason_n of_o their_o fear_n to_o be_v against_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v doubtful_a it_o be_v therefore_o the_o spiritual_a director_n or_o experience_a confessor_n only_o that_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o all_o in_o the_o business_n but_o the_o good_a of_o his_o penitent_n soul_n who_o can_v judge_v without_o passion_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v judge_n and_o who_o unfaithful_a deal_n the_o penitent_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v 5._o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o be_v rid_v from_o scruple_n beside_o the_o have_v immediate_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o humble_a resign_v prayer_n but_o a_o entire_a indispensable_a obedience_n to_o prudent_a confessor_n proceed_v according_a to_o these_o or_o the_o like_a ground_n and_o instruction_n according_a to_o which_o if_o such_o tender_a soul_n take_v the_o courage_n to_o practice_v notwithstanding_o any_o fear_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n they_o will_v find_v their_o fear_n to_o decrease_v whereas_o if_o they_o neglect_v or_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n their_o fear_n will_v not_o only_o grow_v far_o more_o dangerous_a but_o they_o will_v become_v inexcusable_a before_o almighty_a god_n and_o contract_v the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o disobedience_n ingratitude_n and_o wilful_a obstinacy_n &_o resistance_n against_o the_o light_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 6._o but_o withal_o they_o must_v know_v that_o they_o will_v never_o have_v sufficient_a strength_n and_o grace_n to_o obey_v against_o passion_n except_o they_o serious_o practice_v internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o alone_o will_v make_v their_o obedience_n to_o become_v by_o custom_n far_o more_o easy_a and_o also_o free_v from_o that_o horror_n which_o at_o the_o first_o they_o will_v feel_v in_o sensitive_a nature_n 7._o neither_o ought_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o their_o confessor_n set_v over_o they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o good_a do_v not_o understand_v their_o case_n aright_o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o pain_n they_o suffer_v no_o more_o then_o corporal_a physician_n do_v their_o patient_n but_o yet_o they_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o far_o better_a than_o themselves_o proceed_v by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n not_o cloud_v by_o passion_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o pretend_v to_o know_v the_o cause_n be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o what_o interest_n be_v likely_a to_o corrupt_v their_o judgement_n will_v they_o for_o no_o reward_n or_o gain_v incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n 8._o notwithstanding_o so_o subtle_a such_o soul_n be_v to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v yield_v that_o their_o confessor_n know_v their_o past_a state_n yet_o they_o see_v some_o new_a circumstance_n which_o be_v either_o forget_v or_o they_o doubt_v so_o the_o which_o may_v perhaps_o alter_v the_o whole_a case_n as_o likewise_o every_o new_a sin_n or_o defect_n have_v somewhat_o in_o it_o to_o their_o seem_n different_a from_o the_o former_a by_o which_o they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o escape_v from_o obedience_n yet_o they_o must_v know_v that_o not_o all_o these_o shift_n will_v excuse_v they_o before_o god_n 9_o yea_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o confessor_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v notwithstanding_o the_o penitent_a practise_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la according_a to_o his_o order_n in_o a_o point_n of_o this_o nature_n about_o confession_n which_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a precept_n shall_v commit_v no_o sin_n nor_o incur_v the_o least_o danger_n by_o it_o yea_o being_n a_o act_n of_o obedience_n for_o god_n sake_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o natural_a passion_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o merit_n to_o they_o so_o that_o though_o the_o sin_n suspect_v by_o they_o be_v indeed_o mortal_a yet_o he_o judge_v otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o confess_v they_o 10._o but_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v in_o soul_n very_o distrustful_a of_o themselves_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n such_o a_o obstinate_a selfe-iudgment_n in_o this_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v scrupulous_a though_o their_o wit_n be_v almost_o perish_v by_o scrupulosity_n for_o if_o this_o be_v once_o admit_v plain_a reason_n will_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v their_o own_o judge_n as_o likewise_o in_o soul_n otherwise_o very_o innocent_a humble_a and_o most_o pliable_a to_o obedience_n the_o pertinacious_a disobedience_n in_o this_o point_n of_o abstain_v from_o confess_v or_o renew_v confession_n of_o thing_n forbid_v they_o to_o be_v confess_v be_v very_o strange_a so_o that_o against_o the_o command_n of_o their_o present_a confessor_n and_o the_o advice_n of_o all_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n they_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o reluctance_n and_o if_o their_o confessor_n will_v not_o admit_v they_o they_o will_v forbear_v no_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o other_o though_o whole_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o state_n to_o hear_v their_o scrupulosity_n and_o what_o other_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v of_o such_o disorder_n but_o only_a self-love_n deep_o root_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o ofttimes_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o which_o such_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o disorder_a imagination_n and_o passion_n be_v miserable_o expose_v they_o have_v rather_o confess_v their_o virtue_n for_o fault_n as_o their_o have_v resist_v their_o fear_n in_o compliance_n with_o obedience_n than_o their_o real_o great_a fault_n which_o be_v self_n judgement_n and_o disobedience_n 11._o a_o scrupulous_a fearful_a soul_n have_v be_v command_v to_o forbear_v examination_n and_o confession_n of_o such_o particular_n as_o do_v cause_n unquietnes_n in_o she_o when_o she_o come_v to_o put_v this_o in_o practice_n a_o double_a fear_n will_v present_v itself_o to_o she_o the_o one_o of_o disobey_v her_o confessor_n and_o the_o other_o of_o go_v against_o her_o natural_a judgement_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o her_o confessor_n but_o she_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o former_a fear_n have_v nothing_o of_o nature_n in_o it_o yea_o that_o it_o contradict_v nature_n in_o its_o most_o sensible_a part_n and_o therefore_o be_v far_o more_o worthy_a to_o take_v place_n as_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o go_v against_o her_o own_o judgement_n it_o proceed_v whole_o and_o only_o from_o nature_n