philotheas_n pilgrimage_n to_o perfection_n describe_v in_o a_o practice_n of_o ten_o day_n solitude_n by_o brother_n john_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n friar_n minour_n ih_n bruges_n print_v by_o luke_n kerchove_v 1668._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o most_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o countess_n dowager_n of_o sussex_n madam_n divine_a thing_n become_v generous_a &_o noble_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o more_o refine_a image_n of_o god_n above_o the_o vulgar_a have_v by_o their_o noble_a descent_n à _fw-fr large_a capacity_n to_o great_a matter_n &_o by_o their_o most_o careful_a education_n a_o clear_a aptness_n to_o sublime_a thought_n &_o action_n your_o honour_n have_v by_o the_o excellent_a conduct_n of_o your_o life_n give_v the_o world_n so_o ample_a a_o proof_n of_o your_o eminent_a perfection_n befit_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o name_n that_o none_o may_v reflect_v thereon_o but_o must_v admire_v both_o the_o fortunate_a disposition_n of_o your_o original_a inclination_n to_o piety_n &_o the_o free_a blessing_n of_o a_o gracious_a providence_n religious_o manage_v by_o your_o own_o virtuous_a care_n &_o industry_n for_o beside_o the_o rare_a gift_n of_o nature_n &_o fortune_n which_o welcome_v you_o into_o this_o light_n wherein_o few_o of_o our_o nation_n exceed_v your_o excel_v happiness_n your_o honour_n laborious_a discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o our_o holy_a church_n from_o which_o your_o first_o year_n &_o grow_a honour_n be_v extreme_o averse_a &_o your_o zealous_a love_n towards_o comfortable_a solitude_n &_o compliance_n with_o christian_a duty_n since_o your_o be_v engraft_v on_o the_o sacred_a stock_n of_o our_o ever-flourishing_a christianity_n wherein_o you_o be_v become_v imitable_a by_o few_o of_o your_o noble_a birth_n &_o quality_n discover_v that_o swift_a penetration_n of_o your_o judgement_n that_o solidness_n of_o virtue_n in_o your_o heart_n which_o true_o speak_v you_o noble_a &_o religious_a although_o this_o small_a handful_n of_o advice_n &_o help_v to_o solitary_a perfection_n glean_v up_o by_o many_o year_n serious_a meditation_n in_o sweet_a retirement_n may_v already_o find_v a_o plenteous_a harvest_n in_o your_o own_o bosom_n yet_o will_v i_o presume_v through_o your_o honour_n encouragement_n to_o lay_v they_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o your_o excellent_a virtue_n that_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o your_o honour_n favourable_a acceptance_n &_o strengthen_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o name_n &_o perfection_n my_o philothea_n may_v become_v conspicuous_a to_o he_o world_n &_o do_v that_o great_a work_n abroad_o which_o be_v therein_o design_v by_o madam_n your_o honour_n most_o devote_a servant_n bro._n john_n cross_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n to_o measure_v a_o friend_n kindness_n by_o our_o own_o profit_n &_o value_v that_o most_o by_o which_o we_o reap_v great_a fruit_n i_o can_v wish_v this_o principle_n as_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o order_n our_o spirit_n towards_o god_n &_o virtue_n as_o in_o use_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o worldly_a conversation_n i_o may_v then_o hope_v this_o small_a treatise_n will_v find_v as_o kind_a à _fw-fr welcome_n from_o all_o well-willer_n to_o piety_n as_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n may_v deserve_v that_o whereof_o it_o treat_v be_v divine_a &_o my_o whole_a aim_n be_v to_o render_v the_o lover_n of_o solitude_n divine_a bring_v she_o home_o to_o god_n whence_o she_o stray_v by_o sin_n that_o moderate_v passion_n &_o plant_v virtue_n she_o may_v be_v cordial_o unite_v to_o her_o divine_a espous_a the_o author_n of_o all_o perfection_n &_o finisher_n of_o our_o best_a hope_n by_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n now_o &_o after_o by_o a_o endless_a communion_n with_o he_o in_o heaven_n as_o the_o state_n of_o holy_a religion_n so_o its_o design_n be_v to_o render_v its_o professor_n lover_n of_o solitude_n therefore_o all_o duty_n there_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o divine_a thought_n first_o conceive_v &_o still_o conserve_v in_o those_o divine_a soul_n aim_v to_o fix_v on_o god_n by_o confer_v with_o he_o of_o heaven_n their_o home_n &_o virtue_n the_o way_n thither_o spiritual_a retreat_n therefore_o be_v not_o intend_v for_o they_o who_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o solitude_n but_o for_o such_o who_o conversation_n with_o creature_n expose_v to_o manifold_a distraction_n apt_a to_o slacken_v christian_a zeal_n since_o