only_o interiorly_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o that_o in_o all_o these_o give_v the_o evidence_n to_o itself_o a_o certain_a assurance_n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o at_o sometime_o may_v have_v of_o divine_a operation_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v here_o that_o all_o person_n less_o advance_v in_o prayer_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n or_o also_o the_o great_a saint_n at_o all_o time_n discern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o they_o so_o clear_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o action_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sometime_o mistake_v and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o person_n pious_o dispose_v and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n may_v have_v a_o rational_a presumption_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v any_o more_o communicate_v unto_o they_o perhaps_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o that_o no_o absolute_a certitude_n be_v herein_o to_o be_v expect_v be_v a_o thing_n often_o confess_v by_o sanctae_fw-la sophia_n see_v 1_o vol._n p._n 139._o and_o p._n 137._o §_o 23._o 4._o but_o in_o case_n such_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v yet_o can_v no_o damage_n come_v thereby_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o commit_v any_o sin_n 1._o the_o subject_a of_o they_o we_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v matter_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o on_o any_o side_n lawful_a see_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n 1_o vol._n p._n 143._o 2._o no_o command_n of_o superior_n in_o these_o any_o way_n neglect_v 3._o no_o neglect_v beside_o use_v prayer_n in_o practise_v any_o other_o mean_n of_o make_v a_o secure_a choice_n either_o in_o weigh_v reason_n on_o all_o side_n or_o take_v advice_n from_o other_o only_a the_o devout_a soul_n in_o use_v these_o endeavour_n yet_o rely_v not_o on_o they_o but_o on_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n work_v continual_o in_o the_o regenerate_v both_o by_o prevenient_a and_o subsequent_a grace_n make_v no_o sudden_a resolution_n nor_o rush_n hasty_o upon_o any_o action_n but_o diligent_o hearken_v first_o to_o this_o internal_a guide_n what_o it_o may_v tell_v she_o be_v best_o desire_v faithful_o all_o natural_a passion_n and_o self-love_n lay_v aside_o to_o correspond_v with_o all_o its_o motion_n the_o careful_a observer_n of_o which_o with_o a_o pure_a intention_n of_o mind_n may_v be_v just_o presume_v seldom_o to_o want_v they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o certain_o know_v they_o and_o mean_v while_o such_o person_n if_o not_o free_a always_o from_o mistake_v yet_o be_v secure_a in_o this_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o from_o entertain_v any_o sinful_a enthusiasm_n or_o such_o as_o any_o other_o person_n except_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n can_v either_o censure_n or_o discover_v §_o 24._o here_o the_o author_n proceed_v to_o another_o discourse_n which_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o this_o purpose_n than_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o mystic_a divinity_n it_o may_v be_v both_o proper_a for_o this_o place_n and_o also_o useful_a and_o grateful_a to_o many_o devout_a people_n to_o add_v part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o direction_n give_v by_o spiritual_a writer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o devotion_n first_o for_o preparation_n for_o prayer_n they_o be_v advise_v 1._o to_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n at_o all_o time_n to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n clear_a from_o all_o sin_n even_o the_o least_o as_o much_o as_o humane_a frailty_n permit_v and_o to_o a_o care_n of_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o without_o which_o endeavour_n our_o devotion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n from_o he_o any_o great_a plenty_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o 2._o at_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o abstraction_n from_o all_o secular_a business_n recollection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n from_o all_o creature_n and_o all_o object_n of_o the_o exterior_a sense_n and_o then_o to_o begin_v at_o first_o with_o form_n for_o all_o occasion_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n where_o novice_n say_v he_o begin_z and_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a also_o frequent_o return_v to_o §_o 25._o from_o these_o they_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o mental_a prayer_n in_o which_o the_o cessation_n from_o external_n action_n render_v the_o inward_a more_o attent_a and_o affective_a more_o free_a from_o distraction_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o from_o the_o wander_v of_o the_o thought_n for_o this_o many_o useful_a subject_n of_o meditation_n be_v recommend_v chief_o touch_v our_o own_o misery_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o divine_a perfection_n 1._o of_o their_o natural_a condition_n the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n the_o divine_a justice_n the_o bitter_a passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n judgement_n and_o hell_n to_o plant_v in_o they_o the_o due_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o mortification_n and_o purification_n from_o all_o habit_n of_o sin_n 2._o of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o imitation_n and_o growth_n in_o virtue_n and_o 3._o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o benefit_n both_o receive_v and_o promise_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o and_o the_o ability_n for_o do_v good_a and_o please_a god_n restore_v to_o man_n by_o it_o if_o attentive_o observe_v and_o obey_v to_o advance_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o christian_a perfection_n and_o to_o enkindle_v in_o they_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n the_o acquisition_n of_o which_o love_n and_o not_o of_o knowledge_n be_v chief_o design_v in_o they_o §_o 26._o when_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o meditation_n they_o be_v well_o prepare_v they_o be_v direct_v by_o lay_v more_o aside_o their_o former_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o brain_n with_o the_o frequent_a stroke_n of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o kindle_v this_o fire_n in_o the_o heart_n how_o to_o exercise_v these_o affection_n now_o in_o that_o lesson_n of_o loving_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n luke_n 10.27_o in_o a_o more_o simple_a and_o quiet_a intuition_n and_o contemplation_n advertency_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o in_o more_o fervent_a and_o amorous_a colloquy_n with_o god_n in_o praise_v thank_v solace_v herself_o with_o he_o whilst_o she_o cast_v her_o eye_n upon_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n past_a and_o promise_v in_o many_o resolution_n for_o the_o future_a to_o serve_v he_o better_o and_o no_o more_o so_o to_o grieve_v and_o offend_v he_o in_o offer_v all_o she_o have_v she_o can_v do_v or_o suffer_v to_o his_o service_n and_o in_o put_v herself_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o silence_n and_o attention_n to_o hear_v what_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o in_o she_o speak_v to_o she_o not_o only_o in_o guide_v and_o admonish_v in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n but_o also_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o also_o good_a but_o not_o necessary_a when_o several_a of_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v under_o deliberation_n in_o which_o she_o also_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o that_o she_o may_v still_o choose_v and_o do_v that_o which_o may_v better_v please_v he_o and_o wherein_o his_o holy_a will_n may_v be_v more_o perfect_o accomplish_v §_o 27._o which_o act_v of_o love_n when_o once_o to_o a_o competent_a degree_n facilitated_a in_o we_o as_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a consolation_n so_o they_o exceed_o help_v to_o advance_v it_o in_o all_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n for_o