self-love_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v ride_v of_o her_o present_a pain_n that_o the_o memory_n of_o her_o fault_n cause_n in_o she_o or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n urge_v she_o to_o disobedience_n therefore_o if_o she_o can_v expel_v this_o fear_n out_o of_o sensitive_a nature_n she_o must_v accept_v it_o as_o a_o pain_n but_o withal_o contradict_v it_o as_o a_o tentation_n 12._o she_o ought_v to_o assure_v herself_o that_o more_o harm_n come_v to_o she_o and_o incomparable_o great_a impediment_n in_o her_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n by_o indiscreet_a confession_n or_o examination_n make_v mere_o to_o satisfy_v scrupulosity_n then_o by_o all_o the_o defect_n that_o she_o will_v confess_v the_o which_o be_v general_o incur_v out_o of_o frailty_n do_v far_o less_o estrange_v she_o from_o god_n than_o such_o confession_n do_v by_o which_o she_o be_v habituate_v in_o self-will_a selfe-iudgment_n and_o servile_a fear_n all_o which_o be_v the_o more_o perilous_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v a_o pretence_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n as_o also_o of_o humility_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n 13._o common_a reason_n will_v dictate_v that_o it_o be_v most_o unfit_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v judge_n of_o his_o own_o state_n just_a at_o a_o time_n when_o a_o tentation_n or_o violent_a fear_n be_v actual_o predominant_a the_o which_o do_v put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o strange_a confusion_n and_o darkness_n what_o a_o folly_n therefore_o &_o presumption_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o woman_n ignonorant_a passionate_a and_o fearful_a to_o challenge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n and_o to_o think_v to_o regulate_v the_o judge_n that_o sit_v in_o god_n seat_n 14._o let_v therefore_o fearful_a soul_n that_o be_v forbid_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o curious_a examination_n of_o conscience_n &_o nice_a confession_n whensoever_o any_o scruple_n or_o suspicion_n concern_v a_o mortal_a sin_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n that_o will_v urge_v they_o to_o run_v for_o ease_n to_o confession_n or_o that_o will_v affright_v they_o from_o communicate_v let_v they_o i_o say_v content_v themselves_o with_o ask_v their_o own_o conscience_n in_o one_o glance_n of_o their_o mind_n do_v
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
profane_a unless_o they_o be_v use_v with_o prayer_n 2._o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o only_o in_o the_o use_n of_o creature_n by_o eat_v &_o drink_v &c_n &c_n but_o also_o in_o all_o our_o other_o action_n whatsoever_o to_o join_v prayer_n &_o a_o consecrate_v of_o they_o to_o god_n glory_n so_o that_o if_o we_o comply_v with_o these_o our_o obligation_n &_o duty_n we_o must_v continual_o either_o be_v in_o actual_a prayer_n or_o busy_v in_o something_o do_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n 6._o now_o as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o first_o treatise_n that_o although_o all_o be_v not_o oblige_v necessary_o to_o attain_v unto_o the_o perfection_n proportionable_a to_o each_o one_o state_n yet_o all_o be_v necessary_o bind_v to_o aspire_v thereunto_o because_o no_o man_n can_v love_v god_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n &_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v account_v worthy_a of_o he_o who_o be_v our_o only_a good_a &_o beatitude_n that_o shall_v fix_v any_o limit_n to_o his_o love_n or_o that_o shall_v not_o aspire_v continual_o to_o a_o further_o &_o high_a degree_n of_o his_o love_n so_o here_o likewise_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v that_o this_o precept_n of_o pray_v continual_o so_o indefinite_o express_v so_o earnest_o press_v so_o universal_o apply_v both_o by_o our_o lord_n &_o his_o apostle_n to_o all_o christian_n do_v infer_v a_o indefinite_a &_o universal_a obligation_n so_o as_o that_o although_o none_o but_o the_o perfect_a do_v real_o fulfil_v it_o yet_o all_o even_o the_o most_o imperfect_a can_v without_o danger_n dispense_v with_o or_o neglect_v the_o endeavour_v &_o aspire_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o every_o one_o must_v exercise_v as_o much_o prayer_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o sanctify_v his_o vocation_n &_o make_v the_o work_n &_o duty_n of_o his_o life_n acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o helpful_a to_o the_o procure_n of_o his_o eternal_a felicity_n 7._o and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o obligation_n be_v both_o very_a firm_a &_o manifest_a which_o be_v this_o that_o even_o reason_n dictate_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n we_o do_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o last_o end_n which_o be_v god_n that_o be_v with_o a_o sanctify_a intention_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o do_v with_o a_o right_a intention_n in_o order_n to_o god_n be_v of_o no_o worth_a at_o all_o be_v only_o a_o work_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n now_o since_o there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o do_v sanctify_v all_o thing_n &_o action_n to_o wit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o prayer_n the_o word_n of_o god_n general_o that_o be_v the_o certain_a &_o reveil_v will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o lawful_a to_o be_v use_v or_o do_v &_o prayer_n in_o particular_a proceed_v from_o faith_n or_o assurance_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a &_o thereupon_o acknowlege_v it_o to_o be_v god_n gift_n desire_v his_o blessing_n on_o it_o &_o refer_v it_o to_o his_o glory_n hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o since_o without_o prayer_n all_o thing_n be_v unsanctified_a or_o profane_a not_o at_o all_o conduce_v to_o our_o last_o end_n but_o rather_o prejudicial_a to_o it_o therefore_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o sanctify_v all_o their_o action_n &_o work_n by_o prayer_n 8._o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n &_o sanctity_n in_o any_o man_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o virtue_n that_o prayer_n have_v upon_o his_o action_n for_o the_o more_o &_o more_o frequent_o that_o his_o ordinary_a action_n be_v perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n the_o more_o perfect_a &_o holy_a such_o a_o one_o be_v &_o the_o more_o approach_v to_o his_o chief_a end_n and_o he_o who_o action_n do_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n flow_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o yet_o right_o dispose_v towards_o his_o last_o end_n 9_o now_o though_o perhaps_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v say_v that_o hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la actual_a prayer_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v under_o mortal_a sin_n yet_o withal_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o that_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o mortal_o sinful_a estate_n that_o