it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v many_o intellectual_a power_n in_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o only_a that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o divine_a be_v either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o by_o opinion_n or_o by_o apprehension_n no_o nor_o yet_o by_o ratiocination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v any_o way_n be_v know_v by_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v into_o its_o own_o unity_n and_o remove_v from_o itself_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o its_o power_n it_o ascend_v to_o the_o great_a height_n of_o true_a contemplation_n while_o the_o soul_n look_v about_o on_o thing_n below_o it_o it_o see_v nothing_o but_o shadow_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o introversion_n than_o it_o see_v its_o own_o 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of_o indostan_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o certain_a order_n of_o religious_a among_o they_o who_o make_v vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n live_v in_o convent_v under_o superior_n who_o be_v common_o call_v jauguis_n i._n e._n unite_a to_o god_n who_o use_v themselves_o to_o many_o hardship_n and_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o many_o eremite_n by_o the_o people_n be_v account_v true_a saint_n illuminate_v and_o perfect_a jauguis_n these_o be_v people_n that_o have_v entire_o abandon_v the_o world_n and_o sequester_v themselves_o into_o some_o very_a remote_a corner_n or_o garden_n like_o eremite_n without_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o town_n if_o you_o carry_v they_o any_o meat_n they_o receive_v it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o and_o subsist_v by_o the_o sole_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o perpetual_a fast_n prayer_n and_o profound_a meditation_n for_o they_o sink_v themselves_o so_o deep_o into_o these_o 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by_o inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n appear_v whether_o a_o appearance_n of_o fire_n come_v before_o he_o whether_o he_o fill_v up_o and_o act_v the_o whole_a soul_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o cessation_n of_o all_o its_o own_o act_n for_o this_o he_o make_v the_o main_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o the_o person_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o and_o possess_v by_o the_o deity_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o ecstasy_n and_o alienation_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o if_o either_o the_o soul_n act_n or_o the_o body_n move_v then_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v a_o false_a inspiration_n no_o man_n can_v express_v himself_o more_o emphatical_o concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n than_o jamblicus_n do_v this_o quicken_v the_o mind_n enlarge_v its_o capacity_n open_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o fit_v it_o for_o conjunction_n and_o union_n with_o god_n and_o never_o leave_v man_n till_o it_o have_v carry_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o 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know_v &_o confess_v that_o pythagoras_n himself_o be_v from_o his_o youth_n great_o incline_v to_o a_o inquisition_n into_o religious_a rite_n and_o mystery_n that_o he_o travel_v into_o egypt_n to_o hear_v their_o priest_n be_v there_o 22_o year_n have_v recommendation_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o all_o their_o learning_n enter_v into_o the_o egyptian_a adyta_fw-la and_o be_v institute_v in_o thing_n unexpressible_a touch_v the_o god_n give_v himself_o exact_a information_n concern_v person_n and_o thing_n not_o omit_v any_o person_n eminent_a at_o any_o time_n for_o learning_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o religious_a rite_n or_o any_o place_n where_o he_o conceive_v he_o may_v find_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a that_o he_o go_v thence_o to_o babylon_n and_o continue_v there_o 12_o year_n converse_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o chaldean_n as_o also_o with_o the_o persian_a magi_n who_o entertain_v he_o very_o courteous_o &_o give_v he_o insight_n into_o their_o more_o hide_a mystery_n and_o religious_a rite_n and_o without_o doubt_n with_o the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o both_o place_n and_o likely_a enough_o as_o selden_n and_o other_o think_v with_o ezekiel_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o make_v theology_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o first_o most_o universal_a be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o his_o philosophy_n that_o he_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o treat_v chief_o of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a devoto_n or_o advocate_n for_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o sacred_a institutes_n that_o the_o confederation_n of_o his_o coenobium_fw-la for_o so_o they_o call_v it_o or_o college_n have_v reference_n to_o some_o divine_a temperament_n and_o to_o union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o unity_n with_o the_o divine_a soul_n that_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o society_n and_o sect_n for_o the_o admission_n and_o probation_n of_o disciple_n distinction_n of_o person_n reverence_n to_o their_o elder_n celibacie_n communion_n of_o good_n retirement_n from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o essean_n and_o the_o christian_a coenobite_n afterward_o that_o of_o the_o differ_a sect_n afterward_o none_o do_v pythagorize_v more_o than_o plato_n especial_o in_o divine_a matter_n as_o aristotle_n and_o laertius_n have_v observe_v yea_o that_o the_o choice_a of_o his_o metaphysic_n contemplation_n seem_v to_o be_v traduce_v from_o pythagoras_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o that_o plotinus_n do_v more_o clear_o explicate_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o pythagorick_a philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o platonic_a and_o from_o all_o this_o put_v together_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o