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devout_a soul_n ought_v by_o mental_a exercise_n to_o reflect_v the_o light_n of_o contemplation_n first_o to_o her_o interior_a thought_n that_o she_o may_v know_v 1._o how_o she_o be_v form_v by_o nature_n 2._o deform_a by_o sin_n 3._o reform_a by_o grace_n second_o she_o ought_v to_o convert_v the_o light_n of_o contemplation_n unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v without_o she_o that_o she_o may_v know_v 1_o how_o unstable_a worldly_a wealth_n be_v 2_o how_o mutable_a worldly_a excellency_n be_v and_o 3_o how_o miserable_a worldly_a magnificence_n be_v three_o she_o ought_v also_o to_o convert_v the_o light_n of_o her_o contemplation_n unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v below_o she_o that_o she_o may_v understand_v 1_o the_o inevitable_a necessity_n of_o man_n death_n 2_o the_o formidable_a austerity_n of_o final_a judgement_n 3_o the_o intolerable_a pain_n of_o infernal_a punishment_n four_o she_o ought_v to_o convert_v the_o light_n of_o contemplation_n unto_o those_o thing_n 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soul_n love_v these_o four_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o insinuate_v when_o he_o add_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n the_o fruit_n of_o this_o wholesome_a exercise_n if_o it_o be_v worthy_a and_o laudable_o put_v in_o practice_n be_v eternal_a felicity_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o fair_a thing_n and_o of_o itself_o most_o sufficient_a want_v no_o other_o thing_n beside_o itself_o wherein_o we_o shall_v see_v and_o shall_v love_v shall_v call_v upon_o and_o laud_v in_o eternity_n and_o beyond_o eternity_n he_o that_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o this_o fruit_n the_o apostle_n promise_v when_o he_o conclude_v his_o speech_n say_v that_o you_o mighe_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v this_o fullness_n when_o god_n shall_v be_v to_o our_o will_n plenty_n of_o peace_n to_o our_o reason_n fullness_n of_o light_n to_o our_o
to_o be_v entangle_v with_o so_o great_a grief_n saint_n augustine_n libro_fw-la confessionum_fw-la although_o without_o the_o love_n of_o charity_n hierome_n st._n hierome_n every_o one_o may_v right_o believe_v yet_o he_o can_v attain_v unto_o beatitude_n because_o such_o be_v the_o force_n of_o charity_n that_o even_o prophesy_v and_o marytrdome_n without_o it_o be_v esteem_v as_o nothing_o no_o virtue_n can_v equal_a charity_n for_o charity_n obtain_v the_o excellency_n of_o all_o virtue_n o_o my_o god_n give_v thyself_o unto_o i_o aug._n st._n aug._n render_v thyself_o unto_o i_o i_o love_v thou_o and_o if_o that_o be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v love_v more_o forcible_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o limit_v that_o i_o may_v know_v how_o much_o i_o want_v of_o thy_o love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a that_o my_o life_n may_v run_v into_o thy_o embrace_n and_o not_o to_o divert_v until_o it_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o secret_n of_o thy_o countenance_n this_o i_o only_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v without_o thou_o and_o all_o plenty_n which_o be_v not_o my_o god_n be_v poverty_n soule_n now_o therefore_o o_o man_n see_v as_o thou_o say_v i_o aught_o to_o love_v my_o belove_a lover_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o how_o much_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n i_o may_v love_v he_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v repay_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o his_o so_o great_a a_o affection_n man._n o_o my_o soul_n bern._n st._n bern._n although_o according_a to_o saint_n bern._n the_o cause_n of_o love_a god_n be_v god_n himself_o yet_o the_o method_n to_o love_v he_o be_v to_o love_v he_o without_o method_n notwithstanding_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n a_o certain_a method_n for_o he_o that_o have_v give_v thou_o love_n have_v show_v thou_o a_o manner_n how_o to_o love_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o withal_o thy_o strength_n love_v therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n with_o a_o singular_a love_n god_n the_o father_n who_o have_v so_o noble_o create_v thou_o of_o nothing_o love_v god_n