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
a_o religious_a person_n be_v to_o raise_v a_o stock_n for_o his_o whole_a future_a life_n so_o that_o if_o a_o novice-ship_n be_v negligent_o &_o unprovident_o spend_v he_o will_v scarce_o ever_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a good_n for_o after_o his_o profession_n he_o will_v beside_o liberty_n have_v many_o more_o distraction_n more_o freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o more_o intercourse_n with_o the_o news_n &_o affair_n abroad_o beside_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o be_v out_o of_o danger_n of_o some_o office_n &_o employment_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o some_o perhaps_o will_v suppose_v he_o already_o fit_a &_o prepare_v in_o spirit_n 6._o at_o the_o go_v out_o of_o the_o novice-ship_n the_o person_n be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a with_o who_o he_o converse_v so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o inward_a acquaintance_n lest_o be_v so_o tender_a as_o he_o be_v yet_o he_o happen_v quick_o to_o be_v corrupt_v with_o the_o society_n of_o negligent_a tepid_a companion_n for_o want_v of_o this_o care_n too_o oft_o it_o happen_v that_o all_o the_o good_a get_v in_o a_o novice-ship_n be_v clean_o lose_v in_o a_o short_a time_n since_o usual_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o way_n preserve_v but_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o they_o be_v first_o get_v therefore_o since_o it_o be_v by_o prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n that_o a_o novice_n procure_v all_o the_o little_a proportion_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o must_v expect_v that_o it_o will_v no_o other_o way_n be_v preserve_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o the_o superior_a shall_v appoint_v such_o a_o one_o his_o companion_n 7._o a_o soul_n must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a diligence_n nor_o yet_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n or_o two_o that_o will_v ordinary_o speak_v suffice_v to_o get_v a_o habit_n and_o stability_n in_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o a_o young_a beginner_n ought_v to_o imprint_v deep_o in_o his_o heart_n this_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o advice_n that_o his_o duty_n be_v never_o to_o abate_v or_o slacken_v but_o rather_o continual_o to_o increase_v in_o firmness_n of_o mind_n and_o resolution_n to_o proceed_v courageous_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o follow_a life_n in_o the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o spirit_n for_o he_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o his_o novice-ship_n be_v once_o end_v he_o must_v never_o expect_v such_o advantage_n thereto_o afterward_o such_o stillnes_n such_o want_n of_o interruption_n and_o tentation_n such_o clear_a light_n and_o such_o calmness_n of_o passion_n as_o he_o enjoy_v before_o therefore_o least_o by_o a_o change_n of_o his_o state_n from_o a_o rigorous_a solitude_n and_o silence_n to_o ordinary_a conversing_n and_o perhaps_o employment_n or_o however_n study_v he_o shall_v come_v to_o endanger_v a_o decay_n in_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v miserable_o reduce_v to_o his_o first_o natural_a state_n or_o worse_o for_o indeed_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v if_o such_o a_o decay_n happen_v let_v he_o be_v very_o vigilant_a and_o industrious_a to_o avoid_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v hinder_v he_o from_o prosecute_a internal_a prayer_n and_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o continue_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o use_v all_o abstraction_n possible_a as_o if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o his_o novice-ship_n 8._o indeed_o superior_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o put_v their_o young_a religious_a into_o distractive_a employment_n or_o study_n either_o soon_o or_o more_o than_o can_v well_o stand_v with_o their_o spirit_n or_o before_o they_o be_v reasonable_o well_o ground_v in_o prayer_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o imperfect_a beginner_n have_v such_o hindrance_n to_o make_v progress_n in_o spirit_n whereas_o if_o a_o good_a foundation_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n be_v once_o lay_v such_o a_o soul_n by_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o study_n or_o externall_n office_n will_v suffer_v no_o decay_n yea_o moreover_o he_o will_v probable_o profit_n in_o study_n above_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o natural_a ability_n by_o reason_n that_o passion_n which_o much_o distract_v and_o darken_v even_o the_o natural_a understanding_n will_v be_v much_o abate_v by_o prayer_n and_o moreover_o he_o will_v undertake_v his_o study_n as_o a_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v increase_v his_o attention_n and_o diligence_n yet_o perhaps_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o abstinence_n and_o exercise_n in_o spirit_n his_o bodily_a strength_n will_v not_o be_v vigorous_a enough_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o support_v very_o much_o study_v and_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v so_o the_o loss_n be_v not_o great_a since_o the_o divine_a love_n will_v sufficient_o recompense_v all_o other_o want_v so_o it_o fare_v with_o our_o holy_a father_n who_o as_o s._n gregory_n say_v be_v sapienter_fw-la indoctus_fw-la his_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o despise_v all_o learning_n which_o be_v not_o helpful_a or_o not_o necessary_a to_o his_o advancement_n in_o the_o divine_a love_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n 9_o true_o so_o great_a harm_n come_v to_o young_a religious_a after_o a_o novice-ship_n well_o spend_v by_o be_v put_v immediate_o to_o school_n &_o for_o that_o purpose_n dispense_v with_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n about_o their_o monastical_a duty_n of_o prayer_n abstraction_n silence_v &c_n &c_n that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o fit_a when_o person_n of_o tender_a age_n come_v to_o demand_v the_o habit_n to_o put_v they_o of_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inform_v they_o well_o about_o prayer_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o before_o they_o undertake_v a_o religious_a state_n they_o shall_v dispatch_v their_o course_n of_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n and_o during_o such_o a_o course_n to_o use_v as_o much_o abstraction_n and_o recollection_n as_o well_o they_o can_v for_o which_o they_o will_v then_o find_v more_o time_n than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v religious_a because_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o choir_n &_o other_o regular_a observance_n so_o that_o if_o study_v be_v then_o a_o hindrance_n to_o prayer_n how_o much_o more_o will_v they_o be_v so_o in_o case_n they_o have_v be_v religious_a have_v do_v all_o this_o then_o in_o god_n name_n let_v they_o demand_v the_o habit._n by_o this_o mean_n good_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v interrupt_v in_o their_o religious_a course_n nor_o put_v in_o danger_n never_o again_o to_o recover_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o if_o follow_a such_o direction_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o die_v before_o the_o time_n of_o take_v the_o habit_n they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o that_o in_o god_n account_n they_o shall_v be_v esteem_v as_o religious_a soul_n whole_o consecrate_v unto_o he_o chap._n x._o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o english_a benedictius_n to_o the_o mission_n the_o sublime_a perfection_n of_o that_o employment_n §_o 3._o 4._o the_o care_n of_o it_o belong_v only_o to_o religious_a superior_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o particular_a religious_a §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o 11._o great_a danger_n of_o seek_v that_o employment_n and_o false_a pretence_n to_o obtain_v it_o etc._n etc._n §_o 12._o how_o the_o say_a charge_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v 1._o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o adjoine_v to_o this_o section_n concern_v a_o religious_a state_n certain_a consideration_n &_o advice_n touch_v a_o subject_n which_o though_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o religious_a person_n in_o general_a yet_o be_v annex_v to_o our_o profession_n in_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o s._n benedict_v order_n and_o that_o be_v the_o apostolical_a mission_n into_o england_n the_o which_o all_o that_o profess_v do_v by_o a_o particular_a vow_n oblige_v themselves_o to_o undertake_v whensoever_o they_o shall_v be_v command_v by_o superior_n 2._o a_o employment_n this_o be_v of_o high_a importance_n and_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n if_o due_o undertake_v and_o administer_v but_o the_o care_n thereof_o only_o belong_v to_o superior_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v worthy_a both_o of_o their_o prudence_n and_o zeal_n by_o a_o right_a manage_n whereof_o they_o may_v procure_v great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o soul_n miserable_o mislead_v by_o infinite_a &_o most_o pernicious_a error_n 3._o but_o as_o for_o particular_a religious_a they_o be_v mere_o to_o be_v passive_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o undergo_n of_o all_o the_o pain_n incommodity_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o whensoever_o it_o shall_v be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o accessary_a obligation_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n give_v they_o a_o vocation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n that_o this_o do_v make_v
concern_v his_o sufficiency_n yea_o he_o may_v represent_v unto_o he_o his_o just_a ground_n of_o fear_n lest_o such_o a_o employment_n shall_v prove_v notable_o prejudicial_a to_o his_o soul_n protest_v likewise_o that_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v any_o kind_n of_o preeminence_n over_o other_o &c_n &c_n 2._o yet_o if_o the_o superior_a notwithstanding_o such_o humble_a &_o sincere_a remonstrance_n of_o the_o subject_n shall_v persist_v in_o a_o resolution_n to_o impose_v on_o he_o any_o such_o office_n whatsoever_o the_o superior_n motive_n be_v whether_o necessity_n reason_n or_o even_o passion_n the_o subject_n must_v submit_v himself_o &_o accept_v of_o it_o willing_o whatsoever_o reluctance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o imagination_n or_o nature_n against_o it_o but_o let_v he_o accept_v it_o with_o a_o pure_a intention_n for_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n especial_o if_o the_o office_n be_v grateful_a to_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o sensual_a or_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o it_o 3._o notwithstanding_o consider_v his_o own_o frailty_n &_o the_o tentation_n likely_a to_o accompany_v such_o a_o employment_n he_o ought_v to_o undertake_v it_o with_o some_o fear_n &_o apprehension_n lest_o without_o extraordinary_a watchfullnes_n in_o prayer_n he_o may_v come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v or_o oppress_v by_o it_o 5._o in_o this_o regard_n therefore_o the_o subject_n ought_v oftentimes_o to_o renew_v &_o rectify_v his_o intention_n about_o it_o at_o least_o in_o his_o recollection_n twice_o a_o day_n for_o for_o want_n of_o care_n in_o this_o point_n it_o oft_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o office_n which_o at_o first_o be_v undertake_v out_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n &_o superior_n come_v afterward_o to_o be_v execute_v for_o self-will_a &_o sensual_a complacence_n after_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n be_v abate_v or_o extinguish_v 6._o indeed_o so_o contrary_a &_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n be_v the_o distraction_n &_o sollicitude_n which_o attend_v office_n that_o 1._o religious_a subject_n during_o the_o time_n of_o vacancy_n when_o they_o be_v more_o illuminate_v aught_o to_o forethink_v &_o imprint_v in_o their_o heart_n good_a purpose_n never_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o such_o danger_n &_o when_o they_o shall_v befall_v they_o to_o carry_v themselves_o in_o they_o vigilant_o &_o prudent_o according_a to_o their_o former_a light_n lest_o enter_v upon_o they_o unprovided_a they_o shall_v prove_v mischievous_a &_o destructive_a to_o all_o devotion_n 2._o and_o again_o superior_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o their_o principal_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n will_v think_v it_o concern_v they_o to_o be_v very_o nice_a in_o expose_v to_o such_o peril_n their_o subject_n before_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n &_o charity_n be_v firm_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o they_o also_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o the_o harm_n that_o their_o subject_n soul_n shall_v so_o incur_v 7._o some_o superior_n either_o being_n of_o active_a spirit_n &_o not_o know_v or_o not_o due_o esteem_v internal_a way_n or_o perhaps_o mistake_o believe_v their_o subject_n to_o be_v more_o affect_v to_o external_a employment_n then_o interior_a thereupon_o unwary_o heap_v on_o they_o business_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o their_o recollection_n in_o this_o case_n the_o subject_n ought_v to_o acquaint_v his_o superior_a with_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n how_o much_o good_a he_o find_v by_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o what_o damage_n the_o want_n of_o it_o cause_v to_o his_o imperfect_a soul_n but_o this_o be_v do_v he_o must_v resolve_v to_o submit_v in_o case_n his_o superior_a still_o think_v fit_a to_o employ_v he_o 8._o in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v not_o the_o subject_n be_v trouble_v if_o he_o find_v it_o hard_o to_o abstain_v from_o show_v some_o outward_a mark_n of_o unwillingnes_n however_o in_o his_o superior_a will_v he_o be_v resign_v for_o indeed_o to_o show_v chearfullnes_n argue_v in_o a_o imperfect_a soul_n rather_o a_o contentedness_n to_o be_v dispense_v from_o prayer_n not_o sufficient_o esteem_v by_o he_o than_o a_o love_n to_o obedience_n yea_o such_o a_o seem_a unwillingnes_n will_v afford_v he_o a_o double_a mortification_n 1._o in_o that_o he_o contradict_v sensuality_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o obedience_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o incur_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o a_o esteem_n of_o be_v immortify_v the_o which_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o humble_v he_o 9_o when_o a_o internal_a liver_n be_v once_o actual_o &_o due_o engage_v in_o a_o office_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v that_o come_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o abstraction_n &_o solitude_n into_o business_n he_o will_v thenceforward_o walk_v in_o less_o light_n then_o former_o &_o yet_o will_v be_v expose_v to_o far_o great_a peril_n by_o reason_n of_o many_o unavoidable_a occasion_n of_o distraction_n impatience_n satisfaction_n of_o sensuality_n &c_n &c_n of_o which_o he_o have_v little_a experience_n in_o time_n past_a therefore_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o keep_v a_o more_o watchful_a guard_n over_o himself_o lest_o business_n bring_v he_o to_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o of_o all_o former_a instruction_n &_o good_a purpose_n 10._o second_o to_o the_o end_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o such_o peril_n he_o must_v in_o the_o actual_a execution_n of_o business_n be_v wary_a that_o he_o do_v not_o fix_v his_o mind_n more_o intent_o &_o affectionate_o on_o they_o then_o mere_a necessity_n shall_v require_v let_v he_o oft_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o former_a good_a resolution_n &_o review_v again_o &_o again_o these_o or_o the_o like_a instruction_n for_o without_o such_o prevention_n it_o can_v scarce_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o he_o will_v decay_v in_o spirit_n &_o grow_v negligent_o tepid_v in_o his_o spiritual_a exercise_n since_o corrupt_a nature_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o take_v any_o colourable_a pretence_n of_o quit_v internal_a recollection_n the_o only_a support_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n the_o which_o now_o will_v become_v more_o irksome_a by_o reason_n of_o great_a dissipation_n of_o thought_n &_o more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o fall_v into_o immortification_n and_o therefore_o soul_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o present_a employment_n be_v such_o as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n then_o they_o will_v catch_v hold_n of_o any_o advantage_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o for_o that_o pupose_v make_v use_n of_o such_o popular_a say_n as_o this_o that_o every_o good_a work_n be_v a_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n 11._o three_o more_o particular_o in_o this_o state_n of_o active_a employment_n a_o soul_n must_v be_v careful_a as_o far_o as_o the_o office_n will_v permit_v not_o only_o to_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o her_o former_a mortification_n &_o principal_o for_o the_o tongue_n &_o sense_n but_o also_o to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o those_o many_o new_a mortification_n which_o the_o discharge_n of_o her_o employment_n will_v afford_v her_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v and_o indeed_o since_o probable_o she_o can_v enjoy_v that_o repose_n of_o spirit_n requisite_a to_o serious_a &_o perfect_a recollection_n she_o ought_v the_o best_a she_o can_v to_o recompense_v that_o defect_n by_o increase_v the_o practice_n of_o mortification_n and_o patience_n by_o which_o mean_n she_o will_v advance_v herself_o in_o spirit_n 12._o fourthâ—y_o she_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o abstraction_n most_o necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n have_v place_n also_o even_o in_o distractive_a office_n at_o least_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o person_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v in_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o his_o present_a employment_n and_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v belong_v thereto_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a as_o to_o do_v they_o well_o &_o faithful_o so_o without_o bestow_v on_o they_o more_o solicitude_n than_o shall_v necessary_o be_v require_v perform_v they_o serious_o but_o yet_o with_o composednes_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n not_o suffer_v they_o to_o distract_v or_o encumber_v his_o memory_n before_o the_o time_n come_v for_o the_o execute_n of_o they_o and_o then_o abstain_v from_o passion_n &_o impetuousnes_n &_o from_o engage_v his_o affection_n to_o they_o a_o devout_a soul_n thus_o constant_o discharge_v her_o office_n will_v come_v to_o that_o liberty_n easiness_n and_o setlednes_n of_o spirit_n that_o necessary_a employment_n will_v breed_v in_o she_o no_o harmful_a distraction_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v inordinate_a love_n to_o creature_n 13._o but_o five_o &_o last_o her_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v about_o her_o prayer_n although_o by_o occasion_n of_o business_n she_o can_v so_o habitual_o continue_v in_o a_o recollect_v state_n yet_o at_o
love_n speread_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o s._n augustin_n say_v to_o this_o verity_n give_v evident_a witness_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o church_n in_o her_o public_a devotion_n da_fw-la domine_fw-la famulis_fw-la tuis_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la iussa_fw-la agnonimus_fw-la implere_fw-la caelesti_fw-la inspiratione_n valeamus_fw-la that_o be_v grant_v o_o lord_n unto_o thy_o servant_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v command_v by_o thou_o we_o may_v by_o thy_o heavenly_a inspiration_n accomplish_v and_o again_o auge_n populi_fw-la tui_fw-la vota_fw-la placatus_fw-la quia_fw-la in_o nullo_n fidelium_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la tua_fw-la inspiratione_n proveniunt_fw-la quarumlibet_fw-la incrementa_fw-la virtutum_fw-la that_o be_v increase_v in_o mercy_n o_o lord_n the_o desire_n of_o thy_o servant_n for_o not_o the_o least_o progress_n in_o any_o virtue_n can_v be_v make_v by_o any_o of_o thy_o faithful_a servant_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o thy_o divine_a inspiration_n 24._o the_o second_o ground_n be_v consequent_a on_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o since_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o necessity_n oblige_v we_o to_o correspond_v unto_o they_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v equal_a for_o from_o no_o other_o root_n but_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o obligation_n do_v or_o can_v proceed_v all_o our_o mischief_n the_o guilt_n of_o such_o neglect_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a inasmuch_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n imprint_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v of_o such_o a_o active_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n cherish_v by_o we_o do_v deafen_v its_o call_n and_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n it_o will_v continual_o be_v waken_v by_o every_o occasion_n incite_v we_o to_o love_n god_n only_o and_o to_o raise_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o now_o by_o such_o neglect_n we_o be_v say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o contristate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o oft_o contristate_v he_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n come_v to_o quench_v he_o and_o the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o such_o negligent_a despiser_n of_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o call_n be_v powerful_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o his_o proverb_n 1.24_o quia_fw-la vocaviâ—_n &_o renuistis_fw-la &c._n &c._n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o regard_v i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o destruction_n and_o i_o will_v mock_v when_o that_o which_o you_o do_v fear_n shall_v happen_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o i_o and_o i_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o shall_v rise_v early_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o findâ—_n i_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n incite_v we_o to_o action_n which_o be_v not_o of_o essential_a obligation_n yet_o so_o do_v we_o do_v contristate_v god_n spirit_n and_o more_o indispose_v ourselves_o afterward_o to_o observe_v and_o follow_v its_o direction_n and_o mortal_a sin_n be_v seldom_o rush_v into_o upon_o the_o sudden_a they_o begin_v with_o lesser_a resistance_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o obscure_v and_o less_o capable_a to_o obey_v it_o in_o great_a matter_n but_o as_o for_o perfect_a soul_n they_o be_v in_o continual_a attendance_n and_o obedience_n thereto_o be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n or_o in_o good_a work_n and_o exercise_n begin_v and_o perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n and_o also_o accompany_v by_o prayer_n 25._o the_o three_o preparatory_a ground_n follow_v which_o be_v this_o that_o since_o these_o so_o necessary_a internal_a inspiration_n must_v necessary_o be_v hearken_v to_o and_o correspond_v with_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v false_a suggestion_n either_o of_o the_o devil_n or_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v counterfeit_v and_o subtle_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o possible_a yea_o satisfactory_a mean_n shall_v be_v afford_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o true_a and_o false_a inspiration_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o impossible_a obligation_n to_o obey_v we_o know_v not_o who_o nor_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n to_o be_v actuate_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o use_v as_o instrument_n of_o his_o illusion_n as_o of_o the_o save_a influx_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v the_o way_n between_o heaven_n &_o hell_n 26._o neither_o will_v it_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v sufficient_o perform_v god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n express_v clear_o in_o scripture_n likewise_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o our_o lawful_a superior_n for_o neither_o will_n the_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o interior_a insluxe_n of_o grace_n avail_v we_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v content_a yea_o will_v suggest_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n to_o heart_n that_o he_o know_n will_v intend_v only_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o natural_a pride_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o self-love_n in_o they_o and_o beside_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o these_o external_a rule_n extend_v to_o all_o our_o action_n so_o as_o to_o regulate_v they_o in_o order_n to_o contemplation_n and_o perfection_n 27._o the_o four_o and_o last_o ground_n to_o be_v premise_v be_v this_o that_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a inspiration_n of_o god_n from_o the_o false_a suggestion_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o only_a mean_n imaginable_a that_o can_v be_v proper_a natural_a and_o efficacious_a to_o obtain_v such_o a_o supernatural_a light_n to_o discern_v god_n will_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o a_o soul_n live_v a_o abstract_a internal_a recollect_v life_n spend_v in_o a_o continual_a attendance_n on_o god_n etc._n etc._n 28._o this_o be_v a_o way_n suitable_a to_o reason_n conformable_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n &_o deliver_v both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a mystic_a author_n as_o may_v copious_o be_v demonstrrt_v if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n to_o think_v that_o to_o pray_v perfect_o and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v divine_a grace_n be_v suspicious_a exercise_n to_o any_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v a_o way_n the_o which_o practise_v according_a to_o the_o instruction_n here_o deliver_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a and_o no_o possible_a inconvenience_n can_v flow_v from_o it_o 29._o here_o be_v no_o pretend_v to_o now_o or_o strange_a revelation_n no_o walk_v in_o mirabilibus_fw-la super_fw-la se_fw-la no_o zealous_a seditious_a reformation_n nor_o the_o least_o prejudice_n do_v or_o intend_v to_o peace_n unity_n humility_n obedience_n or_o any_o other_o divine_a virtue_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o these_o heavenly_a grace_n be_v hereby_o not_o only_o fortify_v and_o increase_v but_o by_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v perfect_o obtain_v 30._o and_o indeed_o since_o in_o a_o world_n of_o passage_n in_o holy_a scripture_n we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o a_o double_a duty_n the_o one_o whereof_o perhaps_o in_o popular_a judgment_n seem_v to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v in_o due_a place_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v omit_v namely_o obedience_n both_o to_o god_n holy_a spirit_n inward_o direct_v and_o also_o to_o superior_n outward_o command_v by_o what_o other_o way_n can_v we_o reconcile_v such_o seem_o different_a and_o as_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o contrary_a precept_n but_o by_o join_v this_o doctrine_n to_o that_o concern_v outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v here_o do_v &_o do_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o either_o yea_o manifest_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o in_o their_o due_a circumstance_n if_o then_o for_o any_o outward_a carnal_a respect_n we_o shall_v conceal_v or_o discountenance_v this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o follow_a the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v efface_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o god_n servant_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o unction_n be_v teach_v in_o all_o thing_n again_o if_o on_o pretence_n of_o follow_v inspiration_n and_o internal_a light_n which_o can_v be_v so_o absolute_o certain_a we_o shall_v transgress_v the_o most_o evident_a cercaine_n command_v of_o lawful_a superior_n which_o be_v therefore_o god_n also_o there_o will_v quick_o follow_v a_o end_n of_o all_o order_n peace_n and_o government_n what_o other_o mean_a therefore_o be_v leave_v to_o comply_v with_o both_o these_o but_o to_o obey_v god_n both_o way_n that_o be_v command_v most_o certain_o when_o
that_o yet_o be_v not_o very_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n however_o even_o such_o as_o far_o as_o be_v allow_v aught_o to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n hope_v that_o god_n will_v bless_v such_o their_o care_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n notwithstanding_o such_o aught_o withal_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o from_o too_o nice_a a_o curiosity_n in_o choose_v there_o do_v not_o follow_v any_o disquiet_n in_o the_o family_n where_o they_o live_v if_o several_a person_n shall_v be_v zealous_a each_o for_o a_o particular_a director_n as_o s._n hierome_n chide_v a_o mother_n and_o a_o daughter_n that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n separate_v from_o one_o another_o therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o good_a soul_n that_o will_v prefer_v peace_n before_o the_o content_v her_o mind_n may_v of_o all_o other_o rely_v upon_o god_n assure_v herself_o that_o he_o will_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n assist_v and_o conduct_v she_o supply_v all_o other_o want_v and_o particular_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a divine_a assistance_n may_v be_v most_o confident_o expect_v by_o well-disposed_n soul_n in_o religious_a community_n where_o such_o freedom_n of_o choose_v be_v not_o permit_v for_o as_o rusbrochius_n say_v god_n will_v rather_o send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n than_o that_o such_o humble_a obedient_a and_o sincere_a soul_n rely_v upon_o he_o shall_v want_v due_a help_n therefore_o such_o as_o forbear_v a_o solicitous_a search_n after_o a_o director_n either_o for_o the_o prevent_a inconvenience_n or_o out_o of_o a_o humble_a sincere_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o err_v in_o the_o choice_n or_o a_o religious_a regard_n to_o the_o prejudice_n it_o may_v cause_v in_o a_o community_n to_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n &c_n &c_n such_o may_v well_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v loser_n thereby_o yea_o moreover_o such_o as_o in_o the_o forename_a case_n think_v they_o have_v a_o true_a occasion_n and_o that_o they_o may_v just_o do_v it_o for_o the_o quiet_n of_o their_o conscience_n resolve_v of_o their_o doubt_n &c_n &c_n have_v need_n be_v very_o wary_a that_o they_o proceed_v sincere_o and_o that_o they_o real_o seek_v their_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o not_o natural_a contentment_n for_o as_o our_o venerable_a f._n baker_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n advise_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o any_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n at_o certain_a time_n to_o require_v a_o special_a director_n upon_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o expedience_n and_o necessity_n that_o some_o soul_n in_o some_o circumstance_n may_v have_v but_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o their_o case_n have_v these_o circumstance_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v true_o make_v use_n of_o the_o say_a permission_n for_o the_o right_a end_n 41._o a_o second_o point_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n suppose_v to_o deserve_v explication_n be_v that_o assertion_n that_o a_o devout_a soul_n once_o set_v in_o a_o good_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o prayer_n after_o she_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v recourse_n ordinary_o to_o a_o director_n but_o that_o she_o shall_v practice_v the_o follow_v of_o god_n direction_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v suppose_v that_o till_o a_o soul_n have_v make_v some_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n she_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o illusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v thence_o forward_o must_v need_v of_o advice_n from_o a_o prudent_a guide_n but_o this_o difficulty_n be_v clear_v towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n where_o be_v teach_v that_o in_o the_o case_n and_o peril_n of_o illusion_n upon_o a_o opinion_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a illumination_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o soul_n though_o never_o so_o much_o advance_v shall_v distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o never_o presume_v to_o add_v belief_n unto_o and_o must_v less_o put_v in_o execution_n any_o thing_n suggest_v by_o any_o illumination_n true_a or_o pretend_a without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o superior_n and_o directour_n but_o as_o for_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n as_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n &c_n &c_n be_v be_v very_o requisite_a that_o soul_n shall_v be_v teach_v as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v to_o quit_v a_o assiduous_a dependence_n on_o externall_n guide_n from_o whence_o will_v follow_v nothing_o but_o sollicitude_n distraction_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o parallel_a advice_n though_o in_o somewhat_o a_o different_a case_n in_o 3._o treat_n 4._o sect._n 3_o chap._n §_o 36._o 37._o where_o in_o a_o discourse_n concern_v rapt_n and_o the_o like_a extraordinary_a favour_n it_o be_v say_v of_o perfect_a soul_n that_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o those_o matter_n by_o their_o own_o supernatural_a light_n etc._n etc._n &_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o resign_v their_o judgment_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 etc._n etc._n by_o which_o word_n be_v not_o mean_v that_o any_o soul_n though_o never_o so_o perfect_a shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o submission_n to_o superior_n judge_v or_o ordain_v concern_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n but_o only_o that_o such_o perfect_a soul_n need_v not_o so_o oft_o to_o have_v recourse_n for_o advice_n about_o such_o matter_n but_o may_v proceed_v by_o that_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o they_o whereas_o the_o imperfect_a aught_o neither_o to_o yield_v belief_n nor_o execution_n further_o than_o they_o have_v advice_n and_o order_n for_o now_o who_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o s._n teresa_n s._n catherine_n of_o sienna_n &c_n &c_n if_o they_o shall_v forbear_v consultation_n after_o every_o rapt_v or_o revelation_n have_v former_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o superior_n &_o c_o 42._o in_o consequence_n to_o the_o story_n of_o v._o r._n f._n balthasar_n aluarez_n his_o account_n give_v of_o his_o prayer_n to_o his_o general_n mention_v in_o the_o 3._o treat_n 1._o sect._n 7._o chap._n at_o the_o latter_a end_n where_o a_o relation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o general_n order_n require_v all_o superior_n to_o direct_v and_o assist_v the_o young_a religious_a among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v high_o y_o esteem_n and_o in_o their_o practice_n follow_v the_o manner_n of_o prayer_n most_o suitable_a to_o their_o institute_n &_o prescribe_v in_o their_o exercise_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o acquaint_v thou_o dear_a reader_n that_o by_o two_o book_n publish_v of_o late_a by_o two_o rr._n ff_n of_o the_o society_n and_o peruse_v by_o i_o since_o the_o writing_n and_o print_n of_o that_o passage_n i_o do_v find_v that_o the_o say_v order_n of_o the_o general_n be_v not_o at_o least_o of_o late_a so_o rigide_o interpret_v as_o former_o they_o be_v 43._o the_o author_n of_o say_a book_n write_v in_o french_a be_v r._n f._n ant._n civoré_n and_o r._n f._n andr._n baiole_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n especial_o concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o affective_a prayer_n beyond_o discursive_a be_v most_o copious_o and_o strong_o assert_v yea_o and_o moreover_o the_o instruction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o follow_v divine_a inspiration_n as_o likewise_o way_n prescribe_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o false_a suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o large_o clear_o and_o even_o in_o the_o very_a phrase_n of_o this_o book_n deliver_v by_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o in_o his_o book_n call_v les_fw-fr secret_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr science_n des_fw-fr saint_n tr._n iii_o cap._n ix_o from_o p._n 402._o to_o p._n 486._o that_o it_o not_o be_v credible_a that_o he_o have_v see_v our_o v._n f._n a._n baker_n write_n we_o may_v rational_o in_o far_o that_o what_o he_o write_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a exactness_n proceed_v from_o a_o deep_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o these_o internal_a and_o secret_a path_n of_o contemplation_n 44._o so_o that_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v many_o devout_a person_n in_o the_o society_n which_o not_o be_v engage_v in_o many_o external_a employment_n and_o enjoy_v consequent_o both_o a_o solitude_n and_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n great_a perhaps_o than_o will_v be_v afford_v in_o many_o community_n by_o profession_n pure_o contemplative_a do_v permit_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n &_o make_v wonderful_a progress_n in_o these_o divine_a way_n 45._o true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o the_o other_o author_n f._n ant._n baiole_n seem_v to_o maintain_v that_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o s._n ignatius_n will_v by_o practice_n become_v a_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o mystick_n union_n a_o assertion_n in_o
to_o she_o i_o say_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o such_o a_o soul_n so_o love_v god_n deliberate_o &_o habitual_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o love_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n only_o &_o in_o order_n to_o he_o or_o to_o stop_v in_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o love_n to_o he_o the_o frailty_n of_o nature_n &_o many_o unavoidable_a distraction_n &_o tentation_n may_v &_o general_o do_v hinder_v most_o soul_n from_o attain_v or_o even_o approach_v to_o such_o perfection_n to_o such_o uninterrupt_a attention_n &_o union_n with_o god_n as_o be_v practise_v by_o adam_n in_o innocency_n &_o by_o a_o few_o perfect_a soul_n in_o all_o age_n but_o nothing_o but_o the_o want_n of_o true_a sincere_a love_n will_v hinder_v the_o aspire_a thereto_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n &_o strength_n of_o grace_n that_o each_o soul_n in_o her_o order_n enjoy_v and_o both_o reason_n &_o experience_n witness_v this_o truth_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o love_n lawful_a or_o unlawful_a for_o we_o see_v that_o whersoever_o the_o love_n to_o riches_n honour_n empire_n or_o pleasure_n be_v the_o tyrannize_a affection_n so_o as_o to_o cause_v the_o person_n to_o place_v his_o suppose_a happiness_n in_o any_o of_o these_o such_o person_n neither_o will_n nor_o can_v be_v so_o dispose_v wilful_o surcease_v a_o continual_a progress_n in_o pursuinge_v their_o design_n endless_o neither_o can_v they_o admit_v a_o habitual_a &_o deliberate_a adherence_n with_o affection_n to_o any_o other_o object_n though_o not_o ruinous_a but_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n prejudicial_a to_o what_o they_o principal_o affect_v cap._n ii_o §_o 1._o common_o those_o only_a be_v say_v to_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n that_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o god_n §_o 2._o a_o natural_a devotion_n &_o propension_n to_o seek_v god_n of_o which_o the_o degree_n be_v infinite_o various_a §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o yet_o all_o range_v under_o two_o state_n active_a &_o contemplative_a §_o 6._o 7._o general_o most_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o mix_v temper_n between_o both_o hence_o come_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n §_o 8._o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o internal_a way_n all_o soul_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o active_a temper_n 1._o notwithstanding_o although_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n &_o to_o lead_v spiritual_a life_n sanctify_v all_o their_o action_n &_o employment_n by_o prayer_n yet_o the_o effectual_a practice_n of_o this_o obligation_n be_v so_o very_o rare_a that_o in_o ordinary_a speech_n those_o only_o be_v say_v to_o aspire_v unto_o perfection_n who_o have_v be_v so_o high_o favour_v by_o god_n as_o to_o have_v be_v call_v by_o he_o from_o all_o solicitous_a engagement_n in_o worldhy_a affair_n so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o only_a business_n &_o employment_n of_o their_o life_n to_o be_v the_o serve_v adore_a love_a meditate_v &_o pray_v unto_o god_n the_o attend_v to_o &_o follow_a his_o divine_a inspiration_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o state_n of_o competent_a abstraction_n &_o solitude_n &_o this_o most_o ordinary_o &_o perfect_o in_o a_o religious_a profession_n or_o if_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o a_o course_n of_o life_n divide_v &_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o seem_v indeed_o to_o remain_v even_o natural_o in_o all_o soul_n a_o certain_a propension_n to_o seek_v god_n though_o not_o at_o all_o for_o himself_o but_o meerelie_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n &_o selfe-end_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a devotion_n &_o be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o heretic_n yea_o jew_n &_o heathen_n &_o this_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o their_o several_a disposition_n &_o corporal_a complexion_n the_o variety_n of_o which_o be_v wonderful_a &_o almost_o incredible_a now_o when_o divine_a grace_n adjoin_v itself_o to_o such_o good_a propension_n it_o promote_v &_o increase_v they_o rectify_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o especial_o by_o purify_n the_o intention_n &_o make_v they_o to_o seek_v god_n only_o for_o god_n himself_o &_o no_o unworthy_a in_o feriour_a end_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o alter_v the_o complexion_n itself_o but_o conduct_n soul_n in_o spiritual_a way_n suitable_o to_o their_o several_a disposition_n by_o a_o almost_o infinite_a variety_n of_o path_n &_o fashion_n yet_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o general_a end_n with_o be_v the_o union_n of_o our_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o perfect_a love_n 3._o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o variety_n of_o disposition_n &_o way_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o full_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o internal_a prayer_n may_v commodious_o enough_o be_v reduce_v in_o gross_a to_o two_o rank_n to_o wit_n active_a &_o contemplative_a spirit_n both_o which_o aspire_v to_o a_o perfection_n of_o union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o perfect_a love_n &_o for_o that_o purpose_n in_o gross_a practice_n &_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n to_o wit_n mortification_n &_o prayer_n but_o yet_o the_o manner_n both_o of_o their_o union_n &_o prayer_n &_o consequent_o of_o their_o mortification_n also_o be_v very_o different_a and_o the_o root_n of_o such_o difference_n be_v the_o forementioned_a variety_n of_o propension_n &_o natural_a disposition_n to_o internal_a way_n 4._o for_o first_o the_o propension_n which_o be_v in_o some_o soul_n to_o devotion_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o incline_v they_o much_o to_o buisy_n their_o imagination_n &_o to_o frame_v in_o their_o mind_n motive_n to_o the_o divine_a love_n by_o internal_a discourse_n so_o as_o that_o with_o out_o such_o reason_n &_o use_n of_o image_n they_o can_v seldom_o with_o any_o efficacy_n raise_v or_o fix_v their_o affection_n on_o god_n such_o disposition_n be_v not_o patient_a of_o much_o solitude_n or_o recollection_n more_o than_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o produce_v &_o maintain_v a_o right_a intention_n in_o outward_a do_n &_o work_n of_o charity_n to_o the_o which_o they_o be_v powerful_o incline_v and_o the_o mortification_n most_o willing_o practise_v by_o they_o be_v usual_o external_a &_o oftentimes_o voluntary_o assume_v the_o which_o make_v a_o great_a show_v &_o procure_v very_o great_a esteem_n from_o other_o and_o proportionable_o hereto_o the_o divine_a love_n &_o union_n produce_v by_o such_o mean_n be_v very_o vigorous_a but_o less_o pure_a &_o spiritual_a apt_a to_o express_v itself_o by_o much_o sensible_a devotion_n &_o tenderness_n the_o state_n therefore_o &_o perfection_n of_o these_o soul_n be_v call_v the_o state_n &_o perfection_n of_o a_o active_a life_n 3._o again_o other_o be_v natural_o of_o a_o propension_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o faith_n with_o a_o more_o profound_a introversion_n of_o spirit_n &_o with_o less_o activity_n &_o motion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o with_o out_o the_o use_n of_o grosser_n image_n yet_o with_o far_o great_a simplicity_n purity_n &_o efficacy_n and_o consequent_o such_o soul_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o much_o incline_v to_o external_a work_n except_o when_o god_n call_v they_o thereto_o by_o secret_a inspiration_n or_o engage_v they_o therein_o by_o command_n of_o superior_n but_o they_o seek_v rather_o to_o purify_v themselves_o &_o inflame_v their_o heart_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o internal_a quiet_a &_o pure_a actuation_n in_o spirit_n by_o a_o total_a abstraction_n from_o creature_n by_o solitude_n both_o externall_n and_o especial_o internal_a so_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o influx_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n who_o guidance_n chief_o they_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o mortification_n practise_v by_o they_o though_o less_o remarkable_a yet_o be_v fair_a more_o efficacious_a be_v profound_a and_o penetrate_a even_o to_o the_o most_o secret_a deordination_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o constant_a pursuance_n of_o such_o exercise_n their_o spirit_n become_v naked_a &_o empty_a of_o all_o strange_a affection_n image_n &_o distraction_n the_o divine_a spirit_n only_o live_v &_o operate_v in_o they_o afford_v they_o light_n to_o perceive_v &_o strength_n to_o subdue_v self-love_n in_o its_o most_o secret_a and_o to_o all_o other_o imperceptible_a insinuation_n and_o by_o consequence_n they_o attain_v unto_o a_o union_n with_o god_n far_o more_o strict_a &_o immediate_a than_o the_o former_a by_o a_o love_n much_o more_o masculine_a pure_a &_o divine_a and_o the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o happy_a soul_n be_v call_v the_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n 6._o now_o though_o all_o internal_a disposition_n of_o soul_n by_o which_o mankind_n be_v more_o diversify_v then_o by_o outward_a feature_n may_v convenient_o enough_o be_v range_v under_o these_o two_o state_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v that_o each_o
