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ground_n divine_a faith_n revelation_n 2,617 5 10.5414 5 true
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A29583 Sancta Sophia, or, Directions for the prayer of contemplation &c. extracted out of more then (sic) XL treatises / written by the late Ven. Father F. Augustin Baker, a monke of the English congregation of the Holy Order of S. Benedict, and methodically digested by the R.F. Serenvs Cressy of the same order and congregation ...; Sancta Sophia Baker, Augustine, 1575-1641. 1657 (1657) Wing B480; ESTC R16263 412,832 848

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ought_v any_o to_o fear_v least_o ordinary_a christian_n will_v foolish_o apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o relaxation_n about_o confession_n etc._n etc._n necessary_o allow_v to_o wellminded_n scrupulous_a soul_n that_o pursue_v contemplation_n way_n in_o a_o abstract_a life_n &_o solitude_n or_o that_o soul_n that_o live_v distract_v solicitous_a active_a life_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v so_o will_v judge_v themselves_o interest_v in_o the_o way_n &_o exercise_n of_o internal_a contemplative_a liver_n or_o in_o a_o word_n that_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o but_o beginner_n or_o have_v make_v but_o small_a proficiency_n in_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n will_v be_v so_o foolish_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o aspire_v to_o exercise_n more_o sublime_a than_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o which_o they_o can_v do_v without_o receive_v infinite_a prejudice_n by_o their_o indiscreet_a ambition_n add_v hereto_o that_o in_o several_a occasion_n there_o have_v be_v use_v &_o inculcate_v in_o 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bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la adversetur_fw-la aut_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la statum_n regimen_n vel_fw-la negotia_fw-la cuiusvis_fw-la reipublicae_fw-la quovis_fw-la modo_fw-la pertineat_fw-la sed_fw-la unaquaeque_fw-la pagina_fw-la solam_fw-la pietatem_fw-la theoricam_fw-la spirat_fw-la quam_fw-la sublimi_fw-la quidem_fw-la modestissimâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la actutusimâ_fw-la viâ_fw-la accuratè_fw-la docet_fw-la &_o a_o ss_z patrum_fw-la vestigijs_fw-la nunquam_fw-la recedir_n ita_fw-la ●estor_fw-la in_o coventu_fw-la nostro_fw-la s._n greg._n duaci_n 20._o ap._n 1657._o fr._n leander_n a_o s._n augustino_n s._n theologiae_n professor_n in_o collegio_fw-la vedastino_n duaci_fw-la cvm_fw-la libre_fw-la hic_fw-la cvi_fw-la titulus_fw-la sancta_fw-la sophia_n etc._n etc._n anglicè_fw-la scriptus_fw-la diligenter_n perfectus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la ab_fw-la eximio_fw-la &_o r._n patre_fw-la benedicto_n stapleton_n s._n theologiae_n doctore_fw-la &_o r.p._n leandro_n à_fw-fr s._n augustino_n s._n 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the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n answer_v large_o &_o the_o contrary_n demonstrate_v §_o 16._o 17._o what_o illumination_n be_v here_o mean_v and_o how_o divine_a love_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n do_v most_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n §_o 21._o 22._o a_o three_o objection_n viz._n that_o sectary_n will_v hence_o take_v advantage_n to_o justify_v their_o frenzy_n &_o disorder_n §_o 23._o 24._o 25._o etc._n etc._n four_o preparatory_a ground_n lay_v for_o the_o clear_a answer_v this_o objection_n §_o 31._o 32._o the_o say_a objection_n answer_v where_o be_v contrary_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o publish_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o only_a mean_a to_o discover_v &_o disprove_v the_o false_a illumination_n of_o sectary_n §_o 33._o 34._o 35._o etc._n etc._n a_o exhortation_n to_o sectary_n to_o observe_v the_o strange_a difference_n between_o their_o spirit_n &_o that_o of_o catholic_n §_o 39_o 40._o etc._n etc._n a_o explanation_n of_o certain_a passage_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n §_o 47._o a_o just_a request_n to_o the_o reader_n §_o 48._o a_o submission_n of_o all_o to_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a &c._n &c._n belove_a christian_a reader_n before_o thou_o proceed_v to_o partake_v of_o what_o be_v promise_v thou_o in_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o this_o book_n thou_o be_v entreat_v to_o
love_n speread_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o s._n augustin_n say_v to_o this_o verity_n give_v evident_a witness_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o public_a devotion_n da_fw-la domine_fw-la famulis_fw-la tuis_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la à_fw-la te_fw-la iussa_fw-la agnonimus_fw-la implere_fw-la caelesti_fw-la inspiratione_n valeamus_fw-la that_o be_v grant_v o_o lord_n unto_o thy_o servant_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v command_v by_o thou_o we_o may_v by_o thy_o heavenly_a inspiration_n accomplish_v and_o again_o auge_n populi_fw-la tui_fw-la vota_fw-la placatus_fw-la quia_fw-la in_o nullo_n fidelium_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la tua_fw-la inspiratione_n proveniunt_fw-la quarumlibet_fw-la incrementa_fw-la virtutum_fw-la that_o be_v increase_v in_o mercy_n o_o lord_n the_o desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n for_o not_o the_o least_o progress_n in_o any_o virtue_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o thy_o divine_a inspiration_n 24._o the_o second_o ground_n be_v consequent_a on_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o since_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o necessity_n oblige_v we_o to_o correspond_v unto_o they_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v equal_a for_o from_o no_o other_o root_n but_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o obligation_n do_v or_o can_v proceed_v all_o our_o mischief_n the_o guilt_n of_o such_o neglect_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a inasmuch_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v of_o such_o a_o active_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n cherish_v by_o we_o do_v deafen_v its_o call_n and_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n it_o will_v continual_o be_v waken_v by_o every_o occasion_n incite_v we_o to_o love_n god_n only_o and_o to_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o now_o by_o such_o neglect_n we_o be_v say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o contristate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o oft_o contristate_v he_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n come_v to_o quench_v he_o and_o the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o such_o negligent_a despiser_n of_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o call_n be_v powerful_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o his_o proverb_n 1.24_o quia_fw-la vocavi●_n &_o renuistis_fw-la &c._n &c._n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o regard_v i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n and_o i_o will_v mock_v when_o that_o which_o you_o do_v fear_n shall_v happen_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o i_o and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o shall_v rise_v early_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o find●_n i_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n incite_v we_o to_o action_n which_o be_v not_o of_o essential_a obligation_n yet_o so_o do_v we_o do_v contristate_v god_n spirit_n and_o more_o indispose_v ourselves_o afterward_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v its_o direction_n and_o mortal_a sin_n be_v seldom_o rush_v into_o upon_o the_o sudden_a they_o begin_v with_o lesser_a resistance_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o obscure_v and_o less_o capable_a to_o obey_v it_o in_o great_a matter_n but_o as_o for_o perfect_a soul_n they_o be_v in_o continual_a attendance_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n or_o in_o good_a work_n and_o exercise_n begin_v and_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n and_o also_o accompany_v by_o prayer_n 25._o the_o three_o preparatory_a ground_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o that_o since_o these_o so_o necessary_a internal_a inspiration_n must_v necessary_o be_v hearken_v to_o and_o correspond_v with_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v false_a suggestion_n either_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v counterfeit_v and_o subtle_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o possible_a yea_o satisfactory_a mean_n shall_v be_v afford_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o true_a and_o false_a inspiration_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o impossible_a obligation_n to_o obey_v we_o know_v not_o who_o nor_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v actuate_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o use_v as_o instrument_n of_o his_o illusion_n as_o of_o the_o save_a influx_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v the_o way_n between_o heaven_n &_o hell_n 26._o neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v sufficient_o perform_v god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n express_v clear_o in_o scripture_n likewise_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o our_o lawful_a superior_n for_o neither_o will_n the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o interior_a insluxe_n of_o grace_n avail_v we_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v content_a yea_o will_v suggest_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n to_o heart_n that_o he_o know_n will_v intend_v only_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o natural_a pride_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o self-love_n in_o they_o and_o beside_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o these_o external_a rule_n extend_v to_o all_o our_o action_n so_o as_o to_o regulate_v they_o in_o order_n to_o contemplation_n and_o perfection_n 27._o the_o four_o and_o last_o ground_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a inspiration_n of_o god_n from_o the_o false_a suggestion_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o only_a mean_n imaginable_a that_o can_v be_v proper_a natural_a and_o efficacious_a to_o obtain_v such_o a_o supernatural_a light_n to_o discern_v god_n will_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o a_o soul_n live_v a_o abstract_a internal_a recollect_v life_n spend_v in_o a_o continual_a attendance_n on_o god_n etc._n etc._n 28._o this_o be_v a_o way_n suitable_a to_o reason_n conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n &_o deliver_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a mystic_a author_n as_o may_v copious_o be_v demonstrrt_v if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o to_o pray_v perfect_o and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v divine_a grace_n be_v suspicious_a exercise_n to_o any_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v a_o way_n the_o which_o practise_v according_a to_o the_o instruction_n here_o deliver_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a and_o no_o possible_a inconvenience_n can_v flow_v from_o it_o 29._o here_o be_v no_o pretend_v to_o now_o or_o strange_a revelation_n no_o walk_v in_o mirabilibus_fw-la super_fw-la se_fw-la no_o zealous_a seditious_a reformation_n nor_o the_o least_o prejudice_n do_v or_o intend_v to_o peace_n unity_n humility_n obedience_n or_o any_o other_o divine_a virtue_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o these_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v hereby_o not_o only_o fortify_v and_o increase_v but_o by_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v perfect_o obtain_v 30._o and_o indeed_o since_o in_o a_o world_n of_o passage_n in_o holy_a scripture_n we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o double_a duty_n the_o one_o whereof_o perhaps_o in_o popular_a judgment_n seem_v to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v in_o due_a place_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v omit_v namely_o obedience_n both_o to_o god_n holy_a spirit_n inward_o direct_v and_o also_o to_o superior_n outward_o command_v by_o what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o reconcile_v such_o seem_o different_a and_o as_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o contrary_a precept_n but_o by_o join_v this_o doctrine_n to_o that_o concern_v outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v here_o do_v &_o do_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o either_o yea_o manifest_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o in_o their_o due_a circumstance_n if_o then_o for_o any_o outward_a carnal_a respect_n we_o shall_v conceal_v or_o discountenance_v this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o follow_a the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v efface_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o god_n servant_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o unction_n be_v teach_v in_o all_o thing_n again_o if_o on_o pretence_n of_o follow_v inspiration_n and_o internal_a light_n which_o can_v be_v so_o absolute_o certain_a we_o shall_v transgress_v the_o most_o evident_a cercaine_n command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n which_o be_v therefore_o god_n also_o there_o will_v quick_o follow_v a_o end_n of_o all_o order_n peace_n and_o government_n what_o other_o mean_a therefore_o be_v leave_v to_o comply_v with_o both_o these_o but_o to_o obey_v god_n both_o way_n that_o be_v command_v most_o certain_o when_o
