with_o grace_n excite_v itself_o to_o these_o act_n of_o love_n and_o simple_a contemplation_n of_o which_o practice_n thus_o st._n bernard_n de_fw-fr interiori_fw-la domo_fw-la c._n 14._o jam_fw-la fortasse_fw-la ascendisti_fw-la jam_fw-la ad_fw-la cor_fw-la tuum_fw-la rediisti_fw-la &_o ibi_fw-la stare_n didicisti_fw-la nec_fw-la hoc_fw-la sufficiat_fw-la tibi_fw-la disce_fw-la habitare_fw-la &_o mansionem_fw-la facere_fw-la &_o qualicunque_fw-la mentis_fw-la vagatione_fw-la abstractus_fw-la fueris_fw-la illuc_fw-la semper_fw-la redire_fw-la festina_fw-la absque_fw-la dubio_fw-la per_fw-la multum_fw-la usum_fw-la quandoque_fw-la tibi_fw-la vertetur_fw-la in_o oblectamentum_fw-la in_o tantum_fw-la ut_fw-la absque_fw-la ullâ_fw-la laboris_fw-la difficultate_fw-la possis_fw-la ibi_fw-la assiduus_fw-la esse_fw-la quin_fw-la imo_fw-la poena_fw-la potius_fw-la tibi_fw-la sit_fw-la alibi_fw-la quam_fw-la ibi_fw-la moram_fw-la aliquam_fw-la facere_fw-la thou_o have_v now_o perhaps_o ascend_v thou_o have_v now_o return_v to_o thy_o heart_n and_o have_v learn_v to_o stand_v there_o nor_o let_v this_o suffice_v thou_o learn_v to_o dwell_v learn_v to_o make_v thy_o abode_n there_o and_o with_o whatever_o wander_v of_o mind_n thou_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v make_v haste_n always_o to_o return_v thither_o without_o doubt_n by_o much_o use_n it_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v turn_v to_o delight_n to_o thou_o insomuch_o that_o without_o any_o laborious_a difficulty_n thou_o may_v be_v there_o continual_o yea_o rather_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pain_n to_o thou_o to_o make_v any_o stay_v any_o where_o else_o than_o there_o thus_o he_o yet_o be_v the_o soul_n not_o direct_v here_o to_o remain_v idle_a stupid_a or_o unactive_a but_o to_o return_v to_o its_o wont_a meditation_n and_o if_o neither_o fit_o dispose_v for_o these_o to_o vocal_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n or_o also_o to_o read_v when_o the_o sweetness_n of_o such_o contemplation_n cease_v §_o 28._o devout_a soul_n advance_v hitherto_o be_v direct_v and_o provoke_v to_o yet_o much_o high_a flight_n and_o by_o their_o continue_a devotion_n to_o prosecute_v a_o further_a fruition_n of_o that_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o this_o purpose_n for_o their_o encouragement_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o person_n experience_v therein_o the_o many_o rich_a reward_n of_o prayer_n the_o supernatural_a elevation_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o advance_v some_o soul_n to_o who_o have_v be_v much_o practise_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o the_o more_o free_a and_o familiar_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o in_o several_a manner_n mention_v before_o wherein_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o now_o act_v so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o great_a quietness_n silence_n and_o rest_n of_o its_o former_a natural_a operation_n be_v more_o immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o a_o more_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o who_o sometime_o with_o the_o touch_v and_o influence_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n do_v illuminate_v inflame_v and_o ravish_v the_o soul_n and_o cause_v in_o it_o a_o ineffable_a and_o transport_v delight_n in_o contemplate_v what_o be_v show_v to_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n perceive_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o ardent_a love_n and_o this_o supernatural_o infuse_v when_o also_o be_v communicate_v to_o it_o many_o time_n celestial_a secret_n and_o divine_a mystery_n and_o future_a event_n by_o internal_a word_n and_o revelation_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v receive_v by_o it_o with_o a_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o attention_n and_o cessation_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o its_o faculty_n sensitive_a or_o intellectual_a nor_o seem_v it_o in_o its_o own_o disposal_n whilst_o it_o have_v these_o touch_v but_o both_o do_v and_o must_v see_v and_o think_v only_o what_o his_o divine_a majesty_n will_v have_v it_o and_o this_o only_a so_o long_o as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o any_o art_n or_o industry_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v attain_v or_o procure_v when_o she_o will_v but_o all_o be_v supernatural_a and_o as_o well_o above_o the_o operation_n of_o common_a grace_n in_o we_o as_o of_o reason_n in_o which_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a divine_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o experience_a also_o observe_v two_o sort_n of_o motion_n in_o it_o either_o a_o very_a intimate_a retreat_n and_o recollection_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o exterior_a object_n as_o it_o be_v into_o some_o interior_a part_n of_o itself_o remove_v from_o the_o thought_n or_o remembrace_v of_o creature_n or_o worldly_a thing_n which_o be_v often_o join_v with_o a_o retire_v also_o of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v sometime_o in_o such_o recollection_n without_o sense_n motion_n or_o heat_v alienatio_fw-la mentis_fw-la à _fw-la sensibus_fw-la corporis_fw-la s._n augustin_n in_o psal_n 67._o call_v it_o ut_fw-la spiritui_fw-la quod_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la est_fw-la demonstretur_fw-la such_o perhaps_o be_v that_o ecstasy_n of_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n rev._n 1.10_o or_o 2._o a_o elevation_n rapt_v or_o flight_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v above_o itself_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o depart_v present_o out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o person_n to_o suffer_v a_o present_a dissolution_n avolatio_fw-la mentis_fw-la as_o s._n bernard_n express_v it_o such_o seem_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 12._o §_o 29._o these_o thing_n be_v not_o handle_v as_o rule_n of_o devotion_n but_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o as_o thing_n only_o in_o god_n not_o our_o power_n yet_o be_v these_o rich_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o pregustation_n of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v recommend_v to_o signify_v the_o many_o noble_a effect_n and_o powerful_a influence_n which_o such_o favour_n have_v upon_o those_o who_o receive_v they_o as_o to_o the_o complete_n they_o in_o all_o christian_a perfection_n that_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n all_o these_o divine_a inaction_n tend_v still_o to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o to_o the_o wound_a it_o more_o deep_o with_o the_o love_n and_o long_v after_o he_o and_o after_o the_o suffer_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o alacrity_n for_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v receive_v dispose_v we_o still_o to_o other_o high_o if_o the_o soul_n correspond_v to_o they_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o i_o persevere_v say_v s._n bernard_n in_o cant._n serm._n 69._o speak_v of_o these_o favour_n to_o correspond_v to_o this_o condescension_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v with_o meet_a affection_n and_o action_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o i_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v ever_o make_v their_o abide_v with_o i_o we_o be_v also_o tell_v that_o though_o upon_o no_o preparation_n and_o predisposition_n in_o we_o whatever_o such_o favour_n do_v necessary_o follow_v yet_o without_o these_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o grant_v they_o that_o active_a contemplation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o passive_a and_o that_o though_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o rare_a and_o give_v to_o few_o yet_o in_o some_o inferior_a degree_n they_o be_v communicate_v to_o many_o and_o however_o that_o a_o active_a contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n by_o love_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o the_o great_a advancement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n