prayer_n either_o vocal_a or_o discoursive_o mental_a the_o which_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o admirable_a &_o inestimable_a deserve_v to_o be_v purchase_v with_o all_o the_o care_n &_o endeavour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n 10._o the_o first_o excellency_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n above_o all_o other_o be_v that_o only_o by_o such_o prayer_n our_o union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n in_o which_o our_o essential_a happiness_n consist_v be_v perfect_o obtain_v for_o therein_o the_o will_n with_o all_o the_o power_n &_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v apply_v and_o fix_v to_o the_o love_a adore_a &_o glorify_v this_o only_a beatify_a object_n whereas_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a variety_n &_o succession_n of_o image_n of_o creature_n suggest_v the_o which_o do_v distract_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o imperfect_a from_o such_o a_o application_n and_o meditation_n in_o which_o discourse_n be_v employ_v be_v so_o far_o little_o more_o than_o a_o philosophical_a contemplation_n of_o god_n delay_v this_o fix_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o god_n the_o which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o 11._o the_o second_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o by_o this_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_v the_o soul_n enter_v far_o more_o profound_o into_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n partake_v of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o divine_a light_n far_o more_o plentiful_o by_o which_o she_o both_o discover_v god_n perfection_n more_o clear_o &_o also_o see_v the_o way_n wherein_o she_o be_v to_o walk_v more_o perfect_o then_o by_o any_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o the_o soul_n endeavour_n to_o apply_v all_o her_o affection_n entire_o on_o god_n then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o be_v profound_o introvert_v a_o world_n of_o impurity_n of_o intention_n &_o inordinate_a affection_n lurk_v in_o she_o do_v discover_v themselves_o &_o the_o obscure_a mist_n of_o they_o be_v dispel_v the_o soul_n then_o find_v by_o a_o real_a perception_n &_o feel_n how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o her_o present_a union_n in_o will_n with_o god_n whereas_o when_o the_o understanding_n alone_o or_o principal_o be_v busy_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o soul_n herself_o the_o imagination_n which_o be_v very_o active_a &_o subtle_a will_v not_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n either_o god_n or_o herself_o so_o liquid_o &_o sincere_o but_o be_v blind_v &_o seduce_v by_o natural_a self-love_n will_v invent_v a_o hundred_o excuse_n &_o pretext_n to_o deceive_v the_o soul_n &_o to_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v intend_v &_o do_v pure_o for_o god_n which_o proceed_v principal_o if_o not_o total_o from_o the_o root_n of_o concupiscence_n &_o self-love_n 12._o a_o three_o admirable_a perfection_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o divine_a light_n but_o also_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o put_v in_o practice_v all_o thing_n to_o which_o supernatural_a light_n direct_v be_v obtain_v principal_o by_o this_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o by_o a_o double_a causality_n &_o virtue_n to_o wit_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o impetration_n ground_v on_o the_o rich_a &_o precious_a promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n above_o all_o other_o good_a action_n 2._o by_o a_o direct_a &_o proper_a efficiency_n for_o since_o all_o the_o virtue_n &_o merit_n of_o our_o external_a action_n do_v depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o internal_a disposition_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n exercise_v charity_n &_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o they_o &_o conquer_a the_o resistance_n of_o nature_n and_o since_o all_o internal_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n whatsoever_o be_v true_o &_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n direct_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o be_v follow_v that_o as_o all_o habit_n be_v get_v by_o frequency_n &_o constancy_n of_o exercise_n therefore_o by_o the_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o soul_n be_v enable_v with_o facility_n to_o practice_v perfect_o all_o virtue_n 13._o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o such_o prayer_n be_v universal_a mortification_n &_o a_o mortification_n the_o most_o profound_a intime_fw-la &_o perfect_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v possible_o perform_v entire_o destructive_a