though_o in_o themselves_o venial_a yet_o do_v much_o obscure_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o such_o imperfect_a soul_n do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o action_n &_o its_o essentials_n follow_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o by_o mix_v of_o sensual_a interest_n &_o end_n suggest_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n they_o do_v diminish_v its_o lustre_n beauty_n &_o value_v and_o so_o subtle_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o oft_o make_v its_o false_a suggestion_n pass_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o seldom_o miss_v the_o insinuate_a its_o poison_n in_o some_o degree_n either_o into_o the_o beginning_n or_o continuation_n of_o our_o best_a action_n 5._o from_o these_o unquestionable_a ground_n thus_o true_o lay_v it_o follow_v evident_o that_o in_o all_o good_a action_n &_o especial_o in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o conduct_v to_o contemplation_n &_o perfection_n god_n alone_o be_v our_o only_a master_n &_o director_n &_o creature_n when_v he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v they_o be_v only_o his_o instrument_n so_o that_o all_o other_o teacher_n whatsoever_o whether_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o external_a directour_n or_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n be_v no_o further_o nor_o otherwise_o to_o be_v follow_v or_o hearken_v to_o then_o as_o they_o be_v subordinate_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o internal_a direction_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o as_o god_n invite_v instruct_v &_o move_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o they_o by_o they_o to_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o will_n &_o by_o he_o enable_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n they_o will_v certain_o mislead_v us._n 5._o this_o be_v by_o all_o mystical_a writer_n acknowledge_v so_o fundamental_a a_o truth_n that_o without_o acknowledge_v it_o &_o work_v according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n so_o that_o to_o say_v as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v say_v by_o author_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_a but_o have_v no_o taste_n of_o these_o mystic_a matter_n take_v all_o your_o instruction_n from_o without_o from_o externall_n teacher_n or_o book_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n which_o can_v be_v teach_v by_o no_o other_o but_o god_n or_o by_o those_o who_o god_n special_o instruct_v &_o appoint_v determinate_o for_o the_o disciple_n present_a exigence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o internal_o teach_v both_o the_o teacher_n &_o disciple_n &_o his_o inspiration_n be_v the_o only_a lesson_n for_o both_o all_o our_o light_n therefore_o be_v from_o divine_a illumination_n &_o all_o our_o strength_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v from_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o our_o will_n &_o affection_n 7._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o so_o important_a a_o verity_n may_v more_o distinct_o be_v declare_v &_o more_o firm_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v god_n scholar_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n they_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o inspiration_n which_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n though_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o do_v extend_v further_o &_o to_o more_o &_o other_o particular_a object_n than_o the_o divine_a light_n or_o grace_n by_o which_o good_a christian_n live_v common_a life_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lead_v extend_v to_o yea_o then_o it_o do_v even_o in_o those_o that_o seek_v perfection_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n 8._o the_o light_n &_o virtue_n of_o common_a grace_n afford_v general_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n such_o internal_a illumination_n &_o motion_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o any_o sinful_a tentation_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v oblige_v though_o this_o direction_n be_v oft_o obey_v with_o many_o circumstantial_a defect_n and_o their_o action_n be_v so_o far_o &_o no_o further_o meritorious_a &_o please_a to_o god_n then_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o such_o internal_a grace_n or_o inspiration_n but_o as_o for_o other_o action_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o necessary_a obligation_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o the_o advance_v &_o perfect_v of_o holiness_n in_o their_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v the_o ordinary_a &_o usual_o esteem_v indifferent_a action_n of_o their_o life_n to_o a_o due_a improovement_n of_o such_o action_n they_o have_v neither_o the_o light_n nor_o the_o strength_n or_o very_o seldom_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o live_v distract_v life_n not_o use_v such_o solitude_n &_o recollection_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o dispose_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o receive_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n &_o virtue_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n by_o active_a exercise_n even_o the_o more_o perfect_a although_o they_o attain_v thereby_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n &_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o perform_v their_o necessary_a duty_n of_o holiness_n more_o perfect_o &_o with_o a_o more_o pure_a intention_n &_o likeewise_o make_v far_o great_a benefit_n for_o their_o advancement_n by_o action_n &_o occurrence_n more_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o also_o for_o want_n of_o habitual_a introversion_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n do_v pass_v over_o without_o benefit_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a action_n 9_o but_o as_o for_o contemplative_a liver_n those_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v make_v a_o sufficient_a progress_n towards_o perfection_n beside_o the_o common_a grace_n light_n or_o inspiration_n necessary_a for_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o essential_a duty_n the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o purify_v their_o action_n from_o a_o world_n of_o secret_a impurity_n &_o subtle_a mixture_n of_o the_o interest_n &_o end_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n invisible_a to_o all_o other_o soul_n beside_o this_o light_n i_o say_v which_o be_v presuppose_v &_o prerequire_v they_o walk_v in_o a_o continual_a supernatural_a light_n &_o be_v guide_v by_o assiduous_a inspiration_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o most_o ordinary_a &_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a action_n &_o occurrence_n in_o all_o which_o they_o clear_o see_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o do_v will_n of_o god_n &_o by_o they_o also_o to_o improove_v themselves_o in_o the_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o extraordinary_a light_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n introversion_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n 11._o more_o particular_o by_o this_o internal_a divine_a light_n a_o internal_a liver_n be_v or_o may_v be_v direct_v 1._o in_o the_o manner_n &_o circumstance_n when_o where_o &_o how_o any_o virtue_n may_v most_o proffitable_o &_o perfect_o be_v exercise_v for_o as_o for_o the_o substantial_a act_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n &_o the_o necessary_a oblige_a circumstance_n in_o which_o it_o can_v with_o out_o mortal_a sin_n be_v omit_v the_o light_n of_o common_a sanctify_a grace_n will_v suffice_v to_o direct_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n frequency_n length_n change_n &_o other_o circumstance_n of_o internal_a prayer_n 3._o in_o action_n or_o omission_n which_o absolute_o consider_v may_v seem_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a &_o at_o the_o present_a there_o may_v be_v as_o to_o ordinary_a light_n a_o uncertainty_n whether_o the_o do_v or_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a this_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o supernatural_a inspiration_n &_o light_n such_o action_n or_o omission_n be_v for_o example_n read_v study_v of_o such_o or_o such_o matter_n walk_v converse_v stay_v in_o or_o quit_v solitude_n in_o one_o cell_n take_v a_o journey_n undertake_v or_o refuse_v a_o employment_n accept_v or_o refuse_v inuitation_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n well-minded_a soul_n by_o solitude_n &_o introversion_n dispose_v themselves_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o impulse_n communicate_v to_o they_o which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o side_n of_o the_o doubt_n which_o if_o they_o correspond_v thereto_o will_v most_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n &_o suit_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n whereas_o without_o such_o light_n general_o soul_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o obscure_a light_n &_o impulse_n of_o nature_n &_o carnal_a end_n or_o interest_n without_o
spiritual_a author_n intend_v to_o recommend_v certain_a duty_n necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o duty_n as_o a_o entire_a selfe-abnegation_a purity_n of_o intention_n etc._n etc._n they_o do_v urge_v the_o say_v duty_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n universal_o upon_o all_o &_o with_o such_o phrase_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o if_o upon_o any_o defect_n in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n so_o by_o they_o extend_v to_o the_o full_a to_o the_o end_n to_o prevent_v all_o the_o most_o secret_a way_n &_o shift_n in_o which_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v she_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v ruin_v they_o do_v by_o this_o overmuch_o exactness_n &_o care_n instead_o of_o exciting_a the_o courage_n of_o their_o reader_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n quite_o dishearten_v they_o yea_o perhaps_o they_o make_v they_o suspect_v the_o state_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o present_a infirmity_n &_o imperfection_n lose_v all_o heart_n to_o adventure_v upon_o a_o attempt_n so_o unproportionable_a to_o their_o weak_a ability_n whereas_o if_o instruction_n have_v be_v temper_v with_o regard_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o each_o practiser_n they_o will_v have_v go_v on_o with_o courage_n &_o good_a success_n 13._o voluntary_a reading_n must_v give_v place_n to_o prayer_n whensoever_o the_o soul_n find_v herself_o invite_v thereto_o 14._o the_o virtue_n of_o mortification_n may_v &_o sometime_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o read_v in_o this_o manner_n when_o any_o book_n or_o subject_n be_v very_o gustfull_a to_o a_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o power_n herself_o whole_o upon_o it_o with_o a_o intemperate_a greediness_n nor_o to_o let_v curiosity_n or_o delight_n too_o much_o possess_v she_o but_o let_v she_o now_o &_o then_o stop_v the_o pursuit_n of_o read_v lift_v up_o her_o mind_n by_o interruption_n to_o god_n &_o afterward_o continue_v at_o least_o in_o a_o virtual_a attention_n to_o he_o so_o mortify_v &_o qualify_a the_o impetuosity_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n let_v she_o give_v way_n to_o a_o unwillingnes_n to_o quit_v read_v for_o perform_v her_o appoint_a recollection_n or_o other_o exercise_n of_o obligation_n 15._o to_o conclude_v whosoever_o in_o read_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o chief_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n &_o divine_a call_n &_o make_v not_o the_o book_n say_n &_o example_n of_o other_o to_o serve_v the_o say_a spirit_n &_o call_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n make_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n subject_a to_o book_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o never_o to_o read_v such_o book_n or_o receive_v humane_a instruction_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v cleave_v only_o to_o god_n who_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n will_v most_o assure_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v &_o defect_n 16._o and_o the_o same_o liberty_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v to_o soul_n in_o the_o read_n of_o other_o book_n i_o advise_v they_o to_o use_v in_o these_o instruction_n also_o that_o be_v to_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o practice_n only_o such_o direction_n as_o their_o spiritual_a instructor_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n &_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o grace_n shall_v show_v they_o to_o be_v proper_a for_o they_o indeed_o in_o all_o this_o book_n i_o know_v scarce_o any_o one_o advice_n which_o i_o can_v confident_o say_v to_o be_v proper_o belong_v to_o all_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o internal_a life_n general_o except_o this_o that_o they_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n must_v not_o content_v themselves_o nor_o rest_n final_o in_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o