the_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n as_o if_o they_o do_v silent_o condemn_v their_o liberty_n for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o raise_v and_o disperse_v evil_a report_n of_o they_o calling_z they_o illuminat_n pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a visit_n and_o light_n person_n that_o walk_v in_o mirabilibus_fw-la super_fw-la se_fw-la &_o 6._o or_o at_o least_o to_o deride_v they_o as_o silly_a seduce_v melancholy_a spirit_n that_o follow_v unusual_a and_o dangerous_a way_n 18._o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o the_o like_a persecution_n calumny_n and_o contempt_n a_o well_o dispose_v soul_n that_o pure_o seek_v god_n must_v expect_v and_o be_v arm_v against_o and_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v by_o chance_n but_o by_o the_o most_o wise_a holy_a and_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o her_o good_a to_o exercise_v her_o courage_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o to_o give_v she_o a_o opportunity_n to_o testify_v her_o true_a esteem_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n let_v she_o from_o hence_o not_o be_v affright_v but_o rather_o pursue_v internal_a way_n more_o vigorous_o as_o know_v that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o then_o that_o they_o be_v displease_v to_o carnal_a or_o at_o least_o ignorant_a man_n unexperienced_a in_o such_o divine_a way_n let_v she_o not_o with_o passion_n judge_v or_o condemn_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o she_o for_o many_o of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o good_a intention_n and_o zeal_n therein_o though_o a_o zeal_n not_o direct_v by_o knowledge_n if_o therefore_o she_o will_v attend_v to_o god_n follow_a his_o divine_a inspiration_n etc._n etc._n she_o will_v see_v that_o god_n will_v give_v her_o light_n and_o courage_n and_o much_o inward_a security_n in_o her_o way_n 19_o but_o her_o great_a and_o more_o frequent_a persecution_n will_v be_v from_o she_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o vicious_a habit_n root_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o will_v assault_v she_o many_o time_n with_o tentation_n and_o inward_a bitterness_n and_o agony_n sharp_a and_o strange_a than_o she_o do_v expect_v or_o can_v perhaps_o imagine_v and_o no_o wonder_n for_o her_o design_n and_o continual_a endeavour_n both_o in_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n be_v to_o raise_v herself_o out_o of_o and_o above_o nature_n to_o contradict_v nature_n in_o all_o its_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o interest_n she_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o but_o that_o nature_n will_v continual_o struggle_v against_o the_o spirit_n especial_o be_v inflame_v by_o the_o devil_n who_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o employ_v all_o his_o art_n all_o his_o malice_n and_o fury_n to_o disturb_v a_o design_n so_o utter_o destructive_a to_o his_o infernal_a kingdom_n establish_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o carnal_a man_n the_o well_o mind_a soul_n therefore_o must_v make_v a_o general_a strong_a resolution_n to_o bear_v all_o with_o as_o much_o quietness_n as_o may_v be_v to_o distrust_v herself_o entire_o to_o rely_v only_o upon_o god_n and_o to_o seek_v unto_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o all_o will_v assure_o be_v well_o she_o will_v find_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n whiâ—h_o at_o the_o first_o be_v burdensome_a will_n be_v bear_v with_o constancy_n become_v easy_a and_o delightful_a yea_o though_o she_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v the_o resistance_n of_o evil_a inclination_n in_o she_o yet_o as_o long_o as_o there_o remain_v in_o she_o a_o sincere_a endeavour_n after_o it_o no_o such_o ill_a inclination_n will_v hinder_v her_o happiness_n cap_n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o a_o 3._o motive_n to_o resolution_n be_v the_o danger_n of_o repidity_n of_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o root_n be_v discover_v §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o the_o misery_n of_o a_o tepid_v religious_a person_n that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o internal_a way_n §_o 6._o 7._o or_o of_o one_o that_o know_v they_o but_o neglect_v to_o pursue_v they_o §_o 8._o 9_o how_o pestilent_a such_o be_v in_o a_o community_n §_o 10._o on_o the_o otherside_n a_o undiscreete_a passionate_a fervour_n may_v be_v as_o dangerous_a as_o negligence_n 1._o a_o three_o yet_o more_o press_v motive_n to_o a_o courageous_a resolution_n of_o prosecute_a internal_a way_n once_o begin_v and_o a_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o extreme_a necessity_n thereof_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extreme_a danger_n and_o misery_n unexpressible_a of_o a_o negligent_a and_o tepid_a life_n whether_o in_o religion_n or_o in_o the_o world_n the_o which_o not_o only_o render_v perfection_n impossible_a to_o be_v attein_v but_o endanger_v the_o very_a root_n of_o essential_a sanctity_n and_o all_o pretention_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o among_o other_o mystic_a writer_n harphius_n in_o his_o twelue_fw-mi mortification_n earnest_o demonstrate_v 2._o tepidity_n be_v a_o bitter_a poysonnous_a root_n fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o negligent_a christian_n who_o though_o out_o of_o a_o servile_a fear_n they_o abstain_v from_o a_o habitual_a practice_n of_o acknowledged_a mortal_a actual_a sin_n and_o therefore_o groundless_o enough_o think_v themselves_o secure_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o hell_n yet_o they_o perform_v their_o external_a necessary_a obligation_n to_o god_n and_o their_o brethren_n sleepy_o and_o heartles_o without_o any_o true_a affection_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o thing_n however_o outward_o do_v yea_o perhaps_o know_v no_o perfection_n beyond_o this_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n remain_v full_a of_o self_n love_n inward_a pride_n sensual_a desire_n aversion_n from_o internal_a conversation_n with_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o pernicious_a tepidity_n be_v want_n of_o affection_n and_o esteem_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o a_o voluntary_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n not_o as_o they_o be_v sin_n but_o as_o the_o object_n of_o they_o be_v casefull_a or_o delightful_a to_o nature_n join_v with_o a_o willfullnes_n not_o to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o do_v any_o more_o in_o god_n service_n than_o what_o themselves_o judge_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o escape_n of_o hell_n 3._o such_o person_n if_o they_o live_v in_o religion_n must_v needs_o pass_v very_o uncomfortable_a and_o discontent_a life_n have_v exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o vain_a entertainment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o retain_v a_o strong_a affection_n to_o they_o in_o their_o heart_n with_o a_o incapacity_n of_o enjoy_v they_o they_o must_v undergo_v all_o obligation_n austerity_n and_o cross_n incident_a to_o a_o religious_a state_n without_o comfort_n but_o only_o in_o have_v dispatch_v they_o with_o very_o little_a benefit_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o with_o extreme_a wearisomenes_n and_o unwillingnes_n now_o what_o a_o resemblance_n to_o hell_n have_v such_o a_o life_n where_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n free_o to_o enjoy_v what_o the_o soul_n principal_o desire_v and_o where_o she_o be_v force_v continual_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a to_o her_o inclination_n 4._o whereas_o if_o soul_n will_v courageous_o at_o once_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o god_n and_o with_o a_o discrete_a fervour_n combat_v against_o corrupt_a nature_n pursue_v their_o internal_a exercise_n they_o will_v find_v that_o all_o thing_n will_v cooperate_v not_o only_o to_o their_o eternal_a good_a but_o even_o to_o their_o present_a contentment_n and_o joy_n they_o will_v find_v pleasure_n even_o in_o their_o great_a mortification_n and_o cross_n by_o consider_v the_o love_n with_o which_o god_n send_v they_o and_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o their_o spirit_n reap_v by_o they_o what_o contentment_n can_v be_v great_a to_o any_o soul_n then_o to_o become_v a_o true_a inward_a friend_n of_o god_n chain_v unto_o he_o with_o a_o love_n the_o like_a whereto_o never_o be_v between_o any_o mortal_a creature_n to_o know_v and_o even_o feel_v that_o she_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v continual_o watchful_a over_o she_o and_o careful_a of_o her_o salvation_n none_o of_o which_o comfort_v tepid_v soul_n can_v hope_v to_o taste_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o only_o continual_o torture_v with_o present_a discontent_n but_o much_o more_o with_o a_o fear_n and_o horror_n consider_v their_o doubtfullnes_n about_o their_o future_a state_n 5._o if_o such_o tepid_a soul_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o with_o out_o some_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o they_o scarce_o can_v be_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a what_o apprehension_n and_o horror_n they_o will_v feel_v consider_v that_o a_o settle_a wilful_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n bring_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o imminent_a danger_n of_o a_o frequent_a incur_v actual_a mortal_a sin_n the_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o great_a kind_n
the_o least_o benefit_n of_o their_o spirit_n yea_o to_o their_o great_a distraction_n &_o dissipation_n 12._o general_o &_o ordinary_o speak_v when_o there_o be_v propose_v the_o do_v or_o not_o do_v of_o any_o external_a work_n &_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a the_o divine_a inspiration_n in_o contemplative_a soul_n move_v to_o the_o not-doing_a because_o the_o abstain_v from_o much_o external_a work_v &_o the_o increase_n in_o internal_a solitude_n of_o spirit_n be_v more_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a state_n &_o to_o that_o abstraction_n of_o life_n which_o they_o profess_v except_o when_o the_o do_v may_v prove_v a_o more_o beneficial_a mortification_n to_o self-love_n or_o other_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n 13._o the_o special_a point_n &_o matter_n of_o omission_n which_o among_o other_o be_v usual_o the_o object_n of_o such_o divine_a call_n &_o inspiration_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o viz._n 1._o to_o eschew_v unnecessary_a though_o permit_v conversation_n &_o correspondence_n with_o other_o either_o by_o speak_v or_o writing_n 2._o to_o be_v very_o wary_a &_o spare_v in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o tongue_n 3._o not_o sollicitous_o to_o avoid_v occasion_n of_o mortification_n or_o affliction_n 4._o to_o avoid_v the_o encombr_n ourselves_o with_o business_n not_o pertain_v to_o us._n 5._o to_o fly_v honour_n office_n care_v over_o other_o &_o the_o like_a 6._o not_o to_o crave_v this_o or_o that_o unnecessary_a thing_n or_o commodity_n but_o to_o be_v content_a with_o out_o they_o 7._o not_o to_o question_v or_o expostulate_v why_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v say_v or_o do_v but_o to_o hold_v patience_n &_o to_o let_v thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v 8._o not_o to_o complain_v of_o or_o accuse_v any_o 9_o in_o case_n of_o supportable_a &_o not_o harmful_a oppression_n to_o abstain_v from_o appeal_n to_o high_a superior_n 10._o to_o avoid_v the_o voluntary_a cause_v or_o procure_v a_o change_n in_o our_o present_a condition_n employment_n place_n etc._n etc._n 11._o to_o quiet_a &_o compose_v all_o manner_n of_o passion_n rise_v in_o the_o heart_n &_o all_o trouble_n in_o mind_n &_o to_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o peace_n tranquillity_n &_o cheerfullnes_n in_o god_n service_n 1â—_n to_o avoid_v such_o thing_n or_o do_n as_o will_n distract_v our_o mind_n with_o dissipate_v image_n 13._o to_o forbear_v &_o break_v of_o all_o particular_a partial_a freindships_n &_o compliance_n 14._o to_o preserve_v convenient_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n &_o to_o abstain_v from_o enconbr_v or_o ensnare_a ourselves_o by_o any_o voluntary_o assume_v task_n obligation_n &c_n &c_n though_o in_o matter_n in_o themselves_o good_a but_o which_o may_v become_v obligatory_a prove_v hindrance_n to_o better_a thing_n 15._o in_o a_o word_n the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o which_o we_o here_o treat_v do_v ever_o tend_v to_o a_o simplicity_n in_o thought_n word_n &_o deed_n &_o to_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v advance_v the_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o obedience_n humility_n resignation_n purity_n of_o prayer_n purity_n of_o intention_n &c_n &c_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o diabolical_a suggestion_n 14._o as_o for_o extraordinary_a supernatural_a inspiration_n illumination_n apparition_n voice_n conversation_n with_o spirit_n message_n from_o heaven_n &c_n &c_n a_o spiritual_a internal_a liver_n be_v forbid_v to_o pretend_v to_o or_o so_o much_o as_o desire_v they_o yea_o rather_o to_o pray_v against_o they_o lest_o he_o shall_v abuse_v they_o to_o vanity_n &_o pride_n and_o however_o never_o to_o admit_v or_o esteem_v they_o for_o such_o &_o much_o less_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o way_n command_v till_o they_o have_v be_v first_o examine_v judge_v &_o approve_v by_o superior_n &c_n &c_n but_o of_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o 15._o the_o divine_a inspiration_n light_n impulse_n or_o call_v of_o which_o we_o here_o speak_v be_v 1._o either_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n alone_o 2._o or_o also_o mediate_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o some_o other_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o mean_a of_o a_o externall_n directour_n or_o else_o by_o the_o use_n &_o read_v or_o hear_v read_v spiritual_a or_o other_o pious_a book_n we_o will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n treat_v of_o this_o latter_a way_n of_o understand_v the_o divine_a will_n because_o it_o be_v both_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v &_o also_o it_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o common_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v first_o instruct_v cap._n ii_o §_o 1._o 2._o why_o a_o externall_n guide_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o beginning_n §_o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o the_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o guide_n of_o which_o the_o principal_a be_v experience_n in_o the_o same_o way_n beyond_o learning_n etc._n etc._n §_o 7._o 8._o active_a spirit_n can_v be_v fit_a guide_n for_o contemplative_a §_o 9_o 10._o actual_a illumination_n oft_o necessary_a to_o external_a directour_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o the_o office_n of_o a_o director_n may_v not_o be_v voluntary_o assume_v or_o seek_v §_o 14._o 15._o lay-person_n may_v be_v spiritual_a guide_n to_o religious_a yea_o woman_n §_o 16._o that_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o order_n §_o 17._o condition_n necessary_a in_o directour_n §_o 18._o 19_o directour_n must_v teach_v their_o disciple_n to_o seek_v light_n from_o god_n §_o 20._o sincerity_n &_o obedience_n necessary_a in_o the_o disciple_n §_o 21._o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n necessary_a in_o a_o director_n §_o 22._o his_o instruction_n must_v be_v general_a §_o 23._o 24._o frequent_a consultation_n harmful_a §_o 25._o two_o general_a remedy_n against_o difficulty_n viz._n 1._o riddance_n 2._o patience_n §_o 26._o 27._o the_o director_n must_v not_o with_o unnecessary_a question_n raise_v doubt_n §_o 28._o great_a danger_n from_o unnecessary_a conversation_n of_o directour_n with_o woman_n §_o 29._o more_o particular_a advice_n refer_v to_o other_o follow_a place_n 1._o a_o soul_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a life_n or_o that_o live_v yet_o in_o the_o world_n be_v abstract_v from_o the_o world_n &_o aspire_v to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o ordinary_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o externall_n instructor_n &_o guide_n for_o most_o matter_n that_o concern_v she_o in_o that_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o such_o soul_n although_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n grace_n they_o have_v sufficient_a internal_a light_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n &_o perform_v the_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n requisite_a yet_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a practice_n of_o internal_a way_n &_o to_o the_o order_n of_o common_a action_n to_o the_o advance_v of_o themselves_o towards_o contemplation_n they_o be_v indeed_o penitùs_fw-la animal_fw-la govern_v by_o sense_n &_o the_o obscure_a deceitful_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n scarce_o know_v what_o a_o internal_a inspiration_n with_o regard_n to_o such_o matter_n be_v &_o however_o very_o much_o disable_v be_v they_o to_o discern_v or_o correspond_v to_o such_o a_o inspiration_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n their_o natural_a light_n &_o general_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o be_v their_o own_o directour_n in_o a_o new_a unknown_a state_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o other_o guide_v skill_v in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n yet_o even_o this_o seek_n &_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o externall_n directour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v mere_o a_o act_n of_o nature_n or_o guide_v only_o by_o a_o natural_a light_n but_o of_o such_o inspiration_n &_o supernatural_a light_n which_o attend_v the_o action_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n by_o which_o they_o be_v teach_v &_o move_v to_o distrust_v themselves_o &_o not_o know_v as_o yet_o how_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o the_o receive_n supernatural_a light_n from_o god_n much_o less_o to_o merit_v they_o grace_n direct_v they_o to_o use_v the_o mediation_n of_o other_o &_o to_o hear_v &_o obâ—y_v god_n speak_v &_o ordain_v by_o they_o 2._o but_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o externall_n instructor_n be_v general_o only_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o contemplative_a course_n for_o after_o that_o soul_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o general_a direction_n give_v &_o a_o competent_a pursuit_n of_o internal_a exercise_n have_v be_v once_o put_v &_o convenient_o settle_v in_o a_o rightway_o how_o to_o seek_v for_o more_o light_n from_o god_n alone_o they_o must_v not_o afterward_o out_o of_o levity_n curiosity_n or_o
a_o foolish_a pronenes_n to_o discover_v their_o interior_a nor_o without_o a_o just_a necessity_n continue_v to_o seek_v instruction_n from_o without_o nothing_o will_v excuse_v it_o but_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a light_n in_o some_o special_a doubtful_a case_n &_o then_o also_o they_o have_v a_o internal_a inspiration_n &_o motion_n to_o seek_v it_o from_o other_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o divine_a internal_a master_n that_o they_o obey_v who_o speak_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o external_a director_n appoint_v unto_o they_o by_o god_n the_o devout_a reader_n may_v further_o see_v what_o the_o forementioned_a excellent_a author_n of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la say_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o 2._o part_n &_o 91._o chapter_n as_o likewise_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a chap._n 49._o &_o 54._o 3._o now_o to_o the_o end_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o soul_n as_o have_v freedom_n to_o make_v she_o own_o choice_n i_o will_v set_v down_o the_o quality_n necessary_a to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a director_n by_o which_o title_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v simple_o a_o confessarius_fw-la that_o be_v only_o to_o hear_v fault_n confess_v to_o give_v absolution_n &_o there_o a_o end_n for_o the_o ordinary_a quality_n of_o learning_n &_o prudence_n be_v sufficien_fw-fr thereto_o but_o by_o a_o spiritual_a director_n i_o intend_v one_o that_o beside_o this_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o disciple_n in_o all_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o her_o propension_n to_o contemplative_a way_n &_o that_o can_v at_o least_o teach_v she_o how_o she_o may_v fit_a herself_o with_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o she_o that_o know_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n &_o can_v determine_v how_o long_o she_o be_v to_o remain_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n &_o when_o to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o high_a that_o can_v judge_v what_o employment_n &c._n &c._n be_v helpful_a or_o hinder_v to_o her_o progress_n in_o internal_a way_n but_o especial_o that_o can_v teach_v she_o how_o to_o dispose_v herself_o to_o hearken_v to_o &_o follow_v god_n internal_a teach_n &_o to_o stand_v in_o no_o more_o need_n of_o consult_v her_o externall_n directour_n etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o guide_n to_o enable_v he_o whereto_o there_o be_v general_o by_o spiritual_a writer_n require_v three_o principal_a quality_n 1._o a_o good_a natural_a judgement_n 2._o learning_n 3._o experience_n 4._o but_o because_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o all_o place_n &_o for_o all_o soul_n to_o find_v a_o director_n absolute_o perfect_a &_o qualify_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o fit_a condition_n therefore_o the_o say_a writer_n do_v dispute_v what_o quality_n be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o director_n capable_a of_o a_o sufficient_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o first_o condition_n to_o wit_n a_o good_a natural_a judgement_n though_o by_o all_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v insufficient_a alone_o yet_o be_v it_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o no_o considerable_a experience_n can_v be_v attein_v &_o learn_v if_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o extravagant_a capricious_a spirit_n will_v prove_v rather_o pernicious_a then_o advantageous_a therefore_o the_o question_n remain_v between_o learning_n &_o experience_n whether_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a 5._o but_o true_o this_o scarce_a deserve_v to_o be_v a_o question_n for_o though_o for_o the_o assoyl_a of_o ordinary_a doubt_n &_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o about_o fast_v say_v the_o divine_a office_n confession_n restitution_n &c_n &c_n learning_n be_v the_o principal_a condition_n to_o be_v look_v after_o in_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o guide_n for_o such_o purpose_n notwthstand_v since_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spiritual_a director_n that_o now_o we_o seek_v after_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o internal_a matter_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v say_v to_o wit_n contemplative_a prayer_n attend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n &c_n &c_n it_o be_v the_o resolute_a judgement_n of_o gerson_n auila_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n seraphinus_n firmanus_n &c_n &c_n that_o no_o trust_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o learning_n without_o experience_n but_o much_o to_o experience_n though_o without_o learning_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o instrument_n that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v both_o in_o ancient_a &_o modern_a time_n to_o employ_v in_o the_o instruct_v &_o guide_v of_o soul_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n have_v be_v person_n of_o small_a learning_n but_o great_a experience_n such_o as_o be_v s._n anthony_n s._n benedict_n s._n francis_n s._n teresa_n &c_n &c_n 6._o no_o learning_n therefore_o that_o may_v be_v get_v by_o study_n &_o read_v though_o of_o all_o the_o contemplative_a book_n that_o now_o be_v extant_a will_v alone_o serve_v to_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a director_n for_o internal_a liver_n but_o there_o be_v necessary_a experience_n &_o practice_v in_o the_o same_o prayer_n &_o other_o internal_a exercise_n that_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v for_o never_o so_o many_o year_n spend_v in_o discursive_a prayer_n will_v little_o avayle_v to_o qualify_v any_o person_n to_o become_v a_o proper_a &_o profitable_a director_n for_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n as_o all_o enclose_a religious_a man_n &_o woman_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v 7._o yea_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a for_o a_o wellmeaning_n soul_n to_o trust_v to_o her_o own_o internal_a light_n though_o obscure_a &_o to_o such_o instruction_n as_o book_n which_o treat_v of_o such_o kind_n of_o prayer_n will_v afford_v she_o or_o else_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o virtuous_a humble-minded_n directour_n who_o though_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a proportion_n either_o of_o experience_n or_o learning_n yet_o out_o of_o humility_n will_v not_o assume_v unto_o himself_o authority_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n above_o his_o reach_n but_o will_v encourage_v the_o soul_n either_o to_o seek_v out_o one_o more_o intelligent_a or_o to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o her_o own_o spirit_n illuminate_v by_o grace_n then_o to_o confide_v in_o such_o directour_n as_o believe_v &_o will_v fain_o have_v the_o world_n do_v so_o too_o that_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a kind_n of_o internal_a prayer_n &_o by_o consequence_n who_o best_o advice_n will_v be_v to_o make_v she_o suspect_v all_o tract_n &_o invitation_n wherewith_n god_n shall_v draw_v she_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a quiet_a pure_a prayer_n in_o spirit_n from_o which_o such_o directour_n will_v pluck_v she_o down_o to_o multiplicity_n distraction_n &_o unquietnes_n the_o best_a prayer_n that_o they_o can_v teach_v be_v that_o which_o be_v exercise_v more_o gross_o in_o the_o imagination_n in_o figure_v of_o seene_n posture_n &_o representation_n or_o by_o curious_a painful_a discourse_n in_o the_o understanding_n fettr_n her_o likewise_o with_o nice_a form_n &_o method_n in_o meditation_n both_o very_a insupportable_a &_o also_o unproffitable_a yea_o pernicious_a to_o the_o design_n of_o such_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n though_o very_o good_a &_o proper_a for_o those_o who_o live_v active_a life_n what_o order_n can_v such_o directour_n give_v touch_v the_o true_a use_n of_o aspiration_n of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n or_o concern_v other_o subtle_a pure_a elevation_n annihilation_n or_o internal_a reposefull_a silent_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o much_o less_o help_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o strange_a in_o explicable_a privatious_a the_o which_o be_v of_o infinite_a variety_n befalling_a to_o many_o soul_n high_o advance_v in_o contemplation_n 8._o what_o a_o misery_n therefore_o be_v it_o to_o see_v contemplative_a order_n yea_o even_o those_o of_o the_o great_a solitude_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n afford_v they_o so_o great_a advantage_n for_o contemplation_n to_o seek_v rule_n for_o contemplative_a prayer_n from_o those_o who_o profession_n be_v so_o absolute_o contrary_a thereto_o and_o the_o more_o that_o such_o incompetent_a directour_n be_v practise_v &_o advance_v in_o skill_n about_o their_o own_o exercise_n the_o more_o unfit_a be_v they_o to_o become_v guide_n to_o contemplative_a spirit_n &_o the_o more_o dangerous_a be_v it_o to_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o such_o experience_n join_v with_o learning_n will_v make_v they_o confident_a that_o their_o own_o way_n be_v the_o very_o best_a for_o all_o &_o zealous_a to_o draw_v all_o other_o to_o a_o like_n &_o admiration_n of_o it_o most_o certain_a it_o
be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n why_o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n but_o even_o the_o knowledge_n almost_o of_o it_o be_v again_o lose_v in_o many_o contemplative_a order_n notwithstanding_o so_o few_o year_n be_v past_a since_o it_o be_v reviue_v by_o those_o eminent_a light_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n barbanzon_n etc._n etc._n 9_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o neither_o natural_a indgment_n learning_n nor_o experience_n all_o together_o be_v absolute_o sufficient_a to_o qualify_v a_o person_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o guide_a soul_n in_o all_o case_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o very_o oft_o a_o actual_a supernatural_a illumination_n will_v moreover_o be_v requisite_a &_o necessary_a though_o true_a it_o be_v that_o experience_a person_n have_v great_a advantage_n beyond_o what_o wit_n or_o learning_n can_v afford_v and_o such_o for_o matter_n beyond_o their_o experience_n no_o doubt_n will_v often_o remit_v soul_n to_o god_n &_o their_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o be_v a_o quality_n &_o office_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o person_n that_o bring_v no_o better_a endowment_n with_o they_o to_o the_o manage_n of_o contemplative_a soul_n but_o only_a subtlety_n of_o wit_n &_o learning_n or_o experience_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a &_o much_o inferior_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n such_o experience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v rather_o a_o disadvantage_n for_o such_o will_v resolve_v all_o case_n &_o though_o the_o direction_n they_o give_v must_v needs_o be_v improper_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v very_o absolute_a in_o require_v obedience_n whereas_o a_o person_n experience_v in_o the_o same_o internal_a way_n be_v humble_a withal_o for_o else_o say_v auila_n he_o also_o will_v probable_o be_v faulty_a too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o case_n able_a to_o give_v a_o resolute_a judgement_n yet_o find_v his_o own_o deficiency_n he_o will_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n &_o therpon_o out_o of_o humility_n will_v not_o scorn_v but_o rather_o be_v desirous_a to_o consult_v &_o take_v advice_n from_o other_o more_o able_a to_o resolve_v 10._o herpon_o it_o be_v that_o s._n teresa_n as_o it_o be_v record_v in_o her_o life_n much_o complain_v of_o the_o hurt_n that_o such_o resolute_a &_o in_o sufficient_a teacher_n do_v to_o she_o &_o will_v do_v to_o other_o and_o thaulerus_n worthy_o style_v a_o illuminate_v doctor_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o certain_a sermon_n that_o unless_o he_o be_v special_o illuminate_v by_o god_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o a_o doubt_n propose_v to_o he_o he_o will_v remit_v the_o party_n to_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o prayer_n what_o to_o do_v and_o let_v not_o such_o a_o one_o doubt_v say_v he_o but_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o faithful_a counsellor_n moreover_o he_o find_v great_a fault_n with_o those_o arrogant_a person_n that_o reprehend_v soul_n for_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o instinct_n &_o internal_a light_n &_o motion_n proceed_v from_o god_n spirit_n &_o for_o their_o call_v such_o by_o the_o title_n of_o new_a spirit_n or_o pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a illumination_n whereas_o say_v he_o those_o that_o take_v all_o their_o instruction_n from_o person_n &_o book_n will_v with_o very_o small_a success_n pursue_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n 11._o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o this_o employment_n of_o direct_v soul_n which_o above_o all_o other_o be_v most_o difficult_a &_o exceed_v even_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o angel_n yet_o out_o of_o a_o ambitious_a humour_n be_v invade_v by_o person_n whole_o unfit_a for_o it_o &_o that_o without_o any_o vocation_n from_o god_n voluntary_o undertake_v it_o so_o that_o no_o marvel_n it_o be_v if_o so_o little_a good_a come_v from_o such_o intruder_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o say_v auila_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o sublime_a a_o task_n nay_o say_v the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o geneva_n not_o one_o often_o thousand_o and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o so_o free_o offer_v themselves_o to_o so_o divine_a a_o employment_n do_v thereby_o show_v themselves_o to_o want_n the_o most_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o wit_n humility_n &_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o its_o difficulty_n &_o therefore_o their_o direction_n be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v 12._o hereupon_o thaulerus_n say_v that_o a_o soul_n intend_v perfection_n ought_v to_o seek_v out_o a_o experience_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o it_o cost_v she_o a_o journey_n of_o many_o german_a mile_n but_o say_v he_o if_o such_o a_o friend_n can_v be_v find_v then_o will_v a_o simple_a confessarius_fw-la serve_v though_o never_o so_o ignorant_a for_o even_o by_o such_o man_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o office_n so_o that_o they_o may_v secure_o be_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v even_o in_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v 13._o if_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v fearful_a &_o scrupulous_a be_v to_o choose_v a_o director_n she_o ought_v to_o avoid_v one_o of_o the_o like_a temper_n for_o passion_n which_o blind_v the_o seeker_n will_v also_o blind_v the_o director_n &_o so_o the_o blind_a will_v lead_v the_o blind_a 14._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o person_n consult_v with_o about_o difficulty_n concern_v internal_a prayer_n shall_v be_v learn_v or_o in_o holy_a order_n except_o doubt_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n intervene_v for_o though_o lay-person_n &_o woman_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n to_o preach_v public_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o forbid_v to_o give_v private_a instruction_n in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o such_o instructour_n we_o have_v diverse_a example_n as_o in_o the_o lay_v man_n that_o convert_v thâ—ulerus_n a_o learned_a doctor_n &_o a_o religious_a man_n and_o likewise_o in_o s._n catherine_n of_o sienna_n s._n teresa_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o a_o well_o govern_v monastery_n of_o woman_n where_o a_o good_a course_n of_o internal_a prayer_n approve_v by_o superior_n and_o learned_a divine_n be_v once_o well_o settle_v it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o instruction_n concern_v it_o shall_v rather_o come_v from_o superior_n within_o because_o otherwise_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frequent_a change_n of_o directour_n perhaps_o of_o contrary_a spirit_n &_o many_o of_o they_o little_o practise_v in_o such_o prayer_n soul_n will_v be_v govern_v uncertain_o &_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o their_o way_n 15._o though_o it_o seem_v evident_o more_o reasonable_a &_o more_o proportionable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o person_n profess_v a_o religious_a state_n to_o be_v conduct_v by_o other_o of_o the_o s_o ne_fw-fr profession_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la then_o by_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n thereto_o yet_o scarce_o any_o directour_n can_v be_v find_v more_o improper_a for_o such_o suppose_v that_o they_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n then_o be_v religious_a guide_n of_o active_a spirit_n that_o know_v no_o further_o of_o prayer_n than_o meditation_n &_o that_o show_v more_o zeal_n for_o a_o exact_a observance_n of_o ceremony_n or_o a_o multiply_a of_o external_a voluntary_a austerity_n the_o which_o of_o themselves_o &_o unless_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n have_v no_o special_a influence_n on_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o serve_v either_o for_o a_o outward_a show_v of_o rigour_n or_o for_o keep_v soul_n from_o mispending_a the_o time_n then_o for_o the_o more_o essential_a internal_a duty_n of_o prayer_n solitude_n of_o spirit_n interiour_n mortification_n &c_n &c_n much_o more_o profitable_a to_o such_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o director_n though_o not_o of_o any_o religious_a profession_n that_o will_v impose_v on_o soul_n only_o such_o austerity_n as_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o a_o internal_a life_n such_o as_o be_v perfect_a abstraction_n silence_n solitude_n convenient_a abstinence_n &c_n &c_n and_o for_o other_o matter_n not_o much_o necessary_a nor_o much_o effectual_a leave_v they_o in_o a_o due_a moderate_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n especial_o such_o as_o will_v not_o impose_v on_o they_o any_o form_n of_o mental_a prayer_n however_o like_v or_o practise_v by_o themselves_o but_o for_o such_o matter_n rathet_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n &_o that_o will_v not_o torture_v they_o with_o painful_a iterate_v coustumary_a confession_n &c_n &c_n 16._o and_o whereas_o it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o object_v that_o probable_o such_o directour_n be_v stranger_n as_o to_o the_o special_a distinctive_a spirit_n of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o community_n may_v endanger_v in_o their_o disciple_n a_o loss_n of_o the_o say_a spirit_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o
