interior_a counsel_n of_o god_n seek_v by_o a_o resigned_n persevere_v prayer_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v a_o express_a promise_n say_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n believe_v that_o you_o shall_v receive_v it_o &_o it_o shall_v happen_v unto_o you_o and_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o b._n angela_n de_fw-fr fulginio_n etc._n etc._n 21._o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o same_o b._n angela_n that_o god_n command_v she_o to_o set_v down_o in_o write_v this_o passage_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o for_o which_o she_o receive_v such_o a_o command_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o his_o light_n and_o grace_n from_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v immediate_o to_o their_o internal_a master_n will_v be_v so_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o be_v take_v themselves_o to_o a_o externall_n one_o yea_o and_o that_o moreover_o such_o shall_v have_v a_o curse_n from_o he_o namely_o if_o they_o do_v persist_v in_o recede_v from_o the_o divine_a conduct_n constant_o prefer_v humane_a direction_n before_o god_n 22._o yet_o this_o advice_n of_o be_v constant_a to_o a_o resolution_n so_o make_v be_v to_o give_v place_n 1._o in_o case_n a_o superior_a shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o for_o a_o superior_a must_v be_v obey_v even_o against_o such_o a_o interiour_n counsel_n because_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o counsel_v but_o also_o command_v to_o obey_v her_o superior_n so_o that_o whensoever_o a_o superior_a do_v deliberate_o disapprove_v a_o counsel_n so_o receive_v a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o now_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o his_o former_a counsel_n shall_v cease_v from_o be_v any_o further_o oblige_v 2._o in_o case_n that_o any_o other_o different_a circumstance_n shall_v occur_v which_o may_v perhaps_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o difficulty_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o change_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o last_o ground_n without_o new_a recur_v to_o god_n for_o light_n yea_o though_o the_o reason_n for_o a_o change_n be_v never_o so_o clear_a yet_o it_o be_v best_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v do_v with_o great_a purity_n of_o intention_n 23._o now_o in_o all_o case_n of_o such_o like_a nature_n the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n be_v seldom_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o our_o recollection_n both_o because_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o think_v on_o such_o matter_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o prayer_n but_o be_v very_o distractive_a and_o likewise_o because_o the_o internal_a illustration_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v better_o perceive_v after_o prayer_n when_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v recollect_v do_v reflect_v on_o they_o 24._o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o matter_n of_o resignation_n or_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o patience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o cross_n and_o difficulty_n for_o in_o such_o case_n we_o be_v to_o make_v our_o good_a purpose_n in_o our_o prayer_n themselves_o and_o oft_o be_v to_o renew_v they_o afterward_o because_o such_o purpose_n do_v of_o themselves_o present_o appear_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o obligatory_a and_o beside_o they_o be_v proper_a matter_n for_o prayer_n 25._o after_o that_o a_o soul_n have_v make_v a_o resolution_n in_o the_o case_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a and_o likewise_o have_v put_v the_o same_o in_o practice_n let_v the_o issue_n be_v what_o it_o will_v whether_o profitable_a or_o harmful_a to_o nature_n yet_o must_v she_o never_o esteem_v the_o election_n to_o have_v be_v amiss_o nor_o must_v she_o hearken_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o find_v in_o such_o practise_v something_o contrary_a to_o her_o inclination_n will_v be_v apt_a by_o subtle_a insinuation_n to_o move_v the_o soul_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o undo_v what_o she_o have_v do_v such_o a_o erroneous_a judgement_n procure_v by_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o depose_v for_o well_o may_v we_o happen_v to_o err_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o execute_v such_o counsel_n give_v we_o by_o god_n and_o thereby_o or_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n inconvenience_n or_o harm_n may_v sometime_o befall_v we_o but_o the_o election_n in_o itself_o make_v in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a be_v good_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o act_n of_o immortification_n to_o blame_v it_o or_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o god_n for_o our_o good_a do_v often_o turn_v our_o best_a deed_n to_o our_o great_a mortification_n and_o thereby_o we_o reap_v a_o double_a benefitt_a 26._o in_o such_o doubtful_a case_n as_o have_v here_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o soul_n must_v not_o expect_v a_o apparent_a evident_a certitude_n as_o spiritual_a writer_n say_v for_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o humility_n do_v not_o use_v to_o give_v a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o matter_n itself_o simple_o consider_v but_o only_o a_o certainty_n of_o be_v direct_v and_o draw_v more_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o difficulty_n then_o to_o the_o other_o the_o which_o side_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o say_a author_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v as_o the_o divine_a will._n so_o that_o any_o advantage_n or_o preponderation_n though_o never_o so_o little_a towards_o one_o side_n more_o than_o another_o make_v certitude_n enough_o of_o god_n will_n as_o for_o stand_v to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o perceptible_a difference_n or_o lean_v either_o way_n the_o soul_n be_v either_o to_o take_v advice_n from_o some_o other_o or_o to_o supply_v it_o with_o her_o natural_a impartial_a reason_n or_o even_o as_o it_o be_v by_o lot_n to_o choose_v whether_o she_o think_v good_a and_o what_o she_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n she_o may_v equivalent_o be_v say_v to_o do_v as_o by_o the_o direction_n and_o impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n because_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o appointment_n that_o when_o himself_o do_v not_o direct_v we_o immediate_o by_o his_o spirit_n we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o other_o inferior_a external_a way_n the_o best_a we_o can_v for_o our_o direction_n in_o all_o thing_n always_o intend_v his_o glory_n and_o increase_n in_o his_o love_n only_o 27._o it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumptuous_a and_o dangerous_a tempt_a of_o god_n to_o go_v and_o pray_v to_o the_o end_n to_o know_v his_o will_n in_o thing_n command_v by_o know_a law_n and_o by_o lawful_a superior_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o as_o the_o most_o assure_a interpreter_n of_o his_o will_n and_o to_o expect_v any_o more_o be_v to_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a illumination_n and_o call_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v desire_v nor_o trust_v to_o because_o there_o will_v be_v great_a danger_n of_o illusion_n by_o the_o devil_n counterfeit_n a_o good_a angel_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a in_o his_o practice_n deserve_v that_o god_n permit_v such_o illusion_n chap._n viii_o §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o sufficient_a assurance_n may_v be_v have_v that_o inspiration_n be_v from_o god_n §_o 4._o 5._o 6._o 7._o a_o soul_n therefore_o may_v secure_o commit_v herself_o to_o god_n guidance_n and_o why_o §_o 8._o no_o danger_n if_o a_o soul_n shall_v sometime_o be_v mistake_v take_v that_o for_o a_o inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o so_o 1._o now_o all_o these_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n to_o attend_v unto_o and_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a yea_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v will_v be_v as_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o such_o inspiration_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n by_o a_o assurance_n i_o mean_v of_o hope_n for_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n without_o extraordinary_a revelation_n can_v be_v have_v of_o such_o matter_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o like_a assurance_n of_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o thaulerus_n blosius_n michael_n constantiensis_n etc._n etc._n do_v teach_v we_o how_o we_o may_v discern_v and_o with_o confidence_n judge_v resolute_o what_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n say_v that_o the_o devout_a soul_n which_o proceed_v with_o recollection_n &_o resignation_n in_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n of_o importance_n may_v &_o aught_o to_o take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o which_o she_o be_v interior_o move_v in_o or_o after_o her_o recollection_n when_o as_o passion_n do_v not_o prevail_v in_o she_o so_o long_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o otherwise_o contrary_a to_o external_a obedience_n or_o other_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n 2._o for_o it_o be_v certain_a yea_o &_o faith_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o
soul_n powerful_o and_o immediate_o direct_v and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o this_o three_o degree_n to_o which_o the_o prayer_n belong_v be_v indeed_o true_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o prayer_n may_v very_o convenient_o include_v all_o the_o four_o degree_n mention_v by_o barbanson_n &_o so_o nice_o distinguish_v by_o he_o rather_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a experience_n of_o the_o effect_n pass_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o for_o god_n work_v according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o perfect_a servant_n and_o not_o according_a to_o any_o method_n that_o man_n can_v conceive_v or_o express_v 6._o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o do_v most_o proper_o answer_n to_o the_o common_o assign_a way_n of_o spirituality_n the_o purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a of_o they_o the_o first_o be_v a_o prayer_n consist_v much_o of_o discourse_n of_o the_o vndestanding_n the_o other_o two_o be_v prayer_n of_o the_o will_n but_o most_o principal_o and_o pure_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o order_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o wit_n 1._o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o second_o section_n of_o the_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n to_o wit_n meditation_n 2._o in_o the_o follow_a section_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n 3._o and_o in_o the_o last_o section_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n or_o contemplation_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o each_o in_o particular_a i_o conceive_v it_o requisite_a first_o to_o show_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o propriety_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o succeed_a degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v build_v and_o may_v be_v evident_o and_o convince_o demonstrate_v so_o far_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v conduct_v by_o these_o degree_n in_o this_o order_n and_o no_o other_o way_n and_o this_o experience_n will_v make_v good_a even_o in_o soul_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o without_o learning_n read_v or_o instruction_n be_v immediate_o guide_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o internal_a way_n the_o reason_n hereof_o will_v appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v 7._o first_o therefore_o it_o be_v apparent_a and_o acknowledged_a that_o general_a speak_n a_o soul_n from_o a_o state_n of_o negligence_n &_o secularity_n first_o enter_v into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n though_o she_o be_v suppose_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o grace_n by_o which_o she_o be_v move_v to_o make_v so_o great_a and_o happy_a a_o change_n to_o be_v real_o in_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n yet_o there_o still_o remain_v in_o she_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o fear_n conceive_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o her_o former_a sin_n and_o withal_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o vicious_a habit_n do_v yet_o abide_v and_o will_v do_v so_o till_o by_o long_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n they_o be_v abate_v and_o expel_v moreover_o a_o world_n of_o vain_a and_o sinful_a image_n do_v possess_v the_o soul_n which_o distract_v she_o whensoever_o she_o set_v her_o mind_n on_o god_n call_v she_o to_o attend_v to_o her_o formerly-pleasing_a object_n which_o take_v up_o all_o her_o affection_n and_o which_o do_v still_o ofttimes_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o her_o memory_n with_o too_o much_o contentment_n to_o inferior_a nature_n the_o which_o contentment_n though_o she_o upon_o reflection_n do_v resist_v and_o renown_n with_o her_o superior_a soul_n yet_o this_o resistance_n be_v ofttimes_o so_o feeble_a that_o frequent_o she_o be_v real_o entangle_v and_o seduce_v &_o more_o oft_o do_v find_v ground_n to_o doubt_v that_o she_o have_v give_v consent_n thereto_o 8._o such_o be_v ordinary_o the_o disorder_a condition_n of_o a_o soul_n at_o her_o first_o conversion_n the_o remedy_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o she_o be_v prayer_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o prayer_n that_o for_o the_o present_a she_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v either_o a_o much_o distract_a vocal_a prayer_n or_o discursive_a meditation_n in_o which_o the_o understanding_n and_o imagination_n be_v chief_o employ_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o although_o god_n have_v imprint_v true_a charity_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n yet_o seduce_v image_n so_o abound_v and_o vicious_a affection_n be_v as_o yet_o so_o predominant_a in_o sensitive_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o the_o fortify_v it_o to_o chase_v away_o the_o say_a image_n and_o subdue_v such_o affection_n by_o store_v the_o imagination_n with_o contrary_a good_a image_n and_o set_v on_o work_n affection_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o invent_v argument_n and_o motive_n especial_o of_o fear_n so_o that_o the_o exercise_n proper_a to_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o first_o imperfect_a state_n be_v those_o of_o sensible_a contrition_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n cause_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o foulness_n of_o it_o of_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o certainty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o horror_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n as_o likewise_o a_o consideration_n that_o no_o less_o a_o price_n will_v serve_v for_o the_o reparation_n of_o a_o soul_n from_o sin_n then_o the_o ibloudy_a passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v now_o the_o seasonable_a subject_n of_o meditation_n and_o the_o action_n of_o mortification_n fit_a to_o attend_v such_o prayer_n be_v more_o sensible_a gross_a and_o exterior_a proper_a to_o repress_v she_o grosser_n defect_n 9_o now_o when_o by_o mean_n of_o such_o exercise_n the_o soul_n be_v become_v well_o ease_v from_o remorse_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v move_v to_o the_o resistance_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o fear_v of_o his_o judgement_n her_o discursive_a prayer_n for_o all_o that_o do_v not_o cease_v but_o there_o be_v a_o change_n make_v only_o in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o because_o instead_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o judgement_n hell_n etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n find_v herself_o more_o incline_v to_o resist_v sin_n by_o the_o motive_n of_o love_n or_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o charity_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o likewise_o out_o of_o a_o comfortable_a meditation_n of_o the_o future_a joy_n promise_v and_o prepare_v for_o she_o although_o charity_n be_v much_o increase_v yet_o not_o yet_o to_o such_o a_o point_n but_o that_o she_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o set_v it_o on_o work_n as_o likewise_o of_o good_a holy_a and_o efficacious_a image_n of_o divine_a thing_n to_o allure_v she_o to_o forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o vain_a image_n that_o yet_o do_v much_o distract_v she_o the_o object_n of_o her_o thought_n now_o be_v the_o infinite_a joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o bless_a humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o divinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o mortification_n answerable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n do_v grow_v more_o internal_a be_v much_o exercise_v about_o inward_a defect_n which_o by_o prayer_n be_v discover_v to_o she_o and_o correct_v now_o a_o soul_n whilst_o she_o continue_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o much_o and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o motive_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o purgative_n way_n though_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o illuminative_a 10._o in_o the_o second_o place_n when_o a_o soul_n by_o perseverance_n in_o such_o discursive_a prayer_n come_v to_o find_v as_o in_o â—â—me_n she_o will_v that_o she_o stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o invent_v motive_n to_o induce_v she_o to_o exercise_v love_n to_o god_n because_o good_a affection_n by_o exercise_n abound_v and_o â—owing_v ripe_a do_v with_o facility_n move_v themselves_o so_o â—â—at_a the_o mere_a present_v of_o a_o good_a object_n to_o the_o soul_n suffise_v to_o make_v she_o produce_v a_o good_a affection_n thenceforward_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n quit_v discourse_v and_o the_o will_v immediate_o stir_v itself_o towards_o god_n and_o here_o meditation_n end_v the_o second_o and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n or_o state_n of_o internal_a prayer_n begin_v to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n 11._o now_o a_o soul_n live_v a_o solitary_a or_o abstract_a life_n and_o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o prayer_n if_o she_o shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o
care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o choose_v pious_a and_o discreet_a directour_n because_o too_o many_o there_o be_v that_o will_v too_o ready_o and_o sudden_o resolve_v such_o matter_n to_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o will_v thereupon_o desire_v such_o person_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v some_o particular_a favour_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n etc._n etc._n now_o upon_o such_o indiscreet_a behaviour_n in_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v directour_n such_o person_n will_v begin_v to_o think_v that_o god_n love_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o and_o will_v interpret_v the_o thing_n declare_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o gust_n and_o humour_n and_o if_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o then_o they_o imagine_v they_o will_v fall_v into_o melancholic_a suspicion_n and_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o devil_n snare_n 29._o the_o best_a course_n that_o a_o confessarius_fw-la in_o this_o case_n can_v take_v be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o rational_a ground_n of_o probability_n that_o such_o vision_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o come_v from_o god_n to_o exhort_v and_o enjoin_v the_o person_n to_o avoid_v and_o despise_v they_o yea_o and_o if_o after_o long_o and_o serious_a examination_n it_o shall_v seem_v almost_o evident_a to_o he_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o yet_o ought_v he_o so_o to_o behave_v himself_o both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n as_o to_o deter_v the_o soul_n from_o adhere_v to_o they_o with_o affection_n rather_o incline_v she_o to_o a_o suspicion_n and_o fear_n or_o however_o to_o a_o indifferency_n about_o they_o with_o a_o aspect_n of_o love_n to_o god_n himself_o only_o who_o be_v above_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o thus_o if_o the_o confessarius_fw-la behave_v himself_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v prevent_v all_o harm_n to_o ensue_v and_o he_o shall_v perform_v a_o service_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 30._o certain_o the_o danger_n be_v far_o less_o to_o be_v too_o difficult_a in_o believe_v and_o esteem_v such_o thing_n then_o to_o be_v never_o so_o little_a too_o credulous_a and_o incline_v to_o admire_v they_o for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o good_a one_o shall_v be_v often_o suspect_v they_o that_o a_o ill_a one_o shall_v be_v once_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v find_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n appear_v to_o s._n teresa_n do_v neither_o take_v it_o ill_o from_o she_o nor_o from_o her_o director_n when_o by_o his_o order_n she_o do_v spit_n at_o he_o and_o defy_v he_o so_o appear_v to_o she_o but_o he_o only_o inform_v she_o how_o she_o shall_v give_v convince_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o illusion_n 31._o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n give_v very_o good_a advice_n touch_v this_o point_n exhort_v soul_n as_o the_o sure_a way_n that_o in_o case_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o prudent_a and_o experience_a confessarius_fw-la they_o shall_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n concern_v such_o grace_n but_o to_o pass_v they_o over_o and_o to_o make_v no_o account_n of_o they_o and_o however_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o head_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o execute_n of_o any_o thing_n signify_v after_o such_o a_o unusual_a manner_n 32._o and_o though_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o make_v no_o great_a estimation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a security_n from_o danger_n by_o they_o shall_v therefore_o think_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o consult_v with_o a_o prudent_a director_n about_o such_o trifle_n or_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o revelation_n seem_v unto_o she_o so_o absolute_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o to_o ask_v any_o one_o judgement_n about_o they_o yet_o say_v the_o same_o author_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o she_o discover_v they_o to_o her_o spiritual_a master_n 33._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o ordinary_o such_o be_v god_n order_n and_o disposition_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o such_o a_o humble_a submission_n of_o herself_o a_o new_a light_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o she_o 2._o to_o the_o end_n that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n she_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n to_o restrain_v her_o affection_n from_o such_o thing_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o true_a nakedness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n for_o which_o end_v the_o confessarius_fw-la aught_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o such_o favour_n but_o pass_v over_o they_o slight_o to_o encourage_v the_o soul_n rather_o to_o value_v and_o tend_v to_o a_o perfect_a active_a union_n by_o charity_n and_o pure_a prayer_n 3._o that_o by_o such_o a_o occasion_n offer_v the_o soul_n may_v conquer_v that_o natural_a unwillingnes_n which_o be_v in_o some_o to_o discover_v what_o thing_n pass_v within_o they_o and_o with_o such_o soul_n the_o confessarius_fw-la be_v to_o deal_n mild_o not_o affright_v or_o scandalize_a they_o nor_o dishearten_v they_o from_o deal_v free_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o vision_n ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n may_v produce_v in_o they_o that_o effect_n which_o probable_o god_n intend_v namely_o by_o they_o to_o call_v soul_n to_o a_o near_o and_o more_o perfect_a active_a union_n by_o love_n whereof_o one_o perfect_a act_n frame_v by_o the_o will_n be_v of_o more_o worth_a and_o more_o grateful_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o pass_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v be_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o many_o soul_n which_o be_v never_o visit_v with_o any_o such_o favour_n be_v yet_o far_o more_o advance_v in_o spirit_n and_o more_o near_o to_o god_n then_o be_v some_o other_o who_o frequent_o enjoy_v such_o extraordinary_a favour_n 34._o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v suggest_v in_o such_o a_o revelation_n whether_o it_o concern_v knowledge_n or_o practice_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o small_a moment_n yet_o without_o advice_n a_o soul_n ought_v neither_o to_o assent_v to_o it_o nor_o execute_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v yet_o consider_v the_o cause_n &_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o come_v which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v supernatural_a it_o become_v of_o great_a importance_n yea_o the_o mere_a conversation_n &_o familiarity_n with_o a_o intellectual_a spirit_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o as_o be_v with_o a_o good_a spirit_n it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v occasion_n of_o much_o good_a so_o be_v with_o a_o bad_a spirit_n as_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v till_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a it_o will_v probable_o cause_v very_o much_o harm_n 35._o a_o soul_n be_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o such_o matter_n aught_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o she_o fall_v not_o into_o impertinence_n but_o as_o aluarez_n de_fw-fr paz_n advise_v let_v she_o humble_o brief_o &_o clear_o manifest_v so_o much_o of_o these_o extraordinary_a matter_n to_o her_o director_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o judge_v and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o much_o value_v they_o let_v she_o simple_o hold_v on_o her_o course_n and_o secure_o proceed_v in_o her_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n 36._o if_o some_o eminent_o perfect_a soul_n have_v follow_v their_o own_o light_n in_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o practise_v according_o without_o consult_v other_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_n the_o forego_n advice_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o soul_n less_o experience_v and_o perfect_a and_o such_o as_o in_o s._n paul_n phrase_n have_v not_o their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o discern_a of_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n 37._o in_o such_o case_n likewise_o all_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o resign_v their_o judgement_n and_o will_n to_o other_o as_o utter_o to_o neglect_v their_o own_o proper_a call_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o to_o a_o wellminded_n soul_n that_o walk_v and_o deal_v simple_o and_o plain_o with_o god_n and_o labour_v diligent_o to_o keep_v her_o affection_n free_a from_o all_o create_a thing_n aspire_v to_o a_o indifference_n whether_o she_o have_v or_o want_v they_o yea_o out_o of_o humility_n and_o a_o pious_a fear_n rather_o desire_n to_o want_n such_o extraordinary_a visitation_n such_o a_o soul_n doubtless_o will_v be_v so_o guide_v and_o illuminate_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n as_o she_o will_v perfect_o know_v what_o to_o do_v &_o forbear_v and_o whether_o when_o and_o of_o who_o to_o ask_v counsel_n let_v therefore_o such_o a_o soul_n careful_o observe_v her_o internal_a direction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n 38._o from_o these_o precedent_a advice_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o different_o a_o soul_n ought_v
