i_o certain_o know_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o fear_n to_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o commit_v and_o never_o confess_v in_o any_o sort_n defective_o or_o exact_o and_o if_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o this_o they_o may_v not_o only_o secure_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a but_o they_o be_v oblige_v under_o sin_n to_o abstain_v from_o confession_n in_o case_n they_o have_v be_v so_o command_v and_o to_o proceed_v to_o communicate_v for_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o such_o tender_a soul_n shall_v commit_v a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o without_o any_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v mortal_a 15._o this_o way_n of_o selfe-examination_n i_o be_v warrant_v by_o learned_a author_n do_v serious_o recommend_v to_o those_o soul_n that_o find_v that_o a_o punctual_a examination_n doch_fw-ge destroy_n the_o quiet_a of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o after_o one_o short_a selfe-questioning_a they_o do_v not_o resolut_o and_o positive_o determine_v that_o they_o have_v deliberate_o consent_v to_o a_o tentation_n and_o commit_v a_o sin_n unquestionable_o mortal_a let_v they_o resolve_v never_o after_o to_o trouble_v their_o thought_n with_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v press_v they_o to_o a_o re-examination_n let_v they_o neglect_v they_o and_o consider_v they_o as_o pure_a tentation_n 16._o such_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o esteem_v that_o a_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o mortal_a can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o case_n to_o be_v doubtful_a for_o a_o doubt_n be_v when_o two_o opinion_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o contrary_a reason_n for_o each_o be_v so_o even_o and_o equal_a that_o the_o judgement_n can_v determine_v itself_o to_o assent_v to_o either_o now_o a_o firm_a assent_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o violent_a fear_n of_o the_o contrary_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a person_n can_v ofttimes_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n or_o account_v of_o her_o fear_n but_o that_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v the_o matter_n be_v according_a to_o her_o fear_n 17._o among_o other_o subject_n of_o scruple_n one_o be_v a_o doubt_n in_o such_o soul_n whether_o they_o have_v true_a contrition_n for_o their_o fault_n or_o no._n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o sorrow_n from_o be_v true_a contrition_n it_o be_v the_o excess_n of_o servile_a fear_n mix_v with_o it_o which_o they_o wilful_o nourish_v with_o their_o scrupulosity_n but_o however_o consider_v they_o be_v suppose_v to_o practice_v internal_a prayer_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v able_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o make_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v true_a contrition_n the_o which_o may_v be_v perform_v either_o direct_o by_o frame_v a_o efficacious_a act_n of_o sorrow_v and_o detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o love_n or_o only_o virtual_o yet_o efficacious_o by_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a love_n to_o god_n for_o thereby_o they_o do_v real_o avert_v themselves_o from_o whatsoever_o do_v offend_v he_o or_o be_v contrary_n to_o such_o love_n as_o sin_n be_v 18._o and_o from_o hence_o may_v appear_v the_o great_a security_n that_o a_o soul_n have_v which_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n because_o every_o act_n of_o love_n or_o resignation_n perform_v pure_o for_o god_n do_v restore_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o case_n that_o by_o any_o precedent_a sin_n she_o have_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n and_o if_o she_o have_v not_o it_o do_v advance_v and_o establish_v she_o the_o more_o in_o grace_n 19_o there_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o more_o assure_a general_a remedy_n against_o scrupulosity_n and_o all_o such_o inordinate_a fear_n than_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n this_o alone_a will_v produce_v a_o courage_n to_o despise_v such_o fear_n whensoever_o they_o will_v hinder_v a_o soul_n from_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o her_o spiritual_a director_n 20._o the_o security_n and_o necessity_n of_o which_o obedience_n as_o likewise_o the_o culpableness_n and_o danger_n of_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o fear_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v evident_o collect_v from_o hence_o viz._n by_o observe_v that_o she_o never_o disobeye_n in_o virtue_n of_o light_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n the_o which_o always_o dictate_v obedience_n and_o renounce_v she_o own_o judgement_n and_o contradict_v her_o fear_n to_o she_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o she_o be_v tempt_v to_o transgress_v the_o order_n of_o her_o confessor_n only_o at_o the_o time_n when_o fear_n be_v so_o violent_a upon_o she_o and_o make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n of_o her_o suppose_a fault_n in_o her_o mind_n that_o she_o can_v then_o pray_v with_o resignation_n and_o believe_v that_o then_o to_o obey_v her_o confessor_n will_v be_v to_o go_v against_o she_o own_o knowledge_n her_o security_n therefore_o must_v come_v from_o prayer_n to_o which_o her_o humble_a obedience_n will_v dispose_v she_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a scrupulous_a fear_n will_v render_v she_o utter_o unfit_a therefore_o soul_n which_o wilful_o nourish_v their_o fear_n and_o scruple_n by_o frequent_a unpermit_v confession_n have_v very_o much_o to_o answer_n for_o before_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o wilful_a plunge_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n which_o make_v a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n impossible_a thereby_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o religious_a internal_a life_n as_o also_o for_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o almost_o in_o all_o possible_a case_n be_v most_o full_a of_o security_n 21._o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o purpose_n to_o deter_v soul_n from_o frequent_a confession_n even_o of_o venial_a sin_n when_o they_o find_v such_o confession_n profitable_a to_o they_o and_o help_n to_o their_o amendment_n but_o otherwise_o if_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o confession_n they_o endanger_v themselves_o to_o run_v into_o mortal_a sin_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o desperation_n or_o a_o wilful_a renounce_n of_o all_o way_n of_o piety_n through_o the_o horror_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n &_o incapacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o mortal_a &_o venial_a sin_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o way_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o expiate_a &_o purge_v of_o venial_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n prayer_n act_n of_o humiliation_n or_o contrition_n give_v of_o alm_n devout_a take_n of_o holy_a water_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o be_v desirous_a in_o some_o good_a measure_n to_o observe_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o with_o express_v some_o such_o fault_n as_o they_o can_v with_o assurance_n and_o without_o disquietness_n declare_v and_o all_o other_o fault_n may_v be_v involue_v in_o some_o general_a phrase_n or_o expression_n 22._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n such_o soul_n will_v find_v nothing_o new_a to_o confess_v and_o so_o will_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o blessing_n &_o comfort_n of_o absolution_n herto_o i_o answer_n that_o it_o be_v happy_a if_o soul_n can_v find_v nothing_o expedient_a to_o be_v confess_v and_o sure_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o happiness_n be_v according_a to_o these_o advice_n to_o free_v they_o from_o their_o deiect_v scrupulosity_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v little_a effect_n of_o blessing_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o best_a exercise_n or_o use_v of_o sacrament_n we_o know_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n innumerable_a saint_n attain_v to_o perfection_n with_o little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o confession_n consider_v their_o remotenes_n from_o place_n where_o priest_n inhabit_v by_o serious_a practice_n of_o prayer_n abstraction_n of_o life_n mortification_n &c_n &c_n which_o mean_n will_v doubtless_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o and_o without_o they_o confession_n and_o communion_n though_o daily_o practise_v will_v have_v but_o small_a effect_n thereto_o now_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o world_n a_o mortification_n more_o effectual_a more_o purify_n and_o more_o proper_a for_o such_o soul_n then_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o their_o confessor_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o violent_a fear_n scrupulosity_n and_o seem_a judgement_n 23._o the_o proper_a season_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n of_o scrupulous_a soul_n be_v the_o time_n of_o communicate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v necessary_a â—herto_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v free_a from_o mortal_n â—in_v but_o likewise_o that_o a_o great_a preparation_n be_v requisite_a for_o in_o all_o