the_o son_n who_o so_o inestimable_o have_v reform_v thou_o in_o die_v for_o thou_o love_v god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o so_o merciful_o and_o so_o sweet_o by_o often_o comfort_v thou_o have_v preserve_v thou_o from_o sin_n and_o have_v strengthen_v thou_o in_o good_n love_v therefore_o god_n the_o father_n valiant_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v dangerous_o overcome_v by_o any_o other_o strange_a love_n love_v god_n the_o son_n wise_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v crafty_o seduce_v by_o any_o other_o love_n love_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n sweet_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v poysonous_o infect_v with_o any_o other_o strange_a love_n or_o thus_o according_a to_o saint_n bern._n learn_v of_o christ_n o_o christian_a soul_n in_o what_o manner_n thou_o ought_v to_o love_n christ_n love_v sweet_o wise_o and_o valiant_o sweet_o that_o all_o other_o love_n may_v be_v base_a to_o thou_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o let_v he_o only_o be_v to_o thou_o honey_n in_o thy_o mouth_n melody_n in_o thy_o ear_n and_o jubilee_n in_o thy_o heart_n love_v he_o wise_o that_o thy_o love_n may_v continual_o burn_v in_o he_o only_o and_o in_o no_o other_o love_v valiant_o that_o thy_o frailty_n may_v joyful_o undergo_v all_o sharp_a and_o bitter_a torment_n for_o he_o that_o thou_o may_v say_v my_o suffering_n be_v scarce_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n or_o if_o it_o be_v more_o i_o feel_v it_o not_o for_o the_o love_n i_o owe_v he_o these_o saint_n bern._n thus_o let_v a_o christian_a by_o love_n towards_o christ_n continual_o resolve_v hiero._n saint_n hiero._n that_o he_o may_v willing_o endure_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o until_o he_o shall_v come_v unto_o he_o let_v we_o love_v christ_n and_o always_o seek_v to_o cleave_v fast_o to_o his_o embrace_n and_o every_o thing_n shall_v seem_v easy_a that_o be_v difficult_a saint_n ambrose_n o_o my_o soul_n always_o keep_v in_o thy_o mind_n how_o sweet_o christ_n love_v thou_o in_o his_o incarnation_n how_o wise_o in_o his_o conversation_n and_o how_o valiant_o in_o his_o passion_n there_o be_v no_o love_n great_a no_o charity_n more_o sincere_a no_o affection_n strong_a the_o innocent_a have_v dye_v for_o thou_o find_v nothing_o in_o thou_o that_o he_o may_v love_v soule_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o o_o man_n under_o favour_n i_o ask_v not_o out_o of_o curiosity_n but_o of_o humility_n not_o of_o presumption_n but_o rather_o of_o devotion_n what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o love_v when_o i_o love_v my_o god_n hugo_n de_fw-fr s.v._n man._n o_o my_o soul_n if_o thy_o question_n be_v presumptuous_a than_o it_o be_v too_o vicious_a but_o because_o it_o have_v it_o original_n from_o devotion_n it_o deserve_v a_o devout_a answer_n hear_v therefore_o confession_n in_o his_o book_n of_o confession_n what_o that_o great_a lover_n of_o god_n saint_n augustine_n say_v when_o i_o love_v my_o god_n say_v he_o i_o love_v not_o a_o form_n or_o comeliness_n not_o time_n nor_o the_o candour_n of_o that_o light_n which_o be_v lovely_a in_o sight_n nor_o â—weet_a melody_n nor_o unguent_n fragrant_o scent_v nor_o manna_n nor_o honey_n nor_o body_n acceptable_a to_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o flesh_n these_o thing_n i_o love_v not_o when_o i_o love_v god_n but_o what_o do_v i_o love_v i_o love_v a_o certain_a light_n a_o certain_a voice_n a_o certain_a odour_n a_o certain_a food_n a_o certain_a embrace_v of_o my_o inner_a man_n where_o there_o be_v something_o shine_v to_o my_o soul_n which_o no_o place_n can_v comprehend_v where_o there_o be_v something_o sound_v which_o time_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o where_o there_o be_v something_o cast_v a_o odour_n which_o a_o blast_n can_v disperse_v where_o there_o be_v something_o savour_v which_o appetite_n can_v diminish_v where_o there_o be_v something_o cleave_v fast_o which_o satiety_n can_v pull_v away_o soule_n tell_v i_o pray_v thou_o o_o man_n yet_o a_o little_a of_o the_o virtue_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v know_v the_o mind_n may_v more_o strong_o be_v inflame_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n man._n