to_o sensual_a satisfaction_n for_o therein_o the_o will_n force_v inferior_a nature_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o avert_v themselves_o from_o all_o other_o object_n please_v to_o they_o and_o to_o concur_v to_o her_o internal_a actuation_n towards_o god_n &_o this_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o distraction_n by_o vain_a image_n during_o a_o torpide_a dullnes_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o a_o violent_a contradiction_n of_o sensuality_n when_o there_o be_v according_a to_o any_o sensible_a perception_n a_o total_a disgust_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o exercise_n yea_o when_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v in_o obscurity_n &_o can_v by_o any_o reflexed_a act_n reap_v any_o consolation_n from_o such_o a_o exercise_n such_o a_o exilium_fw-la cordis_fw-la such_o a_o desertion_n &_o internal_a desolation_n be_v a_o mortification_n to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o as_o of_o extreme_a bitterness_n so_o of_o unexpressible_a efficacy_n to_o the_o purify_n &_o universal_a perfect_a of_o the_o soul_n &_o spirit_n therefore_o s._n chrysostome_n tract_n de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la have_v good_a reason_n to_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n which_o with_o a_o due_a care_n &_o assiduity_n pray_v unto_o god_n shall_v ever_o sin_v 17._o a_o four_o excellence_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a action_n that_o can_v possible_o want_v purity_n of_o intention_n soul_n may_v from_o a_o impulse_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o satirfaction_n exact_o observe_v fast_n perform_v obedience_n keep_v the_o choir_n approach_v to_o sacrament_n yea_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o curious_a speculation_n during_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o self-love_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o far_o any_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n then_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n that_o be_v the_o will_v fix_v by_o charity_n on_o god_n whereas_o if_o any_o oblique_a intention_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n it_o will_v present_o be_v observe_v &_o unless_o it_o be_v contradict_v &_o expel_v there_o can_v be_v no_o progress_n in_o such_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o exercise_n either_o more_o secure_a or_o more_o profitable_a since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o alone_o that_o all_o other_o exercise_n have_v any_o concurrence_n towards_o the_o perfectionate_v of_o the_o soul_n 15._o last_o affective_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o make_v all_o other_o sort_n of_o prayer_n to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n for_o be_v that_o exclude_v meditation_n be_v but_o a_o useless_a speculation_n and_o curiosity_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o vocal_a prayer_n but_o a_o empty_a sound_n of_o word_n for_o god_n only_o desire_v our_o heart_n or_o affection_n without_o which_o our_o tongue_n or_o brain_n be_v of_o no_o esteem_n at_o all_o yea_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o profitable_a attention_n in_o any_o prayer_n further_o than_o the_o heart_n concurre_v for_o if_o the_o attention_n be_v only_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o will_v not_o constitute_v prayer_n for_o then_o study_n or_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v prayer_n hence_o say_v a_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n nunquam_fw-la verè_fw-la orat_fw-la quisquis_fw-la etiam_fw-la flexis_fw-la genibus_fw-la evagatione_fw-la cordis_fw-la etiam_fw-la qualicumque_fw-la distrahitur_fw-la that_o be_v that_o man_n do_v never_o true_o pray_v who_o though_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o knes_n be_v distract_v with_o any_o wander_a or_o unattention_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o likewise_o the_o learned_a soto_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n conclusive_o affirm_v orationi_fw-la mentali_fw-la deesse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la attentio_fw-la cum_fw-la ipsa_fw-la attentio_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v attention_n can_v possible_o be_v want_v to_o mental_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n since_o the_o attention_n itself_o be_v the_o very_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v mental_o &_o be_v not_o attentive_a as_o be_v of_o itself_o manifest_a for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o mind_n begin_v to_o wander_v it_o cease_v to_o pray_v therefore_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v only_o that_o prayer_n which_o may_v want_v attention_n namely_o when_o the_o thought_n divert_v themselves_o to_o other_o object_n the_o tongue_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o mind_n give_v a_o uncertain_a