that_o so_o much_o talk_v of_o spirit_n of_o a_o order_n nor_o how_o several_a order_n though_o never_o so_o much_o distinguish_v by_o habit_n or_o certain_a external_a practice_n if_o their_o profession_n be_v to_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n can_v have_v any_o more_o than_o one_o spirit_n which_o direct_v they_o to_o make_v their_o principal_a design_n to_o be_v the_o seek_n of_o god_n in_o his_o internal_a way_n of_o divine_a love_n &_o for_o that_o only_a end_n beside_o conformable_a prayer_n to_o practice_v such_o observance_n &_o mortification_n as_o will_v best_o promote_v this_o design_n and_o sure_o this_o good_a spirit_n of_o religion_n &_o contemplation_n a_o good_a director_n of_o what_o profession_n soever_o will_v very_o studious_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v yea_o &_o moreover_o will_v no_o doubt_n oblige_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v very_o regular_a &_o zealous_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o good_a ordinance_n of_o the_o community_n &_o principal_o of_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o their_o profession_n make_v instruct_v they_o withal_o how_o they_o may_v use_v such_o thing_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o their_o spirit_n &_o the_o service_n of_o god_n although_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o cunning_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a observance_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o he_o 17._o all_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o contemplative_a order_n be_v nor_o natural_o fit_v for_o contemplative_a way_n nor_o the_o seek_n of_o god_n in_o spirit_n those_o therefore_o that_o have_v not_o &_o indeed_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o much_o light_n in_o their_o interiour_n and_o so_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v guide_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n do_v the_o more_o need_n to_o have_v certain_a rule_n from_o without_o at_o least_o for_o the_o exterior_a and_o for_o such_o it_o be_v god_n will_v and_o direction_n that_o they_o shall_v more_o depend_v on_o externall_n guide_v 18._o he_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o office_n of_o a_o spiritual_a director_n say_v thauâ—erus_n aught_o for_o some_o reasonable_a space_n of_o time_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o a_o few_o transitory_a conference_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o give_v he_o light_v concern_v their_o propension_n &_o disposition_n that_o he_o may_v fit_v they_o with_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o they_o both_o for_o the_o present_a &_o future_a and_o his_o principal_a care_n must_v be_v to_o set_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o need_v to_o have_v much_o recourse_n unto_o he_o afterward_o the_o which_o be_v do_v by_o give_v they_o general_a direction_n about_o their_o prayer_n &_o especial_o how_o thereby_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o receive_v light_n from_o god_n who_o inspiration_n ought_v for_o the_o future_a to_o â—e_v their_o principal_a rule_n especial_o for_o the_o interiour_n and_o for_o the_o practise_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o general_a direction_n give_v the_o disciple_n must_v use_v their_o own_o judgement_n &_o for_o a_o help_n they_o may_v also_o make_v use_n of_o such_o instruction_n as_o they_o may_v find_v in_o book_n so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v proper_a for_o their_o spirit_n but_o in_o case_n when_o neither_o their_o own_o judgement_n nor_o book_n will_v help_v they_o if_o the_o difficulty_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n they_o may_v again_o have_v recourse_n unto_o their_o director_n 19_o and_o in_o this_o sort_n be_v writer_n that_o speak_v much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o externall_n directour_n to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o such_o necessity_n be_v to_o last_v always_o good_a soul_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o confer_v with_o directour_n from_o whence_o will_v follow_v continual_a sollicitude_n scrupulosity_n &_o dangerous_a distraction_n &c._n &c._n most_o contrary_a to_o a_o internal_a spiritual_a life_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o much_o repose_n cessation_n introversion_n &_o a_o continual_a attendance_n unto_o what_o god_n speak_v within_o unto_o a_o soul_n who_o if_o soul_n will_v humble_o &_o faithful_o depend_v on_o he_o will_v clear_v &_o resolve_v difficulty_n which_o externall_n master_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o but_o it_o be_v too_o general_a a_o humour_n in_o directour_n now_o adays_o to_o make_v themselves_o seem_v necessary_a unto_o their_o disciple_n who_o hey_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v in_o a_o continual_a dependence_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o their_o progress_n in_o spirit_n beside_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n not_o needful_a to_o be_v mention_v particular_o 20._o a_o soul_n thar_z have_v recourse_n to_o a_o instructor_n provide_v by_o god_n for_o she_o or_o that_o use_v her_o best_a advice_n she_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o must_v deal_v free_o plain_o &_o candid_o with_o he_o conceil_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o he_o &_o his_o direction_n she_o must_v follow_v in_o all_o thing_n assure_v herself_o that_o if_o she_o do_v so_o in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o her_o heart_n &_o as_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n himself_o god_n will_v enlighten_v he_o so_o that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v mislead_v 21._o the_o gift_n of_o discern_a spirit_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n that_o except_o thereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fit_v a_o soul_n with_o a_o sort_n &_o degree_n of_o prayer_n suitable_a to_o her_o natural_a disposition_n not_o tie_v all_o soul_n to_o begin_v according_a to_o any_o general_a method_n for_o none_o such_o can_v be_v perscribe_v but_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o some_o &_o unless_o he_o teach_v she_o how_o she_o may_v become_v illuminate_v without_o he_o by_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n &_o abstraction_n of_o life_n wherewith_o the_o mist_n of_o image_n &_o passion_n be_v dispel_v a_o light_n will_v spring_v forth_o in_o the_o soul_n far_o more_o clear_a &_o certain_a than_o any_o that_o can_v come_v from_o humane_a instruction_n not_o all_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n &_o angel_n join_v with_o all_o mortification_n imaginable_a will_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o contemplation_n for_o seldom_o or_o never_o do_v god_n work_v contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a complexion_n and_o till_o soul_n come_v to_o exercise_n in_o spirit_n &_o prayer_n infuse_v by_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v far_o from_o contemplation_n 22._o now_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o any_o director_n to_o know_v exact_o the_o secret_a inclination_n of_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v so_o infinite_o various_a and_o therefore_o for_o the_o most_o part_n their_o instruction_n about_o prayer_n &_o attendance_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n must_v be_v general_a the_o which_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o must_v make_v a_o particular_a use_n of_o by_o observe_v their_o own_o ability_n &_o inclination_n &_o by_o mark_v what_o more_o particular_a form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n suit_n best_o with_o they_o &_o do_v they_o most_o good_a and_o this_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o a_o reasonable_a manner_n to_o do_v or_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o abide_v in_o a_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v put_v it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v in_o those_o secret_a internal_a way_n 23._o if_o the_o way_n wherein_o a_o soul_n be_v put_v &_o have_v make_v a_o reasonable_a progress_n be_v indeed_o proper_a for_o she_o there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o frequent_a recourse_n unto_o her_o director_n neither_o ought_v he_o to_o examine_v she_o about_o her_o internal_a exercise_n of_o which_o he_o may_v judge_v well_o enough_o by_o her_o external_a comportment_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n interior_o but_o of_o itself_o it_o will_v break_v out_o exterior_o especial_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o themselves_o be_v in_o a_o right_a way_n as_o the_o spiritual_a director_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o interior_o in_o a_o good_a way_n then_o be_v she_o be_v forward_o to_o trouble_v her_o director_n with_o multiplicity_n of_o question_n &_o doubt_n &_o her_o readiness_n to_o discover_v she_o interiour_n to_o other_o who_o she_o have_v hear_v or_o do_v believe_v to_o be_v skilful_a in_o spirituality_n 24._o the_o image_n &_o internal_a distraction_n raise_v by_o impertinent_a consultation_n about_o the_o interiour_n be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o pernicious_a for_o distraction_n from_o without_o be_v but_o superficial_a whereas_o those_o be_v hatch_v &_o breed_v within_o the_o soul_n from_o some_o secret_a ill_a quality_n as_o fear_v scrupulosity_n curiosity_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v more_o profound_a &_o destructive_a to_o true_a recollection_n
25._o the_o general_a remedy_n against_o almost_o all_o difficulty_n be_v these_o two_o 1._o riddance_n 2._o patience_n the_o former_a consist_v in_o afford_v to_o the_o soul_n some_o ease_n &_o latitude_n as_o far_o as_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v permit_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o perplex_v well-minded_n tender_a soul_n as_o confession_n say_v of_o the_o office_n obligation_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n &_o some_o kind_n of_o tentation_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n such_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o neglect_v &_o transcend_v scrupulous_a nicety_n &_o they_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v prudent_o free_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o coustumes_n not_o obligatory_a and_o this_o remedy_n be_v proper_a against_o scrupulosity_n disintangle_v the_o soul_n from_o many_o snare_n which_o otherwise_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o she_o the_o other_o remedy_n of_o patience_n &_o abide_n be_v reasonable_a in_o case_n of_o aridity_n desolation_n &_o other_o such_o discouragement_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o which_o case_n the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v to_o behave_v herself_o as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v &_o to_o be_v quiet_o resign_v for_o what_o with_o all_o her_o industry_n she_o can_v help_v above_o all_o thing_n she_o be_v to_o be_v hearten_v to_o pursue_v courageous_o her_o appoint_a recollection_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o such_o opposition_n raise_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o corrupt_a nature_n &_o permit_v by_o god_n for_o her_o good_a the_o which_o if_o she_o do_v she_o will_v either_o disperse_v these_o tentation_n or_o obtain_v a_o divine_a light_n to_o perceive_v that_o the_o way_n both_o most_o proper_a &_o most_o secure_a by_o which_o god_n purpose_v to_o lead_v she_o to_o perfection_n be_v the_o way_n of_o aridity_n &_o obscurity_n as_o b_o john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n teach_v in_o his_o treatise_n call_v mount_n carmel_n and_o when_o she_o once_o perceive_v this_o than_o they_o will_v not_o only_o be_v supportable_a but_o even_o acceptable_a to_o she_o however_o if_o a_o soul_n do_v know_v or_o can_v be_v persuade_v how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v for_o she_o to_o suffer_v a_o little_a bitterness_n arise_v from_o such_o difficulty_n or_o perplexity_n then_o to_o hasten_v for_o a_o remedy_n by_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o or_o by_o turn_v herself_o to_o unnecessary_a solace_n in_o creature_n and_o also_o with_o what_o confidence_n she_o may_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o her_o internal_a master_n if_o she_o will_v serious_o by_o prayer_n seek_v to_o he_o she_o will_v save_v both_o herself_o &_o her_o director_n much_o trouble_n &_o inconvenience_n 26._o the_o instructor_n must_v use_v great_a wariness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o raise_v doubt_n &_o scruple_n in_o his_o scholar_n mind_n by_o move_a needle_n &_o indiscreet_a question_n or_o by_o impertinent_a discourse_n concern_v spiritual_a matter_n for_o thereby_o he_o may_v come_v to_o raise_v such_o doubt_n as_o himself_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v &_o to_o put_v they_o so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o way_n as_o perhaps_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o again_o therefore_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n it_o be_v more_o fit_a that_o the_o subject_n of_o discourse_n shall_v be_v some_o external_a &_o indifferent_a matter_n wherein_o the_o party_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v than_o such_o as_o regard_v the_o interiour_n experience_n show_v how_o much_o inconvenience_n do_v come_v to_o soul_n by_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v great_a pretender_n to_o skill_n in_o spirituality_n &_o therefore_o out_o of_o vanity_n or_o a_o mistake_a charity_n be_v apt_a when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o be_v offer_v instruction_n about_o spiritual_a matter_n 27._o some_o soul_n do_v see_v their_o way_n before_o they_o far_o better_a than_o other_o &_o therefore_o do_v move_v fewuer_o question_n the_o instructor_n therefore_o be_v to_o behave_v himself_o towards_o they_o all_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n &_o need_n of_o each_o spirit_n always_o remember_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v his_o own_o way_n nor_o indeed_o any_o determinate_a way_n of_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n but_o to_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n how_o they_o may_v themselves_o find_v out_o the_o way_n proper_a for_o they_o by_o observe_v themselves_o what_o do_v good_a &_o what_o cause_v harm_n to_o their_o spirit_n in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o be_v only_a god_n usher_n &_o must_v lead_v soul_n in_o god_n way_n &_o not_o his_o own_o 28._o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a person_n it_o concern_v woman_n especial_o to_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o consultation_n &_o when_o necessity_n require_v to_o be_v brief_a in_o deliver_v their_o difficulty_n for_o otherwise_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v follow_v as_o 1._o loss_n of_o time_n both_o to_o the_o disciple_n &_o instructor_n 2._o distraction_n far_o more_o hurtful_a than_o if_o they_o be_v busy_v about_o the_o most_o encombr_a employment_n of_o the_o community_n 3._o danger_n of_o multiply_v new_a perplexity_n by_o fear_v that_o they_o have_v not_o give_v a_o full_a &_o a_o right_a account_n of_o themselves_o &c_n &c_n beside_o one_o difficulty_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o new_a one_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o seek_v peace_n by_o disburden_v of_o the_o conscience_n by_o their_o indiscretion_n they_o may_v come_v both_o to_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o instructour_n &_o to_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o incurable_a perplexity_n &_o obscurity_n of_o mind_n 4._o great_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v that_o there_o may_v upon_o such_o occasion_n of_o unnecessary_a consultation_n ensue_v dangerous_a familiarity_n &_o freindships_n with_o such_o as_o may_v prove_v very_o unfit_a counselor_n thereupon_o s._n francis_n xaverius_n say_v that_o seldom_o be_v there_o so_o much_o good_a to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o frequent_a treaty_n between_o person_n of_o different_a sex_n as_o there_o be_v peril_n in_o they_o to_o both_o 29._o this_o may_v suffice_v concern_v the_o quality_n &_o office_n of_o a_o external_a director_n as_o for_o more_o special_a duty_n belong_v to_o he_o in_o more_o particular_a case_n as_o scrupulosity_n mortification_n etc._n etc._n it_o shall_v be_v treat_v when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o such_o particular_a subject_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o obligation_n of_o superior_n about_o the_o promote_a the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o subject_n soul_n although_o they_o be_v not_o consult_v with_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n somewhat_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n cap._n iii_o §_o 1._o of_o read_v which_o be_v next_o to_o prayer_n §_o 2._o some_o book_n may_v be_v read_v for_o diversion_n §_o 3._o but_o spiritual_a book_n only_o for_o the_o soul_n profit_n §_o 4._o 5._o book_n proper_a for_o contemplative_n etc._n etc._n §_o 6._o not_o to_o stop_v in_o obscure_a place_n §_o 7._o not_o to_o practice_v direction_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n §_o 9_o 10._o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o saint_n in_o mortification_n not_o to_o be_v imitate_v without_o great_a caution_n §_o 11_o why_o mystic_a author_n seem_v to_o write_v diverse_o §_o 12._o some_o author_n indiscreet_o require_v perfection_n at_o first_o §_o 13._o reading_n must_v give_v way_n to_o prayer_n §_o 14_o how_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o reading_n §_o 15._o 16._o divine_a inspiration_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o apply_v instruction_n and_o particular_o of_o those_o in_o this_o book_n §_o 17._o a_o soul_n follow_v god_n may_v without_o book_n or_o instructour_n be_v lead_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n 1._o a_o second_o mean_v by_o which_o the_o divine_a spirit_n teach_v devout_a soul_n be_v the_o read_n of_o pious_a book_n and_o this_o exercise_n i_o esteem_v for_o worth_a &_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o be_v next_o unto_o prayer_n 2._o as_o for_o ordinary_o book_n as_o ecclesiastical_a story_n &c_n &c_n it_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o soul_n even_o in_o religion_n to_o read_v they_o for_o a_o innocent_a diversion_n &_o recreation_n so_o that_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a end_n but_o that_o the_o intention_n further_o be_v by_o such_o diversion_n to_o dispose_v a_o weary_a soul_n the_o better_a afterward_o to_o pursue_v her_o internal_a exercise_n and_o this_o permission_n now_o be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a since_o that_o in_o religious_a community_n of_o man_n bodily_a labour_n be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n &_o in_o place_n thereof_o read_v &_o study_n have_v succeed_v as_o now_o the_o principal_a daily_a employment_n of_o keligious_a person_n who_o live_v much_o less_o abstract_v from_o the_o world_n be_v almost_o force_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n in_o which_o learning_n be_v so_o value_v &_o so_o
&_o have_v no_o other_o employment_n during_o their_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o silence_n but_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o internal_a teacher_n &_o put_v in_o execution_n his_o inspiration_n in_o all_o their_o action_n both_o internal_a &_o external_a to_o this_o purpose_n say_v a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n that_o as_o it_o be_v by_o god_n inspiration_n that_o we_o begin_v when_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n so_o likewise_o magisterio_fw-la &_o illuminatione_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la perfectionem_fw-la pervenimus_fw-la by_o the_o discipline_n instruction_n &_o illumination_n of_o god_n we_o attain_v to_o perfection_n another_o say_v that_o a_o soul_n can_v do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o unless_o she_o be_v quotidianâ_fw-la domini_fw-la illuminatione_fw-la illustrata_fw-la enlighten_v by_o a_o daily_a illumination_n from_o god_n these_o be_v expression_n that_o our_o holy_a father_n himself_o use_v &_o it_o seem_v borrow_v they_o from_o the_o same_o author_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o in_o his_o rule_n he_o content_v himself_o with_o ordain_v prescription_n for_o the_o exterior_a only_o because_o he_o know_v that_o the_o interiour_n can_v only_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n but_o withal_o his_o ordination_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v see_v his_o intention_n and_o only_a design_n be_v by_o they_o to_o dispose_v soul_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o observe_v &_o follow_a the_o inspiration_n &_o inward_a instruction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n without_o which_o all_o exterior_a observance_n will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o perfection_n such_o be_v very_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o abstraction_n from_o all_o intercourse_n either_o with_o the_o business_n or_o news_n of_o the_o world_n almost_o continual_a silence_n but_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o withal_o in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o rule_n he_o signify_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o spirit_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a aim_n of_o a_o religious_a soul_n so_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o rule_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o externall_n observance_n express_o command_v therein_o as_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o perfection_n to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o live_v and_o conference_n of_o the_o father_n he_o profess_v with_o great_a humility_n but_o with_o great_a truth_n also_o that_o his_o intention_n thereby_o be_v that_o those_o which_o observe_v it_o be_v enable_v to_o declare_v in_o some_o sort_n honestatem_fw-la morum_fw-la aut_fw-la initium_fw-la conversationis_fw-la eos_fw-la habere_fw-la that_o they_o have_v attein_v to_o a_o laudable_a exterior_a carriage_n &_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a religious_a conversation_n but_o say_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v tend_v to_o perfection_n sunt_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la patrum_fw-la as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v he_o must_v according_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n attend_v unto_o the_o divine_a master_n by_o exercise_v according_a to_o his_o instruction_n that_o pure_a sublime_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o practise_v &_o discover_v and_o suitable_a herto_o s._n francis_n likewise_o in_o his_o rule_n advise_v his_o disciple_n thus_o attendant_z fratres_fw-la quod_fw-la super_fw-la omne_fw-la desiderare_fw-la debent_fw-la habere_fw-la spiritum_fw-la domini_fw-la &_o sanctam_fw-la eius_fw-la operationem_fw-la that_o be_v the_o religious_a brethren_n must_v attentive_o mark_v that_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o his_o holy_a operation_n in_o their_o soul_n 7._o to_o conclude_v either_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o perfection_n may_v be_v attein_v mere_o by_o avoid_v mortal_a sin_n &_o do_v such_o action_n of_o virtue_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n which_o to_o say_v be_v manifest_o foolish_a &_o false_a and_o likewise_o that_o action_n more_o indifferent_a &_o not_o so_o universal_o oblige_v such_o as_o be_v certain_a more_o profitable_a manner_n of_o prayer_n external_a religious_a observance_n refection_n conversation_n with_o our_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o a_o holy_a intention_n &_o of_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v against_o experience_n and_o moreover_o that_o without_o internal_a grace_n actual_o operate_a which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o divine_a illumination_n &_o impulse_n these_o ordinary_a inferior_a action_n may_v be_v exalt_v to_o produce_v that_o effect_n which_o the_o great_a necessary_a virtue_n can_v not_o produce_v which_o to_o say_v be_v impiety_n or_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o teach_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a principal_a necessary_a cause_n by_o who_o virtue_n we_o be_v inform_v &_o enable_v to_o improove_v &_o make_v use_n of_o these_o action_n for_o the_o attain_v of_o so_o sublime_a a_o end_n as_o perfection_n in_o contemplation_n be_v &_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attein_v and_o indeed_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v under_o external_a rule_n &_o so_o secret_a &_o undiscoverable_a be_v the_o internal_a disposition_n of_o soul_n &_o their_o operation_n that_o they_o can_v be_v clear_o perceive_v nor_o consequent_o order_v but_o by_o he_o to_o who_o alone_o our_o figmentum_fw-la our_o heart_n &_o all_o the_o secret_a inclination_n &_o motion_n of_o they_o be_v naked_a &_o transparent_a cap._n v._n §_o 1._o all_o internal_a liver_n oblige_v to_o attend_v to_o god_n inspiration_n §_o 2._o therefore_o the_o impediment_n to_o this_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v remove_v which_o be_v two_o first_o distract_n image_n which_o be_v expel_v by_o abstraction_n of_o life_n §_o 3._o the_o 2_o impediment_n be_v unruly_a passion_n which_o be_v calm_v by_o mortification_n &_o peace_n of_o mind_n §_o 4._o 5._o the_o end_n why_o a_o religious_a state_n especial_o of_o s._n benedict_v institution_n be_v undertake_v be_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o inpediment_n §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o a_o three_o more_o special_a impediment_n to_o wit_n want_v of_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o follow_v god_n direction_n cause_v by_o voluntary_a burden_n &_o coustume_n assume_v several_a such_o be_v exemplify_v in_o 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a internal_a teacher_n be_v establish_v there_o follow_v from_o thence_o a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o all_o those_o who_o profession_n oblige_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o those_o way_n towards_o the_o sublime_a end_n propose_v to_o attend_v unto_o &_o obey_v this_o only_a most_o necessary_a master_n and_o because_o each_o one_o have_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o false_a teacher_n that_o always_o urge_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o perverse_a teach_n &_o to_o neglect_v the_o divine_a teacher_n therefore_o the_o way_n to_o become_v a_o diligent_a &_o obedient_a disciple_n to_o god_n holy_a spirit_n will_v be_v 1._o to_o neglect_v contradict_v &_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o silence_v the_o teach_n &_o suggestion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n 2._o and_o second_o to_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o our_o soul_n 2._o for_o the_o first_o there_o be_v two_o general_a impediment_n that_o nature_n lay_v in_o our_o way_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o attend_v to_o god_n the_o first_o be_v distract_n image_n the_o second_o unquiet_a passion_n now_o the_o remedy_n against_o the_o former_a be_v abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o not_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o business_n that_o belong_v not_o unto_o we_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o curiosity_n of_o know_v or_o hear_v strange_a or_o new_a thing_n not_o pertinent_a to_o our_o profession_n the_o temper_n of_o our_o tongue_n from_o vain_a unproffitable_a conversation_n the_o reduce_v our_o thought_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o multiplicity_n to_o unity_n by_o fix_v they_o continual_o on_o the_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v that_o unum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la &c_n &c_n 3._o again_o the_o only_a proper_a remedy_n against_o the_o other_o impediment_n to_o wit_n unquiet_a passion_n be_v first_o mortification_n of_o all_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o creature_n of_o all_o vain_a encombr_v freindships_n all_o factious_a partiality_n all_o thoughtful_a provision_n for_o the_o content_v of_o our_o sensual_a desire_n but_o especial_o of_o that_o most_o dangerous_a because_o most_o in_o time_n &_o spiritual_a thirst_n of_o knowledge_n unnecessary_a &_o of_o all_o ambition_n to_o get_v victory_n or_o glory_n by_o dispute_v writing_n &c_n &c_n as_o likewise_o of_o all_o anger_n impatience_n melancholy_a fear_n scrupulosity_n &c_n &c_n and_o second_o a_o studious_a care_n to_o preserve_v our_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o peace_n tranquillity_n &_o cheerfullnes_n possible_a not_o suffer_v any_o passion_n to_o be_v raise_v in_o our_o mind_n during_o our_o imperfect_a state_n no_o not_o although_o they_o shall_v be_v direct_v upon_o good_a &_o holy_a object_n because_o they_o will_v obscure_v &_o disorder_v our_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v avoid_v all_o violence_n &_o impetuous_a
hastiness_n in_o perform_v our_o best_a &_o most_o necessary_a duty_n the_o which_o be_v discharge_v most_o efficacious_o &_o pure_o when_o they_o be_v do_v with_o the_o great_a stillnes_n calmness_n clearness_n of_o mind_n &_o resignation_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o place_n only_o to_o touch_v pass_o upon_o these_o impediment_n because_o in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o treat_v more_o large_o &_o purposely_o of_o they_o 4._o now_o to_o what_o end_n do_v we_o come_v into_o religion_n but_o only_o to_o avoid_v all_o these_o impediment_n in_o the_o world_n which_o withdraw_v we_o from_o attend_v to_o god_n &_o follow_v his_o divine_a guidance_n in_o this_o very_a point_n lie_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o secular_a &_o a_o religious_a state_n that_o a_o secular_a person_n secular_o mind_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o noise_n tumult_n &_o unavoidable_a distra&ions_n distra&ions_n distra&ions_n sollicitude_n &_o tentation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n can_v without_o much_o ado_n find_v leisure_n to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o the_o gain_n of_o his_o love_n even_o for_o a_o few_o minute_n every_o day_n or_o little_a often_o than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_o oblige_v he_o and_o all_o the_o direction_n that_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o god_n service_n must_v come_v from_o without_o for_o by_o reason_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o fill_v with_o image_n vain_a or_o sinful_a &_o so_o agitate_a with_o impetuous_a affection_n &_o design_n he_o can_v recollect_v himself_o to_o hear_v god_n speak_v in_o he_o whereas_o a_o religious_a person_n profess_v his_o only_a business_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o god_n internal_a voice_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o renounce_v all_o these_o impediment_n &_o distraction_n 5._o and_o sure_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o disciple_n of_o s._n benedict_n if_o they_o will_v cast_v a_o serious_a eye_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o rule_n they_o will_v find_v that_o as_o it_o be_v very_o moderate_a &_o prudent_o condescend_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o outward_a corporal_a austerity_n afflict_v to_o nature_n but_o not_o immediate_o helpful_a to_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o rigorous_a in_o the_o exact_v of_o silence_n solitude_n a_o renounce_v all_o proprietary_a solicitude_n for_o corporal_a necessity_n &_o all_o other_o mortification_n which_o will_v hinder_v the_o dissipate_v of_o our_o spirit_n &_o thought_n &_o indispose_v the_o soul_n to_o recollection_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n but_o special_o prayer_n which_o he_o call_v opus_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o which_o all_o other_o work_n &_o observance_n be_v to_o give_v place_n be_v most_o serious_o &_o incessant_o enjoin_v by_o the_o practice_n whereof_o we_o do_v above_o all_o other_o exercise_n transcend_v grosser_n &_o sensible_a image_n in_o the_o understanding_n &_o subdue_v unruly_a passion_n in_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o holy_a father_n principal_a care_n in_o all_o the_o observance_n enjoin_v by_o he_o be_v to_o free_v his_o disciple_n from_o these_o two_o general_a &_o most_o powerful_a hindrance_n to_o introversion_n &_o a_o continual_a attention_n to_o &_o conversation_n which_o god_n the_o which_o may_v most_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o s._n benedict_v rule_n 6._o there_o be_v moreover_o one_o special_a impediment_n to_o the_o observe_v &_o obey_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v &_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v less_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o ordinary_a spiritual_a writer_n this_o impediment_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o many_o soul_n do_v indiscreet_o prejudice_n yea_o oft_o take_v away_o quite_o that_o indifference_n &_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v serious_o follow_v the_o divine_a guidance_n in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o they_o then_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v foolish_a to_o prescribe_v unto_o god_n the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o lead_v we_o this_o be_v to_o oblige_v god_n to_o follow_v our_o way_n &_o to_o do_v our_o will_n &_o not_o we_o to_o perform_v he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o preconceiu_n d_o opinion_n &_o fore-practised_n coustume_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v for_o though_o such_o coustume_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o other_o soul_n may_v be_v never_o so_o good_a &_o profitable_a yea_o tho_o former_o even_o to_o those_o person_n themselves_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o proper_a &_o beneficial_a yet_o this_o be_v only_o while_o they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n &_o degree_n of_o spirituality_n the_o which_o state_n alter_v as_o in_o progress_n it_o needs_o must_v then_o that_o which_o be_v former_o proper_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o divine_a will_n &_o inspiration_n will_v become_v improper_a inconvenient_a &_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a internal_a guidance_n of_o god_n 7._o this_o impediment_n must_v necessary_o be_v remove_v &_o devout_a soul_n must_v continual_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o free_a indifferency_n &_o suppleness_n of_o spirit_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v become_v in_o many_o case_n &_o circumstance_n indispose_v to_o believe_v &_o incapable_a to_o execute_v that_o which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n shall_v dictate_v unto_o they_o yea_o they_o will_v oft_o contristate_v &_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v the_o say_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o a_o obstinate_a do_v of_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o it_o move_v unto_o 8._o the_o reasonableness_n &_o necessity_n of_o this_o advice_n may_v be_v show_v by_o this_o example_n it_o may_v have_v be_v good_a &_o profitable_a for_o a_o soul_n when_o she_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a life_n to_o appoint_v unto_o herself_o certain_a voluntary_a devotion_n &_o vocal_a prayer_n &c_n &c_n or_o afterward_o to_o select_v certain_a peculiar_a subject_n of_o meditation_n as_o the_o quatuor_fw-la novissima_fw-la the_o mystery_n of_o the_o passion_n &c_n &c_n or_o to_o prescribe_v unto_o herself_o certain_a time_n for_o some_o good_a external_a or_o internal_a practice_n or_o to_o make_v frequent_a examination_n of_o conscience_n confession_n &c_n &c_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a whilst_o the_o soul_n find_v profit_n by_o they_o &_o so_o long_o they_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v she_o to_o a_o high_a exercise_n &_o to_o a_o more_o pure_a efficacious_a prayer_n so_o that_o she_o begin_v to_o loose_v all_o gust_n in_o her_o former_a exercise_n the_o which_o do_v not_o only_o abridge_v she_o of_o the_o time_n necessary_a for_o she_o more_o perfect_a recollection_n but_o likewise_o dull_a the_o spirit_n &_o indispose_v it_o for_o such_o prayer_n &_o other_o more_o beneficial_a practice_n to_o which_o she_o be_v by_o a_o new_o clear_a divine_a light_n direct_v or_o invite_v &_o by_o divine_a grace_n enable_v in_o this_o case_n pertinacious_o to_o adhere_v to_o former_a coustume_n because_o she_o find_v they_o commend_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n or_o because_o she_o do_v former_o reap_v profit_n by_o they_o this_o be_v to_o entangle_v fetter_v &_o captivate_v the_o spirit_n to_o renounce_v the_o divine_a guidance_n &_o to_o obstruct_v all_o way_n of_o advamcement_n in_o the_o path_n of_o contemplation_n the_o soul_n therefore_o in_o such_o or_o the_o like_a case_n must_v necessary_o use_v some_o violence_n upon_o herself_o to_o recover_v a_o true_a &_o most_o needful_a indifferency_n &_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n that_o so_o she_o may_v free_o follow_v god_n whithersoever_o he_o shall_v by_o his_o inspiration_n invite_v she_o be_v assure_v that_o she_o shall_v never_o by_o he_o be_v persuade_v or_o tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o her_o duty_n obedience_n to_o lawful_a authority_n or_o any_o other_o necessary_a obligation_n 9_o this_o instruction_n reach_v very_o far_o yea_o so_o far_o that_o even_o learned_a man_n yea_o some_o that_o pass_v for_o spiritual_a if_o they_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o true_a internal_a way_n of_o god_n spirit_n lead_v to_o contemplation_n will_v perhaps_o mislike_v the_o freedom_n which_o in_o many_o case_n must_v &_o have_v be_v allow_v by_o the_o best_a &_o most_o sublime_a mystic_a author_n to_o soul_n of_o some_o peculiar_a disposition_n &_o in_o certain_a circumstance_n and_o as_o for_o unlearned_a person_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n almost_o to_o be_v scandalize_v 10._o the_o special_a point_n therefore_o by_o which_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v in_o many_o soul_n much_o abridge_v to_o their_o great_a hindrance_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v viz._n 1._o confession_n of_o certain_a venial_a sin_n 2._o coustumary_a solicitous_a examination_n of_o conscience_n 3._o in_o compliance_n with_o coustume_n to_o confess_v both_o often_o &_o likewise_o such_o imperfection_n as_o it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o mention_v
any_o other_o word_n seasonable_o speak_v or_o any_o object_n occur_v with_o due_a circumstance_n do_v incite_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o perform_v some_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o mortify_v some_o inordinate_a affection_n etc._n etc._n yea_o sometime_o from_o a_o desperate_a sinful_a state_n to_o convert_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o do_v we_o as_o s._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d raise_v &_o blow_v into_o a_o flame_n the_o grace_n which_o before_o lay_v in_o our_o heart_n like_o coal_n of_o fire_n smother_v in_o the_o ash_n and_o if_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v that_o grace_n which_o at_o the_o first_o impart_v be_v but_o weak_a &_o need_v strong_a endeavour_n to_o excite_v it_o become_v far_o more_o active_a &_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v excite_v so_o that_o upon_o any_o the_o least_o occasion_n offer_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o bestir_v itself_o &_o disperse_v its_o odour_n &_o virtue_n till_o at_o last_o it_o get_v so_o perfect_a a_o dominion_n in_o perfect_a soul_n that_o it_o quite_o subdue_v the_o contrary_a principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o idle_a but_o the_o least_o hint_n be_v give_v it_o turn_v the_o soul_n present_o to_o god_n &_o keep_v it_o almost_o continual_o fix_v on_o he_o in_o so_o much_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o former_o have_v no_o effect_n at_o all_o upon_o they_o now_o present_o &_o even_o violent_o inflame_v they_o 5._o yea_o in_o some_o supereminent_o perfect_a soul_n this_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n come_v to_o be_v so_o vigorous_a that_o it_o subdue_v even_o reason_n itself_o &_o lead_v it_o captive_a after_o itself_o push_v the_o soul_n to_o heroical_a action_n without_o any_o precedent_a act_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o least_o deliberation_n though_o in_o the_o act_n the_o soul_n by_o consent_v merit_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n how_o they_o by_o a_o impetuous_a impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n rush_v before_o the_o persecute_v judge_n to_o confess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n yea_o s._n apollonia_n cast_v herself_o into_o the_o fire_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n burn_v in_o their_o heart_n &_o constrein_v they_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v from_o the_o like_a efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n proceed_v that_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a primitive_a christian_n in_o their_o public_a meeting_n conceive_v &_o pour_v forth_o prayer_n without_o any_o concurrence_n thereto_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n god_n spirit_n itself_o in_o s._n paul_n expression_n pray_v in_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n principal_o it_o be_v that_o i_o suppose_v the_o school_n do_v understand_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n although_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o holy_a action_n internal_a or_o external_a be_v effect_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n 6._o this_o fundamental_a grace_n therefore_o be_v that_o talon_n or_o stock_n that_o have_v god_n image_n on_o it_o &_o not_o caesar_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o in_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o trade_n with_o all_o the_o which_o till_o the_o will_n cooperate_v with_o the_o actual_a aid_n of_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v wrap_v in_o a_o napkin_n &_o hide_v under_o ground_n but_o be_v well_o manage_v multiply_v into_o many_o talent_n this_o be_v that_o very_a small_a but_o divine_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v which_o be_v cast_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o labour_n &_o cultivation_n produce_v many_o &_o precious_a fruit_n this_o be_v that_o fermentum_fw-la leaven_n which_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o three_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n do_v disperse_v its_o virtue_n through_o the_o whole_a mass_n 7._o now_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v approach_v more_o close_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n we_o may_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a philosophical_a virtue_n there_o be_v ingenerate_v &_o daily_o increase_v by_o perseverance_n in_o the_o same_o exercise_n that_o most_o noble_a universal_a virtue_n of_o moral_a prudence_n which_o no_o study_n or_o speculative_a learning_n how_o great_a soever_o can_v have_v produce_v the_o which_o prudence_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v be_v a_o skill_n most_o proper_o conversant_a about_o particular_a act_n not_o general_a notion_n or_o definition_n of_o thing_n and_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n to_o judge_v &_o determine_v in_o which_o circumstance_n &_o with_o what_o concur_v quality_n a_o action_n of_o virtue_n ought_v and_o may_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o perfection_n be_v exercise_v so_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n when_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o excel_a degree_n a_o virtuous_a person_n will_v never_o omit_v a_o due_a occasion_n to_o practice_v virtue_n nor_o will_v he_o ever_o do_v it_o unreasonable_o and_o undiscreet_o for_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v virtue_n and_o when_o he_o exercise_v it_o he_o will_v not_o be_v deficient_a in_o any_o thing_n requisite_a to_o give_v a_o lustre_n thereto_o the_o very_a same_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n be_v see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a virtue_n or_o charity_n for_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n thereof_o not_o only_a charity_n itself_o be_v exalt_v multiply_v and_o increase_v but_o there_o be_v likewise_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o light_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n far_o more_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a to_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a way_n then_o moral_a prudence_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o moral_a honesty_n the_o which_o divine_a light_n have_v this_o great_a advantage_n above_o prudence_n that_o whereas_o moral_a wisdom_n can_v only_o teach_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n in_o those_o occasion_n which_o do_v not_o every_o day_n happen_v in_o which_o such_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v neglect_v to_o give_v any_o rule_n to_o lesser_a indifferent_a action_n this_o divine_a light_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o love_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o god_n account_v no_o action_n at_o all_o in_o particular_a indifferent_a but_o teach_v we_o to_o direct_v all_o to_o the_o service_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o can_v discern_v how_o one_o may_v concur_v thereto_o more_o than_o another_o and_o according_o choose_v the_o best_a 8._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o any_o study_n or_o speculative_a consideration_n this_o divine_a light_n can_v be_v kindle_v be_v because_o the_o blindness_n and_o darkness_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o understanding_n come_v principal_o from_o the_o perverse_a deordination_n which_o self-love_n cause_v in_o our_o will_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o understanding_n to_o see_v what_o it_o do_v see_v for_o even_o when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v in_o general_n instruct_v in_o the_o office_n and_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n yet_o in_o many_o particular_n self-love_n adhere_v to_o that_o side_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o refuse_v will_v either_o forbid_v and_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o consider_v what_o be_v evil_a or_o defectuous_a in_o it_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o doubt_n it_o will_v cast_v such_o fair_a gloss_n on_o it_o and_o so_o seduce_v the_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o motive_n and_o pretence_n for_o the_o prefer_v thereof_o that_o in_o fine_a the_o light_n itself_o which_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n will_v mislead_v us._n but_o when_o by_o perfect_a divine_a charity_n all_o these_o distorsion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v rectify_v and_o that_o all_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n false_a pretext_n close_a interest_n and_o design_n of_o self-love_n be_v discover_v and_o banish_v than_o the_o mind_n behold_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o propose_v god_n as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o action_n whatsoever_o it_o see_v where_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o may_v best_o be_v serve_v and_o obâ—ved_v by_o they_o then_o the_o will_n be_v so_o far_o from_o clowâ—â—â—g_n or_o cast_v mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o before_o it_o alone_a dispell_n they_o for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o now-sanctified_n fervent_a will_n that_o draw_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o faculty_n from_o all_o other_o inferior_a seduce_a object_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o its_o own_o stream_n and_o swift_a course_n towards_o god_n it_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o soul_n to_o choose_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a yea_o the_o best_a of_o all_o because_o god_n will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v choose_v alone_o according_a therefore_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o charity_n so_o be_v our_o measure_n of_o