do_v not_o use_v so_o much_o prayer_n as_o thereby_o to_o sanctify_v &_o render_v meritorious_a the_o generality_n of_o his_o more_o serious_a action_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n mortal_o sinful_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n live_v wilful_o &_o habitual_o in_o a_o neglect_n of_o grace_n which_o can_v no_o way_n be_v obtain_v without_o prayer_n therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n never_o ask_v any_o instruction_n but_o how_o to_o pray_v for_o that_o skill_n be_v once_o have_v all_o other_o good_a thing_n be_v consequent_o have_v and_o when_o all_o other_o action_n be_v perform_v by_o grace_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n &_o for_o the_o end_n propose_v in_o prayer_n than_o a_o person_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n and_o much_o more_o if_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o actual_a elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n 10._o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n to_o which_o our_o holy_a rule_n oblige_v we_o to_o aspire_v namely_o beside_o the_o set_v exercise_n either_o of_o vocal_a or_o internal_a prayer_n to_o preserve_v our_o soul_n in_o a_o uninterrupt_a attention_n to_o god_n &_o tendance_n in_o spirit_n to_o he_o so_o as_o that_o whatsoever_o action_n we_o do_v they_o shall_v he_o accompany_v instantissima_fw-la oratione_fw-la with_o a_o most_o fervent_a &_o perseverant_fw-la prayer_n and_o that_o this_o perfection_n of_o continual_a prayer_n in_o a_o supreme_a degree_n have_v be_v real_o attain_v to_o by_o the_o ancient_a contemplative_n &_o account_v by_o they_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o their_o vocation_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o what_o we_o read_v in_o several_a place_n in_o cassian_n hic_fw-la finis_fw-la totius_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v a_o holy_a hermit_n there_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n to_o have_v the_o soul_n become_v so_o extenuate_v &_o purify_v from_o all_o carnal_a desire_n as_o that_o it_o may_v continual_o be_v in_o a_o actual_a ascent_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n until_o all_o its_o conversation_n &_o employment_n &_o every_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n become_v one_o continual_a prayer_n we_o mention_v likewise_o before_o a_o hermit_n who_o spirit_n be_v so_o continual_o fix_v on_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o though_o he_o endeavour_v depress_v it_o for_o so_o small_a a_o time_n as_o till_o he_o may_v fetch_v from_o the_o other_o end_n of_o his_o cell_n some_o small_a thing_n that_o his_o neighbour_n desire_v of_o he_o the_o like_a continual_a attention_n to_o god_n gregory_n lopez_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v in_o himself_o by_o long_a practice_n of_o recollection_n so_o that_o though_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v on_o he_o the_o which_o attention_n &_o union_n no_o work_n conversation_n or_o study_n can_v interrupt_v another_o hermit_n likewise_o in_o cassian_n in_o 19_o conf._n call_v john_n say_v of_o himself_o how_o he_o forget_v whether_o he_o have_v take_v his_o daily_a sustenance_n so_o continual_a be_v his_o prayer_n by_o which_o their_o sense_n become_v so_o stupefy_v that_o they_o see_v not_o what_o be_v before_o their_o eye_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v report_v in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o father_n that_o when_o a_o certain_a religious_a man_n in_o a_o journey_n meet_v with_o a_o little_a troop_n of_o religious_a woman_n &_o see_v they_o purposely_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v they_o the_o abbess_n say_v to_o he_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a monk_n indeed_o though_o thou_o have_v see_v we_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v know_v that_o we_o be_v woman_n 11._o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o continue_v without_o interruption_n in_o vocal_a prayer_n there_o be_v so_o many_o necessary_a occasion_n hourly_o occur_v to_o employ_v the_o tongue_n other_o way_n beside_o that_o it_o will_v utter_o exhaust_v the_o spirit_n and_o as_o for_o meditation_n the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v so_o painful_a that_o it_o will_v destroy_v the_o head_n to_o force_v the_o imagination_n continual_o to_o invent_v &_o discourse_v internal_o on_o divine_a or_o spiritual_a object_n 12._o therefore_o by_o no_o other_o manner_n of_o prayer_n but_o the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n in_o holy_a desire_n &c_n &c_n can_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v perfect_o accomplish_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v natural_o in_o a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o some_o one_o desire_n or_o other_o the_o which_o be_v not_o all_o at_o painful_a to_o her_o be_v her_o natural_a employment_n so_o that_o if_o by_o
pure_a prayer_n do_v thereby_o omit_v due_a petition_n for_o either_o common_a or_o particular_a necessity_n on_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o necessity_n be_v know_v to_o god_n who_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o ardent_o desire_v a_o supply_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o much_o in_o make_v express_a prayer_n for_o they_o because_o they_o will_v rather_o employ_v their_o affection_n in_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o know_v be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o not-expresse-asking_a they_o do_v privy_o and_o most_o efficacious_o ask_v &_o obtain_v the_o say_v petition_n and_o as_o for_o devotion_n to_o saint_n they_o account_v it_o to_o be_v their_o chief_a honour_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v 29._o the_o seven_o &_o last_o objection_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o author_n have_v before_o answer_v in_o his_o account_n to_o his_o general_n viz._n that_o this_o fashion_n of_o prayer_n call_v soul_n from_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n institute_v by_o s._n ignatius_n the_o which_o answer_n need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o diversity_n of_o prayer_n may_v cause_v faction_n in_o the_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o perfect_a may_v lawful_o practice_v way_n not_o common_a to_o the_o imperfect_a without_o any_o fear_n of_o division_n or_o any_o intention_n of_o contradict_v or_o despise_v of_o other_o 30._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n both_o of_o the_o account_v give_v by_o the_o v._o r._n father_n baltazar_n aluarez_n to_o his_o general_n touch_v his_o prayer_n as_o likewise_o of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o tempest_n raise_v against_o he_o be_v as_o to_o his_o own_o person_n very_o prosperous_a &_o happy_a for_o after_o a_o most_o strict_a examination_n his_o innocence_n &_o truth_n be_v assert_v by_o his_o write_n &_o his_o most_o humble_a patience_n manifest_v in_o his_o whole_a behaviour_n moreover_o the_o general_n conceive_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o