conclude_v especial_o if_o we_o take_v in_o what_o be_v relate_v by_o 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and_o wither_v away_o p._n 11._o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n it_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o pleasure_n to_o the_o body_n to_o the_o get_n of_o riches_n and_o also_o to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o this_o also_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n but_o he_o go_v on_o for_o he_o who_o be_v give_v to_o pleasure_n the_o same_o will_v also_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o body_n he_o will_v also_o study_v to_o get_v riches_n and_o he_o who_o study_v to_o get_v riches_n will_v necessary_o be_v unjust_a but_o he_o who_o be_v unjust_a be_v both_o impious_a towards_o god_n and_o unjust_a towards_o man_n and_o therefore_o although_o he_o sacrifice_v whole_a hecatomb_n he_o be_v but_o the_o more_o impious_a and_o far_o from_o god_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o deliberate_o sacrilegious_a wherefore_o it_o behove_v to_o avoid_v every_o voluptuary_n person_n as_o impious_a and_o sacrilegious_a p._n 12._o you_o can_v well_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n who_o rely_v upon_o friend_n or_o child_n or_o any_o transitory_a and_o fade_a thing_n for_o all_o these_o be_v instable_a thing_n but_o to_o rely_v upon_o one_o self_n and_o upon_o god_n that_o only_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a p._n 12._o a_o wise_a man_n send_v hither_o naked_a will_v naked_a or_o strip_v of_o all_o invoke_v he_o who_o send_v he_o for_o god_n hear_v he_o only_o who_o be_v not_o encumber_v with_o impertinence_n p._n 9_o a_o divine_a sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d solid_o join_v we_o to_o god_n for_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
perfect_a shall_v be_v as_o his_o master_n that_o be_v in_o suffering_n like_o he_o the_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o review_v this_o passage_n of_o he_o §_o 66._o the_o repair_n to_o prayer_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v make_v it_o be_v a_o proper_a natural_a and_o most_o efficacious_a way_n to_o obtain_v a_o supernatural_a light_n from_o god_n spirit_n to_o discern_v his_o will_n in_o all_o our_o action_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a and_o such_o wherein_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o have_v any_o external_a certain_a rule_n all_o circumstance_n consider_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v guide_v as_o we_o have_v in_o all_o such_o other_o action_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o be_v doubt_v of_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o say_v as_o if_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o our_o direction_n in_o these_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o make_n use_n of_o either_o our_o own_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n advice_n as_o be_v say_v before_o §_o 76._o this_o be_v not_o make_v enthusiasm_n but_o prayer_n a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o show_v we_o in_o two_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o of_o they_o come_v from_o it_o or_o which_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o god_n will_n that_o so_o we_o may_v follow_v and_o obey_v it_o and_o what_o a_o christian_a be_v he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a especial_o in_o two_o affair_n of_o much_o concernment_n which_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o do_v not_o retire_v to_o his_o prayer_n desire_v god_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o promise_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v by_o any_o way_n to_o signify_v to_o he_o to_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o more_o conduce_v to_o christian_a perfection_n as_o certain_o the_o one_o may_v be_v much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o although_o both_o contain_v within_o the_o general_a bound_n of_o good_a or_o indifferent_a and_o then_o what_o illumination_n he_o pray_v for_o why_o may_v not_o he_o also_o expect_v again_o who_o be_v there_o much_o frequent_v prayer_n that_o do_v not_o perceive_v in_o they_o some_o illustration_n and_o influence_n enter_v and_o inject_v as_o it_o be_v into_o his_o mind_n without_o his_o own_o procurement_n touch_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o or_o the_o immense_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n or_o some_o acceptable_a service_n he_o may_v do_v to_o god_n or_o his_o neighbour_n or_o secret_a reprehension_n for_o some_o fault_n or_o admonition_n for_o the_o better_a order_n of_o his_o life_n spiritu_fw-la as_o our_o lord_n say_v jo._n 3.8_o spirante_fw-la ubi_fw-la vult_fw-la and_o he_o not_o know_v whence_o such_o thing_n come_v or_o how_o they_o pass_v away_o yet_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v assure_v must_v be_v from_o god_n spirit_n because_o no_o good_a thought_n be_v from_o ourselves_o and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o imagine_v the_o same_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v suppose_v of_o the_o thought_n inject_v in_o our_o doubt_n and_o request_n concern_v action_n leave_v free_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a declare_v will_n what_o way_n in_o these_o we_o may_v rather_o take_v the_o better_a to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o name_n of_o enthusiasm_n shall_v deter_v christian_n from_o such_o a_o practice_n or_o harken_v to_o this_o internal_a language_n or_o as_o mr._n cressy_n express_v it_o in_o his_o preface_n shall_v render_v prayer_n and_o by_o prayer_n the_o obtain_n of_o divine_a grace_n a_o suspicious_a exercise_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o author_n will_v a_o little_a better_o weigh_v his_o word_n and_o the_o malign_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v on_o other_o we_o say_v then_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o grace_n as_o well_o further_v as_o prevent_v we_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a spirit_n in_o our_o mind_n in_o matter_n pure_o indifferent_a which_o may_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o