follow_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o invitation_n without_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o any_o form_n or_o method_n they_o must_v from_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v ordinary_o meditation_n proceed_v to_o a_o more_o sublime_a prayer_n of_o immediate_a affection_n &_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o from_o thence_o ascend_v to_o the_o infuse_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n 17._o yea_o i_o dare_v with_o all_o confidence_n pronounce_v that_o if_o all_o spiritual_a book_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lose_v &_o there_o be_v no_o external_a directour_n at_o all_o yet_o if_o a_o soul_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o essential_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a aptness_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a be_v only_o thus_o far_o well_o instruct_v at_o first_o will_v prosecute_v prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o will_v resigned_o undergo_v such_o necessary_a mortification_n as_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o she_o observe_v god_n &_o his_o call_v exterior_o &_o interior_o &_o so_o forsake_v herself_o &_o propose_v almighty_a god_n his_o will_n love_n &_o honour_n for_o her_o final_a intention_n the_o which_o she_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o she_o attend_v unto_o his_o inspiration_n such_o a_o soul_n will_v walk_v clear_o in_o perfect_a light_n &_o with_o all_o possible_a security_n &_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o due_a time_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a contemplation_n these_o be_v the_o two_o external_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v soul_n discover_v to_o they_o his_o will_n to_o wit_n instructour_n and_o book_n and_o to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v another_o to_o wit_n law_n &_o precept_n of_o superior_n for_o god_n teach_v we_o also_o this_o way_n &_o never_o command_v contrary_o but_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o cap._n iu._n §_o 1._o of_o the_o 3._o &_o most_o principal_a way_n by_o which_o god_n teach_v internal_a liver_n viz._n immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n the_o order_n of_o particular_a consideration_n followingt_fw-fr ●ouching_a they_o §_o 2._o first_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o &_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o necessity_n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o say_a necessity_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o his_o rule_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o by_o his_o example_n §_o 7._o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o the_o say_a necessity_n 1._o the_o three_o foremention_v &_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o principal_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n instruct_v &_o direct_v internal_a liver_n in_o the_o secret_a path_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n &_o upon_o which_o do_v depend_v the_o two_o former_a be_v interiour_n illumination_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o only_a supreme_a master_n concern_v which_o inspiration_n it_o have_v already_o be_v show_v in_o general_n what_o they_o be_v how_o distinguish_v from_o the_o light_n &_o motion_n of_o common_a grace_n &_o what_o be_v the_o object_n about_o which_o principal_o they_o be_v exercise_v etc._n etc._n i_o will_v now_o treat_v more_o particular_o of_o they_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n viz._n 1._o there_o shall_v be_v further_a show_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o they_o &_o how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o wit_n by_o remove_v the_o impediment_n 3._o how_o god_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o light_n &_o grace_n for_o her_o instru&ion_n instru&ion_n instru&ion_n &_o direction_n 4._o that_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v they_o &_o very_o secure_a to_o rely_v upon_o they_o 5._o that_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o come_v to_o ecclesiastical_a or_o religious_a obedience_n 2._o touch_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n the_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o proper_a &_o essential_a action_n of_o christian_a virtue_n the_o which_o receive_v all_o their_o meritoriousnes_n from_o the_o say_a inspiration_n but_o some_o there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o expect_v inspiration_n &_o call_v for_o action_n or_o omission_n of_o themselves_o indifferent_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n but_o sure_o since_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o by_o divine_n follow_v s._n augustin_n s._n thomas_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n do_v in_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o be_v simple_o to_o be_v esteem_v indifferent_a but_o since_o they_o must_v have_v some_o end_n if_o the_o end_n be_v good_a they_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v good_a &_o if_o evil_a they_o be_v evil_a however_o universal_o consider_v they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a because_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n &_o end_n wherewith_n they_o be_v do_v they_o may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n again_o since_o there_o be_v no_o action_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o may_v yea_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v
out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o to_o the_o end_n to_o increase_v the_o say_a love_n in_o our_o soul_n especial_o the_o ordinary_a action_n &_o employment_n of_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a life_n and_o last_o since_o perfection_n in_o divine_a love_n can_v be_v attein_v by_o the_o simple_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a &_o without_o mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v omit_v the_o which_o duty_n do_v seldom_o occur_v but_o it_o be_v moreover_o requisite_a for_o that_o end_n to_o multiply_v frequent_o &_o daily_a exercise_n of_o the_o say_a love_n in_o office_n less_o necessary_a yea_o &_o to_o purify_v all_o our_o most_o ordinary_a action_n from_o the_o steine_v of_o self-love_n which_o adhere_v unto_o they_o hence_o i_o say_v appear_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o our_o action_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o obligation_n if_o we_o serious_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o soul_n 3._o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o observe_n how_o serious_o our_o holy_a father_n s._n benedict_n in_o force_n the_o necessity_n of_o harken_v to_o &_o obey_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n our_o only_a supreme_a master_n make_v this_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o prologue_n of_o his_o rule_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o must_v nunquam_fw-la discedere_fw-la ab_fw-la eius_fw-la magisterio_fw-la never_o depart_v from_o the_o institution_n &_o direction_n of_o god_n that_o we_o must_v have_v our_o eye_n open_a ad_fw-la deificum_fw-la lumen_fw-la to_o the_o divine_a light_n on_o which_o ground_n he_o call_v a_o monastery_n scholam_fw-la dominici_n seruitij_fw-la the_o school_n wherein_o god_n service_n be_v teach_v and_o officinam_fw-la artis_fw-la spiritualis_fw-la the_o workehouse_n wherein_o the_o art_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v teach_v &_o practise_v namely_o because_o all_o thing_n all_o observance_n even_o those_o of_o the_o least_o moment_n in_o a_o religious_a life_n do_v tend_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o all_o other_o teacher_n &_o all_o other_o skill_n &_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v deo_fw-la docibiles_fw-la teach_v by_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o say_a holy_a patriarch_n lay_v this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religious_a practice_n that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n his_o word_n be_v inprimis_fw-la ut_fw-la quidquid_fw-la agendum_fw-la inchoas_fw-la bonum_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la perfici_fw-la instantissima_fw-la oratione_fw-la deposcas_fw-la as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o first_o &_o principal_a place_n thou_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o to_o be_v the_o end_n why_o i_o invite_v thou_o to_o a_o abstract_a religious_a life_n that_o thou_o may_v thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o happy_a &_o secure_a state_n as_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n by_o most_o earnest_a assiduous_a prayer_n to_o give_v a_o blessing_n &_o perfection_n to_o every_o action_n that_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n thou_o shall_v apply_v thyself_o to_o now_o if_o according_a to_o our_o holy_a father_n principal_a intention_n prayer_n ought_v to_o prepare_v &_o accompany_v every_o action_n which_o we_o perform_v in_o religion_n then_o sure_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o upon_o his_o bid_n &_o for_o his_o love_n &_o glory_n 4._o moreover_o more_o particular_o concern_v divine_a inspiration_n our_o holy_a father_n make_v mention_n of_o several_a one_o in_o special_a as_o in_o the_o point_n of_o internal_a prayer_n though_o in_o common_a he_o ordeine_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v short_a in_o the_o 20._o chap._n of_o his_o rule_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o one_o to_o prolong_v it_o ex_fw-la affectu_fw-la inspirationis_fw-la divinae_fw-la gratiae_fw-la by_o a_o invitation_n &_o enablement_n from_o a_o d●uine_a inspiration_n &_o grace_n and_o again_o concern_v abstinence_n as_o also_o the_o measure_n of_o allowance_n for_o meat_n &_o drink_v he_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o scruple_n how_o to_o proportion_v it_o consider_v the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n &_o necessity_n but_o however_o though_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o strong_a yet_o he_o leave_v every_o one_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o grace_n say_v in_o the_o 40._o chap._n vnus_fw-la cuique_fw-la proprium_fw-la habet_fw-la donum_fw-la ex_fw-la deo_fw-la alius_fw-la sic_fw-la alius_fw-la verò_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o be_v every_o one_o have_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n one_o have_v this_o &_o another_o that_o quibus_fw-la autem_fw-la donat_fw-la deus_fw-la tolerantiam_fw-la abstinentiae_fw-la propriam_fw-la se_fw-la habituros_fw-la mercedem_fw-la sciant_fw-la that_o be_v those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o strength_n to_o endure_v a_o spare_a abstinence_n let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o so_o do_v god_n will_v give_v they_o a_o peculiar_a reward_n beside_o these_o several_a other_o passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o our_o holy_a father_n rule_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 5._o now_o in_o this_o last_o passage_n there_o be_v a_o document_n that_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v every_o one_o say_v he_o in_o s._n paul_n word_n have_v his_o proper_a peculiar_a gift_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o refection_n all_o good_a christian_n have_v the_o gift_n to_o avoid_v therein_o a_o mortal_o sinful_a excess_n but_o religious_a internal_a liver_n have_v moreover_o or_o may_v have_v a_o special_a gift_n to_o avoid_v even_o venial_a defect_n and_o the_o perfect_a to_o advance_v themselves_o thereby_o towards_o perfection_n yet_o from_o thence_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o discover_v unto_o every_o one_o although_o seek_v it_o by_o prayer_n the_o exact_o true_a state_n &_o complexion_n of_o his_o body_n whence_o it_o follow_n that_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o know_v shall_v demand_v more_o or_o less_o sustenance_n than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v no_o sin_n upon_o supposition_n that_o such_o desire_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o sensual_a affection_n to_o meat_n nor_o a_o faulty_a neglect_n of_o health_n but_o from_o the_o best_a light_n that_o reason_n can_v afford_v he_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o necessity_n &_o from_o a_o intention_n to_o benefit_v his_o soul_n by_o a_o moderate_a refresh_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v reason_n in_o all_o external_a thing_n in_o which_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o otherwise_o illuminate_v his_o servant_n though_o natural_a reason_n therefore_o may_v fail_v &_o be_v mistake_v yet_o the_o person_n do_v not_o offend_v but_o rather_o follow_v god_n by_o follow_a the_o light_n of_o his_o reason_n this_o be_v all_o the_o light_n in_o such_o case_n afford_v he_o so_o for_o example_n if_o a_o hermit_n be_v infirm_a and_o have_v none_o to_o consult_v with_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o break_v a_o command_v fast_o and_o have_v by_o prayer_n desire_v god_n direction_n shall_v remain_v persuade_v thet_o it_o be_v and_o thereby_o shall_v prejudice_n his_o health_n by_o fast_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v be_v meritorious_a for_o he_o will_v fail_v indeed_o in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o have_v no_o light_n neither_o be_v light_n necessary_a to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o what_o have_v be_v requisite_a for_o corporal_a health_n but_o he_o will_v merit_v in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o have_v light_a to_o wit_n the_o advancement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o ordinary_o speak_v the_o inspiration_n that_o god_n afford_v to_o the_o more_o perfect_a in_o such_o case_n be_v rather_o to_o abstain_v even_o from_o the_o more_o expedient_a commodity_n yea_o ofttimes_o to_o some_o prejudice_n of_o health_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n because_o too_o anxious_a a_o solicitude_n for_o health_n be_v unbecoming_a a_o internal_a liver_n yea_o a_o robustious_a health_n uninterrupt_a be_v not_o convenient_a for_o such_o a_o one_o but_o leave_v this_o digression_n 6._o our_o holy_a father_n teach_v as_o himself_o have_v be_v teach_v for_o what_o other_o teacher_n have_v he_o from_o his_o infancy_n till_o the_o moment_n of_o his_o expiration_n but_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o who_o light_n &_o impulse_n alone_o he_o be_v direct_v into_o &_o in_o his_o solitude_n &_o afterward_o enable_v to_o direct_v all_o succeed_a age_n in_o a_o coenobiticall_a life_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o same_o teacher_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o anachoretes_n who_o can_v have_v no_o other_o instructor_n but_o god_n