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
sufficient_a for_o the_o person_n to_o propose_v the_o matter_n humble_o and_o modest_o to_o his_o superior_n yet_o withal_o with_o a_o entire_a resignation_n and_o almost_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v god_n will_v actual_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o religious_a person_n in_o a_o employment_n of_o that_o nature_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n facilitate_v the_o business_n and_o in_o his_o own_o time_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o the_o superior_a without_o the_o subject_n solicitation_n to_o permit_v he_o to_o go_v 11._o but_o what_o ever_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o other_o for_o go_v into_o england_n whether_o it_o be_v convert_n of_o soul_n and_o particular_o of_o some_o special_a friend_n or_o kindred_n or_o of_o recovery_n of_o bodily_a health_n gain_v of_o temporal_a commodity_n to_o the_o community_n &c_n &c_n the_o true_a motiveâ—_n indeed_o ordinary_o proceed_v from_o tepidity_n the_o which_o tepidity_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o prayer_n and_o perseverance_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o not_o further_o increase_v and_o perhaps_o change_v into_o open_a libertinage_n and_o profaneness_n by_o such_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o regularity_n and_o order_n by_o which_o a_o poor_a unprovided_a sensual_a soul_n will_v become_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n expose_v to_o innumerable_a tentation_n without_o spiritual_a armour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v cast_v headlong_o into_o a_o pitt_n of_o darkness_n and_o of_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v a_o holy_a religious_a life_n 12._o as_o for_o their_o obligation_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o so_o terrible_a a_o employment_n when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o it_o it_o will_v suffice_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o say_a charge_n do_v not_o dispense_v with_o the_o essential_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o as_o religious_a if_o in_o their_o conuent_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v humble_a abstinent_a devout_a &c_n &c_n much_o more_o ought_v they_o be_v still_o religious_a but_o now_o expose_v to_o innumerable_a tentation_n to_o increase_v a_o vigilance_n over_o themselves_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a vain_a conversation_n all_o sollicitude_n about_o external_a thing_n &c_n &c_n and_o to_o practice_v all_o possible_a abstraction_n of_o life_n solitude_n both_o externall_n and_o internal_a but_o especial_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o all_o which_o be_v pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n which_o alone_o can_v procure_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o blessing_n upon_o other_o for_o sure_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o convent_n much_o more_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o such_o person_n live_v in_o the_o world_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o treatise_n the_o second_o treatise_n of_o mortification_n the_o second_o treatise_n of_o the_o first_o instrument_n of_o perfection_n viz._n mortification_n the_o first_o section_n of_o mortification_n in_o general_n and_o of_o necessary_a &_o voluntary_a mortification_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n reduce_v to_o two_o head_n viz._n 1._o mortification_n 2._o prayer_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o division_n §_o 6._o the_o necessity_n of_o each_o of_o these_o §_o 7._o how_o they_o do_v advance_v each_o the_o other_o §_o 8._o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o two_o prayer_n be_v the_o more_o noble_a 1._o have_v so_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_a as_o likewise_o of_o the_o only_a divine_a master_n from_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v &_o the_o school_n of_o solitude_n in_o which_o he_o give_v his_o direction_n order_n require_v that_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o the_o special_a instruction_n touch_v the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n conduce_v to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o supernatural_a end_n aspire_v to_o by_o us._n concern_v which_o our_o discourse_n will_v not_o need_v to_o be_v so_o diffuse_v consider_v the_o large_a scope_n that_o we_o have_v allow_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o first_o general_a treatise_n in_o which_o