love_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o work_n in_o we_o now_o with_o much_o more_o fidelity_n and_o alacrity_n as_o do_v all_o thing_n not_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o affection_n and_o not_o to_o obey_v but_o please_v her_o belove_a and_o gain_v from_o he_o also_o a_o reciprocal_a love_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n be_v arrive_v so_o far_o through_o the_o constant_a exercise_n and_o custom_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o mortification_n necessary_a to_o it_o that_o these_o act_n of_o love_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o several_a degree_n surpass_v one_o another_o be_v render_v easy_a and_o frequent_a and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n speedy_o resume_v without_o any_o or_o much_o precedent_a meditation_n which_o act_v before_o be_v difficult_a and_o rare_a and_o when_o the_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a sweetness_n she_o find_v in_o this_o latter_a affective_a meditation_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o return_v not_o to_o the_o former_a inventive_a meditation_n without_o some_o reluctance_n this_o be_v the_o first_o entrance_n into_o that_o which_o be_v style_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n such_o as_o humane_a industry_n attain_v namely_o wherein_o the_o will_v assist_v
prayer_n that_o be_v use_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o meditation_n as_o also_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o which_o step_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n observe_v many_o go_v no_o further_o but_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o such_o meditation_n be_v take_v up_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n 2._o the_o second_o step_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o after_o long_a practice_n break_v forth_o into_o continual_a aspiration_n and_o elevation_n thereof_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v divine_a inaction_n or_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a and_o more_o sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o god_n act_v more_o than_o she_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n at_o all_o to_o procure_v soon_o or_o retain_v long_o than_o god_n please_v of_o which_o much_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 4._o after_o which_o usual_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o those_o celestial_a visit_n do_v follow_v great_a desolation_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o experience_a have_v describe_v they_o partly_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o her_o loss_n and_o a_o impatient_a longing_n after_o these_o favour_n once_o taste_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o great_a nauseat_n and_o disrelish_v that_o she_o have_v now_o of_o those_o entertainment_n of_o the_o creature_n from_o which_o she_o former_o receive_v some_o content_a such_o we_o may_v imagine_v be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n when_o he_o say_v heu_fw-la mihi_fw-la quia_fw-la incolatus_fw-la meus_fw-la prolongatus_fw-la est_fw-la and_o concupiscit_fw-la &_o deficit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la in_fw-la atria_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o after_o a_o non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la psal_n 29._o a_o avertisti_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o factus_fw-la sum_fw-la conturbatus_fw-la §_o 63._o but_o not_o only_o this_o but_o god_n also_o sometime_o withdraw_v even_o from_o his_o great_a saint_n and_o that_o for_o some_o long_a duration_n of_o time_n any_o sensible_a assistance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a natural_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v quite_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o great_a aridity_n obscurity_n solitude_n pressure_n and_o heaviness_n disgu_v with_o all_o thing_n she_o know_v not_o why_o perform_v still_o her_o devotion_n and_o accustom_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o former_o but_o without_o any_o sensible_a comfort_n in_o such_o performance_n meditation_n aspiration_n read_v very_o difficult_a sterile_a insipid_a and_o seem_v without_o fruit_n only_o forbear_v her_o consent_n to_o any_o sin_n vanity_n or_o sensuality_n and_o not_o seek_v any_o secular_a consolation_n much_o discourage_v also_o at_o such_o time_n many_o be_v in_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v so_o desert_v they_o for_o fail_n in_o their_o duty_n or_o for_o something_o wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n which_o double_v this_o anguish_n or_o if_o not_o this_o at_o least_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o some_o great_a indisposition_n of_o body_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v sometime_o partly_o it_o may_v so_o as_o some_o begin_v therefore_o to_o dispense_v for_o a_o time_n with_o the_o former_a exercise_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o other_o pious_a employment_n but_o notwithstanding_o many_o time_n in_o these_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v mistake_v and_o this_o strange_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n come_v without_o any_o such_o respect_n mere_o from_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o those_o also_o who_o be_v by_o his_o former_a grace_n well_o ground_v and_o arrive_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o be_v send_v only_o for_o their_o much_o great_a advancement_n therein_o and_o the_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o high_a favour_n and_o therefore_o ought_v as_o such_o to_o be_v entertain_v with_o all_o equanimity_n patience_n resignation_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o will._n these_o consolation_n and_o desolation_n take_v as_o it_o be_v their_o certain_a turn_n in_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v they_o have_v by_o course_n a_o day_n and_o a_o night_n a_o ascent_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o descent_n and_o decadence_n into_o themselves_o a_o vivification_n by_o and_o in_o he_o and_o a_o mortification_n in_o themselves_o a_o summer_n wherein_o the_o branch_n shoot_v forth_o and_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n and_o a_o winter_n when_o the_o root_n spread_v more_o and_o the_o tree_n become_v more_o sure_o fix_v to_o all_o god_n child_n do_v these_o vicissitude_n happen_v but_o these_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o further_o advance_v in_o perfection_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n be_v precede_v with_o great_a desolation_n and_o these_o ordinary_o proportion_v one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o always_o necessary_a less_o or_o more_o be_v such_o purgation_n and_o refining_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o interior_a cross_n because_o always_o something_o in_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o as_o yet_o imperfect_a our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v still_o produce_v something_o in_o we_o to_o be_v amend_v and_o some_o selfwill_a and_o self-love_n to_o be_v part_v away_o by_o this_o sharp_a remedy_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o desolation_n if_o right_o comply_v with_o as_o well_o as_o of_o divine_a consolation_n be_v very_o great_a in_o many_o respect_n §_o 64._o for_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n come_v most_o perfect_o to_o know_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o see_v its_o own_o nothingness_n and_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o self-love_n and_o propriety_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v most_o especial_o teach_v non_fw-la quiescere_fw-la in_o donis_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la and_o adorare_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la &_o veritate_fw-la not_o in_o devotione_n and_o exercere_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o adversis_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o prosperis_fw-la the_o seek_v gust_n and_o suavity_n and_o consolation_n even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o its_o imperfection_n since_o these_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v