suddenness_n of_o resolution_n or_o motion_n of_o natural_a passion_n or_o self_n love_n be_v the_o most_o secure_a &_o most_o assure_a way_n to_o come_v to_o that_o knowledge_n chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o objection_n prevent_v §_o 2._o 3._o difference_n between_o the_o term_n of_o inspiration_n be_v only_o internal_a &_o call_v which_o be_v also_o external_a §_o 4._o 5._o how_o inspiration_n direct_v we_o about_o externall_n call_v &_o obligation_n §_o 6._o externall_n call_v be_v to_o over-rule_v internal_a §_o 7._o 8._o authority_n of_o superior_n ought_v to_o over-rule_v inspiration_n even_o in_o thing_n not_o of_o obligation_n §_o 9_o impertinent_a command_n of_o superior_n in_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v obey_v though_o superior_n will_v be_v severe_o accountable_a to_o god_n §_o 10._o decay_n of_o true_a spirituality_n arise_v from_o the_o ignorance_n or_o neglect_n of_o this_o doctrine_n touch_v attend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n 1._o last_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n of_o this_o most_o holy_a &_o most_o necessary_a doctrine_n touch_v our_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o &_o to_o practice_v according_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n direct_v we_o to_o act_n of_o perfection_n as_o likewise_o to_o prevent_v all_o misapplication_n thereof_o by_o soul_n that_o ought_v &_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v it_o i_o will_v here_o take_v away_o the_o pretend_a ground_n upon_o which_o some_o who_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n passion_n or_o interest_n have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n thereto_o do_v declaim_v against_o it_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a advantage_n against_o it_o while_o they_o pretend_v that_o by_o the_o teach_n &_o practise_v of_o it_o great_a prejudice_n will_v come_v to_o the_o due_a authority_n of_o superior_n from_o which_o their_o subject_n follow_a these_o instruction_n will_v endeavour_v to_o exempt_v themselves_o upon_o a_o pretext_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o for_o the_o clear_n therefore_o &_o dissolve_v of_o this_o suppose_a difficulty_n &_o inconvenience_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o though_o in_o this_o discourse_n we_o have_v promiscuous_o use_v the_o term_n of_o inspiration_n light_n impulse_n divine_a call_v etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o former_a be_v only_o such_o operation_n of_o god_n as_o be_v internal_a whereas_o the_o term_n of_o divine_a call_n import_v both_o a_o external_a ordination_n of_o god_n &_o also_o his_o internal_a operation_n in_o our_o soul_n suitable_a to_o the_o external_a call_n and_o both_o these_o be_v proper_o term_v call_v because_o by_o both_o of_o they_o god_n do_v signify_v his_o will_n to_o soul_n for_o by_o the_o external_a ordination_n &_o commission_n give_v by_o god_n to_o all_o in_o lawful_a authority_n under_o he_o god_n by_o they_o do_v reveyle_v his_o will_n unto_o we_o which_o we_o obey_v while_o we_o submit_v unto_o &_o execute_v the_o command_n &_o will_n of_o his_o substitute_n and_o by_o his_o internal_a operation_n he_o direct_v we_o to_o perform_v such_o obedience_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n for_o the_o good_a &_o advancement_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o divine_a love_n 3_o all_o law_n therefore_o all_o constitution_n precept_n &_o command_n of_o superior_n &_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a duty_n of_o obligation_n by_o virtue_n of_o our_o state_n of_o life_n as_o christian_n or_o moreover_o as_o religious_a or_o ecclesiastical_a person_n etc._n etc._n be_v indeed_o &_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o we_o true_a divine_a call_n necessary_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o know_v &_o perform_v by_o us._n 4._o and_o as_o for_o internal_a inspiration_n which_o have_v regard_n unto_o those_o external_a call_n the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v we_o be_v not_o only_o simple_o to_o direct_v &_o incline_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o our_o christian_a regular_n or_o other_o duty_n with_o readiness_n &_o chearfullnes_n but_o to_o do_v they_o with_o perfection_n &_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o &_o for_o god_n only_o as_o if_o he_o have_v immediate_o &_o visible_o impose_v they_o upon_o us._n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o not-doing_a to_o the_o which_o i_o say_v that_o in_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o divine_a inspiration_n do_v invite_v we_o that_o be_v mean_v only_o in_o matter_n either_o indifferent_a or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o which_o we_o have_v no_o obligation_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o external_a la_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o may_v say_v that_o our_o holy_a rule_n the_o end_n whereof_o be_v to_o dispose_v &_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n by_o contemplation_n do_v in_o general_n oblige_v we_o to_o such_o abstraction_n &_o not-doing_a whersoever_o it_o do_v not_o require_v the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o us._n 5._o therefore_o whatsoever_o internal_a suggestion_n motion_n or_o impulse_v we_o may_v find_v that_o shall_v be_v contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o such_o external_a call_v to_o obedience_n &_o regularity_n we_o be_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o harken_v to_o they_o or_o esteem_v they_o for_o divine_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o despise_v &_o reject_v they_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v no_o better_o then_o diabolical_a illusion_n yea_o this_o be_v to_o hold_v although_o the_o say_v external_a law_n command_n or_o observance_n be_v such_o as_o we_o in_o our_o private_a judgment_n can_v think_v to_o be_v very_o proper_a or_o convenient_a for_o we_o in_o particular_a 6._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o no_o internal_a suggestion_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n of_o external_a obligation_n be_v evident_a &_o convince_a because_o such_o external_a call_v to_o obedience_n be_v of_o themselves_o both_o manifest_a &_o certain_o unquestionable_a token_n &_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o any_o suppose_a internal_a signification_n of_o the_o same_o will_v whatsoever_o which_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v so_o manifest_a but_o rather_o to_o prescribe_v rule_n unto_o they_o &_o over-rule_v they_o we_o know_v the_o former_a to_o be_v god_n will_n &_o to_o proceed_v from_o he_o &_o therefore_o we_o can_v rational_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v opposite_a thereto_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o beside_o god_n will_v reveil_v to_o a_o subject_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o superior_a or_o by_o establish_a law_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o public_a authority_n be_v derive_v by_o a_o public_a person_n &_o mean_a &_o therefore_o must_v needs_o take_v place_n &_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o inspiration_n or_o signification_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o a_o private_a person_n alone_o 7._o yea_o moreover_o so_o indispensable_o careful_a &_o even_o scrupulous_a aught_o we_o to_o be_v that_o exterior_a order_n &_o due_a subordination_n appoint_v by_o god_n shall_v not_o upon_o any_o pretence_n be_v prejudice_v that_o we_o be_v to_o regard_v the_o authority_n of_o superior_n even_o in_o do_v or_o omit_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o special_a law_n or_o command_n but_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n &_o judgement_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n any_o thing_n to_o which_o we_o be_v by_o a_o internal_a inspiration_n invite_v or_o direct_v without_o the_o approbation_n &_o leave_n either_o express_a or_o interpretative_a of_o our_o superior_a &_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o considerable_a moment_n his_o express_a permission_n be_v requisite_a 8._o yea_o i_o will_v add_v further_o that_o if_o a_o religious_a subject_n shall_v have_v a_o inspiration_n which_o he_o confident_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a by_o which_o he_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n yet_o if_o his_o superior_a shall_v declare_v such_o a_o inspiration_n not_o to_o be_v divine_a &_o forbid_v the_o execute_n of_o what_o it_o direct_v the_o subject_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o obey_v his_o superior_a by_o forbear_v to_o do_v according_a to_o such_o a_o inspiration_n but_o he_o be_v also_o oblige_v to_o submit_v his_o judgement_n &_o to_o believe_v his_o superior_a and_o this_o he_o may_v sincere_o &_o secure_o do_v because_o though_o it_o be_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n the_o inspiration_n come_v from_o god_n &_o do_v direct_v to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n more_o perfect_a or_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a omission_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o conditional_o that_o be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o a_o lawful_a superior_a do_v not_o judge_v &_o command_v otherwise_o for_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a perfection_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o obey_v he_o forbid_v the_o do_v or_o forbear_v of_o any_o thing_n though_o in_o itself_o &_o such_o prohibition_n not_o consider_v more_o perfect_a yea_o &_o a_o divine_a light_n &_o new_a inspiration_n will_v inform_v &_o direct_v the_o subject_n
of_o confession_n although_o the_o correct_a &_o abate_v of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o daily_a care_n 3._o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v my_o meaning_n more_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o whole_a follow_a discourse_n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o soul_n that_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n be_v to_o love_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o god_n or_o in_o order_n to_o he_o that_o be_v as_o a_o mean_a &_o instrument_n to_o beget_v &_o increase_v his_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o soul_n all_o adhesion_n to_o creature_n by_o affection_n whether_o such_o affection_n be_v great_a or_o small_a be_v according_o sinful_a more_o or_o less_o so_o that_o if_o be_v deprive_v of_o any_o thing_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o or_o be_v pain_v by_o any_o thing_n we_o find_v a_o trouble_n &_o sorrow_v in_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o loss_n or_o suffer_v of_o the_o thing_n itself_o such_o trouble_n in_o what_o degree_n soever_o argue_v that_o our_o affection_n be_v sinful_a not_o only_o because_o the_o affection_n be_v excessive_a but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o affection_n the_o object_n whereof_o be_v not_o god_n 4._o but_o yet_o withal_o this_o affection_n which_o i_o say_v be_v unlawful_a be_v not_o simple_o such_o a_o one_o as_o reside_v &_o be_v confine_v to_o sensitive_a nature_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v root_v out_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o fault_n at_o all_o in_o it_o consider_v as_o such_o for_o to_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n yea_o even_o to_o our_o lord_n himself_o many_o object_n be_v please_v &_o delightful_a to_o sense_n his_o fight_n &_o taste_n take_v contentment_n in_o pleasurable_a object_n &_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n a_o aversion_n from_o pain_n &_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o prolong_v natural_a life_n &_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o imperfection_n the_o affection_n to_o creature_n therefore_o which_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v sinful_a be_v such_o as_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o superior_a soul_n or_o rational_a will_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n &_o will_n consider_v &_o adhere_v