and_o likewise_o the_o security_n and_o benefitt_a of_o be_v but_o true_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n though_o she_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n 6._o first_o therefore_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n must_v needs_o be_v long_o and_o tedious_a even_o to_o soul_n well_o dispose_v thereto_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o education_n for_o to_o other_o it_o be_v a_o way_n unpassable_a with_o out_o extreme_a difficulty_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n that_o by_o she_o own_o experience_n will_v consider_v how_o obstinate_a inflexible_a and_o of_o how_o glewy_a &_o tenacious_a a_o nature_n corrupt_a self-love_n be_v in_o she_o how_o long_o a_o time_n must_v pass_v before_o she_o can_v subdue_v any_o one_o habitual_a ill_a inclination_n &_o affection_n in_o herself_o what_o fall_n &_o rise_v again_o there_o be_v in_o our_o passion_n &_o corrupt_a desire_n in_o somuch_o as_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o mortify_v &_o almost_o forget_v they_o will_v again_o raise_v themselves_o &_o combat_v we_o with_o as_o great_a or_o perhaps_o great_a violence_n than_o before_o now_o till_o the_o poysonnous_a root_n of_o self-love_n be_v wither_v so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o knowing_o and_o deliberate_o suffer_v it_o to_o spring_v forth_o &_o bear_v fruit_n for_o utter_o kill_v it_o never_o will_v be_v in_o this_o life_n till_o we_o have_v lose_v at_o least_o all_o affection_n to_o all_o our_o corrupt_a desire_n even_o the_o most_o venial_a which_o be_v almost_o infinite_a perfect_a charity_n will_v never_o reign_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o consequent_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o charity_n live_v &_o grow_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o self-love_n be_v abate_v and_o no_o further_o 7._o soul_n that_o first_o enter_v into_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o that_o have_v make_v no_o great_a progress_n in_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o very_a dim_a light_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o discern_v only_o a_o few_o grosser_n defect_n &_o inordination_n but_o by_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercice_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n this_o light_n will_v be_v increase_v &_o then_o they_o will_v proportionable_o every_o day_n more_o &_o more_o discover_v a_o thousand_o secret_a and_o former_o invisible_a impurity_n in_o their_o intention_n selfe-sekings_a hypocrisy_n and_o close_a design_n of_o nature_n pursue_v she_o own_o corrupt_a design_n in_o the_o very_o best_a action_n cherish_v nature_n one_o way_n when_o she_o mortify_v it_o another_o and_o favour_a pride_n even_o when_o she_o exercise_v humility_n now_o a_o clear_a light_n to_o discover_v all_o these_o almost_o infinite_a depravation_n not_o only_o in_o our_o sensitive_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n which_o be_v far_o more_o secret_a manifold_a &_o dangerous_a and_o a_o courage_n with_o success_n to_o combat_n &_o overcome_v they_o must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n 8._o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a knowledge_n or_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o some_o good_a soul_n after_o they_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o internal_a way_n become_v dishearten_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o stop_v or_o quite_o leave_v they_o for_o though_o at_o the_o first_o be_v as_o usual_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o god_n with_o a_o tender_a sensible_a devotion_n which_o our_o holy_a father_n call_v feruorem_fw-la novitium_fw-la they_o do_v with_o much_o zeal_n &_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o with_o good_a effect_n begin_v the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n yet_o afterward_o such_o sensible_a fervour_n &_o tenderness_n cease_v as_o it_o seldom_o fail_v to_o do_v by_o that_o new_a light_n which_o they_o have_v get_v they_o discern_v a_o world_n of_o defect_n former_o undiscovered_a which_o they_o erroneous_o think_v be_v not_o in_o they_o before_o whereupon_o fear_v that_o instead_o of_o make_v progress_n they_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n than_o when_o they_o begin_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n this_o proceed_v from_o a_o preconceive_a mistake_n that_o because_o in_o time_n of_o light_n &_o devotion_n the_o soul_n find_v herself_o carry_v with_o much_o fervour_n to_o god_n and_o perceive_v but_o small_a contradiction_n and_o rebellion_n in_o inferior_a nature_n that_o therefore_o she_o be_v very_o forward_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n whereas_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o conquer_v as_o she_o imagine_v neither_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n so_o easy_a and_o short_a many_o change_n she_o must_v expect_v many_o rise_n and_o fall_n some_o time_n light_a and_o some_o time_n darkness_n sometime_o calmness_n of_o passion_n and_o present_o after_o it_o may_v be_v fierce_a combat_n than_o before_o and_o these_o succession_n of_o change_n repeat_v god_n know_v how_o oft_o before_o the_o end_n approach_v 9_o yea_o it_o will_v likely_a happen_v to_o such_o soul_n that_o even_o the_o former_o well_o know_v grosser_n defect_n in_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o increase_v and_o to_o grow_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v quelld_v after_o they_o have_v be_v competent_o advance_v in_o internal_a way_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o have_v set_v themselves_o to_o combat_v corrupt_a nature_n in_o all_o her_o perverse_a crooked_a &_o impure_a desire_n and_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o find_v themselves_o in_o continual_a wrestle_n and_o agony_n and_o want_n those_o please_a diversion_n conversation_n &_o recreation_n with_o which_o while_o they_o live_v a_o secular_a negligent_a life_n they_o can_v interrupt_v or_o put_v of_o their_o melancholic_a thought_n and_o unquietnes_n but_o if_o they_o will_v take_v courage_n &_o instead_o of_o seek_v ease_n from_o nature_n further_a than_o discretion_n allow_v have_v recourse_n for_o remedy_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n they_o will_v find_v that_o such_o violent_a tentation_n be_v a_o assure_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o secure_a &_o happy_a way_n and_o that_o when_o god_n see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o from_o such_o combat_n with_o victory_n &_o comfort_n 10._o now_o as_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o tediousness_n of_o a_o perfect_a universal_a mortification_n of_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o nature_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o hasty_a perfection_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o where_o there_o be_v appearance_n of_o extraordinary_a light_n &_o supernatural_a visit_n in_o soul_n not_o thorough_o mortify_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o secret_a exorbitancy_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o such_o soul_n some_o deep_o root_v pride_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n illusion_n so_o that_o then_o state_n be_v very_o dangerous_a the_o like_a will_v appear_v if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o nature_n &_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n which_o be_v perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n do_v consist_v 11._o for_o a_o soul_n must_v 1._o ordinary_o speak_v pass_v through_o the_o way_n of_o external_a and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o which_o she_o must_v tarry_v god_n know_v how_o long_a yea_o with_o out_o a_o discreet_a diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o they_o she_o may_v perhaps_o end_v her_o day_n therein_o 2._o then_o when_o her_o affection_n do_v so_o abound_v and_o be_v sufficient_o ripe_a so_o as_o that_o discourse_n be_v not_o needful_a or_o become_v of_o little_a efficacy_n she_o be_v to_o betake_v herself_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n in_o the_o which_o a_o very_a long_a time_n must_v ordinary_o be_v spend_v before_o she_o can_v chase_v away_o distract_n grosser_n image_n and_o before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o replenish_v with_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o without_o any_o election_n or_o deliberation_n it_o will_v of_o itself_o almost_o continual_o break_v forth_o into_o aspiration_n &_o pure_a elevation_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n 3._o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o happy_a state_n only_a god_n know_v for_o how_o long_o a_o time_n she_o be_v to_o continue_v therein_o there_o be_v almost_o infinite_a degree_n of_o aspiration_n each_o one_o exceed_v the_o former_a in_o purity_n before_o she_o be_v ripe_a for_o the_o divine_a inaction_n 4._o and_o have_v get_v that_o a_o very_a long_a time_n be_v like_a to_o be_v spend_v very_o oft_o in_o most_o woeful_a obscurity_n and_o desolation_n before_o she_o arrive_v 5._o to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n now_o all_o these_o degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o proportionable_a degree_n
of_o enormous_a sin_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v no_o less_o dangerous_a because_o less_o corrigible_a such_o as_o be_v those_o spiritual_a sin_n of_o pride_n murmur_a factiousnes_n envy_n ambition_n &c_n &c_n beside_o which_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n of_o the_o want_n of_o perfect_v their_o soul_n by_o prayer_n of_o the_o avoid_n of_o which_o they_o never_o take_v any_o care_n although_o their_o profession_n and_o vow_n oblige_v they_o thereto_o 6._o again_o if_o tepidity_n though_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n be_v find_v in_o soul_n that_o be_v acquaint_v speculative_o with_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o pursue_v they_o in_o order_n to_o perfection_n but_o either_o for_o want_n of_o courage_n dare_v not_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o they_o or_o do_v it_o very_o faint_o cold_o or_o with_o frequent_a interruption_n and_o only_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o relinquish_v and_o abjure_v such_o way_n such_o as_o though_o they_o have_v not_o a_o wilful_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n yet_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n wilful_o negligent_a in_o resist_v they_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o consider_v that_o their_o case_n in_o all_o respect_n approach_v near_o to_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o the_o former_a and_o they_o will_v have_v guilt_n enough_o to_o take_v away_o all_o comfort_n almost_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n and_o to_o give_v they_o just_a apprehension_n for_o the_o future_a life_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o security_n 7._o for_o when_o such_o soul_n approach_v near_o unto_o death_n they_o will_v then_o too_o late_o consider_v that_o for_o want_n of_o diligent_a prayer_n there_o may_v be_v yea_o assure_o be_v in_o they_o a_o world_n of_o inordination_n impurity_n and_o defect_n undiscovered_a by_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v nor_o bewail_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o the_o state_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o life_n spend_v in_o a_o uninterrupt_a ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o give_v they_o light_n to_o see_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o which_o their_o profession_n oblige_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o yet_o wilful_o they_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o light_n or_o to_o make_v progress_n in_o those_o way_n &c._n &c._n and_o this_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o guilt_n beyond_o the_o former_a they_o be_v conscious_a likewise_o of_o a_o unexcusable_a and_o long_o continue_a unfaithfullnes_n never_o almost_o comply_v with_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o daily_o urge_v they_o to_o put_v themselves_o resolute_o into_o that_o only_a secure_a way_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n nor_o ever_o vigorous_o resist_v the_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n which_o they_o do_v discover_v in_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n such_o sad_a thought_n as_o these_o press_v as_o usual_o they_o do_v one_o upon_o another_o near_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n what_o grievous_a apprehension_n what_o terrible_a uncerteinty_n must_v they_o need_v cause_n in_o tepid_a soul_n then_o most_o sensible_a of_o danger_n and_o fear_n so_o that_o their_o life_n will_v be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o continual_a remorse_n and_o their_o death_n very_o uncomfortable_a 8._o last_o to_o all_o these_o misery_n of_o a_o tepid_a life_n this_o also_o may_v be_v add_v as_o a_o increase_n of_o the_o guilt_n and_o consequent_o a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o dangerous_a state_n of_o soul_n infect_v with_o that_o poison_n which_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a themselves_n most_o ungrateful_o withdraw_v their_o own_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n but_o by_o their_o ill_a example_n by_o mispend_v the_o time_n in_o vain_a extrovert_v conversation_n by_o discountenance_v those_o that_o be_v fâ—ruourous_a in_o internal_a way_n etc._n etc._n they_o infect_v their_o companion_n and_o so_o treacherous_o defraud_v almighty_a god_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o other_o also_o so_o that_o a_o tepid_v religious_a person_n though_o give_v to_o no_o enormous_a excess_n be_v oft_o more_o harmful_a in_o a_o community_n than_o a_o open_a scandalous_a liver_n because_o none_o that_o have_v any_o care_n of_o himself_o but_o will_n beware_v of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o latter_a be_v whereas_o a_o tepid_a soul_n unperceiveable_o instill_v into_o other_o the_o poisonous_a infection_n wherewith_v herself_o be_v taint_v 9_o from_o the_o ground_n and_o consideration_n here_o mention_v it_o do_v appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o a_o devout_a soul_n both_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o pursuance_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n to_o excite_v and_o fortify_v her_o courageous_a resolution_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o discouragement_n either_o from_o within_o or_o without_o but_o at_o what_o price_n soever_o and_o with_o what_o labour_n and_o suffering_n soever_o with_o fervour_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n and_o duty_n belong_v thereto_o account_v tepidity_n and_o spiritual_a sloth_n as_o the_o very_a bane_n of_o heâ—_n whole_a design_n the_o which_o if_o it_o be_v yield_v unto_o though_o but_o a_o little_a it_o will_v gather_v more_o force_n and_o at_o last_o grow_v irresistible_a 10._o but_o withal_o she_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v that_o such_o her_o courage_n and_o fervour_n must_v be_v exercise_v not_o impetuous_o out_o of_o passion_n or_o such_o impulse_n as_o a_o fit_a of_o sensible_a devotion_n will_v sometime_o produce_v in_o she_o but_o this_o fervour_n and_o resolution_n must_v chief_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o regulate_v by_o spiritual_a discretion_n according_a to_o her_o present_a force_n both_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a and_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n bestow_v on_o she_o and_o no_o further_o for_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o harm_n by_o out_o run_a grace_n as_o by_o neglect_v to_o correspond_v unto_o it_o hence_o it_o oft_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o wellminded_a soul_n be_v either_o push_v foward_a by_o a_o indiscrete_a passionate_a zeal_n or_o advise_v by_o unexperienced_a directour_n to_o undertake_v unnecessary_o and_o voluntary_o either_o rigorous_a mortification_n or_o excessive_a task_n of_o devotion_n and_o want_v strength_n to_o continue_v they_o have_v become_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o so_o that_o affect_v too_o hasty_o to_o attain_v unto_o perfection_n soon_o than_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o thereto_o they_o so_o over_o burden_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o give_v over_o quite_o all_o tendance_n to_o it_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o pace_n as_o may_v be_v last_v and_o that_o will_v suffice_v cap._n vi_o §_o 2._o etc._n etc._n a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v particular_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o strong_a resolution_n and_o courage_n to_o persevere_v shw_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o pilgrim_n travel_v to_o jerusalem_n out_o of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la 1._o now_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n and_o more_o effectual_a recommendation_n of_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v deliver_v touch_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_a the_o supereminent_a nobleness_n of_o its_o end_n the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o firm_a courage_n to_o persevere_v and_o continual_o to_o make_v progress_n in_o it_o whatsoever_o it_o cost_v we_o with_o out_o which_o resolution_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o set_v one_o step_n forward_o in_o these_o way_n i_o will_v here_o annexe_v a_o passage_n extract_v out_o of_o that_o excellent_a treatise_n call_v scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la write_v by_o that_o eminent_a contemplative_a d._n walter_n hilton_n a_o carthusian_n monk_n in_o which_o under_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o devout_a pilgrim_n desirous_a to_o travel_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o interpret_v the_o vision_n of_o peace_n or_o contemplation_n he_o deliver_v instruction_n very_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a touch_v the_o behaviour_n requisite_a in_o a_o devout_a soul_n for_o such_o a_o journey_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o aduises_n i_o will_v take_v liberty_n so_o to_o deliver_v brief_o as_o notwithstanding_o not_o to_o omit_v any_o important_a matter_n there_o more_o large_o and_o according_a to_o the_o old_a fashion_n express_v 21.22.23_o scala_fw-la perfect_a par_fw-fr 2._o cap._n 21.22.23_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o man_n say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o right_a way_n he_o address_v himself_o for_o advice_n to_o one_o that_o he_o hope_v be_v not_o unskillful_a in_o it_o and_o ask_v he_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o way_n passable_a thither_o the_o other_o answer_v that_o the_o way_n thither_o be_v both_o long_a and_o full_a of_o very_o great_a