preserve_v amid_o such_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o inflate_v it_o in_o a_o due_a and_o necessary_a humility_n angelus_n satanae_n colaphisan_n ne_fw-la magnitudo_fw-la revelationum_fw-la extollat_fw-la i_o say_v the_o apostle_n after_o his_o rapt_v herein_o its_o true_a love_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n qui_fw-la veniendo_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la and_o then_o derelinquendo_fw-la probat_fw-la donis_n firmat_n and_o then_o tribulationibus_fw-la tentat_fw-la say_v st._n gregory_n moral_n l._n 20._o c._n 19_o its_o perseverance_n and_o loyalty_n be_v especial_o discern_v in_o keep_v constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o he_o when_o deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n in_o it_o avoid_v any_o application_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n have_v thus_o as_o it_o be_v dismiss_v and_o cast_v it_o off_o but_o resign_v itself_o and_o love_v its_o misery_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o because_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o exercise_n wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o be_v try_v that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n before_o god_n and_o experimental_o that_o he_o may_v compassionate_v our_o infirmity_n in_o the_o great_a desolation_n he_o undergo_v in_o the_o garden_n the_o night_n before_o his_o passion_n heb._n 4.15_o 2.17_o where_o caepit_fw-la pavere_fw-la &_o taedere_fw-la say_v the_o evangelist_n matt._n 26.37_o 38._o and_o that_o sad_a expression_n come_v from_o he_o tristis_fw-la est_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la mortem_fw-la tarry_v here_o and_o watch_v with_o i_o mark_v 14.34_o yet_o these_o desolation_n also_o in_o a_o soul_n thus_o far_o advance_v in_o grace_n be_v not_o void_a of_o a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o have_v always_o in_o god_n will_n be_v perform_v in_o they_o which_o will_v of_o god_n now_o in_o whatever_o happen_v be_v a_o constant_a consolation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o apostle_n precept_n 1_o thess_n 5.16_o 17._o of_o semper_fw-la gaudete_fw-la be_v thus_o accomplish_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o his_o orate_a sine_fw-la intermissione_n and_o go_v together_o for_o there_o can_v want_v content_a where_o the_o mind_n have_v its_o desire_n nor_o do_v such_o a_o mind_n want_v this_o that_o be_v unanimous_a with_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o want_n of_o which_o conformity_n be_v only_o from_o the_o love_a of_o something_o that_o be_v against_o his_o will._n worldly_n sorrow_n say_v st._n gregory_n affligentes_fw-la cruciant_fw-la but_o these_o spiritual_a reficiunt_fw-la dum_fw-la affligunt_fw-la in_o the_o one_o be_v in_o afflictione_n maeror_fw-la but_o in_o the_o other_o in_o merore_fw-la laetitia_fw-la moral_n l._n 23._o c._n 13._o nay_o
impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o happiness_n by_o divine_a love_n humility_n and_o resignation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o vital_a touch_n and_o sense_n be_v a_o thing_n possible_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o heaven_n that_o glory_n be_v begin_v in_o grace_n and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v some_o excellent_a soul_n the_o happy_a antepast_n that_o holy_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n have_v seek_v and_o glory_v in_o this_o enjoyment_n and_o never_o complain_v so_o sore_o as_o when_o it_o be_v withhold_v and_o interrupt_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n run_v infinite_o this_o way_n and_o the_o best_a of_o modern_a good_a man_n do_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o that_o this_o spiritualize_v religion_n and_o render_v its_o enjoyment_n more_o comfortable_a and_o delicious_a that_o it_o keep_v the_o soul_n under_o a_o vivid_fw-la sense_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o grand_a security_n against_o temptation_n that_o it_o hold_v it_o steady_a amid_o the_o flattery_n of_o a_o prosperous_a state_n and_o give_v it_o the_o most_o ground_a anchorage_n and_o support_v amid_o the_o wave_n of_o a_o adverse_a condition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n i_o say_v i_o consider_v these_o weighty_a thing_n and_o wonder_v at_o the_o carelessness_n and_o prejudice_n of_o thought_n that_o occasion_v my_o suspect_v the_o reality_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o privilege_n i_o see_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v in_o deny_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n because_o ourselves_o do_v not_o feel_v they_o or_o can_v form_v a_o apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o thing_n of_o gust_n and_o relish_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o sentient_a and_o vital_a faculty_n and_o not_o by_o the_o noetical_a exercise_n of_o speculative_a understanding_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o believe_v infinite_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n afford_v its_o sensible_a presence_n and_o immediate_a beatific_a touch_n to_o some_o rare_a soul_n who_o be_v divest_v of_o carnal_a self_n and_o mundane_a pleasure_n abstract_v from_o the_o body_n by_o prayer_n and_o holy_a meditation_n spiritual_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o calm_a in_o their_o affection_n devout_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o tender_o affectionate_a to_o all_o the_o world_n sincere_a in_o their_o aim_n and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o action_n enlarge_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_a in_o their_o mind_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o disposition_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a communion_n and_o god_n transact_v not_o in_o this_o near_a way_n but_o with_o prepare_a spirit_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o influence_n and_o such_o i_o believe_v he_o never_o fail_v to_o bless_v with_o these_o happy_a fore-tasts_a of_o glory_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o conceit_a turbulent_a and_o notional_a confident_a and_o immodest_a imperious_a and_o malicious_a that_o dote_v upon_o trifle_n and_o run_v fierce_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n and_o scorn_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o such_o i_o say_v be_v their_o pretension_n what_o they_o will_v to_o divine_a communion_n illapse_n and_o discovery_n i_o believe_v they_o not_o their_o fancy_n abuse_v they_o or_o they_o will_v we_o for_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o with_o those_o who_o genius_n and_o way_n be_v so_o unlike_o he_o but_o the_o other_o excellent_a soul_n i_o describe_v will_v as_o certain_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o converse_n as_o the_o crystalline_a stream_n be_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n or_o the_o fit_o prepare_a earth_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o will_v be_v actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n of_o no_o mean_a learning_n and_o part_n and_o authority_n too_o among_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o reckon_v the_o despise_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o operation_n now_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o idolatry_n of_o old_a and_o afterward_o by_o reject_v of_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o come_n and_o yet_o in_o detestation_n of_o enthusiasm_n utter_o abandon_v all_o impulse_n and_o motion_n to_o thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o name_n of_o irrational_a impression_n and_o violent_a inclination_n and_o what_o some_o man_n intend_v by_o impulse_n he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o indeed_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o such_o thing_n reject_v they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o do_v they_o thereby_o only_o hurt_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o just_a punishment_n but_o such_o confident_a assertion_n in_o print_n may_v not_o only_o be_v hurtful_a to_o man_n but_o also_o injurious_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o man_n conceit_n the_o jew_n heretofore_o have_v the_o favour_n to_o