to_o obey_v &_o believe_v the_o superior_a declare_v against_o the_o former_a inspiration_n for_o though_o nothing_o that_o a_o superior_a in_o such_o circumstance_n can_v say_v will_v make_v the_o former_a inspiration_n not_o to_o have_v come_v from_o god_n yet_o his_o declare_v against_o it_o will_v show_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o force_n now_o since_o that_o all_o such_o inspiration_n do_v &_o aught_o to_o suppose_v the_o consent_n or_o at_o least_o the_o non-opposition_n of_o the_o superior_a before_o they_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o a_o inspiration_n of_o obey_v which_o be_v absolute_a true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o superior_a may_v commit_v a_o great_a fault_n &_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o it_o but_o howsoever_o the_o subject_n in_o obey_v such_o a_o undue_a command_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v innocent_a but_o also_o merit_v thereby_o because_o in_o both_o case_n he_o do_v well_o first_o in_o be_v prepare_v to_o obey_v the_o former_a inspiration_n which_o be_v conditional_a &_o afterward_o in_o contradict_v that_o to_o obey_v a_o second_o inspiration_n of_o submit_v to_o his_o superior_a which_o be_v absolute_a 9_o as_o it_o concern_v therefore_o particular_a soul_n to_o depend_v principal_o upon_o their_o internal_a director_n so_o likewise_o be_v superior_n &_o spiritual_a guide_n no_o less_o oblige_v to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o subject_n &_o disciple_n &_o to_o discover_v by_o what_o special_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n conduct_n they_o &_o suitable_o thereto_o to_o conform_v themselves_o &_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o this_o duty_n our_o holy_a patriarch_n in_o the_o 64._o chap._n of_o his_o rule_n require_v from_o all_o abbot_n or_o superior_n forbid_v they_o to_o use_v rigour_n in_o the_o correction_n of_o their_o subject_n or_o so_o rude_o to_o scour_v the_o vessel_n as_o thereby_o to_o endanger_v the_o break_n of_o they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v they_o likewise_o to_o be_v restless_o suspicious_a &_o jealous_a over_o their_o subject_n but_o in_o their_o imposition_n to_o use_v great_a discretion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o mother_n of_o virtue_n consider_v each_o one_o ability_n &_o say_v with_o jacob_n if_o i_o force_v my_o flock_n to_o travail_v beyond_o their_o strength_n they_o will_v all_o of_o they_o die_v at_o once_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o superior_a therefore_o in_o a_o humour_n of_o command_a on_o his_o own_o head_n shall_v impose_v command_n on_o his_o subject_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n &_o guidance_n such_o command_n will_v probable_o prove_v unprosperous_a as_o to_o the_o subject_n &_o certain_o very_o dangerous_a to_o the_o superior_a yet_o so_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o subject_n may_v reap_v spiritual_a profit_n by_o they_o for_o than_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v he_o a_o interiour_n enablement_n to_o turn_v such_o undue_a command_n to_o his_o own_o good_a &_o advancement_n by_o increase_a in_o he_o the_o habit_n of_o resignation_n &_o humility_n it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o imperfect_a soul_n to_o reap_v benefit_n by_o such_o impertinent_a superior_n but_o as_o for_o perfect_a one_o they_o have_v both_o light_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o convert_v all_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a command_n of_o superior_n to_o the_o benefit_n &_o advancement_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n 10._o in_o case_n a_o superior_a shall_v forbid_v his_o subject_n to_o pray_v at_o this_o or_o that_o time_n or_o shall_v command_v he_o to_o spend_v no_o long_o than_o such_o a_o small_a space_n of_o time_n in_o internal_a prayer_n as_o will_v not_o suffice_v for_o his_o advancement_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n require_v the_o subject_n to_o obey_v his_o superior_a yet_o he_o may_v with_o all_o humility_n remonstrate_v to_o he_o his_o spiritual_a necessity_n acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o his_o soul_n find_v in_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o his_o recollection_n &_o in_o attend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o what_o prejudice_n it_o may_v be_v to_o he_o to_o be_v forbid_v or_o abridge_v of_o they_o but_o if_o the_o superior_a do_v persist_v he_o must_v be_v obey_v and_o god_n will_v some_o other_o way_n supply_v the_o loss_n the_o subject_n find_v in_o such_o particular_a obedience_n now_o though_o a_o superior_a can_v no_o more_o forbid_v in_o general_a the_o use_n of_o internal_a prayer_n &_o of_o observe_v divine_a inspiration_n than_o he_o can_v forbid_v the_o love_v or_o obey_v of_o god_n yet_o whether_o prayer_n shall_v be_v exercise_v at_o such_o certain_a appoint_a time_n or_o for_o such_o a_o determinate_a space_n of_o time_n that_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o superior_n authority_n and_o how_o he_o employ_v that_o authority_n it_o will_v concern_v he_o to_o consider_v for_o if_o he_o guide_v soul_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o not_o god_n and_o sure_o god_n internal_a inspiration_n be_v his_o will_n beside_o the_o guilt_n that_o he_o shall_v contract_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o authority_n he_o must_v expect_v that_o all_o the_o harm_n or_o prejudice_n that_o his_o subject_n soul_n through_o his_o miscarriage_n shall_v incur_v will_v be_v heap_v &_o multiply_v upon_o his_o soul_n 11._o but_o concern_v the_o duty_n &_o obligation_n of_o superior_n towards_o soul_n who_o profession_n be_v to_o tread_v these_o internal_a way_n of_o contemplation_n more_o shall_v be_v say_v hereafter_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o these_o instruction_n be_v so_o far_o from_o preiudice_v their_o authority_n that_o true_a cordial_a obedience_n will_v never_o nor_o can_v be_v perfect_o perform_v to_o they_o but_o by_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v most_o zealous_a &_o constant_a in_o the_o essential_a duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o attend_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n 12._o to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v divine_a inspiration_n as_o these_o aduises_n be_v not_o curious_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o fearful_a scrupulous_a soul_n who_o unquiet_a thought_n make_v they_o in_o a_o manner_n incapable_a of_o either_o light_n or_o impulse_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o matter_n about_o which_o their_o scrupulosity_n be_v exercise_v so_o in_o those_o case_n they_o be_v to_o follow_v instruction_n peculiar_o proper_a to_o they_o but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v all_o other_o well-disposed_n soul_n that_o lead_v contemplative_a life_n this_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v serious_o recommend_v to_o they_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o practice_v it_o for_o by_o this_o &_o no_o other_o way_n can_v they_o assure_o understand_v or_o perform_v the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o which_o alone_o consist_v spiritual_a perfection_n by_o these_o inspiration_n alone_o the_o interiour_n be_v regulate_v without_o which_o all_o exterior_a good_a carriage_n be_v little_a avayleable_a to_o perfection_n no_o externall_n director_n can_v order_v the_o interiour_n operation_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o in_o prayer_n or_o mortification_n none_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o know_v &_o search_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n and_o his_o principal_a way_n of_o direct_v be_v by_o his_o inspiration_n the_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o action_n to_o make_v it_o good_a or_o meritorious_a these_o inspiration_n therefore_o we_o must_v follow_v therefore_o they_o may_v be_v know_v for_o we_o can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v a_o invisible_a &_o undiscernible_a light_n we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v know_v sure_o the_o rule_n here_o prescribe_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o wit_n abstraction_n of_o life_n &_o pure_a resign_v prayer_n be_v the_o most_o secure_a and_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o to_o procure_v grace_n to_o work_v according_o 13._o and_o it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o principal_a ground_n &_o reason_n why_o true_a spirituality_n be_v in_o these_o day_n so_o rare_a and_o why_o matter_n go_v so_o amiss_o among_o soul_n that_o pretend_v to_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n be_v because_o this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o observe_v and_o follow_a divine_a inspiration_n be_v either_o unknown_n or_o wilful_o misunderstand_v and_o suspect_v if_o not_o deride_v by_o some_o who_o in_o popular_a opinion_n be_v hold_v and_o desire_v to_o pass_v for_o chief_a master_n in_o spirituality_n and_o no_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v disaffect_v to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o perfect_a practice_n whereof_o themselves_o be_v incapable_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o distractive_a
herself_o likewise_o as_o be_v here_o teach_v for_o the_o better_a receive_n &_o discern_v of_o they_o 3._o the_o practice_n both_o of_o externall_n &_o internal_a mortification_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o through_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v send_v she_o or_o do_v belong_v to_o her_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o as_o for_o voluntary_a mortification_n she_o be_v likewise_o to_o behave_v herself_o according_a to_o the_o follow_a direction_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o it_o in_o these_o general_a duty_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n between_o the_o obligation_n of_o religious_a from_o that_o of_o secular_a person_n 3._o but_o whereas_o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v in_o this_o book_n many_o instruction_n that_o seem_v peculiar_a to_o soul_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v ground_v upon_o and_o refer_v unto_o a_o life_n abstract_v from_o the_o world_n confine_v unto_o solitude_n and_o there_o limit_v with_o a_o strict_a enclosure_n of_o special_a law_n constitution_n observance_n etc._n etc._n even_o in_o these_o also_o a_o secular_a devout_a person_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n may_v think_v himself_o in_o some_o proportion_n &_o degree_n concern_v &_o interest_v and_o from_o they_o he_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n apply_v to_o his_o own_o use_n so_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n as_o discretion_n will_v show_v to_o be_v fruitful_a to_o he_o now_o for_o a_o better_a application_n of_o this_o advice_n i_o will_v exemplify_v in_o certain_a peculiar_a duty_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o therein_o show_v in_o what_o sort_n a_o secular_a person_n may_v do_v well_o yea_o &_o in_o some_o proportion_n be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v they_o 4._o first_o therefore_o such_o a_o soul_n though_o she_o be_v not_o oblige_v real_o &_o personal_o to_o withdraw_v herself_o from_o worldly_a conversation_n &_o to_o retire_v herself_o into_o a_o solitude_n as_o strict_a as_o that_o of_o religion_n yet_o so_o much_o solitude_n &_o silence_n she_o must_v needs_o allow_v herself_o daily_o as_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o a_o due_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n neither_o must_v she_o engage_v herself_o in_o any_o business_n of_o solicitude_n &_o distraction_n that_o do_v not_o necessary_o belong_v to_o her_o vocation_n and_o even_o those_o also_o must_v she_o perform_v with_o as_o much_o internal_a quietness_n &_o recollectednes_n as_o may_v be_v careful_o avoid_v all_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n care_v of_o multiply_a riches_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o for_o vain_a conversation_n compliment_n all_o visit_n feast_n &c._n &c._n she_o must_v not_o think_v to_o permit_v unto_o herself_o such_o a_o free_a scope_n as_o other_o do_v &_o as_o former_o herself_o do_v but_o she_o must_v set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o her_o precious_a time_n as_o much_o whereof_o as_o she_o can_v borrow_v from_o the_o necessary_a employment_n of_o her_o call_v aught_o to_o be_v spend_v upon_o the_o advance_v of_o her_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o she_o indeed_o will_v find_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o do_v attend_v vain_a conversation_n as_o dissipation_n of_o thought_n engagement_n in_o new_a unnecessary_a affair_n sensual_a friendship_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o she_o ought_v careful_o to_o prevent_v &_o avoid_v 5._o second_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o her_o new_a divine_a vocation_n oblige_v studious_o to_o imitate_v especial_o the_o internal_a solitude_n belong_v to_o a_o religious_a person_n abstract_v her_o spirit_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v both_o from_o all_o affection_n to_o outward_a thing_n as_o riches_n pleasure_n &c_n &c_n and_o like_o wise_a from_o the_o image_n of_o creature_n &_o worldly_a object_n for_o which_o purpose_n she_o be_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o her_o external_a vocation_n in_o order_n to_o god_n &_o in_o subordination_n to_o her_o principal_a design_n which_o be_v the_o perfectionate_v of_o her_o spirit_n in_o the_o divine_a love._n she_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o account_v herself_o as_o absolute_a mistress_n of_o the_o riches_n that_o god_n have_v give_v she_o but_o only_o as_o his_o steward_n to_o manage_v they_o so_o as_o may_v be_v most_o to_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o she_o ought_v to_o exercise_v true_a poverty_n of_o spirit_n renounce_v all_o propriety_n join_v with_o affection_n to_o they_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v disquiet_v if_o god_n shall_v take_v they_o from_o she_o &_o make_v no_o more_o use_n of_o they_o for_o her_o own_o sensual_a contentment_n or_o for_o show_v in_o the_o world_n then_o shall_v in_o true_a discretion_n be_v necessary_a this_o internal_a solitude_n introversion_n &_o nakedness_n of_o spirit_n she_o must_v increase_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v both_o in_o her_o affection_n to_o it_o &_o practice_v of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o may_v become_v habitual_a to_o she_o because_o without_o it_o she_o will_v never_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a disposition_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n or_o to_o exercise_v the_o internal_a duty_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n belong_v to_o a_o state_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 6._o three_o in_o conformity_n to_o religious_a obedience_n she_o be_v to_o behave_v herself_o to_o all_o those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o she_o with_o a_o most_o profound_a submission_n of_o spirit_n obey_v they_o or_o rather_o god_n in_o they_o with_o all_o purity_n of_o intention_n and_o moreover_o she_o be_v at_o the_o first_o especial_o to_o put_v herself_o under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o spiritual_a director_n if_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o be_v have_v who_o be_v to_o teach_v she_o how_o she_o may_v discern_v the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n proper_a for_o she_o and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o a_o one_o she_o be_v to_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o her_o prudence_n recommend_v withal_o a_o affair_n of_o such_o importance_n in_o her_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v provide_v she_o one_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n &_o virtue_n &_o especial_o one_o that_o be_v experience_v in_o those_o internal_a way_n much_o exalt_v above_o the_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n common_o teach_v &_o practise_v and_o when_o god_n have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o one_o for_o she_o she_o be_v with_o all_o sincerity_n &_o humility_n to_o obey_v he_o yet_o without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o she_o principal_o owe_v to_o her_o divine_a internal_a master_n as_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o foregoe_v section_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n whereof_o do_v as_o well_o belong_v to_o she_o as_o to_o any_o religious_a person_n 7._o four_o although_o such_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o by_o any_o vow_n or_o otherwise_o oblige_v to_o any_o rule_n or_o restrain_v by_o any_o constitution_n or_o regular_a observance_n notwthstanding_n she_o be_v to_o reduce_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o her_o action_n &_o behaviour_n to_o a_o certain_a order_n regularity_n and_o uniformity_n observe_v in_o her_o retirement_n read_v pray_v as_o also_o her_o refection_n sleep_n etc._n etc._n a_o orderly_a practice_n both_o for_o time_n &_o manner_n according_a as_o prudence_n &_o her_o spiritual_a guide_n shall_v ordain_v this_o order_n &_o uniformity_n observe_v discreet_o yet_o without_o any_o nice_a scrupulosity_n be_v very_o requisite_a in_o a_o internal_a course_n for_o otherwise_o a_o soul_n be_v leave_v at_o large_a will_v be_v unstable_a &_o uncertain_a in_o she_o most_o necessary_a duty_n 8._o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o exemplify_v in_o any_o more_o particular_n for_o the_o same_o reflection_n &_o the_o like_a application_n may_v a_o soul_n make_v from_o any_o other_o instruction_n &_o duty_n peculiar_o design_v for_o religious_a person_n beside_o if_o she_o pursue_v diligent_o &_o constant_o her_o internal_a prayer_n god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o afford_v her_o sufficient_a internal_a light_n &_o likewise_o strong_a impulse_n &_o spiritual_a force_n to_o follow_v such_o light_n to_o the_o which_o if_o she_o faithful_o correspond_v she_o will_v find_v that_o since_o god_n have_v not_o give_v she_o a_o vocation_n to_o religion_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o deprive_v she_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n the_o principal_a advantage_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n except_o the_o solemn_a vow_n themselves_o yea_o in_o this_o case_n she_o may_v not_o altogether_o unprobable_o think_v that_o it_o be_v for_o she_o own_o particular_a good_a that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v she_o a_o opportunity_n to_o enter_v into_o religion_n 9_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v require_v of_o such_o soul_n that_o they_o shall_v quit_v all_o sollicitude_n about_o temporal_a riches_n let_v they_o not_o fear_v any_o great_a
interior_o &_o not_o at_o all_o to_o tepid_v person_n that_o neglect_v to_o correspond_v to_o their_o profession_n for_o who_o but_o the_o industrious_a &_o vigilant_a 1._o do_v live_v more_o pure_o than_o man_n do_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o or_o fall_v more_o seldom_o 3._o or_o rise_v more_o speedy_o 4._o or_o walk_v more_o wary_o 5._o or_o rest_n more_o secure_o 6._o or_o be_v visit_v by_o god_n more_o frequent_o 7._o or_o die_v more_o consulent_o 8._o or_o pass_v their_o purgatory_n more_o speed_o 9_o or_o be_v reward_v in_o heaven_n more_o abundant_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v fear_v yea_o too_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o habitual_o tepid_v &_o negligent_a soul_n in_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o far_o worse_a state_n more_o immortify_v more_o cold_a in_o devotion_n more_o estrange_v from_o god_n every_o day_n than_o other_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n &_o help_n to_o fervour_n &_o purity_n they_o will_v continue_v their_o negligence_n &_o therefore_o they_o must_v expect_v for_o their_o obstinate_a ingratitude_n &_o for_o their_o offend_n against_o so_o great_a light_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o severe_o punish_v by_o almighty_a god_n than_o other_o the_o like_a that_o live_v in_o the_o world_n 6._o how_o ridiculous_a therefore_o will_v it_o be_v for_o any_o to_o boast_v and_o say_v god_n be_v thank_v i_o have_v be_v so_o many_o year_n a_o profess_a religious_a person_n in_o a_o order_n that_o have_v produce_v so_o many_o thousand_o saint_n that_o have_v have_v so_o many_o pope_n that_o receive_v so_o many_o emperor_n king_n queen_n &_o prince_n that_o have_v so_o flourish_v with_o riches_n learning_n piety_n &_o as_o if_o those_o good_a success_n to_o some_o be_v sufficient_a security_n to_o all_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o then_o only_o to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o order_n 7._o for_o the_o undeceive_n therefore_o of_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n to_o a_o religious_a profession_n &_o for_o the_o admonish_a &_o encourage_v of_o those_o that_o have_v already_o embrace_v it_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o incomparable_a privilege_n and_o perfection_n than_o indeed_o belong_v to_o it_o i_o will_v employ_v the_o follow_a discourse_n principal_o in_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o principal_a thing_n to_o be_v intend_v in_o a_o religious_a profession_n be_v the_o incessant_a purify_n of_o the_o interiour_n which_o be_v a_o attempt_n the_o most_o glorious_a but_o withal_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o most_o destructive_a to_o sensual_a ease_n and_o contentment_n of_o all_o other_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o &_o the_o principal_a yea_o almost_o sole_a employment_n of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o it_o whereto_o i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o instruction_n more_o special_o belong_v to_o superior_n officer_n private_a religious_a &_o novice_n respective_o chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o motive_n induce_v to_o religion_n to_o be_v examine_v false_a security_n of_o tepid_a religious_a person_n of_o false_a &_o true_a motive_n §_o 6._o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o introversion_n &_o recollectednesse_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n wherein_o such_o recollectednes_n consist_v §_o 7._o 8._o perfection_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n §_o 9_o 10._o 11._o the_o wonderful_a sublimity_n of_o prayer_n to_o which_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n etc._n etc._n attain_v §_o 12._o advantage_n thereto_o enjoy_v by_o they_o beyond_o these_o time_n §_o 13._o 14._o 15._o 16._o that_o s._n benedict_n chief_o intend_v by_o his_o rule_n to_o bring_v his_o disciple_n to_o purity_n of_o prayer_n §_o 17._o 18._o 19_o false_a gloss_n &_o interpretation_n of_o s._n benedict_v rule_n in_o these_o day_n §_o 20._o 21._o s._n bernard_n excellent_a declaration_n of_o the_o design_n of_o s._n benedict_v rule_n §_o 22._o that_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n of_o introduce_v reform_v into_o contemplative_a order_n be_v by_o the_o teach_n of_o true_a contemplative_a prayer_n &_o not_o multiply_v of_o external_a form_n &_o austerity_n 1._o it_o concern_v a_o soul_n very_o much_o to_o examine_v well_o the_o motive_n induce_v she_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o religious_a state_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v she_o will_v not_o find_v all_o the_o profit_n &_o satisfaction_n that_o she_o promise_v to_o herself_o for._n 1._o if_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v undertake_v mere_o out_o of_o worldly_a respect_n as_o to_o gain_v a_o state_n of_o subsistence_n more_o secure_a &_o perhaps_o more_o plentiful_a 2._o or_o to_o avoid_v suit_n debate_n or_o world_o danger_n &c._n &c._n unless_o such_o incommodity_n have_v give_v only_a occasion_n to_o a_o soul_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o vanity_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o consider_v and_o love_v spiritual_a &_o celestial_a good_a thing_n which_o be_v permanent_a and_o without_o bitterness_n 3._o or_o if_o such_o a_o state_n be_v undertake_v out_o of_o a_o general_a good_a desire_n of_o save_v one_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o fashion_n of_o ordinary_a good_a christian_n &_o no_o more_o but_o without_o a_o special_a determinate_a resolution_n to_o labour_n after_o perfection_n in_o the_o divine_a love_n either_o because_o such_o soul_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v have_v not_o the_o courage_n and_o will_v to_o attempt_v it_o but_o resolve_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o be_v free_v from_o worldly_a tentation_n &_o danger_n and_o with_o a_o moderate_a care_n to_o practice_v the_o externall_n observance_n of_o religion_n yet_o without_o sufficient_a purity_n of_o intention_n or_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a life_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v tell_v whether_o person_n live_v &_o die_v in_o religion_n without_o further_a design_n of_o purify_n their_o soul_n shall_v find_v so_o great_a cause_n to_o rejoice_v for_o the_o choice_n they_o have_v make_v since_o their_o beginning_n &_o continue_v be_v indeed_o no_o better_a than_o a_o stable_a course_n of_o most_o dangerous_a tepidity_n 2._o however_o as_o for_o soul_n that_o for_o external_a respect_n have_v embrace_v a_o religious_a life_n let_v they_o not_o therefore_o in_o a_o desperate_a humour_n conclude_v that_o no_o good_a can_v come_v to_o they_o by_o it_o so_o unworthy_o undertake_v but_o rather_o hope_v that_o by_o a_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n they_o be_v even_o against_o their_o own_o intention_n &_o will_n bring_v into_o a_o course_n of_o life_n to_o which_o if_o however_o afterward_o they_o will_v due_o correspond_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o infinite_a blessing_n unto_o they_o for_o such_o ofttimes_o have_v prove_v great_a saint_n after_o that_o god_n give_v they_o light_n to_o see_v their_o perverse_a intention_n and_o grace_n to_o rectify_v they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o beginning_n in_o the_o flesh_n have_v end_v in_o the_o spirit_n 3._o and_o as_o for_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o tepid_a person_n it_o much_o concern_v they_o at_o least_o after_o their_o solemn_a profession_n to_o search_v well_o into_o their_o soul_n and_o there_o rectify_v what_o they_o find_v amiss_o take_v great_a heed_n how_o they_o rely_v upon_o externall_n observance_n obedience_n or_o austerity_n the_o which_o though_o they_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v perform_v yet_o can_v without_o great_a danger_n and_o harm_n be_v rest_v in_o but_o must_v needs_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o further_o and_o noble_a end_n to_o wit_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o neither_o let_v they_o conclude_v the_o security_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o good_a disposition_n of_o soul_n from_o a_o certain_a composednes_n and_o quietness_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o unless_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o internal_a mortification_n and_o prayer_n be_v but_o mere_a self_n love_n and_o much_o less_o let_v they_o rely_v upon_o the_o esteem_n and_o good_a opinion_n that_o other_o may_v have_v of_o they_o nor_o likewise_o on_o their_o own_o ability_n to_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o give_v direction_n to_o other_o since_o no_o natural_a light_n nor_o acquire_v learning_n or_o study_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o tread_v in_o contemplative_a way_n without_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o recollect_v prayer_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n whereof_o we_o see_v in_o thaulerus_n who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o perfection_n but_o not_o to_o direct_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o till_o god_n send_v he_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a layman_n for_o his_o instructor_n 5._o what_o be_v it_o therefore_o that_o a_o soul_n true_o call_v by_o god_n to_o enter_v into_o religion_n look_v
for_o sure_o not_o corporal_a labour_n not_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n not_o hear_v of_o sermon_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o these_o she_o may_v have_v enjoy_v perhaps_o more_o plentiful_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_a the_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o recollect_v constant_a prayer_n to_o the_o attain_n which_o divine_a end_n all_o thing_n practise_v in_o religion_n do_v dispose_v and_o to_o which_o alone_o so_o great_a impediment_n be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n 6._o the_o best_a general_a proof_n therefore_o of_o a_o good_a call_v to_o religion_n be_v a_o love_n to_o prayer_n either_o vocal_a or_o mental_a for_o if_o at_o first_o it_o be_v only_o to_o vocal_a prayer_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o excellency_n of_o internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n or_o perhaps_o have_v receive_v some_o preiudices_fw-la against_o it_o yet_o if_o she_o observe_v solitude_n careful_o and_o with_o attention_n and_o fervour_n practice_v vocal_a prayer_n she_o will_v in_o time_n either_o by_o a_o divine_a light_n perceive_v the_o necessity_n of_o join_v mental_a prayer_n to_o her_o vocal_a or_o be_v enable_v to_o practice_v her_o vocal_a prayer_n mental_o which_o be_v a_o sublime_a perfection_n 7._o it_o be_v a_o state_n therefore_o of_o recollectednes_n &_o introversion_n that_o every_o one_o enter_v into_o religion_n be_v to_o aspire_v unto_o the_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o habitual_a disposition_n of_o soul_n whereby_o she_o transcend_v all_o creature_n &_o their_o image_n the_o which_o thereby_o come_v to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o dominion_n over_o she_o so_o that_o she_o remain_v apt_a for_o immediate_a cooperation_n with_o god_n receive_v his_o inspiration_n and_o by_o a_o return_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o reflux_n tend_v to_o he_o and_o operate_n to_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v call_v recollectednes_n because_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o state_n gather_v her_o thought_n natural_o disperse_v &_o fix_v with_o multiplicity_n on_o creature_n and_o unite_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o it_o be_v call_v introversion_n both_o because_o the_o spirit_n &_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v it_o be_v the_o only_a object_n that_o a_o devout_a soul_n consider_v &_o value_v she_o turn_v all_o her_o sollicitude_n inward_o to_o observe_v defect_n want_n or_o inordination_n there_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v remedy_v supply_n &_o correct_v they_o and_o likewise_o because_o the_o proper_a seat_n the_o throne_n &_o kingdom_n where_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_n and_o reign_v be_v the_o pure_a summity_n of_o man_n spirit_n there_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n most_o perfect_o enjoy_v and_o contemplate_v god_n though_o every_o where_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o equal_o present_a yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o perfection_n present_v there_o after_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a manner_n then_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o communicate_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o much_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n as_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v not_o only_o simple_a be_v as_o he_o be_v to_o inanimate_a body_n or_o life_n as_o to_o live_a creature_n or_o perception_n as_o to_o sensitive_a or_o knowledge_n as_o to_o other_o ordinary_a rational_a soul_n but_o with_o and_o beside_o all_o these_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n purity_n &_o happiness_n by_o communicate_v the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n say_v regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la intra_fw-la vos_fw-la est_fw-la the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v within_o you_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o religious_a solitary_a &_o abstract_a soul_n do_v endeavour_v to_o turn_v all_o their_o thought_n inward_a raise_v they_o to_o apicem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la the_o pure_a top_n of_o the_o spirit_n far_o above_o all_o sensible_a phantasm_n or_o imaginative_a discourse_n or_o grosser_n affection_n where_o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o see_v and_o most_o comfortable_o enjoy_v 7._o now_o the_o actual_a practice_n of_o this_o introversion_n consist_v principal_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o pure_a internal_a spiritual_a prayer_n the_o perfection_n of_o which_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a aim_n to_o which_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a soul_n be_v oblige_v to_o aspire_v so_o that_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o s._n benedict_v order_n &_o rule_n consist_v in_o a_o public_a orderly_a protract_v solemn_a sing_v of_o the_o divine_a office_n the_o which_o may_v be_v full_a as_o well_o yea_o and_o for_o the_o externall_n be_v with_o more_o advantage_n perform_v by_o secular_a ecclesiastic_n in_o cathedral_n church_n a_o motive_n to_o the_o introduce_v of_o which_o pompous_a solemnity_n may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v full_a of_o edification_n to_o other_o to_o see_v &_o hear_v a_o conspire_v of_o many_o singer_n &_o voice_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v of_o heart_n too_o to_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o for_o edification_n of_o other_o that_o a_o monastical_a state_n be_v institute_v or_o ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v religious_a soul_n true_o monastical_a fly_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n enter_v into_o desert_n and_o solitude_n to_o spend_v their_o life_n alone_o in_o penance_n and_o recollection_n and_o to_o purify_v their_o own_o soul_n not_o to_o give_v example_n or_o instruction_n to_o other_o such_o solitude_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v seek_v by_o they_o thereby_o to_o dispose_v themselves_o for_o another_o far_o more_o profitable_a internal_a solitude_n in_o which_o creature_n be_v banish_v the_o only_a conversation_n be_v between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n herself_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o if_o beside_o they_o two_o no_o other_o thing_n be_v existent_a 8._o to_o gain_v this_o happy_a state_n a_o devout_a soul_n enter_v into_o religion_n where_o all_o imaginable_a advantage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o this_o end_n at_o least_o ancient_o they_o be_v so_o and_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o yet_o though_o all_o religious_a person_n ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o state_n it_o be_v real_o gain_v by_o very_a few_o in_o these_o time_n for_o some_o through_o ignorance_n or_o misinstruction_n by_o teacher_n that_o know_v no_o deep_o not_o a_o more_o perfect_a introversion_n then_o into_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o imagination_n and_o other_o through_o negligence_n or_o else_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o voluntary_a pour_v forth_o their_o affection_n &_o thought_n upon_o vanity_n useless_a study_n or_o other_o sensual_a enterteinment_n be_v never_o able_a perfect_o to_o enter_v into_o their_o spirit_n and_o to_o find_v god_n there_o 9_o but_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o read_v of_o that_o depth_n of_o recollectednes_n &_o most_o profound_a introversion_n to_o which_o some_o ancient_a solitary_a religious_a person_n by_o long_a exercise_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n have_v come_v in_o so_o much_o as_o they_o have_v be_v so_o absorb_v &_o even_o drown_v in_o a_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o god_n that_o they_o have_v not_o see_v what_o their_o eye_n look_v on_o nor_o feel_v what_o otherwise_o will_v greivous_o hurt_v they_o yea_o to_o so_o habitual_a a_o state_n of_o attend_v only_o to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n do_v some_o of_o they_o attain_v that_o they_o can_v not_o though_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n thereto_o ofttimes_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o any_o other_o object_n but_o god_n their_o internal_a sense_n according_a as_o themselves_o have_v describe_v it_o have_v be_v in_o a_o unexpressible_a manner_n draw_v into_o their_o spirit_n and_o therein_o so_o swallow_v up_o as_o to_o loose_v in_o a_o sort_n all_o other_o use_n a_o most_o happy_a state_n in_o which_o the_o devil_n can_v so_o much_o as_o fix_v a_o seduce_a tentation_n or_o image_n in_o their_o mind_n to_o distract_v they_o from_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o he_o shall_v attempt_v it_o that_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o plunge_v they_o deep_o &_o more_o intimely_a into_o god_n 10._o and_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a contemplative_a prayer_n the_o which_o be_v not_o only_o practise_v by_o the_o holy_a ancient_a hermit_n etc._n etc._n in_o most_o sublime_a perfection_n but_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v their_o chief_n most_o proper_a &_o almost_o continual_a employment_n in_o so_o much_o as_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o be_v by_o they_o account_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o state_n a_o large_a proof_n whereof_o shall_v be_v reserve_v till_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o prayer_n for_o the_o present_a therefore_o i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o testimony_n or_o two_o relate_v by_o cassian_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n
great_a perfection_n of_o internal_a purity_n than_o we_o be_v former_o as_o christian_n answerable_a to_o the_o great_a help_n and_o advantage_n thereto_o afford_v in_o religion_n and_o particular_o we_o have_v a_o obligation_n to_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v at_o least_o of_o extreme_a difficulty_n in_o a_o ordinary_a distract_a solicitous_a secular_a state_n 23._o and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v collect_v this_o most_o true_a and_o profitable_a observation_n to_o wit_n that_o whosoever_o will_v attempt_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contemplation_n miserable_o decay_v in_o these_o day_n will_v labour_v in_o vain_a if_o he_o think_v to_o compass_v his_o holy_a design_n by_o multiply_v of_o ceremony_n inlarge_v of_o office_n increase_v of_o externall_n austeritys_n rigorous_a regulate_v of_o diet_n and_o abstinence_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n will_v have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n unless_o the_o mind_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v true_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n &_o obligation_n to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o internal_a guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o be_v rather_o hinder_v then_o advance_v by_o the_o excessive_a multiplication_n of_o outward_a observance_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n s._n benedict_n who_o sure_o have_v a_o most_o perfect_a light_n &_o a_o equal_a zeal_n at_o least_o to_o advance_v the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n be_v very_o moderate_a in_o these_o thing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a very_o severe_a in_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o silence_n solitude_n and_o abstraction_n of_o life_n the_o which_o do_v most_o direct_o and_o efficacious_o beget_v a_o habitual_a introversion_n and_o recollectednesse_n of_o spirit_n the_o ineffectualnesse_n therefore_o of_o these_o new_a way_n of_o reformation_n we_o see_v daily_a proof_n of_o by_o the_o short_a continuance_n of_o they_o for_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o enlighten_v nor_o enable_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n suitable_a to_o their_o state_n to_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o such_o great_a austeritys_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o say_a spirit_n become_v in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o that_o the_o first_o zeal_n much_o cause_v by_o the_o novelty_n and_o reputation_n gain_v in_o the_o world_n be_v cool_v to_o grow_v weary_a not_o find_v that_o inward_a satisfaction_n &_o profit_n which_o they_o expect_v and_o so_o they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a tepidity_n &_o relaxation_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o a_o religious_a person_n be_v not_o perfect_a by_o his_o profession_n §_o 4._o 5._o 6._o 7._o whether_o and_o how_o far_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o religion_n will_v excuse_v §_o 8._o 9_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o that_o know_a will_v not_o pursue_v internal_a way_n of_o recollection_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n and_o much_o more_o of_o those_o that_o discountenance_n it_o §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o vain_a pretence_n of_o those_o that_o discountenance_n internal_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n §_o 13._o a_o description_n of_o a_o externall_n and_o a_o internal_a monk_n out_o of_o hesychius_n 1._o our_o obligation_n therefore_o to_o tend_v to_o perfect_a internal_a purity_n &_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a &_o so_o undispensable_a what_o account_n think_v we_o will_v some_o religious_a person_n be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o miserable_a deficienty_n in_o this_o so_o essential_a a_o condition_n 2._o religion_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n not_o that_o by_o the_o mere_a take_v a_o religious_a profession_n or_o habit_n a_o person_n be_v thereby_o more_o perfect_a than_o he_o be_v before_o but_o because_o by_o renounce_v those_o distractive_a impediment_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o condition_n in_o which_o he_o not_o only_o may_v far_o more_o easy_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o divine_a love_n but_o moreover_o by_o assume_v such_o a_o state_n he_o oblige_v himself_o to_o employ_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o he_o find_v in_o religion_n as_o mean_n to_o approach_v near_o to_o this_o perfection_n daily_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n he_o either_o can_v or_o be_v oblige_v the_o which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o enjoy_v any_o privilege_n in_o god_n sight_n by_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o state_n as_o that_o he_o will_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o his_o ingratitude_n and_o negligence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o such_o advantage_n and_o talent_n give_v he_o 3._o s._n paulinus_n excellent_o illustrate_v this_o truth_n by_o this_o similitude_n he_o compare_v the_o world_n to_o a_o dry_a scorch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n and_o celestial_a happiness_n to_o a_o most_o delicious_a paradise_n divide_v from_o this_o desert_n by_o a_o deep_a and_o tempestuous_a river_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v pass_v by_o swim_v the_o secure_a way_n to_o pass_v over_o this_o river_n be_v by_o quit_v once_o clothes_n but_o few_o there_o be_v that_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o weather_n for_o a_o while_n and_o therefore_o adventure_v over_o clothes_n and_o all_o and_o of_o they_o god_n know_n a_o world_n miscarry_v by_o the_o way_n some_o few_o other_o such_o be_v religious_a person_n see_v this_o danger_n take_v a_o good_a resolution_n to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o their_o clothes_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o light_a and_o nimble_a by_o cast_v away_o all_o impediment_n how_o dear_a soever_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v do_v it_o remain_v that_o they_o shall_v labour_v naked_a as_o they_o be_v with_o swim_v to_o pass_v the_o river_n but_o this_o they_o neglect_v to_o do_v or_o take_v so_o little_a pain_n and_o strive_v so_o negligent_o against_o the_o wave_n and_o stream_n that_o all_o they_o do_v come_v to_o nothing_o they_o be_v in_o as_o much_o danger_n and_o as_o far_o from_o paradise_n as_o they_o be_v before_o and_o whereas_o they_o glorify_v themselves_o because_o they_o be_v naked_a that_o will_v rather_o aggravate_v their_o folly_n and_o make_v their_o negligence_n far_o more_o culpable_a in_o that_o have_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n they_o will_v not_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o do_v that_o for_o which_o they_o cast_v of_o their_o clothes_n 4._o now_o the_o impediment_n either_o much_o delay_n or_o quite_o hinder_v many_o soul_n that_o live_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v natural_o apt_a enough_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n from_o comply_v with_o this_o most_o necessary_a obligation_n be_v partly_o in_o the_o understanding_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o will_n concern_v this_o latter_a which_o be_v self-love_n a_o settle_a affection_n to_o creature_n negligence_n etc._n etc._n much_o have_v already_o be_v say_v and_o more_o will_v hereafter_o be_v add_v but_o concern_v the_o other_o impediment_n seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a way_n lead_v to_o that_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a contemplative_a life_n i_o will_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n whether_o and_o how_o far_o such_o ignorance_n may_v excuse_v a_o religious_a person_n that_o do_v not_o aspire_v to_o that_o perfection_n to_o which_o his_o state_n oblige_v he_o 5._o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o may_v in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o twofold_a ignorance_n 1._o a_o ignorance_n in_o gross_a that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o obligation_n 2._o on_o supposition_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v inform_v that_o she_o have_v such_o a_o obligation_n a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o acquire_v of_o this_o perfection_n the_o which_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v mortification_n and_o principal_o internal_a prayer_n 6._o first_o therefore_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n it_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o even_o wilful_a that_o there_o can_v scarce_o be_v imagine_v any_o excuse_n or_o qualification_n for_o it_o for_o what_o other_o thought_n can_v a_o soul_n have_v quit_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o commodity_n therein_o to_o embrace_v poverty_n obedience_n solitude_n &c_n &c_n but_o thereby_o to_o consecrate_v herself_o entire_o to_o god_n show_v by_o the_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o her_o admission_n and_o profession_n the_o question_n propose_v to_o she_o and_o her_o answer_n her_o habit_n tonsure_v representation_n of_o a_o death_n and_o burial_n solemn_a benediction_n of_o her_o habit_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o community_n &_o c_o all_o that_o be_v witness_n and_o spectator_n of_o such_o a_o action_n do_v no_o otherwise_o