nature_n be_v too_o prone_a to_o cleave_v to_o the_o perish_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n these_o therefore_o shall_v oft_o renew_v their_o vow_n of_o christianity_n &_o endeavour_v to_o repair_v their_o tire_a out_o spirit_n by_o strong_a purpose_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v best_a make_v in_o a_o retreat_n from_o their_o usual_a employment_n how_o ever_o even_o religious_a person_n particular_o who_o obedience_n partake_v more_o of_o the_o solicitude_n of_o martha_n than_o mary_n solitude_n shall_v sometime_o observe_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a retirement_n that_o reflect_v on_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o vocation_n &_o the_o duty_n thereof_o they_o may_v repair_v what_o be_v decay_v of_o their_o first_o fervour_n &_o secure_v their_o claym_v to_o heaven_n aim_v at_o by_o their_o divine_a choice_n and_o indeed_o this_o great_a work_n be_v to_o all_o of_o that_o high_a concernment_n that_o what_o ever_o account_v some_o loose_a spirit_n may_v make_v of_o it_o it_o will_v one_o day_n extreme_o justify_v the_o child_n of_o light_n &_o crown_v their_o hope_n in_o my_o preface_n to_o philothea_n a_o heaven-aspiring_a soul_n who_o conduct_n in_o her_o pilgrimage_n to_o god_n be_v here_o intend_a i_o have_v at_o large_a discourse_v on_o the_o dignity_n profit_n aim_n &_o use_v of_o spiritual_a retreat_n wherefore_o i_o need_v not_o further_o dilate_v myself_o on_o that_o subject_n my_o wish_n be_v it_o be_v practice_n may_v make_v thou_o &_o all_o true_o happy_a farewell_n approbation_n librum_fw-la hunc_fw-la anglicè_fw-la conscriptum_fw-la à _fw-la v._o adm._n p._n fr._n joanne_n à _fw-fr s._n cruse_n s._n th._n lect._n ac_fw-la conventus_fw-la fr_n minor_n anglo-duacen_a vicario_n cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la philothea_n pilgrimage_n to_o perfection_n etc._n etc._n diligenter_n perlegi_fw-la nihilque_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la deprehendi_fw-la fidei_fw-la vel_fw-la bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la contrarium_fw-la sed_fw-la omne_fw-la devotionem_fw-la spirantia_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la perigrinantes_fw-la ad_fw-la beatitudinem_fw-la animas_fw-la in_fw-la itinere_fw-la promovere_fw-la poterunt_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la rei_fw-la fidem_fw-la subscripsi_fw-la kalend_n septembr_n anno_fw-la 1664._o georgius_n leyburnus_n sacr._n theol._n doct._n &_o coll._n anglo-duacen_a praeses_fw-la mandatum_fw-la ordinis_fw-la commendetur_fw-la praelo_fw-la tractatus_fw-la v._n adm._n f._n joannis_n à _fw-fr s._n cruse_n confessarii_fw-la monialium_fw-la nostrarum_fw-la brugensium_fw-la etc._n etc._n de_fw-fr recessu_fw-la spirituali_fw-la actum_fw-la londini_fw-la in_o congregatione_fw-la intermedia_fw-la 15._o nou._n 1666._o erat_fw-la subscriptum_fw-la fr._n thomas_n à _fw-fr s._n anna_n secret_n prov._n &_o notar._n ap._n locus_n ✚_o sigilli_fw-la i_o underwritten_a have_v diligent_o read_v over_o philothea_n pilgrimage_n to_o perfection_n etc._n etc._n compose_v by_o the_o rev._n father_n bro_n john_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n reader_n of_o divinity_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o holy_a solitude_n be_v high_o commend_v the_o prerogative_n motive_n &_o effect_n thereof_o be_v declare_v instruction_n &_o mean_n for_o attain_v it_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o solitary_a soul_n be_v prescribe_v by_o which_o at_o length_n he_o conduct_n she_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o solitude_n contemplation_n &_o union_n with_o god_n possible_a in_o this_o life_n in_o who_o he_o leave_v she_o firm_o fix_a by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n humility_n &_o abnegation_n &_o consequent_o perfect_a in_o a_o solitary_a way_n see_v therefore_o that_o this_o treatise_n tend_v to_o the_o instruction_n &_o consolation_n of_o such_o soul_n &_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o that_o happy_a end_n &_o more_o over_o contain_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n i_o judge_v that_o it_o may_v happy_o see_v light_n give_v in_o our_o english_a convent_n of_o friar_n minour_n in_o douai_n this_o 3._o of_o may_n 1668._o bro._n bernard_n elston_n ord._n ff_n min._n s._n th._n doctor_n approbatio_fw-la ordinarii_fw-la libre_fw-la hic_fw-la anglicè_fw-la conscriptus_fw-la &_o à _fw-la patribus_fw-la ordinis_fw-la examinatus_fw-la de_fw-la licentiâ_fw-la ordinarii_fw-la poterit_fw-la imprimi_fw-la actum_fw-la hâc_fw-la 8._o maii_n 1668._o n._n gerseken_n archid._n brug_n &_o libr._n censor_n the_o table_n of_o content_n the_o preface_n to_o philothea_n contain_v instruction_n for_o solitude_n §_o 1._o excellency_n of_o holy_a solitude_n pag._n 1._o §_o 2._o preparation_n for_o solitude_n p._n 6._o §_o 3._o abstraction_n from_o usual_a care_n p._n 9_o §_o 4._o choice_n of_o place_n p._n 12._o §_o 5._o due_a time_n of_o solitude_n p._n 14._o §_o 6._o posture_n of_o body_n p._n 24._o §_o 7_o subject_n of_o solitary_a thought_n p._n