true_o o_o my_o soul_n the_o fruit_n of_o charity_n be_v great_a but_o hide_v for_o according_a to_o saint_n augustine_n it_o endure_v adversity_n it_o mitigate_v prosperity_n it_o be_v strong_a in_o hard_a suffering_n pleasant_a in_o good_a work_n most_o safe_a in_o temptation_n most_o liberal_a in_o hospitality_n among_o true_a friend_n most_o mercy_n among_o false_a most_o patient_a it_o be_v secure_a among_o reproach_n liberal_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v it_o pleasant_a in_o time_n of_o anger_n innocent_a among_o treachery_n weep_v at_o iniquity_n take_v comfort_n in_o truth_n st._n aug._n in_o praise_n of_o charity_n o_o happy_a love_n from_o whence_o arise_v strength_n of_o manner_n bern._n saint_n bern._n purity_n of_o affection_n subtlety_n of_o understanding_n sanctity_n of_o desire_n clearness_n of_o work_n fruitfulness_n of_o virtue_n dignity_n of_o merit_n sublimity_n and_o height_n of_o reward_n and_o honour_n o_o sweetness_n of_o love_n o_o the_o happy_a love_n of_o sweetness_n let_v my_o heart_n feed_v on_o thou_o and_o let_v the_o bowel_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v replenish_v with_o thy_o nectar_n o_o my_o soul_n how_o sweet_a be_v the_o food_n of_o charity_n which_o refresh_v the_o weary_a strengthen_v the_o weak_a and_o exhilerate_v the_o sorrowful_a for_o it_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o truth_n sweet_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n i_o confess_v o_fw-fr lord_n i_o have_v not_o sustain_v the_o weight_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n but_o i_o carry_v a_o sweet_a yoke_n and_o a_o light_a burden_n for_o my_o work_n be_v scarce_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hour_n and_o be_v it_o more_o i_o perceive_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o thy_o love_n but_o what_o be_v more_o o_o my_o soul_n such_o be_v the_o force_n of_o love_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a thou_o be_v like_a unto_o that_o which_o thou_o love_v and_o to_o who_o thou_o be_v join_v by_o affection_n in_o some_o sort_n by_o the_o society_n of_o love_n thou_o shall_v be_v transform_v in_o to_o its_o similitude_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part_n the_o second_o exercise_n how_o the_o soul_n by_o mental_a exercise_n aught_o to_o convert_v her_o contemplation_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v external_a that_o she_o may_v know_v 1_o how_o unstable_a worldly_a wealth_n be_v 2_o how_o mutable_a worldly_a excellency_n be_v etc._n etc._n 3_o how_o miserable_a worldly_a magnificence_n be_v chap._n i._n how_o unstable_a worldly_a wealth_n be_v soule_n now_o i_o see_v how_o miserable_a every_o soul_n be_v set_v her_o heart_n on_o worldly_a thing_n which_o be_v attain_v with_o labour_n possess_v
turn_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o for_o though_o i_o have_v judge_v myself_o unworthy_a to_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n of_o thy_o child_n yet_o i_o have_v expect_v with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o eat_v at_o the_o least_o of_o the_o crumb_n fall_v from_o their_o table_n but_o alas_o though_o with_o with_o open_a mouth_n i_o have_v earnest_o expect_v yet_o i_o have_v always_o be_v frustrate_v man._n o_o my_o soul_n the_o former_a thing_n which_o thou_o have_v most_o lamentable_o complain_v of_o happen_v by_o a_o two_o fold_v reason_n sometime_o of_o the_o very_a pious_a and_o wholesome_a dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n moral_n in_o his_o moral_n whereupon_o saint_n gregory_n the_o just_a god_n be_v wont_a to_o defer_v the_o complaint_n of_o they_o that_o petition_v he_o for_o a_o time_n that_o their_o desire_n may_v increase_v to_o that_o end_n they_o may_v rather_o be_v hear_v for_o their_o good_a by_o how_o much_o the_o soon_o they_o be_v not_o hear_v at_o their_o desire_n holy_a desire_n increase_v by_o delay_n homilia_fw-la item_n in_o homilia_fw-la for_o if_o they_o faint_v at_o the_o denial_n thereof_o they_o be_v not_o desire_n for_o although_o god_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v most_o clement_a notwithstanding_o sometime_o it_o happen_v that_o he_o protract_v that_o which_o he_o most_o willing_o will_v give_v that_o thou_o may_v learn_v earnest_o and_o ardent_o to_o desire_v great_a thing_n