gain_v thereby_o if_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o no_o high_a thing_n of_o which_o true_a humility_n always_o esteem_v its_o self_n unworthy_a be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n in_o this_o world_n for_o any_o pain_n of_o we_o in_o purge_v of_o our_o life_n and_o close_a attendance_n on_o god_n in_o solitude_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v undertake_v for_o it_o last_o since_o such_o christian_a perfection_n chief_o contain_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o on_o high_a knowledge_n or_o speculation_n therefore_o it_o be_v recommend_v as_o attainable_a by_o all_o sex_n and_o condition_n and_o all_o be_v equal_o encourage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o contemplation_n as_o s._n gregory_n observe_v in_o ezek._n hom_n 17._o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o high_a and_o not_o give_v to_o the_o low_a but_o this_o do_v often_o the_o high_a and_o often_o the_o low_a more_o often_o those_o who_o be_v remote_a that_o be_v from_o worldly_a care_n but_o sometime_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n receive_v §_o 30_o 31._o more_o of_o this_o he_o have_v afterward_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v as_o follow_v of_o the_o step_n in_o order_n to_o the_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o this_o life_n arrive_v to_o mention_v in_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n p._n 32._o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o way_n of_o external_n and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o
impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o happiness_n by_o divine_a love_n humility_n and_o resignation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o vital_a touch_n and_o sense_n be_v a_o thing_n possible_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o heaven_n that_o glory_n be_v begin_v in_o grace_n and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v some_o excellent_a soul_n the_o happy_a antepast_n that_o holy_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n have_v seek_v and_o glory_v in_o this_o enjoyment_n and_o never_o complain_v so_o sore_o as_o when_o it_o be_v withhold_v and_o interrupt_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n run_v infinite_o this_o way_n and_o the_o best_a of_o modern_a good_a man_n do_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o that_o this_o spiritualize_v religion_n and_o render_v its_o enjoyment_n more_o comfortable_a and_o delicious_a that_o it_o keep_v the_o soul_n under_o a_o vivid_fw-la sense_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o grand_a security_n against_o temptation_n that_o it_o hold_v it_o steady_a amid_o the_o flattery_n of_o a_o prosperous_a state_n and_o give_v it_o the_o most_o ground_a anchorage_n and_o support_v amid_o the_o wave_n of_o a_o adverse_a condition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n i_o say_v i_o consider_v these_o weighty_a thing_n and_o wonder_v at_o the_o carelessness_n and_o prejudice_n of_o thought_n that_o occasion_v my_o suspect_v the_o reality_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o privilege_n i_o see_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v in_o deny_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n because_o ourselves_o do_v not_o feel_v they_o or_o can_v form_v a_o apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o thing_n of_o gust_n and_o relish_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o sentient_a and_o vital_a faculty_n and_o not_o by_o the_o noetical_a exercise_n of_o speculative_a understanding_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o believe_v infinite_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n afford_v its_o sensible_a presence_n and_o immediate_a beatific_a touch_n to_o some_o rare_a soul_n who_o be_v divest_v of_o carnal_a self_n and_o mundane_a pleasure_n abstract_v from_o the_o body_n by_o prayer_n and_o holy_a meditation_n spiritual_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o calm_a in_o their_o affection_n devout_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o tender_o affectionate_a to_o all_o the_o world_n sincere_a in_o their_o aim_n and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o action_n enlarge_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_a in_o their_o mind_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o disposition_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a communion_n and_o god_n transact_v not_o in_o this_o near_a way_n but_o with_o prepare_a spirit_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o influence_n and_o such_o i_o believe_v he_o never_o fail_v to_o bless_v with_o these_o happy_a fore-tasts_a of_o glory_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o conceit_a turbulent_a and_o notional_a confident_a and_o immodest_a imperious_a and_o malicious_a that_o dote_v upon_o trifle_n and_o run_v fierce_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n and_o scorn_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o such_o i_o say_v be_v their_o pretension_n what_o they_o will_v to_o divine_a communion_n illapse_n and_o discovery_n i_o believe_v they_o not_o their_o fancy_n abuse_v they_o or_o they_o will_v we_o for_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o with_o those_o who_o genius_n and_o way_n be_v so_o unlike_o he_o but_o the_o other_o excellent_a soul_n i_o describe_v will_v as_o certain_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o converse_n as_o the_o crystalline_a stream_n be_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n or_o the_o fit_o prepare_a earth_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o will_v be_v actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n of_o no_o mean_a learning_n and_o part_n and_o authority_n too_o among_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o reckon_v the_o despise_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o operation_n now_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o idolatry_n of_o old_a and_o afterward_o by_o reject_v of_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o come_n and_o yet_o in_o detestation_n of_o enthusiasm_n utter_o abandon_v all_o impulse_n and_o motion_n to_o thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o name_n of_o irrational_a impression_n and_o violent_a inclination_n and_o what_o some_o man_n intend_v by_o impulse_n he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o indeed_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o such_o thing_n reject_v they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o do_v they_o thereby_o only_o hurt_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o just_a punishment_n but_o such_o confident_a assertion_n in_o print_n may_v not_o only_o be_v hurtful_a to_o man_n but_o also_o injurious_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o man_n conceit_n the_o jew_n heretofore_o have_v the_o favour_n to_o inquire_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v answer_n and_o direction_n in_o their_o special_a exigence_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o allow_v that_o favour_n now_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n then_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n now_o be_v as_o the_o latter_a jew_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a state_n nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v any_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v not_o have_v some_o such_o mean_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a oracle_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n by_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o our_o profession_n do_v require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly-minded_n it_o do_v therefore_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o if_o god_n do_v not_o answer_v we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o saul_n when_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o dishonour_v our_o profession_n by_o argue_v against_o the_o truth_n to_o cover_v our_o shame_n and_o since_o the_o lord_n ear_n be_v