by_o either_o of_o these_o spirit_n for_o a_o different_a end_n where_o we_o have_v no_o other_o external_a rule_n to_o judge_v these_o motion_n by_o as_o we_o have_v in_o all_o internal_a suggestion_n concern_v such_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v either_o direct_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n law_n i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o collection_n out_o of_o this_o author_n with_o the_o explication_n of_o some_o of_o the_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v quarrel_v with_o as_o follow_v divine_a inaction_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a the_o act_n of_o god_n or_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o which_o in_o the_o perfect_a be_v more_o extraordinary_a sensible_a and_o manifest_a §_o 48._o passive_n union_n be_v call_v passive_a not_o that_o when_o herein_o a_o soul_n contemplate_v god_n she_o may_v not_o be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n active_a but_o because_o when_o god_n be_v please_v so_o gracious_o to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n 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 and_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 neither_o can_v any_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v use_v assure_o procure_v it_o thus_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n explain_v this_o word_n and_o the_o expression_n be_v secure_v by_o such_o like_a scripture_n language_n qui_fw-la spiritu_fw-la dei_fw-la aguntur_fw-la rom._n 8.14_o not_o i_o live_v but_o christ_n in_o i_o gal._n 2.20_o not_o i_o work_v but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o you_o matt._n 10.20_o so_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v say_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o groan_n unutterable_a rom._n 8.26_o etc._n etc._n §_o 48._o deiformity_n and_o deification_n be_v word_n not_o of_o late_a only_a but_o ancient_o use_v signify_v a_o union_n with_o god_n not_o in_o essence_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o this_o union_n still_o more_o intimate_a as_o the_o grace_n more_o extraordinary_a secure_v by_o like_a scripture_n language_n for_o deiform_a renew_a to_o the_o image_n of_o our_o greator_n col._n 3.10_o change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o our_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o transform_a by_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 12.2_o for_o deification_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o future_a world_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o the_o lord_n and_o we_o make_v one_o spirit_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o i_o have_v no_o more_o but_o to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n who_o this_o o._n n._n be_v out_o of_o who_o book_n i_o have_v collect_v those_o thing_n his_o name_n be_v abraham_n woodhead_n a_o good_a man_n who_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o solidity_n have_v vindicate_v mystical_a divinity_n against_o the_o quarrel_n of_o one_o who_o charge_v it_o to_o be_v fanaticism_n his_o character_n may_v be_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o mr._n wood_n be_v oxford_n antiquity_n finis_fw-la postscript_n whereas_o it_o be_v fear_v by_o some_o that_o what_o be_v in_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n relate_v concern_v plotinus_n and_o porphyrius_n who_o live_v in_o gospel-time_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o christian_n but_o the_o latter_a a_o grand_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o christianity_n may_v too_o much_o gratify_v some_o call_a quaker_n to_o their_o hurt_n who_o be_v great_a magnifyer_n of_o the_o gentile_a dispensation_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o gratify_v any_o people_n for_o their_o good_a but_o not_o any_o to_o their_o hurt_a and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v any_o such_o misuse_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v for_o a_o good_a purpose_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preface_n they_o must_v know_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o action_n of_o witch_n and_o their_o familiar_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a be_v good_a evidence_n against_o atheist_n and_o sadducean_n and_o the_o real_a inspiration_n of_o any_o spirit_n if_o prove_v be_v good_a evidence_n against_o all_o such_o anti-enthusiasts_a as_o deny_v the_o reality_n of_o inspiration_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o it_o than_o mere_o the_o act_n of_o people_n imagination_n so_o the_o plain_a apart_a declaration_n by_o these_o man_n of_o the_o mystic_a divinity_n which_o be_v more_o occult_o deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v good_a evidence_n of_o the_o tradition_n and_o succession_n of_o these_o mystery_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o collection_n make_v 2._o that_o though_o porphyry_n and_o plotinus_n and_o some_o
excite_v and_o direct_v its_o motion_n animal_n and_o vegetable_n have_v not_o only_o their_o intrinsic_a specifical_a vital_a principle_n of_o their_o specifical_a motion_n and_o operation_n but_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n be_v a_o universal_a adjuvant_fw-la exciting_a principle_n of_o all_o vital_a and_o sentient_a operation_n and_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n and_o their_o several_a commentator_n as_o simplicius_n themistius_n alexander_n aphrodiceus_n avicen_n and_o averro_n but_o also_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o divine_n for_o some_o age_n after_o christ_n do_v think_v that_o beside_o the_o individual_a intellectual_a soul_n of_o every_o man_n there_o be_v also_o a_o certain_a common_a intelligent_a nature_n or_o be_v substitute_v by_o almighty_a god_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o illuminate_v the_o humane_a soul_n to_o excite_v actual_a intellection_n in_o it_o and_o to_o communicate_v unto_o it_o these_o common_a intellectual_a principle_n which_o ordinary_o and_o general_o obtain_v in_o all_o man_n and_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o humane_a intellectual_a soul_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o