mention_n also_o be_v make_v of_o much_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o follow_v 2._o several_a mystical_a author_n each_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o raise_v a_o frame_n of_o spirituality_n as_o suit_v best_o to_o his_o own_o imagination_n and_o design_n have_v make_v several_a partition_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n much_o considerable_a which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v prefer_v but_o to_o the_o end_n the_o best_a ease_n and_o help_n may_v be_v afford_v to_o the_o devout_a reader_n memory_n the_o division_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a that_o may_v be_v yet_o sufficient_o and_o clear_o enough_o comprehend_v all_o necessary_a duty_n namely_o under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o 1._o mortification_n 2._o prayer_n 3._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o this_o division_n may_v be_v better_o understand_v we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o glorious_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n to_o wit_n union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o love_n be_v entire_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o any_o natural_a ability_n and_o strength_n although_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o and_o much_o more_o be_v this_o impossible_a to_o he_o in_o his_o present_a state_n since_o he_o be_v natural_o most_o averse_a from_o it_o be_v whole_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o self-love_n propriety_n and_o pride_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o union_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n must_v be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n 1._o of_o ourselves_o our_o own_o nothing_o our_o unproffitablenes_n vileness_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o aversion_n and_o hatred_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o allsufficiency_n universal_a be_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o incomprehensible_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o consequent_o upon_o this_o knowledge_n all_o our_o endeavour_n towards_o this_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o divine_a light_n and_o assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n must_v be_v employ_v first_o in_o remove_v those_o impediment_n and_o next_o consequent_o in_o approach_v direct_o to_o god_n a_o immediate_a union_n with_o who_o be_v aspire_v to_o as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n &_o perfection_n of_o our_o intellective_a nature_n we_o must_v renounce_v &_o fly_v from_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o unto_o god_n we_o must_v destroy_v self-love_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o so_o the_o divine_a love_n may_v be_v raise_v &_o increase_v in_o they_o now_o it_o be_v by_o mortification_n that_o self_n love_n &_o all_o other_o our_o natural_a deordination_n which_o hinder_v a_o divine_a union_n be_v remove_v and_o it_o be_v by_o prayer_n that_o we_o direct_o tend_v to_o a_o divine_a union_n by_o the_o former_a we_o exercise_v all_o duty_n &_o practice_v all_o virtue_n which_o regard_v ourselves_o for_o virtue_n be_v so_o far_o only_o to_o be_v esteem_v worthy_a of_o that_o name_n in_o as_o much_o &_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mortificatory_a to_o our_o inordinate_a passion_n and_o affection_n as_o humility_n of_o pride_n patience_n of_o anger_n temperance_n of_o sensual_a desire_n &c._n &c._n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o notion_n in_o which_o it_o be_v here_o understand_v include_v all_o our_o duty_n direct_o pertain_v to_o god_n as_o comprehend_v all_o manner_n of_o internal_a actuation_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o understanding_n contemplate_v &_o admire_v he_o by_o the_o will_n &_o affection_n adore_v obey_v love_a &_o adhere_v to_o he_o &_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a soul_n resign_v &_o submit_v itself_o &_o the_o body_n also_o with_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o eath_n of_o they_o to_o be_v dispose_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n both_o for_o time_n &_o eternity_n 4._o this_o division_n deserve_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v approve_v because_o hesychius_n a_o ancient_n illuminate_v monk_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr puritate_fw-la cordis_n have_v conformable_o reduce_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o 1._o temperance_n 2._o and_o prayer_n by_o temperance_n understand_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o mortification_n for_o as_o he_o express_v his_o meaning_n this_o temperance_n be_v a_o general_a abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o will_v any_o way_n disorder_v the_o affection_n or_o obscure_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o call_v it_o likewise_o custodiam_fw-la cordis_n a_o guard_n or_o watch_v set_v over_o the_o heart_n force_v it_o to_o repel_v all_o vain_a &_o unproffitable_a thought_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v too_o