be_v god_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n teach_v s._n anthony_n this_o art_n &_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n when_o be_v unable_a to_o keep_v his_o mind_n continual_o bend_v in_o actual_a prayer_n he_o grow_v weary_a of_o solitude_n &_o in_o a_o never_a disposition_n to_o quit_v it_o at_o which_o time_n a_o angelâ—_n appear_v to_o he_o busy_o employ_v in_o make_v basket_n of_o the_o rind_n of_o palm_n signify_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n intermit_v his_o devotion_n so_o spend_v the_o time_n that_o he_o can_v not_o employ_v in_o prayer_n 10._o such_o be_v the_o externall_n daily_a employment_n of_o the_o ancient_a contemplative_n &_o so_o great_a virtue_n do_v they_o find_v in_o they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o which_o mean_v so_o many_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o so_o sublime_a a_o degree_n of_o contemplation_n yea_o &_o general_o most_o of_o they_o arrive_v to_o very_o great_a simplicity_n of_o spirit_n &_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n 11._o but_o when_o afterward_o by_o the_o most_o plentifully-flowing_a charity_n of_o devout_a christian_n there_o be_v not_o only_o take_v from_o religious_a all_o necessity_n of_o sustain_v themselves_o by_o corporal_a labour_n but_o they_o be_v moreover_o rich_o furnish_v and_o enable_v to_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o many_o other_o we_o may_v well_o judge_v that_o it_o will_v become_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v a_o continuance_n of_o much_o manual_a labour_n pure_o and_o only_o for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o spirit_n when_o otherwise_o it_o be_v both_o needle_n and_o afflict_v to_o the_o body_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o since_o necessary_o some_o employment_n beside_o prayer_n must_v be_v find_v out_o for_o the_o entertain_n of_o those_o solitary_a liver_n learn_v as_o the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o other_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o yet_o so_o that_o for_o many_o age_n corporal_a labour_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v 12._o yet_o â—his_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a nor_o i_o suppose_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o so_o great_a and_o almost_o universal_a a_o change_n as_o afterward_o follow_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o a_o coenobiticall_a life_n but_o we_o may_v reasonable_o impute_v the_o say_a exchange_n of_o labour_n for_o study_n in_o a_o principal_a manner_n to_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o stand_v in_o such_o extreme_a need_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o labourer_n in_o god_n vineyard_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o charity_n of_o religious_a man_n themselves_o who_o during_o that_o most_o horrible_a ignorance_n and_o depravation_n reign_v over_o all_o the_o world_n almost_o beside_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o repay_v the_o wonderful_a charity_n of_o good_a christian_n by_o extend_v a_o great_a charity_n in_o communicate_v to_o they_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o their_o temporal_a hence_o come_v a_o necessity_n of_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o indeed_o for_o several_a age_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n whole_o sustain_v by_o they_o yea_o moreover_o by_o their_o zeal_n labour_n and_o wisdom_n the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o heathen_n also_o and_o many_o province_n and_o kingdom_n adjoin_v to_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n consider_v no_o wonder_n be_v there_o if_o the_o introduce_v of_o read_v and_o study_n in_o the_o place_n of_o manual_a labour_n be_v avoidable_o necessary_a 13._o but_o perhaps_o some_o there_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o affect_v or_o please_v with_o the_o present_a reputation_n or_o commodidity_n enjoy_v by_o religious_a person_n that_o assent_v to_o what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v will_v notwithstanding_o infer_v that_o since_o learning_n be_v now_o become_v so_o much_o dilate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o zeal_n and_o charity_n of_o ancient_a monastical_a religious_a there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o the_o like_a necessity_n of_o their_o interess_a themselves_o in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o return_v to_o their_o old_a corporal_a employment_n and_o labour_n 14._o herto_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o even_o still_o there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o far_o great_a frequentation_n of_o sacrament_n in_o these_o day_n above_o the_o ancient_a time_n but_o moreover_o if_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n religious_a person_n shall_v quit_v study_n return_v to_o their_o ancient_a employment_n of_o manual_a labour_n from_o which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v god_n himself_o do_v doubtless_o withdraw_v they_o beside_o that_o their_o ignorance_n will_v render_v they_o the_o universal_a object_n of_o contempt_n through_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o will_v likewise_o expose_v they_o as_o for_o their_o state_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o all_o that_o either_o envy_a or_o covet_v the_o scarce_o subsistence_n leave_v they_o and_o as_o to_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o be_v turn_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o the_o variety_n of_o directour_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o guide_v they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v all_o man_n will_v be_v deter_v from_o adjoin_v themselves_o unto_o they_o for_o continue_v a_o succession_n 15._o now_o though_o as_o have_v be_v say_v such_o a_o change_n have_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n make_v in_o the_o external_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n yet_o still_o the_o same_o essential_a indispensable_a obligation_n of_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n remain_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o which_o although_o study_v join_v with_o prayer_n seem_v in_o some_o regard_v to_o be_v less_o advantageous_a than_o ancient_o such_o labour_n as_o the_o egyptian_a monk_n etc._n etc._n undertake_v be_v yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o goodness_n to_o his_o seruamt_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n by_o raise_v up_o several_a holy_a person_n to_o teach_v more_o accurate_o then_o former_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n for_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o to_o person_n far_o more_o distract_v by_o study_n then_o ancient_o they_o be_v by_o labour_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o moderate_a quiet_a attention_n to_o god_n vocal_a prayer_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prolong_v have_v not_o ordinary_o speak_v sufficient_a force_n to_o recollect_v the_o mind_n habitual_o or_o to_o suppress_v and_o cure_v the_o many_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o use_n of_o appoint_a daily_a recollection_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o to_o such_o prayer_n we_o may_v most_o principal_o impute_v the_o great_a light_n and_o help_n for_o contemplation_n afford_v by_o some_o late_a saint_n in_o religious_a order_n and_o in_o the_o world_n also_o to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o god_n church_n that_o sole_a exercise_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n make_v amends_o for_o all_o other_o defect_n in_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o the_o ancient_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o special_a duty_n of_o religious_a person_n §_o 2._o a_o religious_a person_n ought_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v always_o under_o obedience_n §_o 3._o 4._o quality_n necessary_a in_o a_o religious_a superior_a §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o that_o active_a spirit_n be_v very_o improper_a to_o govern_v such_o as_o be_v contemplative_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n §_o 10._o a_o fearful_a example_n in_o bernardinus_fw-la othinus_n show_v how_o dangerous_a the_o neglect_n of_o internal_a prayer_n be_v in_o a_o religious_a superior_a 1._o have_v thus_o large_o set_v down_o the_o proper_a and_o only_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n to_o wit_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o recollect_v contemplative_a prayer_n alone_o i_o will_v further_o add_v some_o more_o special_a duty_n belong_v to_o religious_a person_n according_a to_o their_o several_a relation_n and_o quality_n as_o superior_n or_o other_o subordinate_a officer_n subject_n etc._n etc._n for_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n as_o obedience_n poverty_n humility_n etc._n etc._n the_o handle_n of_o they_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n 2._o now_o with_o what_o mind_n a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o embrace_v a_o religious_a profession_n be_v signify_v to_o we_o in_o that_o notable_a passage_n in_o our_o holy_a father_n rule_n where_o he_o say_v in_o coenobio_fw-la degens_fw-la desiderat_fw-la sibi_fw-la abbatem_fw-la praeesse_fw-la that_o be_v whosoever_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a community_n be_v desirous_a that_o
a_o abbot_n shall_v be_v set_v over_o he_o from_o whence_o we_o ought_v to_o infer_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o a_o religious_a person_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v to_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o another_o and_o in_o such_o a_o mind_n to_o continue_v all_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o ready_o accept_v &_o much_o more_o those_o that_o ambitious_o seek_v government_n and_o prelature_n may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o spirit_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n and_o sure_o he_o that_o shall_v serious_o consider_v of_o what_o difficul_n y_z and_o of_o what_o extreme_a danger_n the_o office_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v what_o terrible_a threaten_n our_o holy_a father_n so_o oft_o denounce_v from_o god_n against_o a_o negligent_a partial_a and_o unfaithful_a discharge_n of_o such_o a_o office_n will_v think_v it_o far_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o aversion_n then_o of_o his_o desire_n therefore_o that_o superior_a that_o do_v not_o find_v himself_o more_o willing_a to_o give_v up_o his_o place_n then_o to_o retain_v it_o aught_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o be_v scarce_o in_o a_o good_a state_n 3._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o subject_n may_v be_v inform_v what_o quality_n they_o be_v to_o regard_v in_o the_o elect_v of_o superior_n and_o also_o superior_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n what_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o a_o office_n due_o impose_v on_o they_o i_o will_v from_o s._n bernard_n set_v down_o three_o necessary_a condition_n or_o endowment_n by_o which_o superior_n be_v to_o direct_v their_o subject_n the_o which_o be_v 1._o verbum_fw-la 2._o exemplum_fw-la &_o 3_o oratio_fw-la that_o be_v exhortation_n good_a example_n and_o prayer_n add_v moreover_o maior_fw-la autem_fw-la horum_fw-la est_fw-la oratio_fw-la nam_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la vocis_fw-la virtus_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o operis_fw-la et_fw-la operi_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o voci_fw-la gratiam_fw-la efficaciamque_fw-la promeretur_fw-la oratio_fw-la that_o be_v of_o those_o three_o necessary_a quality_n the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a be_v prayer_n for_o although_o there_o be_v much_o virtue_n in_o exhortation_n and_o example_n yet_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o procure_v efficacy_n and_o success_n to_o both_o the_o other_o 4._o from_o which_o testimony_n and_o authority_n yea_o even_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n we_o may_v firm_o conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o religious_a superior_a that_o without_o it_o he_o can_v exercise_v his_o charge_n proffitable_o either_o to_o himself_o or_o his_o subject_n and_o consequent_o that_o to_o a_o superior_a in_o a_o order_n who_o spirit_n be_v contemplation_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a establish_a habit_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n concern_v spiritual_a guide_n how_o can_v such_o a_o superior_a without_o knowledge_n gain_v by_o experience_n inculcate_v the_o so_o necessary_a duty_n of_o recollection_n and_o prayer_n nay_o rather_o will_v he_o not_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o discountenance_v those_o exercise_n in_o which_o he_o be_v not_o skill_v and_o from_o which_o perhaps_o he_o have_v a_o aversion_n 5._o therefore_o that_o too_o ordinary_o maintain_v position_n of_o some_o that_o active_a spirit_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o superiority_n and_o externall_n employment_n then_o contemplative_a which_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o solitude_n and_o sequestration_n to_o which_o their_o spirit_n incline_v they_o be_v indeed_o most_o unreasonable_a &_o groundless_a 6._o on_o the_o contrary_a no_o doubt_n there_o be_v but_o that_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n have_v principal_o proceed_v from_o this_o preposterous_a disorder_n viz._n that_o in_o most_o religious_a community_n active_a spirit_n have_v get_v the_o advantage_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o prelature_n and_o spiritual_a pastourship_n over_o the_o contemplative_a though_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v institute_v only_o for_o contemplation_n and_o this_o have_v happen_v even_o since_o contemplative_a prayer_n have_v be_v restore_v by_o person_n extraordinary_o raise_v by_o god_n as_o rusbrochius_n thaulerus_n s._n teresa_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o religious_a community_n have_v be_v order_v even_o in_o the_o point_n of_o spirituallity_n by_o spirit_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a &_o contrary_a temper_n to_o that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v 7._o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o active_a spirit_n shall_v so_o prevail_v consider_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_o of_o a_o contemplative_a disposition_n and_o design_n know_v well_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n of_o superiority_n how_o full_a of_o extroversion_n distraction_n and_o solicitude_n it_o be_v and_o what_o occasion_n and_o tentation_n there_o be_v in_o it_o to_o raise_v nourish_v and_o satisfy_v sensual_a affection_n pride_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o peril_n of_o extinguish_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n except_o in_o soul_n far_o advance_v in_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n such_o i_o say_v be_v therefore_o just_o afraid_a of_o and_o do_v use_v all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o avoid_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o other_o whereas_o active_a spirit_n that_o live_v in_o religion_n not_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o prayer_n as_o will_v raise_v they_o much_o out_o of_o nature_n have_v not_o the_o like_a apprehension_n of_o such_o employment_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v lead_n by_o natural_a desire_n of_o preeminence_n and_o love_n of_o liberty_n and_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o be_v true_a internal_a liver_n will_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o way_n &_o policy_n use_v for_o the_o increase_a the_o temporal_a good_a of_o their_o community_n do_v not_o fear_v to_o offer_v themselves_o yea_o and_o ambitious_o to_o seek_v dominion_n over_o other_o false_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o only_a motive_n be_v charity_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a of_o their_o conuent_v or_o congregation_n but_o what_o the_o effect_n be_v experience_n show_v 8._o true_a it_o be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o many_o unfit_a spirit_n will_v oft_o be_v admit_v into_o religious_a order_n very_o different_a from_o the_o disposition_n requisite_a though_o it_o belong_v to_o superior_n to_o provide_v as_o well_o as_o may_v be_v against_o such_o a_o abuse_n but_o such_o be_v admit_v of_o active_a disposition_n the_o best_a be_v to_o employ_v they_o in_o active_a exercise_n &_o externall_n matter_n as_o in_o the_o office_n of_o procuration_n dispense_v building_n and_o the_o like_a but_o as_o for_o prelacy_n the_o charge_n of_o instruct_v novice_n or_o other_o office_n pertain_v to_o the_o direct_n of_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n to_o employ_v active_a disposition_n in_o such_o for_o how_o can_v they_o without_o light_n or_o experience_n direct_a soul_n in_o way_n unknowen_a to_o themselves_o yea_o which_o through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_v they_o perhaps_o disapprove_v 9_o beside_o upon_o exact_a consideration_n it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o government_n contemplative_a spirit_n that_o have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o internal_a prayer_n have_v great_a advantage_n above_o the_o active_a for_o such_o be_v careful_a themselves_o to_o use_v all_o due_a abstraction_n will_v less_o molest_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o impertinent_a business_n not_o pry_v too_o narrow_o into_o all_o passage_n as_o if_o they_o seek_v occasion_n of_o show_v their_o authority_n and_o ability_n in_o make_v unnecessary_a reprehension_n to_o the_o disquiet_v of_o community_n but_o for_o peace_n sake_n they_o will_v sometime_o even_o silere_fw-la a_o bonis_fw-la pass_v over_o many_o thing_n which_o do_v seem_v a_o little_a amiss_o wherein_o they_o show_v great_a prudence_n and_o also_o cause_v much_o profit_n to_o subject_n 2._o such_o be_v diligent_a about_o their_o own_o recollection_n do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o silence_n patience_n &_o peace_n forbear_v the_o do_v or_o impose_v of_o a_o multitude_n of_o unnecessary_a task_n upon_o other_o 3._o by_o mean_n of_o prayer_n they_o obtain_v light_a to_o order_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o subject_n soul_n and_o in_o case_n they_o have_v err_v or_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o thing_n they_o discover_v and_o amend_v it_o in_o their_o next_o recollection_n 4._o in_o the_o manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o whole_a comportment_n a_o certain_a divine_a grace_n shine_v forth_o which_o be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n to_o win_v their_o subject_n heart_n to_o obedience_n and_o divine_a love._n 5._o yea_o if_o by_o corporal_a infirmity_n they_o be_v disable_v to_o attend_v
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
any_o alteration_n at_o all_o in_o their_o essential_a design_n most_o secure_a and_o profitable_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o lead_v a_o solitary_n devout_a and_o abstract_a life_n and_o therein_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n this_o only_o must_v they_o aim_v at_o and_o to_o this_o must_v they_o order_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o action_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o their_o life_n long_o to_o be_v imprison_v in_o their_o cloister_n therefore_o neither_o enter_v nor_o afterward_o must_v they_o entertain_v any_o thought_n or_o design_n about_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o conuent_v in_o which_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v themselves_o their_o desire_n and_o intention_n must_v be_v to_o live_v and_o die_v particular_o they_o ought_v to_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o meditation_n and_o inclination_n to_o go_v in_o mission_n into_o england_n yea_o if_o they_o will_v indeed_o comply_v with_o their_o essential_a profession_n they_o must_v resolve_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o and_o without_o offence_n to_o god_n or_o disobedience_n to_o their_o superior_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o employment_n of_o which_o they_o can_v without_o pride_n think_v themselves_o worthy_a or_o able_a to_o encounter_v all_o the_o tentation_n and_o danger_n accompany_v it_o simple_o and_o sincere_o confine_v all_o their_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o that_o life_n of_o solitude_n abstraction_n and_o prayer_n which_o they_o have_v vow_v and_o in_o which_o their_o soul_n will_v find_v true_a comfort_n and_o security_n 4._o consequent_o neither_o must_v they_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o approve_v unto_o their_o superior_n their_o fitness_n for_o that_o charge_n thereby_o as_o it_o be_v invite_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o it_o apply_v themselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o study_n proper_a for_o such_o a_o employment_n as_o in_o any_o measure_n thereby_o to_o hinder_v or_o interrupt_v the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n as_o be_v most_o beneficial_a to_o their_o soul_n and_o much_o less_o to_o hinder_v their_o daily_a serious_a recollection_n in_o case_n their_o superior_n who_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o that_o business_n shall_v require_v of_o they_o to_o apply_v themselves_o diligent_o to_o such_o study_n as_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o the_o mission_n they_o be_v oblige_v therein_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o obedience_n yet_o even_o in_o that_o case_n if_o they_o find_v that_o much_o time_n can_v be_v spend_v in_o they_o without_o hurt_n to_o their_o spirit_n and_o a_o neglect_n or_o prejudice_n to_o their_o appoint_a recollection_n they_o ought_v to_o acquaint_v their_o superior_n with_o their_o case_n who_o no_o doubt_n will_v prefer_v the_o good_a and_o advancement_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o solitude_n purity_n of_o spirit_n and_o internal_a prayer_n before_o any_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o yea_o they_o will_v judge_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o better_a disposition_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o great_a enablement_n even_o for_o such_o a_o call_v then_o study_v and_o will_v take_v heed_n how_o they_o send_v any_o abroad_o that_o for_o their_o study_n neglect_v their_o prayer_n for_o what_o blessing_n from_o god_n can_v such_o hope_n upon_o any_o endeavour_n of_o they_o be_v it_o not_o more_o likely_a that_o themselves_o will_v be_v pervert_v than_o other_o by_o they_o convert_v 5._o it_o can_v easy_o be_v imagine_v how_o mischievous_a to_o many_o soul_n the_o neglect_n of_o such_o advice_n may_v be_v some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o take_v the_o habit_n for_o that_o end_n &_o intent_n principal_o of_o go_v afterward_o into_o england_n what_o miserable_a distraction_n will_v such_o a_o resolution_n cause_n during_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o abode_n in_o their_o convent_n for_o all_o their_o thought_n almost_o all_o their_o affection_n hope_n and_o design_n will_v be_v carry_v abroad_o into_o another_o country_n so_o that_o the_o place_n of_o their_o profession_n will_v be_v esteem_v a_o place_n of_o exile_n to_o they_o and_o so_o far_o will_v they_o be_v from_o procure_v a_o divine_a light_n and_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o for_o so_o terrible_a a_o employment_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n that_o prayer_n and_o solitude_n will_v be_v distasteful_a to_o they_o regular_a observance_n will_v be_v a_o burden_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v delay_v their_o intention_n which_o they_o say_v be_v of_o convert_v soul_n but_o alas_o perhaps_o with_o the_o loss_n or_o at_o least_o imminent_a danger_n of_o their_o own_o 6._o nay_o some_o that_o at_o the_o beginning_n have_v simple_o and_o with_o a_o good_a intention_n take_v the_o habit_n yield_v afterward_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o tepidity_n the_o which_o turn_v their_o happy_a solitude_n into_o a_o prison_n will_v look_v upon_o the_o mission_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o use_v all_o mean_n by_o friend_n and_o solicitation_n of_o their_o superior_n that_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o quit_v it_o and_o to_o go_v in_o mission_n god_n only_o know_v into_o what_o danger_n and_o tentation_n they_o wilful_o thrust_v themselves_o be_v utter_o unprovided_a of_o light_n or_o grace_n to_o resist_v they_o and_o what_o other_o issue_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o up_o to_o suâ—h_a tentation_n unto_o which_o out_o of_o a_o sensual_a affection_n to_o the_o world_n pride_n and_o a_o weariness_n of_o prayer_n they_o have_v expose_v themselves_o without_o any_o call_n from_o he_o yea_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n 7._o now_o it_o be_v not_o only_o particular_a religious_a but_o much_o more_o superior_n that_o ought_v to_o think_v themselves_o concern_v most_o deep_o in_o these_o matter_n for_o in_o case_n such_o unwary_a rash_a soul_n shall_v come_v thus_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o they_o annot_v but_o know_v that_o those_o soul_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n they_o ought_v therefore_o to_o root_v out_o of_o the_o hearâ—s_n of_o their_o subject_n all_o such_o pernicious_a design_n by_o show_v that_o they_o esteem_v they_o least_o worthy_a that_o be_v most_o forward_o to_o offer_v themselves_o and_o great_a care_n and_o wariness_n ought_v they_o to_o use_v how_o they_o send_v or_o permit_v any_o to_o go_v abroad_o before_o they_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v not_o so_o much_o with_o learning_n as_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n and_o with_o zeal_n proceed_v from_o a_o establish_a charity_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o by_o undertake_v and_o execute_v active_a employment_n prejudice_n and_o perhaps_o ruin_v their_o contemplative_a state_n 8._o our_o example_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o first_o hoâ—y_a converter_n of_o england_n who_o do_v not_o undertake_v such_o a_o charge_n till_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o the_o exercice_n of_o solitude_n and_o contemplation_n and_o not_o then_o till_o a_o absolute_a command_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o by_o the_o supreme_a pastâ—ur_n and_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o charge_n they_o never_o suffer_v their_o labour_n and_o sollicitude_n to_o dispense_v with_o they_o for_o the_o continue_n of_o their_o accustom_a austerity_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n but_o borrow_v from_o their_o employment_n as_o much_o time_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v allow_v to_o spend_v in_o abstraction_n solitude_n and_o contemplation_n yea_o though_o they_o converse_v only_o with_o pagan_n and_o barbarous_a soul_n yet_o so_o zealous_a be_v they_o of_o their_o monastical_a life_n and_o profession_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o quit_v the_o habit_n and_o when_o they_o be_v consecrate_v and_o exalt_v to_o the_o episcopal_a function_n yet_o still_o they_o retain_v both_o the_o exercise_n and_o fashion_n of_o monastical_a contemplative_a person_n as_o s._n bede_n declare_v 9_o moreover_o in_o latter_a time_n experience_n have_v witness_v that_o some_o humble_a and_o devout_a though_o not_o so_o learned_a missioner_n have_v prosper_v better_o in_o convert_v soul_n than_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o cunning_a controvertist_n and_o have_v by_o their_o humility_n modesty_n and_o edify_a conversation_n but_o especial_o by_o the_o practice_n and_o teach_n of_o internal_a prayer_n gain_v to_o catholic_a unity_n those_o soul_n that_o many_o other_o most_o skilful_a in_o dispute_n and_o withal_o enable_v with_o experience_n have_v for_o long_a time_n in_o vain_a attempt_v 10._o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o to_o a_o religious_a foul_a a_o impulse_n and_o interior_a invitation_n may_v come_v from_o god_n to_o go_v into_o the_o mission_n this_o be_v possible_a but_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o such_o a_o invitation_n will_v very_o rare_o if_o ever_o come_v but_o to_o soul_n establish_v in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o will_v be_v
the_o degree_n of_o such_o use_n or_o enjoy_n between_o perfect_a good_a christian_n &_o imperfect_a yea_o moreover_o between_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o a_o active_a &_o those_o in_o a_o contemplative_a state_n for_o wicked_a man_n give_v way_n deliberate_o to_o a_o habitual_a enjoy_n of_o creature_n without_o regard_n to_o their_o soul_n or_o god_n yea_o contrary_a to_o his_o command_n and_o imperfect_a good_a christian_n have_v no_o care_n to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o soul_n a_o habitual_a love_n to_o creature_n except_o it_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o endanger_v the_o soul_n by_o expelling_a charity_n and_o last_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o a_o active_a life_n for_o want_n of_o a_o constant_a state_n of_o recollection_n do_v not_o enjoy_v a_o sufficient_a light_n to_o discover_v how_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o less_o importance_n they_o give_v way_n to_o sense_n prevent_v reason_n &_o enjoy_v outward_a contentment_n without_o that_o purity_n of_o intention_n which_o contemplative_n be_v far_o less_o distract_v do_v much_o more_o frequent_o &_o perfect_o exercise_v 10._o now_o have_v mention_v this_o diversity_n of_o venial_a sin_n &_o imperfection_n before_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v further_o of_o the_o mortification_n here_o intend_v i_o will_v add_v some_o few_o consideration_n touch_v venial_a sin_n with_o relation_n to_o a_o contemplative_a state_n 11._o if_o it_o be_v require_v to_o perfection_n in_o a_o contemplative_a life_n that_o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v entire_o free_a from_o venial_a defect_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v unto_o it_o consider_v the_o incurable_a frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o frequency_n of_o tentation_n &_o the_o incapacity_n which_o be_v in_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a actual_a guard_n over_o herself_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o perseverance_n in_o spiritual_a prayer_n accompany_v with_o mortification_n such_o defect_n become_v for_o number_n more_o rare_a &_o for_o quality_n less_o considerable_a but_o though_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n shall_v continue_v never_o so_o long_o a_o soul_n will_v find_v occasion_n &_o a_o necessity_n to_o be_v in_o continual_a resistance_n against_o her_o perverse_a inclination_n &_o in_o such_o combat_n will_v sometime_o come_v off_o with_o loss_n 12._o venial_a sin_n therefore_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o perfection_n although_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v never_o so_o oft_o out_o of_o frailty_n subreption_n or_o ignorance_n but_o if_o they_o be_v commit_v deliberate_o advise_o customary_o &_o with_o affection_n they_o render_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o incapacity_n of_o attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a moment_n &_o consideration_n &_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v aright_o between_o sin_v out_o of_o frailty_n surprise_n or_o infirmity_n &_o the_o sin_v out_o of_o affection_n to_o the_o object_n of_o venial_a sin_n we_o must_v know_v 13._o first_o that_o those_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v into_o venial_a sin_n out_o of_o frailty_n which_o commit_v they_o only_o when_o a_o occasion_n or_o tentation_n unwilling_o present_v itself_o &_o then_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a passion_n or_o deprive_v of_o sufficient_a vigilancy_n &_o reflection_n but_o upon_o a_o observation_n of_o their_o fault_n they_o present_o return_v to_o themselves_o &_o find_v a_o remorse_n &_o selfe-condemnation_n for_o it_o &_o a_o aversion_n at_o least_o in_o their_o superior_a will_n from_o such_o thing_n as_o hinder_v their_o approach_n unto_o god_n or_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v present_o however_o in_o their_o next_o recollection_n such_o offence_n if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o their_o mind_n &_o will_v procure_v a_o sorrow_n &_o consequent_o a_o pardon_n for_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o such_o occasion_n or_o tentation_n they_o do_v not_o give_v way_n to_o a_o pleasure_n conceive_v in_o the_o object_n of_o they_o &_o much_o less_o do_v they_o voluntary_o seek_v or_o intend_v such_o occasion_n 14._o those_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v say_v to_o sin_n venial_o out_o of_o affection_n who_o both_o before_o &_o after_o such_o fault_n do_v deliberate_o neglect_v they_o yea_o &_o be_v so_o far_o from_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o that_o they_o do_v oft_o procure_v they_o and_o this_o out_o of_o affection_n not_o to_o the_o salt_n but_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v do_v often_o occasion_v the_o fault_n such_o be_v those_o that_o love_n curiosity_n in_o apparel_n delicacy_n of_o meat_n hear_v of_o vain_a discouse_n &_o that_o contrive_v meeting_n of_o jollity_n from_o whence_o they_o never_o escape_v without_o incur_v many_o defect_n now_o such_o soul_n may_v perhaps_o have_v remorse_n for_o the_o sin_n so_o commit_v &_o mention_v they_o with_o sorrow_n in_o confession_n but_o yet_o such_o remorse_n &_o confession_n be_v not_o from_o the_o whole_a heart_n not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n when_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o much_o inconvenience_n or_o trouble_n yea_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o the_o very_a love_n unto_o those_o vanity_n which_o occasion_n great_a defect_n if_o it_o be_v a_o deliberate_a love_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o sin_n though_o no_o other_o defect_n be_v occasion_v by_o it_o such_o can_v make_v no_o progress_n in_o spiritual_a prayer_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o long_o as_o such_o know_v voluntary_a affection_n either_o to_o the_o sin_n or_o occasion_n be_v not_o mortify_v they_o do_v every_o day_n decline_v &_o grow_v more_o &_o more_o indispose_v to_o prayer_n the_o which_o thereby_o be_v so_o distract_a &_o so_o full_a of_o disquiet_v remorse_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o persevere_v constant_o in_o a_o exercise_n so_o very_o painful_a 15._o a_o hundred_o imperfection_n therefore_o though_o of_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a moment_n be_v not_o so_o contrary_a to_o perfection_n while_o thy_o be_v incur_v by_o surprisal_n or_o infirmity_n as_o be_v a_o affection_n retain_v to_o the_o least_o imperfection_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o unproffitable_a thought_n a_o wellminded_n &_o courageous_a soul_n therefore_o at_o her_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v &_o do_v in_o a_o instant_n cut_v of_o this_o deliberate_a affection_n to_o all_o venial_a sin_n &_o their_o occasion_n with_o discretion_n seek_v to_o avoid_v they_o although_o it_o may_v happen_v without_o any_o great_a prejudice_n to_o her_o progress_n that_o she_o may_v find_v herself_o very_o oft_o surprise_v &_o overcome_v by_o many_o &_o great_a fault_n 16._o neither_o ought_v any_o soul_n vain_o to_o flatter_v herself_o with_o a_o hope_n of_o reserve_v this_o affection_n without_o preiudice_v her_o pretension_n to_o perfection_n because_o one_o or_o two_o example_n almost_o miraculous_a be_v find_v of_o some_o soul_n that_o notwithstanding_o such_o affection_n have_v be_v visit_v by_o god_n with_o supernatural_a favour_n &_o exalt_v to_o a_o very_a sublime_a prayer_n as_o a_o late_a eminent_a saint_n write_v of_o her_o own_o self_n for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v perhaps_o some_o excusable_a ignorance_n in_o she_o of_o the_o unlawfullnes_n of_o such_o affection_n we_o may_v say_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confer_v on_o she_o such_o extraordinary_a favour_n not_o so_o much_o for_o she_o own_o sake_n but_o rather_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o she_o be_v destine_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o mistress_n &_o teacher_n of_o true_a contemplative_a prayer_n than_o almost_o unknow_v to_o the_o world_n 17._o but_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a establish_a course_n of_o divine_a providence_n perfection_n in_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o proportionable_a perfection_n in_o mortification_n and_o therefore_o such_o soul_n as_o during_o a_o voluntary_a habitual_a affection_n to_o venial_a sin_n as_o to_o the_o obie&s_n obie&s_n obie&s_n &_o occasion_n of_o they_o do_v seem_v to_o have_v great_a light_n and_o profound_a recollection_n in_o prayer_n if_o the_o say_a light_n and_o recollection_n do_v not_o urge_v and_o incite_v they_o to_o quit_v such_o harmful_a affection_n such_o aught_o to_o suspect_v that_o all_o go_v not_o right_a with_o they_o but_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v some_o influence_n into_o such_o devotion_n so_o utter_o destitute_a of_o true_a mortification_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o natural_o we_o love_v ourselves_o only_o §_o 2._o even_o the_o best_a &_o most_o compose_a temper_n be_v deep_o guilty_a of_o self-love_n §_o 3._o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o good_a disposition_n §_o 4._o self-love_n &_o propriety_n must_v unjuersal_o be_v avoid_v §_o 5._o 6._o a_o state_n of_o affliction_n &_o cross_n be_v only_o secure_a §_o 7._o what_o use_n be_v to_o