not_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v whether_o our_o sin_n have_v not_o interpose_v between_o our_o god_n and_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v certain_o we_o often_o need_v a_o wisdom_n more_o than_o humane_a in_o many_o case_n wherein_o the_o general_a prescript_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o may_v not_o be_v expedient_a so_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a or_o necessary_a which_o may_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o write_a word_n and_o to_o the_o successful_a performance_n of_o acknowledge_a duty_n certain_a circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o due_o observe_v all_o endeavour_n will_v be_v frustrate_a and_o all_o these_o expedience_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o frequent_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o mortal_n without_o some_o notice_n from_o more_o intelligent_a being_n if_o therefore_o the_o all-seeing_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v please_v either_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mediate_o by_o any_o of_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o afford_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n to_o such_o mortal_n as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o the_o same_o if_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v please_v by_o any_o secret_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n or_o other_o notice_n to_o conduct_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n though_o without_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o subjection_n of_o his_o intellect_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o who_o after_o competent_a experience_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o such_o notice_n will_v certain_o incur_v sin_n more_o or_o less_o and_o just_o deserve_v correction_n so_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o impiety_n against_o that_o holy_a majesty_n and_o mischief_n to_o man_n to_o raise_v among_o they_o any_o scandal_n or_o prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o thereupon_o
like_o must_v necessary_o be_v join_v with_o like_a p._n 9_o the_o same_o which_o i_o have_v say_v of_o pythagoras_n may_v in_o effect_n be_v say_v of_o socrates_n also_o both_o as_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o to_o his_o travel_n for_o acquire_v of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o to_o his_o principle_n from_o the_o observation_n and_o confession_n of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o mystic_a theology_n they_o be_v scholar_n in_o the_o same_o school_n and_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n as_o do_v plato_n also_o from_o thence_o and_o from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o may_v dispatch_v this_o in_o a_o few_o observation_n of_o what_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o have_v as_o clear_a notion_n as_o any_o touch_a god_n his_o nature_n unity_n and_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v unto_o but_o by_o some_o borrow_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o assert_v that_o virtue_n be_v neither_o by_o nature_n nor_o by_o teach_v but_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n come_v by_o divine_a infusion_n and_o call_v god_n his_o tutor_n that_o while_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o corporal_a image_n sensible_a form_n and_o terrene_a affection_n he_o be_v not_o right_o dispose_v for_o divine_a contemplation_n which_o require_v a_o mind_n defecate_v etc._n etc._n that_o divine_a thing_n and_o mystery_n can_v be_v comprehend_v but_o by_o a_o refine_a judgement_n by_o such_o as_o have_v their_o soul_n abstract_v from_o all_o corporal_a image_n impression_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o man_n shall_v be_v very_a intent_n on_o get_v a_o reform_a life_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v exonerate_v of_o its_o depress_v lust_n might_n by_o a_o natural_a vigour_n lift_v up_o itself_o to_o eternal_o and_o by_o that_o purity_n of_o intelligence_n contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o eternal_a incommunicable_a light_n where_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o create_a nature_n live_v in_o stability_n v._o aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 8._o c._n 3._o and_o as_o to_o his_o own_o life_n that_o he_o institute_v his_o whole_a life_n even_o from_o his_o childhood_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o he_o call_v a_o daemon_n a_o voice_n a_o sign_n and_o that_o plato_n report_v of_o he_o that_o he_o stand_v a_o whole_a day_n without_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o same_o posture_n his_o mind_n be_v abstract_v with_o pure_a contemplation_n and_o that_o favorinus_n in_o a._n gellius_n say_v that_o he_o do_v this_o often_o and_o now_o to_o return_v to_o our_o principal_a author_n and_o the_o word_n of_o plato_n in_o he_o which_o be_v these_o be_v often_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o contemplation_n my_o body_n be_v leave_v behind_o i_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v the_o chief_a good_a with_o incredible_a pleasure_n wherefore_o i_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v astonish_v find_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n and_o to_o have_v obtain_v immortality_n with_o the_o clear_a light_n which_o can_v be_v express_v with_o word_n nor_o hear_v with_o ear_n nor_o understand_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o then_o he_o describe_v the_o sadness_n he_o feel_v at_o the_o decay_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n and_o the_o pleasure_n which_o return_v with_o his_o former_a ecstasy_n the_o word_n be_v at_o last_o my_o intellect_n be_v weary_v with_o this_o contemplation_n fall_v back_o into_o fantasy_n and_o then_o that_o light_n fail_v i_o become_v somewhat_o sad_a but_o again_o have_v leave_v my_o body_n return_v thither_o again_o i_o perceive_v my_o mind_n abound_v with_o light_n and_o that_o flow_v then_o into_o the_o body_n then_o raise_v above_o it_o nor_o of_o plato_n himself_o do_v our_o author_n take_v any_o more_o notice_n then_o of_o that_o one_o passage_n but_o of_o the_o late_a platonist_n plotinus_n jamblicus_n porphrygius_n and_o proclus_n who_o as_o he_o say_v out_o of_o psellus_n do_v whole_o approve_v of_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n he_o give_v we_o some_o large_a taste_n and_o particular_o the_o short_a account_n of_o plotinus_n his_o hypothesis_n be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immerse_v in_o the_o body_n suffer_v very_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o union_n with_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o a_o conversation_n with_o sensible_a thing_n and_o so_o become_v evil_a and_o miserable_a that_o its_o good_a and_o happy_a condition_n lie_v in_o be_v like_a to_o god_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o understanding_n but_o a_o state_n of_o quiescency_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o active_a life_n be_v insufficient_a for_o assimilation_n to_o god_n but_o in_o order_n to_o it_o those_o which_o be_v proper_o intellectual_a be_v most_o necessary_a whereby_o the_o soul_n draw_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o body_n thus_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o act_v by_o its_o self_n be_v wisdom_n introversion_n be_v temperance_n abstraction_n from_o matter_n be_v fortitude_n to_o follow_v reason_n be_v justice_n that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o the_o soul_n purify_v its_o self_n i._n e._n cast_v off_o the_o thing_n without_o its_o self_n and_o so_o recover_v its_o purity_n by_o bring_v those_o thing_n into_o light_n again_o which_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o sensible_a thing_n before_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v there_o but_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o come_v near_o a_o great_a light_n than_o its_o self_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o image_n which_o be_v in_o