unto_o creature_n &_o knowing_o &_o willing_o pursue_v the_o attain_n &_o enjoy_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o good_a not_o of_o sense_n only_o for_o so_o they_o be_v but_o of_o the_o person_n the_o which_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o for_o the_o only_a good_a of_o a_o intellectual_a nature_n be_v god_n who_o be_v only_o exalt_v above_o it_o whereas_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v but_o equal_a or_o inferior_a to_o it_o to_o the_o superior_a will_n therefore_o all_o thing_n but_o god_n must_v be_v indifferent_a as_o in_o &_o for_o themselves_o &_o only_o to_o be_v love_v as_o they_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o if_o thing_n which_o be_v unpleasant_a yea_o destructive_a to_o inferior_a nature_n do_v yet_o advance_v the_o spirit_n in_o her_o tendance_n to_o god_n or_o if_o by_o the_o will_n &_o providence_n of_o god_n they_o be_v present_v to_o she_o to_o suffer_v she_o must_v with_o all_o indifference_n &_o resignation_n accept_v of_o they_o though_o sensitive_a nature_n do_v never_o so_o much_o struggle_v &_o contradict_v 5._o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n hereof_o be_v give_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o capacity_n &_o enablement_n to_o imitate_v though_o sensitive_a nature_n in_o he_o take_v contentment_n in_o life_n &_o in_o the_o action_n &_o function_n thereof_o &_o above_o all_o thing_n do_v abhor_v a_o dissolution_n by_o death_n especial_o such_o a_o death_n accompany_v with_o such_o inexpressible_a torment_n &_o shame_n and_o though_o for_o our_o instruction_n he_o voluntary_o give_v way_n to_o inferior_a nature_n to_o express_v such_o her_o innocent_a inclinanation_n &_o aversion_n yet_o when_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n oppose_v itself_o &_o present_v he_o a_o cup_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n mortal_a to_o nature_n &_o all_o the_o inclination_n thereof_o he_o most_o willing_o quiet_o &_o cheerful_o accept_v it_o than_o subdue_a all_o reluctance_n in_o nature_n the_o which_o reluctance_n in_o he_o be_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o consider_v in_o itself_o &_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o superior_a soul_n the_o which_o have_v so_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o sensitive_a nature_n that_o it_o never_o oppose_v itself_o or_o express_v the_o least_o unwillingnes_n to_o conform_v itself_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n though_o with_o its_o own_o destruction_n 6._o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v continual_o present_v to_o our_o outward_a &_o inward_a sense_n infinite_a object_n please_v &_o displease_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o function_n of_o of_o life_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o preserve_v can_v be_v exercise_v without_o admit_v the_o use_n of_o many_o thing_n delightful_a to_o sensitive_a nature_n meat_n drink_n recreative_a conversatious_a &_o relaxation_n of_o mind_n &c_n &c_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v &_o resolve_v that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n please_v to_o the_o appetite_n be_v give_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o any_o affection_n at_o all_o or_o fruition_n but_o the_o mere_a simple_a use_n of_o they_o be_v allow_v we_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n &_o the_o contentment_n that_o the_o appetite_n natural_o take_v in_o they_o be_v no_o further_o nor_o with_o other_o intention_n to_o be_v admit_v then_o in_o as_o much_o as_o thereby_o the_o spirit_n or_o rational_a will_n be_v or_o may_v be_v enable_v more_o cheerful_o to_o pursue_v its_o supreme_a good_n and_o with_o this_o end_n &_o intention_n to_o admit_v sometime_o with_o caution_n &_o discretion_n of_o moderate_a comfort_n &_o contentment_n to_o inferior_a nature_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o at_o all_o unlawful_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v fit_v requisite_a &_o necessary_a 7._o but_o withal_o consider_v the_o most_o miserable_a and_o inexpressible_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o violent_a adhesion_n of_o our_o appetite_n to_o sensual_o please_a object_n the_o uncertain_a &_o weak_a dominion_n that_o the_o superior_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v over_o sensitive_a nature_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n &_o obligation_n not_o only_o to_o be_v watchful_a over_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n that_o it_o do_v not_o with_o too_o much_o greediness_n pursue_v the_o contentment_n proper_a and_o necessary_a to_o it_o but_o also_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o abridge_v the_o number_n of_o they_o make_v as_o few_o necessary_a as_o may_v be_v &_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o accept_v all_o the_o lawful_a contentment_n offer_v to_o it_o yea_o oft_o to_o restrain_v &_o contradict_v the_o inclination_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n to_o use_v all_o the_o industry_n we_o can_v not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o run_v on_o blind_o before_o or_o without_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n to_o thing_n please_v to_o it_o &_o when_o we_o perceive_v it_o do_v so_o to_o call_v it_o back_o however_v not_o to_o suffer_v reason_n to_o favour_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o in_o its_o desire_n but_o to_o reserve_v all_o our_o rational_a inclination_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n only_o 8._o for_o the_o case_n with_o we_o be_v far_o different_a from_o that_o it_o be_v with_o adam_n during_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n for_o than_o it_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n but_o rather_o perhaps_o a_o help_n to_o he_o free_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o pleasure_n afford_v he_o in_o paradise_n because_o though_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v to_o he_o consider_v the_o exquisiteness_n of_o his_o temper_n far_o more_o pleasurable_a than_o they_o can_v be_v to_o we_o yet_o his_o appetite_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v or_o wish_v the_o least_o excess_n and_o his_o spirit_n be_v so_o replenish_v with_o divine_a love_n that_o by_o admit_v of_o such_o innocent_a satisfaction_n to_o nature_n it_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v or_o interrupt_v its_o fervour_n in_o tend_v to_o god_n and_o express_v its_o gratitude_n love_n &_o obedience_n to_o he_o whereas_o we_o find_v all_o the_o contrary_a effect_n &_o therefore_o must_v take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n 9_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o mortification_n so_o proper_a &_o necessary_a in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o these_o be_v the_o venial_a sin_n or_o imperfection_n that_o we_o be_v continual_o to_o combat_v against_o in_o this_o point_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o use_n of_o creature_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o enjoy_n of_o creature_n for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o soul_n good_a &_o advancement_n lie_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o child_n of_o god_n &_o the_o child_n of_o belial_n yea_o in_o
mark_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n before_o i_o begin_v any_o work_n i_o do_v serious_o offer_v it_o to_o god_n beg_v his_o assistance_n 22._o active_a liver_n have_v need_v in_o almost_o all_o their_o action_n of_o moment_n to_o frame_v a_o actual_a intention_n but_o not_o so_o the_o contemplative_a who_o be_v always_o habitual_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o such_o iteration_n of_o actual_a intention_n will_v cause_v too_o much_o distraction_n to_o they_o 23._o to_o conclude_v how_o difficult_a and_o uneasy_a soever_o to_o nature_n the_o attain_n to_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v because_o thereby_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v propriety_n be_v root_v out_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n therefore_o consider_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o never_o will_v be_v want_v to_o our_o endeavour_n soul_n of_o good_a will_n will_v find_v it_o neither_o impossible_a nor_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n as_o at_o first_o it_o appear_v if_o they_o will_v attempt_v it_o with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o quicken_v &_o fortify_v which_o resolution_n i_o will_v end_v this_o discourse_n with_o that_o pierce_a saying_n of_o harphius_n o_o how_o great_a and_o hide_a deceit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v appear_v say_v he_o and_o be_v discover_v and_o consequent_o be_v severe_o punish_v after_o this_o life_n for_o that_o soul_n have_v not_o here_o be_v purify_v and_o make_v deiforme_a in_o their_o intention_n god_n almighty_n give_v we_o the_o grace_n to_o discover_v now_o and_o reform_v this_o perilous_a and_o secret_a self-seeking_a of_o nature_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n amen_o chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o love_v of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o &_o other_o creature_n and_o how_o the_o love_n to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o be_v order_v §_o 3._o even_o that_o love_n which_o be_v duty_n in_o heathen_n etc._n etc._n be_v defectuous_a §_o 4._o we_o can_v not_o love_v other_o true_o &_o meritorious_o till_o we_o first_o love_n god_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o all_o affection_n not_o proceed_v from_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v §_o 8._o all_o intellectual_a creature_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n except_o the_o damn_a soul_n &_o devil_n §_o 9_o of_o the_o order_n of_o charity_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12_o 13._o 14._o those_o be_v most_o to_o be_v love_v even_o above_o ourselves_o who_o god_n love_v most_o yet_o certain_a duty_n proceed_v from_o love_n as_o honour_n sustenance_n alm_n etc._n etc._n be_v first_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o parent_n friend_n &c_n &c_n and_o special_o to_o ourselves_o §_o 15._o 16._o 17._o further_a proof_n of_o this_o §_o 18._o whether_o beauty_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v a_o motive_n of_o love._n §_o 19_o 20._o 21._o 22._o of_o love_n extend_v to_o enemy_n who_o be_v esteem_v enemy_n §_o 23._o great_a grace_n require_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n aright_o §_o 24._o 25._o degree_n of_o love_n to_o suppose_v enemy_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o §_o 26_o of_o a_o special_a kind_n of_o love_n call_v philadelphia_n or_o love_n of_o the_o fraternity_n of_o believe_v holy_a christian_n catholic_n 1._o before_o we_o end_v the_o subject_n of_o divine_a love_n something_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o love_n to_o ourselves_o &_o our_o neighbour_n in_o and_o for_o god_n for_o as_o for_o the_o love_n which_o out_o of_o god_n we_o bear_v to_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v altogether_o defectuous_a and_o ground_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o more_o vehement_a it_o be_v the_o more_o defectuous_a be_v it_o 2._o the_o right_a order_v therefore_o of_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o brethren_n consist_v in_o this_o 1._o that_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o love_n must_v be_v the_o divine_a will_n &_o command_n 2._o the_o ground_n thereof_o must_v be_v the_o relation_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v to_o god_n as_o capable_a of_o the_o communication_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o beatitude_n 3._o the_o end_n must_v be_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o either_o by_o our_o endeavour_n exhortaion_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v love_v &_o glorify_v by_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o consist_v our_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n 4._o last_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o love_n must_v be_v the_o superior_a will_n especial_o as_o for_o tenderness_n of_o nature_n distract_n sollicitude_n &_o unquiet_a image_n in_o the_o mind_n touch_v those_o we_o love_v the_o best_a &_o safe_a course_n will_v be_v to_o mortify_v &_o diminish_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v as_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a sensual_a affection_n the_o which_o as_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o be_v not_o subordinate_a &_o direct_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v defectuous_a 3._o hence_o appear_v first_o that_o affection_n in_o person_n that_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v full_a of_o defectuousnesse_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a respect_n before_o mention_v for_o though_o for_o example_n the_o love_n which_o child_n owe_v to_o their_o parent_n &_o the_o affection_n mutual_o due_a between_o husband_n &_o wife_n &c_n &c_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n &_o right_a reason_n &_o consequent_o so_o far_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n so_o that_o the_o want_n or_o refusal_n of_o such_o love_n &_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n &_o office_n require_v by_o such_o relation_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n yet_o there_o can_v b●_n no_o merit_n