out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o to_o the_o end_n to_o increase_v the_o say_a love_n in_o our_o soul_n especial_o the_o ordinary_a action_n &_o employment_n of_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a life_n and_o last_o since_o perfection_n in_o divine_a love_n can_v be_v attein_v by_o the_o simple_a exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a &_o without_o mortal_a sin_n can_v be_v omit_v the_o which_o duty_n do_v seldom_o occur_v but_o it_o be_v moreover_o requisite_a for_o that_o end_n to_o multiply_v frequent_o &_o daily_a exercise_n of_o the_o say_a love_n in_o office_n less_o necessary_a yea_o &_o to_o purify_v all_o our_o most_o ordinary_a action_n from_o the_o steine_v of_o self-love_n which_o adhere_v unto_o they_o hence_o i_o say_v appear_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o our_o action_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o obligation_n if_o we_o serious_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o our_o soul_n 3._o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v worth_a the_o observe_n how_o serious_o our_o holy_a father_n s._n benedict_n in_o force_n the_o necessity_n of_o harken_v to_o &_o obey_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n our_o only_a supreme_a master_n make_v this_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n in_o the_o prologue_n of_o his_o rule_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o must_v nunquam_fw-la discedere_fw-la ab_fw-la eius_fw-la magisterio_fw-la never_o depart_v from_o the_o institution_n &_o direction_n of_o god_n that_o we_o must_v have_v our_o eye_n open_a ad_fw-la deificum_fw-la lumen_fw-la to_o the_o divine_a light_n on_o which_o ground_n he_o call_v a_o monastery_n scholam_fw-la dominici_n seruitij_fw-la the_o school_n wherein_o god_n service_n be_v teach_v and_o officinam_fw-la artis_fw-la spiritualis_fw-la the_o workehouse_n wherein_o the_o art_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v teach_v &_o practise_v namely_o because_o all_o thing_n all_o observance_n even_o those_o of_o the_o least_o moment_n in_o a_o religious_a life_n do_v tend_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o all_o other_o teacher_n &_o all_o other_o skill_n &_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v deo_fw-la docibiles_fw-la teach_v by_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o say_a holy_a patriarch_n lay_v this_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religious_a practice_n that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n his_o word_n be_v inprimis_fw-la ut_fw-la quidquid_fw-la agendum_fw-la inchoas_fw-la bonum_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la perfici_fw-la instantissima_fw-la oratione_fw-la deposcas_fw-la as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v in_o the_o first_o &_o principal_a place_n thou_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o to_o be_v the_o end_n why_o i_o invite_v thou_o to_o a_o abstract_a religious_a life_n that_o thou_o may_v thereby_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o happy_a &_o secure_a state_n as_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n by_o most_o earnest_a assiduous_a prayer_n to_o give_v a_o blessing_n &_o perfection_n to_o every_o action_n that_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n thou_o shall_v apply_v thyself_o to_o now_o if_o according_a to_o our_o holy_a father_n principal_a intention_n prayer_n ought_v to_o prepare_v &_o accompany_v every_o action_n which_o we_o perform_v in_o religion_n then_o sure_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v perform_v with_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o upon_o his_o bid_n &_o for_o his_o love_n &_o glory_n 4._o moreover_o more_o particular_o concern_v divine_a inspiration_n our_o holy_a father_n make_v mention_n of_o several_a one_o in_o special_a as_o in_o the_o point_n of_o internal_a prayer_n though_o in_o common_a he_o ordeine_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v short_a in_o the_o 20._o chap._n of_o his_o rule_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o any_o one_o to_o prolong_v it_o ex_fw-la affectu_fw-la inspirationis_fw-la divinae_fw-la gratiae_fw-la by_o a_o invitation_n &_o enablement_n from_o a_o dâ—uine_a inspiration_n &_o grace_n and_o again_o concern_v abstinence_n as_o also_o the_o measure_n of_o allowance_n for_o meat_n &_o drink_v he_o profess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o scruple_n how_o to_o proportion_v it_o consider_v the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n &_o necessity_n but_o however_o though_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o strong_a yet_o he_o leave_v every_o one_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o grace_n say_v in_o the_o 40._o chap._n vnus_fw-la cuique_fw-la proprium_fw-la habet_fw-la donum_fw-la ex_fw-la deo_fw-la alius_fw-la sic_fw-la alius_fw-la verò_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o be_v every_o one_o have_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o god_n one_o have_v this_o &_o another_o that_o quibus_fw-la autem_fw-la donat_fw-la deus_fw-la tolerantiam_fw-la abstinentiae_fw-la propriam_fw-la se_fw-la habituros_fw-la mercedem_fw-la sciant_fw-la that_o be_v those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o strength_n to_o endure_v a_o spare_a abstinence_n let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o so_o do_v god_n will_v give_v they_o a_o peculiar_a reward_n beside_o these_o several_a other_o passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o our_o holy_a father_n rule_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 5._o now_o in_o this_o last_o passage_n there_o be_v a_o document_n that_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v every_o one_o say_v he_o in_o s._n paul_n word_n have_v his_o proper_a peculiar_a gift_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o refection_n all_o good_a christian_n have_v the_o gift_n to_o avoid_v therein_o a_o mortal_o sinful_a excess_n but_o religious_a internal_a liver_n have_v moreover_o or_o may_v have_v a_o special_a gift_n to_o avoid_v even_o venial_a defect_n and_o the_o perfect_a to_o advance_v themselves_o thereby_o towards_o perfection_n yet_o from_o thence_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o discover_v unto_o every_o one_o although_o seek_v it_o by_o prayer_n the_o exact_o true_a state_n &_o complexion_n of_o his_o body_n whence_o it_o follow_n that_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o know_v shall_v demand_v more_o or_o less_o sustenance_n than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v no_o sin_n upon_o supposition_n that_o such_o desire_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o sensual_a affection_n to_o meat_n nor_o a_o faulty_a neglect_n of_o health_n but_o from_o the_o best_a light_n that_o reason_n can_v afford_v he_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o own_o necessity_n &_o from_o a_o intention_n to_o benefit_v his_o soul_n by_o a_o moderate_a refresh_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v reason_n in_o all_o external_a thing_n in_o which_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o otherwise_o illuminate_v his_o servant_n though_o natural_a reason_n therefore_o may_v fail_v &_o be_v mistake_v yet_o the_o person_n do_v not_o offend_v but_o rather_o follow_v god_n by_o follow_a the_o light_n of_o his_o reason_n this_o be_v all_o the_o light_n in_o such_o case_n afford_v he_o so_o for_o example_n if_o a_o hermit_n be_v infirm_a and_o have_v none_o to_o consult_v with_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o break_v a_o command_v fast_o and_o have_v by_o prayer_n desire_v god_n direction_n shall_v remain_v persuade_v thet_o it_o be_v and_o thereby_o shall_v prejudice_n his_o health_n by_o fast_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o in_o he_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v be_v meritorious_a for_o he_o will_v fail_v indeed_o in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o have_v no_o light_n neither_o be_v light_n necessary_a to_o he_o to_o wit_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o what_o have_v be_v requisite_a for_o corporal_a health_n but_o he_o will_v merit_v in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o have_v light_a to_o wit_n the_o advancement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o ordinary_o speak_v the_o inspiration_n that_o god_n afford_v to_o the_o more_o perfect_a in_o such_o case_n be_v rather_o to_o abstain_v even_o from_o the_o more_o expedient_a commodity_n yea_o ofttimes_o to_o some_o prejudice_n of_o health_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n because_o too_o anxious_a a_o solicitude_n for_o health_n be_v unbecoming_a a_o internal_a liver_n yea_o a_o robustious_a health_n uninterrupt_a be_v not_o convenient_a for_o such_o a_o one_o but_o leave_v this_o digression_n 6._o our_o holy_a father_n teach_v as_o himself_o have_v be_v teach_v for_o what_o other_o teacher_n have_v he_o from_o his_o infancy_n till_o the_o moment_n of_o his_o expiration_n but_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o who_o light_n &_o impulse_n alone_o he_o be_v direct_v into_o &_o in_o his_o solitude_n &_o afterward_o enable_v to_o direct_v all_o succeed_a age_n in_o a_o coenobiticall_a life_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o same_o teacher_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o anachoretes_n who_o can_v have_v no_o other_o instructor_n but_o god_n
to_o many_o externall_n observance_n yet_o a_o view_v of_o the_o patience_n quietness_n and_o resignation_n show_v by_o they_o be_v more_o edify_v to_o soul_n under_o their_o care_n than_o all_o the_o most_o exact_a external_a regularity_n and_o severity_n of_o active_a spirit_n 6._o yea_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o temporal_a benefit_n to_o community_n contemplative_a spirit_n be_v more_o advantageous_a than_o active_a because_o they_o not_o put_v any_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o industry_n prudence_n and_o activity_n but_o only_o in_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o those_o that_o for_o temporal_a regard_n will_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n unseemly_a or_o misbecome_a their_o abstract_a state_n do_v enjoy_v the_o effect_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n far_o more_o plentiful_o while_o they_o prefer_v his_o love_n and_o service_n before_o any_o humane_a distract_n sollicitude_n for_o outward_a thing_n memorable_a example_n of_o great_a blessing_n attend_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o god_n we_o find_v abundant_o in_o the_o life_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a monk_n and_o more_o late_o in_o the_o life_n of_o suso_n joannes_n the_o cruse_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o want_n of_o such_o confidence_n in_o active_a spirit_n proceed_v mere_o from_o defect_n in_o divine_a love_n and_o that_o from_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o hence_o proceed_v hurtful_a &_o unseemly_a compliance_n with_o the_o world_n a_o regard_n rather_o to_o wealth_n then_o good_a will_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o enter_v into_o religion_n etc._n etc._n 10._o a_o fearful_a example_n of_o the_o mischief_n follow_a the_o neglect_n of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o a_o superior_a we_o find_v in_o bernardinus_fw-la ochinus_n a_o superior_a in_o a_o most_o strict_a order_n who_o be_v a_o famous_a zealous_a preacher_n and_o as_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o outward_a appearance_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sanctity_n yet_o withal_o to_o comply_v with_o those_o outward_a employment_n a_o great_a neglecter_n of_o internal_a conuentuall_a recollection_n and_o when_o he_o be_v sometime_o charitable_o admonish_v of_o such_o his_o tepidity_n his_o ordinary_a answer_n be_v do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o he_o who_o be_v always_o in_o a_o good_a action_n be_v always_o in_o prayer_n which_o say_v of_o his_o have_v be_v true_a if_o such_o good_a action_n have_v be_v perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o grace_n obtain_v thereby_o for_o than_o they_o have_v be_v virtual_o prayer_n whereas_o action_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o good_a if_o they_o want_n that_o purity_n of_o intention_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o pure_a prayer_n be_v in_o god_n esteem_n of_o little_a or_o no_o value_v the_o principal_a motive_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o corrupt_v nature_n be_v likely_a to_o suggest_v ochinus_n therefore_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o neglect_n be_v by_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n prophetical_o warn_v that_o he_o must_v expect_v some_o terrible_a issue_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n cave_n ne_fw-la te_fw-la ordo_fw-la euâ—mat_fw-la that_o be_v take_v heed_n that_o our_o order_n be_v not_o hereafter_o constreive_v to_o vomit_v thou_o out_o of_o it_o the_o which_o unhappy_o fall_v out_o for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o other_o specious_a quality_n and_o endowment_n he_o first_o forsake_v god_n be_v afterward_o forsake_v by_o he_o and_o become_v a_o wretched_a antitrinitarian_n apostate_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o apostate_n of_o these_o time_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o have_v former_o live_v in_o religious_a order_n do_v own_o their_o apostasy_n and_o perdition_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n so_o much_o as_o to_o such_o neglect_n and_o apostasy_n first_o from_o prayer_n the_o which_o holy_a exercise_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o their_o habit_n first_o and_o afterward_o of_o their_o faith_n chap._n viii_o §_o 1._o superior_n ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v the_o disposition_n of_o those_o that_o they_o admit_v to_o religion_n §_o 2._o 3._o great_a danger_n to_o community_n from_o loose_a spirit_n §_o 4._o 5._o other_o ill_a quality_n to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o of_o a_o good_a nature_n what_o be_v and_o how_o to_o be_v prise_v §_o 10._o 11._o inconvenience_n by_o admit_v active_a spirit_n into_o contemplative_a religion_n §_o 12._o 13._o 14._o 15._o sufficient_a time_n for_o recollection_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o all_o religious_a §_o 16._o superior_n will_v be_v accountable_a for_o disorder_n in_o their_o flock_n 1._o now_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o a_o superior_n care_v for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o community_n consist_v in_o provide_v or_o admit_v into_o it_o only_o such_o spirit_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o it_o by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o all_o such_o officer_n and_o counselor_n be_v concern_v to_o who_o the_o law_n have_v refer_v the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o a_o regular_a life_n and_o be_v afterward_o upon_o their_o approbation_n to_o be_v profess_v and_o a_o great_a consideration_n of_o this_o point_n be_v more_o necessary_a in_o these_o day_n then_o ancient_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v not_o now_o as_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n time_n when_o incorrigible_a person_n may_v be_v expel_v the_o congregation_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o i_o suppose_v needful_a to_o advise_v such_o as_o be_v in_o those_o office_n to_o take_v care_n how_o they_o admit_v loose_a spirit_n into_o religion_n among_o they_o who_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intend_v god_n or_o his_o service_n all_o who_o action_n have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o either_o fear_n of_o penance_n or_o hope_n of_o gain_v reputation_n preferment_n &c_n &c_n who_o body_n be_v prisoner_n in_o religion_n but_o their_o mind_n and_o desire_n wander_v in_o the_o world_n who_o must_v enjoy_v all_o privilege_n and_o corporal_a help_n equal_o with_o the_o best_a yea_o and_o general_o use_v they_o most_o wasteful_o without_o consideration_n of_o other_o who_o find_v no_o taste_n or_o contentment_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v even_o force_v to_o seek_v satisfaction_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o for_o the_o pass_n of_o the_o time_n to_o frame_v design_n to_o raise_v and_o maintain_v faction_n and_o this_o especial_o against_o those_o that_o they_o see_v do_v most_o intend_v god_n on_o who_o they_o will_v cast_v from_o of_o themselves_o all_o the_o burden_n of_o a_o regular_a life_n who_o will_v think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o all_o duty_n for_o the_o least_o corporal_a incommodity_n who_o will_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o like_o themselves_o that_o their_o party_n and_o power_n may_v be_v great_a last_o who_o reap_v so_o little_a good_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v so_o much_o prejudice_n to_o other_o that_o probable_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n the_o state_n of_o religion_n only_o serve_v to_o increase_v their_o guilt_n and_o misery_n 3._o such_o loose_a spirit_n be_v worse_o in_o a_o community_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a spirituality_n be_v common_a then_o in_o other_o place_n because_o there_o they_o be_v wilful_o naught_o and_o do_v resist_v amendment_n if_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o may_v come_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o some_o tolerable_a order_n yet_o this_o reach_n only_o to_o the_o exterior_a &_o last_v no_o long_o than_o the_o superior_n eye_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o indeed_o the_o superior_n themselves_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n feel_v the_o great_a smart_n from_o such_o undue_a admission_n be_v likely_a to_o find_v daily_o great_a bitterness_n from_o their_o obstinacy_n such_o loose_a spirit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o burdensome_a multiplicity_n of_o law_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v little_a avayleable_a for_o their_o amendment_n and_o yet_o do_v abridge_v the_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n necessary_a to_o devout_a wellminded_a soul_n nourish_v scrupulosity_n etc._n etc._n in_o they_o 4._o let_v the_o best_a care_n that_o be_v possible_a be_v use_v notwithstanding_o some_o unfit_a person_n will_v through_o easiness_n partial_a affection_n or_o other_o respect_n in_o the_o examiner_n slip_v in_o if_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v apparent_o bid_v be_v receive_v what_o a_o community_n will_v there_o be_v provide_v many_o that_o seem_v good_a will_v prove_v bad_a but_o seldom_o or_o never_o will_v those_o that_o appear_v bad_a become_v good_a god_n indeed_o can_v change_v the_o worst_a but_o yet_o a_o uncertain_a hope_n in_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o especial_o where_o
public_a good_a be_v concern_v 5._o general_o there_o be_v great_a fervour_n in_o soul_n at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n therefore_o if_o any_o one_o show_v unrulines_n obstinacy_n and_o indevotion_n during_o their_o noviceship_n small_a good_a be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o 6._o a_o little_a devoutnes_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o countervail_v ill_a inclination_n to_o lie_v dissemble_a factiousnes_n a_o humour_n of_o calummate_v &c_n &c_n for_o a_o great_a and_o scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o measure_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v requisite_a to_o subdue_v such_o pernicious_a quality_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a nature_n even_o where_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o devotion_n yet_o will_v bear_v up_o a_o soul_n and_o make_v she_o a_o tolerable_a member_n of_o a_o community_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a disposition_n for_o grace_n which_o it_o may_v well_o be_v hope_v will_v one_o day_n follow_v and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o will_v become_v devout_a especial_o this_o may_v be_v hope_v for_o in_o those_o that_o have_v natural_o a_o good_a sound_a judgement_n which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v consider_v 7._o now_o by_o a_o good_a nature_n i_o mean_v not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v general_o in_o the_o world_n style_v so_o to_o wit_n a_o facility_n and_o easiness_n to_o grant_v a_o request_n or_o to_o comply_v with_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o as_o much_o as_o regard_v a_o coenobiticall_a life_n i_o account_v such_o to_o be_v a_o ill_a nature_n be_v easy_o seduce_v and_o pervert_v by_o a_o good_a nature_n therefore_o in_o this_o place_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o modesty_n gentleness_n quietness_n humility_n patience_n love_n of_o truth_n and_o other_o such_o moral_o good_a quality_n which_o be_v good_a disposition_n for_o christian_a perfection_n now_o a_o person_n of_o a_o ill_a nature_n that_o will_v make_v a_o good_a show_v out_o of_o hope_n to_o steal_v a_o profession_n ought_v the_o rather_o for_o his_o dissimulation_n to_o be_v reject_v 8._o and_o indeed_o subtle_a nature_n be_v much_o to_o be_v take_v heed_n of_o some_o novice_n will_v behave_v themselves_o so_o cunning_o as_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o probation_n none_o can_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v any_o special_a accusation_n against_o they_o &_o yet_o they_o may_v in_o their_o conscience_n believe_v they_o to_o be_v unfit_a in_o this_o case_n every_o one_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o especial_a heed_n be_v to_o be_v take_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o master_n or_o mistress_n of_o the_o novice_n who_o be_v most_o to_o be_v credit_v as_o have_v the_o opportunity_n &_o mean_n to_o espy_v and_o penetrate_v more_o deep_o into_o their_o interiour_n disposition_n 9_o this_o goodness_n or_o virtuousness_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o essential_a point_n and_o far_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v then_o those_o accidental_a one_o as_o strength_n of_o bodily_a complexion_n acuteness_n of_o wit_n gracefullnes_n of_o behaviour_n skill_n in_o sing_v nobility_n portion_n etc._n etc._n and_o particular_o for_o this_o last_o how_o far_o religious_a soul_n ought_v to_o be_v from_o regard_v riches_n or_o gain_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o for_o such_o carnal_a end_n to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v unfit_a or_o who_o god_n have_v not_o send_v the_o general_n decree_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o ecumenical_a council_n of_o lateran_n can_n 64._o will_v show_v beside_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o s._n augustin_n sure_o the_o only_a way_n of_o sound_v conuent_v secure_o even_o in_o regard_n of_o temporality_n be_v by_o make_v choice_n only_o of_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v fit_v disposition_n whereby_o we_o may_v engage_v his_o omnipotence_n in_o their_o preservation_n 10._o those_o therefore_o upon_o who_o suffrage_n the_o admission_n and_o profession_n of_o newcomer_n do_v depend_v be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n as_o not_o only_o the_o present_a but_o future_a welfare_n or_o ruin_n of_o conuent_v be_v interest_v in_o their_o proceed_n all_o which_o trust_n they_o shall_v betray_v if_o any_o undue_a consideration_n of_o friendship_n kindred_n gain_n etc._n etc._n or_o a_o zeal_n of_o multiply_a conuent_v which_o be_v but_o carnal_a shall_v corrupt_v their_o judgment_n 11._o sure_o therefore_o in_o all_o reason_n none_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o community_n profess_v the_o aspire_n to_o contemplation_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v thereto_o and_o that_o be_v willing_a yea_o desirous_a to_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o solitude_n prayer_n &_o regular_a observance_n without_o any_o design_n or_o thought_n of_o ever_o be_v employ_v abroad_o yet_o always_o with_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o superior_n 12._o and_o indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v superior_n that_o active_a spirit_n be_v to_o direct_v the_o contemplative_a do_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n so_o likewise_o if_o such_o be_v without_o choice_n admit_v the_o same_o mischief_n will_v follow_v yea_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o many_o active_a spirit_n though_o of_o a_o good_a seemly_a outward_a carriage_n be_v no_o less_o harmful_a to_o a_o community_n than_o a_o lesser_a number_n of_o loose_a spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o by_o their_o good_a exterior_a show_v they_o will_v seem_v worthy_a of_o superiority_n to_o which_o also_o their_o activity_n will_v incline_v they_o and_o those_o be_v they_o indeed_o say_v thaulerus_n that_o be_v persecutor_n of_o contemplation_n for_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o way_n which_o loose_a spirit_n have_v not_o they_o think_v themselves_o even_o oblige_v to_o depress_v those_o other_o good_a soul_n that_o do_v not_o judge_v those_o external_a exercise_n and_o fashion_n suitable_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o will_v by_o faction_n seek_v to_o increase_v their_o number_n yea_o and_o to_o strengthen_v their_o own_o party_n they_o will_v not_o spare_v to_o join_v with_o loose_a spirit_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n yield_v to_o their_o disorder_n neither_o when_o they_o have_v compass_v their_o end_n by_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n will_v unquietness_n cease_v for_o in_o a_o community_n whole_o consist_v of_o active_a spirit_n faction_n and_o partiality_n for_o several_a end_n and_o design_n will_v never_o be_v want_v 13._o now_o the_o same_o care_n that_o superior_n ought_v to_o have_v about_o the_o choice_n and_o admission_n of_o virtuous_a and_o fit_a soul_n into_o community_n must_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o manage_n and_o direct_v of_o they_o be_v admit_v great_a care_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o the_o misbehaviour_n of_o novice_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o knowledge_n &_o instruction_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o well_o it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o good_a will_n and_o not_o of_o light_n now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o novice_n shall_v be_v perfect_a it_o will_v suffice_v that_o they_o serious_o tend_v to_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a pursuance_n of_o internal_a prayer_n and_o abstraction_n of_o life_n 14._o above_o all_o thing_n therefore_o superior_n ought_v to_o allow_v to_o their_o subject_n a_o competent_a time_n daily_o for_o their_o recollection_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o deny_v which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a tyramny_n then_o to_o refuse_v corporal_a food_n to_o slave_n after_o their_o travail_n he_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o religious_a man_n say_v caietan_n no_o not_o of_o a_o christian_a say_v thaulerus_n that_o do_v not_o every_o day_n spend_v some_o reasonable_a space_n in_o his_o interiour_n s._n bernard_n will_v not_o excuse_v even_o pope_n eugenius_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o continual_o most_o distractive_a weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o popedom_n from_o this_o duty_n the_o want_n whereof_o be_v more_o harmful_a to_o the_o soul_n then_o that_o of_o corporal_a food_n be_v to_o the_o body_n for_o he_o that_o fast_v one_o day_n beside_o the_o present_a pain_n he_o find_v will_v the_o next_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o eager_a appetite_n but_o a_o soul_n that_o through_o neglect_n be_v deprive_v of_o her_o daily_a food_n of_o prayer_n will_v the_o next_o day_n have_v a_o less_o stomach_n and_o disposition_n to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o time_n will_v come_v willing_o and_o even_o with_o pleasure_n to_o starve_v in_o spirit_n and_o to_o such_o neglect_n and_o loathe_n of_o prayer_n she_o will_v come_v if_o superior_n do_v hinder_v or_o indeed_o not_o encourage_v she_o