he_o that_o he_o prefer_v he_o to_o two_o office_n successive_o of_o the_o great_a dignity_n &_o trust_n that_o the_o society_n than_o have_v in_o spain_n notwithstanding_o the_o same_o general_n not_o approve_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a manner_n of_o prayer_n though_o acknowledged_a to_o proceed_v from_o a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v common_o disperse_v and_o indifferent_o teach_v through_o the_o order_n as_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o activity_n yet_o none_o ever_o do_v execute_v the_o office_n impose_v with_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o say_v r._n father_n baltazar_n therefore_o a_o decree_n be_v make_v to_o forbid_v the_o spread_a of_o it_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v produce_v the_o desire_a effect_n the_o second_o section_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n of_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n viz._n meditation_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o several_a degree_n and_o station_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n as_o the_o three_o way_n purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o 5._o they_o be_v best_a distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n §_o 6._o 7._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n §_o 16._o 17._o how_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o say_a degree_n §_o 18._o 19_o how_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a §_o 20._o 21._o the_o degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o diverse_a but_o that_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v intermix_v §_o 22._o 23._o 24._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n to_o wit_n meditation_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o way_n also_o purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a 1._o it_o be_v general_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o that_o write_v treatise_n of_o spiritual_a doctrine_n to_o begin_v with_o a_o division_n of_o the_o several_a station_n or_o ascent_n observe_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o but_o such_o a_o division_n i_o have_v conceive_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v reserve_v to_o this_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o spiritual_a progress_n there_o be_v a_o ascent_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n universal_o of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o well_o of_o mortification_n as_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o a_o progress_n be_v to_o be_v make_v with_o reference_n principal_o to_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o increase_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n whereof_o so_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v make_v a_o proportionable_a progress_n in_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o virtue_n dispose_v to_o contemplation_n and_o perfection_n 2._o now_o several_a mystic_a author_n according_a to_o the_o several_a notion_n that_o they_o have_v both_o of_o the_o end_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o mean_v conduce_v thereto_o have_v by_o several_a term_n make_v the_o division_n of_o its_o degree_n the_o most_o ancient_a division_n be_v into_o three_o state_n 1._o of_o beginner_n 2._o of_o proficient_n 3._o of_o such_o as_o be_v perfect_a yet_o withal_o they_o do_v not_o signify_v by_o what_o distinctive_a mark_v each_o of_o these_o state_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o other_o but_o general_o in_o latter_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v divide_v 1._o into_o the_o purgative_n way_n in_o which_o all_o sinful_a defect_n be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n 2._o the_o illuminative_a way_n by_o which_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v introduce_v 3._o the_o vnitive_a way_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o exercise_n to_o wit_n a_o union_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n by_o perfect_a charity_n 3._o beside_o these_o many_o other_o division_n may_v be_v find_v as_o of_o f._n benet_n canfield_n who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o all_o our_o exercise_n do_v by_o a_o division_n of_o the_o say_a will_n into_o 1._o externall_n 2._o internal_a 3._o essential_a or_o supereminent_a will_n virtual_o divide_v all_o spiritual_a exercise_n into_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a and_o conformable_a to_o these_o three_o notion_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will._n again_o other_o divide_v all_o exercise_n into_o 1._o active_a 2._o contemplative_a etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v of_o no_o importance_n which_o of_o these_o division_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v 4._o but_o since_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o degree_n of_o perfection_n general_o understand_v as_o relate_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v best_a conceive_v and_o measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o indeed_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v degree_n as_o several_a state_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o mortification_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n because_o the_o perfect_a do_v the_o same_o action_n though_o in_o a_o more_o perfect_a degree_n than_o the_o imperfect_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o r._n f._n constantin_n barbanson_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o experience_a author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v secret_n sentier_n de_fw-fr l'amour_fw-fr divin_v divide_v the_o whole_a progress_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a life_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o prayer_n which_o say_v he_o have_v these_o degree_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o meditation_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n without_o meditation_n the_o which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o imperfect_a 3._o afterward_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o a_o experimental_a perception_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o she_o 4._o then_o follow_v the_o great_a desolation_n 5._o the_o which_o be_v pass_v there_o succeed_v a_o sublime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o from_o thence_o after_o many_o interchangeable_a rise_n and_o fall_n the_o which_o be_v find_v likewise_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n the_o soul_n enter_v into_o the_o divine_a yet_o most_o secret_a way_n of_o perfection_n 5._o now_o this_o order_n of_o he_o in_o gross_a as_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o suitable_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o follow_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o collect_v the_o four_o last_o degree_n into_o one_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o distinguish_v three_o degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o wit_n 1._o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n 2._o the_o prayer_n of_o force_a immediate_a act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n without_o discourse_n preparatory_a thereto_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o pure_a active_a contemplation_n or_o aspiration_n as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o without_o any_o force_n flow_a from_o the_o