at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n with_o saint_n steven_n we_o discourse_v with_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o glory_n with_o holy_a moses_n &_o with_o the_o great_a saint_n paul_n ravish_v into_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n we_o hear_v &_o see_v what_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v &_o can_v utter_v last_o holy_a solitude_n be_v the_o secure_a remedy_n against_o worldly_a desire_n it_o be_v the_o pastime_n of_o saint_n the_o ladder_n of_o heaven_n &_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o perfect_a a_o good_a christian_a soul_n without_o which_o it_o can_v experience_v true_a joy_n &_o rest_n during_o her_o abode_n in_o this_o smoky_a cottage_n of_o her_o mortality_n although_o all_o virtuous_a exercise_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o tedious_a life_n do_v aim_n at_o the_o profit_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purchase_n of_o life_n eternal_a yet_o none_o come_v near_a to_o this_o happy_a purpose_n than_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o holy_a solitude_n whereby_o our_o spirit_n be_v strong_o wean_v from_o the_o love_n of_o perish_v &_o transitory_a thing_n &_o soar_v up_o to_o the_o contemplation_n &_o love_n of_o her_o almighty_a creator_n before_o who_o in_o silence_n &_o hope_n she_o humble_o discover_v her_o want_n &_o earnest_a desire_n embrace_v he_o with_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o innocent_a &_o reverential_a love_n &_o in_o a_o manner_n enter_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o sweet_n of_o a_o never_o end_a felicity_n amid_o the_o heavy_a press_n of_o worldy_a trial_n if_o therefore_o my_o philothea_n thou_o do_v earnest_o thirst_n after_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o spiritual_a retreat_n thou_o must_v serious_o apply_v thyself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o it_o for_o howsoever_o strong_a thou_o find_v thyself_o in_o resist_a temptation_n &_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n without_o a_o retirement_n of_o thy_o spirit_n yet_o will_v the_o great_a fervour_n soon_o slacken_v &_o become_v faint_a without_o the_o supply_n of_o recollection_n by_o reason_n that_o our_o enemy_n be_v many_o powerful_a &_o restless_a &_o virtue_n how_o ever_o pleasant_a in_o the_o possession_n be_v hard_o in_o the_o purchase_n &_o our_o strong_a resolution_n not_o support_v both_o by_o frequent_a reflection_n upon_o our_o soul_n &_o those_o impediment_n that_o do_v often_o occur_v in_o our_o pursuit_n of_o piety_n &_o by_o renovation_n of_o purpose_n unto_o that_o our_o happy_a end_n will_v by_o insensible_a degree_n become_v weak_a &_o tepid_a but_o before_o thou_o undertake_v this_o work_n of_o ten_o day_n solitude_n unto_o which_o i_o advise_v &_o study_v to_o direct_v thou_o read_v attentive_o these_o few_o rule_n which_o i_o here_o insert_v collect_v out_o of_o several_a great_a contemplative_n who_o experience_n in_o the_o school_n of_o holy_a solitude_n may_v give_v they_o authority_n for_o thy_o instruction_n and_o indeed_o without_o they_o a_o soul_n may_v miscarry_v which_o will_v be_v great_a pity_n even_o in_o this_o holy_a &_o excel_a work_n &_o suffer_v illusion_n where_o it_o endeavour_n to_o shun_v &_o decline_v they_o §._o 2._o preparation_n for_o solitude_n wherefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v sure_a that_o enter_v into_o this_o holy_a exercise_n god_n honour_n be_v thy_o chief_a aim_n the_o next_o a_o reformation_n of_o thy_o own_o life_n by_o a_o serious_a &_o deliberate_a reflection_n on_o thy_o past_a &_o present_a state_n &_o what_o may_v happen_v for_o the_o future_a that_o thou_o may_v thereby_o prepare_v thyself_o to_o live_v well_o &_o die_v happy_o &_o that_o death_n when_o it_o come_v may_v not_o find_v thou_o unprovided_a nor_o do_v thou_o much_o heed_n what_o the_o world_n may_v think_v of_o thy_o retirement_n thou_o undertake_v the_o employment_n of_o a_o angel_n &_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o foretaste_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n blush_v not_o then_o that_o thou_o begin_v now_o to_o be_v what_o thou_o shall_v be_v always_o but_o rather_o that_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o neglect_v a_o work_n wherein_o much_o