either_o in_o such_o love_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o divine_a charity_n nor_o direct_v to_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n by_o perfect_a love_n from_o which_o all_o merit_n proceed_v 4._o second_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o meritorious_o love_v ourselves_o nor_o our_o brethren_n till_o first_o we_o be_v firm_o root_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v indeed_o only_a love_n to_o god_n by_o reflection_n or_o the_o love_a of_o god_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o he_o &_o which_o he_o either_o love_n or_o may_v love_v 5._o therefore_o a_o internal_a liver_n ought_v to_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a affection_n to_o creature_n i_o mean_v all_o particular_a freindships_n &_o intimacy_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o as_o for_o such_o affection_n as_o be_v necessary_o due_a by_o virtue_n of_o some_o respect_n &_o relation_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o ourselves_o &_o any_o other_o such_o a_o one_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sensual_a portion_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o there_o they_o will_v cause_v great_a distraction_n &_o hindrance_n of_o our_o most_o necessary_a love_n to_o god_n 6._o a_o serious_a care_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o this_o advice_n be_v very_o necessary_a especial_o in_o religious_a community_n both_o for_o our_o own_o good_a &_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o sensual_a freindships_n ground_a on_o external_a or_o sensual_a respect_n be_v most_o unbeseeming_a person_n that_o have_v consecrate_v themselves_o only_o to_o god_n &_o infinite_o prejudicial_a to_o abstraction_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n &_o much_o more_o if_o they_o be_v between_o person_n of_o different_a sex_n such_o particular_a intimatcy_n can_v choose_v but_o cause_n particulity_n faction_n particular_a design_n &c_n &c_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n &_o harm_n of_o the_o community_n 7._o the_o least_o defectuous_a among_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o particular_a friendship_n may_v be_v the_o resentment_n &_o gratitude_n for_o benefit_n especial_o spiritual_a one_o that_o have_v ben_fw-mi receive_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n also_o we_o ought_v to_o prevent_v the_o settle_n of_o amity_n in_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o content_v ourselves_o with_o requite_v such_o obligation_n by_o our_o prayer_n or_o by_o a_o return_n of_o proportionable_a benefit_n 8._o now_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o intellectual_a creature_n that_o be_v to_o all_o angel_n &_o all_o man_n whether_o alive_a or_o dead_a except_o only_o the_o reprobate_a angel_n &_o damn_a soul_n which_o be_v not_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v god_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o the_o glorify_a saint_n &_o angel_n must_v be_v a_o congratulation_n with_o they_o for_o their_o happiness_n &_o for_o the_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n &_o which_o god_n will_v eternal_o bear_v reciprocal_o to_o they_o
be_v so_o far_o from_o receive_v any_o harm_n by_o they_o that_o she_o will_v by_o their_o mean_n increase_v in_o grace_n so_o that_o though_o she_o do_v not_o receive_v any_o extraordinary_a illumination_n nor_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o her_o natural_a will_n by_o such_o distract_a prayer_n yet_o do_v she_o get_v that_o for_o which_o such_o illumination_n &_o gust_n be_v give_v to_o wit_n a_o privy_a but_o effectual_a grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o resign_v herself_o to_o he_o in_o all_o his_o providence_n &_o permission_n concern_v she_o and_o grace_v get_v by_o such_o a_o afflict_a way_n of_o abnegation_n be_v far_o more_o secure_a &_o merit_v more_o at_o god_n hand_n then_o if_o it_o have_v come_v by_o lightsome_a &_o please_a consolation_n since_o this_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v transcend_v self-love_n contradict_v &_o subdue_v even_o when_o it_o assault_v the_o soul_n most_o subtle_o &_o dangerous_o to_o wit_n by_o pretend_v that_o all_o sollicitude_n &_o anxious_a discouragement_n cause_v by_o distraction_n do_v flow_v from_o divine_a love_n &_o from_o a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n progress_n in_o spirituality_n last_o this_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o charity_n &_o all_o divine_a virtue_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v produce_v &_o establish_v there_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o the_o devil_n use_v to_o hinder_v the_o production_n of_o they_o in_o negligent_a &_o tepid_a soul_n or_o to_o destroy_v they_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n produce_v 9_o as_o for_o more_o particular_a advice_n expedient_n &_o sleight_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o special_a case_n &_o circumstance_n none_o can_v teach_v but_o god_n only_o who_o by_o mean_n of_o experience_n &_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n will_v undoubted_o give_v unto_o a_o soul_n light_n &_o grace_v sufficient_a 10._o to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o point_n this_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v between_o distraction_n in_o perfect_a soul_n from_o the_o same_o in_o the_o imperfect_a viz._n that_o in_o perfect_a soul_n distraction_n proceed_v only_o from_o some_o unwilling_a distemper_n in_o the_o cognoscitive_a faculty_n but_o in_o the_o imperfect_a they_o be_v rather_o from_o some_o degree_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o object_n of_o the_o distraction_n and_o therefore_o a_o well-aduanced_n soul_n have_v little_a difficulty_n in_o put_v they_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o reflect_v upon_o they_o for_o without_o contend_v with_o they_o she_o can_v present_o unite_v herself_o with_o her_o superior_a will_n to_o god_n even_o while_o her_o know_v power_n be_v busy_a about_o impertinent_a object_n whereas_o imperfect_a soul_n in_o the_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n have_v as_o yet_o a_o express_a &_o perceptible_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n &_o imagination_n can_v but_o receive_v some_o prejudice_n by_o distraction_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o faculty_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v employ_v upon_o different_a object_n that_o have_v no_o subordination_n or_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o 11._o there_o remain_v a_o three_o condition_n or_o quality_n which_o i_o say_v be_v necessary_a to_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n to_o wit_n the_o divine_a inspiration_n from_o which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v it_o be_v of_o little_a efficacy_n or_o merit_n now_o though_o in_o the_o general_a division_n of_o internal_a prayer_n i_o seem_v to_o appropriate_v the_o title_n of_o infuse_v prayer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o perfect_a contemplation_n the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v that_o such_o prayer_n be_v mere_o infuse_v the_o soul_n by_o any_o deliberate_a preparation_n or_o election_n not_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o whereas_o in_o the_o inferior_a degree_n there_o be_v necessary_a both_o a_o precedent_n and_o concomitant_a industry_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o matter_n for_o prayer_n &_o to_o force_v herself_o to_o produce_v affection_n correspondent_a to_o the_o say_a matter_n by_o reason_n that_o as_o yet_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o so_o abound_v &_o operative_a in_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o impel_v she_o to_o pray_v or_o rather_o breathe_v for●h_a prayer_n in_o and_o by_o she_o but_o in_o all_o case_n that_o be_v most_o true_a whi●h_o s._n bernard_n say_v tepida_fw-la est_fw-la oratio_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la praevenit_fw-la inspiratio_fw-la that_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o repide_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o s._n augustin_n bene_fw-la orare_fw-la deum_fw-la gratia_fw-la spiritall_n est_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v aright_o 12._o now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n herto_o be_v express_v in_o that_o say_n of_o s._n paul_n quid_fw-la oremus_fw-la sicut_fw-la oportet_fw-la nescimus_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v our_o infirmity_n yea_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n in_o we_o &_o for_o we_o &_o this_o oft_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v &_o which_o the_o soul_n itself_o can_v conceive_v it_o be_v this_o inspiration_n only_o which_o give_v a_o supernaturality_n to_o our_o prayer_n &_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v hear_v &_o grant_v by_o god_n 13._o but_o of_o this_o subject_n much_o have_v already_o be_v say_v &_o more_o will_v follow_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n especial_o the_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o aspiration_n where_o we_o shall_v show_v how_o these_o inspiration_n be_v attemper_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a good_a propension_n of_o soul_n so_o that_o those_o which_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o introversion_n be_v usual_o move_v by_o god_n to_o seek_v he_o by_o pure_a spiritual_a operation_n without_o image_n or_o motive_n yet_o this_o by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o also_o i_o will_v show_v how_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n &_o a_o freedom_n from_o nice_a method_n &_o rule_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o these_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v any_o further_a enlarge_n of_o myself_o on_o this_o point_n in_o this_o place_n 14._o now_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o excellency_n &_o most_o heavenly_a effect_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n ought_v to_o give_v we_o a_o suitable_a esteem_n &_o value_v of_o it_o above_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o a_o experience_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o ancient_a hermit_n call_v jacob_n in_o theodoret._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr pp_n resolute_o to_o persist_v in_o refuse_v to_o interrupt_v his_o appoint_a prayer_n or_o to_o delay_v the_o time_n of_o it_o for_o any_o other_o business_n on_o civility_n in_o visit_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v all_o to_o depart_v when_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o this_o solitude_n to_o benefit_v other_o man_n soul_n but_o to_o purify_v my_o own_o by_o prayer_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o internal_a affective_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n have_v always_o be_v entertain_v at_o first_o with_o jealousy_n and_o rigour_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o a_o illustrious_a example_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o late_a r._n fa_o baltazar_n aluarez_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o a_o account_v require_v &_o give_v by_o he_o to_o his_o general_n touch_v his_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n the_o order_n &_o manner_n of_o god_n guidance_n of_o he_o thereto_o &_o therein_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o prayer_n declare_v §_o 16._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o substance_n of_o a_o discourse_n write_v by_o he_o in_o answer_n to_o seven_o objection_n make_v against_o internal_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n §_o 30._o the_o success_n of_o this_o tempest_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o this_o most_o excellent_a of_o god_n gift_n internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a eminency_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v always_o find_v some_o even_o among_o the_o learned_a and_o ofttimes_o among_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o most_o strict_a &_o severe_a about_o religious_a observance_n that_o have_v &_o do_v oppose_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o this_o shall_v always_o be_v impute_v either_o to_o malice_n envy_v &c_n &c_n but_o rather_o to_o want_v of_o experience_n in_o the_o mysterious_a way_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ofttimes_o conduct_n his_o special_a servant_n it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o calumny_n &_o persecution_n suso_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n find_v when_o god_n enlighten_v they_o &_o move_v they_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n this_o heavenly_a light_n all_o which_o