which_o in_o some_o soul_n during_o this_o exercise_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o inferior_a nature_n he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o iniect_v his_o bait_n a_o humble_a and_o perfect_o mortify_a soul_n will_v easy_o turn_v his_o malice_n to_o her_o own_o good_a and_o the_o enemy_n confusion_n 25._o three_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o it_o be_v before_o all_o be_v paint_v with_o image_n of_o creature_n yea_o when_o it_o regard_v god_n it_o see_v he_o by_o a_o image_n of_o its_o own_o create_v now_o the_o soul_n lose_v all_o remembrance_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o all_o that_o she_o retain_v of_o god_n be_v a_o remembrance_n that_o he_o can_v be_v see_v nor_o comprehend_v all_o creature_n therefore_o be_v remove_v and_o no_o particular_a distinct_a image_n of_o god_n admit_v there_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o nothing_n and_o mere_a emptiness_n the_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n this_o nothing_o be_v the_o rich_a inheritance_n of_o perfect_a soul_n who_o perceive_v clear_o that_o god_n be_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o sense_n or_o understanding_n the_o state_n therefore_o of_o such_o soul_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v knowledge_n be_v worthy_o call_v the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a and_o the_o cloud_n of_o forget_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o sublime_a treatise_n so_o call_v and_o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o most_o angelical_a know_v that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n now_o this_o perception_n of_o this_o nothing_o do_v appear_v more_o clear_o and_o comfortable_o the_o long_o that_o a_o soul_n remain_v under_o this_o cloud_n &_o darkness_n where_o god_n dwell_v be_v for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v this_o darkness_n be_v immediate_o under_o his_o foot_n this_o knowledge_n of_o nothing_o be_v by_o f._n benet_n canfield_n call_v a_o active_a annihilation_n 26._o four_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o will_n it_o be_v in_o this_o exercise_n so_o whole_o possess_v and_o inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o do_v so_o intime_o prenetrate_v into_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v become_v like_o fiery_a burn_a steel_n clean_a through_o shine_v with_o this_o fire_n it_o be_v now_o a_o will_n deiforme_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n deify_v for_o it_o be_v so_o close_o unite_v and_o hide_a in_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o she_o 27._o five_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a person_n till_o a_o soul_n be_v arrive_v unto_o this_o exercise_n she_o never_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a possession_n of_o all_o virtue_n universal_o they_o be_v indeed_o all_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n and_o with_o much_o mixture_n of_o natural_a sensual_a end_n produce_v by_o the_o former_a exercise_n and_o if_o some_o special_a virtue_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n it_o be_v either_o because_o nature_n dispose_v more_o to_o they_o or_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o may_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o some_o design_n of_o nature_n but_o assoon_o as_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n divine_a love_n be_v far_o more_o perfect_o exercise_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o sin_n self_n love_n be_v destroy_v &_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v practise_v to_o god_n for_o himself_o only_o and_o only_o by_o his_o instruction_n and_o motion_n the_o divine_a love_n that_o the_o soul_n exercise_v before_o be_v immediate_o upon_o herself_o with_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o or_o if_o so_o sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o reflection_n upon_o herself_o but_o in_o aspiration_n she_o exercise_n love_v only_o to_o god_n himself_o without_o reflection_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o by_o soul_n perfect_o mortify_v be_v the_o high_a mystic_a contemplation_n possible_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o alphonsus_n madriliensis_n say_v a_o soul_n be_v never_o able_a to_o to_o produce_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n till_o she_o have_v first_o get_v a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o herself_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o mortification_n the_o which_o once_o attain_v she_o be_v ripe_a for_o a_o passive_a union_n and_o perhaps_o at_o the_o very_a door_n of_o it_o 28._o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o likewise_o barbanson_n do_v with_o great_a reason_n teach_v that_o after_o a_o soul_n be_v mount_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o exercise_v love_n constant_o by_o aspiration_n she_o be_v not_o in_o any_o difficulty_n aridity_n &c_n &c_n to_o descend_v to_o any_o inferior_a exercise_n herein_o differ_v from_o f._n benet_n canfield_n and_o some_o other_o who_o require_v some_o exercise_n of_o the_o passion_n in_o all_o estate_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o union_n to_o wit_n passive_a §_o 3._o 4._o &c_n &c_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o passive_a union_n and_o first_o of_o such_o as_o be_v sensible_a exterior_o or_o interior_o §_o 6._o 7._o &c_n &c_n of_o rapt_n and_o ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n §_o 9_o 10._o &c_n &c_n rule_n of_o discern_v true_a ecstasy_n &_o apparition_n from_o false_a §_o 22._o 23._o &c_n &c_n how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o with_o humility_n &_o disaffection_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a favour_n §_o 26._o 27._o &c_n &c_n in_o what_o case_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o prudent_a director_n be_v necessary_a §_o 36._o 37._o &c_n &c_n in_o what_o case_n some_o soul_n may_v follow_v theâ—â—_n own_o light_n §_o 39_o 40._o in_o what_o sense_n ecstasy_n be_v supernatural_a 1._o hitherto_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o perfect_a active_a union_n or_o contemplation_n i_o call_v it_o perfect_a because_o though_o in_o every_o degree_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n â—et_o perfect_a union_n be_v only_o in_o this_o of_o aspiration_n but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v increase_v in_o degree_n and_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o immediate_a without_o all_o limit_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o increase_v it_o will_v never_o exceed_v that_o obscure_a light_n which_o faith_n afford_v which_o be_v the_o perfect_a light_n that_o we_o can_v have_v in_o this_o life_n for_o to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o future_a life_n now_o though_o even_o the_o most_o imperfect_a have_v this_o light_n of_o faith_n yet_o in_o their_o inferior_a contemplation_n they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v use_n of_o and_o follow_v their_o natural_a light_n regard_v such_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o god_n