on_o the_o other_o side_n voluntary_a mortification_n be_v such_o as_o on_o our_o own_o head_n &_o without_o the_o advice_n &_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o our_o interiour_n we_o voluntary_o assume_v or_o impose_v on_o ourselves_o either_o because_o we_o have_v see_v or_o read_v of_o other_o that_o have_v do_v the_o like_a &_o thereupon_o without_o further_a due_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o state_n or_o ability_n we_o will_v hope_v they_o will_v advance_v we_o as_o much_o in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n such_o be_v voluntary_a corporal_a fast_n beyond_o what_o the_o church_n or_o regular_n observance_n do_v require_v wear_v of_o haircloth_n chain_n &c_n &c_n obstinate_a silence_n during_o the_o time_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o community_n do_v appoint_v conversation_n etc._n etc._n to_o these_o may_v be_v abd_v a_o assume_v the_o task_n of_o say_v so_o many_o vocal_a prayer_n rosary_n etc._n etc._n 4._o this_o distinction_n be_v premise_v the_o devout_a reader_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o whatsoever_o hitherto_o have_v or_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o use_n end_n &_o benefit_n of_o mortification_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v &_o apply_v only_o to_o mortification_n of_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v voluntary_a and_o moreover_o that_o all_o these_o instruction_n &_o direction_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o soul_n whether_o religious_a or_o other_o as_o be_v enter_v or_o desirous_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o internal_a course_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 5._o as_o touch_v therefore_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o necessary_a mortification_n according_a to_o the_o whole_a latitude_n before_o express_v a_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o be_v exhort_v as_o be_v her_o duty_n &_o obligation_n with_o all_o courage_n &_o fervour_n to_o accept_v &_o cheerful_o undergo_v they_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o foremencion_v inestimable_a benefit_n attend_v they_o they_o be_v of_o great_a security_n free_a from_o all_o peril_n of_o error_n indiscretion_n or_o pride_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o voluntary_a mortification_n those_o i_o mean_v which_o be_v proper_o such_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o yea_o moreover_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v a_o spiritual_a disciple_n to_o assume_v any_o considerable_a mortification_n beside_o such_o as_o attend_v his_o present_a state_n of_o life_n till_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o good_a call_v to_o they_o that_o be_v till_o after_o that_o have_v spend_v a_o considerable_a time_n in_o internal_a prayer_n he_o have_v receive_v light_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o fitness_n for_o he_o &_o grace_n or_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o undertake_v &_o pursue_v they_o cheerful_o &_o withal_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o his_o superior_a or_o spiritual_a director_n yea_o though_o he_o have_v a_o body_n as_o strong_a as_o samson_n &_o withal_o a_o very_a good_a inclination_n to_o internal_a way_n i_o shall_v hardly_o be_v the_o first_o proposer_n mover_n &_o inciter_n of_o he_o to_o such_o extraordinary_a mortification_n unless_o some_o special_a occasion_n require_v they_o for_o a_o remedy_n against_o any_o special_a tentation_n then_o assalt_v he_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a and_o voluntary_a although_o supernumerary_a but_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n ordinary_a &_o necessary_a yea_o &_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v ask_v my_o counsel_n about_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mortification_n &_o upon_o examination_n i_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o he_o be_v move_v to_o desire_v they_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o sure_a course_n that_o be_v to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o the_o undertake_n of_o they_o 7._o it_o be_v true_a we_o find_v in_o read_v the_o life_n of_o saint_n that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v practise_v they_o &_o many_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n but_o this_o show_v that_o spirit_n fit_a for_o extraordinary_a mortification_n be_v rare_o to_o be_v find_v be_v only_o such_o as_o god_n himself_o lead_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o make_v they_o example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o many_o use_v they_o for_o his_o instrument_n in_o great_a work_n as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n esteem_v we_o fit_a or_o intend_v we_o for_o such_o extraordinary_a matter_n therefore_o it_o may_v suffice_v we_o to_o undergo_v such_o mortification_n as_o god_n himself_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o &_o most_o proportionable_a 8._o in_o all_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v no_o provision_n nor_o order_n make_v for_o such_o extraordinary_a or_o supernumerary_a mortification_n but_o only_o in_o the_o 49._o cap._n about_o diet_n &_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o undertake_v such_o without_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o superior_a the_o neglect_n of_o which_o approbation_n be_v impute_v to_o rashness_n for_o our_o holy_a father_n as_o he_o know_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n which_o come_v from_o god_n &_o therefore_o he_o be_v exact_a in_o require_v conformity_n to_o the_o austerity_n command_v in_o the_o rule_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v he_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o probable_o attend_v the_o undertake_v such_o extraordinary_a one_o by_o imperfect_a soul_n which_o be_v common_o induce_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o fancy_n humour_n or_o sudden_a passion_n for_o such_o be_v seldom_o attend_v with_o any_o blessing_n from_o god_n who_o neither_o be_v oblige_v nor_o ordinary_o will_v bestow_v his_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n for_o the_o undergo_n of_o any_o morcification_n but_o such_o as_o be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o evident_o ordain_v by_o his_o inspiration_n and_o experience_n witness_n this_o because_o we_o seldom_o see_v soul_n to_o persevere_v in_o those_o which_o they_o assume_v by_o their_o own_o free_a election_n and_o while_o they_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o purity_n of_o intention_n hereupon_o it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o root_n of_o all_o religious_a voluntary_a austerity_n by_o those_o word_n of_o his_o cap._n 40._o quibus_fw-la donat_fw-la deus_fw-la tolerantiam_fw-la abstinentiae_fw-la that_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v the_o courage_n or_o strength_n to_o suffer_v extraordinary_a abstinence_n add_v withal_o that_o such_o voluntary_a abstinence_n must_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n cum_fw-la gaudio_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la with_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o great_a caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o read_n &_o make_v use_n of_o instruction_n &_o example_n find_v especial_o concern_v this_o point_n in_o spiritual_a book_n because_o otherwise_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o plunge_v herself_o into_o great_a inconvenience_n &_o difficulty_n for_o while_o she_o do_v imitate_v such_o extraordinary_a practice_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v yet_o imperfect_a she_o will_v entertain_v a_o proud_a conceit_n of_o herself_o &_o not_o receive_v grace_n to_o persevere_v she_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v from_o thence_o matter_n of_o scrupulosity_n &_o dejection_n so_o far_o as_o perhaps_o to_o become_v dishearten_v from_o further_a tendance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o contract_v thereby_o a_o obscurity_n in_o her_o understanding_n especial_o if_o she_o be_v unlearned_a by_o which_o she_o will_v become_v disable_v to_o distinguish_v necessary_a mortification_n from_o voluntary_a 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a &_o to_o many_o soul_n will_v prove_v a_o dangerous_a advice_n which_o some_o spiritual_a author_n give_v viz._n that_o a_o spiritual_a disciple_n shall_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o indifferent_a in_o case_n that_o several_a object_n be_v offer_v to_o choice_n take_v that_o which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n as_o if_o many_o several_a dish_n be_v set_v before_o we_o to_o eat_v only_o that_o which_o we_o least_o like_a &_o thus_o to_o live_v in_o a_o continual_a contradiction_n &_o cross_v of_o nature_n 11._o sure_o no_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n perfect_a be_v capable_a of_o make_v good_a use_n of_o such_o advice_n for_o only_o such_o can_v with_o facility_n discretion_n &_o profit_n practise_v they_o as_o for_o the_o less_o perfect_a if_o they_o practise_v they_o with_o any_o willingness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o true_a ground_n be_v because_o thereby_o they_o do_v covert_o comply_v with_o nature_n some_o orhe_a way_n nourish_v selfe-esteeme_a contempt_n of_o other_o not_o so_o courageous_a
whereas_o by_o progress_n it_o gather_v such_o strength_n disorder_v the_o imagination_n disquiet_v the_o passion_n and_o corrupt_v even_o the_o judgement_n also_o that_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o remedy_n 10._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o follow_a advice_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a we_o will_v sort_v they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a ground_n from_o which_o usual_o scrupulosity_n do_v proceed_v the_o which_o be_v 1._o either_o interval_n tentation_n by_o suspect_a sinful_a thought_n and_o imagination_n 2._o or_o certain_a defect_n or_o suppose_a defect_n incur_v about_o externall_n obligation_n as_o sâ—yâ—ng_v the_o office_n fast_v etc._n etc._n in_o both_o whiâ—h_o case_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a suspicion_n of_o sin_n incur_v and_o a_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o heynousnes_n that_o sin_n in_o from_o whenâ—e_o follow_v unquiet_a examination_n scrupulous_a confession_n often_o repeat_v &c_n &c_n first_o therefore_o we_o will_v treat_v of_o fear_n &_o scrupulosity_n arise_v from_o inward_a tentation_n by_o ill_a imagination_n or_o thought_n and_o afterward_o of_o the_o other_o chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o of_o scrupulosity_n arise_v from_o certain_a inward_a tentation_n §_o 2._o 3._o tentation_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o ill_a but_o rather_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n love_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v §_o 4._o internal_a tentation_n very_a purify_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o of_o inward_a tentation_n rest_v only_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o advice_n against_o they_o §_o 9_o likewise_o touch_v those_o that_o cause_n also_o effect_n and_o motion_n in_o corporal_a nature_n §_o 10._o 11._o 12._o 13._o 14._o 15._o prayer_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o tentation_n as_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a remedy_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o tentation_n be_v most_o efficacious_o and_o perfect_o resist_v by_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o love_n to_o god_n 1._o the_o special_a kind_n of_o inward_a tentation_n which_o do_v ordinary_o afford_v matter_n of_o fear_n &_o scrupulosity_n to_o wellminded_n tender_a soul_n be_v first_o either_o such_o ill_a imagination_n or_o thought_n as_o rest_v in_o the_o mind_n alone_o without_o any_o other_o outward_a effect_n such_o be_v thought_n 1._o of_o infidelity_n 2._o of_o blasphemy_n 3._o of_o despair_n etc._n etc._n or_o second_o such_o as_o withal_o have_v or_o may_v cause_v a_o alteration_n in_o the_o body_n such_o be_v thought_n of_o impurity_n anger_n etc._n etc._n 2._o now_o concern_v tentation_n in_o general_a the_o devout_a soul_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o have_v they_o yea_o being_n send_v we_o by_o god_n they_o be_v mean_v for_o our_o good_a and_o to_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o merit_v by_o they_o and_o those_o which_o god_n send_v we_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a for_o us._n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o own_o choice_n we_o shall_v choose_v least_o and_o last_o of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o humble_v we_o and_o to_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o ourselves_o and_o creature_n so_o that_o the_o more_o displease_v to_o we_o and_o afflict_v that_o any_o tentation_n be_v the_o more_o profitable_a be_v they_o let_v none_o therefore_o be_v dismay_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o tentation_n but_o since_o self-love_n can_v be_v cure_v but_o by_o application_n of_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o let_v we_o accept_v of_o they_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n assure_v ourselves_o that_o it_o will_v be_v perilous_a to_o be_v long_o without_o they_o and_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o see_v how_o our_o present_a tentation_n can_v turn_v to_o our_o profit_n we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o that_o god_n see_v it_o &_o otherwise_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v never_o have_v permit_v they_o to_o befall_v we_o therefore_o let_v faith_n supply_v knowledge_n or_o curiosity_n 3._o nevertheless_o we_o must_v not_o voluntary_o seek_v tentation_n for_o qui_fw-la amat_fw-la periculum_fw-la peribit_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la he_o that_o love_v danger_n shall_v perish_v therein_o say_v the_o wiseman_n god_n will_v not_o deny_v spiritual_a strength_n to_o resist_v &_o make_v good_a use_n of_o tentation_n that_o by_o his_o providence_n befall_v we_o yea_o although_o it_o be_v by_o some_o precedent_a fault_n &_o negligence_n of_o we_o that_o they_o befall_v we_o but_o he_o have_v make_v no_o promise_n to_o secure_v we_o in_o a_o danger_n into_o which_o we_o voluntary_o run_v 4._o more_o particular_o internal_a tentation_n be_v more_o beneficial_a and_o purify_n and_o they_o do_v more_o profound_o humble_v we_o then_o do_v outward_a pain_n or_o persecution_n 1._o because_o they_o discover_v unto_o we_o not_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o but_o our_o own_o sinful_a nature_n prone_a of_o themselves_o to_o all_o abomination_n 2._o and_o by_o they_o we_o come_v to_o be_v deliver_v not_o from_o other_o creature_n but_o from_o ourselves_o in_o which_o separation_n our_o chief_a &_o last_o conquer_v difficulty_n consist_v 3._o they_o send_v we_o for_o remedy_n to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o what_o effect_n can_v any_o assistance_n medicine_n or_o other_o help_n of_o creature_n have_v against_o our_o own_o thought_n 5._o and_o as_o for_o the_o special_a forenamed_a tentation_n a_o wellminded_n soul_n ought_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o simple_a pass_v of_o such_o thought_n or_o imagination_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o though_o they_o shall_v rest_v there_o never_o so_o long_o without_o advertence_n but_o only_o the_o give_v a_o deliberate_a consent_n unto_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o soul_n either_o to_o prevent_v or_o banish_v they_o at_o pleasure_n because_o the_o imagination_n be_v not_o so_o subject_a to_o reason_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v command_v to_o entertain_v no_o image_n but_o such_o as_o reason_n will_v allow_v but_o it_o be_v distemper_v according_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o humour_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o body_n and_o sometime_o the_o devil_n also_o be_v permit_v to_o iniect_v or_o raise_v image_n to_o the_o disquiet_v of_o tender_a soul_n but_o he_o can_v force_v none_o to_o consent_v to_o the_o suggestion_n proceed_v from_o they_o 6._o there_o be_v less_o danger_n of_o consent_v unto_o tentation_n mere_o spiritual_a such_o as_o be_v thought_n of_o blasphemy_n despair_v &c_n &c_n and_o consequent_o less_o likelihood_n of_o scrupulosity_n from_o a_o suspicion_n of_o such_o consent_n though_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v so_o violent_a and_o so_o obstinate_o adhere_v that_o the_o fancy_n will_v become_v extreme_o disorder_v and_o the_o soul_n will_v think_v herself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o hell_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o blaspheme_v and_o hate_v of_o god_n 7._o her_o best_a remedy_n be_v quiet_o to_o turn_v her_o thought_n some_o other_o way_n and_o rather_o neglect_v then_o force_v herself_o to_o combat_v they_o with_o contrary_a thought_n for_o by_o neglect_v of_o they_o the_o impression_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o imagination_n will_v be_v diminish_v she_o may_v do_v well_o also_o by_o word_n or_o outward_a gesture_n to_o signify_v her_o renounce_n and_o detestation_n of_o they_o as_o in_o a_o tentation_n of_o blasphemy_n let_v she_o pronounce_v word_n and_o express_a posture_n of_o adoration_n of_o god_n praise_n love_v &c_n &c_n let_v she_o be_v also_o the_o more_o diligent_a in_o frequent_v the_o choir_n continue_v more_o careful_o in_o posture_n of_o humility_n before_o he_o and_o do_v thus_o let_v she_o banish_v all_o suspicion_n of_o have_v consent_v as_o be_v moral_o impossible_a 8._o certain_a it_o be_v that_o how_o troublesome_a &_o horrible_a soever_o such_o tentation_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v quiet_o resist_v or_o rather_o neglect_v do_v wonderful_o purify_v the_o soul_n establish_v divine_a love_n most_o firm_o and_o deep_o in_o the_o spirit_n moreov_a by_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o superior_a soul_n be_v enable_v to_o transcend_v all_o the_o disorder_n and_o tumult_n in_o inferior_a nature_n adhere_v to_o god_n during_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sensuality_n 9_o as_o for_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o interiour_n tentation_n which_o be_v more_o gross_a cause_v oft_o disorderly_a motion_n and_o effect_n in_o corporal_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a to_o persuade_v timorous_a soul_n that_o they_o have_v not_o consent_v both_o by_o reason_n that_o such_o imagination_n be_v more_o pertinacious_a and_o stick_v to_o the_o corporal_a humour_n and_o spirit_n and_o also_o because_o inferior_a nature_n be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o a_o like_n of_o they_o in_o somuch_o as_o that_o real_a effect_n &_o alteration_n may_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o body_n before_o that_o reason_n be_v full_o awake_a to_o resist_v they_o yea_o and_o after_o the_o resistance_n make_v
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
practice_n we_o can_v so_o rectify_v our_o desire_n as_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o their_o only_a true_a &_o proper_a object_n which_o be_v god_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o continual_a prayer_n si_fw-mi semper_fw-la desideras_fw-la semper_fw-la oras_fw-la say_v s._n augustine_n if_o thou_o do_v continual_o desire_v god_n thou_o do_v continual_o pray_v such_o desire_n by_o custom_n will_v become_v easy_a &_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o without_o any_o force_n use_v on_o the_o imagination_n or_o understanding_n they_o may_v be_v continue_v without_o interruption_n for_o they_o will_v flow_v as_o free_o as_o breath_n from_o the_o lung_n and_o where_o such_o desire_n do_v abound_v flow_a from_o a_o holy_a inward_a temper_n of_o soul_n there_o no_o employment_n will_v be_v undertake_v that_o shall_v cross_v or_o prejudice_n such_o desire_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v give_v a_o tincture_n to_o all_o action_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o object_n of_o those_o desire_n &_o thereby_o add_v to_o the_o fervency_n of_o they_o 13._o now_o a_o question_n may_v be_v make_v whether_o in_o contemplative_a order_n where_o likewise_o there_o be_v use_v much_o abstraction_n solitude_n &_o other_o austerity_n soul_n may_v attain_v to_o this_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n by_o the_o way_n of_o meditation_n or_o else_o of_o long_o continue_v vocal_a prayer_n alone_o without_o appoint_a recollection_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n constant_o exercise_v 14_o hereto_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v first_o that_o as_o for_o meditation_n it_o be_v a_o exercise_n so_o disproportionable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o state_n except_o as_o a_o preparation_n for_o awhile_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v the_o constant_a &_o continue_a exercise_n of_o such_o person_n for_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v the_o imagination_n &_o understanding_n by_o much_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o undistract_a life_n will_v become_v so_o barren_a &_o it_o will_v ptoduce_v so_o small_a or_o no_o effect_n in_o good_a affection_n in_o the_o will_n that_o it_o will_v be_v disgustful_a &_o insupportable_a so_o that_o all_o use_n of_o meditation_n must_v be_v for_o a_o long_a space_n pass_v &_o relinquish_v before_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o good_a state_n of_o have_v a_o continual_a flux_n of_o holy_a desire_n 15._o but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n touch_v long_o continue_v vocal_a prayer_n and_o office_n without_o any_o set_a exercise_n of_o internal_a recollection_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o by_o they_o such_o religious_a person_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o this_o habit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n so_o that_o 1._o they_o hold_v their_o mind_n to_o as_o much_o attention_n as_o reasonable_o they_o can_v 2._o so_o that_o out_o of_o choir_n they_o keep_v their_o mind_n from_o distractive_a affection_n or_o sollicitude_n either_o about_o study_n or_o any_o other_o employment_n voluntary_a or_o impose_v 3._o so_o they_o be_v watchful_a over_o themselves_o not_o to_o give_v scope_n to_o thought_n which_o may_v be_v harmful_a to_o they_o thus_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n arrive_v to_o this_o perfection_n 4._o a_o four_o condition_n may_v be_v that_o such_o person_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o public_a office_n &_o not_o over-burden_n themselves_o with_o a_o surcharge_n of_o voluntary_a vocal_a prayer_n for_o turrecremata_fw-la say_v well_o on_o the_o decr._n d._n 92._o that_o the_o voice_n &_o other_o external_a do_n be_v in_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v only_o so_o far_o as_o by_o they_o to_o raise_v internal_a devotion_n so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o it_o shall_v be_v hinder_v or_o the_o mind_n distract_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v abstain_v from_o and_o s._n augustin_n no_o doubt_n from_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o judgement_n say_v qu_n vitum_fw-la proficis_fw-la ad_fw-la videndam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la tantò_fw-la minus_fw-la est_fw-la vox_fw-la necessaria_fw-la that_o be_v the_o great_a progress_n thou_o make_v in_o contemplative_a wisdom_n so_o much_o less_o necesary_a will_n vocal_a pray_v be_v such_o person_n therefore_o if_o in_o their_o solitude_n they_o do_v not_o appoint_v to_o themselves_o any_o set_v recollection_n yet_o ought_v they_o to_o keep_v their_o mind_n in_o a_o state_n of_o as_o much_o recollectednes_n as_o may_v be_v by_o interrupt_a good_a desire_n at_o least_o beget_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o affection_n to_o prayer_n &_o a_o appetite_n to_o the_o succeed_a office_n 16._o notwithstanding_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prolong_v &_o in_o never_o so_o great_a solitude_n yet_o will_v never_o produce_v this_o effect_n where_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n be_v not_o know_v &_o such_o ignorance_n have_v be_v even_o in_o order_n of_o the_o great_a abstraction_n &_o austerity_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o germanus_n &_o cassianus_n though_o practise_v many_o year_n in_o a_o striâ—t_o coenobiticall_a life_n yet_o be_v astonish_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o holy_a hermit_n discourse_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n free_a from_o image_n &c_n &c_n 17._o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o ordinary_o speak_v the_o only_a efficacious_a &_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o the_o habit_n of_o uninterrupt_a prayer_n be_v a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v daily_o force_v to_o a_o serious_a attendance_n &_o tendance_n to_o god_n in_o spirit_n by_o little_a &_o little_o become_v more_o &_o better_o affect_v to_o a_o frequent_a conversation_n with_o he_o &_o in_o time_n lose_v all_o relish_n or_o taste_v of_o pleasure_n in_o creature_n 18._o this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o constant_a &_o fervent_a exercise_n of_o recollection_n for_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v common_o call_v elaculatory_a prayer_n that_o be_v good_a affection_n now_o and_o then_o by_o fit_n &_o with_o frequent_a interruption_n exercise_v though_o they_o be_v very_o good_a &_o profitable_a &_o withal_o very_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o read_v especial_o or_o any_o other_o external_a employment_n yet_o they_o alone_o will_v though_o join_v to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o the_o divine_a office_n be_v insufficient_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o habit_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o be_v so_o short_a &_o with_o such_o interruption_n exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o they_o be_v present_o spend_v &_o will_v have_v little_a or_o no_o effect_n upon_o subsequent_a action_n but_o as_o for_o the_o eiaculatory_a prayer_n mention_v &_o worthy_o commend_v by_o the_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o those_o foremention_v for_o they_o be_v indeed_o not_o different_a from_o infuse_a aspiration_n be_v the_o effect_n flow_a from_o the_o habit_n of_o continual_a prayer_n already_o acquire_v &_o not_o imperfect_a preparation_n thereto_o 19_o to_o conclude_v none_o can_v account_v themselves_o to_o have_v satisfy_v in_o that_o perfection_n that_o they_o ought_v the_o obligation_n impose_v on_o they_o by_o this_o necessary_a precept_n of_o our_o lord_n oportet_fw-la semper_fw-la orare_fw-la &_o non_fw-la deficere_fw-la but_o 1._o such_o as_o do_v actual_o exercise_v as_o much_o prayer_n as_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o ability_n &_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o produce_v contemplation_n if_o such_o be_v their_o state_n of_o life_n and_o moreover_o such_o actual_a prayer_n as_o be_v suitable_a thereto_o yet_o not_o indiscreet_o strein_v themselves_o beyond_o their_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o perfect_o at_o first_o lest_o it_o happen_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n jerem._n 28._o c._n quia_fw-la plus_fw-la fecit_fw-la quam_fw-la potuit_fw-la idcirco_fw-la perijt_fw-la that_o be_v because_o he_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a therefore_o he_o perish_v 2._o such_o as_o when_o discretion_n or_o other_o necessary_a employment_n do_v withdraw_v they_o from_o actual_a prayer_n yet_o do_v preserve_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o love_n &_o desire_v of_o it_o &_o a_o firm_a resolution_n courageous_o to_o break_v through_o all_o discouragemenâ—s_n &_o hindrance_n to_o it_o 3._o such_o as_o do_v endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o their_o action_n in_o virtue_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v with_o the_o same_o holy_a &_o pure_a intention_n as_o god_n give_v they_o in_o their_o precedent_a prayer_n 4._o such_o as_o do_v abstain_v from_o all_o voluntary_a employment_n as_o do_v indispose_v their_o mind_n for_o prayer_n keep_v their_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o to_o be_v able_a present_o to_o correspond_v to_o a_o interiour_n divine_a invitation_n to_o prayer_n if_o god_n shall_v send_v it_o &_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o receive_v &_o perceive_v such_o invitation_n now_o this_o be_v do_v by_o keep_v a_o continual_a guard_n
to_o desist_v from_o seek_v he_o by_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o in_o time_n of_o desertion_n &_o aridity_n 13._o and_o if_o they_o will_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o then_o from_o what_o cause_n soever_o it_o proceed_v yea_o though_o the_o devil_n himself_o help_v or_o change_v the_o body_n shall_v have_v cause_v it_o no_o harm_n can_v come_v unto_o they_o thereby_o for_o a_o soul_n be_v most_o secure_a while_o she_o neglect_v &_o disesteeme_v the_o effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o transcend_v it_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o exercise_v herself_o towards_o god_n quiet_o yet_o resolute_o in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o by_o the_o like_a practice_n may_v a_o soul_n obtain_v the_o like_a security_n in_o all_o extraordinary_a doubtful_a case_n of_o vision_n ecstasy_n &c_n &c_n 14._o more_o particular_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v tear_n which_o be_v usual_a effect_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n a_o soul_n must_v be_v wary_a that_o she_o give_v not_o free_a scope_n unto_o they_o what_o ever_o the_o object_n or_o cause_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v compassion_n to_o our_o lord_n suffering_n or_o contrition_n for_o her_o own_o sin_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v best_o to_o suppress_v they_o rather_o than_o to_o give_v they_o a_o free_a liberty_n to_o flow_v for_o otherwise_o beside_o the_o harm_n that_o may_v outward_o happen_v to_o the_o body_n by_o impair_n the_o health_n or_o weaken_v the_o head_n they_o will_v keep_v she_o still_o below_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n &_o immortification_n with_o little_a or_o no_o advancement_n towards_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o do_v hinder_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o obscure_v the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v discover_v her_o secret_a defect_n nor_o what_o will_v best_o keep_v she_o in_o her_o way_n let_v she_o therefore_o exercise_v these_o act_n in_o the_o superior_a soul_n &_o will_n from_o whence_o all_o merit_n come_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v perform_v with_o quietness_n &_o stillnes_n yet_o withal_o more_o efficacious_o then_o in_o sensitive_a nature_n 15._o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o perfect_a soul_n when_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n bestow_v on_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tear_n as_o to_o s._n arsenius_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v flow_v almost_o continual_o with_o they_o for_o in_o this_o case_n they_o do_v begin_v from_o the_o spirit_n who_o operation_n inferior_a nature_n do_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o rather_o promote_v in_o they_o and_o such_o tear_n flow_v tanquam_fw-la plwia_fw-la in_o vellus_fw-la like_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n into_o a_o fleece_n of_o wool_n without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n &_o bitterness_n in_o inferior_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o grant_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n and_o therefore_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v may_v &_o no_o doubt_n will_v without_o any_o danger_n comply_v with_o it_o since_o it_o can_v flow_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o god_n only_o &_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v not_o be_v to_o depress_v the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o to_o draw_v sensitive_a nature_n upward_o into_o the_o spirit_n cause_v it_o likewise_o to_o concur_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n so_o as_o that_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v with_o david_n cor_fw-la meum_fw-la &_o caro_fw-la mea_fw-la exult_v averunt_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la viwm_fw-la sensitive_a nature_n not_o only_o join_v with_o the_o spirit_n in_o serve_v &_o love_v of_o god_n but_o likewise_o find_v its_o contentment_n therein_o without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o solid_a &_o secure_a sensible_a fervour_n be_v by_o a_o discreet_a underualue_v &_o repress_v of_o that_o which_o be_v original_o &_o mere_o sensible_a 16._o now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a on_o this_o occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o temper_n in_o prayer_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a nature_n in_o the_o which_o the_o inferior_a soul_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o part_n at_o all_o in_o the_o actuation_n of_o the_o spirit_n towards_o god_n yea_o be_v not_o only_o unactive_a but_o very_o repugnant_a unto_o they_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o uneasine_n &_o pain_n in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o heart_n or_o sensitive_a appetite_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n find_v much_o bitterness_n in_o it_o and_o the_o imagination_n in_o a_o sort_n refuse_v to_o suggest_v necessary_a image_n thereto_o any_o further_a than_o as_o the_o superior_a soul_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o dominion_n it_o have_v over_o it_o do_v even_o by_o mere_a force_n constrain_v it_o 17._o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o soul_n that_o give_v themselves_o to_o internal_a prayer_n but_o some_o time_n or_o other_o do_v find_v themselves_o in_o great_a indisposition_n thereto_o have_v great_a obscurity_n in_o the_o mind_n &_o great_a insensibility_n in_o the_o affection_n so_o that_o if_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v not_o well_o instruct_v &_o prepare_v they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n in_o case_n that_o such_o contradiction_n in_o inferior_a nature_n continue_v long_o to_o be_v deject_a yea_o and_o perhaps_o deter_v from_o pursue_v prayer_n for_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o their_o recollection_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o since_o for_o as_o much_o as_o seem_v to_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v or_o actuate_v towards_o god_n be_v mere_a loss_n of_o time_n and_o of_o no_o worth_a at_o all_o &_o therefore_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o employ_v their_o time_n some_o other_o way_n 18._o yea_o some_o soul_n there_o be_v conduct_v by_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o way_n but_o only_o by_o such_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n find_v no_o sensible_a contentment_n in_o any_o recollection_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a continual_a pain_n &_o contradiction_n and_o yet_o by_o a_o privy_a grace_n &_o courage_n imprint_v deep_o in_o the_o spirit_n cease_v not_o for_o all_o that_o but_o resolute_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o continue_v the_o best_a they_o can_v their_o internal_a exercise_n to_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n 19_o it_o will_v indeed_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o moral_o impossible_a for_o any_o soul_n but_o such_o as_o have_v natural_o a_o good_a propension_n to_o introversion_n to_o continue_v constant_a to_o their_o recollection_n when_o aridity_n obscurity_n and_o desolation_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n for_o it_o be_v this_o propension_n alone_o assi_v by_o divine_a grace_n that_o hold_v they_o to_o their_o recollection_n &_o that_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v themselves_o up_o in_o all_o their_o difficulty_n and_o tentation_n 20._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o aridity_n and_o indisposition_n to_o prayer_n ordinary_o speak_v for_o sometime_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v &_o oft_o do_v send_v or_o permit_v such_o tentation_n to_o fall_v on_o they_o be_v principal_o a_o certain_a particular_a natural_a complexion_n of_o some_o &_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o by_o their_o corporal_a temper_n be_v most_o fit_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a affection_n for_o of_o all_o other_o such_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a to_o these_o aridity_n and_o obscurity_n because_o the_o humour_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o body_n together_o with_o the_o change_n of_o weather_n &c_n &c_n have_v a_o far_o great_a influence_n upon_o these_o sensible_a affection_n then_o upon_o the_o mere_a operation_n either_o of_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n which_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o therefore_o whensoever_o the_o say_v corporal_a disposition_n come_v by_o any_o accident_n to_o be_v alter_v such_o affectionate_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o these_o internal_a distress_n &_o be_v in_o such_o a_o afflict_a disconsolate_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o help_v themselves_o by_o any_o discourse_n to_o which_o ordinary_o they_o be_v indispose_v from_o this_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o devout_a woman_n who_o natural_o do_v more_o abound_v with_o sensible_a affection_n than_o man_n be_v more_o subject_a to_o be_v afflict_v &_o persecute_v with_o these_o aridity_n 21._o such_o discouragement_n do_v least_o appear_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n the_o which_o befit_v all_o kind_n of_o spirit_n &_o all_o sort_n of_o temper_n whether_o they_o discourse_v internal_o or_o not_o and_o whether_o they_o can_v produce_v internal_a act_n of_o the_o will_n upon_o conceive_a image_n or_o not_o for_o all_o these_o at_o all_o time_n and_o howsoever_o they_o be_v corporal_o dispose_v may_v make_v their_o profit_n more_o or_o less_o of_o vocal_a prayer_n 22._o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n likewise_o
in_o those_o for_o who_o it_o be_v proper_a be_v not_o usual_o much_o assault_v with_o such_o aridity_n except_o it_o be_v sometime_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o such_o prayer_n when_o soul_n will_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v good_a affection_n from_o a_o precedent_a motive_n consider_v by_o the_o understanding_n for_o then_o the_o heart_n may_v sometime_o prove_v barren_a or_o averse_a from_o such_o affection_n but_o however_o they_o that_o practise_v meditation_n may_v find_v some_o remedy_n by_o surcease_n the_o produce_v of_o affection_n &_o may_v either_o betake_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v mere_a act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v not_o so_o affective_a or_o retire_v themselves_o to_o their_o internal_a discourse_n 23._o the_o pain_n &_o anguish_n that_o good_a soul_n suffer_v from_o these_o aridity_n be_v very_o grievous_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o continual_a martyrdom_n and_o therefore_o the_o merit_n of_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o such_o discouragment_n in_o nature_n be_v the_o great_a and_o soul_n to_o who_o god_n shall_v give_v such_o constancy_n will_v find_v their_o exerciseâ—_n both_o much_o more_o secure_a however_o disgustful_a they_o be_v yea_o &_o much_o more_o profitable_a then_o if_o they_o have_v flow_v with_o sensible_a affection_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a be_v get_v by_o prayer_n of_o aridity_n courageous_o prosecute_v all_o virtue_n be_v exercise_v in_o it_o it_o be_v both_o prayer_n and_o most_o efficacious_a mortification_n too_o 24._o and_o indeed_o the_o only_a general_a effectual_a remedy_n against_o any_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v be_v cause_v by_o such_o aridity_n be_v this_o generosity_n of_o resolution_n not_o to_o seek_v contentment_n in_o nature_n by_o internal_a exercise_n nor_o to_o quit_v they_o for_o any_o dullnes_n coldness_n or_o aversion_n whatsoever_o let_v but_o soul_n do_v the_o best_a they_o can_v or_o know_v &_o they_o will_v find_v that_o their_o spiritual_a progress_n in_o the_o true_a solid_a &_o only_o meritorious_a love_n of_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v hinder_v but_o rather_o advance_v by_o such_o froward_a indisposition_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n 25._o and_o such_o courage_n &_o effectual_a resolution_n may_v well_o enough_o consist_v with_o these_o discouragement_n for_o the_o spirit_n who_o operation_n do_v not_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o corporal_a disposition_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o sensible_a aridity_n &_o obscurity_n perform_v its_o function_n with_o great_a efficacy_n the_o intellective_a faculty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n capable_a of_o illumination_n &_o the_o will_n of_o receive_v grace_n &_o strength_n from_o god_n and_o the_o light_n &_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v at_o such_o time_n be_v far_o more_o pure_a &_o divine_a then_o when_o corporal_a affection_n do_v abound_v for_o than_o they_o be_v communicate_v pure_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o the_o operation_n perform_v in_o virtue_n of_o such_o light_n &_o grace_n be_v more_o noble_a and_o meritorious_a because_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o nature_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v mingle_v she_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o so_o that_o they_o may_v confident_o be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v supernatural_a &_o divine_a the_o essential_a profit_n of_o a_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o light_n &_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o light_n &_o love_v therefore_o which_o be_v get_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n &_o in_o such_o struggle_a of_o nature_n be_v far_o more_o pure_a generous_a &_o withal_o more_o solide_o root_v in_o the_o soul_n then_o that_o which_o be_v get_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a affection_n because_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a combat_n against_o self-love_n &_o all_o the_o most_o secret_a subtle_a &_o deep_o hide_a snare_n of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o virtue_n become_v thus_o root_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o mean_n &_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sharp_a tentation_n there_o be_v less_o fear_n that_o they_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o other_o follow_a trial_n 26._o now_o at_o the_o first_o to_o the_o end_n to_o attain_v unto_o this_o most_o necessary_a courageousnes_n of_o mind_n such_o soul_n may_v do_v well_o to_o help_v themselves_o during_o their_o aridity_n with_o the_o best_a motive_n &_o most_o efficacious_a affection_n that_o they_o can_v furnish_v themselves_o withal_o either_o out_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o by_o collection_n out_o of_o book_n as_o likewise_o frequent_o to_o urge_v &_o even_o force_v themselves_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o such_o eiaculatory_a prayer_n &_o desire_n as_o these_o o_o my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o love_v thou_o as_o thou_o deserve_v when_o shall_v i_o love_v as_o i_o be_o love_v by_o thou_o o_o that_o i_o be_v free_v from_o myself_o that_o i_o may_v only_o love_v thou_o excita_fw-la potentiam_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o veni_fw-la veni_fw-la domine_fw-la &_o noli_fw-la tardare_fw-la exurgat_fw-la deus_fw-la &_o dissipentur_fw-la inimici_fw-la eius_fw-la &c_n &c_n 27._o such_o affection_n as_o these_o let_v a_o devout_a soul_n exercise_n in_o her_o recollection_n likewise_o the_o best_a she_o can_v in_o case_n she_o can_v see_v how_o other_o way_n to_o do_v better_o although_o without_o any_o gust_n or_o sensible_a contentment_n and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o accept_v &_o plentiful_o reward_n her_o good_a will_n &_o thereby_o promote_v she_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o best_o know_v she_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o since_o he_o have_v give_v she_o the_o generous_a courage_n to_o serve_v he_o without_o present_a wage_n he_o will_v at_o least_o in_o the_o next_o life_n multiply_v rewards_o upon_o she_o infinite_o above_o her_o expectation_n and_o she_o ought_v to_o account_v it_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o special_a love_n &_o esteem_v of_o she_o that_o he_o have_v select_v she_o to_o be_v a_o martyr_n of_o love_n &_o a_o soldier_n to_o who_o courage_n he_o commit_v the_o most_o difficult_a &_o hazardous_a employment_n 28._o in_o case_n that_o internal_a distress_n in_o prayer_n be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o soul_n to_o her_o seem_n can_v only_o keep_v herself_o in_o a_o outward_a posture_n of_o prayer_n all_o that_o she_o think_v or_o do_v appear_v to_o she_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o all_o spirit_n of_o devotion_n love_n &_o reverence_n to_o god_n that_o she_o may_v rather_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o he_o let_v she_o be_v patient_a &_o abstain_v from_o disquiet_v her_o mind_n with_o murmur_a complaint_n &_o by_o all_o mean_n let_v she_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o consolation_n in_o creature_n or_o recreative_a diversion_n in_o time_n appoint_v for_o recollection_n &_o then_o all_o will_v be_v very_o well_o god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o of_o she_o than_o she_o be_v well_o able_a to_o do_v &_o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n always_o to_o subdue_v nature_n yet_o she_o may_v &_o must_v always_o withdraw_v her_o consent_n from_o its_o sinful_a suggestion_n &_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o danger_n therefore_o for_o what_o she_o can_v do_v let_v she_o be_v humble_v &_o resign_v and_o such_o humble_a resignation_n will_v prove_v a_o very_a efficacious_a prayer_n 29._o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o internal_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o imperfect_a soul_n during_o aridity_n through_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o natural_a propension_n be_v a_o true_o pure_a &_o spiritual_a prayer_n because_o as_o yet_o their_o exercise_n be_v indeed_o in_o sense_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o noble_a &_o supreme_a part_n of_o sensuality_n tend_v much_o towards_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o in_o that_o case_n do_v enjoy_v a_o internal_a light_n more_o clear_a &_o pure_a then_o while_o they_o exercise_v with_o flow_a affection_n in_o so_o much_o as_o their_o operation_n be_v then_o abstract_v from_o grosser_n sensuality_n and_o the_o more_o strong_a that_o their_o propension_n to_o introversion_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o &_o quick_o do_v they_o raise_v themselves_o to_o that_o clear_a superior_a region_n of_o light_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o propension_n &_o aptitude_n to_o internal_a way_n draw_v the_o person_n endow_v with_o it_o more_o &_o more_o deep_o towards_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o perfect_a operation_n whereof_o consist_v the_o consummation_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o 2._o a_o second_o discouragement_n in_o prayer_n opposite_a to_o perseverance_n to_o wit_n distraction_n §_o 3._o distraction_n be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o 5._o distraction_n about_o object_n to_o which_o we_o hear_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n be_v most_o harmful_a §_o 6._o a_o remedy_n against_o they_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o remedy_n against_o all_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v come_v from_o distraction_n §_o 10._o difference_n