inquire_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v answer_n and_o direction_n in_o their_o special_a exigence_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o allow_v that_o favour_n now_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n then_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n now_o be_v as_o the_o latter_a jew_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a state_n nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v any_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v not_o have_v some_o such_o mean_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a oracle_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n by_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o our_o profession_n do_v require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly-minded_n it_o do_v therefore_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o if_o god_n do_v not_o answer_v we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o saul_n when_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o dishonour_v our_o profession_n by_o argue_v against_o the_o truth_n to_o cover_v our_o shame_n and_o since_o the_o lord_n ear_n be_v not_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v whether_o our_o sin_n have_v not_o interpose_v between_o our_o god_n and_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v certain_o we_o often_o need_v a_o wisdom_n more_o than_o humane_a in_o many_o case_n wherein_o the_o general_a prescript_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o may_v not_o be_v expedient_a so_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a or_o necessary_a which_o may_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o write_a word_n and_o to_o the_o successful_a performance_n of_o acknowledge_a duty_n certain_a circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o due_o observe_v all_o endeavour_n will_v be_v frustrate_a and_o all_o these_o expedience_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o frequent_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o mortal_n without_o some_o notice_n from_o more_o intelligent_a being_n if_o therefore_o the_o all-seeing_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v please_v either_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mediate_o by_o any_o of_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o afford_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n to_o such_o mortal_n as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o the_o same_o if_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v please_v by_o any_o secret_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n or_o other_o notice_n to_o conduct_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n though_o without_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o subjection_n of_o his_o intellect_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o who_o after_o competent_a experience_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o such_o notice_n will_v certain_o incur_v sin_n more_o or_o less_o and_o just_o deserve_v correction_n so_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o impiety_n against_o that_o holy_a majesty_n and_o mischief_n to_o man_n to_o raise_v among_o they_o any_o scandal_n or_o prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o thereupon_o
like_o must_v necessary_o be_v join_v with_o like_a p._n 9_o the_o same_o which_o i_o have_v say_v of_o pythagoras_n may_v in_o effect_n be_v say_v of_o socrates_n also_o both_o as_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o to_o his_o travel_n for_o acquire_v of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o to_o his_o principle_n from_o the_o observation_n and_o confession_n of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o mystic_a theology_n they_o be_v scholar_n in_o the_o same_o school_n and_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n as_o do_v plato_n also_o from_o thence_o and_o from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o may_v dispatch_v this_o in_o a_o few_o observation_n of_o what_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o have_v as_o clear_a notion_n as_o any_o touch_a god_n his_o nature_n unity_n and_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v unto_o but_o by_o some_o borrow_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o assert_v that_o virtue_n be_v neither_o by_o nature_n nor_o by_o teach_v but_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n come_v by_o divine_a infusion_n and_o call_v god_n his_o tutor_n that_o while_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o corporal_a image_n sensible_a form_n and_o terrene_a affection_n he_o be_v not_o right_o dispose_v for_o divine_a contemplation_n which_o require_v a_o mind_n defecate_v etc._n etc._n that_o divine_a thing_n and_o mystery_n can_v be_v comprehend_v but_o by_o a_o refine_a judgement_n by_o such_o as_o have_v their_o soul_n abstract_v from_o all_o corporal_a image_n impression_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o man_n shall_v be_v very_a intent_n on_o get_v a_o reform_a life_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v exonerate_v of_o its_o depress_v lust_n might_n by_o a_o natural_a vigour_n lift_v up_o itself_o to_o eternal_o and_o by_o that_o purity_n of_o intelligence_n contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o eternal_a incommunicable_a light_n where_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o create_a nature_n live_v in_o stability_n v._o aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 8._o c._n 3._o and_o as_o to_o his_o own_o life_n that_o he_o institute_v his_o whole_a life_n even_o from_o his_o childhood_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o he_o call_v a_o daemon_n a_o voice_n a_o sign_n and_o that_o plato_n report_v of_o he_o that_o he_o stand_v a_o whole_a day_n without_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o same_o posture_n his_o mind_n be_v abstract_v with_o pure_a contemplation_n and_o that_o favorinus_n in_o a._n gellius_n say_v that_o he_o do_v this_o often_o and_o now_o to_o return_v to_o our_o principal_a author_n and_o the_o word_n of_o plato_n in_o he_o which_o be_v these_o be_v often_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o contemplation_n my_o body_n be_v leave_v behind_o i_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v the_o chief_a good_a with_o incredible_a pleasure_n wherefore_o i_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v astonish_v find_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n and_o to_o have_v obtain_v immortality_n with_o the_o clear_a light_n which_o can_v be_v express_v with_o word_n nor_o hear_v with_o ear_n nor_o understand_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o then_o he_o describe_v the_o sadness_n he_o feel_v at_o the_o decay_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n and_o the_o pleasure_n which_o return_v with_o his_o former_a ecstasy_n the_o word_n be_v at_o last_o my_o intellect_n be_v weary_v with_o this_o contemplation_n fall_v back_o into_o fantasy_n and_o then_o that_o light_n fail_v i_o become_v somewhat_o sad_a but_o again_o have_v leave_v my_o body_n return_v thither_o again_o i_o perceive_v my_o mind_n abound_v with_o light_n and_o that_o flow_v then_o into_o the_o body_n then_o raise_v above_o it_o nor_o of_o plato_n himself_o do_v our_o author_n take_v any_o more_o notice_n then_o of_o that_o one_o passage_n but_o of_o the_o late_a platonist_n plotinus_n jamblicus_n porphrygius_n and_o proclus_n who_o as_o he_o say_v out_o of_o psellus_n do_v whole_o approve_v of_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n he_o give_v we_o some_o large_a taste_n and_o particular_o the_o short_a account_n of_o plotinus_n his_o hypothesis_n be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immerse_v in_o the_o body_n suffer_v very_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o union_n with_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o a_o conversation_n with_o sensible_a thing_n and_o so_o become_v evil_a and_o miserable_a that_o its_o good_a and_o happy_a condition_n lie_v in_o be_v like_a to_o god_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o understanding_n but_o a_o state_n of_o quiescency_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o active_a life_n be_v insufficient_a for_o assimilation_n