light_n and_o influence_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o vital_a nature_n in_o the_o low_a world_n and_o this_o they_o call_v intellectus_fw-la agens_fw-la which_o averro_n suppose_v to_o be_v vltima_fw-la intelligentiarum_fw-la separatarum_fw-la and_o depute_v to_o the_o actuate_a and_o exciting_a of_o intellection_n in_o men._n this_o opinion_n have_v be_v possible_o upon_o reason_n probable_a enough_o lay_v aside_o for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o use_v therefore_o that_o i_o make_v of_o it_o only_o be_v this_o that_o though_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o bottom_v upon_o a_o clear_a evidence_n yet_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o a_o adumbration_n of_o a_o great_a and_o real_a truth_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o a_o full_a clear_a distinct_a discovery_n of_o it_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o in_o another_o case_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o that_o god_n who_o they_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o act_v 17.23_o so_o with_o some_o variation_n i_o may_v with_o humility_n say_v that_o secret_a unseen_a and_o spiritual_a power_n which_o these_o ancient_a philosopher_n do_v not_o distinct_o understand_v but_o grope_v after_o it_o and_o celebrate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o intellectus_fw-la agens_fw-la i_o be_o now_o endeavour_v to_o declare_v almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v every_o where_o by_o his_o essential_a presence_n so_o he_o be_v every_o where_o by_o his_o powerful_a influence_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o universal_a productive_a and_o conserve_n cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v more_o intimate_a unto_o and_o effective_a of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o efficacious_a influence_n than_o any_o second_o create_v cause_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v all_o but_o his_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o their_o causality_n be_v still_o but_o in_o and_o from_o the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o this_o influx_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n the_o prime_a efficient_a almighty_a god_n be_v by_o he_o ordinary_o communicate_v effuse_a and_o proportion_v according_a to_o the_o several_a nature_n of_o create_a being_n though_o according_a to_o his_o wise_a good_a pleasure_n he_o sometime_o be_v please_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o excellent_a end_n pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la and_o therefore_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v simple_o natural_a this_o ordinary_a efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n be_v suit_v to_o that_o common_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o govern_v such_o thing_n according_a to_o those_o institute_v regular_a natural_a law_n but_o unto_o a_o intellectual_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o will_n this_o divine_a efflux_n be_v communicate_v in_o a_o kind_a proportionable_a to_o those_o faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o therefore_o these_o efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n be_v communicate_v in_o two_o kind_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o illumination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o understanding_n faculty_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n inclination_n and_o incitation_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o kind_n of_o efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o influence_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o bodily_a strength_n as_o that_o of_o samson_n judge_n 16.20_o the_o gift_n of_o curious_a workmanship_n as_o that_o of_o aholiab_n and_o besaliel_n exod._n 36.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o majesty_n and_o government_n as_o that_o of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 10.9_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v tongue_n miracle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 9_o for_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a efflux_n give_v out_o upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o special_a end_n though_o even_o in_o most_o of_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v much_o concern_v and_o wrought_v upon_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n certain_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o sentient_a eye_n that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v almighty_a god_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n psal_n 36.9_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n john_n 1.9_o this_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o inclination_n and_o bend_v of_o the_o will_n it_o be_v true_a the_o will_n be_v natural_o free_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v essential_o subject_a unto_o the_o god_n that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_v ordinary_o be_v but_o persuasive_a and_o therefore_o ordinary_o resistible_a thus_o the_o old_a world_n resist_v the_o merciful_a strive_v of_o the_o divine_a influence_n gen._n 6.3_o my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n act_n 7.51_o you_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o powerful_a god_n have_v so_o great_a a_o efficacy_n and_o have_v so_o intimate_v a_o access_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v and_o doubtless_o sometime_o do_v irresistible_o bend_v and_o incline_v the_o will_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n psal_n 110.3_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a expression_n prov._n 21.1_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whithersoever_o he_o will_n a_o good_a artist_n will_v guide_v a_o stream_n of_o water_n to_o what_o place_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v in_o the_o same_o level_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o the_o water_n which_o in_o all_o those_o motion_n be_v keep_v entire_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o with_o the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a