it_o to_o the_o true_a original_n the_o way_n of_o purify_n the_o soul_n he_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o abstraction_n and_o recollection_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o express_v by_o awaken_n the_o soul_n out_o of_o sleep_n wherein_o it_o be_v disturb_v by_o sensible_a image_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n have_v need_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o purify_n but_o only_o restrain_v it_o to_o its_o self_n by_o take_v away_o that_o load_n of_o matter_n which_o oppress_v it_o and_o than_o it_o natural_o endeavour_n after_o the_o near_a union_n with_o the_o first_o be_v which_o he_o call_v the_o true_a be_v and_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o say_v when_o the_o soul_n endeavour_v after_o this_o union_n it_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o sensible_a and_o intellectual_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n then_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v but_o as_o something_o above_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o either_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o our_o contemplation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o by_o a_o divine_a presence_n which_o far_o exceed_v any_o knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n he_o say_v hinder_v union_n therefore_o we_o must_v go_v beyond_o knowledge_n and_o be_v abstract_v from_o all_o other_o object_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o clear_a light_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o state_n say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n too_o neither_o be_v the_o person_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d like_o one_o in_o a_o rapture_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o enjoy_v god_n in_o that_o state_n of_o quiescency_n as_o in_o a_o silent_a wilderness_n which_o he_o call_v be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n see_v god_n in_o themselves_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n be_v one_o with_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a state_n of_o dei-formity_n of_o porphyry_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o confident_a of_o plotinus_n the_o same_o author_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o theurgic_a way_n as_o liable_a to_o deceit_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o high_a perfection_n which_o theurgic_a way_n lie_v in_o the_o initiate_a of_o man_n in_o some_o sacred_a mystery_n by_o partake_v of_o certain_a rite_n and_o symbol_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o deity_n the_o end_v whereof_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reduce_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o body_n so_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o from_o porphyry_n that_o they_o who_o be_v purify_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v converse_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o angel_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v
to_o see_v but_o porphyry_n himself_o as_o he_o do_v not_o utter_o reject_v this_o low_a and_o symbolical_a way_n so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o purify_n the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o the_o intellectual_a by_o the_o low_a part_n he_o understand_v the_o irrational_a which_o by_o the_o theurgical_a rite_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o conversation_n with_o angel_n but_o the_o intellectual_a part_n can_v not_o be_v elevate_v by_o it_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o he_o place_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o return_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o upper_a part_n or_o fund_z of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o utmost_a the_o other_o attain_v to_o be_v only_o to_o live_v among_o the_o aetherial_a spirit_n but_o the_o contemplative_a soul_n return_v to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o speak_v which_o as_o many_o other_o of_o his_o notion_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n to_o show_v what_o this_o intellectual_a or_o contemplative_a life_n be_v that_o shall_v bring_v man_n soul_n to_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n porphyry_n write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o who_o quote_v many_o passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o particular_a precept_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v fly_v from_o all_o body_n if_o it_o will_v live_v happy_a with_o god_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n and_o pure_a contemplative_a life_n in_o that_o book_n he_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a way_n yet_o know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n not_o the_o indian_a chaldaick_n or_o any_o other_o but_o what_o that_o be_v which_o he_o mean_v appear_v by_o what_o he_o say_v near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n over_o all_o and_o four_o time_n say_v he_o when_o i_o be_v with_o he_o he_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n by_o a_o unexpressible_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o he_o before_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o divine_a illumination_n without_o any_o image_n or_o idea_n be_v above_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o intelligible_a thing_n and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v once_o in_o this_o state_n of_o union_n when_o he_o be_v 68_o year_n of_o age._n which_o holstenius_fw-la understand_v of_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o then_o fall_v into_o and_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o melancholy_n join_v with_o his_o abstract_a and_o severe_a life_n his_o frequent_a watch_n and_o almost_o continual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o and_o eunapius_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o little_a a_o lover_n of_o the_o body_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v in_o sicily_n he_o be_v almost_o famish_v by_o abstinence_n and_o shun_v all_o conversation_n with_o mankind_n as_o he_o begin_v the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n that_o he_o be_v like_o one_o ashamed_a that_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o body_n so_o that_o we_o find_v the_o foundation_n here_o lay_v say_v our_o author_n not_o only_o for_o the_o mystical_a union_n but_o the_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o rather_o in_o a_o cessation_n of_o these_o act_n be_v likewise_o express_o affirm_v by_o porphyry_n many_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v say_v of_o understanding_n thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v better_o perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d otio_fw-la &_o vacation_n intellectû_v as_o holstenius_fw-la render_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o rest_n and_o cessation_n of_o operation_n in_o the_o understanding_n than_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o many_o thing_n while_o a_o man_n wake_v be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o sleep_v but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o they_o be_v by_o sleep_n for_o thing_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o assimilation_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o understanding_n all_o thing_n be_v different_a according_a to_o their_o essence_n those_o thing_n above_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o way_n of_o unknowing_a and_o after_o a_o super-essential_a manner_n where_o we_o see_v the_o very_a phrase_n of_o dionysius_n use_v by_o he_o and_o in_o many_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v and_o lose_v itself_o from_o the_o body_n and_o draw_v itself_o near_a to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o god_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o clear_a light_n which_o follow_v the_o abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o state_n and_o life_n of_o contemplation_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a