renounce_n of_o the_o world_n prayer_n &c_n &c_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v of_o his_o deordination_n upon_o which_o ground_n alone_o s._n bernard_n say_v that_o he_o will_v give_v absolution_n present_o to_o the_o great_a sinner_n in_o sickness_n if_o he_o will_v promise_v upon_o supposition_n of_o recovery_n to_o quit_v the_o world_n and_o embrace_v a_o penitential_a life_n in_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o promise_v or_o perform_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n but_o i_o doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v so_o indulgent_a to_o a_o unconuerted_a religious_a person_n that_o can_v promise_v no_o high_a state_n than_o he_o be_v in_o already_o with_o so_o little_a good_a effect_n to_o his_o soul_n 6._o yet_o god_n forbid_v that_o from_o hence_o any_o shall_v advise_o give_v way_n to_o despair_n or_o deliberate_o refuse_v to_o humble_v themselves_o to_o mortify_v their_o inordinate_a affection_n or_o to_o pray_v the_o best_a they_o can_v good_a purpose_n &_o action_n perform_v mere_o out_o of_o fear_n will_v produce_v some_o good_a effect_n &_o god_n goodness_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a may_v change_v fear_n into_o love_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o 7._o now_o though_o the_o case_n of_o tepid_a liver_n be_v not_o altogether_o so_o miserable_a yet_o it_o be_v infinite_o perilous_a &_o the_o issue_n extreme_o to_o be_v suspect_v for_o though_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o many_o great_a sin_n of_o commission_n yet_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a omission_n of_o duty_n to_o which_o their_o profession_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n oblige_v they_o and_o now_o what_o other_o new_a motive_n can_v they_o have_v to_o relinquish_v their_o negligence_n but_o only_o fear_v also_o or_o what_o prayer_n be_v they_o likely_a to_o make_v when_o their_o necessity_n be_v so_o great_a &_o the_o help_n to_o prayer_n so_o small_a 8._o the_o only_a secure_a way_n therefore_o to_o prevent_v the_o incur_v this_o hazardous_a state_n in_o sickness_n be_v during_o health_n to_o combat_v against_o tepidity_n and_o by_o diligent_a prayer_n to_o provide_v one_o self_n of_o internal_a strength_n &_o grace_n for_o such_o soul_n by_o a_o prosecution_n of_o their_o accustom_a duty_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n make_v good_a use_n of_o their_o sickness_n &_o gain_v extreme_o by_o it_o they_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o promise_v great_a matter_n as_o tepid_v soul_n usual_o do_v though_o they_o perform_v but_o little_a they_o have_v forethink_v of_o sickness_n &_o the_o tentation_n accompany_v it_o &_o now_o call_v to_o mind_n &_o execute_v former_a resolution_n make_v to_o improove_v for_o their_o soul_n advancement_n all_o state_n &_o condition_n &_o by_o occasion_n of_o their_o present_a corporal_a infirmity_n or_o pain_n to_o fortify_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o virtue_n of_o patience_n resignation_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n &_o adhesion_n to_o god_n thus_o sickness_n prove_v to_o they_o a_o great_a blessing_n than_o health_n and_o if_o they_o do_v recover_v they_o do_v yet_o more_o serious_o &_o feruorous_o perform_v their_o former_a exercise_n 9_o when_o sickness_n be_v actual_o come_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o accept_v &_o embrace_v it_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n yea_o though_o such_o sickness_n happen_v through_o the_o person_n own_o intemperance_n or_o other_o fault_n as_o a_o malefactor_n be_v oblige_v with_o resignation_n to_o accept_v of_o death_n deserve_v for_o some_o crime_n he_o ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v penitent_a &_o sorry_a for_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o harmful_a effect_n but_o the_o effect_n itself_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o providence_n yea_o in_o such_o case_n a_o soul_n may_v even_o rejoice_v that_o god_n be_v so_o merciful_a as_o to_o bring_v on_o she_o the_o smart_n and_o punishment_n of_o her_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n give_v she_o withal_o a_o profitable_a occasion_n to_o exercise_v her_o resignation_n from_o whence_o she_o may_v infer_v a_o hope_n that_o he_o will_v therefore_o spare_v she_o after_o this_o life_n 10._o a_o soul_n must_v not_o