facility_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n can_v and_o often_o do_v infallible_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o king_n and_o yet_o without_o force_n or_o violation_n of_o its_o natural_a liberty_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n nor_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_n it_o be_v as_o universal_a and_o common_a as_o the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o upon_o some_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v more_o special_a and_o effectual_a than_o upon_o other_o even_o in_o the_o gentile_a world_n i_o have_v always_o esteem_v those_o excellent_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a famous_a for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n as_o man_n illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o divine_a influence_n though_o possible_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o a_o more_o signal_n manner_n than_o to_o other_o man_n such_o be_v socrates_n plato_n zeno_n citticus_fw-la solon_n lycurgus_n pythagoras_n tully_n seneca_n aristotle_n and_o divers_a other_o excellent_a philosopher_n moralist_n and_o lawgiver_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n excite_v illuminate_v and_o instruct_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o heathen_a world_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o great_a light_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o select_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o special_a government_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o descendant_n the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o set_v they_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n like_o a_o beacon_n upon_o a_o hill_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o common_a instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n make_v they_o
signal_n to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o his_o special_a government_n over_o they_o by_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o give_v they_o law_n from_o heaven_n in_o great_a majesty_n and_o terror_n by_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a oracle_n by_o raise_v up_o prophet_n and_o man_n special_o inspire_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o by_o effuse_v among_o they_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o sacred_a spirit_n for_o that_o i_o may_v say_v it_o once_o for_o all_o it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influx_n whereof_o i_o speak_v the_o divine_a providence_n accompany_v that_o efflux_n with_o suitable_a external_a mean_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a and_o the_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n but_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o the_o message_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n the_o sun_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o meridian_n and_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o god_n be_v more_o effectual_a and_o universal_a so_o be_v also_o the_o efflux_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n more_o vigorous_a diffusive_a and_o universal_a and_o as_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n of_o heal_v disease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o like_a to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o faith_n belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o but_o the_o secret_a and_o effectual_a influence_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n appear_v in_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o persuade_v and_o mighty_o subdue_a their_o will_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o convert_v man_n mind_n unto_o god_n and_o place_v they_o in_o their_o just_a and_o due_a habitude_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o various_a working_n thereof_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n the_o spirit_n of_o renovation_n the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o various_a energy_n that_o this_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o this_o great_a and_o more_o diffusive_a and_o effectual_a effusion_n of_o this_o influence_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n isa_n 25.7_o i_o will_v destroy_v in_o this_o mountain_n the_o cover_v cast_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o people_n isa_n 11.9_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n isa_n 54.13_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 59.20_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o they_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n seed_n ezek._n 36.27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o isa_n 44.3_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n joel_n 2.28_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o this_o energy_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n appear_v 1._o by_o a_o secret_a irradiation_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n 2._o by_o a_o powerful_a persuasion_n and_o incline_v of_o the_o will_n both_o which_o as_o they_o be_v with_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o effectual_a dispensation_n under_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o do_v accompany_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n not_o with_o equal_a success_n in_o all_o age_n we_o have_v here_o the_o judgement_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o great_a and_o good_a man_n of_o a_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o among_o the_o heathen_a those_o so_o fame_v for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n be_v illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o we_o have_v here_o also_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o his_o judgement_n 1._o observation_n in_o nature_n 2._o the_o sentiment_n of_o learned_a and_o understanding_n man_n philosopher_n in_o all_o age_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o add_v his_o own_o experience_n and_o whereas_o he_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n change_v his_o opinion_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o young_a time_n this_o he_o receive_v