of_o thy_o life_n ought_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o because_o this_o mountain_n of_o solitude_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v climb_v with_o a_o profane_a &_o ungodly_a foot_n but_o as_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n so_o here_o no_o beast_n may_v touch_v god_n hill_n lest_o he_o die_v the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v only_o promise_v to_o the_o pure_a of_o heart_n the_o soul_n must_v therefore_o be_v well_o cleanse_v by_o humble_a confession_n from_o the_o dregs_n of_o sin_n before_o she_o may_v profitable_o approach_v to_o this_o exercise_n which_o behold_v only_a object_n that_o be_v pure_a &_o spiritual_a thus_o the_o royal_a prophet_n will_v first_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n &_o then_o compass_v the_o altar_n make_v then_o a_o strict_a examine_v of_o thy_o conscience_n what_o sin_n may_v have_v be_v commit_v by_o thou_o what_o grace_n forfeit_v what_o punishment_n deserve_v &_o after_o this_o in_o the_o evening_n before_o thou_o enterest_n thy_o solitude_n make_v a_o humble_a &_o cordial_a confession_n of_o what_o thou_o find_v thyself_o faulty_a since_o thy_o last_o examine_v for_o since_o thy_o understanding_n be_v not_o yet_o enough_o clear_v nor_o thy_o affection_n sufficient_o inflame_v for_o a_o general_n confession_n i_o shall_v advise_v thou_o to_o defer_v it_o till_o the_o four_o day_n where_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o of_o the_o profit_n thereof_o &_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v this_o do_v trouble_v not_o thyself_o if_o thou_o findse_v in_o thy_o soul_n some_o ill_a inclination_n yet_o live_v there_o this_o exercise_n require_v not_o absolute_a perfection_n but_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v we_o all_o saint_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o use_v the_o solitude_n i_o speak_v of_o content_v thyself_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o conscious_a of_o any_o mortal_a offence_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o disclose_v with_o a_o humble_a repentance_n for_o what_o be_v past_a &_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o amend_v endeavour_v still_o a_o honest_a sincerity_n &_o uprightnes_n of_o heart_n towards_o god_n who_o find_v himself_o in_o this_o disposition_n let_v he_o not_o think_v that_o either_o weakness_n to_o virtue_n or_o pronesse_n to_o vice_n may_v be_v a_o lawful_a bar_n to_o recollection_n whereby_o our_o viciousnesse_n be_v weaken_v &_o virtue_n revive_v in_o we_o no_o man_n will_v starve_v himself_o with_o hunger_n because_o he_o eat_v not_o with_o a_o strong_a appetite_n §._o 3._o abstraction_n from_o usual_a care_n in_o the_o next_o place_n philothea_n thou_o must_v disentangle_v thyself_o from_o worldly_a affair_n if_o thou_o will_v approach_v to_o god_n flame_a bush_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o vision_n thou_o must_v put_v of_o thy_o shoe_n where_o our_o thought_n be_v glue_v to_o the_o world_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v unable_a to_o soar_v up_o with_o wing_n so_o lime_v &_o entangle_v unto_o a_o contemplation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o this_o elizeus_fw-la leave_v his_o ox_n s._n peter_n his_o boat_n net_n &_o friend_n too_o the_o hill_n of_o divine_a meditation_n be_v high_a &_o steep_a &_o not_o to_o be_v ascend_v with_o a_o heart_n load_v with_o worldly_a care_n &_o sollicitude_n nor_o yet_o need_v thou_o what_o ever_o thy_o charge_n be_v public_a or_o private_a secular_a or_o religious_a cast_v it_o whole_o off_o lay_v it_o by_o a_o while_n during_o thy_o spiritual_a retreat_n in_o some_o other_o hand_n whilst_o thou_o draw_v there_o more_o force_n &_o strength_n for_o the_o mannagement_n thereof_o if_o thou_o let_v those_o care_n enter_v in_o with_o thou_o they_o will_v become_v troublesome_a companion_n ever_o &_o anon_o distract_n thy_o mind_n from_o her_o chief_a business_n and_o in_o this_o point_n solitude_n admit_v no_o smallness_n of_o matter_n if_o thou_o give_v place_n to_o one_o thought_n which_o be_v not_o to_o thy_o purpose_n hundred_o will_v throng_v in_o with_o it_o each_o will_v prove_v a_o impediment_n to_o the_o other_o &_o all_o of_o they_o will_v trouble_v &_o divert_v the_o soul_n which_o entertain_v they_o in_o this_o her_o divine_a work_n wherefore_o be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o advice_n experience_n will_v teach_v thou_o that_o distraction_n go_v not_o single_a admit_v one_o &_o in_o a_o moment_n thou_o will_v forget_v where_o thou_o be_v &_o what_o thou_o be_v about_o and_o as_o thou_o must_v discharge_v thyself_o of_o thy_o ordinary_a employment_n when_o thou_o attempt_v this_o great_a work_n withdraw_a not_o thy_o hand_n only_o but_o even_o thy_o thought_n from_o they_o so_o also_o must_v thou_o observe_v a_o more_o strict_a &_o profound_a silence_n not_o enter_v into_o a_o conference_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o obedience_n &_o well_o ground_v charity_n will_v