thereto_o such_o as_o abstinence_n from_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o from_o affection_n to_o it_o which_o say_v he_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o very_o much_o disparage_v the_o active_a and_o political_a life_n in_o comparison_n with_o this_o the_o end_n of_o one_o be_v only_a man_n living_n according_a to_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o other_o assimilation_n to_o god_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o practical_a virtue_n be_v only_o a_o good_a man_n but_o he_o that_o live_v the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n be_v a_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o understand_v the_o deiformity_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n the_o way_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o for_o purify_n the_o soul_n be_v this_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o know_v itself_o i._n e._n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o bind_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o another_o substance_n 2._o recollection_n or_o gather_v itself_o up_o from_o the_o body_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o advise_v to_o deny_v the_o body_n in_o its_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o show_v as_o little_a care_n of_o it_o and_o concernment_n for_o it_o as_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n to_o lessen_v all_o sense_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o so_o to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n then_o he_o describe_v the_o superlative_a be_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o little_a but_o above_o both_o and_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o least_o but_o above_o all_o and_o that_o his_o presence_n be_v not_o topical_a but_o assimilative_a and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n for_o our_o soul_n to_o recover_v themselves_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o themselves_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o true_a be_v be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o we_o become_v unite_v to_o god_n which_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n holstenius_fw-la think_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o porphyry_n understand_v by_o the_o book_n which_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a nuptial_n because_o both_o plotinus_n and_o he_o suppose_v this_o union_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mystical_a divine_n and_o porphyry_n say_v upon_o the_o read_n of_o it_o some_o think_v he_o mad_a because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n speak_v in_o it_o after_o a_o mystical_a and_o enthusiastical_a manner_n for_o which_o he_o be_v high_o applaud_v by_o plotinus_n jamblicus_n be_v porphyry_n disciple_n but_o out_o of_o he_o our_o author_n recite_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o before_o concern_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n but_o out_o of_o proclus_n another_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o live_v long_o after_o these_o and_o of_o who_o marinus_n give_v this_o character_n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o life_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o recollect_v and_o draw_v into_o its_o self_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n while_o it_o remain_v in_o it_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o theology_n say_v he_o he_o distinguish_v between_o that_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o intelligible_a idea_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o summity_n as_o the_o mystic_n speak_v and_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o say_v be_v alone_o capable_a of_o the_o divine_a and_o mystical_a union_n so_o he_o call_v
it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v many_o intellectual_a power_n in_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o only_a that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o divine_a be_v either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o by_o opinion_n or_o by_o apprehension_n no_o nor_o yet_o by_o ratiocination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v any_o way_n be_v know_v by_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v into_o its_o own_o unity_n and_o remove_v from_o itself_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o its_o power_n it_o ascend_v to_o the_o great_a height_n of_o true_a contemplation_n while_o the_o soul_n look_v about_o on_o thing_n below_o it_o it_o see_v nothing_o but_o shadow_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o introversion_n than_o it_o see_v its_o own_o essence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o when_o it_o search_v deep_a than_o it_o find_v the_o mind_n within_o itself_o and_o the_o several_a order_n of_o real_a being_n when_o it_o go_v yet_o far_o into_o the_o most_o secret_a closet_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o it_o contemplate_v as_o it_o be_v blindfold_a the_o divine_a being_n and_o the_o first_o idea_n or_o unity_n of_o being_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o rest_n or_o quiescency_n of_o its_o power_n to_o stretch_v itself_o towards_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o dance_v as_o it_o be_v round_o it_o and_o to_o raise_v up_o the_o whole_a soul_n towards_o this_o union_n with_o it_o and_o abstract_v itself_o from_o all_o inferior_a being_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v conjoin_v with_o that_o ineffable_a and_o super-essential_a be_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o soul_n come_v to_o have_v the_o true_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n all_o these_o notion_n say_v our_o author_n both_o among_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o platonic_a philosopher_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o very_a ancient_a hypothesis_n but_o very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christianity_n which_o hypothesis_n be_v grant_v this_o mystical_a divinity_n appear_v with_o some_o face_n of_o reason_n and_o colour_n of_o probability_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v exist_v in_o another_o world_n long_o before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o body_n that_o in_o their_o descent_n to_o the_o body_n they_o have_v a_o aetherial_a vehicle_n join_v to_o they_o which_o upon_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n become_v the_o mean_n of_o communication_n between_o they_o and_o take_v up_o its_o chief_a seat_n in_o the_o brain_n which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o call_v the_o imagination_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o this_o state_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v much_o inveigle_v with_o kindness_n to_o the_o body_n and_o so_o forget_v its_o return_n home_o that_o the_o body_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v the_o soul_n mischief_n no_o other_o way_n be_v itself_o under_o the_o power_n of_o fate_n then_o as_o it_o draw_v it_o downward_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o act_v but_o we_o know_v not_o its_o operation_n but_o only_o by_o the_o impression_n they_o make_v upon_o the_o fancy_n that_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o true_a idea_n of_o thing_n within_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o representation_n convey_v by_o our_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o our_o ratiocination_n be_v very_o short_a and_o uncertain_a that_o our_o only_a way_n of_o recover_v our_o soul_n be_v by_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o body_n and_o retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o divine_a be_v so_o near_o conjoin_v to_o it_o that_o it_o pass_v into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o recover_v its_o former_a state_n when_o it_o part_n from_o the_o body_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o return_v alone_o without_o the_o aetherial_a vehicle_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o