as_o they_o frame_v in_o their_o imagination_n or_o by_o discourse_n but_o in_o perfect_a contemplation_n this_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a light_n 2._o but_o beside_o these_o active_a union_n there_o be_v other_o union_n and_o contemplation_n which_o be_v passive_a and_o extraordinary_a by_o which_o god_n reveile_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o supernatural_a species_n impress_v in_o she_o in_o which_o he_o be_v the_o only_a agent_n and_o she_o the_o patient_n not_o as_o if_o when_o a_o soul_n do_v contemplate_v god_n she_o be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n active_a but_o because_o by_o no_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v use_v can_v she_o assure_o procure_v they_o but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o to_o communicate_v they_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v out_o of_o her_o own_o disposal_n and_o do_v and_o must_v see_v &_o think_v only_o what_o god_n will_v have_v she_o and_o this_o no_o long_o than_o his_o good_a pleasure_n be_v such_o 3._o now_o such_o supernatural_a grace_n be_v either_o 1._o sensible_n or_o 2._o pure_o intellectual_a the_o former_a be_v the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o least_o efficacious_a to_o cause_v a_o gracious_a good_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o receive_v they_o 4._o of_o sensible_a union_n the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o least_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o be_v 1._o those_o which_o by_o god_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o apparition_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n word_n frame_v in_o the_o air_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n alteration_n make_v in_o the_o other_o sense_n as_o in_o the_o smell_n by_o a_o grateful_a odour_n present_v thereto_o in_o the_o palate_n by_o a_o pleasant_a taste_n cause_v therein_o etc._n etc._n of_o which_o kind_n of_o favour_n diverse_a example_n occur_v in_o spiritual_a author_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o gift_n of_o tear_n warmth_n about_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o sensible_a favour_n a_o
purity_n &_o simplicity_n of_o spirit_n such_o may_v call_v themselves_o monk_n &_o contemplative_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o show_v no_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o the_o habit_n &_o a_o certain_a outward_a formal_a solemn_a &_o severe_a comportment_n under_o which_o may_v be_v hide_v a_o secret_n most_o profound_a self_n love_n &_o pride_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o that_o memorable_a say_n of_o hesychius_n a_o holy_a illuminate_v monk_n he_o that_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n say_v he_o that_o be_v marriage_n possession_n &_o the_o like_a such_o a_o one_o indeed_o have_v make_v the_o exterior_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o not_o as_o yet_o the_o interiour_n but_o he_o that_o have_v renounce_v his_o own_o thought_n &_o affection_n such_o a_o one_o have_v make_v true_o the_o interiour_n man_n aÌ„_o monk_n also_o and_o very_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o small_a desire_n thereunto_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o outward_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o it_o be_v a_o task_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n to_o make_v the_o interiour_n man_n so_o too_o now_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o interiour_n monk_n say_v he_o be_v the_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o that_o internal_a prayer_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o ancient_a hermit_n what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o how_o it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v to_o they_o internal_a &_o bring_v many_o soul_n ancient_o to_o perfection_n and_o why_o it_o will_v not_o now_o do_v so_o ordinary_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o the_o great_a help_n that_o the_o ancient_n find_v by_o external_a labour_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o recollection_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o how_o manual_a labour_n come_v to_o give_v place_n to_o study_n that_o which_o be_v defend_v §_o 14._o the_o late_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n recompense_v other_o defect_n 1._o that_o internal_a spiritual_a prayer_n be_v serious_o &_o almost_o continual_o practise_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v apparent_a both_o out_o of_o the_o live_v &_o conference_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o few_o proof_n extant_a that_o appoint_a time_n be_v set_v for_o the_o exercise_v it_o conuentual_o except_o in_o the_o foremencioned_n story_n of_o the_o monk_n tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o superior_n &_o directour_n of_o soul_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n oblige_v to_o enjoin_v daily_a recollection_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o daily_a private_a &_o continual_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v not_o so_o helpful_a &_o advantageous_a to_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o most_o necessary_a simplicity_n &_o purity_n of_o soul_n as_o ancient_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v some_o supply_n for_o this_o defect_n by_o such_o conuentuall_a recollection_n the_o which_o they_o institute_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a because_o they_o perceive_v or_o fear_v that_o religious_a soul_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v out_o of_o tepidity_n neglect_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a &_o so_o efficacious_a 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o compare_v the_o manner_n of_o live_v observe_v ancient_o by_o religious_a person_n with_o the_o modern_a in_o these_o day_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o great_a advantage_n they_o enjoy_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n beyond_o we_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o their_o set_a devotion_n what_o they_o be_v and_o 2._o their_o daily_a employment_n during_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o day_n 3._o as_o concern_v the_o first_o their_o appoint_a devotion_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a be_v only_o recite_v â—he_n psalter_n to_o which_o they_o sometime_o adjoin_v a_o little_a read_n of_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o foremencionâ—d_a conventuall_a mental_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o short_a be_v only_o such_o short_a aspiration_n as_o god_n spirit_n do_v suggest_v unto_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o their_o public_a vocal_a prayer_n yea_o &_o in_o private_a when_o they_o do_v purposely_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n they_o seldom_o vary_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a devotion_n for_o than_o they_o also_o use_v the_o psalter_n 4._o now_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n alone_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n available_a to_o bring_v soul_n to_o perfect_a contemplation_n which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o neither_o do_v nor_o ordinary_o speak_v candoe_v i_o shall_v declare_v more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v hereafter_o to_o treat_v of_o prayer_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o to_o point_v only_o at_o the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o difference_n viz_o 1._o one_o reason_n be_v their_o incomparable_o more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n more_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o almost_o perpetual_a silence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a 2._o a_o second_o be_v their_o fast_n abstinence_n &_o other_o austerity_n beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o infirm_a corporal_a complexion_n 3._o a_o three_o be_v their_o externall_n employment_n out_o of_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o do_v far_o better_a dispose_n soul_n to_o recollection_n to_o attendance_n on_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &c_n &c_n then_o those_o ordinary_o practise_v in_o these_o day_n 5._o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o