help_n to_o our_o want_n &_o what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o my_o soul_n be_v prepare_v o_o god_n my_o soul_n be_v prepare_v to_o sing_v &_o praise_v thou_o &_o imitate_v the_o patience_n &_o obedience_n of_o my_o saviour_n jesus_n third_z point_n charity_n &_o perfection_n consideration_n consider_v that_o as_o without_o charity_n there_o be_v no_o true_a virtue_n or_o meritorious_a action_n so_o no_o hope_n to_o advance_v in_o solitary_n perfection_n it_o be_v the_o aim_n &_o accomplishment_n of_o god_n law_n &_o therefore_o must_v be_v one_o of_o our_o chief_a entertainment_n in_o our_o spiritual_a retreat_n first_o in_o order_n to_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n create_v as_o infinite_o lovely_a in_o himself_o &_o our_o supreme_a good_a then_o in_o other_o to_o other_o as_o image_n of_o god_n &_o companion_n in_o our_o claim_n to_o heaven_n but_o especial_o if_o our_o solitude_n be_v cloister_a or_o religious_a &_o consequent_o permanent_a in_o the_o society_n of_o many_o person_n join_v in_o the_o same_o intention_n &_o profession_n who_o be_v to_o be_v all_o unite_a one_o with_o the_o other_o in_o do_v &_o suffer_v such_o a_o society_n represent_v that_o bless_a communion_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o well_o in_o god_n the_o centre_n of_o their_o love_n as_o between_o themselves_o by_o a_o mutual_a congratulation_n at_o each_o other_o combatts_n with_o sensuality_n victory_n over_o sin_n &_o satan_n &_o special_a favour_n from_o their_o bless_a redeemer_n and_o indeed_o without_o charity_n the_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n be_v imperfect_a &_o ruinous_a by_o reason_n of_o our_o natural_a frailty_n &_o cross_a accident_n which_o through_o god_n permission_n oft_o try_v our_o constancy_n in_o good_a purpose_n have_v a_o care_n than_o philothea_n that_o a_o sweet_a compliance_n with_o the_o inclination_n of_o other_o a_o pleasant_a bear_n with_o their_o imperfection_n a_o inviolable_a tie_n of_o love_n be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o thy_o soul_n that_o it_o never_o fade_v or_o fail_v whatever_o difference_n of_o disposition_n quality_n or_o other_o motive_n of_o dislike_n may_v arise_v and_o of_o this_o be_v sure_a to_o make_v a_o strict_a examine_v where_o how_o with_o who_o and_o how_o oft_o thou_o have_v herein_o beme_fw-mi defective_a and_o whether_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o this_o queen_n of_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o socretie_a no_o place_n no_o employment_n can_v be_v pleasant_a propound_v likewise_o efficacious_a motive_n &_o mean_n when_o &_o how_o to_o practice_v it_o and_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v to_o complete_a the_o happiness_n of_o our_o solitary_a entertainment_n we_o must_v practice_v perfection_n that_o be_v all_o virtuous_a &_o holy_a action_n which_o may_v give_v a_o perfect_a integrity_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_n man._n this_o be_v not_o gain_v by_o mere_a solitariness_n but_o by_o live_v in_o solitude_n with_o the_o train_n of_o all_o good_a virtue_n for_o want_v whereof_o the_o angel_n be_v banish_v the_o heavenly_a &_o adam_n the_o earthly_a paradise_n though_o both_o place_n of_o exceed_a perfection_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o place_n wherein_o thou_o live_v nor_o the_o attire_n thou_o wear_v nor_o the_o purpose_n or_o vow_n thou_o may_v make_v will_v make_v thou_o perfect_o virtuous_a but_o a_o entire_a integrity_n of_o thy_o life_n in_o that_o thou_o do_v now_o profess_v wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o live_v ill_a it_o be_v a_o sacrilege_n to_o be_v wicked_a in_o holy_a solitude_n make_v here_o philothea_n a_o general_a survey_n of_o all_o thy_o imperfection_n &_o fault_n together_o with_o a_o generous_a resolution_n of_o fulfil_n all_o justice_n in_o perfection_n affection_n oh_o deep_a fountain_n of_o divine_a love_n flow_v sweet_o into_o my_o soul_n wash_v thence_o the_o blott_n of_o my_o iniquity_n &_o cool_v the_o heat_n of_o my_o inordinate_a passion_n oh_o heavenly_a fire_n consume_v the_o dross_n of_o my_o sinful_a action_n &_o warm_v my_o heart_n with_o holy_a desire_n that_o i_o may_v serve_v thou_o my_o glorious_a god_n with_o a_o clean_a heart_n &_o love_v all_o creature_n in_o thou_o &_o for_o thou_o compassionate_v their_o