§_o 3._o 4._o who_o be_v apt_a or_o unapt_a for_o meditation_n §_o 5._o 6._o general_o most_o soul_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o it_o and_o why_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o what_o those_o be_v to_o do_v that_o be_v unapt_a for_o meditation_n §_o 11._o the_o misery_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o prayer_n improper_a for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o and_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v meditation_n or_o discursive_a prayer_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v treat_v here_o not_o with_o that_o exact_a niceness_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o book_n current_a in_o all_o hand_n yet_o sufficient_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a design_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n and_o therefore_o the_o instruction_n concern_v it_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v proper_a for_o those_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o that_o perfect_a state_n and_o withal_o move_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o say_v call_n and_o to_o such_o many_o instruction_n will_v not_o be_v proper_a 2._o meditation_n be_v such_o a_o internal_a prayer_n in_o which_o a_o devout_a soul_n do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v in_o hand_n the_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o exact_a search_n into_o the_o several_a point_n and_o circumstance_n in_o it_o with_o the_o understanding_n or_o imagination_n she_o may_v extract_v motive_n of_o good_a affection_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o produce_v suitable_a affection_n in_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a motive_n as_o long_o as_o such_o virtue_n will_v last_v 3._o this_o be_v a_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v neither_o dispose_v nor_o enable_v neither_o be_v it_o a_o token_n either_o of_o excellency_n of_o wit_n &_o judgement_n or_o of_o true_a devotion_n to_o be_v apt_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o that_o a_o soul_n do_v abound_v with_o devotion_n and_o good_a affection_n to_o god_n the_o less_o be_v she_o enable_v or_o dispose_v thereto_o yea_o incapable_a of_o continue_v long_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o again_o some_o superficial_a wit_n full_a of_o fancy_n but_o want_v solidity_n of_o judgement_n and_o which_o be_v not_o natural_o much_o dispose_v to_o devotion_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o discursive_a prayer_n they_o will_v perform_v it_o better_o and_o thrive_v more_o in_o it_o than_o other_o though_o of_o sharp_a wit_n solid_a judgement_n and_o great_a ability_n both_o in_o learning_n and_o invention_n and_o that_o withal_o have_v very_o good_a will_n to_o seek_v our_o lord_n 4._o woman_n be_v general_o speak_v less_o apt_a for_o meditation_n than_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n more_o fit_a for_o the_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v more_o disable_v in_o judgement_n and_o invention_n and_o more_o abound_v in_o will_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o in_o they_o the_o will_n draw_v the_o stream_n from_o the_o understanding_n therefore_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o they_o be_v not_o compel_v without_o necessity_n to_o tarry_v long_o in_o discursive_a exercise_n lest_o thereby_o they_o be_v much_o prejudice_v in_o the_o head_n and_o spirit_n with_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n any_o way_n but_o much_o harm_n in_o be_v detain_v from_o the_o more_o proper_a and_o beneficial_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n in_o holy_a affection_n 5._o now_o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o inexpressible_a variety_n in_o the_o internal_a disposition_n of_o person_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v certain_a &_o general_a rule_n to_o fit_v all_o except_o this_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a course_n all_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o natural_o incapable_a of_o raise_v affection_n by_o internal_a discourse_n aught_o to_o apply_v themselves_o thereto_o and_o to_o tarry_v therein_o till_o they_o find_v themselves_o ripe_a for_o a_o future_a exercise_n to_o the_o which_o they_o will_v attain_v soon_o or_o late_a either_o according_a to_o their_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o practise_v meditation_n or_o the_o measure_n and_o grace_n of_o devotion_n which_o god_n shall_v give_v they_o or_o their_o natural_a aptness_n or_o unaptnes_n for_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n 6._o this_o advice_n be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o soul_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o light_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n till_o a_o convenient_a time_n spend_v in_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n for_o though_o perhaps_o while_o the_o fervour_n novitius_n last_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o one_o conversion_n a_o soul_n be_v then_o full_a of_o affection_n may_v for_o a_o while_o have_v little_a need_n of_o motive_n to_o open_v the_o passage_n to_o the_o say_a affection_n which_o of_o themselves_o will_v be_v apt_a enough_o to_o flow_v yet_o that_o fervour_n cease_v they_o will_v be_v at_o a_o miserable_a loss_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o aridity_n obscurity_n &_o desolation_n have_v no_o refuge_n at_o all_o except_o their_o understanding_n be_v store_v with_o good_a motive_n of_o holy_a affection_n cause_v by_o former_a consideration_n and_o meditation_n 7._o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o those_o nice_a distract_n painful_a method_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o many_o book_n or_o to_o frame_v curious_a pageant_n &_o scene_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o be_v meditate_a on_o etc._n etc._n for_o though_o such_o a_o employment_n of_o the_o imagination_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o those_o that_o by_o their_o profession_n live_v active_a distract_a life_n to_o the_o end_n by_o such_o working_n of_o the_o fancy_n to_o wipe_v out_o as_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a image_n contract_v abroad_o by_o superinduce_v or_o paint_v over_o they_o new_a and_o holy_a image_n yet_o for_o those_o who_o be_v more_o solitary_a &_o abstract_a such_o a_o way_n of_o meditate_v will_v be_v very_o painful_a &_o the_o profit_n so_o little_a as_o it_o will_v not_o countervail_v the_o pain_n to_o such_o therefore_o it_o will_v suffice_v with_o moderate_a attention_n to_o think_v on_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o mystery_n propose_v or_o on_o such_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o either_o be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n or_o do_v even_o natural_o attend_v it_o &_o from_o thence_o to_o draw_v as_o strong_a feruorous_a &_o frequent_a affection_n as_o may_v be_v 8._o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v natural_o utter_o disable_v and_o incapable_a of_o meditate_v as_o many_o woman_n be_v it_o be_v very_o requisite_a in_o the_o beginning_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o least_o supply_v the_o benefit_n that_o come_v from_o meditation_n by_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o their_o recollection_n with_o much_o serious_a &_o attentive_a read_n of_o some_o pious_a book_n the_o which_o may_v in_o some_o good_a proportion_n recompense_n meditation_n 9_o but_o in_o case_n a_o soul_n incapable_a of_o meditation_n and_o unable_a likewise_o to_o read_v shall_v undertake_v a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a course_n as_o none_o be_v exclude_v such_o a_o one_o must_v resolve_v to_o take_v a_o very_a great_a courage_n to_o pursue_v her_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v but_o a_o dry_a exercise_n &_o want_v sensible_a devotion_n be_v very_o ingrateful_a to_o the_o palate_n of_o the_o soul_n she_o must_v be_v prepare_v not_o to_o be_v daunt_v with_o aridity_n and_o distraction_n the_o which_o distraction_n she_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o resist_v or_o expel_v but_o only_o by_o pure_a obstinacy_n of_o the_o will_v not_o to_o attend_v they_o or_o care_n for_o they_o and_o last_o she_o must_v use_v more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n and_o solitude_n to_o prevent_v the_o multiply_a of_o distract_n image_n 10._o those_o who_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n be_v more_o serious_o affect_v to_o the_o discourse_v part_n of_o it_o then_o to_o the_o good_a desire_n and_o purpose_n which_o shall_v flow_v from_o such_o discourse_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o many_o peril_n as_o of_o pride_n curiosity_n extravagant_a opinion_n yea_o pernicious_a error_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o danger_n be_v the_o predominancy_n that_o their_o imagination_n have_v over_o their_o other_o faculty_n which_o incline_v they_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o subtle_a aerial_a and_o curious_a discourse_n and_o with_o frame_v of_o place_n &_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o mystery_n all_o which_o inconvenience_n be_v avoid_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n which_o be_v a_o blind_a faculty_n be_v best_a
able_a to_o heave_v up_o herself_o unto_o god_n in_o darkness_n and_o vacancy_n of_o image_n and_o be_v likewise_o a_o spiritual_a faculty_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o devil_n influence_n who_o have_v great_a dominion_n over_o our_o corporeal_a power_n to_o suggest_v representation_n etc._n etc._n for_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v good_a to_o make_v the_o discourse_v part_n of_o meditation_n as_o short_a as_o may_v be_v so_o as_o that_o if_o the_o mere_a reflection_n on_o a_o mystery_n will_v suffice_v to_o produce_v a_o good_a affection_n the_o person_n be_v to_o restrain_v the_o imagination_n 11._o to_o conclude_v the_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a variety_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o soul_n be_v consider_v and_o likewise_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o necessary_o follow_n a_o misapplication_n of_o spirit_n to_o exercise_n improper_a for_o they_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o those_o good_a soul_n can_v sufficient_o be_v bewail_v who_o by_o their_o profession_n be_v as_o it_o be_v imprison_v in_o a_o solitary_a religious_a life_n and_o be_v natural_o unapt_a for_o discourse_n be_v yet_o kepd_v all_o their_o life_n in_o meditation_n repeat_v over_o and_o over_o again_o the_o same_o toilsome_a method_n without_o any_o progress_n in_o spirit_n to_o their_o great_a anguish_n and_o disquietness_n and_o this_o misery_n be_v much_o great_a in_o religious_a woman_n who_o have_v no_o diversion_n of_o study_n or_o employment_n can_v possible_o find_v exercise_n for_o their_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o see_v great_a defect_n and_o unsatisfaction_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o know_v the_o only_a cure_n of_o they_o which_o be_v by_o ascend_v to_o the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o the_o will_n their_o imperfection_n increase_v and_o their_o anguish_n proportionable_o without_o any_o know_a mean_n to_o amend_v they_o chap._n iii_o §_o 11._o how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o exercise_n meditation_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o etc._n etc._n what_o inconvenient_a practice_n &_o method_n therein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n what_o order_n be_v positive_o to_o be_v observe_v §_o 15._o the_o ground_n of_o those_o advice_n §_o 16._o 17._o etc._n etc._n further_n special_a instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 23._o a_o particular_a way_n of_o meditation_n in_o blosius_n 1._o intend_v now_o to_o set_v down_o more_o particular_a instruction_n and_o advice_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n a_o soul_n by_o her_o choice_n or_o profession_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n ought_v in_o order_n thereto_o to_o practice_v the_o low_a &_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n which_o be_v meditation_n i_o will_v first_o show_v such_o a_o beginner_n what_o he_o be_v not_o to_o do_v that_o be_v what_o practice_n and_o order_n he_o be_v to_o avoid_v 2._o and_o next_o how_o he_o be_v to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o former_a therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o commend_v that_o i_o will_v scarce_o permit_v soul_n live_v a_o contemplative_a life_n as_o all_o enclose_a religious_a woman_n do_v etc._n etc._n to_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o a_o prescribe_a method_n in_o meditation_n or_o to_o those_o many_o and_o nice_a rule_n which_o be_v ordain_v by_o some_o modern_a author_n as_o 1._o that_o a_o soul_n shall_v put_v herself_o in_o the_o divine_a presence_n 2._o that_o she_o shall_v make_v act_n of_o contrition_n 3._o that_o she_o shall_v select_v point_n of_o meditation_n 4._o that_o she_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o such_o a_o order_n with_o such_o frame_n of_o representation_n of_o the_o person_n time_n place_n posture_n etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o thence_o she_o shall_v draw_v motive_n of_o good_a affection_n 6._o that_o thereupon_o she_o shall_v draw_v petition_n 7._o that_o afterward_o she_o shall_v make_v purpose_n 8._o that_o thereto_o she_o shall_v adjoine_v thanksgiving_n 9_o morevoer_n that_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o list_n of_o imperfection_n or_o fault_n commit_v the_o day_n &c_n &c_n before_o and_o make_v expunction_n of_o fault_n amend_v 10._o that_o in_o conclusion_n she_o shall_v make_v a_o examen_fw-la how_o her_o meditation_n have_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v give_v a_o account_n thereof_o to_o her_o spiritual_a director_n etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o intention_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o use_n of_o such_o method_n and_o order_n among_o those_o where_o they_o be_v first_o invent_v &_o be_v still_o practise_v for_o they_o may_v well_o enough_o agree_v with_o their_o institute_n which_o be_v far_o more_o active_a than_o contemplative_a but_o among_o solitary_a contemplative_a spirit_n such_o order_n be_v indeed_o a_o disorder_n and_o a_o nice_a observance_n of_o such_o ceremonious_a method_n will_v be_v more_o distractive_a and_o painful_a than_o the_o simple_a exercise_n itself_o and_o particular_o the_o expectation_n that_o a_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o one_o thought_n during_o meditation_n will_v afford_v more_o business_n to_o a_o soul_n than_o the_o mystery_n on_o which_o she_o meditate_v so_o that_o she_o will_v be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o her_o director_n then_o to_o perform_v her_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o s._n theresa_n with_o just_a reason_n complain_v against_o those_o directour_n which_o fetter_v and_o encumber_v their_o disciple_n mind_n with_o order_n and_o rule_n which_o require_v more_o attention_n than_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o prayer_n itself_o 4._o how_o to_o meditate_v proffitable_o though_o not_o curious_o be_v quick_o and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n learn_v by_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o but_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o say_a prescript_n be_v both_o difficult_a incombr_v and_o unproffitable_a be_v indeed_o little_o better_a than_o a_o mispending_a of_o the_o time_n i_o mean_v for_o soul_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n 5._o moreover_o in_o meditation_n i_o will_v not_o tie_v the_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o go_v beside_o or_o beyond_o the_o understanding_n on_o the_o contrary_a my_o advice_n and_o request_n be_v that_o the_o will_n so_o it_o be_v carry_v towards_o god_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o go_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v and_o that_o scope_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o any_o good_a affection_n not_o care_v whether_o such_o affection_n be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o present_a subject_n to_o be_v consider_v on_o at_o that_o time_n upon_o condition_n that_o the_o soul_n find_v that_o she_o bestow_v herself_o more_o efficacious_o on_o god_n by_o such_o affection_n then_o by_o those_o which_o will_v proper_o flow_v from_o the_o present_a motive_n consider_v 6._o neither_o will_v i_o that_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v choose_v one_o point_n or_o mystery_n to_o meditate_v on_o she_o shall_v strict_o oblige_v herself_o to_o proceed_v on_o with_o it_o but_o that_o if_o without_o a_o voluntary_a rove_a and_o seek_v any_o other_o shall_v offer_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n more_o grateful_a and_o more_o gustfull_a to_o the_o soul_n she_o shall_v entertain_v the_o latter_a hold_v herself_o to_o it_o as_o long_o as_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o well_o last_v and_o it_o cease_v then_o lâ—t_v she_o return_v to_o the_o first_o propose_v subject_n and_o the_o like_a liberty_n i_o recommend_v in_o the_o follow_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n whensoever_o any_o act_n or_o good_a affection_n be_v suggest_v to_o the_o mind_n beside_o those_o which_o the_o soul_n find_v in_o her_o paper_n propose_v for_o the_o present_a recollection_n 7._o notwithstanding_o in_o case_n that_o the_o new_a matter_n or_o affection_n occur_v by_o such_o as_o that_o it_o do_v feed_v some_o over-abounding_a humour_n or_o passion_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o fear_v even_o of_o god_n himself_o tenderness_n shed_v of_o tear_n scrupulosity_n or_o deiectednes_n of_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n permit_v a_o soul_n to_o entertain_v her_o mind_n with_o such_o matter_n because_o she_o will_v thereby_o only_o plunge_v herself_o more_o deep_o into_o nature_n and_o immortification_n and_o not_o at_o all_o purify_v her_o inordinate_a affection_n such_o soul_n even_o in_o the_o beginning_n ought_v not_o to_o choose_v such_o matter_n for_o their_o prayer_n and_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o quit_v other_o good_a matter_n for_o that_o this_o advice_n extend_v likewise_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o 8._o now_o such_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o permission_n to_o change_v the_o present_a matter_n or_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v allow_v only_o when_o the_o say_a change_n proceed_v not_o out_o of_o sloth_n inconstancy_n a_o vain_a please_a of_o the_o fancy_n or_o affection_n but_o out_o of_o a_o judicious_a election_n or_o from_o a_o interior_a invitation_n the_o
contemplative_n to_o who_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o choir_n be_v both_o far_o more_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a to_o all_o end_v pretend_v to_o by_o such_o exercise_n than_o they_o be_v yea_o moreover_o great_a harm_n may_v come_v to_o soul_n profess_v contemplation_n by_o they_o for_o so_o great_a attention_n such_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o nice_a observance_n and_o such_o a_o captivity_n of_o spirit_n be_v require_v that_o when_o all_o be_v pass_v soul_n thereby_o ofttimes_o become_v disable_v to_o continue_v the_o internal_a prayer_n proper_a for_o they_o or_o to_o comply_v with_o many_o regular_a duty_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o may_v come_v from_o strict_a examan_n of_o conscience_n repetition_n of_o general_n confession_n etc._n etc._n very_o prejudicial_a to_o tender_a soul_n 7._o therefore_o as_o touch_v contemplative_a person_n who_o live_v perhaps_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o devote_a to_o the_o active_a way_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o such_o retirement_n and_o therein_o to_o exercise_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o state_n my_o advice_n to_o they_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o in_o as_o much_o stillnes_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v be_v and_o have_v receive_v instruction_n for_o their_o prayer_n let_v they_o in_o practice_n give_v as_o much_o scope_n as_o they_o well_o can_v to_o their_o good_a affection_n not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o the_o say_v affection_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o matter_n propose_v for_o meditation_n or_o no_o nor_o distract_n themselves_o with_o reflection_n upon_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o end_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o let_v they_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v all_o due_a liberty_n in_o spirit_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o confession_n therein_o proceed_v no_o further_a than_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v such_o particular_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o nourish_v fear_n and_o scrupulosity_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n 8._o and_o as_o for_o secular_a liver_n to_o who_o indeed_o the_o say_a retraite_n according_a to_o custom_n undertake_v at_o set_a time_n may_v prove_v of_o admirable_a profit_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o end_n the_o virtue_n of_o they_o may_v not_o quick_o expire_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a afterward_o to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o light_n receive_v in_o they_o and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o good_a purpose_n make_v during_o such_o retirement_n for_o they_o must_v not_o expect_v by_o a_o few_o day_n solitude_n and_o prayer_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o sanctity_n but_o only_o a_o transient_a good_a passion_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o which_o without_o future_a care_n to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o will_v quick_o vanish_v and_o their_o fervour_n will_v be_v cool_v 9_o moreover_o perceive_v evident_o by_o this_o experience_n the_o good_a effect_n of_o mental_a prayer_n they_o ought_v to_o resolve_v the_o best_a they_o can_v to_o allow_v some_o reasonable_a time_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o secular_a vocation_n use_v likewise_o as_o much_o abstraction_n as_o their_o state_n of_o life_n will_v permit_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o will_v not_o only_o return_v to_o all_o their_o former_a defectuousnes_n &_o sin_n but_o will_v moreover_o thereto_o add_v the_o guilt_n of_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n that_o so_o effectual_o call_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o their_o follow_a sin_n will_v be_v sin_n against_o clear_a light_n 10._o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o soul_n shall_v so_o rely_v upon_o the_o repeat_v such_o retirement_n and_o new_a take_n of_o the_o same_o practice_n of_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n as_o by_o they_o to_o make_v amends_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la for_o all_o fault_n past_a they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v for_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v very_o good_a to_o seek_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o procure_v remorse_n and_o contrition_n for_o past_a sin_n yet_o if_o a_o soul_n upon_o a_o consideration_n that_o she_o have_v such_o a_o special_a remedy_n in_o a_o readiness_n shall_v neglect_v the_o care_n &_o watchfullnes_n over_o herself_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v &_o not_o without_o just_a ground_n that_o that_o which_o she_o take_v for_o contrition_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a remorse_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v shower_n down_o his_o grace_n upon_o a_o soul_n so_o corrupt_v in_o her_o intention_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o a_o change_n from_o meditation_n to_o a_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o active_a liver_n §_o 3._o a_o soul_n of_o a_o contemplative_a profession_n when_o to_o leave_v operate_n with_o the_o understanding_n §_o 4._o exercise_n of_o the_o will_v more_o perfect_a than_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n §_o 5._o whether_o meditation_n on_o the_o passion_n may_v be_v leave_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o etc._n etc._n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a §_o 12._o 13._o etc._n etc._n advice_n show_v when_o a_o change_n of_o prayer_n be_v seasonable_a §_o 18._o 19_o more_o particular_a sign_n show_v the_o proper_a time_n of_o a_o change_n §_o 20._o the_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o change_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o abstract_a life_n and_o diligent_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n to_o fix_v continual_o in_o meditation_n or_o to_o rest_v in_o any_o degree_n of_o affective_a prayer_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o intellectual_a &_o spiritual_a operation_n be_v to_o become_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a abstract_a &_o universal_a and_o to_o carry_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n still_o high_o and_o further_o into_o god_n the_o activity_n of_o the_o imagination_n &_o understanding_n continual_o abate_v &_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o will_v continual_o increase_v and_o get_v ground_n upon_o the_o understanding_n till_o at_o last_o all_o its_o operation_n become_v so_o quiet_v and_o silence_v that_o they_o cease_v or_o at_o least_o become_v unperceptible_a 2._o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v thus_o invite_v and_o dispose_v to_o approach_v continual_o near_a and_o near_o unto_o god_n if_o she_o be_v either_o by_o she_o own_o or_o other_o ignorance_n so_o fetter_v with_o custom_n or_o rule_n that_o she_o be_v deprive_v of_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o correspond_v to_o such_o a_o invitation_n and_o to_o quit_v inferior_a exercise_n she_o will_v find_v no_o profit_n at_o all_o by_o her_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a pain_n which_o will_v endanger_v to_o force_v she_o to_o relinquish_v her_o recollection_n 3._o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o those_o who_o profession_n be_v to_o live_v active_a distract_a life_n though_o they_o do_v serious_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n answerable_a to_o that_o state_n for_o such_o may_v continue_v all_o their_o life_n in_o meditation_n and_o follow_v the_o method_n of_o it_o because_o what_o they_o lose_v by_o their_o distraction_n they_o may_v recover_v by_o their_o follow_a meditation_n the_o good_a image_n use_v therein_o expelling_a the_o vain_a image_n contract_v in_o their_o externall_n employment_n true_a it_o be_v that_o to_o such_o person_n meditation_n will_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a and_o more_o in_o spirit_n yet_o never_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v a_o direct_a use_n of_o the_o imagination_n 4._o when_o a_o contemplative_a soul_n therefore_o have_v for_o some_o reasonable_a time_n practise_v meditation_n and_o come_v to_o perceive_v that_o a_o further_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v become_v dry_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o her_o spirit_n cause_v great_a disgust_n and_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n she_o ought_v then_o to_o forbear_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n which_o she_o will_v then_o doubtless_o perform_v with_o great_a gust_n and_o facility_n to_o her_o notable_a profit_n in_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o some_o writer_n who_o think_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_v to_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a in_o comparison_n of_o inuentive_a meditation_n and_o curious_a speculation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n in_o as_o much_o as_o none_o but_o elevate_v spirit_n can_v perform_v this_o whereas_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a person_n can_v exercise_v act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o speculation_n consideration_n deduction_n of_o conclusion_n &c._n &c._n in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o god_n be_v of_o themselves_o of_o any_o virtue_n to_o give_v true_a perfection_n to_o a_o soul_n further_o than_o as_o they_o do_v excite_v
suitable_a to_o reason_n but_o be_v moreover_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o learned_a and_o experience_v mystic_a writer_n and_o particular_o the_o devout_a reader_n may_v see_v what_o barbancon_n in_o his_o secret_n sentier_n 1_o cap._n 6._o admonit_fw-la 2._o have_v write_v on_o this_o point_n 13._o thus_o have_v show_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n for_o a_o soul_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n with_o all_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o divine_a guidance_n from_o each_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o another_o more_o sublime_a they_o become_v more_o proper_a &_o profitable_a i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o give_v more_o particular_a advice_n concern_v pass_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n to_o that_o of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o will_v show_v by_o what_o sign_n and_o mark_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v reasonable_o judge_v and_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o change_n and_o transition_n be_v proper_a for_o she_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o my_o intention_n and_o desire_n be_v that_o soul_n shall_v principal_o depend_v on_o their_o internal_a light_n which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n will_v afford_v they_o in_o and_o by_o prayer_n 14._o let_v every_o devout_a soul_n diligent_o pursue_v her_o present_a exercise_n in_o prayer_n advise_o undertake_v or_o recommend_v to_o she_o by_o a_o prudent_a director_n till_o there_o come_v a_o proper_a time_n for_o a_o change_n let_v she_o say_v the_o excellent_a author_n of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la content_v herself_o with_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o bestow_v on_o she_o a_o better_a which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v for_o her_o good_a and_o so_o do_v she_o can_v but_o increase_v in_o charity_n although_o she_o see_v no_o evident_a proof_n of_o her_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a operation_n whensoever_o it_o shall_v be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o her_o prayer_n he_o will_v by_o degree_n so_o press_v she_o thereto_o that_o in_o the_o end_n she_o shall_v both_o clear_o perceive_v and_o correspond_v to_o his_o invitation_n and_o till_o that_o time_n come_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o she_o to_o examine_v or_o frame_v any_o judgement_n of_o her_o progress_n her_o best_a be_v to_o do_v her_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n 15._o a_o change_n whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o discourse_n be_v abate_v and_o the_o whole_a internal_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n by_o little_a be_v reduce_v to_o blind_a operation_n of_o the_o will_v the_o which_o operation_n or_o affection_n likewise_o grow_v by_o practice_n more_o and_o more_o natural_a quiet_a pure_a silent_a subtle_a imperceptible_a and_o profound_a the_o divine_a spirit_n draw_v the_o soul_n in_o her_o exercise_n ever_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o itself_o 16._o ordinary_o when_o a_o time_n of_o change_n from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a to_o a_o more_o sublime_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n come_v it_o will_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a or_o at_o once_o be_v perceive_v or_o but_o very_o obscure_o &_o doubtful_o only_o a_o soul_n will_v perceive_v a_o better_n in_o her_o exercise_n her_o operation_n by_o little_a and_o little_o become_v more_o spiritual_a and_o indeed_o in_o some_o person_n there_o be_v almost_o daily_a a_o better_n and_o purify_n of_o their_o prayer_n the_o which_o themselves_o do_v or_o may_v well_o enough_o observe_v though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o subtlety_n 17._o far_o less_o inconvenience_n will_v follow_v by_o detain_v a_o soul_n somewhat_o too_o long_o in_o a_o humble_a inferior_a exercise_n as_o of_o meditation_n when_o she_o be_v fit_a and_o ripe_a for_o a_o more_o sublime_a one_o then_o if_o through_o inconsideration_n levity_n or_o a_o ambitious_a humour_n to_o imitate_v example_n or_o instruction_n in_o book_n not_o pertinent_a to_o she_o she_o shall_v at_o the_o first_o or_o before_o her_o time_n be_v put_v into_o one_o above_o her_o present_a capacity_n for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n a_o easy_a and_o present_a remedy_n may_v be_v find_v by_o exalt_v the_o soul_n afterward_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n suitable_a to_o her_o present_a disposition_n till_o which_o be_v do_v she_o will_v at_o least_o exercise_v her_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o judgement_n by_o which_o she_o will_v receive_v much_o profit_n but_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o remedy_n in_o the_o other_o case_n because_o first_o the_o natural_a unwillingnes_n and_o shame_n that_o be_v in_o soul_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o too_o hasty_a ambition_n and_o to_o descend_v lower_n will_v secret_o hinder_v they_o and_o beside_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o misapply_v certain_a document_n in_o spiritual_a author_n which_o forbid_v soul_n to_o quit_v their_o present_a exercise_n for_o one_o inferior_a through_o any_o discouragement_n from_o aridity_n or_o unsatisfaction_n find_v in_o they_o notwithstanding_o except_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o mortification_n of_o return_v to_o meditation_n in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o incur_v a_o habitual_a dryenes_n melancholy_a and_o stupidity_n and_o morever_o they_o will_v run_v into_o a_o endless_a labarynth_n perplex_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o therein_o to_o the_o great_a disquiet_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o trouble_v of_o other_o with_o question_n and_o doubt_n 18._o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v often_o invite_v soul_n to_o some_o change_n in_o prayer_n according_a to_o that_o which_o before_o they_o have_v read_v in_o some_o book_n and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o book_n as_o a_o light_n send_v they_o from_o god_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o secret_a motion_n and_o invitation_n afford_v they_o by_o god_n to_o apply_v such_o instruction_n that_o be_v their_o sure_a guide_n without_o which_o they_o must_v apply_v nothing_o that_o they_o find_v in_o book_n 19_o more_o particular_o by_o these_o follow_a sign_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n perceive_v and_o judge_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o she_o to_o change_v her_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n as_o for_o example_n to_o quit_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o a_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n etc._n etc._n 20._o first_o she_o will_v not_o find_v that_o pleasure_n satisfaction_n and_o profit_n in_o her_o present_a exercise_n which_o former_o she_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o sensible_a disgust_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o impotency_n to_o practice_v internal_a discourse_n any_o long_o or_o if_o she_o will_v force_v herself_o to_o observe_v her_o method_n of_o meditate_v it_o will_v produce_v no_o effect_n upon_o her_o affection_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v flow_v far_o more_o free_o and_o this_o disgust_n be_v not_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o nor_o as_o former_o upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o corporal_a distemper_n passion_n aridity_n or_o any_o unusual_a accident_n but_o it_o be_v a_o last_a disgust_n arise_v from_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o grow_v in_o perfection_n join_v with_o a_o uncertainty_n or_o fear_n that_o the_o way_n wherein_o she_o now_o be_v be_v not_o proper_a to_o effect_v that_o desire_n 21._o second_o she_o will_v thereupon_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o certain_a motion_n or_o inward_a invitation_n to_o enter_v into_o some_o other_o new_a exercise_n at_o yet_o not_o clear_o know_v to_o she_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o new_a exercise_n propose_v to_o she_o there_o be_v however_o a_o motion_n to_o a_o cessation_n from_o the_o present_a exercise_n at_o least_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v when_o from_o aspiration_n a_o soul_n be_v invite_v to_o a_o rest_a and_o repose_v in_o god_n with_o a_o cessation_n of_o all_o active_a aspiration_n or_o affection_n the_o which_o be_v a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o a_o supernatural_a contemplation_n 22._o three_o a_o devout_a soul_n consider_v the_o benefit_n that_o she_o have_v hitherto_o reap_v by_o her_o present_a exercise_n and_o her_o accustomance_n to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o leave_v consider_v likewise_o that_o for_o want_n of_o trial_n she_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o know_v the_o worth_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a propose_a exercise_n the_o which_o at_o first_o appear_v a_o little_a strange_a and_o uncouth_a to_o she_o she_o will_v not_o easy_o see_v or_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v prove_v as_o profitable_a as_o her_o present_a exercise_n have_v already_o be_v for_o