vocal_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o such_o pure_a resign_v humble_a mortify_v &_o undistract_a soul_n have_v the_o efficacy_n to_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollect_v introversion_n which_o doubtless_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o profound_a not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v in_o their_o vocal_a exercise_n but_o also_o during_o their_o externall_n business_n than_o it_o be_v ordinary_o with_o we_o in_o the_o height_n of_o our_o best_a recollection_n 6._o but_o a_o more_o large_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o speak_v purposely_o of_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v only_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o three_o forename_a advantage_n of_o corporal_a labour_n which_o to_o the_o ancient_n prove_v a_o help_n to_o contemplation_n far_o more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o general_a employment_n of_o religious_a in_o these_o day_n 7._o for_o the_o demonstrate_v whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o ancient_o soul_n embrace_v a_o religious_a life_n be_v move_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o penance_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o solitude_n for_o the_o get_n of_o learning_n or_o for_o the_o dispose_n themselves_o to_o holy_a order_n be_v likewise_o poor_a unprovided_a of_o annual_a rent_n or_o foundation_n the_o which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v or_o desire_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n expression_n cap._n 48._o they_o do_v then_o only_o account_v themselves_o to_o be_v verè_fw-la monachi_fw-la si_fw-la de_fw-fr labour_v manuum_fw-la suarum_fw-la viverent_fw-la true_a monk_n whilst_o they_o live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v both_o by_o necessity_n &_o choice_n oblige_v to_o corporal_a labour_n 8._o but_o their_o principal_a care_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o aspire_v unto_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o he_o they_o ordinary_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o labour_n as_o be_v not_o distractive_a &_o such_o as_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o solitude_n &_o silence_n so_o that_o during_o the_o say_a labour_n they_o keep_v their_o mind_n continual_o fix_v on_o god_n such_o labour_n be_v the_o make_n of_o basket_n or_o some_o other_o work_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o require_v no_o solicitude_n &_o very_o small_a exactness_n or_o attention_n and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o such_o be_v the_o charity_n of_o bishop_n &_o other_o good_a person_n their_o neighbour_n that_o to_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o care_n about_o the_o dispose_n or_o sell_v of_o their_o work_n as_o likewise_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v recourse_n to_o market_n for_o the_o sale_n thereof_o order_n be_v take_v that_o such_o work_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n &_o a_o competent_a price_n allow_v they_o for_o they_o 9_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o externall_n labour_v be_v exercise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n prove_v a_o wonderful_a help_n thereto_o dispose_v they_o to_o prayer_n &_o almost_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o
well_o as_o other_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o far_o from_o favour_v this_o pernicious_o officious_a and_o uncharitable_a humour_n of_o accuse_v or_o inform_v in_o any_o of_o their_o religious_a much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n can_v extend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o brotherly_a charity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o excuse_v or_o however_o to_o oblige_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o accuser_n or_o informer_n against_o his_o brethren_n a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a to_o their_o subject_n soul_n will_v be_v allege_v by_o such_o superior_n as_o be_v of_o a_o curious_a inquisitive_a disposition_n and_o be_v continual_o search_v into_o the_o behaviour_n of_o their_o religious_a but_o little_a good_a reformation_n will_v ever_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o a_o humour_n of_o jealous_a curiosity_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v the_o breed_n of_o discontent_n general_o in_o all_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o private_a uncharitable_a informer_n 10._o it_o be_v more_o secure_a for_o one_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o offend_v in_o his_o tongue_n to_o be_v in_o company_n of_o many_o then_o of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o he_o affect_v therefore_o particular_a intimacy_n and_o private_a correspondence_n between_o religious_a be_v much_o to_o be_v avoid_v both_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o community_n and_o the_o good_a of_o each_o private_a religious_a person_n 11._o no_o word_n be_v to_o be_v speak_v nor_o action_n do_v mere_o upon_o the_o motive_n of_o edify_v other_o and_o indeed_o where_o recreative_a conversation_n be_v allow_v the_o most_o commodious_a subject_n of_o discourse_n be_v pure_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o be_v neither_o apt_a to_o move_v passion_n nor_o to_o leave_v distract_n image_n in_o the_o hearer_n mind_n 12._o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v some_o advice_n touch_v religious_a recreation_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v fit_a to_o be_v prohibit_v because_o we_o say_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n extend_v itself_o universal_o to_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o one_o life_n on_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_a reason_n but_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a among_o the_o ancient_a saint_n famous_a for_o contemplation_n show_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a yea_o at_o due_a time_n necessary_a to_o this_o purpose_n seem_v the_o story_n of_o s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n the_o first_o doctor_n and_o example_n of_o contemplation_n who_o custom_n be_v to_o recreate_v himself_o with_o a_o tame_a dove_n for_o which_o be_v censure_v by_o a_o hunter_n that_o pass_v by_o as_o for_o a_o action_n that_o be_v beneath_o his_o gravity_n and_o not_o beseem_v one_o that_o profess_v a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n he_o defend_v himself_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o reprover_n by_o show_v that_o as_o a_o bow_n if_o it_o be_v always_o bend_v will_v loose_v its_o force_n so_o the_o mind_n likewise_o will_v become_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o divine_a thought_n if_o no_o relaxation_n be_v allow_v to_o it_o consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n that_o can_v always_o supply_v fit_a spirit_n to_o action_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o its_o inclination_n 13._o true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v extant_a not_o order_n about_o conuentuall_a recreation_n which_o argue_v that_o none_o be_v practise_v in_o those_o day_n yea_o our_o holy_a father_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n how_o every_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o common_a notwithstanding_o after_o refection_n he_o enjoin_v the_o religious_a to_o retire_v each_o one_o into_o his_o cell_n permit_v they_o a_o convenient_a time_n to_o refresh_v themselves_o alone_o either_o with_o sleep_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o that_o warm_a climate_n or_o otherwise_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v if_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o sleep_v for_o no_o certain_a employment_n be_v then_o appoint_v 14._o but_o because_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n our_o complexion_n be_v not_o suppose_v able_a to_o support_v so_o great_a solitude_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o have_v superior_n allow_v and_o ordain_v daily_o certain_a time_n for_o recreative_a conference_n almost_o oblige_v each_o particular_a religious_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o beside_o at_o certain_a season_n monthly_a or_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v