free_o admit_v do_v hinder_v from_o observe_v the_o snare_n &_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n &_o do_v withal_o disturb_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o soul_n 5._o in_o these_o two_o duty_n therefore_o of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n all_o good_a be_v comprehend_v for_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n those_o two_o general_n most_o deadly_a enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n self_n love_n &_o pride_n be_v combat_v &_o subdue_v to_o wit_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o two_o fandamentall_a christian_a virtue_n of_o divine_a charity_n &_o humility_n and_o prayer_n exercise_v in_o virtue_n of_o these_o two_o will_n of_o both_o by_o way_n impetration_n obtain_v &_o also_o with_o a_o direct_a efficiency_n engraft_v a_o new_a divine_a principle_n &_o nature_n in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o which_o will_v become_v a_o new_a life_n unto_o we_o &_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o degree_n raise_v we_o high_a &_o high_a out_o of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n till_o at_o last_o we_o be_v make_v one_o with_o god_n by_o a_o union_n as_o perfect_v constant_a &_o immediate_a as_o in_o this_o frail_a life_n a_o intellective_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o 6._o and_o both_o these_o duty_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o must_v neither_o of_o they_o ever_o cease_v but_o continual_o increase_v in_o perfection_n &_o virtue_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o self-love_n &_o pride_n may_v by_o mortification_n be_v subdue_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v imprison_v in_o mortal_a body_n of_o flesh_n &_o blood_n they_o will_v never_o be_v total_o root_v out_o of_o we_o but_o that_o even_o the_o most_o perfect_a soul_n will_v find_v in_o themselves_o matter_n enough_o for_o further_a mortification_n and_o again_o our_o union_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n can_v never_o either_o be_v so_o constant_a but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v interrupt_v so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n will_v fall_v from_o her_o height_n back_o some_o degree_n into_o nature_n again_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o so_o perfect_a pure_a &_o spiritual_a but_o that_o it_o may_v &_o by_o exercise_n will_v become_v yet_o more_o &_o more_o pure_a without_o all_o limit_n 7._o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o each_o of_o these_o do_v much_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o for_o as_o mortification_n be_v a_o good_a disposition_n to_o prayer_n yea_o so_o necessary_a that_o a_o sensual_a immortified_a soul_n can_v raise_v herself_o up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v to_o god_n with_o any_o cordial_a desire_n to_o please_v he_o or_o to_o love_n &_o be_v resign_v to_o he_o &_o much_o less_o to_o be_v perfect_o unite_v to_o he_o so_o likewise_o by_o prayer_n the_o soul_n obtain_v light_a to_o discover_v whatsoever_o inordinate_a affection_n in_o she_o be_v to_o be_v mortify_v &_o also_o strength_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n actual_o &_o effectual_o to_o subdue_v they_o 8._o hence_o it_o may_v easy_o appear_v that_o of_o these_o two_o prayer_n be_v much_o the_o more_o valuable_a &_o noble_a exercise_n 1._o because_o in_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n consist_v the_o essential_a happiness_n both_o of_o this_o life_n &_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v so_o that_o mortification_n regard_v prayer_n as_o the_o mean_n dispose_v to_o a_o end_n for_o therefore_o a_o devout_a soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o mortify_v her_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v thereby_o be_v dispose_v to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n 2._o because_o mortification_n be_v never_o due_o &_o proffitable_o undergo_v but_o only_o in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n whereas_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v that_o prayer_n alone_o may_v be_v considerable_o advance_v without_o any_o other_o notable_a mortification_n in_o case_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v none_o for_o the_o soul_n 3._o because_o prayer_n be_v withal_o in_o itself_o the_o most_o excellent_a &_o effectual_a mortification_n for_o in_o &_o by_o it_o the_o most_o secret_a rise_n of_o inordinate_a passion_n be_v contradict_v yea_o the_o mind_n &_o superior_a will_n be_v whole_o abstract_v &_o elevate_v above_o nature_n so_o that_o for_o the_o time_n all_o passion_n be_v quiet_v &_o all_o creature_n especial_o ourselves_o transcend_v forget_v &_o in_o a_o sort_n annihilate_v 9_o notwithstanding_o in_o case_n that_o god_n as_o he_o seldom_o fail_v do_v provide_v for_o we_o occasion_n of_o mortification_n out_o of_o prayer_n if_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o make_v good_a use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o ourselves_o in_o spirit_n we_o shall_v decrease_v both_o in_o grace_n &_o prayer_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v both_o certain_o &_o speedy_o be_v advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o mortification_n without_o prayer_n will_v be_v but_o superficial_a or_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v hypocritical_a and_o prayer_n with_o a_o neglect_n of_o mortification_n will_v be_v heartless_a distract_a &_o of_o small_a virtue_n 10._o the_o subject_n therefore_o of_o this_o &_o the_o follow_a treatise_n be_v a_o recommendation_n of_o these_o two_o most_o necessary_a &_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o contemplation_n reason_n require_v that_o of_o the_o two_o mortification_n shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v treat_v of_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o less_o perfect_a but_o because_o also_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o dispose_v and_o make_v even_o and_o plain_a the_o way_n to_o the_o other_o by_o leavel_v the_o mountain_n of_o pride_n raise_v the_o valley_n of_o sloth_n and_o smooth_v the_o roughness_n and_o inequality_n of_o our_o passion_n but_o especial_o by_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o general_a impediment_n which_o be_v propriety_n of_o our_o natural_a carnal_a will_n chap._n ii_o §_o â—_o the_o mortification_n here_o treat_v of_o in_o particular_a be_v not_o of_o such_o sinful_a deordination_n of_o passion_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v sin_n either_o mortal_a or_o venial_a §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o but_o of_o such_o deordination_n as_o be_v common_o call_v imperfection_n &_o which_o may_v occasion_v sin_n §_o 9_o that_o sin_n consist_v in_o the_o enjo_v of_o creature_n instead_o of_o use_v they_o §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o all_o venial_a sin_n can_v be_v avoid_v but_o affection_n to_o they_o must_v §_o 13._o 14._o 15._o 16._o 17._o wherein_o such_o affection_n consist_v &_o how_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o perfection_n 1._o now_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o mortification_n first_o in_o general_a &_o afterward_o of_o the_o special_a kind_n of_o it_o at_o least_o such_o as_o more_o peculiar_a to_o internal_a liver_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o discourse_v in_o particular_a of_o such_o deordination_n as_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o sinful_a either_o mortal_o or_o in_o a_o grosser_n manner_n venial_o that_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o action_n or_o omission_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v can_v in_o no_o circumstance_n be_v lawful_a or_o permit_v although_o the_o end_n or_o intention_n pretend_v of_o they_o be_v never_o so_o good_a such_o as_o be_v officious_a lie_n small_a revenge_n or_o calumniation_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n for_o who_o benefit_n these_o instruction_n be_v intend_v be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o advice_n concern_v such_o matter_n but_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o way_n of_o perfection_n be_v desirous_a yea_o through_o god_n grace_n resolve_v to_o abandon_v all_o thing_n &_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o adhesion_n &_o affection_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v inordinate_a not_o only_o such_o as_o will_v endanger_v to_o kill_v the_o soul_n but_o also_o such_o as_o will_v make_v it_o sickly_a &_o infirm_a or_o stain_v the_o luster_n &_o brightness_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o object_n therefore_o of_o mortification_n which_o i_o shall_v chief_o handle_v be_v such_o defect_n as_o though_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v sinful_a yet_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v call_v only_a imperfection_n be_v such_o sin_n as_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n can_v hardly_o be_v avoid_v &_o never_o total_o root_v out_o be_v conversant_a about_o object_n which_o we_o may_v lawful_o &_o must_v necessary_o use_v but_o the_o fault_n be_v that_o we_o do_v with_o some_o deordination_n either_o adhere_v to_o or_o be_v avert_v from_o such_o object_n in_o a_o word_n such_o sin_n they_o be_v that_o except_o when_o they_o be_v more_o gross_a it_o will_v be_v a_o endless_a &_o unproffitable_a labour_n to_o make_v they_o the_o matter_n
mark_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n before_o i_o begin_v any_o work_n i_o do_v serious_o offer_v it_o to_o god_n beg_v his_o assistance_n 22._o active_a liver_n have_v need_v in_o almost_o all_o their_o action_n of_o moment_n to_o frame_v a_o actual_a intention_n but_o not_o so_o the_o contemplative_a who_o be_v always_o habitual_o unite_v to_o god_n for_o such_o iteration_n of_o actual_a intention_n will_v cause_v too_o much_o distraction_n to_o they_o 23._o to_o conclude_v how_o difficult_a and_o uneasy_a soever_o to_o nature_n the_o attain_n to_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v because_o thereby_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v propriety_n be_v root_v out_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n therefore_o consider_v god_n promise_n that_o he_o never_o will_v be_v want_v to_o our_o endeavour_n soul_n of_o good_a will_n will_v find_v it_o neither_o impossible_a nor_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n as_o at_o first_o it_o appear_v if_o they_o will_v attempt_v it_o with_o a_o strong_a resolution_n to_o quicken_v &_o fortify_v which_o resolution_n i_o will_v end_v this_o discourse_n with_o that_o pierce_a saying_n of_o harphius_n o_o how_o great_a and_o hide_a deceit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v appear_v say_v he_o and_o be_v discover_v and_o consequent_o be_v severe_o punish_v after_o this_o life_n for_o that_o soul_n have_v not_o here_o be_v purify_v and_o make_v deiforme_a in_o their_o intention_n god_n almighty_n give_v we_o the_o grace_n to_o discover_v now_o and_o reform_v this_o perilous_a and_o secret_a self-seeking_a of_o nature_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n amen_o chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o love_v of_o god_n in_o ourselves_o &_o other_o creature_n and_o how_o the_o love_n to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o be_v order_v §_o 3._o even_o that_o love_n which_o be_v duty_n in_o heathen_n etc._n etc._n be_v defectuous_a §_o 4._o we_o can_v not_o love_v other_o true_o &_o meritorious_o till_o we_o first_o love_n god_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o all_o affection_n not_o proceed_v from_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v mortify_v §_o 8._o all_o intellectual_a creature_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n except_o the_o damn_a soul_n &_o devil_n §_o 9_o of_o the_o order_n of_o charity_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12_o 13._o 14._o those_o be_v most_o to_o be_v love_v even_o above_o ourselves_o who_o god_n love_v most_o yet_o certain_a duty_n proceed_v from_o love_n as_o honour_n sustenance_n alm_n etc._n etc._n be_v first_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o parent_n friend_n &c_n &c_n and_o special_o to_o ourselves_o §_o 15._o 16._o 17._o further_a proof_n of_o this_o §_o 18._o whether_o beauty_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v a_o motive_n of_o love._n §_o 19_o 20._o 21._o 22._o of_o love_n extend_v to_o enemy_n who_o be_v esteem_v enemy_n §_o 23._o great_a grace_n require_v to_o practice_v this_o duty_n aright_o §_o 24._o 25._o degree_n of_o love_n to_o suppose_v enemy_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o §_o 26_o of_o a_o special_a kind_n of_o love_n call_v philadelphia_n or_o love_n of_o the_o fraternity_n of_o believe_v holy_a christian_n catholic_n 1._o before_o we_o end_v the_o subject_n of_o divine_a love_n something_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o love_n to_o ourselves_o &_o our_o neighbour_n in_o and_o for_o god_n for_o as_o for_o the_o love_n which_o out_o of_o god_n we_o bear_v to_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o treat_v of_o as_o be_v altogether_o defectuous_a and_o ground_v in_o nature_n and_o the_o more_o vehement_a it_o be_v the_o more_o defectuous_a be_v it_o 2._o the_o right_a order_v therefore_o of_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o brethren_n consist_v in_o this_o 1._o that_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o love_n must_v be_v the_o divine_a will_n &_o command_n 2._o the_o ground_n thereof_o must_v be_v the_o relation_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v to_o god_n as_o capable_a of_o the_o communication_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o beatitude_n 3._o the_o end_n must_v be_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o and_o other_o either_o by_o our_o endeavour_n exhortaion_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v love_v &_o glorify_v by_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o consist_v our_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n 4._o last_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o love_n must_v be_v the_o superior_a will_n especial_o as_o for_o tenderness_n of_o nature_n distract_n sollicitude_n &_o unquiet_a image_n in_o the_o mind_n touch_v those_o we_o love_v the_o best_a &_o safe_a course_n will_v be_v to_o mortify_v &_o diminish_v they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v as_o proceed_v from_o a_o natural_a sensual_a affection_n the_o which_o as_o far_o as_o it_o do_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o be_v not_o subordinate_a &_o direct_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v defectuous_a 3._o hence_o appear_v first_o that_o affection_n in_o person_n that_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v full_a of_o defectuousnesse_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a respect_n before_o mention_v for_o though_o for_o example_n the_o love_n which_o child_n owe_v to_o their_o parent_n &_o the_o affection_n mutual_o due_a between_o husband_n &_o wife_n &c_n &c_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n &_o right_a reason_n &_o consequent_o so_o far_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n so_o that_o the_o want_n or_o refusal_n of_o such_o love_n &_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o duty_n &_o office_n require_v by_o such_o relation_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n yet_o there_o can_v bâ—_n no_o merit_n either_o in_o such_o love_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o divine_a charity_n nor_o direct_v to_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n by_o perfect_a love_n from_o which_o all_o merit_n proceed_v 4._o second_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o meritorious_o love_v ourselves_o nor_o our_o brethren_n till_o first_o we_o be_v firm_o root_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v indeed_o only_a love_n to_o god_n by_o reflection_n or_o the_o love_a of_o god_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o he_o &_o which_o he_o either_o love_n or_o may_v love_v 5._o therefore_o a_o internal_a liver_n ought_v to_o mortify_v all_o sensual_a affection_n to_o creature_n i_o mean_v all_o particular_a freindships_n &_o intimacy_n which_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o as_o for_o such_o affection_n as_o be_v necessary_o due_a by_o virtue_n of_o some_o respect_n &_o relation_n that_o god_n have_v put_v between_o ourselves_o &_o any_o other_o such_o a_o one_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sensual_a portion_n of_o the_o soul_n because_o there_o they_o will_v cause_v great_a distraction_n &_o hindrance_n of_o our_o most_o necessary_a love_n to_o god_n 6._o a_o serious_a care_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o this_o advice_n be_v very_o necessary_a especial_o in_o religious_a community_n both_o for_o our_o own_o good_a &_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o sensual_a freindships_n ground_a on_o external_a or_o sensual_a respect_n be_v most_o unbeseeming_a person_n that_o have_v consecrate_v themselves_o only_o to_o god_n &_o infinite_o prejudicial_a to_o abstraction_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n &_o much_o more_o if_o they_o be_v between_o person_n of_o different_a sex_n such_o particular_a intimatcy_n can_v choose_v but_o cause_n particulity_n faction_n particular_a design_n &c_n &c_n to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n &_o harm_n of_o the_o community_n 7._o the_o least_o defectuous_a among_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o particular_a friendship_n may_v be_v the_o resentment_n &_o gratitude_n for_o benefit_n especial_o spiritual_a one_o that_o have_v ben_fw-mi receive_v but_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n also_o we_o ought_v to_o prevent_v the_o settle_n of_o amity_n in_o the_o sensual_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o content_v ourselves_o with_o requite_v such_o obligation_n by_o our_o prayer_n or_o by_o a_o return_n of_o proportionable_a benefit_n 8._o now_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o intellectual_a creature_n that_o be_v to_o all_o angel_n &_o all_o man_n whether_o alive_a or_o dead_a except_o only_o the_o reprobate_a angel_n &_o damn_a soul_n which_o be_v not_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v god_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o the_o glorify_a saint_n &_o angel_n must_v be_v a_o congratulation_n with_o they_o for_o their_o happiness_n &_o for_o the_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o god_n &_o which_o god_n will_v eternal_o bear_v reciprocal_o to_o they_o
direct_a combat_n against_o the_o appetits_fw-fr of_o it_o and_o only_o from_o the_o decay_n &_o ignorance_n of_o such_o prayer_n have_v it_o proceed_v that_o spiritual_a directour_n have_v be_v force_v to_o multiply_v such_o &_o so_o many_o nice_a observance_n about_o diet_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o rule_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o without_o prayer_n have_v but_o small_a effect_n to_o produce_v solid_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n 16._o a_o soul_n perfect_o spiritualise_v if_o she_o may_v have_v she_o wish_v will_v willing_o be_v free_v not_o only_o from_o all_o pleasure_n take_v in_o refection_n consider_v the_o daily_a tentation_n to_o excess_n but_o even_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n de_n necessitatibus_fw-la meis_fw-la erue_fw-la i_o domine_fw-la o_fw-la lord_n free_v i_o from_o these_o my_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o they_o she_o may_v always_o like_o a_o angel_n be_v in_o continual_a contemplation_n &_o enjoy_v a_o never-failing_a internal_a light_n the_o which_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o fume_n raise_v even_o by_o the_o most_o temperate_a refection_n by_o which_o also_o passion_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n quicken_v such_o soul_n may_v indeed_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o disaffection_n to_o refection_n and_o the_o best_a way_n beside_o &_o out_o of_o prayer_n to_o beget_v such_o disaffection_n &_o to_o prevent_v the_o harm_n that_o may_v come_v from_o any_o corporal_a necessity_n will_v be_v not_o only_o to_o practice_v the_o mortify_n of_o sensual_a contentment_n in_o go_v to_o the_o refectory_n but_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o tentation_n there_o to_o be_v find_v to_o go_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o unwillingnes_n &_o fear_n 17._o a_o most_o noble_a kind_n of_o mortification_n in_o refection_n be_v that_o mention_v by_o harphius_n of_o a_o certain_a holy_a brother_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n francis_n call_v rogerius_n who_o by_o mean_n of_o elevate_n the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o suspend_v they_o in_o god_n during_o refection_n lose_v all_o perception_n of_o taste_n in_o eat_v &_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o unable_a so_o to_o elevate_v his_o soul_n he_o will_v for_o so_o long_o forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v afford_v any_o gust_n but_o this_o practice_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o perfect_a it_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a &_o dangerous_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o less_o perfect_a soul_n or_o any_o that_o have_v not_o a_o especial_a &_o certain_a inspiration_n to_o imitate_v it_o 18._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o mortification_n practise_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n who_o use_v to_o mix_v a_o few_o drop_n of_o oil_n esteem_v by_o they_o a_o great_a delicacy_n with_o their_o vinegar_n to_o the_o end_n thereby_o to_o provoke_v the_o appetite_n to_o desire_v more_o the_o which_o they_o deny_v to_o it_o or_o of_o another_o who_o have_v receive_v a_o bunch_n of_o grape_n ravenous_o devour_v they_o partly_o to_o make_v the_o gustfull_a pleasure_n so_o much_o the_o short_a &_o partly_o as_o he_o say_v to_o cozen_v the_o devil_n to_o who_o he_o desire_v to_o appear_v a_o glutton_n 19_o a_o soul_n that_o practise_v internal_a prayer_n may_v content_v herself_o with_o a_o moderate_a attention_n to_o what_o be_v read_v during_o refection_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o in_o some_o community_n be_v say_v immediate_o after_o dinner_n because_o too_o earnest_a a_o attention_n and_o recollectednes_n at_o such_o time_n will_v prejudice_n the_o head_n and_o stomach_n a_o soul_n therefore_o may_v esteem_v this_o to_o be_v as_o a_o time_n of_o desolation_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n 20._o concern_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n &_o caution_n to_o be_v use_v about_o it_o some_o instruction_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o prayer_n during_o sickness_n 21._o last_o the_o matter_n of_o sleep_n be_v not_o wnworthy_a the_o ear_n of_o a_o spiritual_a person_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o full_a repast_n do_v not_o so_o much_o plunge_v a_o soul_n in_o sensuality_n nor_o so_o indispose_v she_o for_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o a_o long_a &_o profound_a sleep_n from_o whence_o even_o a_o perfect_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v herself_o into_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o much_o difficulty_n &_o long_o strive_v 22._o and_o on_o these_o ground_n doubtless_o it_o be_v that_o the_o midnight_n office_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o end_n to_o interrupt_v sâ—eepe_a yea_o ancient_o the_o three_o nocturne_n be_v therefore_o divide_v namely_o to_o prevent_v the_o immersing_a of_o soul_n in_o sensual_a nature_n 23._o for_o imperfect_a soul_n it_o may_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o convenient_a measure_n of_o sleep_n yet_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d â—eing_v it_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v it_o be_v likewise_o good_a for_o they_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n with_o a_o affection_n &_o desire_v so_o be_v early_o up_o for_o such_o a_o affection_n will_v cause_v their_o sleep_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o a_o little_a