therefore_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n have_v several_a sacred_a and_o symbolical_a rite_n for_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o vehicle_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o they_o make_v necessary_a for_o this_o end_n and_o with_o they_o jamblicus_n join_v but_o porphyry_n think_v they_o not_o necessary_a but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o mere_a contemplation_n will_v purify_v enough_o without_o it_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o their_o hypothesis_n as_o may_v be_v full_o see_v in_o hierocles_n and_o synesius_n without_o go_v far_o and_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n which_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v well_o enough_o accommodate_v to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o christianity_n as_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o be_v this_o be_v say_v by_o our_o author_n to_o disparage_v mystical_a divinity_n because_o he_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v to_o by_o any_o that_o be_v friend_n to_o it_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v more_o ancient_a than_o it_o his_o bare_a affirmation_n in_o his_o own_o case_n certain_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o proof_n but_o in_o case_n that_o be_v admit_v how_o be_v that_o different_a from_o christianity_n for_o he_o will_v not_o say_v contrary_a though_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o his_o reader_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o so_o the_o jew_n do_v believe_v it_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o apocrypha_fw-la do_v favour_v it_o the_o apostle_n question_n concern_v the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a do_v favour_v it_o nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n answer_n at_o all_o contradict_v it_o but_o rather_o suppose_v it_o and_o it_o have_v be_v assert_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_n from_o proof_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n his_o conclusion_n also_o be_v observable_a that_o mystical_a divinity_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o christianity_n as_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o such_o another_o cautious_a expression_n not_o to_o expose_v himself_o but_o by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o his_o reader_n may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a venerable_a thing_n and_o divine_a matter_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o great_a reverence_n the_o very_a heathen_a mystic_n will_v have_v think_v so_o whatever_o our_o rationatist_n think_v beside_o these_o ancient_a philosopher_n our_o author_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o like_a notion_n and_o practice_n among_o other_o gentile_n even_o at_o this_o day_n but_o of_o what_o antiquity_n among_o they_o he_o say_v not_o it_o be_v take_v from_o a_o letter_n of_o monsteur_n bernier_n to_o monsieur_n chaplain_n date_v 4_o octob._n 1667_o concern_v the_o gentile_n of_o indostan_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o certain_a order_n of_o religious_a among_o they_o who_o make_v vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n live_v in_o convent_v under_o superior_n who_o be_v common_o call_v jauguis_n i._n e._n unite_a to_o god_n who_o use_v themselves_o to_o many_o hardship_n and_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o many_o eremite_n by_o the_o people_n be_v account_v true_a saint_n illuminate_v and_o perfect_a jauguis_n these_o be_v people_n that_o have_v entire_o abandon_v the_o world_n and_o sequester_v themselves_o into_o some_o very_a remote_a corner_n or_o garden_n like_o eremite_n without_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o town_n if_o you_o carry_v they_o any_o meat_n they_o receive_v it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o and_o subsist_v by_o the_o sole_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o perpetual_a fast_n prayer_n and_o profound_a meditation_n for_o they_o sink_v themselves_o so_o deep_o into_o these_o rapture_n that_o they_o spend_v many_o hour_n together_o in_o be_v insensible_a and_o behold_v in_o that_o time_n as_o they_o give_v out_o god_n himself_o like_o a_o very_a bright_a and_o ineffable_a light_n with_o a_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n attend_v with_o a_o entire_a contempt_n and_o forsake_v of_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o much_o one_o of_o they_o that_o pretend_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o this_o rapture_n when_o he_o please_v and_o have_v be_v often_o in_o it_o tell_v i_o and_o other_o that_o be_v about_o they_o affirm_v the_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o seriousness_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o earnest_n that_o there_o be_v no_o imposture_n in_o it_o to_o these_o other_o may_v be_v add_v who_o have_v have_v the_o like_a notion_n and_o use_v the_o like_a exercise_n as_o well_o ancient_o as_o at_o this_o time_n
prayer_n that_o be_v use_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o meditation_n as_o also_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o which_o step_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n observe_v many_o go_v no_o further_o but_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o such_o meditation_n be_v take_v up_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n 2._o the_o second_o step_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o after_o long_a practice_n break_v forth_o into_o continual_a aspiration_n and_o elevation_n thereof_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v divine_a inaction_n or_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a and_o more_o sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o god_n act_v more_o than_o she_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n at_o all_o to_o procure_v soon_o or_o retain_v long_o than_o god_n please_v of_o which_o much_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 4._o after_o which_o usual_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o those_o celestial_a visit_n do_v follow_v great_a desolation_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o experience_a have_v describe_v they_o partly_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o her_o loss_n and_o a_o impatient_a longing_n after_o these_o favour_n once_o taste_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o great_a nauseat_n and_o disrelish_v that_o she_o have_v now_o of_o those_o entertainment_n of_o the_o creature_n from_o which_o she_o former_o receive_v some_o content_a such_o we_o may_v imagine_v be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n when_o he_o say_v heu_fw-la mihi_fw-la quia_fw-la incolatus_fw-la meus_fw-la prolongatus_fw-la est_fw-la and_o concupiscit_fw-la &_o deficit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la in_fw-la atria_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o after_o a_o non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la psal_n 29._o a_o avertisti_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o factus_fw-la sum_fw-la conturbatus_fw-la §_o 63._o but_o not_o only_o this_o but_o god_n also_o sometime_o withdraw_v even_o from_o his_o great_a saint_n and_o that_o for_o some_o long_a duration_n of_o time_n any_o sensible_a assistance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a natural_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v quite_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o great_a aridity_n obscurity_n solitude_n pressure_n and_o heaviness_n disgu_v with_o all_o thing_n she_o know_v not_o why_o perform_v still_o her_o devotion_n and_o accustom_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o former_o but_o without_o any_o sensible_a comfort_n in_o such_o performance_n meditation_n aspiration_n read_v very_o difficult_a sterile_a insipid_a and_o seem_v without_o fruit_n only_o forbear_v her_o consent_n to_o any_o sin_n vanity_n or_o sensuality_n and_o not_o seek_v any_o secular_a consolation_n much_o discourage_v also_o at_o such_o time_n many_o be_v