can_v be_v produce_v but_o only_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n 16._o first_o therefore_o for_o mortification_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o proper_a time_n wherein_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a &_o necessary_a store_n of_o matter_n for_o that_o virtue_n be_v almost_o incessant_o afford_v paines_n weakness_n &c_n &c_n in_o the_o body_n &_o grief_n fear_n &_o other_o disquiet_v passion_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v oft_o more_o insupportable_a than_o outward_a torment_n all_o these_o tentation_n the_o soul_n must_v be_v arm_v against_o 17._o now_o among_o all_o internal_a tentation_n the_o great_a &_o most_o painful_a be_v fear_n of_o death_n &_o especial_o of_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o judgement_n &_o hell_n without_o which_o death_n to_o a_o faithful_a christian_n can_v not_o rational_o be_v the_o object_n of_o fear_n as_o he_o that_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o universal_a inheritance_n of_o mankind_n &_o to_o christian_n the_o door_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o case_n therefore_o that_o such_o fear_n of_o death_n do_v remain_v in_o inferior_a nature_n the_o superior_a reason_n ought_v to_o contradict_v it_o &_o use_v it_o as_o a_o subject_n of_o a_o very_a healthful_a mortification_n 18._o but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o far_o more_o considerable_a more_o inward_a &_o painful_a subject_n of_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o a_o future_a eternal_a condition_n after_o death_n the_o which_o do_v usual_o much_o afflict_v &_o deject_v imperfect_a soul_n that_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o manifold_a defect_n small_a satisfaction_n pay_v for_o they_o great_a weakness_n of_o divine_a love_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v this_o very_a fear_n which_o will_v be_v expel_v if_o charity_n be_v perfect_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o encourage_v such_o soul_n against_o it_o or_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o mortify_v it_o and_o resign_v themselves_o willing_o to_o support_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o profitable_a &_o healthful_a to_o the_o soul_n on_o the_o contrary_n they_o think_v resignation_n in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v scarce_o a_o fit_v or_o lawful_a thing_n though_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o 19_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o a_o indifference_n what_o way_n they_o shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o after_o death_n but_o the_o point_n of_o resignation_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o a_o soul_n ought_v to_o content_v herself_o not_o to_o know_v how_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v dispose_v of_o she_o after_o death_n her_o anchor_n be_v hope_n which_o she_o ought_v to_o cherish_v and_o fortify_v all_o she_o can_v and_o the_o best_a way_n for_o soul_n to_o fortify_v that_o be_v to_o make_v as_o few_o reflection_n on_o themselves_o as_o may_v be_v and_o to_o employ_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n direct_o upon_o god_n it_o be_v divine_a love_n alone_o that_o be_v at_o least_o the_o principal_a virtue_n that_o bring_v soul_n to_o beatitude_n and_o therefore_o fearful_a soul_n though_o they_o be_v in_o as_o dangerous_a a_o state_n as_o they_o suspect_v must_v needs_o rational_o argue_v thus_o that_o the_o way_n to_o procure_v &_o strengthen_v love_n be_v by_o fix_v their_o mind_n upon_o the_o mercy_n goodness_n &_o perfection_n of_o god_n &_o to_o contradict_v or_o forget_v all_o argument_n or_o motive_n of_o servile_a fear_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o love._n what_o folly_n be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a therefore_o wilful_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o imperfection_n by_o nourish_a fear_n sure_o at_o the_o close_a of_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o practice_v after_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v the_o best_a action_n and_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o be_v to_o relinquish_v ourselves_o and_o to_o contemplate_v trust_n rely_v &_o role_n ourselves_o upon_o he_o 20._o let_v the_o afflict_a soul_n therefore_o herein_o as_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n not_o only_o with_o patience_n support_v such_o a_o ignorance_n but_o with_o a_o amorous_a resignation_n congratulate_v with_o god_n his_o eternal_a most_o secret_a purpose_n and_o decree_n concern_v she_o both_o for_o time_n and_o eternity_n free_o consent_v &_o agree_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o such_o secret_n shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o his_o own_o breast_n hide_v from_o our_o knowledge_n therein_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o move_v he_o doubtless_o for_o our_o good_a to_o conceal_v from_o we_o those_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v have_v breed_v security_n negligence_n and_o perhaps_o pride_n in_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n let_v her_o desire_n be_v to_o know_v nothing_o &_o to_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o when_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o do_v please_v almighty_a god_n 21._o such_o behaviour_n of_o she_o towards_o her_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o she_o belong_v both_o for_o she_o be_v and_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v most_o just_a &_o reasonable_a so_o it_o will_v make_v she_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o in_o conclusion_n most_o assure_o bring_v she_o to_o happiness_n whereas_o to_o be_v deject_a &_o disquiet_v because_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v his_o secret_a purpose_n to_o she_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o natural_a pride_n &_o self_n love_n and_o to_o give_v a_o deliberate_a scope_n to_o unquietnes_n so_o ground_v be_v both_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o utter_o useless_a to_o the_o soul_n herself_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v not_o to_o satisfy_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o nature_n alter_v the_o course_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n 22._o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o abate_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o adam_n state_n in_o innocence_n that_o he_o be_v uncertain_a of_o perseverance_n yea_o though_o he_o know_v that_o one_o sin_n commit_v will_v exclude_v he_o utter_o from_o his_o present_a happiness_n whereas_o in_o our_o present_a state_n after_o thousand_o of_o sin_n one_o act_n of_o true_a conversion_n to_o god_n &_o amorous_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n be_v able_a to_o restore_v us._n 23._o let_v the_o soul_n withal_o consider_v that_o he_o which_o have_v deny_v unto_o her_o a_o assurance_n &_o forbid_v she_o to_o presume_v have_v yet_o command_v she_o to_o hope_v &_o to_o comfort_v herself_o in_o that_o hope_n let_v she_o therefore_o frequent_o &_o serious_o exercise_v act_n of_o hope_n how_o little_a gust_n soever_o sensuality_n find_v in_o they_o for_o the_o great_a repugnance_n there_o be_v in_o inferior_a nature_n the_o more_o generous_a be_v such_o act_n &_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o which_o act_n be_v to_o be_v ground_v not_o upon_o any_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n or_o worth_a for_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o a_o conceit_n of_o she_o own_o innocency_n will_v be_v but_o a_o rot_a foundation_n of_o hope_n which_o shall_v regard_v only_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n 24._o moreover_o let_v she_o exercise_v these_o act_v not_o as_o act_n of_o her_o own_o will_n but_o far_o more_o perfect_o &_o divine_o as_o act_n of_o god_n own_o will_n who_o have_v command_v we_o thus_o to_o hope_n she_o may_v withal_o if_o need_v be_v make_v use_n of_o consideration_n &_o motive_n in_o the_o understanding_n by_o read_v or_o hear_v comfortable_a promise_n in_o scripture_n &c_n &c_n to_o incline_v the_o will_n to_o conform_v itself_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o which_o conformity_n when_o a_o soul_n shall_v once_o perfect_o be_v bring_v there_o remain_v to_o she_o no_o hell_n nor_o purgatory_n no_o more_o then_o to_o god_n himself_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o propriety_n of_o will_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o conformity_n such_o will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o happiness_n 25._o as_o for_o other_o internal_a pain_n &_o anguish_n arise_v from_o other_o ground_n as_o scrupulosity_n about_o confession_n etc._n etc._n the_o instruction_n former_o deliver_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o especial_o those_o of_o submit_v absolute_o to_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o spiritual_a director_n &_o of_o transcend_v all_o imagination_n &_o all_o rise_n in_o inferior_a nature_n and_o sure_o now_o above_o all_o other_o time_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o only_a tentation_n leave_v by_o which_o the_o devil_n can_v disquiet_v tender_a soul_n to_o who_o now_o pleasure_n &_o ambition_n &c_n &c_n have_v lose_v all_o taste_n &_o so_o draw_v they_o from_o god_n &_o resignation_n to_o he_o from_o confidence_n in_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o virtue_n this_o
tu_fw-la autem_fw-la relinque_fw-la sensus_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o o_o timothy_n relinquish_v the_o sense_n and_o sensible_a exercise_n yea_o abandon_v all_o intellectual_a operation_n and_o with_o a_o courageous_a force_n of_o mind_n repress_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o according_a to_o thy_o utmost_a possibility_n raise_v thyself_o in_o ignorance_n and_o renounce_n of_o all_o knowledge_n to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n above_o all_o substance_n or_o be_v &_o knowledge_n 11._o but_o these_o be_v secret_n of_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o except_o by_o experience_n they_o be_v taste_v can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v comprehend_v bless_a be_v those_o soul_n that_o thus_o loose_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o this_o loss_n be_v so_o infinite_o gainful_a that_o it_o be_v cheap_o buy_v with_o all_o the_o anguish_v of_o mortification_n all_o the_o travel_n of_o meditation_n &_o all_o the_o aridity_n obscurity_n and_o desolation_n attend_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n this_o loss_n be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o these_o exercise_n and_o labour_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o divine_a inaction_n we_o mortify_v our_o passion_n to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v loose_v they_o we_o exercise_v discursive_a prayer_n by_o sensible_a image_n to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v loose_v all_o use_n of_o image_n and_o discourse_n and_o we_o actuate_v immediate_o by_o operation_n of_o the_o will_n to_o the_o end_v we_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o state_n of_o stability_n in_o prayer_n above_o all_o direct_a exercise_n of_o any_o of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n a_o state_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v oft_o bring_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o her_o working_n be_v force_v to_o cease_v all_o work_v to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n may_v operate_v in_o she_o so_o that_o till_o a_o soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o deprivation_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n do_v not_o enjoy_v a_o secure_a and_o perfect_a possession_n of_o it_o 12._o and_o thus_o by_o god_n assistance_n we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n according_a to_o which_o especial_o the_o station_n and_o degree_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v we_o have_v endeavour_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v not_o altogether_o unproffitable_o with_o all_o simplicity_n and_o perspicuity_n to_o declare_v the_o order_n and_o cbange_n of_o they_o if_o god_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o prayer_n give_v we_o the_o grace_n and_o courage_n to_o proceed_v de_fw-fr virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la according_a to_o these_o step_n and_o these_o direction_n we_o shall_v without_o doubt_n soon_o or_o late_a arrive_v unto_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n where_o god_n be_v see_v a_o mountain_n to_o we_o that_o stand_v below_o enuiron_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n but_o to_o they_o who_o have_v their_o dwell_n there_o it_o be_v peace_n &_o serenity_n and_o light_n it_o be_v a_o intellectual_a heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sun_n nor_o moon_n but_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o light_n of_o it_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o prayer_n rest_n upon_o we_o all_o amen_o amen_o finis_fw-la a_o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n dear_a christian_a reader_n there_o be_v intend_v and_o according_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o the_o precedent_a treatise_n that_o hereto_o shall_v be_v adjoin_v a_o appendix_n consist_v of_o a_o few_o chapter_n of_o several_a subject_n as_o 1._o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o may_v be_v conceive_v very_o expedient_a for_o the_o unlearned_a to_o enable_v they_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v many_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n both_o touch_v tentation_n and_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n 2._o a_o discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n or_o disparagement_n to_o divine_a charity_n to_o love_n god_n for_o a_o reward_n so_o that_o such_o a_o reward_n be_v the_o bless_a enjoy_n of_o himself_o and_o not_o any_o inferior_a end_n please_v to_o sense_n etc._n etc._n 3._o a_o protestation_n which_o in_o one_o word_n be_v here_o make_v against_o the_o least_o