solicitude_n the_o which_o will_v dispose_v they_o both_o to_o wake_v soon_o and_o to_o rise_v with_o less_o unwillingnes_n 24._o in_o case_n that_o one_o be_v in_o bed_n can_v sleep_v it_o be_v uâ—ry_o dangerous_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a negligence_n &_o idleness_n because_o than_o not_o only_o vain_a but_o veâ—y_n hurtful_a &_o pernicious_a thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o press_v into_o the_o mind_n for_o a_o prevention_n or_o remedy_n against_o which_o i_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n advise_v one_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o any_o serious_o recollect_v thought_n or_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n for_o that_o will_v quite_o hinder_v sleep_n for_o the_o future_a and_o spoil_v the_o next_o day_n recollection_n the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o the_o time_n immediate_o go_v before_o bedtime_n but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v simple_o vain_a thought_n that_o then_o wander_v unsetle_o in_o his_o mind_n let_v he_o not_o willing_o pursue_v they_o but_o rather_o neglect_v they_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v sinful_a imagination_n set_v he_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v divert_v quiet_o his_o mind_n from_o they_o and_o now_o &_o then_o without_o much_o force_n lift_v up_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n or_o use_v some_o familiar_a prayer_n or_o say_v the_o bead_n without_o much_o force_a attention_n yet_o more_o attention_n be_v require_v against_o sinful_a then_o vain_a thought_n 25._o as_o for_o perfect_a soul_n their_o prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v less_o hinder_v sleep_n by_o reason_n it_o be_v both_o so_o pure_a &_o so_o facile_a that_o it_o be_v become_v almost_o as_o natural_a as_o breathe_v &_o perform_v without_o any_o agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o revolve_v of_o image_n in_o the_o internal_a sense_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o anger_n by_o patience_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o here_o be_v treat_v of_o smaller_n impatience_n chief_o scarce_o observable_a but_o by_o recollect_v liver_n §_o 6._o patience_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o all_o time_n even_o in_o joy_n &_o prosperity_n §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o we_o ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o a_o indifference_n §_o 10._o patience_n towards_o god_n afflict_v we_o be_v easy_a than_o towards_o man._n §_o 11._o 12._o 14._o 15._o 16._o 17._o 18._o seven_o degree_n of_o patience_n §_o 19_o example_n of_o seem_o extravagant_a kind_n of_o patience_n etc._n etc._n §_o 20._o prayer_n the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n to_o get_v patience_n §_o 21._o all_o action_n except_o actual_a prayer_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n defectuous_a 1._o the_o next_o passion_n to_o be_v mortify_v be_v anger_n the_o which_o whosoever_o willing_o suffer_v to_o arise_v &_o increase_v or_o that_o deliberate_o yield_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n for_o any_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o body_n health_n fortune_n life_n &c_n &c_n yea_o or_o pretend_v soul_n good_a such_o a_o one_o real_o make_v more_o esteem_n of_o they_o then_o of_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o far_o as_o anger_n get_v a_o mastery_n over_o he_o so_o far_o he_o lose_v that_o dominion_n that_o his_o soul_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o all_o other_o thing_n &_o put_v reason_n out_o of_o its_o throne_n herupon_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o patientia_fw-la vestra_fw-la possidebitis_fw-la animas_fw-la vestras_fw-la that_o be_v by_o patience_n you_o shall_v keep_v the_o possession_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o imply_v that_o by_o impatience_n we_o lose_v that_o possession_n and_o what_o great_a loss_n can_v we_o have_v hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o
scrupulosity_n touch_v confession_n §_o 2._o 3._o indiscreet_a rigour_n of_o confessor_n in_o this_o point_n very_o harmful_a to_o tender_a soul_n §_o 4._o several_a instruction_n and_o advice_n concern_v this_o matter_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o absolute_a and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o spiritual_a directour_n with_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n §_o 8._o 9_o 10._o 11._o the_o strange_a obstinatenesse_n and_o subtle_a perverseness_n in_o some_o good_a soul_n in_o find_v and_o justify_v escape_n from_o obedience_n §_o 12._o 13._o the_o great_a harm_n proceed_v from_o scrupulous_a examination_n and_o confession_n §_o 14._o 15._o a_o form_n of_o examination_n of_o conscience_n proper_a for_o many_o scrupulous_a soul_n §_o 16._o 17._o the_o conscience_n of_o tender_a scrupulous_a person_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o only_o fearful_a §_o 18._o 19_o 20._o constancy_n in_o prayer_n most_o efficacious_a against_o scrupulosity_n §_o 21._o 22._o confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n be_v profitable_a but_o yet_o not_o universal_o to_o all_o soul_n §_o 23._o 24._o 25._o the_o chief_a trial_n of_o obedience_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o communicate_v advice_n thereabout_o §_o 26._o 27._o 28._o security_n in_o follow_v such_o instruction_n as_o these_o §_o 29._o 30._o the_o root_n of_o scrupulosity_n be_v tepidity_n and_o oft_o also_o a_o corporal_a distemper_n 1._o whatsoever_o the_o matter_n or_o occasion_n be_v that_o cause_n scrupulosity_n in_o tender_a soul_n the_o bitterness_n thereof_o be_v feel_v especial_o in_o confess_v of_o they_o or_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o such_o confession_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o all_o former_a unsatisfaction_n recurre_v to_o their_o memory_n &_o new_a examination_n be_v make_v and_o not_o only_o all_o the_o suppose_a fault_n but_o also_o the_o former_a examination_n and_o confession_n be_v again_o examine_v and_o confess_v for_o to_o such_o soul_n partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n in_o the_o nature_n degree_n and_o circumstance_n of_o sin_n and_o partly_o have_v their_o mind_n darken_v by_o fear_n all_o sin_n appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v mortal_a or_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v they_o may_v be_v mortal_a &_o that_o suspicion_n or_o even_o possibility_n be_v sufficient_a to_o pierce_v they_o through_o with_o greise_z and_o fear_v 2._o the_o misery_n of_o such_o self_n afflict_v soul_n be_v much_o increase_v and_o render_v almost_o irremediable_a by_o indiscreet_a confessor_n unwary_a writer_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o such_o as_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o internal_a way_n who_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o penance_n and_o confession_n use_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o measure_n towards_o all_o soul_n indifferent_o give_v advice_n in_o general_a term_n which_o yet_o be_v proper_a only_o for_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o soul_n live_v in_o the_o world_n who_o commend_v the_o repetition_n of_o general_n confession_n prescribe_v nice_a rule_n for_o examination_n who_o enjoin_v all_o their_o penitent_n in_o a_o case_n of_o uncertainty_n or_o doubt_n whether_o a_o sin_n be_v mortal_a or_o no_o to_o choose_v that_o which_o appear_v to_o their_o prepossessed_a judgment_n the_o safe_a side_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o omit_v it_o in_o confession_n who_o recommend_v daily_o and_o almost_o hourly_o examination_n of_o conscience_n who_o extol_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o sacrament_n without_o sufficient_a regard_n to_o the_o disposition_n and_o therefore_o indifferent_o encourage_v soul_n to_o frequent_a confession_n yea_o even_o when_o they_o can_v find_v no_o present_a matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n advise_v they_o to_o repeat_v the_o mention_v of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o sin_n former_o confess_v mere_o to_o continue_v a_o custom_n of_o confess_v and_o to_o gain_v a_o new_a access_n of_o grace_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n now_o such_o advice_n and_o instruction_n as_o these_o may_v possible_o be_v good_a for_o some_o negligent_a soul_n live_v extrovert_v live_v if_o that_o a_o proportionable_a care_n be_v also_o take_v that_o penitent_n shall_v bring_v due_a disposition_n to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o which_o the_o effect_n wrought_v by_o they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o their_o expectation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v a_o cure_n for_o ordinary_a soul_n may_v and_o frequent_o do_v prove_v poison_n to_o such_o tender_a scrupulous_a person_n as_o wvee_a now_o treat_v of_o 3._o therefore_o sure_o a_o confessor_n or_o director_n that_o have_v any_o taste_n of_o internal_a way_n and_o any_o spiritual_a prudence_n and_o charity_n when_o he_o be_v to_o treat_v with_o soul_n that_o he_o see_v have_v true_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o sensible_a horror_n of_o offend_v he_o even_o in_o a_o proportion_n beyond_o what_o charity_n and_o due_a confidence_n do_v require_v and_o that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v deject_a by_o too_o great_a a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o guilt_n will_v make_v great_a progress_n in_o the_o divine_a love_n perceive_v likewise_o after_o some_o experience_n &_o insight_n into_o their_o life_n exercise_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o confession_n that_o such_o soul_n accuse_v &_o judge_v themselves_o &_o their_o action_n not_o by_o any_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o knowledge_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n &_o degree_n of_o sin_n but_o only_o by_o their_o ouwne_a passion_n of_o fear_n which_o corrupt_v their_o judgement_n &c_n &c_n such_o confessor_n i_o say_v in_o these_o &_o the_o like_a circumstance_n will_v not_o sure_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o deal_v with_o these_o as_o with_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o tepid_a or_o negligent_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v need_v to_o be_v terrify_v to_o have_v their_o conscience_n narrow_o search_v into_o to_o be_v frequent_o bring_v before_o the_o spiritual_a tribunal_n the_o like_a prudence_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v also_o to_o such_o tender_a soul_n lead_v internal_a life_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o scrupulous_a either_o have_v be_v former_o or_o may_v easy_o be_v cast_v into_o it_o by_o rough_a or_o indiscreet_a usage_n 4._o therefore_o sure_o these_o timorous_a &_o tender_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v first_o that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o come_n into_o religion_n or_o of_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o a_o life_n of_o contemplation_n be_v not_o to_o eniâ—y_v the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o may_v have_v have_v free_a use_n of_o in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o the_o quietness_n of_o silence_n and_o solitude_n to_o seek_v god_n and_o daily_o to_o tend_v to_o he_o by_o internal_a exercise_n of_o love_n resignation_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o by_o a_o calm_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o passion_n and_o that_o all_o externall_n duty_n be_v only_o so_o far_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o they_o contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o this_o love_n quietness_n of_o mind_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o confession_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n indeed_o institute_v by_o our_o lord_n not_o for_o the_o torment_n but_o ease_n of_o conscience_n &_o to_o the_o end_n to_o bring_v soul_n to_o have_v a_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o not_o a_o horror_n of_o approach_v to_o he_o 3._o that_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v leave_v to_o our_o lord_n priest_n who_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n what_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v confess_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n 4._o that_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o confession_n be_v their_o chief_a torment_n cause_v effect_n in_o they_o so_o contrary_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n intend_v that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v either_o abstain_v whole_o from_o so_o frequent_a a_o custom_n of_o confess_v or_o to_o make_v their_o confession_n only_o in_o the_o form_n that_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v they_o 5._o that_o such_o examination_n of_o sin_n will_v abundant_o serve_v their_o turn_n as_o they_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o any_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o importance_n and_o as_o may_v be_v make_v in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n 6._o that_o oft_o it_o be_v far_o more_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o exercise_v rather_o virtual_a act_n of_o contrition_n and_o sorrow_v for_o sin_n by_o convert_n themselves_o direct_o to_o god_n with_o act_n of_o love_n then_o by_o reflect_v with_o passion_n upon_o their_o sin_n 7._o that_o those_o common_a maxim_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n there_o to_o fear_v a_o fault_n where_o none_o be_v and_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v against_o conscience_n likewise_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o secure_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v etc._n etc._n these_o maxim_n i_o say_v though_o in_o gross_a true_a yet_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v strict_o apply_v to_o scrupulous_a person_n will_v utter_o ruin_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n for_o they_o be_v altogether_o incapable_a of_o judge_v what_o be_v
i_o certain_o know_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o fear_n to_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o commit_v and_o never_o confess_v in_o any_o sort_n defective_o or_o exact_o and_o if_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o this_o they_o may_v not_o only_o secure_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a but_o they_o be_v oblige_v under_o sin_n to_o abstain_v from_o confession_n in_o case_n they_o have_v be_v so_o command_v and_o to_o proceed_v to_o communicate_v for_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o such_o tender_a soul_n shall_v commit_v a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o without_o any_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v mortal_a 15._o this_o way_n of_o selfe-examination_n i_o be_v warrant_v by_o learned_a author_n do_v serious_o recommend_v to_o those_o soul_n that_o find_v that_o a_o punctual_a examination_n doch_fw-ge destroy_n the_o quiet_a of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o after_o one_o short_a selfe-questioning_a they_o do_v not_o resolut_o and_o positive_o determine_v that_o they_o have_v deliberate_o consent_v to_o a_o tentation_n and_o commit_v a_o sin_n unquestionable_o mortal_a let_v they_o resolve_v never_o after_o to_o trouble_v their_o thought_n with_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v press_v they_o to_o a_o re-examination_n let_v they_o neglect_v they_o and_o consider_v they_o as_o pure_a tentation_n 16._o such_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o esteem_v that_o a_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o mortal_a can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o case_n to_o be_v doubtful_a for_o a_o doubt_n be_v when_o two_o opinion_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o contrary_a reason_n for_o each_o be_v so_o even_o and_o equal_a that_o the_o judgement_n can_v determine_v itself_o to_o assent_v to_o either_o now_o a_o firm_a assent_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o violent_a fear_n of_o the_o contrary_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a person_n can_v ofttimes_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n or_o account_v of_o her_o fear_n but_o that_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v the_o matter_n be_v according_a to_o her_o fear_n 17._o among_o other_o subject_n of_o scruple_n one_o be_v a_o doubt_n in_o such_o soul_n whether_o they_o have_v true_a contrition_n for_o their_o fault_n or_o no._n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o sorrow_n from_o be_v true_a contrition_n it_o be_v the_o excess_n of_o servile_a fear_n mix_v with_o it_o which_o they_o wilful_o nourish_v with_o their_o scrupulosity_n but_o however_o consider_v they_o be_v suppose_v to_o practice_v internal_a prayer_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v able_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o make_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v true_a contrition_n the_o which_o may_v be_v perform_v either_o direct_o by_o frame_v a_o efficacious_a act_n of_o sorrow_v and_o detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o love_n or_o only_o virtual_o yet_o efficacious_o by_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a love_n to_o god_n for_o thereby_o they_o do_v real_o avert_v themselves_o from_o whatsoever_o do_v offend_v he_o or_o be_v contrary_n to_o such_o love_n as_o sin_n be_v 18._o and_o from_o hence_o may_v appear_v the_o great_a security_n that_o a_o soul_n have_v which_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n because_o every_o act_n of_o love_n or_o resignation_n perform_v pure_o for_o god_n do_v restore_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o case_n that_o by_o any_o precedent_a sin_n she_o have_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n and_o if_o she_o have_v not_o it_o do_v advance_v and_o establish_v she_o the_o more_o in_o grace_n 19_o there_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o more_o assure_a general_a remedy_n against_o scrupulosity_n and_o all_o such_o inordinate_a fear_n than_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n this_o alone_a will_v produce_v a_o courage_n to_o despise_v such_o fear_n whensoever_o they_o will_v hinder_v a_o soul_n from_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o her_o spiritual_a director_n 20._o the_o security_n and_o necessity_n of_o which_o obedience_n as_o likewise_o the_o culpableness_n and_o danger_n of_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o fear_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v evident_o collect_v from_o hence_o viz._n by_o observe_v that_o she_o never_o disobeye_n in_o virtue_n of_o light_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n the_o which_o always_o dictate_v obedience_n and_o renounce_v she_o own_o judgement_n and_o contradict_v her_o fear_n to_o she_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o she_o be_v tempt_v to_o transgress_v the_o order_n of_o her_o confessor_n only_o at_o the_o time_n when_o fear_n be_v so_o violent_a upon_o she_o and_o make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n of_o her_o suppose_a fault_n in_o her_o mind_n that_o she_o can_v then_o pray_v with_o resignation_n and_o believe_v that_o then_o to_o obey_v her_o confessor_n will_v be_v to_o go_v against_o she_o own_o knowledge_n her_o security_n therefore_o must_v come_v from_o prayer_n to_o which_o her_o humble_a obedience_n will_v dispose_v she_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a scrupulous_a fear_n will_v render_v she_o utter_o unfit_a therefore_o soul_n which_o wilful_o nourish_v their_o fear_n and_o scruple_n by_o frequent_a unpermit_v confession_n have_v very_o much_o to_o answer_n for_o before_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o wilful_a plunge_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n which_o make_v a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n impossible_a thereby_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o religious_a internal_a life_n as_o also_o for_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o almost_o in_o all_o possible_a case_n be_v most_o full_a of_o security_n 21._o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o purpose_n to_o deter_v soul_n from_o frequent_a confession_n even_o of_o venial_a sin_n when_o they_o find_v such_o confession_n profitable_a to_o they_o and_o help_n to_o their_o amendment_n but_o otherwise_o if_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o confession_n they_o endanger_v themselves_o to_o run_v into_o mortal_a sin_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o desperation_n or_o a_o wilful_a renounce_n of_o all_o way_n of_o piety_n through_o the_o horror_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n &_o incapacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o mortal_a &_o venial_a sin_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o way_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o expiate_a &_o purge_v of_o venial_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n prayer_n act_n of_o humiliation_n or_o contrition_n give_v of_o alm_n devout_a take_n of_o holy_a water_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o be_v desirous_a in_o some_o good_a measure_n to_o observe_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o with_o express_v some_o such_o fault_n as_o they_o can_v with_o assurance_n and_o without_o disquietness_n declare_v and_o all_o other_o fault_n may_v be_v involue_v in_o some_o general_a phrase_n or_o expression_n 22._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n such_o soul_n will_v find_v nothing_o new_a to_o confess_v and_o so_o will_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o blessing_n &_o comfort_n of_o absolution_n herto_o i_o answer_n that_o it_o be_v happy_a if_o soul_n can_v find_v nothing_o expedient_a to_o be_v confess_v and_o sure_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o happiness_n be_v according_a to_o these_o advice_n to_o free_v they_o from_o their_o deiect_v scrupulosity_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v little_a effect_n of_o blessing_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o best_a exercise_n or_o use_v of_o sacrament_n we_o know_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n innumerable_a saint_n attain_v to_o perfection_n with_o little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o confession_n consider_v their_o remotenes_n from_o place_n where_o priest_n inhabit_v by_o serious_a practice_n of_o prayer_n abstraction_n of_o life_n mortification_n &c_n &c_n which_o mean_n will_v doubtless_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o and_o without_o they_o confession_n and_o communion_n though_o daily_o practise_v will_v have_v but_o small_a effect_n thereto_o now_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o world_n a_o mortification_n more_o effectual_a more_o purify_n and_o more_o proper_a for_o such_o soul_n then_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o their_o confessor_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o violent_a fear_n scrupulosity_n and_o seem_a judgement_n 23._o the_o proper_a season_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n of_o scrupulous_a soul_n be_v the_o time_n of_o communicate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v necessary_a â—herto_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v free_a from_o mortal_n â—in_v but_o likewise_o that_o a_o great_a preparation_n be_v requisite_a for_o in_o all_o