and_o more_o careful_o to_o preserve_v they_o obtain_v with_o thanksgiving_n also_o sometime_o he_o prolong_v his_o benefit_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o inordinate_a disposition_n of_o the_o asker_n he_o be_v altogether_o our_o of_o the_o way_n that_o think_v any_o one_o can_v mix_v that_o heavenly_a sweetness_n with_o this_o dust_n that_o divine_a balsam_n with_o this_o poisonous_a joy_n those_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o the_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n but_o now_o o_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v not_o long_o keep_v thou_o in_o dalliance_n nor_o long_o afflict_v thou_o by_o expectation_n cleanse_v thy_o understanding_n from_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a fantasy_n from_o natural_a and_o curious_a reason_n from_o extravagant_a and_o overmuch_o curious_a employment_n in_o the_o science_n also_o cleanse_v thy_o affection_n from_o sin_n from_o the_o sequel_n of_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o occasion_n or_o cause_n thereof_o lift_v up_o thy_o reason_n dilate_v and_o declare_v thy_o affection_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n which_o neither_o eye_n in_o this_o life_n have_v perfect_o see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v it_o ascend_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v vehement_a therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n in_o the_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o supernal_a life_n of_o the_o saint_n where_o there_o be_v action_n not_o laborious_a rest_v not_o idle_a or_o slothful_a where_o there_o be_v life_n without_o defection_n or_o revolt_n divine_a praise_n without_o cessation_n haec_fw-la aug._n saint_n bern._n rejoice_v therefore_o and_o be_v glad_a and_o consider_v the_o reward_n of_o thy_o labour_n which_o true_o be_v so_o much_o that_o it_o can_v be_v number_v so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v be_v measure_v so_o precious_a that_o it_o can_v be_v terminate_v soule_n o_o man_n thou_o have_v now_o speak_v much_o in_o general_a tell_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o of_o all_o in_o particular_a because_o we_o understand_v those_o thing_n better_o which_o be_v particular_o distinguish_v than_o those_o which_o a_o general_o relate_v man._n o_o my_o soul_n what_o can_v i_o say_v when_o i_o behold_v the_o future_a joy_n now_o i_o almost_o faint_a with_o admiration_n because_o the_o joy_n shall_v be_v within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o under_o we_o and_o over_o we_o nigh_o we_o and_o round_o about_o we_o thou_o shall_v therefore_o rejoice_v in_o all_o thou_o shall_v rejoice_v of_o all_o thy_o joy_n i_o believe_v be_v prefigure_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n by_o that_o bless_a woman_n which_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n be_v under_o her_o foot_n and_o a_o crown_n of_o twelve_o star_n about_o her_o head_n this_o woman_n as_o i_o think_v be_v a_o bless_a soul_n the_o daughter_n bride_n and_o queen_n of_o the_o eternal_a king_n a_o daughter_n by_o the_o creation_n of_o nature_n a_o bride_n by_o the_o adoption_n of_o grace_n a_o queen_n by_o the_o collation_n of_o glory_n this_o soul_n be_v well_o say_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o sun_n because_o she_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o splendour_n of_o divine_a cleverness_n crown_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n in_o which_o happiness_n for_o the_o special_a comeliness_n there_o be_v 12_o joy_n figure_v by_o the_o star_n by_o which_o the_o celestial_a happiness_n be_v beautify_v and_o adorn_v these_o joy_n o_o my_o soul_n thou_o ough_a daily_a &_o devout_o to_o contemplate_v &_o seek_v no_o consolation_n of_o thy_o present_a misery_n &_o sojourn_v &_o in_o hope_n patient_o and_o joyful_o to_o sustain_v all_o tribulation_n of_o this_o present_a life_n o_o my_o soul_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v perplex_v if_o evil_a man_n flourish_v in_o this_o world_n and_o thou_o suffer_v beda_n beda_n that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v vex_v alas_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o celestial_a joy_n neither_o shall_v thou_o care_v if_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o