early_o as_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o first_o write_n and_o retain_v constant_o to_o the_o last_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o treatise_n of_o humility_n which_o he_o write_v upon_o my_o motion_n not_o long_o before_o his_o last_o sickness_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 10_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o secret_a but_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o high_o improve_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o those_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n have_v a_o secret_a guidance_n from_o a_o high_a wisdom_n than_o what_o be_v bare_o humane_a namely_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n that_o do_v real_o and_o true_o but_o secret_o prevent_v and_o direct_v they_o and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n any_o man_n that_o sincere_o and_o true_o fear_v almighty_a god_n rely_v upon_o he_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o guidance_n and_o direction_n bath_n it_o as_o real_o as_o the_o son_n have_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o father_n and_o though_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o audible_a nor_o the_o direction_n always_o perceptible_a to_o sense_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o as_o real_a as_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n but_o it_o may_v also_o be_v find_v in_o the_o great_a and_o momentous_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o beg_v his_o direction_n shall_v very_o often_o if_o not_o at_o all_o time_n find_v and_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o humility_n speak_v of_o this_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o double_a end_n 1._o the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o all_o the_o walk_n and_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n as_o to_o this_o latter_a he_o say_v the_o air_n do_v not_o more_o natural_o yield_v to_o our_o attraction_n in_o respiration_n or_o to_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o those_o space_n that_o be_v receptive_a of_o it_o than_o the_o divine_a assistance_n guidance_n and_o beneficence_n do_v to_o the_o desire_n exigency_n and_o want_v of_o a_o humble_a soul_n sensible_a of_o its_o own_o emptiness_n and_o deficiency_n and_o implore_v the_o direction_n guidance_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o bountiful_a god_n and_o then_o add_v i_o can_v call_v my_o own_o experience_n to_o witness_v that_o even_o in_o the_o external_n action_n occurrence_n and_o incidence_n of_o my_o whole_a life_n i_o be_v never_o disappoint_v of_o the_o best_a guidance_n and_o direction_n when_o in_o humility_n and_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o deficiency_n and_o diffidence_n of_o my_o own_o ability_n to_o direct_v myself_o or_o to_o grapple_v with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o my_o life_n i_o have_v with_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n implore_v the_o secret_a direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n this_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o secret_a guidance_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n by_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n but_o there_o be_v another_o secret_a guidance_n by_o a_o providential_a disposal_n of_o occurrence_n which_o he_o do_v not_o here_o exclude_v yet_o seem_v more_o especial_o to_o intend_v
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
to_o see_v but_o porphyry_n himself_o as_o he_o do_v not_o utter_o reject_v this_o low_a and_o symbolical_a way_n so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o purify_n the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o the_o intellectual_a by_o the_o low_a part_n he_o understand_v the_o irrational_a which_o by_o the_o theurgical_a rite_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o conversation_n with_o angel_n but_o the_o intellectual_a part_n can_v not_o be_v elevate_v by_o it_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o he_o place_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o return_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o upper_a part_n or_o fund_z of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o utmost_a the_o other_o attain_v to_o be_v only_o to_o live_v among_o the_o aetherial_a spirit_n but_o the_o contemplative_a soul_n return_v to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o speak_v which_o as_o many_o other_o of_o his_o notion_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n to_o show_v what_o this_o intellectual_a or_o contemplative_a life_n be_v that_o shall_v bring_v man_n soul_n to_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n porphyry_n write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o who_o quote_v many_o passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o particular_a precept_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v fly_v from_o all_o body_n if_o it_o will_v live_v happy_a with_o god_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n and_o pure_a contemplative_a life_n in_o that_o book_n he_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a way_n yet_o know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n not_o the_o indian_a chaldaick_n or_o any_o other_o but_o what_o that_o be_v which_o he_o mean_v appear_v by_o what_o he_o say_v near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n over_o all_o and_o four_o time_n say_v he_o when_o i_o be_v with_o he_o he_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n by_o a_o unexpressible_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o he_o before_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o divine_a illumination_n without_o any_o image_n or_o idea_n be_v above_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o intelligible_a thing_n and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v once_o in_o this_o state_n of_o union_n when_o he_o be_v 68_o year_n of_o age._n which_o holstenius_fw-la understand_v of_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o then_o fall_v into_o and_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o melancholy_n join_v with_o