able_a to_o heave_v up_o herself_o unto_o god_n in_o darkness_n and_o vacancy_n of_o image_n and_o be_v likewise_o a_o spiritual_a faculty_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o devil_n influence_n who_o have_v great_a dominion_n over_o our_o corporeal_a power_n to_o suggest_v representation_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v good_a to_o make_v the_o discourse_v part_n of_o meditation_n as_o short_a as_o may_v be_v so_o as_o that_o if_o the_o mere_a reflection_n on_o a_o mystery_n will_v suffice_v to_o produce_v a_o good_a affection_n the_o person_n be_v to_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n 11._o to_o conclude_v the_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a variety_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o soul_n be_v consider_v and_o likewise_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o necessary_o follow_n a_o misapplication_n of_o spirit_n to_o exercise_n improper_a for_o they_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o good_a soul_n can_v sufficient_o be_v bewail_v who_o by_o their_o profession_n be_v as_o it_o be_v imprison_v in_o a_o solitary_a religious_a life_n and_o be_v natural_o unapt_a for_o discourse_n be_v yet_o kepd_v all_o their_o life_n in_o meditation_n repeat_v over_o and_o over_o again_o the_o same_o toilsome_a method_n without_o any_o progress_n in_o spirit_n to_o their_o great_a anguish_n and_o disquietness_n and_o this_o misery_n be_v much_o great_a in_o religious_a woman_n who_o have_v no_o diversion_n of_o study_n or_o employment_n can_v possible_o find_v exercise_n for_o their_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o see_v great_a defect_n and_o unsatisfaction_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o know_v the_o only_a cure_n of_o they_o which_o be_v by_o ascend_v to_o the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n their_o imperfection_n increase_v and_o their_o anguish_n proportionable_o without_o any_o know_a mean_n to_o amend_v they_o chap._n iii_o §_o 11._o how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o exercise_n meditation_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n what_o inconvenient_a practice_n &_o method_n therein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n what_o order_n be_v positive_o to_o be_v observe_v §_o 15._o the_o ground_n of_o those_o advice_n §_o 16._o 17._o etc._n etc._n further_n special_a instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 23._o a_o particular_a way_n of_o meditation_n in_o blosius_n 1._o intend_v now_o to_o set_v down_o more_o particular_a instruction_n and_o advice_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n a_o soul_n by_o her_o choice_n or_o profession_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n ought_v in_o order_n thereto_o to_o practice_v the_o low_a &_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v meditation_n i_o will_v first_o show_v such_o a_o beginner_n what_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v that_o be_v what_o practice_n and_o order_n he_o be_v to_o avoid_v 2._o and_o next_o how_o he_o be_v to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o former_a therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o commend_v that_o i_o will_v scarce_o permit_v soul_n live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n as_o all_o enclose_a religious_a woman_n do_v etc._n etc._n to_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o a_o prescribe_a method_n in_o meditation_n or_o to_o those_o many_o and_o nice_a rule_n which_o be_v ordain_v by_o some_o modern_a author_n as_o 1._o that_o a_o soul_n shall_v put_v herself_o in_o the_o divine_a presence_n 2._o that_o she_o shall_v make_v act_n of_o contrition_n 3._o that_o she_o shall_v select_v point_n of_o meditation_n 4._o that_o she_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o such_o a_o order_n with_o such_o frame_n of_o representation_n of_o the_o person_n time_n place_n posture_n etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o thence_o she_o shall_v draw_v motive_n of_o good_a affection_n 6._o that_o thereupon_o she_o shall_v draw_v petition_n 7._o that_o afterward_o she_o shall_v make_v purpose_n 8._o that_o thereto_o she_o shall_v adjoine_v thanksgiving_n 9_o morevoer_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o list_n of_o imperfection_n or_o fault_n commit_v the_o day_n &c_n &c_n before_o and_o make_v expunction_n of_o fault_n amend_v 10._o that_o in_o conclusion_n she_o shall_v make_v a_o examen_fw-la how_o her_o meditation_n have_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o her_o spiritual_a director_n etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o intention_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o use_n of_o such_o method_n and_o order_n among_o those_o where_o they_o be_v first_o invent_v &_o be_v still_o practise_v for_o they_o may_v well_o enough_o agree_v with_o their_o institute_n which_o be_v far_o more_o active_a than_o contemplative_a but_o among_o solitary_a contemplative_a spirit_n such_o order_n be_v indeed_o a_o disorder_n and_o a_o nice_a observance_n of_o such_o ceremonious_a method_n will_v be_v more_o distractive_a and_o painful_a than_o the_o simple_a exercise_n itself_o and_o particular_o the_o expectation_n that_o a_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o one_o thought_n during_o meditation_n will_v afford_v more_o business_n to_o a_o soul_n than_o the_o mystery_n on_o which_o she_o meditate_v so_o that_o she_o will_v be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o her_o director_n then_o to_o perform_v her_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o s._n theresa_n with_o just_a reason_n complain_v against_o those_o directour_n which_o fetter_v and_o encumber_v their_o disciple_n mind_n with_o order_n and_o rule_n which_o require_v more_o attention_n than_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n itself_o 4._o how_o to_o meditate_v proffitable_o though_o not_o curious_o be_v quick_o and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n learn_v by_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o but_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o say_a prescript_n be_v both_o difficult_a incombr_v and_o unproffitable_a be_v indeed_o little_o better_a than_o a_o mispending_a of_o the_o time_n i_o mean_v for_o soul_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 5._o moreover_o in_o meditation_n i_o will_v not_o tie_v the_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o go_v beside_o or_o beyond_o the_o understanding_n on_o the_o contrary_a my_o advice_n and_o request_n be_v that_o the_o will_n so_o it_o be_v carry_v towards_o