be_v apt_a not_o only_o to_o think_v better_o of_o ourselves_o then_o of_o any_o other_o to_o excuse_v our_o own_o fault_n &_o to_o accuse_v even_o the_o best_a action_n of_o other_o &c._n &c._n but_o also_o to_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o against_o &_o above_o god_n himself_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o if_o we_o be_v both_o the_o principle_n &_o end_n of_o all_o good_a challenge_v to_o ourselves_o the_o praise_n of_o all_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a good_a in_o we_o &_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o our_o own_o contentment_n 15._o by_o a_o serious_a &_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n way_n will_v be_v make_v for_o the_o introduce_v of_o true_a solid_a humility_n into_o our_o soul_n but_o yet_o these_o alone_a will_v not_o suffice_v except_o thereto_o we_o join_v 1._o abstraction_n of_o life_n by_o which_o we_o will_v come_v to_o overlook_v &_o forget_v the_o imperfection_n of_o other_o &_o only_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o thence_o fly_v employment_n charge_n &_o deal_n with_o other_o or_o when_o necessity_n require_v a_o treat_v with_o other_o do_v it_o with_o all_o modesty_n charity_n &_o a_o cordial_a respectfullnes_n be_v confound_v at_o our_o own_o praise_n &c_n &c_n 2._o a_o care_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o what_o humility_n oblige_v we_o with_o quietness_n of_o mind_n accept_v humiliation_n contempt_n &c_n &c_n from_o other_o endeavour_v to_o welcome_a they_o &_o even_o to_o take_v joy_n in_o they_o &c_n &c_n 3._o but_o especial_o internal_a prayer_n by_o which_o we_o not_o only_o get_v a_o more_o perfect_a light_n to_o discover_v a_o world_n of_o former_o unseen_a imperfection_n but_o also_o we_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n &_o get_v a_o more_o perfect_a sight_n of_o he_o in_o who_o all_o creature_n ourselves_o &_o all_o do_v vanish_v &_o be_v annihilate_v 16._o now_o when_o by_o these_o mean_v humility_n begin_v to_o get_v a_o little_a strength_n in_o we_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v how_o inventive_a &_o ingenious_a it_o be_v in_o find_v way_n to_o increase_v in_o perfection_n then_o this_o degree_n of_o prefer_v all_o other_o whatsoever_o before_o ourselves_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v as_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o reason_n &_o duty_n 17._o for_o then_o a_o devout_a soul_n know_v how_o valuable_a &_o necessary_a a_o virtue_n humility_n be_v by_o which_o alone_o that_o most_o deadly_a poison_n of_o our_o soul_n pride_n be_v destroy_v 1._o she_o will_v become_v scarce_o able_a to_o see_v any_o thing_n in_o herself_o but_o what_o be_v true_o her_o own_o that_o be_v her_o defectuousnes_n &_o nothing_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v god_n and_o thus_o do_v she_o can_v choose_v but_o humble_a herself_o under_o all_o other_o prefer_v all_o other_o before_o herself_o &_o this_o without_o fiction_n with_o all_o sincerity_n &_o simplicity_n 2._o she_o will_v never_o compare_v herself_o with_o other_o but_o to_o the_o intent_n to_o abase_v herself_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v in_o she_o any_o natural_a endowment_n want_v to_o other_o she_o will_v consider_v they_o as_o not_o her_o own_o but_o god_n commit_v to_o her_o trust_n to_o the_o end_n to_o trade_n with_o they_o for_o god_n glory_n only_o of_o which_o trust_n a_o severe_a account_n shall_v be_v require_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o negligence_n &_o ingatitude_n she_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o glorify_v herself_o for_o such_o endowment_n that_o she_o will_v rather_o esteem_v they_o happy_a that_o want_n they_o 4._o if_o she_o have_v any_o supernatural_a grace_n which_o other_o want_n yea_o or_o if_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o open_a sin_n she_o will_v consider_v that_o she_o may_v according_a to_o her_o demerit_n be_v deprive_v of_o they_o &_o other_o enrich_v with_o they_o who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v make_v better_a use_n of_o they_o for_o she_o know_v by_o many_o woeful_a experiment_n the_o perverseness_n of_o her_o own_o heart_n but_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o other_o &_o therefore_o can_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n suspect_v that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o ingrateful_a 5._o she_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o lesser_a imperfection_n in_o other_o yea_o not_o know_v their_o secret_a intention_n she_o will_v judge_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v imperfection_n may_v perhaps_o be_v meritorious_a action_n 6._o in_o a_o word_n consider_v that_o god_n have_v make_v she_o a_o judge_n of_o herself_o only_o to_o the_o end_n to_o condemn_v herself_o &_o of_o other_o only_o to_o excuse_v they_o &_o know_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peril_n in_o judge_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a too_o hardly_o of_o one_o self_n but_o much_o in_o judge_v the_o worst_a of_o another_o in_o the_o small_a thing_n though_o other_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a yet_o at_o least_o she_o will_v judge_v this_o that_o if_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o light_n &_o help_n that_o she_o enjoy_v they_o will_v have_v be_v angel_n in_o purity_n compare_v with_o she_o &_o however_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o ingratitude_n as_o she_o be_v 18._o by_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o a_o devout_a soul_n will_v fix_v in_o her_o understanding_n a_o belief_n of_o her_o own_o vileness_n &_o baseness_n for_o to_o make_v humility_n a_o virtue_n it_o be_v the_o will_n that_o must_v even_o compel_v the_o understanding_n to_o say_v i_o will_v believe_v myself_o to_o be_v inferior_a to_o all_o according_a as_o i_o find_v just_a cause_n by_o these_o consideration_n and_o the_o same_o will_n will_v upon_o occasion_n force_v practice_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o belief_n it_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a to_o seek_v thing_n please_v to_o she_o yea_o content_n with_o all_o hard_a usage_n as_o know_v she_o deserve_v far_o worse_o &_o aught_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v tread_v underfoot_o by_o all_o creature_n so_o that_o in_o love_n to_o justice_n &_o equality_n she_o will_v even_o desire_v &_o rejoice_v in_o all_o affront_n persecution_n &_o contempt_n or_o if_o certain_a circumstance_n as_o infirmity_n of_o body_n etc._n etc._n shall_v require_v and_o that_o she_o be_v necessitate_v to_o choose_v or_o desire_v any_o consolation_n she_o will_v accept_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n &_o mortification_n that_o be_v pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n &_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n be_v far_o from_o think_v herself_o worthy_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o want_n pain_n &_o contempt_n 19_o nowv_o a_o superior_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v to_o offend_v against_o this_o degree_n of_o humility_n when_o he_o discover_v object_n reprehend_v or_o punish_v the_o fault_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o god_n to_o who_o alone_o it_o belong_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n yet_o withal_o the_o superior_a ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o esteem_v himself_o better_a than_o the_o person_n reprehend_v for_o though_o perhaps_o in_o that_o one_o respect_v he_o can_v much_o condemn_v himself_o yet_o for_o many_o other_o fault_n which_o he_o see_v in_o himself_o &_o can_v see_v in_o other_o he_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o remain_v humble_v yea_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confound_v whensoever_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n require_v of_o he_o to_o be_v a_o reprehend_a of_o other_o while_o himself_o do_v far_o more_o deserve_v reprehension_n 20._o when_o by_o serious_a practice_n of_o humiliation_n join_v with_o prayer_n a_o soul_n be_v come_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n then_o be_v attain_v that_o more_o admirable_a kind_n of_o humility_n which_o regard_v god_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n contemplate_v his_o totality_n &_o illimited_a universality_n of_o be_v &_o thence_o reflect_v on_o her_o own_o nothing_o of_o which_o now_o she_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a sight_n she_o most_o profound_o humble_v &_o annihilate_v herself_o before_o he_o 21._o and_o when_o prayer_n be_v come_v to_o perfection_n then_o will_v the_o soul_n also_o mount_v to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o humility_n which_o regard_v god_n consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o &_o without_o any_o express_a or_o distinct_a comparison_n with_o creature_n for_o hereby_o a_o soul_n fix_v her_o sight_n upon_o god_n as_o all_o in_o all_o &_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o incomprehensibility_n do_v not_o by_o any_o distinct_a act_n or_o reflection_n consider_v the_o vacuity_n &_o nothingnes_n of_o creature_n but_o real_o transcend_v &_o forget_v they_o so_o that_o to_o she_o they_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n as_o nothing_o because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o object_n which_o with_o her_o spirit_n she_o only_o see_v &_o with_o her_o affection_n only_a embrace_n
22._o this_o most_o heroical_a humility_n can_v only_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o act_n of_o contemplation_n for_o then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o a_o soul_n feel_v she_o own_o nothing_o without_o intend_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o at_o all_o other_o time_n she_o in_o some_o degree_n feel_v the_o false_a suppose_v be_v of_o herself_o &_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v only_o in_o actual_a pure_a prayer_n that_o the_o image_n of_o they_o be_v expel_v &_o with_o the_o image_n the_o affection_n to_o they_o also_o 23._o notwithstanding_o a_o great_a measure_n &_o proportion_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o such_o prayer_n remain_v &_o be_v operative_a also_o afterward_o out_o of_o prayer_n for_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v see_v creature_n she_o never_o see_v they_o as_o in_o themselves_o but_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n &_o so_o in_o they_o humble_v herself_o to_o god_n &_o love_v god_n in_o they_o and_o if_o she_o reflect_v upon_o herself_o &_o turn_v her_o eye_n inward_a into_o her_o spirit_n desire_v to_o find_v god_n there_o there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o considerable_a imperfection_n obscurity_n or_o stain_n that_o will_v darken_v she_o view_v of_o god_n but_o she_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o most_o perfect_o hate_v it_o 24._o as_o for_o sin_n or_o imperfection_n in_o other_o though_o never_o so_o heinous_a they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o her_o see_v of_o god_n because_o either_o she_o transcend_v &_o mark_v they_o not_o or_o be_v by_o their_o mean_n urge_v to_o a_o near_o &_o more_o fervent_a love_n of_o he_o for_o his_o patience_n to_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n impair_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n &_o to_o a_o great_a compassion_n towards_o sinner_n 25._o but_o the_o least_o imperfection_n in_o herself_o be_v real_o a_o hindrance_n to_o her_o immediate_a union_n with_o god_n &_o perfect_a sight_n of_o he_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o she_o than_o enjoy_v perfect_o see_v &_o perfect_o abhor_v by_o she_o yea_o such_o fault_n as_o to_o her_o natural_a understanding_n former_o appear_v no_o big_a than_o moat_n do_v in_o virtue_n of_o this_o supernatural_a light_n seem_v as_o mountain_n and_o defect_n which_o she_o before_o never_o dream_v or_o imagine_v to_o be_v in_o herself_o she_o now_o see_v not_o only_o to_o be_v but_o to_o abound_v &_o bear_v great_a sway_n in_o she_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v s._n gregory_n l._n 22._o moral_a c._n 1._o sancti_fw-la viri_fw-la quo_fw-la altiùs_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la proficiunt_fw-la eo_fw-la subtiliùs_fw-la indignos_fw-la se_fw-la deprehendunt_fw-la quia_fw-la dum_fw-la proximi_fw-la luci_fw-la fiunt_fw-la quidquid_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la latebat_fw-la inveniunt_fw-la that_o be_v holy_a man_n the_o high_a that_o they_o raise_v themselves_o approach_v to_o god_n the_o more_o clear_o do_v they_o perceive_v their_o own_o unworthines_n because_o be_v encompass_v with_o a_o pure_a light_n they_o discover_v in_o themselves_o those_o defect_n which_o before_o they_o can_v not_o see_v 26._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o &_o the_o feel_n or_o perception_n of_o it_o the_o former_a may_v be_v get_v by_o a_o little_a meditation_n or_o by_o read_v of_o school_n divinity_n which_o teach_v &_o demonstrate_v how_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a dependence_n on_o the_o only_a true_a be_v of_o god_n whereas_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v by_o study_n or_o meditation_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o raise_n &_o purify_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o prayer_n the_o devil_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nothingnes_n of_o creature_n in_o a_o far_o great_a perfection_n than_o any_o man_n &_o yet_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o feel_n now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o not-being_a that_o be_v true_a perfect_a humility_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o feel_n of_o our_o be_v be_v pride_n 27._o now_o this_o feel_n of_o our_o not-being_a have_v two_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o corporal_a or_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o wit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o raise_v above_o the_o body_n &_o all_o desire_n concern_v it_o that_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o care_n &_o solicitude_n about_o it_o have_v mortify_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n all_o inferior_a passion_n this_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o humility_n but_o not_o yet_o perfect_a as_o may_v appear_v plain_o by_o this_o that_o after_o a_o soul_n have_v attain_v herto_o by_o a_o passive_a union_n there_o ordinary_o follow_v the_o great_a privation_n or_o desolation_n in_o which_o she_o find_v herself_o to_o be_v yet_o full_a of_o herself_o &_o she_o own_o be_v combat_v with_o may_o rise_n &_o repugnance_n 2._o the_o second_o degree_n follow_v after_o that_o the_o say_a privation_n cease_v in_o which_o the_o soul_n exercise_v herself_o after_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o begin_v then_o to_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a feel_n of_o her_o not-being_a consist_v in_o a_o abstraction_n from_o the_o soul_n herself_o &_o all_o her_o faculty_n &_o operation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o lose_v &_o annihilate_v in_o god_n that_o in_o her_o exercise_n of_o most_o pure_a prayer_n she_o can_v perceyve_v distinct_o any_o work_v either_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v or_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o she_o do_v when_o she_o pray_v 28._o the_o author_n of_o secret_n sentier_n say_v that_o soul_n which_o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o state_n of_o perfect_a union_n be_v yet_o ordinary_o permit_v by_o god_n to_o descend_v oft_o from_o their_o high_a abstraction_n into_o their_o inferior_a nature_n even_o as_o they_o be_v during_o their_o state_n of_o entrance_n into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n so_o that_o according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n during_o such_o a_o descent_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o the_o feel_n of_o their_o own_o be_v but_o theâ—_n say_v he_o they_o from_o this_o descent_n do_v by_o little_a &_o little_a through_o their_o internal_a exercise_n ascend_v high_a therâ—_n they_o be_v ever_o before_o and_o such_o ascent_n &_o descent_n interchangeable_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n thus_o say_v barbanzon_n perhaps_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o whether_o from_o thence_o he_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o apply_v this_o observation_n so_o general_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o perfect_a who_o only_o can_v judge_v of_o such_o matter_n 29._o but_o alas_o these_o contemplation_n &_o consequent_o the_o say_v bless_v fruit_n of_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a &_o not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o come_v to_o at_o pleasure_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n till_o after_o a_o passive_a union_n or_o contemplation_n whereto_o well_o may_v we_o dispose_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o power_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o free_a will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o confer_v it_o on_o who_o when_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o please_v he_o 30._o but_o however_o let_v not_o beginner_n nor_o proficient_n in_o spirituality_n be_v discourage_v for_o that_o as_o yet_o they_o can_v find_v in_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o very_o imperfect_o a_o perception_n of_o their_o not-being_a not_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o supernatural_a intellectual_a species_n evident_o &_o even_o palpable_o represent_v to_o their_o mind_n god_n totality_n &_o their_o own_o nothing_o the_o which_o species_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o active_a exercise_n to_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o aspire_v thereunto_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n lead_v thither_o they_o will_v certain_o arrive_v to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o sublime_a humility_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o alone_o all_o other_o virtue_n will_v be_v perfect_o exercise_v by_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o it_o they_o will_v come_v to_o know_v both_o god_n &_o themselves_o aright_o &_o be_v in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n as_o our_o holy_a father_n say_v to_o that_o perfect_a charity_n which_o expel_v all_o fear_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o only_o treat_v particular_o &_o large_o of_o this_o virtue_n &_o of_o obedience_n which_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o it_o 31._o we_o ought_v therefore_o never_o to_o cease_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v reveyle_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o nothing_o &_o his_o all-being_a for_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o as_o for_o exterior_a act_n &_o expression_n of_o humility_n if_o they_o flow_v from_o prayer_n they_o may_v be_v profitable_a &_o acceptable_a to_o god_n
trial_n of_o these_o virtue_n require_v of_o he_o to_o prepare_v some_o water_n for_o the_o wash_n of_o his_o foot_n the_o good_a priest_n with_o a_o modest_a chearfullnes_n obey_v &_o have_v quick_o bring_v the_o water_n s._n basile_n sit_v down_o command_v he_o to_o wash_v his_o foot_n who_o ready_o &_o diligent_o perform_v that_o command_n that_o be_v do_v the_o saint_n command_v the_o priest_n to_o sit_v down_o that_o so_o he_o in_o exchange_n may_v also_o wash_v his_o foot_n the_o humble_a &_o virtuous_o simple_a man_n without_o any_o excuse_n or_o contestation_n quiet_o &_o calm_o as_o it_o become_v one_o perfect_a in_o obedience_n suffer_v his_o foot_n to_o be_v wash_v by_o he_o that_o be_v then_o the_o most_o eminent_a &_o most_o reverence_a prelate_n in_o the_o eastern_a church_n upon_o this_o proof_n s._n basile_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v find_v a_o attendant_n fit_a for_o the_o employment_n to_o which_o he_o destine_v he_o &_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o the_o neighbour_n bishop_n take_v the_o priest_n with_o he_o for_o his_o inseparable_a comparison_n 25._o there_o be_v mention_v in_o our_o holy_a rule_n another_o sort_n of_o obedience_n of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o bring_v soul_n to_o perfection_n to_o wit_n a_o obedience_n not_o out_o of_o obligation_n &_o duty_n to_o superior_n but_o only_o from_o respect_n to_o brethren_n special_o ancient_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o out_o of_o charity_n &_o in_o conformity_n to_o s._n paul_n advice_n which_o be_v very_o general_a that_o we_o shall_v in_o honour_n prefer_v every_o one_o before_o ourselves_o this_o kind_n of_o obedience_n as_o receive_v proper_a command_n from_o such_o be_v now_o out_o of_o practice_n and_o whether_o this_o disuse_n have_v proceed_v from_o want_n of_o simplicity_n &_o humility_n in_o the_o young_a sort_n or_o from_o imperfection_n &_o want_n of_o discretion_n &_o gravity_n in_o the_o more_o ancient_a or_o perhaps_o from_o jealousy_n &_o a_o love_n of_o be_v absolute_a in_o superior_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a loss_n there_o be_v likewise_o obligation_n impose_v upon_o all_o juniour_n after_o any_o the_o least_o offence_n take_v by_o their_o ancient_n to_o make_v present_a satisfaction_n by_o prostration_n the_o which_o be_v to_o continue_v till_o that_o pardon_n &_o a_o benediction_n be_v give_v indeed_o in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o so_o much_o abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o so_o seldom_o mutual_a conversation_n be_v use_v offence_n be_v so_o rare_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o such_o simple_a humble_a soul_n as_o most_o religious_a person_n than_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o these_o obligation_n so_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o restore_v they_o be_v to_o restore_v that_o most_o profitable_a abstraction_n solitude_n and_o silence_n again_o 26._o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o one_o to_o seek_v the_o attain_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n which_o beside_o the_o outward_a work_n require_v a_o submission_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o superior_a &_o a_o renounce_n of_o one_o own_o judgement_n upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o indiscreet_a superior_a but_o by_o the_o serious_a &_o constant_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o alone_o purify_v the_o soul_n &_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n but_o god_n invisible_a to_o she_o so_o that_o without_o such_o prayer_n all_o other_o exterior_a practice_n of_o a_o officious_a humiliation_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n thereto_o chap._n xv._o §_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o here_o treat_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o mortification_n or_o virtue_n but_o principal_o such_o as_o be_v most_o proper_a &_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v &_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o a_o internal_a life_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n several_a advice_n and_o observation_n touch_v virtue_n in_o general_n 1._o hitherto_o we_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o first_o instrument_n and_o mean_a of_o perfection_n to_o wit_n mortification_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o we_o conceive_v proper_a to_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n that_o be_v in_o order_n to_o internal_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v not_o enlarge_v the_o discourse_n to_o comprehend_v universal_o all_o moral_a virtue_n the_o which_o be_v mortification_n to_o all_o our_o distemper_a affection_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o religious_a or_o internal_a liver_n for_o the_o rest_n the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o other_o book_n of_o christian_a morality_n which_o abundant_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_n the_o doctrine_n of_o which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a purpose_n if_o reflection_n be_v make_v on_o the_o advice_n which_o have_v already_o be_v give_v concern_v the_o special_a virtue_n hitherto_o treat_v of_o to_o the_o which_o i_o will_v for_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n add_v a_o few_o more_o touch_v virtue_n in_o general_n 2._o the_o first_o advice_n be_v this_o that_o before_o a_o soul_n can_v attain_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o she_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_a virtue_n not_o one_o except_v according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o psalmist_n ibunt_fw-la de_fw-la virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la videbit_fw-la ur_fw-la deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la in_o zion_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v go_v from_o one_o virtue_n to_o another_o and_o then_o &_o not_o till_o then_o the_o god_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v contemplate_v in_o zion_n so_o that_o if_o a_o soul_n make_v a_o stop_n at_o any_o virtue_n of_o willing_o favour_v herself_o in_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o she_o to_o ascend_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n where_o god_n be_v see_v 3._o the_o second_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o attain_v to_o virtue_n for_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n as_o if_o a_o soul_n progress_n to_o perfection_n be_v by_o a_o successive_a gain_n of_o one_o virtue_n after_o another_o for_o example_n first_o possess_v herself_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o temperance_n &_o have_v get_v that_o then_o proceed_v to_o patience_n humility_n chastity_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o root_n get_v together_o &_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n in_o one_o virtue_n but_o withal_o we_o make_v a_o proportionable_a progress_n in_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o charity_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n they_o be_v only_o such_o duty_n as_o charity_n which_o alone_o direct_v we_o to_o god_n our_o last_o end_n will_v &_o do_v dictate_v to_o be_v practise_v on_o several_a &_o different_a occasion_n 4._o true_a it_o be_v that_o either_o by_o our_o natural_a temper_n or_o by_o have_v more_o frequent_a trial_n &_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v some_o virtue_n certain_a passion_n opposite_a to_o they_o may_v be_v according_a to_o the_o material_a disposition_n in_o corporal_a nature_n more_o subdue_v &_o regulate_v then_o other_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o spiritual_a soul_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n &_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n the_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o object_n be_v equal_o by_o a_o equality_n of_o proportion_n incline_v to_o all_o good_a and_o equal_o avert_v from_o all_o ill_a because_o divine_a love_n be_v equal_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o mortal_a sin_n and_o do_v combat_n &_o subdue_v self-love_n in_o all_o its_o branch_n our_o progress_n therefore_o express_v in_o the_o phrase_n de_fw-fr virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v from_o a_o low_a &_o more_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o charity_n and_o all_o its_o virtue_n to_o a_o high_a till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o mount_n of_o perfection_n 5._o the_o three_o advice_n be_v that_o this_o progress_n &_o increase_n in_o virtue_n be_v neither_o equal_a at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o soul_n by_o resist_v strong_a temptation_n &_o in_o virtue_n of_o more_o efficacious_a prayer_n do_v make_v great_a stride_n and_o pace_n neither_o be_v it_o always_o observable_a either_o by_o the_o traveller_n himself_o or_o other_o yea_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o perhaps_o convenient_a that_o we_o shall_v much_o heed_n the_o rule_n that_o be_v give_v by_o some_o for_o examination_n of_o our_o proficiency_n such_o enquiry_n seem_v not_o very_o suitable_a to_o humility_n &_o probable_o will_v not_o produce_v any_o good_a effect_n in_o we_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o that_o we_o go_v on_o and_o that_o god_n know_v perfect_o our_o growth_n in_o piety_n &_o love_n &_o will_v most_o assure_o reward_n we_o proportional_o though_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o so_o ignorant_a to_o what_o degree_n of_o