share_n in_o this_o world_n but_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o joy_n at_o which_o thou_o aim_v thy_o affection_n may_v joyful_o and_o patient_o endure_v whatsoever_o happen_v to_o thou_o in_o the_o way_n of_o adversity_n ber._n haec_fw-la beda_n st._n ber._n o_o my_o soul_n if_o at_o any_o time_n worldly_a joy_n the_o false_a glory_n the_o short_a and_o frail_a power_n thereof_o delight_v thou_o recall_v thy_o mind_n from_o they_o and_o thou_o will_v esteem_v all_o as_o dung_n st._n hierom._n run_v therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n not_o with_o the_o pace_n of_o the_o body_n but_o with_o affection_n and_o desire_n because_o not_o only_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n but_o also_o the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n epxect_v thou_o god_n the_o father_n expect_v thou_o as_o his_o most_o belove_a daughter_n god_n the_o son_n expect_v thou_o as_o his_o sweet_a bride_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n expect_v thou_o as_o one_o most_o dear_o belove_v unto_o he_o god_n the_o father_n expect_v thou_o that_o he_o may_v constitute_v thou_o the_o heir_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n god_n the_o son_n expect_v thou_o that_o he_o may_v offer_v thou_o to_o god_n the_o father_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o the_o price_n of_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n expect_v thou_o that_o he_o may_v make_v thou_o partaker_n of_o his_o eternal_a beatitude_n and_o swetness_n that_o most_o bless_a family_n of_o all_o the_o celestial_a spirit_n of_o the_o eternal_a king_n do_v expect_v thou_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v thou_o into_o their_o college_n therefore_o desire_v thou_o their_o society_n above_o all_o thing_n thou_o shall_v come_v thither_o with_o great_a modesty_n if_o thou_o have_v love_v it_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n as_o often_o therefore_o as_o the_o vain_a ambition_n of_o this_o world_n delight_v thou_o as_o often_o as_o thou_o shall_v behold_v any_o glorious_a creature_n therein_o present_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v what_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v true_o i_o believe_v o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v continual_o keep_v these_o heavenly_a joy_n in_o thy_o mind_n thou_o will_v build_v a_o certain_a suburb_n of_o the_o celestial_a kingdom_n in_o his_o exile_n wherein_o daily_o thou_o may_v spiritual_o by_v assay_v taste_v that_o eternal_a sweetness_n for_o when_o we_o settle_v in_o our_o thought_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a even_o than_o we_o dwell_v not_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o heaven_n so_o great_a o_o my_o soul_n be_v the_o force_n of_o thy_o love_n that_o thou_o live_v there_o more_o true_o where_o thou_o love_v by_o contemplation_n then_o where_o thou_o be_v but_o by_o essence_n this_o o_o most_o dear_a soul_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v within_o we_o which_o alas_o we_o miserable_o neglect_v when_o outward_o we_o be_v give_v to_o idle_a and_o vain_a thing_n we_o disperse_v st._n grego_n ourselves_o abroad_o in_o not_o care_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v within_o we_o we_o seek_v abroad_o for_o consolation_n from_o idle_a thing_n and_o deceitful_a foppery_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v lose_v the_o devotion_n of_o our_o ancient_a religion_n even_o so_o that_o we_o retain_v not_o the_o form_n thereof_o thou_o therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n the_o daughter_n of_o the_o eternal_a king_n hear_v with_o a_o devout_a mind_n and_o incline_v thy_o ear_n to_o holy_a and_o health-bringing_a counsel_n behold_v by_o