god_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v and_o that_o scope_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o good_a affection_n not_o care_v whether_o such_o affection_n be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o present_a subject_n to_o be_v consider_v on_o at_o that_o time_n upon_o condition_n that_o the_o soul_n find_v that_o she_o bestow_v herself_o more_o efficacious_o on_o god_n by_o such_o affection_n then_o by_o those_o which_o will_v proper_o flow_v from_o the_o present_a motive_n consider_v 6._o neither_o will_v i_o that_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v choose_v one_o point_n or_o mystery_n to_o meditate_v on_o she_o shall_v strict_o oblige_v herself_o to_o proceed_v on_o with_o it_o but_o that_o if_o without_o a_o voluntary_a rove_a and_o seek_v any_o other_o shall_v offer_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n more_o grateful_a and_o more_o gustfull_a to_o the_o soul_n she_o shall_v entertain_v the_o latter_a hold_v herself_o to_o it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o well_o last_v and_o it_o cease_v then_o lâ—t_v she_o return_v to_o the_o first_o propose_v subject_n and_o the_o like_a liberty_n i_o recommend_v in_o the_o follow_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n whensoever_o any_o act_n or_o good_a affection_n be_v suggest_v to_o the_o mind_n beside_o those_o which_o the_o soul_n find_v in_o her_o paper_n propose_v for_o the_o present_a recollection_n 7._o notwithstanding_o in_o case_n that_o the_o new_a matter_n or_o affection_n occur_v by_o such_o as_o that_o it_o do_v feed_v some_o over-abounding_a humour_n or_o passion_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o fear_v even_o of_o god_n himself_o tenderness_n shed_v of_o tear_n scrupulosity_n or_o deiectednes_n of_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n permit_v a_o soul_n to_o entertain_v her_o mind_n with_o such_o matter_n because_o she_o will_v thereby_o only_o plunge_v herself_o more_o deep_o into_o nature_n and_o immortification_n and_o not_o at_o all_o purify_v her_o inordinate_a affection_n such_o soul_n even_o in_o the_o beginning_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v such_o matter_n for_o their_o prayer_n and_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o quit_v other_o good_a matter_n for_o that_o this_o advice_n extend_v likewise_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o 8._o now_o such_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o permission_n to_o change_v the_o present_a matter_n or_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v allow_v only_o when_o the_o say_a change_n proceed_v not_o out_o of_o sloth_n inconstancy_n a_o vain_a please_a of_o the_o fancy_n or_o affection_n but_o out_o of_o a_o judicious_a election_n or_o from_o a_o interior_a invitation_n the_o
least_o she_o must_v resolve_v diligent_o &_o faithful_o to_o pursue_v she_o daily_o appoint_a exercise_n since_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a instrument_n by_o which_o divine_a light_n &_o grace_n against_o all_o tentation_n be_v administer_v to_o us._n so_o that_o if_o prayer_n be_v due_o perform_v be_v it_o with_o distraction_n or_o without_o they_o it_o will_v both_o urge_v a_o soul_n to_o use_v fit_v mortification_n out_o of_o prayer_n and_o to_o make_v advantage_n towards_o the_o perfectionate_v and_o advance_v of_o her_o spirit_n even_o of_o the_o distraction_n &_o encumbrance_n of_o her_o office_n whereas_o if_o she_o be_v careless_a in_o prayer_n she_o will_v become_v careless_a also_o in_o mortification_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o will_v loose_v all_o that_o which_o with_o great_a pain_n &_o travail_n she_o have_v former_o get_v yea_o &_o be_v in_o very_o great_a peril_n never_o to_o find_v a_o way_n to_o return_v to_o her_o former_a state_n 14._o certain_o if_o any_o distraction_n or_o employment_n can_v justify_v a_o soul_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o internal_a prayer_n those_o which_o attend_v the_o popedom_n the_o high_a weighty_a and_o most_o incessant_o encombr_v office_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o may_v do_v it_o yet_o s._n bernard_n in_o those_o excellent_a book_n of_o consideration_n write_v to_o pope_n eugenius_n the_o three_o serious_o advise_v he_o not_o so_o whole_o to_o plunge_v himself_o in_o business_n but_o that_o every_o day_n he_o shall_v borrow_v or_o steal_v from_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n some_o hour_n to_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n 15._o hereupon_o granatensis_n will_v allow_v of_o no_o excuse_n under_o pretence_n of_o business_n to_o cease_v from_o pursue_v daily_a recollection_n for_o say_v he_o no_o business_n can_v be_v so_o necessary_a &_o so_o continual_o urgent_a as_o to_o hinder_v our_o daily_a necessary_a refection_n now_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o necessary_a if_o not_o more_o then_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o business_n be_v to_o be_v dispatch_v just_a at_o the_o hour_n appoint_v for_o daily_o spiritual_a refection_n the_o person_n foresee_v that_o aught_o to_o repair_v himself_o by_o take_v some_o other_o vacant_a time_n for_o his_o prayer_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v he_o he_o may_v &_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o aquaviua_fw-la general_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o solicit_v his_o superior_n to_o give_v he_o some_o relaxation_n from_o such_o employment_n which_o the_o superior_a be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v otherwise_o god_n will_v require_v a_o severe_a account_n from_o he_o for_o the_o harm_n that_o must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o subject_n soul_n by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o which_o be_v only_o able_a to_o support_v the_o spirit_n &_o to_o enable_v it_o with_o profit_n to_o discharge_v the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o call_n 16._o if_o either_o out_o of_o sloth_n distraction_n or_o remorse_n through_o some_o imperfection_n incur_v a_o soul_n find_v difficulty_n to_o apply_v herself_o any_o time_n to_o prayer_n though_o she_o promise_v better_o for_o the_o future_a yet_o if_o upon_o any_o motive_n of_o sensual_a nature_n she_o omit_v it_o at_o any_o time_n she_o will_v the_o day_n follow_a have_n less_o mind_n to_o go_v to_o it_o &_o so_o be_v in_o danger_n quite_o to_o abandon_v her_o recollection_n if_o she_o have_v not_o the_o very_a same_o excuse_n &_o pretence_n that_o she_o have_v former_o nature_n will_v be_v subtle_a enough_o to_o invent_v some_o other_o for_o the_o long_o she_o delay_n the_o more_o unapt_a will_v she_o be_v for_o it_o according_a to_o that_o wise_a say_n of_o the_o ancient_a rabbin_n qui_fw-la protrudit_fw-la horam_fw-la hora_fw-la protrudet_fw-la ipsum_fw-la that_o be_v he_o that_o thrust_v of_o the_o hour_n of_o do_v any_o good_a duty_n till_o another_o time_n that_o hour_n when_o it_o come_v will_v thrust_v of_o &_o delay_v he_o he_o will_v be_v less_o capable_a than_o of_o do_v his_o duty_n than_o he_o be_v former_o by_o