to_o god_n but_o in_o order_n to_o it_o those_o which_o be_v proper_o intellectual_a be_v most_o necessary_a whereby_o the_o soul_n draw_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o body_n thus_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o act_v by_o its_o self_n be_v wisdom_n introversion_n be_v temperance_n abstraction_n from_o matter_n be_v fortitude_n to_o follow_v reason_n be_v justice_n that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o the_o soul_n purify_v its_o self_n i._n e._n cast_v off_o the_o thing_n without_o its_o self_n and_o so_o recover_v its_o purity_n by_o bring_v those_o thing_n into_o light_n again_o which_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o sensible_a thing_n before_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v there_o but_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o come_v near_o a_o great_a light_n than_o its_o self_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o image_n which_o be_v in_o it_o to_o the_o true_a original_n the_o way_n of_o purify_n the_o soul_n he_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o abstraction_n and_o recollection_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o express_v by_o awaken_n the_o soul_n out_o of_o sleep_n wherein_o it_o be_v disturb_v by_o sensible_a image_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n have_v need_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o purify_n but_o only_o restrain_v it_o to_o its_o self_n by_o take_v away_o that_o load_n of_o matter_n which_o oppress_v it_o and_o than_o it_o natural_o endeavour_n after_o the_o near_a union_n with_o the_o first_o be_v which_o he_o call_v the_o true_a be_v and_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o say_v when_o the_o soul_n endeavour_v after_o this_o union_n it_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o sensible_a and_o intellectual_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n then_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v but_o as_o something_o above_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o either_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o our_o contemplation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o by_o a_o divine_a presence_n which_o far_o exceed_v any_o knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n he_o say_v hinder_v union_n therefore_o we_o must_v go_v beyond_o knowledge_n and_o be_v abstract_v from_o all_o other_o object_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o clear_a light_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o state_n say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n too_o neither_o be_v the_o person_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d like_o one_o in_o a_o rapture_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o enjoy_v god_n in_o that_o state_n of_o quiescency_n as_o in_o a_o silent_a wilderness_n which_o he_o call_v be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n see_v god_n in_o themselves_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n be_v one_o with_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a state_n of_o dei-formity_n of_o porphyry_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o confident_a of_o plotinus_n the_o same_o author_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o theurgic_a way_n as_o liable_a to_o deceit_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o high_a perfection_n which_o theurgic_a way_n lie_v in_o the_o initiate_a of_o man_n in_o some_o sacred_a mystery_n by_o partake_v of_o certain_a rite_n and_o symbol_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o deity_n the_o end_v whereof_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reduce_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o body_n so_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o from_o porphyry_n that_o they_o who_o be_v purify_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v converse_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o angel_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v
god_n call_v they_o thereto_o by_o secret_a inspiration_n or_o engage_v they_o therein_o by_o command_n of_o superior_n but_o they_o seek_v rather_o to_o purify_v themselves_o and_o inflame_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o internal_a quiet_n and_o pure_a actuation_n in_o spirit_n by_o a_o total_a abstraction_n from_o creature_n by_o solitude_n both_o external_a and_o especial_o internal_a so_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o influx_n and_o inspiration_n of_o god_n who_o guidance_n chief_o they_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n 3._o thing_n tr._n 1._o s._n 1._o c._n 2._o §._o 3._o and_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v the_o attain_n unto_o a_o habitual_a and_o almost_o uninterrupted_a perfect_a union_n with_o god_n in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o fruitive_a possession_n of_o he_o and_o a_o real_a experimental_a perception_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o depth_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v full_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o he_o alone_o not_o only_o all_o deliberate_a affection_n say_v fa._n baker_n to_o creature_n be_v exclude_v but_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o image_n of_o they_o also_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v distractive_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o he_o add_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a perceptable_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a soul_n be_v unspeakable_a and_o divine_a for_o he_o be_v in_o they_o both_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n internal_a and_o external_n be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o also_o as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o direct_v both_o the_o action_n and_o person_n to_o himself_o only_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n unto_o they_o a_o light_a to_o direct_v secure_o all_o their_o step_n and_o to_o order_v all_o their_o working_n even_o those_o also_o which_o seem_v the_o most_o indifferent_a the_o which_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o far_a advancement_n of_o they_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o immediate_a union_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o protect_v they_o in_o all_o tentation_n and_o danger_n a_o internal_a force_n and_o vigour_n within_o they_o to_o make_v they_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o his_o pleasure_n be_v they_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v they_o not_o only_o believe_v and_o know_v but_o even_o feel_v and_o taste_v he_o to_o be_v the_o universal_a infinite_a good_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o he_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o bless_a state_n of_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o spirit_n to_o a_o absolute_a internal_a solitude_n a_o transcendency_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o themselves_o to_o a_o heavenly-mindedness_a and_o fix_a attention_n to_o god_n only_o and_o this_o even_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o employment_n to_o other_o never_o so_o distractive_a and_o final_o to_o a_o gustful_a knowledge_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o a_o strict_a application_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o love_n above_o knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o fruition_n and_o repose_n in_o he_o with_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o their_o will_n so_o that_o they_o become_v after_o a_o inexpressible_a manner_n partarkers_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yea_o one_o spirit_n one_o will_n one_o love_n with_o he_o be_v in_o a_o sort_n deify_v and_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n here_o as_o mortality_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o special_a mean_n for_o obtain_v such_o spiritual_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n from_o god_n be_v doubtless_o very_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o these_o our_o author_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o o._n n._n who_o purposely_o write_v in_o answer_n to_o he_o upon_o