forbear_v this_o willing_a acceptation_n of_o sickness_n &c._n &c._n because_o perhaps_o she_o find_v great_a resistance_n thereto_o in_o sensuality_n yea_o she_o ought_v therefore_o the_o rather_o to_o accept_v it_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o superior_a will_n &_o not_o the_o will_n of_o sensuality_n that_o merit_v or_o demerit_v and_o so_o do_v the_o repugnance_n of_o sensuality_n will_v as_o well_o as_o the_o sickness_n turn_v to_o the_o merit_n &_o advancement_n of_o the_o soul_n 11._o now_o a_o soul_n must_v not_o content_v herself_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o to_o accept_v sickness_n but_o she_o must_v practice_v this_o almost_o continual_o and_o especial_o when_o any_o extraordinary_a pain_n or_o irkesomenes_n do_v afflict_v she_o and_o such_o acceptation_n must_v be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o present_a but_o with_o a_o mind_n willing_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o such_o pain_n shall_v continue_v never_o so_o long_o 12._o she_o must_v particular_o take_v heed_n of_o one_o notable_a tentation_n which_o often_o befall_v good_a but_o imperfect_a soul_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o they_o yield_v too_o free_o to_o impatience_n in_o sickness_n which_o be_v this_o nature_n be_v soon_o weary_a of_o suffer_v will_v suggest_v unto_o the_o soul_n to_o justify_v impatience_n among_o other_o incommodity_n of_o sickness_n this_o one_o that_o thereby_o she_o be_v put_v in_o a_o incapacity_n to_o pray_v or_o otherwise_o to_o serve_v god_n or_o her_o neighbour_n upon_o which_o she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o desire_v health_n with_o impatience_n false_o justify_v herself_o for_o such_o impatience_n as_o if_o she_o do_v not_o so_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v perform_v spiritual_a duty_n more_o perfect_o but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a &_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v a_o soul_n &_o a_o imperfect_a interrupt_a prayer_n make_v with_o resignation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o pain_n or_o trouble_v send_v by_o god_n be_v perhaps_o more_o efficacious_a to_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o high_a elevation_n exercise_v otherwise_o 13._o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o the_o soul_n herself_o do_v not_o distinct_o &_o clear_o see_v how_o her_o present_a suffering_n external_a or_o internal_a may_v be_v profitable_a to_o she_o she_o be_v to_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o she_o must_v be_v content_v if_o such_o be_v his_o will_n to_o be_v blindfolded_a &_o humble_o to_o remain_v in_o her_o simplicity_n &_o in_o a_o reverential_a awe_n &_o admiration_n of_o the_o inscrutable_a way_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 14._o a_o sick_a person_n be_v to_o account_v himself_o after_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o god_n hand_n as_o his_o prisoner_n chain_v as_o it_o be_v by_o his_o own_o weakness_n disable_v from_o the_o ordinary_a solace_n of_o conversation_n walk_v &c_n &c_n debar_v from_o eat_v what_o please_v the_o palate_n become_v profitable_a to_o none_o troublesome_a &_o chargeable_a to_o many_o expose_v ofttimes_o to_o bitter_a pain_n &_o sharp_a remedy_n of_o such_o pain_n &c_n &c_n a_o grievous_a indeed_o but_o yet_o a_o happy_a prison_n this_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o for_o unless_o the_o internal_a taste_n of_o the_o soul_n also_o be_v deprave_a she_o may_v by_o this_o occasion_n infinite_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a liberty_n health_n &_o strength_n by_o accept_v with_o indifference_n these_o incommodity_n &_o mortify_v her_o natural_a exorbitant_a desire_n of_o remedy_n not_o desire_v to_o escape_v but_o when_o &_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n shall_v ordain_v 15._o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o touch_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o soul_n during_o sickness_n she_o be_v to_o assure_v herself_o of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o if_o she_o think_v that_o her_o sickness_n may_v justify_v her_o neglect_n of_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n the_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n if_o these_o be_v not_o continue_v as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o health_n the_o soul_n herself_o will_v become_v the_o more_o sick_a of_o the_o two_o &_o expose_v to_o great_a danger_n than_o the_o body_n for_o most_o certain_o if_o sickness_n do_v not_o produce_v good_a effect_n of_o patience_n &_o resignation_n &c_n &c_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v produce_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o such_o effect_n