they_o have_v afford_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o diet._n 15._o neither_o do_v this_o prejudice_n the_o duty_n of_o continual_a mortification_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v in_o extreme_a rigour_n because_o then_o nature_n even_o in_o the_o able_a complexion_n will_v be_v destroy_v and_o beside_o recreation_n be_v appoint_v that_o mortification_n may_v be_v better_a &_o more_o fervent_o exercise_v afterward_o add_v herunto_o that_o even_o in_o recreation_n itself_o mortification_n may_n and_o aught_o in_o some_o reasonable_a degree_n to_o be_v discreet_o exercise_v so_o as_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o to_o power_n itself_o forth_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o nature_n but_o to_o keep_v a_o moderate_a watchfullnesse_n over_o itself_o and_o to_o refer_v the_o contentment_n find_v therein_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n 16._o to_o speak_v a_o little_a therefore_o particular_o touch_v such_o conference_n decency_n be_v in_o gross_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o prescribe_v any_o set_v order_n or_o manner_n for_o the_o talk_n as_o not_o to_o speak_v unasked_a not_o to_o exceed_v such_o a_o limitation_n of_o word_n &c._n &c._n to_o omit_v many_o particular_a caution_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v here_o some_o more_o freedom_n must_v be_v allow_v so_o it_o go_v not_o too_o far_o 17._o among_o woman_n there_o can_v scarce_o be_v any_o recreation_n if_o the_o tongue_n be_v too_o much_o stint_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o their_o talk_n shall_v be_v of_o spiritual_a matter_n both_o because_o such_o talk_n be_v far_o from_o be_v recreative_a as_o likewise_o because_o none_o but_o expert_a person_n ought_v to_o discourse_v of_o such_o subject_n indeed_o to_o make_v such_o the_o subject_n of_o ordinary_a discourse_n even_o between_o the_o most_o able_a experience_a person_n either_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v not_o convenient_a at_o all_o except_o some_o special_a occasion_n make_v it_o expedient_a for_o it_o usual_o proceed_v from_o pride_n or_o a_o willingness_n to_o interest_n one_o self_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o and_o may_v produce_v inconvenient_a effect_n in_o both_o 18._o the_o matter_n and_o condition_n of_o recreative_a discourse_n therefore_o may_v be_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o particular_o refer_v to_o the_o interiour_n of_o any_o of_o the_o party_n but_o if_o it_o regard_v a_o religious_a state_n that_o it_o be_v about_o less_o considerable_a external_a matter_n as_o ceremony_n custom_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o it_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o cause_v chearfullnes_n though_o not_o laughter_n which_o our_o holy_a father_n will_v have_v banish_v from_o his_o community_n now_o discourse_v about_o such_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v idle_a word_n 3._o it_o be_v better_a to_o talk_v of_o the_o ocurrence_n of_o former_a time_n then_o of_o the_o present_a because_o our_o holy_a father_n forbid_v the_o inquire_a or_o tell_v of_o news_n in_o the_o world_n for_o fear_v lest_o the_o hearer_n be_v interest_v may_v become_v distract_v with_o sollicitude_n 4._o it_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o probable_o will_v leave_v in_o the_o mind_n any_o hurtful_a image_n 5._o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o enter_v so_o deep_a into_o his_o mind_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v raise_v any_o passion_n there_o 6._o it_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n â—y_a which_o any_o one_o present_a or_o absent_a may_v be_v prejudice_v or_o contristate_v nor_o indeed_o afterward_o distract_v etc._n etc._n 19_o as_o touch_v those_o that_o be_v natural_o of_o melancholic_a disposition_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o that_o they_o give_v not_o way_n to_o so_o pestilent_a a_o humour_n nature_n will_v incline_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o recreation_n and_o diversion_n and_o be_v very_o subtle_a it_o will_v suggest_v pretence_n to_o justify_v a_o froward_a loneliness_n &_o a_o humour_n not_o able_a to_o support_v innocent_a conversation_n as_o if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o a_o religious_a solitude_n and_o recollection_n but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n such_o a_o perverse_a solitude_n be_v employ_v
state_n they_o may_v pray_v say_v their_o office_n exercise_v mortification_n etc._n etc._n without_o a_o precedent_a conâ—ession_n though_o it_o be_v with_o great_a dejection_n heartlesnes_n &_o most_o grievous_a distraction_n that_o such_o soul_n apply_v themselves_o to_o internal_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n but_o above_o all_o communicate_v during_o their_o suspicion_n be_v most_o grievous_a &_o full_a of_o horror_n to_o they_o 24._o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o a_o wellminded_n soul_n come_v to_o communicate_v according_a to_o order_n prescribe_v by_o her_o confessor_n and_o find_v a_o fear_n to_o seize_v upon_o she_o let_v she_o take_v courage_n lift_v up_o her_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n my_o god_n it_o be_v not_o by_o my_o own_o choice_n but_o in_o obedience_n to_o thou_o speak_v to_o i_o by_o my_o confessor_n that_o i_o presume_v to_o approach_v to_o thy_o altar_n in_o thy_o name_n therefore_o and_o hope_v for_o thy_o blessing_n i_o will_v communicate_v notwithstanding_o the_o horror_n &_o fright_n which_o i_o feel_v in_o my_o soul_n these_o i_o accept_v as_o a_o pain_n and_o i_o do_v resign_v myself_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v thy_o pleasure_n for_o my_o humiliation_n i_o hope_v &_o be_o assure_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o condemn_v i_o for_o obedience_n and_o for_o resist_v the_o violent_a impulsion_n of_o my_o corrupt_a passion_n it_o be_v only_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o precious_a body_n of_o my_o lord_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v thy_o will_n that_o i_o shall_v communicate_v now_o i_o will_v abstain_v though_o this_o be_v christmas_n or_o easter-day_n and_o whatsoever_o confusion_n or_o shame_n i_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o abstain_v have_v say_v or_o think_v to_o this_o effect_n let_v she_o free_o communicate_v and_o be_v assure_v she_o shall_v not_o incur_v the_o least_o danger_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a merit_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n she_o may_v lift_v up_o her_o heart_n to_o god_n whensoever_o in_o confession_n she_o abstaine_v from_o mention_v such_o fault_n aâ—_n do_v cause_n disquietness_n in_o she_o 25._o such_o soul_n may_v also_o do_v well_o to_o practice_v very_o often_o in_o private_a spiritual_a communicate_v prepare_v themselves_o thereto_o by_o the_o forementioned_a brief_a and_o quiet_a examination_n frequent_v practise_v after_o this_o manner_n will_v beget_v a_o confidence_n to_o do_v it_o real_o upon_o occasion_n 26._o those_o soul_n to_o who_o these_o instruction_n have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v esteem_v proper_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o spiritual_a directour_n must_v not_o be_v discourage_v from_o follow_a they_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v say_v by_o other_o or_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v in_o book_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o write_v here_o which_o may_v not_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o learned_a and_o unquestioned_a doctor_n they_o must_v therefore_o abstain_v from_o make_v consultation_n with_o other_o or_o demand_v their_o judgment_n or_o opinion_n for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o trouble_n and_o distraction_n neither_o willing_o or_o purposely_o ought_v they_o to_o read_v book_n make_v for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o soul_n and_o that_o give_v different_a advice_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o put_v themselves_o wilful_o into_o a_o tentation_n but_o let_v they_o content_v themselves_o with_o these_o or_o the_o like_a instruction_n read_v they_o oft_o and_o serious_o resolve_v in_o &_o with_o prayer_n to_o practice_v