memory_n a_o continuation_n of_o eternity_n for_o then_o god_n shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o when_o from_o reason_n all_o error_n from_o will_n all_o grief_n from_o memory_n all_o fear_n shall_v depart_v and_o that_o shall_v succeed_v which_o we_o hope_v for_o wonderful_a serenity_n divine_a pleasure_n eternal_a security_n this_o treatise_n my_o conscience_n instigate_a i_o i_o have_v compile_v for_o the_o more_o ignorant_a in_o plain_a phrase_n out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o holy_a man_n in_o form_n of_o a_o certain_a dialogue_n wherein_o the_o devout_a soul_n a_o disciple_n of_o the_o eternal_a truth_n by_o meditation_n ask_v question_n and_o the_o inner_a man_n mental_o speak_v answer_v but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o attain_v to_o the_o inestimable_a contemplation_n of_o this_o mental_a exercise_n first_o let_v we_o begin_v and_o humble_o by_o invocation_n approach_v unto_o the_o father_n of_o light_n let_v we_o devout_o bow_v the_o knee_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o eternal_a majesty_n and_o with_o tear_n and_o groan_n before_o the_o royal_a seat_n of_o the_o judicial_a trinity_n let_v we_o incessant_o pray_v that_o god_n the_o father_n by_o his_o bless_a son_n will_v grant_v we_o the_o grace_n of_o mental_a exercise_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o compliment_n of_o of_o all_o our_o desire_n amen_o the_o first_o exercise_n how_o the_o soul_n by_o mental_a exercise_n ought_v to_o reflect_v the_o beam_n of_o contemplation_n to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v within_o she_o that_o she_o may_v see_v 1._o how_o she_o be_v form_v by_o nature_n 2._o deform_a by_o sin_n 3._o reform_a by_o grace_n chap._n i._n how_o the_o soul_n be_v form_v by_o nature_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o after_o devout_a invocation_n of_o the_o divine_a magnificence_n and_o after_o a_o humble_a implore_v of_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o last_o of_o all_o after_o a_o meek_a supplication_n of_o the_o supernal_a piety_n and_o clemency_n if_o i_o may_v obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o mental_a exercise_n concern_v the_o fourfold_a matter_n to_o wit_n longitude_n latitude_n sublimity_n and_o profundity_n tell_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o o_o man_n in_o what_o order_n i_o shall_v begin_v lest_o i_o shall_v lose_v the_o worth_n of_o this_o exercise_n if_o i_o shall_v ignorant_o proceed_v with_o a_o unbefitting_a course_n for_o according_a to_o s._n ambr._n ignorance_n or_o want_n of_o order_n perturb_v the_o form_n of_o merit_n nor_o be_v it_o account_v according_a to_o the_o same_o author_n that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o no_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n when_o we_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o be_v ignorant_a in_o what_o order_n to_o proceed_v man._n o_o my_o soul_n according_a to_o s._n bernard_n let_v thy_o consideration_n begin_v with_o thyself_o lest_o in_o vain_a thou_o search_v into_o other_o thing_n thyself_o be_v neglect_v idem_n many_n man_n know_v many_o thing_n and_o know_v not_o themselves_o they_o look_v into_o other_o and_o forsake_v themselves_o seek_v god_n by_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v external_a leave_v their_o internal_a in_o who_o god_n be_v interior_a wherefore_o i_o will_v return_v from_o the_o external_a to_o the_o internal_a and_o from_o the_o internal_a i_o will_v ascend_v to_o the_o supernal_a that_o i_o may_v know_v from_o whence_o i_o come_v or_o whither_o i_o go_v from_o whence_o i_o be_o or_o what_o i_o be_o and_o so_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o myself_o i_o may_v ascend_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n s._n chrysostom_n upon_o s._n matthew_n say_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o philosophy_n hexameron_n philosophy_n item_n ambrose_n in_o hexameron_n know_v thyself_o o_o man_n what_o thou_o be_v look_v that_o thou_o consider_v what_o enter_v into_o thou_o in_o thy_o thought_n what_o pass_v from_o thou_o in_o thy_o discourse_n examine_v thy_o life_n therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n by_o a_o daily_a discussion_n consider_v diligent_o how_o much_o thou_o profite_a how_o much_o thou_o be_v deficient_a what_o thou_o be_v in_o manner_n what_o thou_o be_v in_o affection_n how_o like_a or_o dislike_v how_o near_o or_o far_o off_o thou_o be_v to_o god_n ever_o acknowledge_v this_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o commendable_a and_o better_a for_o thou_o if_o thou_o know_v thyself_o then_o if_o thy_o self_n be_v neglect_v thou_o know_v the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n the_o virtue_n of_o herb_n the_o complexion_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o live_a