frailty_n comfort_v they_o in_o their_o combat_n &_o treat_v with_o all_o as_o fellow_n servant_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n &_o my_o future_a partner_n in_o his_o heavenly_a joy_n &_o blessing_n resolution_n i_o will_v enter_v covenant_n with_o my_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o fapream_a lord_n of_o my_o life_n &_o action_n to_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o my_o heart_n &_o to_o love_v he_o in_o himself_o &_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o bear_v with_o they_o compassionate_a &_o relieve_v they_o &_o to_o prevent_v each_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o lenity_n &_o mildness_n &_o always_o to_o study_v a_o integrity_n &_o uprightness_n of_o of_o life_n &_o conversation_n before_o god_n &_o man_n that_o i_o may_v resist_v the_o evil_a day_n &_o stand_v perfect_a in_o all_o thing_n the_o evening_n exercise_n first_o discourse_n love_n of_o solitary_a place_n the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o sin_n &_o affliction_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v expedient_a we_o shall_v fly_v to_o the_o mountain_n of_o holy_a solitude_n there_o to_o secure_v our_o selus_fw-la from_o its_o danger_n to_o bewail_v the_o perilous_a condition_n of_o worldling_n &_o rejoice_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o our_o blessed_n god_n to_o this_o we_o must_v dispose_v our_o selus_fw-la by_o the_o love_n of_o solitary_a &_o retire_a place_n wherein_o our_o heavenly_a espouse_v delight_n to_o dwell_v it_o be_v there_o o_o philothea_n that_o the_o belove_a of_o thy_o soul_n will_v give_v thou_o the_o sweet_a caress_n of_o inward_a joy_n &_o tranquillity_n which_o the_o world_n may_v promise_v but_o can_v never_o bestow_v beware_v then_o that_o whilst_o here_o retire_v thou_o suffer_v not_o to_o be_v in_o thou_o any_o desire_n of_o converse_v with_o creature_n howsoever_o dear_a unto_o thou_o for_o that_o will_v disorder_v the_o sweet_a serenity_n of_o thy_o retreat_n say_v therefore_o with_o the_o royal_a prophet_n dilate_v my_o heart_n o_o lord_n &_o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n &_o for_o the_o word_n of_o thy_o lip_n i_o will_v keep_v hard_a way_n we_o must_v also_o wish_v well_o even_o to_o a_o permanent_a state_n of_o solitude_n &_o a_o constant_a perseverance_n therein_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o for_o thus_o have_v many_o happy_a religious_a soul_n be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n enclose_v in_o monastery_n so_o that_o no_o access_n may_v be_v have_v to_o they_o or_o so_o much_o as_o discourse_v with_o they_o but_o by_o special_a licence_n on_o some_o urgent_a occasion_n &_o that_o brief_o at_o their_o grate_v and_o in_o that_o their_o retreat_n they_o enjoy_v a_o content_a with_o god_n not_o to_o be_v express_v even_o by_o they_o that_o feel_v it_o it_o be_v hard_o indeed_o at_o first_o to_o abandon_v parent_n &_o all_o our_o ancient_a friend_n &_o acquaintance_n &_o hearty_o to_o renounce_v the_o charm_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n yet_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o foot_n set_v into_o holy_a solitude_n but_o there_o follow_v some_o feel_a content_n even_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n which_o make_v they_o say_v with_o saint_n peter_n oh_o how_o delightful_a be_v it_o to_o abide_v here_o and_o with_o holy_a david_n this_o shall_v be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o &_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v because_o i_o have_v choose_v it_o they_o discern_v perfect_o that_o their_o solitude_n be_v a_o sanctuary_n &_o a_o tower_n of_o defence_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o spiritual_a enemy_n o_o unspeakable_a happiness_n to_o have_v not_o only_o a_o safeguard_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o very_a invisible_a attempt_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o foot_n o_o philothea_n of_o a_o solitary_n soul_n be_v already_o stand_v in_o the_o immortal_a court_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n as_o soon_o therefore_o as_o thou_o be_v creep_v into_o thy_o private_a cell_n or_o closet_n check_v present_o all_o inclination_n to_o outward_a thing_n &_o resolve_v henceforth_o to_o withdraw_v thyself_o by_o degree_n from_o all_o such_o divertisement_n which_o will_v prove_v at_o last_o to_o be_v empty_a &_o vain_a comfort_n colloquy_n oh_o how_o heavy_a &_o tyresome_a be_v the_o chain_n of_o mortal_a care_n &_o compliance_n &_o yet_o how_o unwilling_a be_v we_o to_o shake_v they_o off_o as_o if_o we_o love_v &_o like_v well_o our_o own_o misery_n &_o danger_n far_o better_a o_o my_o god_n far_o better_o be_v one_o hour_n with_o thou_o in_o holy_a contemplation_n than_o million_o of_o year_n in_o the_o fade_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n &_o yet_o with_o a_o heavy_a heart_n