in_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v so_o desert_v they_o for_o fail_n in_o their_o duty_n or_o for_o something_o wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n which_o double_v this_o anguish_n or_o if_o not_o this_o at_o least_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o some_o great_a indisposition_n of_o body_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v sometime_o partly_o it_o may_v so_o as_o some_o begin_v therefore_o to_o dispense_v for_o a_o time_n with_o the_o former_a exercise_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o other_o pious_a employment_n but_o notwithstanding_o many_o time_n in_o these_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v mistake_v and_o this_o strange_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n come_v without_o any_o such_o respect_n mere_o from_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o those_o also_o who_o be_v by_o his_o former_a grace_n well_o ground_v and_o arrive_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o be_v send_v only_o for_o their_o much_o great_a advancement_n therein_o and_o the_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o high_a favour_n and_o therefore_o ought_v as_o such_o to_o be_v entertain_v with_o all_o equanimity_n patience_n resignation_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o will._n these_o consolation_n and_o desolation_n take_v as_o it_o be_v their_o certain_a turn_n in_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v they_o have_v by_o course_n a_o day_n and_o a_o night_n a_o ascent_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o descent_n and_o decadence_n into_o themselves_o a_o vivification_n by_o and_o in_o he_o and_o a_o mortification_n in_o themselves_o a_o summer_n wherein_o the_o branch_n shoot_v forth_o and_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n and_o a_o winter_n when_o the_o root_n spread_v more_o and_o the_o tree_n become_v more_o sure_o fix_v to_o all_o god_n child_n do_v these_o vicissitude_n happen_v but_o these_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o further_o advance_v in_o perfection_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n be_v precede_v with_o great_a desolation_n and_o these_o ordinary_o proportion_v one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o always_o necessary_a less_o or_o more_o be_v such_o purgation_n and_o refining_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o interior_a cross_n because_o always_o something_o in_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o as_o yet_o imperfect_a our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v still_o produce_v something_o in_o we_o to_o be_v amend_v and_o some_o selfwill_a and_o self-love_n to_o be_v part_v away_o by_o this_o sharp_a remedy_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o desolation_n if_o right_o comply_v with_o as_o well_o as_o of_o divine_a consolation_n be_v very_o great_a in_o many_o respect_n §_o 64._o for_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n come_v most_o perfect_o to_o know_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o see_v its_o own_o nothingness_n and_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o self-love_n and_o propriety_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v most_o especial_o teach_v non_fw-la quiescere_fw-la in_o donis_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la and_o adorare_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la &_o veritate_fw-la not_o in_o devotione_n and_o exercere_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o adversis_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o prosperis_fw-la the_o seek_v gust_n and_o suavity_n and_o consolation_n even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o its_o imperfection_n since_o these_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v preserve_v amid_o such_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o inflate_v it_o in_o a_o due_a and_o necessary_a humility_n angelus_n satanae_n colaphisan_n ne_fw-la magnitudo_fw-la revelationum_fw-la extollat_fw-la i_o say_v the_o apostle_n after_o his_o rapt_v herein_o its_o true_a love_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n qui_fw-la veniendo_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la and_o then_o derelinquendo_fw-la probat_fw-la donis_n firmat_n and_o then_o tribulationibus_fw-la tentat_fw-la say_v st._n gregory_n moral_n l._n 20._o c._n 19_o its_o perseverance_n and_o loyalty_n be_v especial_o discern_v in_o keep_v constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o he_o when_o deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n in_o it_o avoid_v any_o application_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n have_v thus_o as_o it_o be_v dismiss_v and_o cast_v it_o off_o but_o resign_v itself_o and_o love_v its_o misery_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o because_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o exercise_n wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o be_v try_v that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n before_o god_n and_o experimental_o that_o he_o may_v compassionate_v our_o infirmity_n in_o the_o great_a desolation_n he_o undergo_v in_o the_o garden_n the_o night_n before_o his_o passion_n heb._n 4.15_o 2.17_o where_o caepit_fw-la pavere_fw-la &_o taedere_fw-la say_v the_o evangelist_n matt._n 26.37_o 38._o and_o that_o sad_a expression_n come_v from_o he_o tristis_fw-la est_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la mortem_fw-la tarry_v here_o and_o watch_v with_o i_o mark_v 14.34_o yet_o these_o desolation_n also_o in_o a_o soul_n thus_o far_o advance_v in_o grace_n be_v not_o void_a of_o a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o have_v always_o in_o god_n will_n be_v perform_v in_o they_o which_o will_v of_o god_n now_o in_o whatever_o happen_v be_v a_o constant_a consolation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o apostle_n precept_n 1_o thess_n 5.16_o 17._o of_o semper_fw-la gaudete_fw-la be_v thus_o accomplish_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o his_o orate_a sine_fw-la intermissione_n and_o go_v together_o for_o there_o can_v want_v content_a where_o the_o mind_n have_v its_o desire_n nor_o do_v such_o a_o mind_n want_v this_o that_o be_v unanimous_a with_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o want_n of_o which_o conformity_n be_v only_o from_o the_o love_a of_o something_o that_o be_v against_o his_o will._n worldly_n sorrow_n say_v st._n gregory_n affligentes_fw-la cruciant_fw-la but_o these_o spiritual_a reficiunt_fw-la dum_fw-la affligunt_fw-la in_o the_o one_o be_v in_o afflictione_n maeror_fw-la but_o in_o the_o other_o in_o merore_fw-la laetitia_fw-la moral_n l._n 23._o c._n 13._o nay_o
excite_v and_o direct_v its_o motion_n animal_n and_o vegetable_n have_v not_o only_o their_o intrinsic_a specifical_a vital_a principle_n of_o their_o specifical_a motion_n and_o operation_n but_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n be_v a_o universal_a adjuvant_fw-la exciting_a principle_n of_o all_o vital_a and_o sentient_a operation_n and_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o aristotle_n and_o plato_n and_o their_o several_a commentator_n as_o simplicius_n themistius_n alexander_n aphrodiceus_n avicen_n and_o averro_n but_o also_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o divine_n for_o some_o age_n after_o christ_n do_v think_v that_o beside_o the_o individual_a intellectual_a soul_n of_o every_o man_n there_o be_v also_o a_o certain_a common_a intelligent_a nature_n or_o be_v substitute_v by_o almighty_a god_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o illuminate_v the_o humane_a soul_n to_o excite_v actual_a intellection_n in_o it_o and_o to_o communicate_v unto_o it_o these_o common_a intellectual_a principle_n which_o ordinary_o and_o general_o obtain_v in_o all_o man_n and_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o humane_a intellectual_a soul_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o light_n and_o influence_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o vital_a nature_n in_o the_o low_a world_n