this_o subject_a viz._n beside_o a_o watchful_a guard_n say_v he_o for_o keep_v the_o conscience_n clean_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v not_o only_o from_o mortal_a but_o also_o venial_a sin_n much_o frequent_a and_o continue_a vocal_a or_o mental_a prayer_n much_o solitude_n and_o mortification_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o abstraction_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o any_o creature_n much_o recollection_n and_o withdraw_v from_o abroad_o into_o ourselves_o much_o meditation_n on_o such_o select_a subject_n as_o may_v rather_o inflame_v our_o affection_n than_o increase_v our_o science_n and_o when_o once_o we_o find_v these_o enkindle_v the_o endeavour_v a_o quiescence_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v from_o former_a discourse_n those_o action_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o intellect_n now_o hinder_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o ourselves_o rather_o to_o a_o simple_a contemplation_n to_o exercise_v act_n of_o love_n adhere_v to_o sigh_v after_o and_o entertain_v the_o divine_a object_n thereof_o and_o here_o say_v he_o if_o his_o divine_a majesty_n please_v to_o advance_v we_o any_o high_a to_o such_o union_n with_o he_o as_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o wherein_o we_o receive_v rather_o than_o act_v and_o he_o operate_v in_o we_o rather_o than_o we_o ourselves_o we_o embrace_v they_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o gratitude_n if_o otherwise_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o long_v after_o he_o with_o patience_n though_o enable_v also_o to_o these_o only_a by_o his_o grace_n this_o our_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a master_n teach_v we_o and_o thus_o after_o this_o way_n which_o these_o man_n stile_n fanaticism_n and_o enthusiasm_n we_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v a_o more_o strict_a acquaintance_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o herein_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o forefather_n elsewhere_o say_v our_o author_n he_o fa._n baker_n describe_v the_o progress_n towards_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n thus_o that_o he_o who_o will_v come_v to_o it_o must_v practice_v the_o draw_v of_o his_o external_n sense_n inward_o to_o his_o internal_a there_o lose_v and_o as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v they_o then_o he_o must_v draw_v his_o internal_a sense_n into_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o there_o annihilate_v they_o likewise_o and_o those_o power_n of_o the_o intellectual_a soul_n he_o must_v draw_v into_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o unity_n and_o to_o that_o unity_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n must_v be_v apply_v and_o firm_o fix_v on_o god_n wherein_o the_o perfect_a divine_a contemplation_n lie_v it_o be_v true_a these_o word_n be_v in_o father_n baker_n but_o they_o be_v but_o what_o he_o say_v we_o read_v in_o other_o author_n and_o beside_o he_o add_v now_o whether_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o will_v abide_v the_o strict_a examination_n of_o philosophy_n or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o take_v on_o i_o to_o determine_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o a_o frequent_a and_o constant_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n join_v with_o mortification_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o operate_v more_o and_o more_o abstract_a from_o sense_n and_o more_o celebrate_v above_o the_o corporeal_a organ_n and_o faculty_n so_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o separate_a spirit_n by_o this_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a as_o our_o author_n say_v to_o put_v together_o some_o of_o their_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o a_o account_n of_o their_o divinity_n p._n 285._o and_o what_o account_v that_o be_v but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v some_o other_o passage_n which_o he_o recite_v and_o in_o they_o some_o which_o he_o construe_v as_o he_o do_v these_o and_o other_o thing_n and_o some_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v hard_a say_n to_o one_o who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v they_o or_o consider_v they_o as_o term_n of_o art_n and_o allow_v they_o a_o candid_a construction_n and_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o exercise_n of_o wit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o sport_n themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o wicked_a spirit_n do_v easy_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o and_o impose_v upon_o person_n engage_v in_o controversy_n they_o be_v ordinary_o like_o soldier_n engage_v in_o war_n act_n as_o if_o all_o be_v lawful_a whereby_o they_o can_v incommode_v a_o adversary_n without_o due_a regard_n to_o charity_n truth_n and_o that_o fair_a deal_v and_o kindness_n which_o christianity_n enjoin_v to_o enemy_n and_o too_o often_o behave_v themselves_o like_o such_o soldier_n as_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v a_o end_n of_o a_o war_n lest_o they_o shall_v want_v employment_n trifle_v and_o skirmish_v at_o a_o distance_n with_o vain_a word_n and_o show_n and_o the_o consequence_n in_o each_o be_v frequent_o the_o baffle_n and_o disparage_v of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o give_v advantage_n to_o their_o adversary_n and_o i_o wish_v this_o author_n by_o
with_o grace_n excite_v itself_o to_o these_o act_n of_o love_n and_o simple_a contemplation_n of_o which_o practice_n thus_o st._n bernard_n de_fw-fr interiori_fw-la domo_fw-la c._n 14._o jam_fw-la fortasse_fw-la ascendisti_fw-la jam_fw-la ad_fw-la cor_fw-la tuum_fw-la rediisti_fw-la &_o ibi_fw-la stare_n didicisti_fw-la nec_fw-la hoc_fw-la sufficiat_fw-la tibi_fw-la disce_fw-la habitare_fw-la &_o mansionem_fw-la facere_fw-la &_o qualicunque_fw-la mentis_fw-la vagatione_fw-la abstractus_fw-la fueris_fw-la illuc_fw-la semper_fw-la redire_fw-la festina_fw-la absque_fw-la dubio_fw-la per_fw-la multum_fw-la usum_fw-la quandoque_fw-la tibi_fw-la vertetur_fw-la in_o oblectamentum_fw-la in_o tantum_fw-la ut_fw-la absque_fw-la ullâ_fw-la laboris_fw-la difficultate_fw-la possis_fw-la ibi_fw-la assiduus_fw-la esse_fw-la quin_fw-la imo_fw-la poena_fw-la potius_fw-la tibi_fw-la sit_fw-la alibi_fw-la quam_fw-la ibi_fw-la moram_fw-la aliquam_fw-la facere_fw-la thou_o have_v now_o perhaps_o ascend_v thou_o have_v now_o return_v to_o thy_o heart_n and_o have_v learn_v to_o stand_v there_o nor_o let_v this_o suffice_v thou_o learn_v to_o dwell_v learn_v to_o make_v thy_o abode_n there_o and_o with_o whatever_o wander_v of_o mind_n thou_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v make_v haste_n always_o to_o return_v thither_o without_o doubt_n by_o much_o use_n it_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v turn_v to_o delight_n to_o thou_o insomuch_o that_o without_o any_o laborious_a difficulty_n thou_o may_v be_v there_o continual_o yea_o rather_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pain_n to_o thou_o to_o make_v any_o stay_v any_o where_o else_o than_o there_o thus_o he_o yet_o be_v the_o soul_n not_o direct_v here_o to_o remain_v idle_a stupid_a or_o unactive_a but_o to_o return_v to_o its_o wont_a meditation_n and_o if_o neither_o fit_o dispose_v for_o these_o to_o vocal_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n or_o also_o to_o read_v when_o the_o sweetness_n of_o such_o contemplation_n cease_v §_o 28._o devout_a soul_n advance_v hitherto_o be_v direct_v and_o provoke_v to_o yet_o much_o high_a flight_n and_o by_o their_o continue_a devotion_n to_o prosecute_v a_o further_a fruition_n of_o that_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o this_o purpose_n for_o their_o encouragement_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o person_n experience_v therein_o the_o many_o rich_a reward_n of_o prayer_n the_o supernatural_a elevation_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o advance_v some_o soul_n to_o who_o have_v be_v much_o practise_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o the_o more_o free_a and_o familiar_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o in_o several_a manner_n mention_v before_o