his_o abstract_a and_o severe_a life_n his_o frequent_a watch_n and_o almost_o continual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o and_o eunapius_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o little_a a_o lover_n of_o the_o body_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v in_o sicily_n he_o be_v almost_o famish_v by_o abstinence_n and_o shun_v all_o conversation_n with_o mankind_n as_o he_o begin_v the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n that_o he_o be_v like_o one_o ashamed_a that_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o body_n so_o that_o we_o find_v the_o foundation_n here_o lay_v say_v our_o author_n not_o only_o for_o the_o mystical_a union_n but_o the_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o rather_o in_o a_o cessation_n of_o these_o act_n be_v likewise_o express_o affirm_v by_o porphyry_n many_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v say_v of_o understanding_n thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v better_o perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d otio_fw-la &_o vacation_n intellectû_v as_o holstenius_fw-la render_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o rest_n and_o cessation_n of_o operation_n in_o the_o understanding_n than_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o many_o thing_n while_o a_o man_n wake_v be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o sleep_v but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o they_o be_v by_o sleep_n for_o thing_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o assimilation_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o understanding_n all_o thing_n be_v different_a according_a to_o their_o essence_n those_o thing_n above_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o way_n of_o unknowing_a and_o after_o a_o super-essential_a manner_n where_o we_o see_v the_o very_a phrase_n of_o dionysius_n use_v by_o he_o and_o in_o many_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v and_o lose_v itself_o from_o the_o body_n and_o draw_v itself_o near_a to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o god_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o clear_a light_n which_o follow_v the_o abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o state_n and_o life_n of_o contemplation_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a thereto_o such_o as_o abstinence_n from_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o from_o affection_n to_o it_o which_o say_v he_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o very_o much_o disparage_v the_o active_a and_o political_a life_n in_o comparison_n with_o this_o the_o end_n of_o one_o be_v only_a man_n living_n according_a to_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o other_o assimilation_n to_o god_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o practical_a virtue_n be_v only_o a_o good_a man_n but_o he_o that_o live_v the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n be_v a_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o understand_v the_o deiformity_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n the_o way_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o for_o purify_n the_o soul_n be_v this_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o know_v itself_o i._n e._n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o bind_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o another_o substance_n 2._o recollection_n or_o gather_v itself_o up_o from_o the_o body_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o advise_v to_o deny_v the_o body_n in_o its_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o show_v as_o little_a care_n of_o it_o and_o concernment_n for_o it_o as_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n to_o lessen_v all_o sense_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o so_o to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n then_o he_o describe_v the_o superlative_a be_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o little_a but_o above_o both_o and_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o least_o but_o above_o all_o and_o that_o his_o presence_n be_v not_o topical_a but_o assimilative_a and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n for_o our_o soul_n to_o recover_v themselves_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o themselves_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o true_a be_v be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o we_o become_v unite_v to_o god_n which_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n holstenius_fw-la think_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o porphyry_n understand_v by_o the_o book_n which_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a nuptial_n because_o both_o plotinus_n and_o he_o suppose_v this_o union_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mystical_a divine_n and_o porphyry_n say_v upon_o the_o read_n of_o it_o some_o think_v he_o mad_a because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n speak_v in_o it_o after_o a_o mystical_a and_o enthusiastical_a manner_n for_o which_o he_o be_v high_o applaud_v by_o plotinus_n jamblicus_n be_v porphyry_n disciple_n but_o out_o of_o he_o our_o author_n recite_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o before_o concern_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n but_o out_o of_o proclus_n another_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o live_v long_o after_o these_o and_o of_o who_o marinus_n give_v this_o character_n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o life_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o recollect_v and_o draw_v into_o its_o self_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n while_o it_o remain_v in_o it_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o theology_n say_v he_o he_o distinguish_v between_o that_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o intelligible_a idea_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o summity_n as_o the_o mystic_n speak_v and_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o say_v be_v alone_o capable_a of_o the_o divine_a and_o mystical_a union_n so_o he_o call_v