and_o this_o they_o call_v intellectus_fw-la agens_fw-la which_o averro_n suppose_v to_o be_v vltima_fw-la intelligentiarum_fw-la separatarum_fw-la and_o depute_v to_o the_o actuate_a and_o exciting_a of_o intellection_n in_o men._n this_o opinion_n have_v be_v possible_o upon_o reason_n probable_a enough_o lay_v aside_o for_o many_o age_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o use_v therefore_o that_o i_o make_v of_o it_o only_o be_v this_o that_o though_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o not_o bottom_v upon_o a_o clear_a evidence_n yet_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o and_o under_o it_o a_o adumbration_n of_o a_o great_a and_o real_a truth_n though_o they_o attain_v not_o a_o full_a clear_a distinct_a discovery_n of_o it_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o in_o another_o case_n tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o that_o god_n who_o they_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o act_v 17.23_o so_o with_o some_o variation_n i_o may_v with_o humility_n say_v that_o secret_a unseen_a and_o spiritual_a power_n which_o these_o ancient_a philosopher_n do_v not_o distinct_o understand_v but_o grope_v after_o it_o and_o celebrate_v by_o the_o name_n of_o intellectus_fw-la agens_fw-la i_o be_o now_o endeavour_v to_o declare_v almighty_a god_n as_o he_o be_v every_o where_o by_o his_o essential_a presence_n so_o he_o be_v every_o where_o by_o his_o powerful_a influence_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o universal_a productive_a and_o conserve_n cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o he_o be_v more_o intimate_a unto_o and_o effective_a of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o efficacious_a influence_n than_o any_o second_o create_v cause_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v all_o but_o his_o instrument_n and_o therefore_o their_o causality_n be_v still_o but_o in_o and_o from_o the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o this_o influx_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n the_o prime_a efficient_a almighty_a god_n be_v by_o he_o ordinary_o communicate_v effuse_a and_o proportion_v according_a to_o the_o several_a nature_n of_o create_a being_n though_o according_a to_o his_o wise_a good_a pleasure_n he_o sometime_o be_v please_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n for_o excellent_a end_n pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la and_o therefore_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v simple_o natural_a this_o ordinary_a efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n be_v suit_v to_o that_o common_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o govern_v such_o thing_n according_a to_o those_o institute_v regular_a natural_a law_n but_o unto_o a_o intellectual_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o man_n endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o will_n this_o divine_a efflux_n be_v communicate_v in_o a_o kind_a proportionable_a to_o those_o faculty_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o therefore_o these_o efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n be_v communicate_v in_o two_o kind_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o illumination_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o understanding_n faculty_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n inclination_n and_o incitation_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o kind_n of_o efflux_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o influence_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o bodily_a strength_n as_o that_o of_o samson_n judge_n 16.20_o the_o gift_n of_o curious_a workmanship_n as_o that_o of_o aholiab_n and_o besaliel_n exod._n 36.1_o the_o spirit_n of_o majesty_n and_o government_n as_o that_o of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 10.9_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v tongue_n miracle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 9_o for_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a efflux_n give_v out_o upon_o special_a occasion_n and_o for_o special_a end_n though_o even_o in_o most_o of_o they_o and_o other_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v much_o concern_v and_o wrought_v upon_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n certain_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o sentient_a eye_n that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v almighty_a god_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n psal_n 36.9_o in_o thy_o light_n shall_v we_o see_v light_n john_n 1.9_o this_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o inclination_n and_o bend_v of_o the_o will_n it_o be_v true_a the_o will_n be_v natural_o free_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v essential_o subject_a unto_o the_o god_n that_o make_v it_o and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o will_v ordinary_o be_v but_o persuasive_a and_o therefore_o ordinary_o resistible_a thus_o the_o old_a world_n resist_v the_o merciful_a strive_v of_o the_o divine_a influence_n gen._n 6.3_o my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n act_n 7.51_o you_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o powerful_a god_n have_v so_o great_a a_o efficacy_n and_o have_v so_o intimate_v a_o access_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v and_o doubtless_o sometime_o do_v irresistible_o bend_v and_o incline_v the_o will_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n psal_n 110.3_o thy_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a expression_n prov._n 21.1_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o king_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whithersoever_o he_o will_n a_o good_a artist_n will_v guide_v a_o stream_n of_o water_n to_o what_o place_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v in_o the_o same_o level_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o violence_n offer_v to_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o the_o water_n which_o in_o all_o those_o motion_n be_v keep_v entire_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o with_o the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a facility_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n can_v and_o often_o do_v infallible_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o king_n and_o yet_o without_o force_n or_o violation_n of_o its_o natural_a liberty_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n nor_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_n it_o be_v as_o universal_a and_o common_a as_o the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o upon_o some_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v more_o special_a and_o effectual_a than_o upon_o other_o even_o in_o the_o gentile_a world_n i_o have_v always_o esteem_v those_o excellent_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a famous_a for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n as_o man_n illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o divine_a influence_n though_o possible_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o a_o more_o signal_n manner_n than_o to_o other_o man_n such_o be_v socrates_n plato_n zeno_n citticus_fw-la solon_n lycurgus_n pythagoras_n tully_n seneca_n aristotle_n and_o divers_a other_o excellent_a philosopher_n moralist_n and_o lawgiver_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n excite_v illuminate_v and_o instruct_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o heathen_a world_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o great_a light_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o select_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o special_a government_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o descendant_n the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o set_v they_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n like_o a_o beacon_n upon_o a_o hill_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o common_a instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n make_v they_o