wherein_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o now_o act_v so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o great_a quietness_n silence_n and_o rest_n of_o its_o former_a natural_a operation_n be_v more_o immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o a_o more_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o who_o sometime_o with_o the_o touch_v and_o influence_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n do_v illuminate_v inflame_v and_o ravish_v the_o soul_n and_o cause_v in_o it_o a_o ineffable_a and_o transport_v delight_n in_o contemplate_v what_o be_v show_v to_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n perceive_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o ardent_a love_n and_o this_o supernatural_o infuse_v when_o also_o be_v communicate_v to_o it_o many_o time_n celestial_a secret_n and_o divine_a mystery_n and_o future_a event_n by_o internal_a word_n and_o revelation_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v receive_v by_o it_o with_o a_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o attention_n and_o cessation_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o its_o faculty_n sensitive_a or_o intellectual_a nor_o seem_v it_o in_o its_o own_o disposal_n whilst_o it_o have_v these_o touch_v but_o both_o do_v and_o must_v see_v and_o think_v only_o what_o his_o divine_a majesty_n will_v have_v it_o and_o this_o only_a so_o long_o as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o any_o art_n or_o industry_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v attain_v or_o procure_v when_o she_o will_v but_o all_o be_v supernatural_a and_o as_o well_o above_o the_o operation_n of_o common_a grace_n in_o we_o as_o of_o reason_n in_o which_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a divine_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o experience_a also_o observe_v two_o sort_n of_o motion_n in_o it_o either_o a_o very_a intimate_a retreat_n and_o recollection_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o exterior_a object_n as_o it_o be_v into_o some_o interior_a part_n of_o itself_o remove_v from_o the_o thought_n or_o remembrace_v of_o creature_n or_o worldly_a thing_n which_o be_v often_o join_v with_o a_o retire_v also_o of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v sometime_o in_o such_o recollection_n without_o sense_n motion_n or_o heat_v alienatio_fw-la mentis_fw-la à _fw-la sensibus_fw-la corporis_fw-la s._n augustin_n in_o psal_n 67._o call_v it_o ut_fw-la spiritui_fw-la quod_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la est_fw-la demonstretur_fw-la such_o perhaps_o be_v that_o ecstasy_n of_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n rev._n 1.10_o or_o 2._o a_o elevation_n rapt_v or_o flight_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v above_o itself_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o depart_v present_o out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o person_n to_o suffer_v a_o present_a dissolution_n avolatio_fw-la mentis_fw-la as_o s._n bernard_n express_v it_o such_o seem_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 12._o §_o 29._o these_o thing_n be_v not_o handle_v as_o rule_n of_o devotion_n but_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o as_o thing_n only_o in_o god_n not_o our_o power_n yet_o be_v these_o rich_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o pregustation_n of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v recommend_v to_o signify_v the_o many_o noble_a effect_n and_o powerful_a influence_n which_o such_o favour_n have_v upon_o those_o who_o receive_v they_o as_o to_o the_o complete_n they_o in_o all_o christian_a perfection_n that_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n all_o these_o divine_a inaction_n tend_v still_o to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o to_o the_o wound_a it_o more_o deep_o with_o the_o love_n and_o long_v after_o he_o and_o after_o the_o suffer_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o alacrity_n for_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v receive_v dispose_v we_o still_o to_o other_o high_o if_o the_o soul_n correspond_v to_o they_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o i_o persevere_v say_v s._n bernard_n in_o cant._n serm._n 69._o speak_v of_o these_o favour_n to_o correspond_v to_o this_o condescension_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v with_o meet_a affection_n and_o action_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o i_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v ever_o make_v their_o abide_v with_o i_o we_o be_v also_o tell_v that_o though_o upon_o no_o preparation_n and_o predisposition_n in_o we_o whatever_o such_o favour_n do_v necessary_o follow_v yet_o without_o these_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o grant_v they_o that_o active_a contemplation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o passive_a and_o that_o though_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o rare_a and_o give_v to_o few_o yet_o in_o some_o inferior_a degree_n they_o be_v communicate_v to_o many_o and_o however_o that_o a_o active_a contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n by_o love_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o the_o great_a advancement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n gain_v thereby_o if_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o no_o high_a thing_n of_o which_o true_a humility_n always_o esteem_v its_o self_n unworthy_a be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n in_o this_o world_n for_o any_o pain_n of_o we_o in_o purge_v of_o our_o life_n and_o close_a attendance_n on_o god_n in_o solitude_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v undertake_v for_o it_o last_o since_o such_o christian_a perfection_n chief_o contain_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o on_o high_a knowledge_n or_o speculation_n therefore_o it_o be_v recommend_v as_o attainable_a by_o all_o sex_n and_o condition_n and_o all_o be_v equal_o encourage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o contemplation_n as_o s._n gregory_n observe_v in_o ezek._n hom_n 17._o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o high_a and_o not_o give_v to_o the_o low_a but_o this_o do_v often_o the_o high_a and_o often_o the_o low_a more_o often_o those_o who_o be_v remote_a that_o be_v from_o worldly_a care_n but_o sometime_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n receive_v §_o 30_o 31._o more_o of_o this_o he_o have_v afterward_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v as_o follow_v of_o the_o step_n in_o order_n to_o the_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o this_o life_n arrive_v to_o mention_v in_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n p._n 32._o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o way_n of_o external_n and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o
more_o true_a sweetness_n 〈◊〉_d these_o sorrow_n than_o in_o the_o other_o joy_n and_o the_o abstain_v in_o such_o a_o sharp_a trial_n from_o all_o sin_n against_o god_n or_o seek_v comfort_n from_o any_o thing_n beside_o he_o or_o give_v over_o her_o accustom_a exercise_n of_o piety_n argue_v also_o then_o a_o close_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n though_o not_o so_o sensible_a and_o that_o when_o it_o think_v itself_o far_a from_o he_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n near_o to_o he_o last_o by_o and_o upon_o these_o spiritual_a desolation_n ordinary_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n afterward_o receive_v high_a sensible_a visit_n and_o caress_n from_o god_n than_o any_o former_a be_v for_o which_o the_o soul_n seem_v best_a prepare_v by_o this_o her_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o lowness_n and_o than_o it_o be_v if_o ever_o the_o soul_n receive_v they_o with_o more_o gratitude_n and_o both_o highly_o value_v they_o and_o villify_v its_o self_n and_o it_o be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o exalt_v we_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o humility_n and_o to_o be_v adjutor_n in_o tribulationibus_fw-la as_o in_o opportunitatibus_fw-la when_o also_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o endear_v unto_o he_o by_o her_o suffering_n