according_o and_o they_o may_v through_o god_n blessing_n expect_v a_o good_a success_n 27._o now_o they_o must_v not_o from_o hence_o expect_v advice_n to_o fit_v all_o case_n which_o be_v almost_o infinite_a but_o according_a to_o their_o particular_a necessity_n they_o must_v apply_v these_o general_n instruction_n observe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n their_o own_o experience_n and_o sometime_o likewise_o serve_v themselves_o of_o their_o natural_a judgement_n for_o of_o this_o let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o resolve_v to_o obey_v till_o satisfaction_n be_v give_v they_o to_o all_o their_o scrupulous_a objection_n &_o fear_n their_o case_n be_v desperate_a if_o nothing_o will_v serve_v they_o but_o a_o riddance_n from_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o tentation_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o quiet_a &_o satisfy_v they_o they_o must_v either_o obey_v though_o with_o their_o eye_n shut_v or_o they_o will_v live_v &_o die_v in_o the_o state_n of_o self-love_n and_o servile_a fear_n which_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n to_o die_v in_o 28._o yet_o those_o who_o must_v of_o necessity_n at_o the_o first_o be_v help_v with_o rely_v upon_o the_o warrant_n of_o their_o confessor_n and_o directour_n must_v not_o final_o rest_v there_o but_o make_v use_n of_o such_o peace_n as_o by_o their_o mean_n they_o can_v obtain_v to_o dispose_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o our_o lord_n to_o learn_v confidence_n in_o he_o which_o will_v arise_v from_o frequent_a converse_v with_o he_o by_o prayer_n 29._o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n a_o general_a good_a way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v by_o oppose_v it_o in_o its_o root_n and_o cause_n the_o which_o be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o corporal_a the_o spiritual_a cause_n of_o scrupulosity_n be_v tepidity_n for_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o humour_n full_a of_o solicitude_n have_v and_o eagerne_n yet_o the_o true_a ground_n ofttimes_o of_o it_o be_v a_o unwillingnes_n and_o loathness_n to_o give_v god_n more_o than_o we_o must_v needs_o now_o the_o measure_n and_o rule_n of_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v uncertain_a from_o the_o ignorance_n thereof_o grow_n a_o general_a fear_n just_a enough_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o corrupt_v with_o self-love_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o be_v necessary_a almost_o in_o every_o thing_n either_o for_o want_n of_o right_a intention_n or_o some_o other_o important_a circumstance_n the_o which_o fear_v be_v servile_a be_v perplex_v confound_a and_o darken_n the_o proper_a remedy_n therefore_o be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v a_o humble_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o correct_v in_o we_o what_o be_v amiss_o &_o to_o supply_v what_o be_v defective_a as_o also_o a_o submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o sincere_o and_o entire_o to_o do_v to_o our_o uttermost_a what_o he_o require_v and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o our_o soul_n estate_n its_o hope_n or_o danger_n so_o much_o by_o a_o view_v of_o our_o own_o perfection_n or_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o imperfection_n but_o only_o by_o our_o rely_v and_o affectionate_a dependence_n on_o god_n for_o the_o great_a &_o most_o perfect_a servant_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o grow_v in_o perfection_n the_o more_o light_a have_v they_o to_o discern_v innumerable_a imperfection_n in_o themselves_o which_o cause_v great_a humility_n but_o yet_o do_v not_o abate_v their_o dependence_n &_o confidence_n on_o god_n ground_v in_o his_o only_a goodness_n whereas_o imperfect_a tepid_a soul_n hope_v to_o gain_v security_n by_o diminish_v their_o imperfection_n the_o which_o arise_v from_o pride_n when_o they_o see_v their_o defect_n rather_o to_o increase_v they_o become_v deject_a fearful_a and_o scrupulous_a 30._o and_o such_o scrupulosity_n arise_v from_o tepidity_n do_v much_o increase_v it_o through_o a_o kind_n of_o despair_n of_o expel_v our_o own_o imperfectious_a by_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o true_a mean_n of_o expel_v they_o which_o be_v serious_a prayer_n to_o god_n if_o such_o soul_n therefore_o will_v take_v this_o for_o a_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o life_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o see_v themselves_o otherwise_o then_o full_a of_o innumerable_a defect_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o give_v any_o account_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o ought_v even_o for_o that_o very_a impossibility_n sake_n to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o god_n &_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o pardon_n as_o also_o his_o help_n and_o concurrence_n to_o remove_v our_o defect_n as_o far_o as_o his_o good_a pleasure_n shall_v be_v again_o if_o they_o will_v not_o expect_v a_o certainty_n or_o security_n touch_v their_o state_n but_o be_v content_a to_o stand_v to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o mercy_n by_o which_o not_o only_o perfection_n but_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v they_o will_v short_o be_v free_v from_o their_o painful_a wearisome_a fear_n and_o scrupulosity_n 31._o again_o ofttimes_o this_o humour_n of_o a_o timorous_a scrupulosity_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v
practice_n we_o can_v so_o rectify_v our_o desire_n as_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o their_o only_a true_a &_o proper_a object_n which_o be_v god_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n si_fw-mi semper_fw-la desideras_fw-la semper_fw-la oras_fw-la say_v s._n augustine_n if_o thou_o do_v continual_o desire_v god_n thou_o do_v continual_o pray_v such_o desire_n by_o custom_n will_v become_v easy_a &_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o without_o any_o force_n use_v on_o the_o imagination_n or_o understanding_n they_o may_v be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n for_o they_o will_v flow_v as_o free_o as_o breath_n from_o the_o lung_n and_o where_o such_o desire_n do_v abound_v flow_a from_o a_o holy_a inward_a temper_n of_o soul_n there_o no_o employment_n will_v be_v undertake_v that_o shall_v cross_v or_o prejudice_n such_o desire_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v give_v a_o tincture_n to_o all_o action_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o object_n of_o those_o desire_n &_o thereby_o add_v to_o the_o fervency_n of_o they_o 13._o now_o a_o question_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o in_o contemplative_a order_n where_o likewise_o there_o be_v use_v much_o abstraction_n solitude_n &_o other_o austerity_n soul_n may_v attain_v to_o this_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n by_o the_o way_n of_o meditation_n or_o else_o of_o long_o continue_v vocal_a prayer_n alone_o without_o appoint_a recollection_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n constant_o exercise_v 14_o hereto_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v first_o that_o as_o for_o meditation_n it_o be_v a_o exercise_n so_o disproportionable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o state_n except_o as_o a_o preparation_n for_o awhile_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a &_o continue_a exercise_n of_o such_o person_n for_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v the_o imagination_n &_o understanding_n by_o much_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o undistract_a life_n will_v become_v so_o barren_a &_o it_o will_v ptoduce_v so_o small_a or_o no_o effect_n in_o good_a affection_n in_o the_o will_n that_o it_o will_v be_v disgustful_a &_o insupportable_a so_o that_o all_o use_n of_o meditation_n must_v be_v for_o a_o long_a space_n pass_v &_o relinquish_v before_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o good_a state_n of_o have_v a_o continual_a flux_n of_o holy_a desire_n 15._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n touch_v long_o continue_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o office_n without_o any_o set_a exercise_n of_o internal_a recollection_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o