perfection_n we_o be_v arrive_v 6._o four_o all_o increase_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n by_o whatsoever_o instrument_n it_o be_v produce_v as_o by_o regular_a austerity_n temperance_n exercise_n of_o mortification_n be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o good_a internal_a disposition_n and_o actuation_n of_o soul_n accompany_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yea_o the_o same_o may_v also_o in_o a_o certain_a proportion_n be_v affirm_v even_o of_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o in_o adultis_fw-la the_o which_o although_o by_o their_o own_o intrinsical_a virtue_n and_o as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess_v 7._o can_n 8._o express_v it_o ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la they_o do_v conserre_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o aid_v and_o this_o quantum_fw-la est_fw-la parte_fw-la dei_fw-la at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o person_n that_o due_o receive_v they_o see_v sess_v 7._o cap._n 6._o &_o 7._o yet_o withal_o the_o quantity_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o say_a grace_n be_v in_o the_o same_o council_n sess_v 6._o cap._n 7._o say_v to_o be_v secundam_fw-la propriam_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la dispositionem_fw-la &_o cooperationem_fw-la according_a to_o the_o peculiar_a disposition_n and_o cooperation_n of_o each_o person_n respective_o that_o be_v those_o that_o come_v with_o more_o or_o less_o perfect_a intense_a continued_z and_o multiply_v internal_a act_n of_o faith_n hope_n charity_n devotion_n &c_n &c_n do_v according_o receive_v a_o more_o or_o less_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o sacramental_a grace_n now_o what_o be_v all_o these_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n but_o the_o exercise_v of_o internal_a prayer_n whence_o appear_v how_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n internal_a prayer_n both_o by_o way_n of_o merit_n or_o impetration_n and_o likewise_o by_o a_o direct_a efficiency_n have_v in_o the_o produce_v and_o increase_n of_o divine_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n 7._o five_o if_o a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n shall_v in_o occasion_n for_o example_n of_o contradiction_n persecution_n &c_n &c_n neglect_v to_o exercise_v patience_n she_o must_v necessary_o exercise_v impatience_n &_o by_o consequence_n will_v make_v little_a or_o no_o progress_n by_o her_o prayer_n yet_o if_o then_o she_o shall_v use_v any_o reasonable_a care_n diligence_n or_o watchfullnes_n over_o herself_o though_o not_o for_o the_o get_n of_o much_o yet_o not_o to_o loose_v much_o out_o of_o prayer_n god_n will_v by_o mean_n of_o her_o prayer_n serious_o prosecute_v infuse_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o will_v cause_v a_o progress_n notwithstanding_o frequent_a fail_n through_o frailty_n or_o inaduertence_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v late_o ere_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o infusion_n will_v appear_v 8._o six_o increase_v in_o virtue_n do_v pure_o depend_v on_o the_o free_a grace_n &_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n confer_v the_o say_a grace_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o measure_n as_o himself_o please_v &_o also_o by_o his_o holy_a providence_n administer_a occasion_n several_o of_o exercise_v several_a virtue_n the_o which_o occasion_n ordinary_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o disposal_n 9_o seaventh_o according_a to_o our_o progress_n in_o virtue_n so_o be_v our_o progress_n in_o prayer_n &_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n purify_v from_o self-love_n she_o be_v incapable_a of_o that_o perfect_a degree_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v call_v contemplation_n according_a to_o that_o save_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 5._o beati_fw-la mundo_fw-la cord_n quoniam_fw-la ipsi_fw-la deum_fw-la videbunt_fw-la that_o be_v bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o until_o the_o internal_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o mist_n of_o passion_n &_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v fix_v itself_o upon_o so_o pure_a &_o divine_a a_o object_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o every_o the_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v proportional_o purify_v god_n be_v in_o some_o qualify_a sense_n contemplate_v but_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v the_o term_n of_o contemplation_n except_o only_o to_o the_o most_o sublime_a degree_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o yet_o be_v never_o so_o perfect_o absolute_a in_o this_o life_n but_o that_o it_o may_v without_o limitation_n increase_v because_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_o free_v from_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o original_a sin_n ignorance_n &_o concupiscence_n but_o there_o will_v over_o remain_v matter_n &_o exercise_v for_o further_a mortification_n or_o purification_n 10._o eight_o virtue_n be_v in_o no_o other_o state_n of_o life_n so_o perfect_o establish_v in_o the_o depth_n &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o a_o contemplative_a state_n because_o all_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v principal_o &_o direct_o regard_v the_o exaltation_n spiritualise_v &_o purification_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o continual_a application_n adhesion_n &_o union_n of_o it_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n &_o purity_n 11._o lastâ—y_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n virtue_n be_v most_o easy_o obtain_v most_o secure_o possess_v and_o most_o perfect_o practise_v in_o a_o active_a life_n a_o person_n that_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n therein_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o enable_v he_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n dispose_v thereto_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o externall_n work_v of_o charity_n there_o be_v needful_a riches_n or_o friend_n &c_n &c_n and_o for_o spiritual_a almes-giving_a there_o be_v require_v learning_n study_n disputation_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o there_o be_v acquire_v a_o established_a habit_n of_o solid_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o very_o secure_o possess_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o distraction_n follicitude_n and_o tentation_n but_o a_o contemplative_a life_n as_o s._n thomas_n 22._o q._n 182._o a._n 1._o c._n observe_v even_o from_o aristotle_n himself_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o very_a few_o thing_n be_v to_o itself_o sufficient_a such_o a_o person_n alone_o without_o need_v either_o assistance_n or_o favour_n from_o abroad_o can_v both_o purchase_v and_o exercise_v all_o virtue_n yea_o and_o liberal_o dispense_v all_o kind_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o also_o for_o by_o prayer_n alone_o exercise_v in_o solitude_n he_o can_v employ_v and_o engage_v god_n omnipotence_n wisdom_n and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o riches_n for_o the_o supply_v all_o the_o necessity_n externall_n and_o internal_a of_o his_o church_n the_o light_n that_o be_v get_v by_o prayer_n will_v be_v more_o than_o equivalent_a to_o long_a and_o laborious_a study_n not_o sanctify_v with_o prayer_n for_o the_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v efficacious_o a_o pastoral_a charge_n over_o soul_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o he_o though_o no_o doubt_n prayer_n will_v also_o incite_v to_o sufficient_a study_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o conversation_n and_o book_n yea_o fetter_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o dungeon_n prayer_n alone_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a entertainment_n to_o he_o there_o he_o will_v find_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o present_v and_o as_o bountiful_a to_o he_o as_o ever_o yea_o the_o great_a solitude_n there_o be_v at_o the_o more_o freedom_n be_v the_o soul_n to_o run_v speedy_o and_o light_o in_o the_o course_n of_o virtue_n for_o nothing_o do_v indeed_o fetter_v she_o but_o selfelove_n &_o propriety_n and_o last_o virtue_n once_o get_v be_v evident_o most_o secure_o possess_v in_o solitude_n from_o whence_o all_o distraction_n and_o almost_o all_o tentation_n be_v exclude_v the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o treatise_n of_o mortification_n sancta_fw-la sophia_n or_o direction_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n etc._n etc._n extract_v out_o of_o more_o than_o xl._n treatise_n write_v by_o the_o late_a ven._n father_n f._n augustin_n baker_n a_o monk_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n and_o methodical_o digest_v by_o the_o r._n f._n serenus_n cressy_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o congregation_n and_o print_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o convent_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n vol._n ii_o at_o douai_n by_o john_n patte_n '_o and_o thomas_n fievet_n anno_fw-la d._n m.dc.lvii_o to_o the_o venerable_a and_o r._n lady_z d._n catherine_n gascoigne_n the_o lady_n abbess_n of_o the_o religious_a dame_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o cambray_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rr._n dame_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o same_o convent_n madam_n if_o i_o have_v not_o any_o press_a obligation_n as_o i_o have_v many_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o acknowledge_v both_o my_o worthy_a esteem_n and_o resentment_n also_o for_o your_o many_o favour_n yet_o without_o injustice_n
i_o can_v not_o but_o return_v unto_o your_o ladishipp_n etc._n etc._n these_o instruction_n about_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n which_o from_o your_o full_a store_n i_o first_o receive_v i_o can_v wish_v it_o have_v be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o like_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o as_o the_o admirable_a piety_n of_o the_o ven._n author_n who_o memory_n will_v always_o be_v in_o benediction_n with_o you_o do_v to_o you_o but_o be_v able_a to_o boast_v no_o other_o virtue_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o only_a diligence_n and_o fidelity_n assert_v by_o your_o ladyship_n own_o testimony_n i_o shall_v doubt_v that_o the_o unworthines_n of_o the_o compiler_n will_v to_o their_o disparagement-prevayle_a against_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o author_n and_o his_o argument_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o a_o view_n apparent_a to_o all_o that_o know_v that_o convent_n of_o the_o many_o most_o bless_a effect_n that_o they_o have_v produce_v there_o will_v have_v the_o force_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o stranger_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o contradictour_n your_o great_a charity_n rr._n dd._n make_v you_o think_v yourselves_o not_o unbehold_v to_o i_o for_o disperse_v thus_o abroad_o to_o all_o that_o will_v accept_v they_o these_o your_o rich_a jewel_n your_o most_o delicious_a provision_n your_o most_o secure_a armour_n that_o be_v all_o that_o make_v your_o solitude_n &_o scarcity_n etc._n etc._n deserve_v to_o be_v the_o envy_n of_o prince_n court_n the_o habitation_n of_o angel_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o prayer_n be_v all_o this_o &_o more_o good_a than_o yourselves_o can_v express_v and_o yet_o you_o can_v express_v more_o than_o any_o other_o but_o such_o as_o yourselves_o can_v understand_v since_o therefore_o you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o say_v i_o have_v oblige_v you_o by_o this_o publication_n let_v my_o recompense_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v to_o be_v sometime_o think_v of_o in_o your_o prayer_n that_o i_o may_v become_v serious_o i_o own_o disciple_n and_o learn_v by_o this_o book_n to_o pray_v as_o you_o do_v and_o that_o this_o work_n may_v invite_v the_o reader_n whoever_o they_o be_v only_o to_o make_v a_o trial_n though_o at_o first_o but_o even_o out_o of_o curiosity_n whether_o we_o have_v boast_v too_o large_o of_o the_o treasure_n here_o expose_v this_o if_o through_o the_o divine_a assistance_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o many_o unaware_o to_o themselves_o will_v become_v convert_v not_o only_o to_o piety_n but_o even_o to_o catholic_n truth_n and_o unity_n and_o sure_o none_o will_v suspect_v that_o any_o danger_n can_v come_v from_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n madam_n and_o rr._n dd._n douai_n this_o 23._o of_o july_n 1657._o your_o servant_n in_o our_o lord_n most_o humble_o devote_a br._n serenus_n cressy_n the_o second_o volume_n of_o instruction_n for_o a_o contemplative_a life_n contain_v a_o three_o treatise_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o treatise_n of_o prayer_n the_o first_o section_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_a and_o the_o general_a division_n of_o it_o chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2_o 3._o 4._o of_o prayer_n in_o general_a what_o it_o be_v §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a &_o most_o necessary_a of_o all_o duty_n §_o 9_o 10._o the_o division_n of_o prayer_n into_o vocal_a and_o mental_a improper_a the_o whole_a employment_n of_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n have_v be_v by_o i_o comprehend_v under_o two_o duty_n to_o wit_n mortification_n and_o prayer_n concern_v the_o former_a mortification_n we_o have_v discourse_v large_o in_o the_o precedent_a treatise_n we_o be_v now_o henceforward_a to_o treat_v of_o the_o other_o most_o noble_a &_o divine_a instrument_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v prayer_n by_o which_o and_o in_o which_o alone_o we_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o all_o our_o endeavour_n the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o redemption_n to_o wit_n union_n with_o god_n in_o which_o alone_o consist_v our_o happiness_n &_o perfection_n 2._o by_o prayer_n in_o this_o place_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v petition_n or_o supplication_n which_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n be_v exercise_v principal_o by_o the_o understanding_n be_v a_o signification_n of_o what_o the_o person_n desire_v to_o receive_v from_o god_n but_o prayer_n here_o especial_o mean_v be_v rather_o a_o offering_n and_o give_v to_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o may_v just_o require_v from_o we_o that_o be_v all_o duty_n love_n obedience_n &c_n &c_n and_o it_o be_v principal_o yea_o almost_o only_o exercise_v by_o the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n 3._o now_o prayer_n in_o this_o general_a notion_n may_v be_v define_v to_o be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god_n or_o more_o large_o &_o express_o thus_o prayer_n be_v a_o affectuous_a actuation_n of_o a_o intellective_a soul_n towards_o god_n express_v or_o at_o least_o imply_v a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o he_o as_o the_o author_n &_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a a_o will_n &_o readiness_n to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o all_o love_n obedience_n adoration_n glory_n &_o worship_n by_o humble_v and_o annihilate_v of_o herself_o &_o all_o creature_n in_o his_o presence_n and_o last_o a_o desire_n &_o intention_n to_o aspire_v to_o a_o union_n of_o spirit_n with_o he_o 4._o this_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o the_o necessary_a quality_n which_o be_v all_o at_o least_o virtual_o involue_v in_o all_o prayer_n whether_o it_o be_v make_v interior_o in_o the_o soul_n only_o or_o withal_o express_v by_o word_n or_o outward_a sign_n 5._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a &_o most_o divine_a action_n that_o a_o national_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o yea_o it_o be_v the_o only_a principal_a action_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v create_v since_o in_o prayer_n alone_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o action_n &_o duty_n the_o most_o indispensable_o necessary_a 6._o for_o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o which_o necessity_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o only_o in_o prayer_n we_o be_v join_v to_o god_n our_o last_o end_n from_o who_o when_o we_o be_v separate_v we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o wherein_o our_o chief_a misery_n consist_v 2._o that_o by_o prayer_n grace_n &_o all_o good_a be_v obtain_v conserve_v &_o recover_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a no_o good_a can_v be_v have_v but_o by_o recourse_n to_o he_o which_o be_v only_o by_o prayer_n 3._o that_o by_o prayer_n alone_o all_o exterior_a good_a thing_n be_v sanctify_v so_o as_o to_o become_v blessing_n to_o us._n 4._o that_o prayer_n do_v exercise_v all_o virtue_n in_o so_o much_o as_o whatsoever_o good_a action_n be_v perform_v it_o be_v no_o further_o meritorious_a then_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o internal_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n elevate_n &_o direct_v it_o to_o god_n the_o which_o internal_a motion_n be_v prayer_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o prayer_n or_o be_v not_o do_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o action_n of_o mere_a nature_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o action_n with_o which_o sin_n be_v incompatible_a but_o prayer_n we_o may_v lie_v in_o our_o sin_n give_v alm_n fast_o recite_v the_o divine_a office_n communicate_v obey_v our_o superior_n &c_n &c_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o exercise_v true_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o deliberate_o continue_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n because_o by_o prayer_n a_o soul_n be_v convert_v and_o unite_v to_o god_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v avert_v and_o separate_v from_o he_o 6._o that_o by_o prayer_n alone_o approach_v to_o god_n we_o be_v place_v above_o all_o misery_n whereas_o without_o prayer_n the_o least_o calamity_n will_v oppress_v us._n therefore_o prâ—yer_n be_v the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o all_o kind_n of_o affliction_n guilt_n remorse_n etc._n etc._n 7._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o devil_n quarrel_n &_o assault_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o against_o prayer_n the_o which_o if_o he_o can_v extinguish_v he_o have_v all_o that_o he_o aim_v at_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o fruition_n &_o adhesion_n to_o god_n &_o therewith_n from_o all_o good_a and_o hence_o likewise_o it_o be_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o other_o duty_n be_v for_o we_o be_v command_v to_o exercise_v it_o without_o intermission_n oportet_fw-la semper_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o non_fw-la deficere_fw-la we_o must_v needs_o pray_v continual_o &_o never_o give_v over_o 8._o in_o the_o precedent_a description_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o affectuous_a