mean_n of_o some_o new_a impediment_n whereas_o a_o soul_n by_o use_v some_o violence_n upon_o herself_o to_o break_v through_o discouragement_n to_o prayer_n will_v get_v such_o courage_n &_o grace_n from_o god_n that_o afterward_o her_o employment_n will_v afford_v she_o less_o hindrance_n unto_o this_o holy_a duty_n 17._o to_o this_o purpose_n johannes_n a_o jesu_n maria_n general_n of_o the_o discalced_a carmelites_n relate_v concern_v a_o devout_a gentleman_n a_o penitent_a of_o he_o who_o daily_o use_v at_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o recollect_v himself_o in_o prayer_n how_o that_o treat_v with_o another_o upon_o some_o affair_n of_o consequence_n &_o the_o clock_n happen_v to_o strike_v the_o hour_n appoint_v for_o his_o prayer_n he_o abrupt_o break_v of_o the_o conversation_n excuse_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v then_o a_o affair_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v delay_v &_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v and_o so_o dismiss_v his_o friend_n he_o retire_v to_o his_o recollection_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v as_o in_o reward_n for_o his_o diligence_n &_o fidelity_n to_o he_o to_o visit_v he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o supernatural_a contemplation_n such_o as_o he_o have_v never_o have_v experience_n of_o before_o 18._o a_o wellminded_n soul_n therefore_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o attend_v to_o this_o business_n of_o business_n as_o s._n bernard_n call_v it_o ought_v to_o employ_v all_o her_o providence_n &_o subtlety_n so_o to_o order_v all_o her_o daily_a employment_n both_o for_o time_n &_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n thereto_o let_v she_o if_o need_v be_v make_v note_n &_o remembrance_n of_o her_o several_a affair_n each_o day_n to_o the_o end_n her_o memory_n may_v not_o betray_v she_o &_o begin_v the_o morning_n with_o a_o serious_a recollection_n which_o will_v sanctify_v all_o the_o follow_a day_n work_n let_v she_o endeavour_v to_o dispatch_v her_o task_n with_o such_o care_n &_o diligence_n that_o towards_o evening_n she_o may_v be_v beforehand_o with_o her_o task_n of_o business_n that_o sollicitude_n about_o they_o may_v not_o disquiet_v her_o mind_n encumber_v her_o memory_n nor_o distract_v her_o prayer_n 19_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o employment_n that_o shall_v so_o whole_o &_o this_o constant_o take_v up_o one_o thought_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v one_o hour_n each_o day_n to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n or_o if_o such_o a_o employment_n be_v it_o will_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o much_o more_o that_o of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a person_n no_o excuse_n therefore_o or_o pretence_n can_v justify_v a_o customary_a neglect_n of_o so_o essential_a a_o duty_n 20._o in_o case_n that_o sometime_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o press_a affair_n the_o devout_a soul_n can_v allow_v herself_o the_o whole_a time_n appoint_v for_o her_o recollection_n let_v she_o at_o least_o take_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o let_v she_o in_o exchange_n take_v some_o other_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o night_n however_o let_v she_o preserve_v a_o thirst_a desire_n and_o love_n to_o prayer_n and_o by_o fervent_a interrupt_a actuation_n as_o the_o present_a business_n will_v permit_v &_o by_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a mortification_n especial_o of_o the_o tongue_n repair_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o set_v recollection_n 21._o if_o a_o soul_n in_o employment_n can_v free_v her_o mind_n from_o distraction_n aridity_n and_o sollicitude_n in_o prayer_n let_v she_o however_o be_v courageous_a to_o pursue_v it_o after_o the_o best_a manner_n she_o can_v preserve_v as_o much_o resignation_n &_o tranquillity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n as_o may_v be_v and_o let_v the_o sight_n of_o such_o imperfection_n humble_a but_o not_o disquiet_v her_o spirit_n let_v she_o consider_v &_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o as_o present_v to_o she_o in_o her_o spirit_n during_o her_o great_a desolation_n as_o he_o be_v in_o her_o clear_a recollection_n but_o as_o love_v also_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o show_v her_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o the_o top_n of_o her_o spirit_n when_o as_o not_o only_o the_o interiour_n sense_n be_v divert_v by_o image_n of_o business_n but_o the_o affection_n also_o disorder_v by_o sollicitude_n 22._o to_o this_o purpose_n she_o may_v apply_v the_o point_n of_o election_n mention_v by_o fa_o benet_n canfeild_n who_o to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o wellmeaning_n soul_n
work_n read_v harken_v to_o a_o lesson_n recite_v say_v or_o hear_v mass_n communicate_v &c_n &c_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o negligence_n or_o irreverence_n commit_v by_o so_o do_v for_o by_o no_o operation_n so_o much_o as_o by_o aspiration_n do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o exercise_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o mystic_n in_o god_n nothing_o be_v neglect_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o may_v be_v soul_n so_o perfect_a that_o even_o amid_o the_o noise_n and_o disorder_n of_o a_o camp_n they_o may_v without_o neglect_v their_o present_a duty_n there_o most_o efficacious_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o aspiration_n to_o god_n 17._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o aspiration_n be_v less_o hinder_v by_o external_a business_n then_o be_v meditation_n or_o immediate_a act_n be_v because_o in_o aspiration_n the_o understanding_n be_v scarce_o at_o all_o employ_v &_o therefore_o may_v well_o enough_o attend_v to_o other_o business_n and_o moreover_o the_o will_n abound_v &_o even_o overflow_a with_o divine_a love_n will_v not_o find_v herself_o interress_v in_o affection_n &_o consequent_o not_o distract_v by_o such_o employment_n 18._o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v aspiration_n for_o first_o some_o be_v pure_o mental_a be_v certain_a indeliberate_a quick_a elevation_n and_o springing_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o godward_a as_o sparkle_n of_o fire_n fly_v from_o a_o burn_a coal_n which_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v more_o gross_a &_o imaginative_a especial_o in_o beginner_n &_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v express_v other_o in_o more_o perfect_a soul_n that_o be_v come_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a abstraction_n grow_v more_o subtle_a &_o intellectual_a in_o so_o much_o as_o ofttimes_o the_o person_n himself_o can_v express_v what_o pass_v in_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o a_o blind_a &_o almost_o imperceptible_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v exercise_v in_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o happen_v ofttimes_o in_o the_o great_a desolation_n