by_o they_o such_o religious_a person_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o habit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n so_o that_o 1._o they_o hold_v their_o mind_n to_o as_o much_o attention_n as_o reasonable_o they_o can_v 2._o so_o that_o out_o of_o choir_n they_o keep_v their_o mind_n from_o distractive_a affection_n or_o sollicitude_n either_o about_o study_n or_o any_o other_o employment_n voluntary_a or_o impose_v 3._o so_o they_o be_v watchful_a over_o themselves_o not_o to_o give_v scope_n to_o thought_n which_o may_v be_v harmful_a to_o they_o thus_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n 4._o a_o four_o condition_n may_v be_v that_o such_o person_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o public_a office_n &_o not_o over-burden_n themselves_o with_o a_o surcharge_n of_o voluntary_a vocal_a prayer_n for_o turrecremata_fw-la say_v well_o on_o the_o decr._n d._n 92._o that_o the_o voice_n &_o other_o external_a do_n be_v in_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v only_o so_o far_o as_o by_o they_o to_o raise_v internal_a devotion_n so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v hinder_v or_o the_o mind_n distract_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v abstain_v from_o and_o s._n augustin_n no_o doubt_n from_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o judgement_n say_v qu_n vitum_fw-la proficis_fw-la ad_fw-la videndam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la tantò_fw-la minus_fw-la est_fw-la vox_fw-la necessaria_fw-la that_o be_v the_o great_a progress_n thou_o make_v in_o contemplative_a wisdom_n so_o much_o less_o necesary_a will_n vocal_a pray_v be_v such_o person_n therefore_o if_o in_o their_o solitude_n they_o do_v not_o appoint_v to_o themselves_o any_o set_v recollection_n yet_o ought_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o mind_n in_o a_o state_n of_o as_o much_o recollectednes_n as_o may_v be_v by_o interrupt_a good_a desire_n at_o least_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o affection_n to_o prayer_n &_o a_o appetite_n to_o the_o succeed_a office_n 16._o notwithstanding_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prolong_v &_o in_o never_o so_o great_a solitude_n yet_o will_v never_o produce_v this_o effect_n where_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n be_v not_o know_v &_o such_o ignorance_n have_v be_v even_o in_o order_n of_o the_o great_a abstraction_n &_o austerity_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o germanus_n &_o cassianus_n though_o practise_v many_o year_n in_o a_o striâ—t_o coenobiticall_a life_n yet_o be_v astonish_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o holy_a hermit_n discourse_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n free_a from_o image_n &c_n &c_n 17._o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o ordinary_o speak_v the_o only_a efficacious_a &_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o the_o habit_n of_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n be_v a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v daily_o force_v to_o a_o serious_a attendance_n &_o tendance_n to_o god_n in_o spirit_n by_o little_a &_o little_o become_v more_o &_o better_o affect_v to_o a_o frequent_a conversation_n with_o he_o &_o in_o time_n lose_v all_o relish_n or_o taste_v of_o pleasure_n in_o creature_n 18._o this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o constant_a &_o fervent_a exercise_n of_o recollection_n for_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v common_o call_v elaculatory_a prayer_n that_o be_v good_a affection_n now_o and_o then_o by_o fit_n &_o with_o frequent_a interruption_n exercise_v though_o they_o be_v very_o good_a &_o profitable_a &_o withal_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o read_v especial_o or_o any_o other_o external_a employment_n yet_o they_o alone_o will_v though_o join_v to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n be_v insufficient_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o habit_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o be_v so_o short_a &_o with_o such_o interruption_n exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o they_o be_v present_o spend_v &_o will_v have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o subsequent_a action_n but_o as_o for_o the_o eiaculatory_a prayer_n mention_v &_o worthy_o commend_v by_o the_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o those_o foremention_v for_o they_o be_v indeed_o not_o different_a from_o infuse_a aspiration_n be_v the_o effect_n flow_a from_o the_o habit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n already_o acquire_v &_o not_o imperfect_a preparation_n thereto_o 19_o to_o conclude_v none_o can_v account_v themselves_o to_o have_v satisfy_v in_o that_o perfection_n that_o they_o ought_v the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o this_o necessary_a precept_n of_o our_o lord_n oportet_fw-la semper_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o non_fw-la deficere_fw-la but_o 1._o such_o as_o do_v actual_o exercise_v as_o much_o prayer_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o ability_n &_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o produce_v contemplation_n if_o such_o be_v their_o state_n of_o life_n and_o moreover_o such_o actual_a prayer_n as_o be_v suitable_a thereto_o yet_o not_o indiscreet_o strein_v themselves_o beyond_o their_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o perfect_o at_o first_o lest_o it_o happen_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 28._o c._n quia_fw-la plus_fw-la fecit_fw-la quam_fw-la potuit_fw-la idcirco_fw-la perijt_fw-la that_o be_v because_o he_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a therefore_o he_o perish_v 2._o such_o as_o when_o discretion_n or_o other_o necessary_a employment_n do_v withdraw_v they_o from_o actual_a prayer_n yet_o do_v preserve_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o love_n &_o desire_v of_o it_o &_o a_o firm_a resolution_n courageous_o to_o break_v through_o all_o discouragemenâ—s_n &_o hindrance_n to_o it_o 3._o such_o as_o do_v endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o their_o action_n in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v with_o the_o same_o holy_a &_o pure_a intention_n as_o god_n give_v they_o in_o their_o precedent_a prayer_n 4._o such_o as_o do_v abstain_v from_o all_o voluntary_a employment_n as_o do_v indispose_v their_o mind_n for_o prayer_n keep_v their_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o to_o be_v able_a present_o to_o correspond_v to_o a_o interiour_n divine_a invitation_n to_o prayer_n if_o god_n shall_v send_v it_o &_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o receive_v &_o perceive_v such_o invitation_n now_o this_o be_v do_v by_o keep_v a_o continual_a guard_n
of_o light_n and_o comfort_n the_o which_o profit_n be_v scarce_o perceptible_a because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n more_o intimely_a in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o therefore_o be_v more_o efficacious_a to_o the_o soul_n advancement_n 36._o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v scarce_o allow_v the_o suffer_a soul_n to_o divert_v &_o ease_v her_o mind_n by_o read_v &_o much_o less_o by_o any_o corporal_a exercise_n during_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o her_o recollection_n or_o if_o so_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o she_o find_v by_o a_o little_a glance_v on_o a_o book_n a_o affection_n to_o be_v raise_v let_v she_o pursue_v the_o say_a affection_n &_o quit_v read_v present_o for_o read_v at_o such_o time_n be_v allow_v mere_o for_o necessity_n aught_o to_o be_v use_v no_o further_o than_o necessity_n shall_v require_v 37._o no_o certain_a rule_n or_o determination_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o the_o time_n that_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o certain_a kind_n of_o act_n as_o of_o contrition_n &_o other_o of_o the_o purgative_n way_n before_o they_o pass_v into_o those_o of_o resignation_n or_o love_n which_o be_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n only_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o long_o &_o deep_a that_o soul_n have_v be_v plunge_v in_o vicious_a habit_n the_o long_o probable_o will_v it_o be_v before_o