that_o which_o be_v affective_a for_o as_o for_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n the_o world_n be_v but_o even_o burden_a with_o book_n which_o with_o more_o than_o sufficient_a niceness_n prescribe_v rule_n &_o method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o with_o too_o partial_a a_o affection_n magnify_v it_o the_o author_n of_o such_o book_n neglect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n or_o perhaps_o scarce_o know_v what_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v the_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n that_o immediate_o bring_v soul_n to_o contemplation_n &_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n 3._o some_o there_o be_v that_o because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n &_o mystical_a doctor_n such_o exact_a instruction_n touch_v the_o practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o be_v now_o common_a &_o abound_v in_o the_o church_n do_v therefore_o undervalue_v &_o despise_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n not_o at_o all_o necessary_a but_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a subject_a to_o great_a inconvenience_n expose_v soul_n to_o illusion_n error_n &c_n &c_n and_o therefore_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o do_v only_o recommend_v &_o exact_v vocal_a prayer_n &_o a_o solemn_a protract_a performance_n of_o it_o 4._o notwithstanding_o to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v heedful_o read_v the_o writing_n not_o only_o of_o the_o ancient_a solitary_n but_o likewise_o of_o s._n augustin_n s._n basile_n s._n gregory_n nazianzene_n &_o other_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o both_o know_v and_o practise_v most_o profound_a &_o recollect_v devotion_n internal_o yea_o &_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n &_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o spirit_n sufficient_a proof_n whereof_o shall_v occasional_o hereafter_o be_v insert_v 5._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o they_o have_v not_o deliur_v any_o exact_a method_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o prayer_n the_o which_o in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a or_o at_o least_o not_o at_o all_o needful_a to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n for_o to_o soul_n that_o live_v as_o ancient_o they_o do_v entire_o sequester_v from_o all_o world_o business_n or_o conversation_n in_o continual_a laborious_a &_o penitential_a exercise_n have_v no_o image_n of_o creature_n to_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o much_o less_o any_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o creature_n to_o depress_v they_o from_o mount_v to_o spiritual_a union_n with_o god_n it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o such_o to_o know_v that_o their_o duty_n &_o the_o end_n of_o their_o solitude_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o such_o all_o other_o more_o nice_a or_o particular_a instruction_n will_v have_v prove_v but_o distractive_a &_o intangle_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n though_o he_o ordain_v daily_o conuentuall_a short_a recollection_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o which_o he_o call_v pure_a prayer_n yet_o he_o neither_o interpret_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o such_o prayer_n for_o all_o his_o disciple_n understand_v that_o sufficient_o &_o much_o less_o do_v he_o deliver_v any_o instruction_n how_o to_o exercise_v it_o 6._o but_o in_o these_o day_n in_o which_o religious_a person_n and_o other_o that_o aspire_v to_o spiritual_a contemplation_n do_v either_o want_n the_o mean_n to_o enjoy_v or_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n and_o strength_n to_o support_v such_o solitude_n and_o austerity_n lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o world_n god_n raise_v up_o first_o in_o germany_n master_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n as_o suso_n harphius_n eschius_fw-la thaulerus_n etc._n etc._n in_o former_a time_n and_o more_o late_o in_o spain_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n who_o no_o question_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o the_o grace_n of_o miracle_n confer_v on_o they_o may_v witness_v have_v judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o foresay_a advantage_n by_o add_v a_o certain_a obligation_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o internal_a recollect_v prayer_n prescribe_v order_n &_o time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o they_o have_v likewise_o more_o exact_o discover_v the_o degree_n and_o progress_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o earnest_o do_v they_o exhort_v soul_n to_o a_o diligent_a pursuance_n of_o it_o profess_v that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o essential_a design_n of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a life_n 7._o i_o will_v content_v myself_o in_o this_o place_n to_o express_v the_o ground_n &_o sum_n of_o the_o exhortation_n of_o those_o &_o other_o illuminate_v person_n the_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reviue_n of_o decay_a spirituality_n in_o the_o world_n by_o produce_v a_o passage_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n take_v out_o of_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n in_o for_o 2._o rogat_fw-la which_o be_v this_o ego_fw-la illud_fw-la mihi_fw-la videor_fw-la verissime_fw-la posse_fw-la affirmare_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v this_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v most_o true_o &_o confident_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o without_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o internal_a prayer_n none_o will_v ever_o become_v true_o spiritual_a nor_o attain_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o see_v many_o which_o often_o time_n in_o the_o year_n do_v approach_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n &_o as_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n &_o infirmity_n will_v permit_v do_v with_o sufficient_a diligence_n endeavour_v to_o purge_v away_o all_o the_o stain_n &_o uncleanenes_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o they_o make_v no_o progress_n but_o be_v still_o the_o very_a same_o that_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o confession_n if_o a_o week_n after_o they_o come_v to_o the_o same_o tribunal_n again_o they_o bring_v neither_o few_o nor_o lesser_a fault_n than_o such_o as_o be_v former_o confess_v yea_o without_o offend_v against_o truth_n i_o may_v add_v some_o what_o more_o strange_a than_o all_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o see_v sometime_o religious_a person_n &_o not_o a_o few_o priest_n which_o by_o their_o vocation_n &_o habit_n profess_v sanctity_n &_o moreover_o do_v assiduous_o read_v divine_a scripture_n &_o book_n of_o piety_n they_o do_v often_o if_o not_o daily_o celebrate_v the_o most_o holy_a sacrifice_n they_o have_v neither_o wife_n nor_o child_n but_o be_v free_a from_o all_o care_n &_o sollicitude_n which_o may_v distract_v they_o from_o a_o continual_a attendance_n to_o divine_a thing_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o they_o be_v so_o veyd_v of_o all_o devotion_n &_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o cold_a in_o divine_a love_n &_o so_o earnest_a in_o the_o love_n of_o secular_a vanity_n so_o replenish_v with_o impatience_n envy_n &_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n that_o they_o seem_v not_o one_o iott_n to_o differ_v from_o secular_a person_n whole_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n now_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o serious_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o exercise_n of_o introversion_n but_o only_o esteem_v &_o regard_v the_o exterior_a &c_n &c_n thus_o far_o be_v the_o word_n &_o too_o just_a complaint_n of_o the_o learned_a &_o pious_a cardinal_n 8._o the_o which_o with_o very_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v further_o extend_v even_o to_o those_o religious_a who_o by_o their_o profession_n ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n &_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o true_a way_n thereto_o erroneous_o believe_v that_o by_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o outward_a observance_n &_o the_o solemn_a say_n of_o the_o office_n adjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o internal_a discursive_a prayer_n do_v yet_o find_v but_o little_a fruit_n as_o to_o any_o interior_a reformation_n or_o simplification_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o rest_v in_o such_o active_a exercise_n which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o solitary_a liver_n lose_v all_o their_o virtue_n &_o do_v not_o from_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o true_o enlighten_v exercise_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n which_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o will_v by_o good_a affection_n quiet_o &_o calm_o produce_v &_o not_o with_o the_o understanding_n a_o prayer_n make_v without_o those_o distract_n method_n or_o that_o busy_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o weary_v of_o the_o soul_n by_o laborious_a discourse_n which_o be_v only_o inferior_a &_o imperfect_a preparation_n to_o true_a prayer_n 9_o now_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n we_o will_v add_v certain_a virtue_n benefit_n &_o preeminence_n thereof_o compare_v with_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o
from_o your_o labour_n succeed_v what_o may_v succeed_v though_o it_o cost_v never_o so_o great_a a_o price_n &_o never_o so_o much_o travel_v let_v who_o will_v murmur_v at_o it_o whether_o we_o attain_v to_o it_o or_o die_v in_o the_o way_n although_o the_o heart_n faint_a and_o break_v asunder_o with_o the_o excessive_a pain_n undergo_v for_o it_o yea_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n against_o it_o and_o will_v fright_v we_o with_o tell_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n the_o four_o section_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n of_o contemplation_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o of_o contemplation_n in_o general_a what_o it_o be_v §_o 3._o 4._o contemplation_n be_v twofold_a viz_o first_o philosophical_a of_o which_o there_o be_v several_a sort_n §_o 5._o 6._o &c_n &c_n second_o mystical_a what_o it_o be_v §_o 9_o mystic_a contemplation_n or_o union_n be_v 1._o active_a 2._o passive_a §_o 10._o 11._o etc._n etc._n of_o active_a mystic_a union_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o whether_o the_o internal_a sense_n be_v use_v in_o it_o etc._n etc._n §_o 16._o a_o mistake_n of_o some_o concern_v this_o contemplation_n §_o 17._o 18._o the_o divine_a excellency_n of_o it_o §_o 19_o 20._o whether_o there_o be_v several_a state_n of_o it_o hitherto_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o devout_a soul_n have_v be_v exceed_o laborious_a in_o which_o she_o have_v be_v oblige_v to_o use_v force_n and_o constraint_n more_o or_o less_o upon_o herself_o to_o elevate_v the_o will_n above_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o to_o apply_v it_o unto_o god_n she_o have_v struggle_v through_o terrible_a opposition_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o instability_n of_o the_o imagination_n tumultuosnes_n of_o passion_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o will_v hinder_v her_o perseverance_n in_o her_o recollection_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o pursue_v they_o still_o sometime_o in_o light_n and_o sometime_o in_o darkness_n sometime_o allure_v by_o sweetness_n and_o again_o sometime_o afflict_v but_o not_o discourage_v with_o desolation_n in_o the_o end_n god_n crown_n her_o courage_n and_o patience_n by_o exalt_v she_o to_o a_o new_a more_o perfect_a and_o divine_a exercise_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o union_n or_o contemplation_n 2._o contemplation_n in_o the_o accept_v general_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n signify_v a_o clear_a ready_a mental_a see_v &_o quiet_a regard_n of_o a_o object_n be_v the_o result_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o precedent_n diligent_a and_o laborious_a enquiry_n &_o search_n after_o the_o nature_n quality_n dependence_n and_o other_o circumstantial_a condition_n of_o it_o 3._o now_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n contemplate_v and_o the_o disposition_n or_o end_n of_o the_o person_n contemplate_v there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o contemplation_n at_o least_o so_o call_v for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n ancient_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o false_a contemplation_n which_o we_o may_v call_v philosophical_a practise_v by_o some_o learned_a heathen_n of_o old_a and_o imitate_v by_o some_o in_o these_o day_n which_o have_v for_o its_o last_o and_o best_a end_n only_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n &_o a_o delightful_a complacency_n in_o it_o other_o there_o be_v &_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v still_o that_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o airy_a vain_a renown_n which_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v by_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o contemplation_n whether_o thing_n natural_a moral_a yea_o or_o even_o divine_a as_o far_o as_o by_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n or_o tradition_n they_o can_v be_v know_v self-love_n &_o pride_n be_v the_o utmost_a end_n of_o all_o these_o contemplatour_n yea_o to_o this_o rank_n of_o philosophical_a contemplatour_n may_v be_v refer_v those_o scholastic_a wit_n which_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o study_n and_o subtle_a examination_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v not_o for_o their_o end_n the_o increase_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o their_o heart_n nay_o these_o be_v indeed_o more_o imperfect_a and_o culpable_a say_v albertus_n magnus_fw-la lib._n de_fw-fr adhaer_fw-mi deo_fw-la in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o offend_v against_o a_o great_a and_o supernatural_a light_n 4._o yea_o &_o those_o among_o they_o that_o do_v true_o intend_v as_o their_o last_o and_o principal_a end_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o seek_v his_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v the_o best_a sort_n of_o scholastic_a contemplative_n yet_o since_o their_o chief_a employment_n consist_v in_o much_o internal_a discourse_n and_o reason_v which_o can_v be_v practise_v without_o various_a &_o distinct_a sensible_a image_n by_o which_o to_o represent_v god_n etc._n etc._n the_o knowledge_n with_o they_o attain_v to_o be_v not_o proper_o contemplative_a &_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o prayer_n that_o they_o arrive_v unto_o be_v only_o a_o perfect_a kind_n of_o meditation_n 5._o in_o the_o second_o place_n there_o be_v a_o mystic_a contemplation_n which_o be_v indeed_o true_o and_o proper_o such_o by_o which_o a_o soul_n without_o discourse_n &_o curious_a speculation_n without_o any_o perceptible_a use_n of_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o sensible_a image_n by_o a_o pure_a simple_a &_o reposefull_a operation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n simple_o regard_v god_n as_o infinite_a &_o incomprehensible_a verity_n &_o with_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o will_n rest_v in_o he_o as_o her_z infinite_a universal_a &_o incomprehensible_a good_a this_o be_v true_a contemplation_n indeed_o and_o as_o rest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o motion_n so_o be_v this_o the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o both_o internal_a &_o externall_n exercise_n for_o therefore_o by_o long_a discourse_n &_o much_o practice_n of_o affection_n the_o soul_n inquire_v &_o tend_v to_o a_o worthy_a object_n that_o she_o may_v quiet_o contemplate_v it_o &_o if_o it_o deserve_v affection_n repose_v which_o contentment_n in_o it_o 6._o so_o it_o be_v in_o prayer_n the_o soul_n aspire_v to_o a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n as_o yet_o absent_a begin_v with_o enquiry_n by_o meditation_n for_o as_o s._n augustin_n say_v intellectus_fw-la cogitabundus_fw-la principium_fw-la omnis_fw-la boni_fw-la that_o be_v all_o good_a proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n as_o its_o first_o principle_n by_o meditation_n the_o soul_n labour_v to_o represent_v this_o divine_a object_n with_o all_o the_o sensible_a advantage_n &_o motive_n of_o admiration_n and_o of_o love_n that_o it_o can_v invent_v to_o the_o end_n the_o will_n by_o pure_a love_n may_v rest_v in_o he_o but_o this_o be_v do_v the_o will_n be_v not_o yet_o at_o free_a liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o itself_o be_v force_v with_o some_o violence_n to_o untwine_v &_o withdraw_v its_o adhesion_n from_o creature_n that_o it_o may_v elevate_v itself_o &_o be_v firm_o fix_v to_o this_o her_o only_a good_n and_o at_o last_o by_o long_a custom_n the_o force_n by_o little_a &_o little_a diminish_n the_o object_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o own_o perfect_a light_n and_o the_o affection_n flow_v free_o but_o yet_o with_o a_o wonderful_a stillnes_n to_o it_o and_o then_o such_o soul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v arrive_v to_o perfect_a mystical_a union_n or_o contemplation_n 7._o this_o be_v proper_o the_o exercise_n of_o angel_n for_o their_o knowledge_n be_v not_o by_o discourse_n but_o by_o one_o simple_a intuition_n all_o object_n be_v represent_v to_o their_o view_v at_o once_o with_o all_o their_o nature_n quality_n relation_n dependence_n &_o effect_n but_o man_n that_o receive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n first_o from_o his_o sense_n can_v only_o by_o effect_n &_o outward_a appearance_n with_o the_o labour_n of_o reason_v collect_v the_o nature_n of_o object_n &_o this_o but_o imperfect_o but_o his_o reason_v be_v end_v than_o he_o can_v at_o once_o contemplate_v all_o that_o be_v know_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o object_n 8._o now_o in_o holy_a scripture_n our_o chief_a happiness_n &_o perfection_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v like_a unto_o angel_n both_o in_o our_o knowledge_n &_o love_n for_o we_o shall_v as_o they_o have_v a_o perfect_a view_v &_o contemplatton_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o create_a form_n &_o representation_n and_o so_o beatifical_a shall_v that_o contemplation_n be_v that_o it_o will_v for_o ever_o ingulfe_a all_o our_o affection_n but_o in_o this_o life_n our_o perfection_n will_v consist_v in_o approach_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v to_o such_o a_o angelical_a contemplation_n of_o god_n without_o sensible_a form_n &_o as_o he_o be_v indeed_o propose_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o proper_o represent_v but_o obscure_a notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v he_o by_o which_o we_o do_v perceive_v that_o he_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v perceive_v or_o
which_o in_o some_o soul_n during_o this_o exercise_n flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o inferior_a nature_n he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o iniect_v his_o bait_n a_o humble_a and_o perfect_o mortify_a soul_n will_v easy_o turn_v his_o malice_n to_o her_o own_o good_a and_o the_o enemy_n confusion_n 25._o three_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o it_o be_v before_o all_o be_v paint_v with_o image_n of_o creature_n yea_o when_o it_o regard_v god_n it_o see_v he_o by_o a_o image_n of_o its_o own_o create_v now_o the_o soul_n lose_v all_o remembrance_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o all_o that_o she_o retain_v of_o god_n be_v a_o remembrance_n that_o he_o can_v be_v see_v nor_o comprehend_v all_o creature_n therefore_o be_v remove_v and_o no_o particular_a distinct_a image_n of_o god_n admit_v there_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o nothing_n and_o mere_a emptiness_n the_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n this_o nothing_o be_v the_o rich_a inheritance_n of_o perfect_a soul_n who_o perceive_v clear_o that_o god_n be_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v comprehend_v by_o our_o sense_n or_o understanding_n the_o state_n therefore_o of_o such_o soul_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v knowledge_n be_v worthy_o call_v the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a and_o the_o cloud_n of_o forget_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o sublime_a treatise_n so_o call_v and_o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o most_o angelical_a know_v that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n now_o this_o perception_n of_o this_o nothing_o do_v appear_v more_o clear_o and_o comfortable_o the_o long_o that_o a_o soul_n remain_v under_o this_o cloud_n &_o darkness_n where_o god_n dwell_v be_v for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v this_o darkness_n be_v immediate_o under_o his_o foot_n this_o knowledge_n of_o nothing_o be_v by_o f._n benet_n canfield_n call_v a_o active_a annihilation_n 26._o four_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o will_n it_o be_v in_o this_o exercise_n so_o whole_o possess_v and_o inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o do_v so_o intime_o prenetrate_v into_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v become_v like_o fiery_a burn_a steel_n clean_a through_o shine_v with_o this_o fire_n it_o be_v now_o a_o will_n deiforme_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n deify_v for_o it_o be_v so_o close_o unite_v and_o hide_a in_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o she_o 27._o five_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a person_n till_o a_o soul_n be_v arrive_v unto_o this_o exercise_n she_o never_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a possession_n of_o all_o virtue_n universal_o they_o be_v indeed_o all_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n and_o with_o much_o mixture_n of_o natural_a sensual_a end_n produce_v by_o the_o former_a exercise_n and_o if_o some_o special_a virtue_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n it_o be_v either_o because_o nature_n dispose_v more_o to_o they_o or_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o may_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o some_o design_n of_o nature_n but_o assoon_o as_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n divine_a love_n be_v far_o more_o perfect_o exercise_v the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o sin_n self_n love_n be_v destroy_v &_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v practise_v to_o god_n for_o himself_o only_o and_o only_o by_o his_o instruction_n and_o motion_n the_o divine_a love_n that_o the_o soul_n exercise_v before_o be_v immediate_o upon_o herself_o with_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o not_o direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o or_o if_o so_o sometime_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o reflection_n upon_o herself_o but_o in_o aspiration_n she_o exercise_n love_v only_o to_o god_n himself_o without_o reflection_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v but_o by_o soul_n perfect_o mortify_v be_v the_o high_a mystic_a contemplation_n possible_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o alphonsus_n madriliensis_n say_v a_o soul_n be_v never_o able_a to_o to_o produce_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o love_n to_o god_n till_o she_o have_v first_o get_v a_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o herself_o which_o be_v the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o mortification_n the_o which_o once_o attain_v she_o be_v ripe_a for_o a_o passive_a union_n and_o perhaps_o at_o the_o very_a door_n of_o it_o 28._o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o likewise_o barbanson_n do_v with_o great_a reason_n teach_v that_o after_o a_o soul_n be_v mount_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o exercise_v love_n constant_o by_o aspiration_n she_o be_v not_o in_o any_o difficulty_n aridity_n &c_n &c_n to_o descend_v to_o any_o inferior_a exercise_n herein_o differ_v from_o f._n benet_n canfield_n and_o some_o other_o who_o require_v some_o exercise_n of_o the_o passion_n in_o all_o estate_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o union_n to_o wit_n passive_a §_o 3._o 4._o &c_n &c_n of_o several_a sort_n of_o passive_a union_n and_o first_o of_o such_o as_o be_v sensible_a exterior_o or_o interior_o §_o 6._o 7._o &c_n &c_n of_o rapt_n and_o ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n §_o 9_o 10._o &c_n &c_n rule_n of_o discern_v true_a ecstasy_n &_o apparition_n from_o false_a §_o 22._o 23._o &c_n &c_n how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o with_o humility_n &_o disaffection_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a favour_n §_o 26._o 27._o &c_n &c_n in_o what_o case_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o prudent_a director_n be_v necessary_a §_o 36._o 37._o &c_n &c_n in_o what_o case_n some_o soul_n may_v follow_v theâ—â—_n own_o light_n §_o 39_o 40._o in_o what_o sense_n ecstasy_n be_v supernatural_a 1._o hitherto_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o perfect_a active_a union_n or_o contemplation_n i_o call_v it_o perfect_a because_o though_o in_o every_o degree_n of_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a degree_n of_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n â—et_o perfect_a union_n be_v only_o in_o this_o of_o aspiration_n but_o so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v increase_v in_o degree_n and_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o immediate_a without_o all_o limit_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o increase_v it_o will_v never_o exceed_v that_o obscure_a light_n which_o faith_n afford_v which_o be_v the_o perfect_a light_n that_o we_o can_v have_v in_o this_o life_n for_o to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o future_a life_n now_o though_o even_o the_o most_o imperfect_a have_v this_o light_n of_o faith_n yet_o in_o their_o inferior_a contemplation_n they_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v use_n of_o and_o follow_v their_o natural_a light_n regard_v such_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o god_n as_o they_o frame_v in_o their_o imagination_n or_o by_o discourse_n but_o in_o perfect_a contemplation_n this_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a light_n 2._o but_o beside_o these_o active_a union_n there_o be_v other_o union_n and_o contemplation_n which_o be_v passive_a and_o extraordinary_a by_o which_o god_n reveile_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o supernatural_a species_n impress_v in_o she_o in_o which_o he_o be_v the_o only_a agent_n and_o she_o the_o patient_n not_o as_o if_o when_o a_o soul_n do_v contemplate_v god_n she_o be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n active_a but_o because_o by_o no_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v use_v can_v she_o assure_o procure_v they_o but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v gracious_o to_o communicate_v they_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v out_o of_o her_o own_o disposal_n and_o do_v and_o must_v see_v &_o think_v only_o what_o god_n will_v have_v she_o and_o this_o no_o long_o than_o his_o good_a pleasure_n be_v such_o 3._o now_o such_o supernatural_a grace_n be_v either_o 1._o sensible_n or_o 2._o pure_o intellectual_a the_o former_a be_v the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o least_o efficacious_a to_o cause_v a_o gracious_a good_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o receive_v they_o 4._o of_o sensible_a union_n the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o least_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o be_v 1._o those_o which_o by_o god_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o apparition_n visible_a to_o the_o eye_n word_n frame_v in_o the_o air_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n alteration_n make_v in_o the_o other_o sense_n as_o in_o the_o smell_n by_o a_o grateful_a odour_n present_v thereto_o in_o the_o palate_n by_o a_o pleasant_a taste_n cause_v therein_o etc._n etc._n of_o which_o kind_n of_o favour_n diverse_a example_n occur_v in_o spiritual_a author_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o gift_n of_o tear_n warmth_n about_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o sensible_a favour_n a_o