now_o this_o growth_n of_o immateriality_n in_o aspiration_n be_v not_o easy_o perceptible_a though_o it_o be_v real_a &_o certain_a as_o we_o know_v that_o corn_n grow_v though_o we_o can_v perceive_v its_o grow_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n whether_o we_o observe_v such_o degree_n or_o no_o yea_o the_o examination_n thereof_o be_v better_o neglect_v 19_o again_o other_o aspiration_n be_v moreover_o external_o express_v by_o the_o tongue_n and_o in_o such_o expression_n sometime_o there_o be_v a_o proper_a sense_n and_o meaning_n as_o deus_fw-la meus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la which_o be_v s._n francis_n his_o aspiration_n or_o noverim_fw-la te_fw-la &_o noverim_fw-la i_o which_o be_v s._n augustins_n and_o in_o these_o sometime_o a_o soul_n do_v abide_v a_o good_a space_n iterate_v again_o and_o again_o the_o same_o aspiration_n sometime_o she_o do_v vary_v always_o procede_v according_a to_o her_o interior_a impulse_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n other_o aspiration_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o as_o be_v those_o practise_v by_o br._n massaeus_n a_o disciple_n of_o s._n francis_n who_o when_o he_o be_v full_a of_o interior_a affection_n can_v usual_o cry_v out_o nothing_o but_o v.u.u._n such_o unusual_a aspiration_n as_o these_o do_v show_v a_o great_a excess_n of_o interior_a fervour_n which_o burst_v out_o force_v the_o soul_n not_o able_a to_o contain_v itself_o nor_o yet_o to_o find_v out_o word_n by_o which_o to_o express_v her_o affection_n to_o power_n forth_o itself_o after_o such_o a_o unsignificant_a manner_n 20._o moreover_o aspiration_n &_o forcible_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v there_o be_v which_o be_v signify_v not_o by_o the_o tongue_n but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a action_n of_o the_o body_n as_o clap_v of_o hand_n leap_v &c_n &c_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o another_o disciple_n of_o s._n francis_n call_v br._n bernard_n who_o out_o of_o a_o inward_a boil_a fervour_n be_v force_v to_o run_v over_o mountain_n &_o rocky_a place_n be_v agitate_a with_o a_o kind_n of_o holy_a frenzy_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o tear_n be_v very_o rare_a god_n holy_a spirit_n not_o usual_o move_v thereto_o because_o they_o will_v then_o flow_v unmeasurable_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o corporal_a health_n 21._o now_o such_o action_n &_o motion_n though_o they_o may_v be_v yield_v to_o sometime_o when_o one_o be_v alone_o yet_o in_o company_n they_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v to_o which_o purpose_n blosius_n give_v this_o good_a instruction_n out_o of_o thaulerus_n that_o albeit_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a as_o flow_a from_o a_o divine_a principle_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n principal_o to_o be_v commend_v for_o these_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n to_o which_o corporal_a nature_n concurre_v be_v not_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o that_o most_o perfect_a union_n which_o some_o soul_n do_v experience_n in_o pure_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o such_o violent_a agitation_n do_v chief_o befall_v such_o soul_n as_o have_v have_v their_o exercise_n much_o in_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o woman_n &_o devout_a ignorant_a man_n and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n such_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o rapt_n ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n 22._o last_o to_o these_o several_a expression_n of_o aspiration_n may_v be_v add_v that_o of_o say_v the_o divine_a office_n or_o other_o vocal_a prayer_n aspirative_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a proof_n of_o sublime_a contemplation_n than_o any_o of_o these_o unusual_a motion_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v the_o contemplation_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n as_o a_o certain_a spiritual_a writer_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o aspiration_n use_v daily_o two_o recollection_n consist_v of_o they_o on_o a_o time_n he_o find_v himself_o invite_v to_o produce_v they_o vocal_o and_o thereupon_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o say_n of_o our_o lady_n office_n choose_v that_o because_o he_o can_v say_v it_o perfect_o without-booke_n he_o repeat_v it_o nine_o or_o ten_o time_n a_o day_n with_o a_o perfect_a attention_n of_o spirit_n the_o which_o mental_a attention_n or_o operation_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o aspiration_n take_v the_o word_n as_o here_o we_o do_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o so_o for_o a_o few_o day_n as_o long_o as_o that_o invitation_n and_o enablement_n last_v he_o use_v no_o other_o internal_a exercise_n find_v great_a benefit_n by_o this_o but_o that_o invitation_n cease_v he_o find_v himself_o again_o oblige_v to_o return_v to_o mere_a mental_a aspiration_n 23._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o set_v down_o some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n that_o accrue_v to_o soul_n by_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n as_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o interior_a sense_n and_o sensitive_a faculty_n the_o dominion_n that_o the_o superior_a soul_n have_v over_o they_o be_v now_o become_v very_o great_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v god_n that_o help_v move_v and_o direct_v soul_n in_o their_o operation_n during_o this_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n the_o heart_n also_o be_v estrange_v from_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a love_n distractive_a thought_n &_o image_n of_o creature_n either_o do_v not_o press_v into_o the_o mind_n or_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o pass_v no_o far_o then_o into_o the_o imagination_n or_o if_o the_o understanding_n do_v sometime_o busy_v itself_o with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v scarce_o or_o not_o at_o all_o touch_n or_o affect_v the_o will_n the_o which_o be_v not_o by_o such_o extravagant_a thought_n interrupt_v or_o divert_v in_o her_o pursuit_n of_o aspiration_n and_o blind_a elevation_n whereas_o in_o immediate_a force_a act_n great_a force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v against_o such_o distraction_n which_o do_v not_o only_o busy_v the_o understanding_n but_o likewise_o more_o or_o less_o withdraw_v the_o will_n from_o god_n 24._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n though_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o it_o in_o meditation_n or_o even_o sometime_o in_o immediate_a affection_n and_o act_n seek_v thereby_o to_o seduce_v soul_n to_o extravagance_n and_o a_o spiritual_a gluttony_n it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n which_o be_v so_o much_o elevate_v above_o the_o imagination_n and_o sensitive_a nature_n that_o here_o he_o have_v no_o advantage_n give_v he_o for_o such_o deceit_n and_o if_o during_o that_o sensible_a devotion_n