intention_n of_o reflect_v with_o censure_n or_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o way_n or_o do_n of_o other_o whether_o directour_n or_o disciple_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o good_a practice_n teach_v or_o use_v by_o they_o as_o consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o much_o more_o against_o all_o thought_n of_o decry_v any_o ceremonious_a or_o solemn_a observance_n practise_v in_o or_o by_o any_o community_n etc._n etc._n the_o venerable_a author_n of_o these_o instruction_n be_v of_o a_o spirit_n too_o full_a of_o charity_n and_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o too_o averse_a from_o so_o mean_v a_o ambition_n as_o to_o seek_v the_o procure_n a_o esteem_n to_o himself_o or_o his_o own_o write_n by_o the_o depress_v of_o other_o so_o that_o whensoever_o he_o give_v any_o advice_n or_o caution_n touch_v such_o matter_n his_o intention_n only_o be_v that_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o exalt_v of_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudice_v by_o the_o foresay_a practice_n the_o which_o whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a hereto_o or_o no_o only_a superior_n be_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n 4._o a_o answer_n to_o certain_a objection_n make_v by_o some_o since_o the_o venerable_a author_n death_n against_o the_o publish_n of_o these_o instruction_n especial_o touch_v divine_a inspiration_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o abridgement_n purpose_v to_o annexe_v here_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n but_o certain_a press_a occasion_n oblige_v we_o to_o hasten_v the_o publish_n of_o this_o present_a work_n and_o likewise_o a_o unwillingness_n that_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o swell_v to_o too_o great_a a_o proportion_n and_o bulk_n for_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v judge_v expedient_a to_o omit_v the_o say_v discourse_n which_o to_o a_o charitable_a reader_n will_v not_o be_v necessary_a or_o however_o to_o remit_v they_o to_o another_o impression_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v encourage_v thereto_o only_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o last_o of_o these_o particular_a point_n viz._n the_o answer_n to_o to_o such_o objection_n as_o have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o expose_v indifferent_o to_o the_o world_n instruction_n intend_v only_o for_o a_o few_o solitary_a devout_a religious_a soul_n and_o especial_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o execute_v divine_a inspiration_n and_o call_n it_o be_v judge_v very_o expedient_a and_o almost_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v omit_v but_o rather_o premise_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o book_n i_o will_v detain_v thou_o no_o long_o devout_a reader_n but_o only_a to_o tell_v thou_o that_o if_o by_o god_n grace_n these_o instruction_n prove_v instrumental_a to_o the_o teach_n or_o promote_a thou_o in_o pure_a prayer_n my_o hope_n be_v thou_o will_v not_o in_o thy_o prayer_n be_v unmindful_a of_o the_o poor_a unworthy_a author_n of_o this_o abridgement_n a_o postscript_n to_o the_o reader_n belove_a charitable_a reader_n to_o recompense_v with_o some_o advantage_n the_o want_n of_o a_o promise_a appendix_n which_o be_v to_o have_v contain_v certain_a discourse_n frame_v by_o the_o unworthy_a author_n of_o this_o methodical_a abridgement_n for_o a_o clear_a though_o not_o necessary_a explication_n of_o a_o few_o passage_n in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n i_o here_o present_a unto_o thou_o the_o testimony_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v give_v by_o two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a father_n of_o our_o congregation_n famous_a through_o all_o christendom_n for_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a eminency_n of_o their_o endowment_n to_o wit_n the_o v._o r._n f._n leander_n à_fw-it sancto_fw-it martino_n and_o the_o v._o r._n f._n rudisind_v barlow_n both_o doctor_n in_o divinity_n and_o who_o have_v several_a time_n be_v precedent_n general_n of_o our_o holy_a congregation_n etc._n etc._n the_o which_o approbation_n they_o give_v first_o voluntary_o upon_o the_o request_n of_o the_o venerable_a author_n and_o submission_n of_o his_o write_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o a_o second_o time_n by_o the_o commission_n and_o order_n of_o the_o general_n chapter_n assemble_v at_o dovay_n a._n d._n 1633._o in_o which_o a_o attempt_n have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o cert●i●e_n religious_a father_n to_o cast_v some_o aspersion_n on_o the_o say_a doctrine_n special_o concern_v divine_a inspiration_n and_o call_n as_o if_o the_o lawful_a authority_n of_o superior_n do_v receive_v prejudice_n thereby_o but_o when_o the_o say_v r._n father_n have_v in_o a_o short_a write_v deliver_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o suspicion_n and_o allegation_n
doctrine_n fit_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o vocation_n of_o our_o rule_n 7._o sept._n 1629._o f._n leander_n de_fw-fr s._n martino_n prior_n of_o s._n gregory_n and_o ordinary_a of_o the_o monastery_n of_o our_o lady_n of_o comfort_n in_o cambray_n again_o this_o treatise_n of_o doubt_n and_o call_v be_v a_o very_a good_a one_o 1630._o b._n rosendo_n barlow_n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n ben._n to_o the_o book_n of_o confession_n the_o original_a whereof_o be_v lose_v but_o a_o perfect_a transcript_n remain_v be_v this_o approbation_n i_o have_v read_v this_o book_n and_o have_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n for_o although_o the_o author_n dispute_v much_o against_o the_o urge_n of_o confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n as_o unnecessary_a to_o spiritual_a profit_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o in_o any_o sort_n condemn_v the_o discreet_a use_n of_o frequent_a confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n but_o only_o the_o needless_a renumeration_n of_o they_o and_o of_o daily_a defect_n which_o can_v be_v use_v without_o great_a loss_n of_o time_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n in_o testimony_n of_o this_o i_o subscribe_v my_o name_n at_o cambray_n 17._o sept._n 1629._o br._n rudisind_v barlow_n precedent_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n bennet_n beside_o these_o many_o more_o approbation_n may_v be_v add_v annex_v by_o the_o same_o vv._n rr._n ff_n to_o other_o book_n as_o to_o that_o of_o discretion_n of_o sickness_n direction_n for_o the_o idiot_n devotion_n contain_v in_o 16._o several_a book_n remedy_n the_o stay_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o tentation_n in_o two_o volume_n a_o book_n call_v the_o five_o treatise_n the_o alphabet_n and_o abstract_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o make_v choice_n only_o of_o the_o forementioned_a because_o they_o treat_v of_o subject_n more_o likely_a to_o meet_v with_o contradiction_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o will_v suffice_v which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o original_n extant_a at_o cambray_n in_o the_o approver_n own_o hand-writing_n i_o will_v here_o adjoine_v the_o forementioned_a memorial_n contain_v both_o a_o approbation_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o our_o v._o venerable_a author_n a_o memorial_n write_v by_o the_o late_a v._o r._n f._n leander_n ●_o s._n marcino_n and_o place_v in_o the_o book_n of_o collection_n i_o have_v read_v over_o careful_o the_o book_n a._n b._n c._n and_o the_o alphabet_n &_o abstract_n as_o also_o the_o 3._o part_n of_o doubt_n &_o call_v beside_o diverse_a other_o treatise_n of_o the_o same_o author_n in_o all_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v my_o approbation_n &_o allowance_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o they_o do_v all_o contain_v very_o sound_a &_o wholesome_a doctrine_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o devout_a soul_n &_o fit_a &_o agreeable_a to_o our_o call_v &_o rule_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o use_n of_o our_o dame_n the_o spirit_n of_o our_o holy_a rule_n consist_v principal_o in_o a_o spiritual_a union_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o god_n in_o affective_a prayer_n &_o exercise_v of_o the_o will_v immediate_o upon_o god_n rather_o then_o intellectual_a &_o discursive_a prayer_n busy_v the_o understanding_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o our_o choir_n office_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n consist_v of_o aspiration_n and_o affect_n and_o have_v very_o few_o discourse_n yet_o because_o the_o author_n refer_v the_o dame_n his_o scholar_n to_o his_o large_a explication_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o many_o place_n and_o to_o his_o practice_n in_o which_o he_o settle_v they_o both_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o those_o who_o know_v the_o author_n and_o this_o mystic_a way_n though_o most_o plain_a most_o secure_a and_o most_o compendious_a to_o perfection_n contain_v many_o hard_a &_o delicate_a point_n which_o will_v seem_v strange_a to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v only_o accustom_v to_o intellectual_a meditation_n and_o little_a to_o affective_a prayer_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a abstraction_n which_o it_o require_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n lest_o the_o ensue_a confessor_n and_o directour_n shall_v mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o author_n and_o thereupon_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o prayer_n begin_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o house_n as_o we_o hope_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o soul_n in_o perfection_n proper_a to_o our_o call_v i_o have_v think_v convenient_a to_o note_v these_o few_o point_n follow_a first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o reader_n of_o these_o book_n &_o collection_n have_v always_o before_o his_o eye_n that_o they_o be_v write_v precise_o &_o only_o for_o such_o soul_n as_o by_o god_n holy_a grace_n do_v effectual_o &_o constant_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o as_o pure_a a_o abstraction_n from_o creature_n as_o may_v with_o discretion_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o community_n and_o consequent_o for_o such_o as_o abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o levity_n loss_n of_o time_n notable_a and_o know_v defect_n vain_a talk_n needless_a familiarity_n &_o in_o a_o word_n do_v take_v as_o much_o care_n as_o they_o can_v to_o avoid_v all_o venial_a sin_n &_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o sh●ll_v perceive_v or_o be_v warn_v of_o to_o be_v impediment_n to_o the_o divine_a union_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o god_n second_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v suppose_v as_o a_o ground_n in_o all_o those_o collection_n &_o observation_n that_o the_o office_n of_o choir_n &_o action_n of_o obedience_n &_o conuentuall_a act_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o rule_n &_o statute_n be_v most_o exact_o to_o be_v keep_v &_o observe_v yea_o prefer_v before_o all_o other_o private_a exercise_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v always_o with_o reservation_n of_o the_o conuentuall_a discipline_n &_o public_a observance_n prescribe_v by_o obedience_n particular_o let_v the_o reader_n observe_v a_o note_n which_o be_v give_v in_o one_o of_o these_o book_n &_o find_v but_o in_o few_o spiritual_a writer_n yet_o necessary_a for_o those_o religious_a that_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o choir_n viz_o that_o although_o the_o author_n commend_v so_o high_o mental_a prayer_n yet_o that_o prayer_n which_o be_v perfect_o mental_a &_o vocal_a too_o be_v far_o more_o excellent_a then_o that_o which_o be_v mental_a only_o as_o will_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o in_o body_n &_o soul_n they_o ●hall_v praise_v &_o contemplate_v almighty_a god_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o although_o in_o this_o life_n our_o frail_a &_o weak_a body_n hinder_v our_o soul_n that_o our_o prayer_n can_v be_v so_o perfect_o mental_a &_o vocal_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n yet_o must_v our_o mental_a prayer_n be_v so_o practise_v that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n &_o joy_v all_o perseverance_n in_o union_n with_o he_o our_o vocal_a prayer_n inquire_v may_v be_v convert_v into_o mental_a that_o be_v that_o our_o vocal_a say_n &_o sing_v may_v be_v so_o lively_o animate_v as_o it_o be_v &_o inform_v with_o affect_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o spiritual_a prayer_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o our_o rule_n nihil_fw-la praeponatur_fw-la operi_fw-la dei_fw-la nothing_n prefer_v before_o the_o office_n of_o the_o choir_n whereas_o in_o diverse_a place_n the_o author_n say_v that_o all_o bodily_a exercise_n even_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n without_o mental_a prayer_n &_o abstraction_n &_o mortification_n do_v not_o advance_v a_o soul_n one_o ●ot_n in_o spirit_n although_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o they_o that_o know_v the_o necessity_n of_o these_o 3._o instrument_n of_o spiritual_a perfection_n yet_o lest_o any_o shall_v mistake_v his_o meaning_n as_o 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