man_n so_o must_v my_o contemplation_n &_o union_n be_v with_o thou_o a_o glorious_a god_n &_o a_o suffer_a man_n by_o partake_v the_o joy_n of_o one_o &_o sorrow_n of_o the_o other_o i_o will_v therefore_o ever_o aspire_v to_o be_v with_o thou_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o father_n yet_o will_v joyful_o cast_v myself_o into_o the_o sea_n of_o love_n thy_o bleed_a heart_n that_o through_o it_o i_o may_v swim_v to_o the_o haven_n of_o thy_o hide_a divinity_n come_v then_o all_o torment_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n press_v heavy_a upon_o i_o i_o shall_v never_o sink_v as_o long_o as_o support_v by_o the_o save_a grace_n of_o my_o victorious_a redeemer_n oh_o that_o i_o be_v grow_v by_o the_o tooth_n of_o wild_a beast_n tear_v by_o rack_n scorch_v with_o burn_a flame_n so_o i_o may_v enjoy_v christ_n rather_o here_o o_o lord_n rather_o here_o then_o where_o thy_o wrath_n never_o cease_v for_o thou_o will_v lead_v i_o forth_o this_o prison_n &_o show_v i_o all_o thy_o glory_n &_o i_o shall_v confess_v unto_o thy_o name_n resolution_n i_o will_v for_o ever_o make_v my_o habitation_n in_o the_o wound_a heart_n of_o my_o crucify_a lord_n &_o therein_o read_v over_o the_o vast_a book_n of_o love_n suffer_v that_o by_o it_o i_o may_v govern_v my_o life_n &_o action_n not_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n void_a of_o the_o substance_n &_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_n therefore_o i_o will_v joyful_o welcome_v all_o tribulation_n as_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n &_o token_n of_o his_o love_n give_v to_o cure_v the_o sore_n of_o my_o sinful_a soul_n exercise_n virtue_n &_o preserve_v to_o life_n everlasting_a for_o who_o ever_o live_v holy_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n nor_o may_v the_o crown_n of_o endless_a glory_n be_v purchase_v at_o a_o easy_a rate_n i_o will_v therefore_o cheerful_o take_v up_o my_o cross_n rank_n myself_o among_o thy_o zealous_a servant_n &_o follow_v thou_o my_o suffer_a lord_n for_o bless_a be_v he_o who_o suffer_v for_o thou_o because_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n &_o immortality_n second_o point_n expropriation_n of_o friend_n consideration_n consider_v that_o to_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a state_n of_o christian_a perfection_n &_o union_n with_o christ_n suffer_v we_o must_v willing_o abandon_v all_o earthly_a content_n &_o embrace_v all_o tribulation_n with_o joy_n in_o imitation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v much_o hard_a &_o consequent_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o bear_v great_a cross_n with_o patience_n then_o perform_v heroic_a act_n of_o virtue_n without_o difficulty_n for_o our_o virtue_n be_v not_o then_o firm_a when_o not_o shake_v but_o when_o not_o shake_v though_o most_o assail_v by_o adversity_n therefore_o our_o perfection_n grow_v with_o proportion_n to_o our_o suffering_n in_o the_o society_n of_o our_o suffer_a saviour_n who_o pilgrimage_n from_o the_o cribb_n to_o the_o cross_n begin_v in_o tear_n &_o end_v in_o blood_n since_o therefore_o philothea_n thou_o be_v by_o profession_n à _fw-fr christian_n &_o by_o special_a resolution_n a_o seeker_n of_o high_a perfection_n christ_n sorrow_n suffering_n &_o cross_n must_v be_v unto_o thou_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n &_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o thy_o motion_n the_o more_o conformable_a thou_o be_v to_o he_o in_o these_o the_o great_a will_v thy_o perfection_n now_o be_v &_o happiness_n hereafter_o behold_v then_o with_o a_o steadfast_a eye_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n &_o as_o in_o his_o passion_n so_o in_o his_o death_n abandon_v by_o his_o apostle_n disciple_n &_o all_o his_o usual_a train_n of_o applaud_v attendant_n he_o who_o in_o his_o glory_n be_v guard_v with_o million_o of_o angel_n to_o who_o all_o knee_n bow_v &_o who_o be_v the_o image_n &_o splendour_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o eternal_a father_n be_v now_o forsake_v by_o all._n love_v make_v he_o our_o brother_n by_o assume_v our_o nature_n compassion_n our_o physician_n by_o his_o heal_a doctrine_n &_o sacrament_n mercy_n our_o ransom_n by_o his_o own_o bitter_a death_n discharge_v our_o debt_n &_o now_o alas_o he_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o he_o descend_v from_o the_o noble_a prince_n priest_n &_o prophet_n of_o israël_n by_o his_o temporal_a birth_n he_o heal_v