all_o this_o i_o have_v say_v to_o show_v that_o these_o spiritual_a desolation_n of_o which_o this_o author_n ironical_o say_v then_o when_o one_o will_v least_o expect_v they_o follow_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o that_o the_o resistance_n of_o such_o pressure_n when_o they_o come_v or_o a_o noncompliance_n with_o they_o in_o show_v much_o irresignation_n and_o impatience_n in_o seek_v to_o relieve_v such_o spiritual_a desertion_n with_o some_o secular_a content_n in_o relax_v former_a holy_a practice_n and_o the_o like_a disappoint_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o follow_a consolation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a reward_n of_o these_o suffering_n and_o disturb_v god_n work_n in_o she_o and_o good_a intention_n towards_o she_o and_o hinder_v her_o growth_n in_o virtue_n by_o her_o retain_v still_o those_o imperfection_n and_o that_o self-love_n which_o these_o right_o receive_v will_v have_v purge_v and_o mortify_v this_o of_o the_o four_o step_v to_o perfection_n desolation_n 5._o the_o five_o be_v a_o state_n more_o settle_v constant_a and_o tranquil_a where_o neither_o these_o desolation_n be_v so_o frequent_a or_o necessary_a nor_o those_o celestial_a visit_n so_o violent_a or_o so_o short_a §_o 65._o to_o these_o i_o shall_v add_v two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o answer_n to_o objection_n and_o cavil_n such_o as_o i_o think_v most_o pertinent_a for_o common_a use_n and_o first_o whereas_o upon_o the_o first_o step_v his_o adversary_n descant_v thus_o a_o sad_a case_n to_o end_v our_o day_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v who_o use_v this_o low_a dispensation_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o last_o but_o alas_o they_o never_o understand_v these_o union_n with_o god_n in_o the_o fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n they_o teach_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n and_o bid_v they_o look_v for_o perfection_n in_o another_o world_n to_o this_o he_o reply_v i_o ask_v do_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n end_v their_o day_n only_o or_o chief_o in_o the_o first_o step_v here_o that_o of_o meditation_n and_o discursive_a or_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o never_o ascend_v to_o the_o second_o step_v exercise_v more_o therein_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n in_o aspiration_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o most_o exalt_a disciple_n st._n john_n every_o where_o discourse_v so_o much_o of_o love_n and_o of_o our_o dwell_n by_o love_n in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o what_o of_o those_o precept_n pray_v without_o cease_v 1_o thess_n 5.17_o watch_z and_o pray_v always_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o with_o all_o perseverance_n therein_o eph._n 6.18_o be_v these_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o vocal_a and_o discursive_a prayer_n the_o first_o step_n or_o not_o rather_o of_o effective_a prayer_n the_o second_o according_a to_o that_o qui_fw-la semper_fw-la desiderat_fw-la semper_fw-la orat_fw-la which_o latter_a be_v also_o much_o easy_a to_o be_v continue_v again_o what_o think_v we_o of_o our_o lord_n be_v spend_v so_o long_a time_n in_o prayer_n often_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n rise_v up_o a_o great_a while_n before_o day_n for_o this_o purpose_n mar._n 1.35_o again_o retire_v into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o a_o great_a vacancy_n to_o it_o luk._n 5.16_o before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o election_n of_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n the_o twelve_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n ascend_v into_o a_o solitary_a mountain_n and_o there_o spend_v the_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n luk._n 6.13_o his_o ascend_v again_o into_o another_o mountain_n before_o he_o take_v his_o last_o journey_n to_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o passion_n take_v three_o of_o his_o disciple_n with_o he_o where_o all_o the_o night_n again_o be_v spend_v in_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v say_v he_o descend_v not_o from_o the_o hill_n till_o the_o next_o day_n and_o that_o there_o the_o three_o disciple_n be_v surprise_v with_o sleep_n luk._n 9.37_o 32._o in_o which_o prayer_n they_o see_v his_o countenance_n change_v and_o a_o anticipate_v appearance_n of_o his_o glory_n such_o as_o he_o shall_v have_v when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n 2_o pet._n 1.16_o and_o a_o apparition_n also_o of_o moses_n and_o elias_n they_o by_o a_o supernatural_a illumination_n know_v also_o who_o the_o person_n be_v matt._n 16.28_o and_o his_o disciple_n peter_n in_o such_o a_o extatick_a joy_n as_o that_o he_o cry_v out_o bonum_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la hic_fw-la etc._n etc._n luk._n 9.33_o not_o know_v say_v the_o evangelist_n what_o he_o say_v so_o in_o our_o lord_n be_v be_v in_o prayer_n present_o after_o john_n baptise_v he_o happen_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o heaven_n open_v the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o bodily_a shape_n like_o a_o dove_n see_v by_o the_o baptist_n luk._n 3.21_o 22._o and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n speak_v to_o he_o as_o here_o thou_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n luk._n 9.35_o and_o then_o a_o rapt_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o carry_v he_o into_o the_o desert_n where_o also_o we_o may_v rational_o imagine_v his_o time_n to_o have_v be_v whole_o spend_v in_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n and_o this_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o suspend_v and_o supercede_v the_o ordinary_a function_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o in_o these_o his_o prayer_n the_o tempter_n to_o have_v assault_v he_o what_o think_v we_o again_o of_o our_o lord_n infremuit_n spiritu_fw-la once_o and_o again_o in_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o father_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n joh._n 11.33_o 38._o of_o the_o ravish_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o tender_a affection_n and_o aspiration_n after_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o all_o his_o with_o he_o and_o his_o father_n in_o his_o prayer_n after_o his_o last_o supper_n deliver_v joh._n 17._o from_o ver_fw-la 20._o to_o the_o end_n and_o last_o of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o garden_n with_o few_o word_n but_o much_o passion_n be_v in_o a_o agony_n and_o sweat_a blood_n and_o make_v frequent_a act_n of_o resignation_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n what_o think_v we_o again_o of_o st._n peter_n ecstatical_a prayer_n and_o his_o vision_n on_o simon_n the_o tanner_n housetop_n act._n 10.9_o and_o again_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o temple_n act._n 22.17_o whilst_o i_o pray_v i_o be_v in_o a_o ecstasy_n &_o c_o do_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o devotion_n here_o mention_v not_o ascend_v at_o all_o to_o that_o which_o the_o mystic_n make_v the_o second_o step_v to_o perfection_n the_o aspiration_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n but_o only_o stay_v on_o the_o first_o step_n and_o do_v they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o that_o the_o mystic_n call_v passive_a union_n with_o god_n their_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n and_o their_o be_v in_o the_o spirit_n their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 12.4_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 8.26_o argue_v otherwise_o but_o then_o be_v passive_a union_n the_o obscure_a and_o unintelligible_a way_n of_o serve_a god_n that_o the_o church_n teach_v in_o her_o rule_n of_o devotion_n or_o the_o end_n rather_o which_o her_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n sometime_o attain_v to_o last_o be_v there_o not_o in_o some_o sort_n a_o state_n of_o perfection_n also_o in_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 2.6_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o the_o perfect_a and_o phil._n 3.15_o let_v we_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o luk._n 6.40_o every_o one_o that_o be_v