creature_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o heavenly_a &_o earthly_a thing_n render_v therefore_o thyself_o to_o thyself_o and_o if_o not_o always_o yet_o at_o least_o sometime_o govern_v thy_o affection_n direct_v thy_o action_n correct_v thy_o way_n therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n keep_v the_o counsel_n of_o holy_a man_n and_o first_o of_o all_o convert_v the_o ray_n of_o contemplation_n to_o the_o east_n region_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o own_o condition_n diligent_o therefore_o consider_v how_o noble_o thou_o be_v make_v of_o god_n by_o nature_n how_o vicious_o by_o thy_o own_o will_v thou_o be_v deform_v through_o sin_n how_o gracious_o by_o the_o divine_a goodness_n thou_o be_v often_o reform_v by_o grace_n first_o therefore_o consider_v how_o noble_o thou_o be_v form_v by_o nature_n thy_o natural_a nobility_n as_o i_o conceive_v consist_v in_o this_o because_o that_o there_o be_v imprint_v in_o thou_o natural_o to_o beautify_v thou_o the_o image_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a trinity_n whereupon_o s._n anselm_n in_o his_o prosologie_n say_v i_o confess_v o_fw-fr lord_n and_o give_v thou_o thanks_o because_o thou_o have_v create_v i_o according_a to_o thy_o own_o image_n that_o i_o may_v be_v mindful_a of_o thou_o think_v of_o thou_o and_o love_v thou_o s._n bernard_n according_a to_o the_o interior_a man_n three_o thing_n i_o find_v in_o i_o by_o which_o i_o call_v to_o mind_n behold_v and_o desire_v god_n these_o three_o be_v memory_n understanding_n and_o will._n for_o when_o i_o be_o mindful_a of_o god_n in_o he_o also_o i_o be_o delight_v for_o the_o memory_n of_o he_o be_v upon_o one_o when_o with_o my_o understanding_n i_o behold_v he_o how_o much_o in_o himself_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a because_o he_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o angel_n desirable_a because_o they_o desire_v to_o behold_v he_o in_o all_o his_o saint_n delectable_a forasmuch_o as_o continual_o they_o be_v happy_a do_v rejoice_v in_o he_o in_o all_o his_o creature_n admirable_a because_o he_o powerful_o creat_v wise_o govern_v bountiful_o dispense_v all_o thing_n when_o i_o look_v into_o these_o thing_n he_o also_o i_o desire_v when_o i_o love_v god_n by_o my_o will_n i_o transform_v myself_o into_o he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n of_o love_n that_o it_o make_v thou_o to_o be_v like_a unto_o that_o which_o thou_o love_v these_o s._n bernard_n reacknowledge_a therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o wonderful_a and_o inestimable_a a_o dignity_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o creator_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o creature_n but_o to_o be_v the_o very_a image_n of_o he_o which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n praise_v therefore_o o_o my_o soul_n our_o lord_n praise_v thy_o god_n o_o zion_n awake_v and_o praise_v rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a because_o thou_o be_v adorn_v with_o the_o image_n of_o god_n make_v comely_a with_o his_o similitude_n partaker_n or_o reason_n capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n perhaps_o not_o unworthy_o may_v be_v judge_v mean_a if_o they_o shall_v end_v with_o death_n exult_v and_o praise_v because_o beside_o the_o aforesaid_a he_o have_v bestow_v on_o thou_o a_o immortal_a nature_n a_o incorruptible_a substance_n a_o interminable_a durance_n a_o perpetual_a life_n for_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o image_n of_o the_o eternal_a trinity_n if_o thou_o can_v be_v shut_v up_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o death_n s._n aug._n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n o_o my_o soul_n consider_v that_o thy_o creator_n after_o this_o be_v have_v give_fw-ge thou_o a_o perpetual_a be_v after_o this_o he_o have_v give_v thou_o power_n to_o live_v to_o perceive_v to_o discern_v he_o have_v adorn_v thou_o with_o sense_n he_o have_v enlighten_v thou_o with_o wisdom_n attend_v therefore_o thy_o comeliness_n that_o thou_o may_v understand_v what_o beauty_n thou_o ought_v to_o love_v in_o thyself_o which_o if_o thou_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o contemplate_v thyself_o as_o it_o befit_v thou_o why_o then_o at_o lest_o do_v thou_o not_o