lame_a blind_a dumb_a leper_n all_o disease_n by_o his_o divine_a power_n all_o man_n &_o angel_n for_o ever_o glorious_a with_o god_n be_v happy_a through_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o peace-speaking_a blood_n &_o they_o have_v now_o alas_o all_o desert_a he_o this_o be_v the_o pattern_n which_o we_o must_v imitate_v philothea_n ere_o we_o can_v attain_v the_o perfection_n we_o aim_v at_o we_o must_v be_v entire_o resign_v to_o abandon_v &_o be_v abandon_v by_o all_o even_o our_o dear_a &_o most_o oblige_a friend_n this_o may_v seem_v hard_a &_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o for_o friendship_n be_v a_o virtue_n &_o charity_n be_v yet_o a_o great_a it_o be_v hard_o therefore_o to_o persuade_v from_o action_n arise_v from_o so_o sublime_a a_o cause_n yet_o be_v it_o main_o necessary_a if_o we_o will_v become_v perfect_a when_o the_o prune_a time_n be_v come_v superfluous_a shoot_n must_v be_v cut_n off_o else_o few_o &_o small_a fruit_n all_o earthly_a friendship_n be_v superfluous_a in_o order_n to_o inward_a perfection_n therefore_o shall_v be_v lop_v off_o that_o the_o sap_n of_o grace_n may_v quiet_o fructify_v in_o we_o to_o life_n everlasting_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o divine_a guide_n &_o example_n tell_v i_o philothea_n can_v thou_o like_v well_o a_o treason_n in_o thy_o bosom_n friend_n sure_o thou_o can_v not_o if_o david_n have_v be_v curse_v by_o his_o enemy_n he_o can_v have_v bear_v it_o but_o to_o be_v hurt_v by_o a_o friend_n by_o one_o that_o have_v pray_v with_o he_o in_o god_n holy_a house_n that_o be_v a_o unsupportable_a cross_n and_o what_o be_v more_o frequent_a even_o with_o those_o who_o abandon_v the_o world_n shall_v abandon_v its_o weakness_n &_o mutability_n &_o yet_o through_o variety_n of_o opinion_n &_o disposition_n oft_o break_v &_o betray_v a_o friend_n confidence_n if_o then_o for_o the_o love_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a espous_a thou_o have_v forsake_v parent_n kindred_n &_o all_o worldly_a friend_n for_o the_o same_o love_n enter_v not_o now_o or_o at_o least_o break_v off_o any_o singularity_n of_o affection_n even_o towards_o thy_o companion_n in_o the_o study_n of_o perfection_n not_o only_o because_o singularity_n be_v ever_o prejudicial_a in_o professor_n of_o a_o common_a life_n whence_o propriety_n of_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o of_o temporal_a good_n must_v be_v banish_v as_o nurse_n of_o suspicion_n jealousy_n &_o many_o private_a feude_n but_o especial_o because_o they_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o inward_a tranquillity_n in_o case_n our_o friend_n to_o who_o we_o have_v imprudent_o disclose_v the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n betray_v his_o trust_n use_v our_o freedom_n to_o our_o confusion_n wherefore_o be_v cautious_a in_o trust_v thy_o heart_n string_n to_o any_o but_o as_o the_o wise_a heathen_a say_v ever_o converse_v with_o thy_o friend_n as_o one_o who_o may_v prove_v thy_o enemy_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o fire_n to_o burn_v so_o of_o sinner_n to_o be_v weak_a &_o self_n interest_v take_v a_o view_n of_o they_o past_a life_n &_o experience_n will_v teach_v thou_o most_o friendship_n of_o thy_o bosom-friend_n to_o have_v be_v ground_v on_o self-profit_n &_o therefore_o have_v end_v in_o discontent_n &_o enmity_n beside_o the_o superfluity_n &_o treachery_n of_o friendship_n they_o be_v great_a impediment_n of_o virtue_n while_o many_o thought_n be_v spend_v in_o they_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o in_o ward_n peace_n loss_n of_o precious_a time_n &_o neglect_n of_o heavenly_a conference_n with_o our_o divine_a espous_a i_o doubt_v not_o philothea_n but_o thou_o have_v have_v many_o special_a &_o dear_a friend_n &_o much_o delight_v to_o abide_v &_o confer_v with_o they_o &_o what_o profit_n thence_o alas_o much_o vanity_n time_n lose_v languish_n of_o heart_n or_o sin_n even_o now_o then_o knock_v off_o these_o troublesome_a slackle_n whereby_o thou_o be_v fetter_v to_o creature_n however_o dear_a to_o thou_o lest_o thou_o present_v god_n with_o a_o break_a &_o divide_a heart_n whereas_o he_o give_v &_o demand_v a_o whole_a &_o sound_a &_o that_o thou_o owe_v to_o he_o have_v thou_o many_o thousand_o affection_n ah_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o be_v abandon_v by_o all_o friend_n who_o may_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o desolation_n but_o i_o know_v &_o will_v adore_v the_o power_n that_o work_v this_o happy_a separation_n perhaps_o thou_o have_v for_o ever_o perish_v o_o my_o soul_n have_v not_o not_o thus_o lose_v thy_o friend_n or_o abandon_v he_o for_o god_n alas_o