they_o be_v ripe_a for_o such_o a_o passage_n yet_o that_o time_n may_v be_v contract_v by_o fervour_n in_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n to_o some_o few_o month_n will_v suffice_v to_o remain_v in_o act_n of_o contrition_n &c_n &c_n to_o some_o not_o many_o day_n yea_o some_o soul_n as_o tender_a innocent_a virgin_n &c_n &c_n be_v so_o well_o affect_v to_o god_n &_o so_o unacquainted_a with_o vicious_a custom_n that_o they_o may_v at_o the_o first_o be_v put_v into_o act_n of_o resignation_n or_o love_n 38._o but_o herein_o every_o one_o be_v to_o regard_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o conscience_n observe_v whether_o he_o find_v therein_o quietness_n &_o competent_a satisfaction_n in_o which_o case_n he_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v that_o he_o may_v relinquish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o purgative_n way_n 39_o but_o as_o for_o give_v over_o the_o act_n of_o resignation_n &_o love_n &c_n &c_n from_o thence_o to_o pass_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n god_n know_v a_o much_o long_a space_n of_o time_n be_v require_v even_o in_o soul_n the_o most_o innocent_a for_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o settle_a habitual_a charity_n fix_v in_o the_o soul_n through_o long_a &_o constant_a practice_n of_o force_a act_n of_o the_o will_n contrary_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o barbanson_n who_o say_v that_o soul_n may_v from_o meditation_n immediate_o pass_v to_o aspiration_n it_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o man_n choice_n when_o he_o will_v exercise_v aspiration_n of_o which_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o mover_n &_o director_n and_o whatsoever_o industry_n in_o prayer_n a_o soul_n shall_v use_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a that_o she_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o arrive_v to_o this_o exercise_n in_o youth_n before_o the_o boil_a heat_n &_o activity_n of_o nature_n be_v well_o qualify_v 40._o notwithstanding_o in_o whatsoever_o exercise_n a_o soul_n shall_v be_v if_o such_o aspiration_n do_v offer_v themselves_o she_o be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o they_o &_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v she_o be_v to_o cease_v all_o other_o force_v &_o elect_a acts._n 41._o to_o conclude_v these_o instruction_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o follow_a pattern_n of_o exercise_n of_o act_n &c_n &c_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o only_a for_o a_o necessity_n such_o as_o common_o beginner_n have_v yea_o &_o most_o soul_n even_o after_o they_o have_v for_o a_o good_a while_n pursue_v this_o internal_a prayer_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o interiour_n without_o seek_v abroad_o do_v minister_v sufficient_a matter_n unto_o they_o of_o resignation_n love_v &c_n &c_n either_o suggest_a by_o occasion_n of_o occur_v difficulty_n or_o come_v of_o itself_o into_o their_o mind_n such_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o pray_v without_o any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o furnish_v from_o within_o be_v not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o exercise_n in_o book_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n even_o of_o some_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o may_v be_v prevent_v &_o much_o holpen_v by_o god_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o however_o it_o be_v good_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o book_n in_o readiness_n to_o help_v they_o in_o case_n they_o come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n least_o for_o want_n of_o matter_n so_o suggest_v they_o shall_v be_v idle_a &_o at_o a_o stand_n for_o such_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o their_o first_o sensible_a fervour_n but_o when_o that_o cease_v as_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o it_o will_v they_o must_v not_o scorn_v to_o descend_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o book_n but_o also_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o inferior_a exercise_n &_o help_n suitable_a to_o their_o imperfect_a state_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o 2._o more_o special_a advice_n touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o assection_n of_o divine_a love._n §_o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n likewise_o touch_v act_n of_o resignation_n the_o great_a profit_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o say_v acts._n §_o 9_o several_a object_n of_o resignation_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o etc._n etc._n far_o instruction_n concern_v the_o exercise_v of_o the_o say_v acts._n §_o 22._o all_o act_n whatsoever_o must_v give_v way_n to_o aspiration_n 1._o whereas_o all_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n consist_v either_o 1._o of_o such_o affection_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v suitable_a motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n 2._o or_o of_o act_n of_o the_o will_n produce_v by_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o superior_a soul_n as_o among_o holy_a affection_n the_o principal_a be_v love_n the_o source_n and_o mover_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n so_o among_o all_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o considerable_a be_v those_o of_o resignation_n or_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n 2._o now_o have_v in_o the_o second_o treatise_n speak_v sufficient_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o divine_a love_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o give_v more_o particular_a instruction_n how_o to_o employ_v that_o inward_a affection_n of_o charity_n immediate_o to_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n former_o give_v but_o as_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o resignation_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o exercise_n of_o love_n too_o but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o regard_v external_a difficulty_n as_o the_o occasion_n or_o matter_n about_o which_o such_o love_n be_v express_v it_o be_v a_o exercise_n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v more_o particular_o treat_v of_o &_o above_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v recommend_v as_o be_v general_o the_o most_o secure_a &_o profitable_a of_o all_o other_o exercise_n 3._o for_o though_o act_n of_o pure_a melt_a love_n to_o god_n in_o which_o all_o image_n of_o creature_n yea_o all_o direct_a representation_n of_o god_n be_v exclude_v be_v in_o themselves_o more_o perfect_a &_o vnitive_a then_o be_v act_n of_o resignation_n which_o involve_v in_o themselves_o image_n of_o external_a thing_n to_o wit_n the_o special_a difficulty_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n intend_v to_o resign_v herself_o notwithstanding_o to_o recompense_v this_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v in_o act_n of_o resignation_n far_o more_o security_n and_o less_o danger_n of_o propriety_n or_o self-interest_n then_o in_o act_n of_o immediate_a love_n the_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_n stir_n and_o please_a motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n very_o few_o soul_n can_v practice_v they_o pure_o and_o without_o propriety_n except_o they_o be_v exalt_v to_o a_o supreme_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a divine_a charity_n again_o there_o be_v in_o resignation_n exercise_v more_o direct_o true_a mortification_n and_o contradiction_n to_o self_n love_n &_o interest_n then_o in_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o prayer_n more_o purify_n and_o consider_v the_o daily_a and_o hourly_o use_v that_o we_o have_v thereof_o in_o unavoidable_a occur_v difficulty_n it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o profitable_a and_o though_o act_v of_o resignation_n which_o be_v also_o the_o immediate_a fruit_n of_o divine_a love_n do_v involve_v in_o themselves_o image_n of_o external_a thing_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o act_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o tarry_v in_o such_o image_n but_o present_o pass_v from_o and_o out_o of_o they_o into_o god_n 4._o good_a lord_n what_o million_o of_o question_n debate_n &_o