least_o she_o must_v resolve_v diligent_o &_o faithful_o to_o pursue_v she_o daily_o appoint_a exercise_n since_o prayer_n be_v the_o principal_a instrument_n by_o which_o divine_a light_n &_o grace_n against_o all_o tentation_n be_v administer_v to_o us._n so_o that_o if_o prayer_n be_v due_o perform_v be_v it_o with_o distraction_n or_o without_o they_o it_o will_v both_o urge_v a_o soul_n to_o use_v fit_v mortification_n out_o of_o prayer_n and_o to_o make_v advantage_n towards_o the_o perfectionate_v and_o advance_v of_o her_o spirit_n even_o of_o the_o distraction_n &_o encumbrance_n of_o her_o office_n whereas_o if_o she_o be_v careless_a in_o prayer_n she_o will_v become_v careless_a also_o in_o mortification_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o will_v loose_v all_o that_o which_o with_o great_a pain_n &_o travail_n she_o have_v former_o get_v yea_o &_o be_v in_o very_o great_a peril_n never_o to_o find_v a_o way_n to_o return_v to_o her_o former_a state_n 14._o certain_o if_o any_o distraction_n or_o employment_n can_v justify_v a_o soul_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o internal_a prayer_n those_o which_o attend_v the_o popedom_n the_o high_a weighty_a and_o most_o incessant_o encombr_v office_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o may_v do_v it_o yet_o s._n bernard_n in_o those_o excellent_a book_n of_o consideration_n write_v to_o pope_n eugenius_n the_o three_o serious_o advise_v he_o not_o so_o whole_o to_o plunge_v himself_o in_o business_n but_o that_o every_o day_n he_o shall_v borrow_v or_o steal_v from_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n some_o hour_n to_o employ_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n 15._o hereupon_o granatensis_n will_v allow_v of_o no_o excuse_n under_o pretence_n of_o business_n to_o cease_v from_o pursue_v daily_a recollection_n for_o say_v he_o no_o business_n can_v be_v so_o necessary_a &_o so_o continual_o urgent_a as_o to_o hinder_v our_o daily_a necessary_a refection_n now_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o necessary_a if_o not_o more_o then_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o business_n be_v to_o be_v dispatch_v just_a at_o the_o hour_n appoint_v for_o daily_o spiritual_a refection_n the_o person_n foresee_v that_o aught_o to_o repair_v himself_o by_o take_v some_o other_o vacant_a time_n for_o his_o prayer_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v he_o he_o may_v &_o aught_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o aquaviua_fw-la general_n of_o the_o jesuit_n to_o solicit_v his_o superior_n to_o give_v he_o some_o relaxation_n from_o such_o employment_n which_o the_o superior_a be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v otherwise_o god_n will_v require_v a_o severe_a account_n from_o he_o for_o the_o harm_n that_o must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o subject_n soul_n by_o the_o want_n of_o that_o which_o be_v only_o able_a to_o support_v the_o spirit_n &_o to_o enable_v it_o with_o profit_n to_o discharge_v the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o his_o call_n 16._o if_o either_o out_o of_o sloth_n distraction_n or_o remorse_n through_o some_o imperfection_n incur_v a_o soul_n find_v difficulty_n to_o apply_v herself_o any_o time_n to_o prayer_n though_o she_o promise_v better_o for_o the_o future_a yet_o if_o upon_o any_o motive_n of_o sensual_a nature_n she_o omit_v it_o at_o any_o time_n she_o will_v the_o day_n follow_a have_n less_o mind_n to_o go_v to_o it_o &_o so_o be_v in_o danger_n quite_o to_o abandon_v her_o recollection_n if_o she_o have_v not_o the_o very_a same_o excuse_n &_o pretence_n that_o she_o have_v former_o nature_n will_v be_v subtle_a enough_o to_o invent_v some_o other_o for_o the_o long_o she_o delay_n the_o more_o unapt_a will_v she_o be_v for_o it_o according_a to_o that_o wise_a say_n of_o the_o ancient_a rabbin_n qui_fw-la protrudit_fw-la horam_fw-la hora_fw-la protrudet_fw-la ipsum_fw-la that_o be_v he_o that_o thrust_v of_o the_o hour_n of_o do_v any_o good_a duty_n till_o another_o time_n that_o hour_n when_o it_o come_v will_v thrust_v of_o &_o delay_v he_o he_o will_v be_v less_o capable_a than_o of_o do_v his_o duty_n than_o he_o be_v former_o by_o mean_n of_o some_o new_a impediment_n whereas_o a_o soul_n by_o use_v some_o violence_n upon_o herself_o to_o break_v through_o discouragement_n to_o prayer_n will_v get_v such_o courage_n &_o grace_n from_o god_n that_o afterward_o her_o employment_n will_v afford_v she_o less_o hindrance_n unto_o this_o holy_a duty_n 17._o to_o this_o purpose_n johannes_n a_o jesu_n maria_n general_n of_o the_o discalced_a carmelites_n relate_v concern_v a_o devout_a gentleman_n a_o penitent_a of_o he_o who_o daily_o use_v at_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o recollect_v himself_o in_o prayer_n how_o that_o treat_v with_o another_o upon_o some_o affair_n of_o consequence_n &_o the_o clock_n happen_v to_o strike_v the_o hour_n appoint_v for_o his_o prayer_n he_o abrupt_o break_v of_o the_o conversation_n excuse_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v then_o a_o affair_n of_o such_o importance_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v delay_v &_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v and_o so_o dismiss_v his_o friend_n he_o retire_v to_o his_o recollection_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v as_o in_o reward_n for_o his_o diligence_n &_o fidelity_n to_o he_o to_o visit_v he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o supernatural_a contemplation_n such_o as_o he_o have_v never_o have_v experience_n of_o before_o 18._o a_o wellminded_n soul_n therefore_o to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o attend_v to_o this_o business_n of_o business_n as_o s._n bernard_n call_v it_o ought_v to_o employ_v all_o her_o providence_n &_o subtlety_n so_o to_o order_v all_o her_o daily_a employment_n both_o for_o time_n &_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n thereto_o let_v she_o if_o need_v be_v make_v note_n &_o remembrance_n of_o her_o several_a affair_n each_o day_n to_o the_o end_n her_o memory_n may_v not_o betray_v she_o &_o begin_v the_o morning_n with_o a_o serious_a recollection_n which_o will_v sanctify_v all_o the_o follow_a day_n work_n let_v she_o endeavour_v to_o dispatch_v her_o task_n with_o such_o care_n &_o diligence_n that_o towards_o evening_n she_o may_v be_v beforehand_o with_o her_o task_n of_o business_n that_o sollicitude_n about_o they_o may_v not_o disquiet_v her_o mind_n encumber_v her_o memory_n nor_o distract_v her_o prayer_n 19_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o employment_n that_o shall_v so_o whole_o &_o this_o constant_o take_v up_o one_o thought_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v one_o hour_n each_o day_n to_o be_v give_v to_o god_n or_o if_o such_o a_o employment_n be_v it_o will_v be_v absolute_o unlawful_a as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o much_o more_o that_o of_o a_o spiritual_a or_o religious_a person_n no_o excuse_n therefore_o or_o pretence_n can_v justify_v a_o customary_a neglect_n of_o so_o essential_a a_o duty_n 20._o in_o case_n that_o sometime_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o press_a affair_n the_o devout_a soul_n can_v allow_v herself_o the_o whole_a time_n appoint_v for_o her_o recollection_n let_v she_o at_o least_o take_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o possible_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o let_v she_o in_o exchange_n take_v some_o other_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o night_n however_o let_v she_o preserve_v a_o thirst_a desire_n and_o love_n to_o prayer_n and_o by_o fervent_a interrupt_a actuation_n as_o the_o present_a business_n will_v permit_v &_o by_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a mortification_n especial_o of_o the_o tongue_n repair_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o set_v recollection_n 21._o if_o a_o soul_n in_o employment_n can_v free_v her_o mind_n from_o distraction_n aridity_n and_o sollicitude_n in_o prayer_n let_v she_o however_o be_v courageous_a to_o pursue_v it_o after_o the_o best_a manner_n she_o can_v preserve_v as_o much_o resignation_n &_o tranquillity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n as_o may_v be_v and_o let_v the_o sight_n of_o such_o imperfection_n humble_a but_o not_o disquiet_v her_o spirit_n let_v she_o consider_v &_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o as_o present_v to_o she_o in_o her_o spirit_n during_o her_o great_a desolation_n as_o he_o be_v in_o her_o clear_a recollection_n but_o as_o love_v also_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o show_v her_o fidelity_n to_o god_n in_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o the_o top_n of_o her_o spirit_n when_o as_o not_o only_o the_o interiour_n sense_n be_v divert_v by_o image_n of_o business_n but_o the_o affection_n also_o disorder_v by_o sollicitude_n 22._o to_o this_o purpose_n she_o may_v apply_v the_o point_n of_o election_n mention_v by_o fa_o benet_n canfeild_n who_o to_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o wellmeaning_n soul_n
show_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a trouble_n affliction_n passion_n &_o distraction_n a_o soul_n may_v as_o true_o &_o efficacious_o dispose_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o superior_a spirit_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o corporal_a organ_n fix_v they_o upon_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o he_o for_o her_o final_a end_n and_o submit_v herself_o with_o resignation_n &_o love_n to_o he_o even_o for_o send_v she_o such_o trial_n as_o she_o can_v in_o her_o great_a solitude_n &_o most_o quiet_a introversion_n and_o this_o be_v best_a do_v without_o any_o violence_n or_o impetuosity_n but_o with_o great_a tranquillity_n dart_v a_o spiritual_a regard_n to_o god_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o she_o may_v be_v as_o true_o &_o effectual_o unite_v to_o god_n though_o not_o according_a to_o sense_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o trouble_n as_o in_o her_o great_a sensible_a union_n 23._o a_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v thus_o vigilant_a &_o industrious_a may_v assure_v herself_o that_o god_n who_o lay_v this_o office_n on_o she_o do_v it_o not_o for_o her_o harm_n but_o for_o her_o great_a good_a &_o to_o give_v her_o occasion_n of_o exercise_v several_a virtue_n which_o otherwise_o she_o will_v have_v want_v at_o least_o the_o perfection_n of_o they_o as_o likewise_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o her_o fidelity_n to_o he_o amid_o whatsoever_o encumbrance_n &_o tentation_n now_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o virtue_n she_o will_v make_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o spirit_n at_o least_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v solid_a charity_n if_o not_o for_o light_v of_o contemplation_n and_o retain_v a_o love_n to_o prayer_n &_o practise_v it_o as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v she_o will_v come_v to_o be_v in_o so_o good_a a_o disposition_n that_o when_o she_o shall_fw-mi return_n to_o her_o former_a vacancy_n &_o solitude_n she_o will_v make_v a_o a_o wonderful_a progress_n in_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n thus_o she_o may_v see_v that_o as_o the_o office_n have_v peril_n in_o it_o so_o will_v god_n proportionable_o increase_v his_o grace_n &_o assistance_n 24._o for_o want_n of_o this_o care_n &_o vigilance_n over_o their_o interior_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o in_o religious_a conuent_v that_o fruitless_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o employment_n in_o some_o sort_n beneficial_a to_o other_o but_o of_o little_a profit_n yea_o perhaps_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o themselves_o as_o some_o that_o read_v lesson_n of_o philosophy_n or_o divinity_n yea_o even_o many_o that_o pass_v their_o whole_a time_n almost_o in_o spiritual_a employment_n as_o preach_v hear_v confession_n give_v spiritual_a direction_n &c_n &c_n for_o these_o work_n be_v perform_v not_o in_o virtue_n of_o spiritual_a prayer_n &_o consequent_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o action_n perform_v in_o a_o state_n of_o distraction_n god_n spirit_n seldom_o give_v a_o blessing_n to_o they_o chap._n v._n §_o 1._o 2._o how_o internal_a liver_n ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n the_o benefit_n of_o sickness_n to_o such_o only_a §_o 3._o 4._o &c_n &c_n the_o great_a danger_n of_o soul_n unprovided_a for_o sickness_n especial_o of_o tepid_a soul_n in_o a_o religious_a state_n §_o 9_o 10._o 11._o how_o sickness_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v §_o 12._o 13._o of_o a_o certain_a great_a tentation_n in_o sickness_n §_o 14._o a_o sick_a person_n be_v god_n prisoner_n §_o 15._o spiritual_a exercise_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v neglect_v in_o sickness_n §_o 16._o how_o mortification_n be_v then_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o internal_a tentation_n §_o 17._o 18._o particular_o how_o fear_n of_o death_n &_o uncertainty_n of_o what_o follow_v be_v to_o be_v mortify_v §_o 19_o 20._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o future_a state_n §_o 26._o 27._o of_o tentation_n to_o infidelity_n despair_v &c_n &c_n a_o story_n out_o of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n §_o 28._o 29._o &c_n &c_n how_o mortification_n about_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v then_o to_o be_v exercise_v 34_o &c_n &c_n solicitude_n about_o health_n misbecome_v religious_a person_n §_o 37._o in_o sickness_n &_o pain_n we_o be_v best_a sensible_a of_o our_o lord_n suffering_n §_o 38._o advice_n to_o those_o that_o attend_v on_o the_o sick_a §_o 39_o 40._o a_o sick_a person_n chief_a care_n must_v be_v not_o to_o neglect_v internal_a prayer_n §_o 46._o prayer_n be_v the_o universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o tentation_n affliction_n etc._n etc._n §_o 48._o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o her_o state_n in_o sickness_n 1._o the_o second_o state_n before_o mention_v that_o require_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n and_o provision_n as_o seem_v less_o proper_a for_o internal_a exercise_n be_v the_o state_n of_o sickness_n the_o which_o though_o it_o do_v exact_v a_o great_a solicitude_n &_o vigilance_n as_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o a_o condition_n ireversible_a yet_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o more_o secure_a state_n then_o that_o of_o external_a employment_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o be_v such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v our_o affection_n from_o god_n to_o sensual_a object_n whereas_o in_o sickness_n all_o thing_n do_v rather_o drive_v a_o soul_n to_o seek_v &_o adhere_v unto_o god_n since_o all_o other_o comfort_n do_v fail_v she_o and_o all_o pleasure_n become_v distasteful_a to_o she_o moreover_o in_o sickness_n there_o be_v continual_a occasion_n of_o high_a resignation_n and_o far_o less_o sollicitude_n about_o temporal_a matter_n for_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o sick_a person_n be_v forbear_v &_o hold_v of_o patience_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o not-doing_a then_o do_v 2._o now_o since_o it_o concern_v a_o soul_n most_o deep_o to_o be_v well-disposed_n in_o sickness_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o give_v some_o general_a advice_n to_o soul_n already_o practise_v in_o internal_a way_n &_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o chief_o have_v a_o reference_n to_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n the_o which_o advice_n notwithstanding_o our_o sick_a person_n ought_v only_o so_o far_o to_o make_v use_n of_o as_o he_o find_v they_o proper_a for_o his_o spirit_n &_o case_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o without_o just_a reason_n that_o a_o ancient_a holy_a man_n say_v that_o a_o religious_a spiritual_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a meditation_n of_o death_n because_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o our_o exercise_n be_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o our_o great_a account_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v give_v it_o with_o joy_n &_o not_o with_o fear_n 4._o if_o when_o sickness_n be_v come_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o learn_v how_o she_o ought_v to_o behave_v herself_o it_o will_v go_v hard_a with_o she_o by_o reason_n that_o then_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v in_o great_a blindness_n of_o understanding_n and_o deadness_n of_o will_n all_o her_o thought_n and_o care_n will_v be_v employ_v in_o seek_v to_o avoid_v pain_n to_o pass_v away_o the_o tedious_a time_n and_o to_o recover_v and_o if_o any_o good_a thought_n come_v into_o her_o mind_n it_o be_v fear_n that_o principal_o raise_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o serious_a conversion_n be_v seldom_o give_v in_o sickness_n when_o passion_n do_v swell_v &_o immortification_n come_v thick_a upon_o one_o another_o and_o a_o soul_n that_o in_o health_n have_v neglect_v god_n &_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o conversion_n can_v with_o any_o reason_n or_o confidence_n expect_v a_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a grace_n to_o work_v a_o sudden_a cordial_a conversion_n if_o that_o one_o be_v whole_a life_n spend_v in_o painful_a mortification_n &_o serious_a recollection_n be_v but_o even_o little_a enough_o to_o conquer_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o will_n &_o the_o glewyne_n of_o our_o affection_n adhere_v to_o sensual_a object_n what_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o few_o interrupt_v inefficacious_a prayer_n or_o purpose_n in_o sickness_n suggest_v mere_o by_o fear_n upon_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n &_o judgement_n while_o there_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o heart_n a_o secret_a love_n to_o those_o sinful_a delight_n that_o must_v now_o be_v forsake_v upon_o which_o ground_n s._n hierome_n have_v a_o terrible_a say_n that_o among_o those_o that_o defer_v their_o conversion_n till_o their_o death_n scarce_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v save_v 5._o and_o i_o believe_v the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o perilous_a because_o have_v enjoy_v so_o great_a help_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n she_o have_v with_o so_o unpardonable_a a_o ingratitude_n neglect_v they_o whereas_o a_o secular_a person_n be_v touch_v in_o sickness_n may_v resolve_v to_o seek_v those_o mean_n of_o abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o
be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o as_o s._n bernard_n say_v as_o man_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n for_o man_n so_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v not_o make_v for_o corporal_a but_o corporal_n for_o spiritual_a 34._o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v beyond_o this_o a_o perfection_n to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o such_o internal_a liver_n who_o grace_n &_o fervour_n have_v render_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o aspire_v to_o it_o the_o which_o the_o same_o s._n bernard_n have_v both_o by_o his_o instruction_n &_o admirable_a example_n deliver_v hypocrates_n say_v he_o do_v teach_v to_o save_v life_n in_o this_o world_n but_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v to_o loose_v life_n he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v loose_v it_o now_o which_o of_o these_o two_o master_n doâ—_n you_o choose_v to_o follow_v true_o that_o religious_a man_n plain_o show_n who_o he_o choose_v for_o his_o master_n who_o say_v this_o meat_n be_v ill_a for_o the_o eye_n that_o for_o the_o head_n the_o other_o for_o the_o stomach_n &c_n &c_n now_o such_o niceness_n as_o this_o the_o holy_a father_n so_o earnest_o protest_v against_o as_o almost_o to_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n to_o be_v lawful_a the_o only_a proper_a medicinal_a remedy_n for_o religious_a person_n be_v abstinence_n yea_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o purposely_o make_v choice_n of_o unwholesome_a place_n to_o build_v his_o monastery_n in_o as_o be_v desirous_a that_o his_o religious_a shall_v rather_o be_v infirm_a then_o robustious_a 35._o however_o in_o the_o choice_n &_o use_n of_o diet_n or_o physic_n every_o one_o must_v follow_v that_o divine_a light_n of_o discretion_n which_o god_n give_v they_o always_o avoid_v superfluity_n &_o sometime_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o want_n even_o of_o necessary_n they_o must_v account_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o internal_a duty_n though_o after_o another_o manner_n increase_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o will_v which_o be_v a_o mortification_n far_o more_o pure_a &_o perfect_a though_o they_o be_v force_v to_o allow_v a_o little_a more_o to_o the_o body_n their_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o benefit_n which_o sickness_n bring_v with_o it_o &_o to_o use_v all_o endeavour_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o they_o consider_v 1._o that_o they_o have_v a_o continual_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v patience_n &_o resignation_n the_o great_a blessing_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n for_o more_o free_a pure_a &_o less_o distract_a recollection_n so_o that_o their_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n do_v inseparable_o attend_v one_o another_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n by_o which_o the_o great_a saint_n have_v more_o sure_o &_o more_o speedy_o advance_v themselves_o to_o perfection_n then_o by_o many_o year_n voluntary_a external_a &_o corporal_a labour_n &_o austerity_n 36._o thaulerus_n have_v a_o say_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o dear_a &_o most_o perfect_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n full_a of_o the_o divine_a love_n &_o their_o body_n full_a of_o pain_n and_o that_o when_o they_o feel_v no_o pain_n nor_o other_o affliction_n they_o great_o apprehend_v lest_o god_n have_v forget_v they_o but_o their_o comfort_n return_v when_o god_n visit_v ihem_n with_o any_o corporal_a or_o worldly_a affliction_n then_o they_o even_o feel_v that_o it_o stand_v well_o with_o they_o for_o than_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n that_o of_o all_o other_o do_v best_a dispose_n for_o the_o divine_a union_n 37._o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v never_o be_v perfect_o understand_v by_o read_v or_o meditate_v as_o when_o devout_a soul_n themselves_o taste_v of_o the_o like_a then_o they_o see_v and_o comfortable_o taste_v his_o love_n to_o they_o if_o their_o pain_n be_v supportable_a they_o do_v invite_v they_o to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o express_a act_n of_o resignation_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o excessive_a that_o they_o become_v incapable_a of_o make_v express_v formal_a prayer_n than_o the_o very_o suffer_v of_o those_o pain_n with_o patience_n &_o peace_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o most_o sublime_a and_o efficacious_a prayer_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o those_o gemitus_fw-la inenarrabiles_fw-la those_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v which_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v to_o suffer_v humble_a &_o devout_a soul_n 38._o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o those_o charitable_a person_n that_o do_v attend_v on_o the_o sick_a a_o care_n to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v they_o in_o those_o mortification_n that_o attend_v such_o a_o office_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o the_o passionate_a humour_n of_o their_o patient_n &_o not_o judge_v they_o for_o small_a excess_n that_o they_o will_v free_o &_o charitable_o administer_v what_o shall_v be_v requisite_a to_o their_o present_a state_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o those_o that_o have_v leave_v all_o for_o he_o &_o now_o depend_v only_o upon_o he_o he_o will_v rather_o enrich_v they_o more_o for_o their_o charity_n then_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v endamage_v by_o it_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v for_o the_o sick_a patient_n sake_n that_o the_o healthful_a enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n let_v they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n to_o the_o sick_a &_o his_o care_n likewise_o to_o admonish_v their_o attendant_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o 36._o chapter_n of_o his_o rule_n 39_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o judge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v she_o the_o most_o profitable_a trial_n of_o sickness_n not_o to_o the_o end_n to_o discharge_v she_o of_o her_o daily_a recollection_n but_o rather_o that_o she_o may_v pursue_v they_o after_o a_o more_o efficacious_a manner_n probably_n she_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v exact_o her_o former_a appoint_a time_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o through_o disturbance_n of_o humour_n &_o spirit_n she_o will_v find_v great_a distraction_n yet_o if_o lift_v up_o her_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v she_o offer_v both_o her_o pain_n &_o distraction_n to_o god_n &_o withal_o if_o in_o time_n out_o of_o prayer_n she_o be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o give_v way_n either_o to_o the_o inordinate_a appetite_n or_o impatience_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a state_n of_o resignation_n she_o will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o her_o prayer_n 40._o a_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o excuse_n for_o neglect_v this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o time_n of_o which_o may_v more_o secure_o be_v observe_v in_o sickness_n then_o in_o health_n for_o who_o will_v trouble_v or_o interrupt_v such_o a_o one_o against_o his_o will_n or_o who_o will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o be_v alone_o or_o to_o rest_v whensoever_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o continue_v conversation_n however_o if_o the_o devout_a soul_n shall_v stand_v in_o need_n she_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a foresight_n industry_n excuse_n &_o sleight_n that_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v the_o be_v hinder_v or_o interrupt_v 41._o now_o because_o physic_v inward_o take_v do_v much_o encumber_v the_o stomach_n &_o indispose_v for_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v the_o sick_a person_n 1._o not_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o seek_v or_o accept_v of_o all_o receipt_n that_o friend_n &_o visitant_n be_v apt_a to_o prescribe_v 2._o when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v physic_n whether_o in_o the_o morning_n or_o evening_n so_o to_o order_v his_o time_n as_o not_o to_o take_v it_o till_o he_o have_v perform_v his_o appoint_a recollection_n 3._o not_o to_o receive_v physic_n no_o nor_o repast_n oft_o or_o more_o than_o shall_v be_v necessary_a not_o too_o much_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o yet_o be_v careful_a rather_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v our_o patient_n therefore_o stout_o resist_v the_o invitation_n &_o tenderness_n of_o friend_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o urge_v he_o to_o eat_v more_o or_o often_o than_o shall_v be_v needful_a and_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v receive_v let_v he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n &_o for_o his_o sake_n neither_o with_o avidity_n if_o it_o be_v please_v to_o nature_n nor_o with_o murmur_v if_o displease_v 42_o it_o will_v be_v exceed_o difficult_a during_o pain_n or_o any_o great_a infirmity_n to_o use_v discursive_a meditation_n the_o exercise_n of_o act_n of_o the_o will_v &_o much_o more_o of_o aspiration_n be_v a_o far_o more_o proper_a prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n therefore_o
it_o be_v good_a even_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o ripe_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o their_o constant_a exercise_n yet_o to_o use_v they_o sometime_o in_o time_n of_o health_n to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o they_o be_v overtake_v with_o sickness_n they_o may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o their_o exercise_n 43._o among_o express_v voluntary_a act_n the_o exercise_n of_o total_a resignation_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a &_o general_o the_o most_o profitable_a yet_o a_o soul_n in_o sickness_n if_o she_o find_v herself_o indispose_v for_o such_o act_n may_v content_v herself_o with_o act_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n yea_o with_o devotion_n to_o any_o particular_a saint_n to_o her_o angel_n guardian_n &_o special_o to_o our_o bless_a lady_n 44._o those_o that_o be_v only_o infirm_a &_o languish_a be_v for_o as_o muâ—h_v as_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o a_o case_n little_a different_a from_o that_o they_o be_v in_o during_o health_n those_o who_o suffering_n be_v from_o outward_a pain_n mere_o without_o sickness_n may_v happen_v to_o have_v their_o prayer_n alter_v to_o the_o better_a by_o mean_n of_o such_o pain_n the_o which_o themselves_o may_v prove_v a_o very_a profitable_a prayer_n if_o the_o patient_a with_o quietness_n &_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n do_v offer_v such_o pain_n continual_o to_o god_n 45._o but_o as_o for_o sickness_n more_o inward_a they_o do_v more_o indispose_v the_o patient_a to_o prayer_n beside_o the_o great_a distraction_n that_o come_v from_o physic_n blood-letting_n diet_n &c_n &c_n so_o that_o none_o can_v prescribe_v any_o certain_a advice_n the_o wellmeaning_n soul_n therefore_o must_v &_o with_o a_o moderate_a attention_n may_v herself_o observe_v all_o circumstance_n &_o according_o for_o the_o manner_n practice_v both_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n she_o will_v easy_o discern_v at_o what_o time_n how_o long_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n she_o ought_v to_o pray_v as_o likewise_o wherein_o she_o be_v to_o mortify_v herself_o &_o how_o far_o she_o may_v yield_v to_o the_o desire_n &_o necessity_n of_o nature_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o case_n not_o only_o of_o several_a person_n in_o several_a sickness_n but_o even_o of_o the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o sickness_n be_v so_o wonderful_o various_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fit_a advice_n for_o all_o all_o that_o a_o instructor_n can_v say_v to_o the_o purpose_n be_v that_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o in_o sickness_n as_o health_n but_o for_o the_o special_a manner_n &_o matter_n her_o own_o judgement_n &_o discretion_n but_o especial_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v teach_v she_o &_o doubtless_o will_v if_o she_o attend_v to_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n 46._o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o inward_a tentation_n be_v actual_a prayer_n &_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n the_o which_o remedy_n be_v good_a for_o all_o soul_n in_o what_o state_n soever_o but_o more_o proper_a for_o such_o as_o practice_v internal_a contemplative_a exercise_n who_o be_v not_o now_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o invent_v motive_n &_o argument_n to_o contradict_v such_o tentation_n but_o most_o necessary_a for_o the_o fearful_a &_o scrupulous_a notwithstanding_o i_o will_v not_o oblige_v all_o imperfect_a soul_n upon_o every_o thought_n of_o a_o tentation_n to_o recurre_v alway_n to_o their_o prayer_n but_o only_o when_o necessity_n &_o a_o just_a fear_n of_o be_v overcome_v shall_v require_v it_o otherwise_o be_v in_o no_o such_o fear_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o with_o some_o intermit_a elevation_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o god_n defer_v their_o prayer_n till_o their_o next_o appoint_v recollection_n for_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n impose_v on_o such_o soul_n as_o without_o some_o difficulty_n can_v enter_v into_o serious_a introversion_n to_o bind_v they_o hereto_o upon_o every_o assault_n of_o a_o inward_a tentation_n when_o a_o moderate_a care_n not_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o tentation_n will_v suffice_v 47._o god_n seldom_o send_v great_a sickness_n to_o spiritual_a person_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o course_n before_o they_o have_v get_v a_o reasonable_a habitude_n of_o prayer_n to_o make_v good_a use_n thereof_o lest_o thereby_o they_o shall_v become_v disable_v to_o pray_v but_o after_o such_o a_o habitude_n get_v if_o sickness_n come_v it_o will_v advance_v their_o prayer_n &_o as_o their_o bodily_a strength_n decay_v their_o prayer_n proportionable_o will_v grow_v more_o easy_a profound_a &_o spiritual_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o meditation_n will_v be_v little_o better_v by_o sickness_n 48._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n of_o sickness_n with_o propose_v one_o special_a consideration_n which_o ought_v to_o induce_v soul_n to_o be_v careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o deliberate_o turn_v sickness_n into_o a_o liberty_n of_o sense_n or_o spirit_n by_o omit_v or_o neglect_v prayer_n &_o mortification_n &_o it_o be_v this_o in_o all_o sickness_n there_o be_v at_o least_o some_o degree_n of_o peril_n of_o be_v take_v out_o of_o this_o life_n the_o which_o event_n if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o a_o soul_n whilst_o she_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o tepid_a negligent_a state_n god_n will_v assure_o judge_v she_o according_a to_o her_o present_a state_n in_o which_o death_n find_v she_o yea_o she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o loose_v the_o fruit_n that_o she_o may_v expect_v from_o all_o her_o former_a good_a purpose_n &_o resolution_n or_o at_o least_o to_o suspect_v that_o such_o purpose_n be_v not_o sincere_a &_o cordial_a since_o now_o the_o proper_a time_n of_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n be_v come_v they_o be_v ineffectual_o and_o above_o all_o other_o the_o case_n of_o scrupulous_a soul_n will_v be_v miserable_a if_o they_o shall_v neglect_v to_o combat_v their_o scrupulosity_n by_o a_o simple_a obedience_n &_o transcend_v of_o their_o fear_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v possible_o hâ—ue_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n than_o a_o sanctify_a use_n of_o sickness_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o internal_a exercise_n weaken_v the_o body_n yet_o oft_o prolong_v life_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o the_o body_n ought_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n &_o not_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n §_o 5._o yet_o with_o discretion_n that_o the_o body_n be_v not_o unnecessary_o prejudice_v §_o 6._o 7._o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o first_o place_n discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v about_o mortification_n both_o by_o superior_n &_o other_o §_o 13._o 14._o &c_n &c_n second_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o sensible_a devotion_n §_o 17._o three_o in_o meditation_n §_o 18._o 19_o 20._o four_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_n acts._n §_o 21._o 22._o five_o even_o in_o aspiration_n §_o 23._o of_o languish_a love_n mention_v by_o harphius_n 1._o internal_a prayer_n serious_o prosecute_v as_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v be_v contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n can_v choose_v but_o cause_n some_o trouble_n &_o uneasines_n to_o nature_n &_o abate_v the_o vigorousnes_n of_o the_o body_n quench_v those_o spirit_n &_o drayn_v those_o humour_n which_o be_v superfluous_a &_o afford_v matter_n of_o tentation_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o make_v amends_o even_o to_o nature_n itself_o in_o contribute_v much_o to_o the_o prolong_n of_o life_n by_o mean_n of_o moderation_n of_o diet_n a_o composednes_n of_o passion_n &_o contentation_n of_o mind_n &c_n &c_n which_o it_o cause_v proof_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ancient_a holy_a father_n of_o the_o desert_n &_o more_o late_o in_o s._n romualdus_n who_o live_v till_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o &_o twenty_o year_n old_a &_o s._n david_n of_o wales_n till_o a_o hundred_o &_o forty_o &c_n &c_n 2._o however_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o serve_v the_o body_n but_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n so_o that_o if_o one_o of_o they_o must_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o other_o be_v a_o loose_a it_o be_v most_o just_a that_o the_o loss_n shall_v lie_v on_o the_o body_n side_n and_o sure_o since_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o study_n or_o exercise_v of_o mind_n which_o do_v not_o abridge_v life_n or_o debilitate_v the_o function_n of_o it_o without_o make_v any_o amends_o to_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o future_a life_n &_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o man_n neither_o be_v discourage_v nor_o do_v think_v it_o fit_a for_o such_o consideration_n to_o forbear_v such_o study_n much_o less_o certain_o ought_v spiritual_a &_o divine_a exercise_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o such_o pretence_n 3._o notwithstanding_o just_a it_o be_v that_o some_o
upon_o she_o &_o divert_v her_o attention_n from_o god_n which_o can_v scarce_o be_v while_o she_o be_v vigilant_a to_o expel_v all_o image_n whatsoever_o that_o may_v cause_v she_o to_o break_v her_o internal_a silence_n she_o can_v easy_o recover_v the_o say_v silent_a attention_n by_o renew_v if_o need_v be_v a_o short_a express_a act_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n etc._n etc._n 8._o in_o this_o attention_n to_o god_n she_o be_v far_o from_o expect_v any_o extraordinary_a illumination_n favour_n or_o visit_n of_o which_o she_o account_v herself_o utter_o unworthy_a 9_o last_o she_o have_v no_o suspicion_n or_o fear_n lest_o such_o a_o respectful_a silence_n shall_v be_v mere_a idleness_n or_o cessation_n for_o she_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n and_o since_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n be_v all_o activity_n so_o that_o it_o can_v continue_v a_o moment_n with_o hout_n some_o desire_n the_o soul_n then_o reject_v all_o desire_n towards_o create_a object_n she_o can_v choose_v but_o tend_v inward_o in_o her_o affection_n to_o god_n for_o which_o end_n only_o she_o put_v herself_o in_o such_o a_o posture_n of_o prayer_n her_o tendance_n then_o be_v much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o mount_a of_o a_o eagle_n after_o a_o precedent_n vigorous_a spring_a motion_n and_o extension_n of_o her_o wing_n the_o which_o cease_v in_o virtue_n thereof_o the_o flight_n be_v continue_v for_o a_o good_a space_n with_o a_o great_a swiftness_n but_o withal_o with_o great_a stillnes_n quietness_n &_o ease_n without_o any_o wave_n of_o the_o wing_n at_o all_o or_o the_o least_o force_n use_v in_o any_o member_n be_v in_o as_o much_o ease_n &_o stillnes_n as_o if_o she_o be_v repose_v in_o her_o nest_n 10._o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o fashion_n of_o that_o internal_a prayer_n of_o silence_n recommend_v by_o roias_n the_o which_o without_o any_o variation_n he_o will_v have_v exercise_v daily_o morning_n &_o evening_n allow_v to_o each_o recollection_n about_o a_o hour_n 11._o now_o the_o advantage_n that_o he_o not_o without_o ground_n of_o reason_n attribute_n to_o it_o be_v 1._o that_o it_o cause_v far_o more_o profound_a recollection_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o set_v internal_a prayer_n because_o a_o soul_n have_v either_o by_o a_o short_a discourse_n or_o exercise_v of_o faith_n oblation_n etc._n etc._n find_v he_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o her_o repose_n she_o than_o leave_v all_o the_o room_n and_o appartement_n of_o sense_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a void_a &_o empty_a &_o pass_v forward_o to_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v pure_a clear_a and_o secure_a 2._o it_o do_v extreme_o abate_v the_o activity_n both_o of_o the_o imagination_n &_o passion_n neither_o of_o which_o do_v it_o suffer_v to_o stir_v at_o all_o 3._o god_n be_v most_o perfect_o contemplate_v in_o it_o be_v apprehend_v simple_o and_o true_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o superior_a spirit_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v discourse_n in_o the_o understanding_n image_n permit_v to_o rest_n in_o the_o fancy_n &_o sensible_a motion_n of_o tenderness_n in_o the_o heart_n there_o god_n be_v not_o perfect_o &_o entire_o the_o object_n of_o such_o operation_n in_o spiritu_fw-la non_fw-la in_o commotione_fw-la dominus_fw-la say_v the_o prophet_n elias_n god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o rush_a wind_n he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o stir_n of_o passion_n or_o of_o the_o imagination_n but_o in_o sibilo_fw-la aurae_fw-la tenuis_fw-la he_o be_v in_o the_o silent_a whisper_n of_o a_o soft_a air_n and_o say_v david_n factus_fw-la est_fw-la in_o pace_fw-la locus_fw-la eius_fw-la his_o place_n of_o abode_n be_v in_o the_o clear_a &_o peaceful_a region_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o moreover_o by_o this_o exercise_n we_o come_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a operation_n of_o selfe-annihilation_a by_o which_o both_o ourselves_o and_o all_o creature_n be_v so_o transcend_v and_o forget_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o can_v the_o devil_n find_v where_o to_o fasten_v a_o tentation_n we_o present_v to_o god_n the_o temple_n of_o our_o soul_n empty_a to_o the_o end_n he_o alone_o may_v possess_v it_o which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v and_o withal_o most_o rich_o adorn_v it_o make_v it_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o guest_n 12._o to_o these_o benefit_n may_v be_v add_v this_o which_o be_v a_o great_a one_o and_o fruitful_a in_o many_o blessing_n to_o wit_n that_o in_o this_o exercise_n all_o divine_a virtue_n be_v in_o a_o very_a sublime_a manner_n exercise_v viz._n 1._o i'faith_o by_o which_o the_o soul_n quit_v all_o discourse_n and_o doubt_v believe_v &_o even_o perceive_v the_o divine_a presence_n by_o which_o she_o conquer_v the_o world_n exalt_v herself_o so_o much_o above_o all_o create_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o her_o sight_n 2._o hope_v because_o the_o soul_n place_v herself_o before_o god_n in_o the_o posture_n of_o a_o beggar_n confident_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v impart_v to_o she_o both_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o ability_n to_o fulfil_v it_o 3._o love_n because_o the_o soul_n resolute_o affect_v nothing_o but_o correspondence_n to_o the_o divine_a love._n 4._o resignation_n since_o the_o soul_n forget_v all_o private_a interest_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o ask_v neither_o repose_n nor_o business_n but_o only_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v have_v she_o to_o enjoy_v do_v or_o suffer_v 5._o patience_n because_o herein_o the_o soul_n must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v many_o aridity_n desolation_n obscurity_n encumbrance_n of_o thought_n tentation_n and_o other_o internal_a affliction_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o thaulerus_n give_v unto_o a_o exercise_n much_o resemble_v this_o the_o name_n of_o the_o afflict_a exercise_n 6._o purity_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v hereby_o separate_v from_o all_o adhesion_n to_o creature_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n only_o 7._o mortification_n of_o which_o here_o be_v the_o very_a quintessence_n for_o when_o the_o soul_n act_v in_o spirit_n only_o they_o the_o flesh_n become_v insipid_a &_o without_o taste_n say_v s._n gregory_n the_o flesh_n with_o all_o its_o desire_n be_v here_o slay_v as_o it_o be_v and_o bury_v out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o eye_n see_v nothing_o please_v to_o sense_n the_o ear_n hear_v nothing_o the_o tongue_n be_v silent_a a_o curtain_n be_v draw_v before_o all_o image_n &_o representation_n in_o the_o memory_n the_o will_n be_v separate_v from_o all_o create_a thing_n neither_o willing_a nor_o nill_v any_o of_o they_o but_o permit_v god_n to_o will_n for_o she_o 8._o obedience_n for_o the_o understand_a contract_n and_o abase_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o discourse_n and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n command_v 9_o humility_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a degree_n because_o the_o soul_n therein_o and_o thereby_o be_v even_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 10._o in_o a_o word_n here_o be_v adoration_n sacrifice_n devotion_n &_o all_o grace_n unite_v together_o where_o creature_n be_v exclude_v &_o god_n with_o all_o his_o perfection_n be_v alone_o expose_v to_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v contemplate_v by_o the_o mind_n embrace_v by_o the_o will_n and_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o all_o her_o operation_n here_o be_v abstraction_n in_o perfection_n and_o as_o phaulerus_n say_v all_o virtue_n be_v learn_v in_o learning_n abstraction_n 13._o this_o be_v a_o exercise_n fit_a for_o all_o sort_n almost_o &_o all_o disposition_n of_o soul_n learn_v be_v but_o a_o small_a furtherance_n neither_o needs_o it_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o it_o it_o exclude_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o prayer_n exercise_n or_o devotion_n for_o any_o kind_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o preparation_n to_o find_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v once_o do_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o chase_v away_o all_o object_n that_o be_v not_o god_n that_o she_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o alone_o know_v he_o most_o perfect_o by_o ignorance_n approach_v to_o he_o by_o rest_v and_o forbear_v all_o motion_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o most_o comfortable_o and_o proffitable_o by_o silence_n by_o this_o holy_a idleness_n in_o pure_a recollective_a prayer_n the_o soul_n attain_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o most_o comfortable_a experience_n of_o that_o which_o be_v obscure_o apprehend_v by_o faith_n &_o can_v be_v know_v by_o discourse_n this_o be_v that_o mors_fw-la angelorum_fw-la death_n of_o angel_n that_o s._n bernard_n desire_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o regard_v not_o neither_o live_v in_o themselves_o as_o the_o apostate_n angel_n do_v but_o in_o god_n only_o &_o god_n in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n exercise_v in_o this_o but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a to_o wit_n simple_a intelligence_n which_o be_v
only_o in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n burr_n also_o in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o a_o sinful_a defect_n by_o reason_n that_o where_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o possess_v the_o soul_n the_o very_a image_n of_o creature_n can_v but_z more_o or_o less_o defile_v she_o how_o comfortable_a therefore_o &_o how_o only_o secure_a be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n 18._o those_o that_o be_v unexperienced_a may_v and_o often_o do_v call_v this_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n and_o unproffitable_a cessation_n as_o martha_n complain_v against_o her_o sister_n mary_n but_o those_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o all_o business_n as_o s._n bernard_n call_v it_o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v not_o without_o a_o special_a and_o certain_a inspiration_n from_o god_n interest_n themselves_o in_o external_a business_n nor_o perhaps_o employ_v much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o devotion_n in_o express_a prayer_n for_o common_a necessity_n yet_o those_o unexpressible_a devotion_n which_o they_o exercise_v &_o in_o which_o they_o tacit_o involve_v the_o needs_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v far_o more_o prevalent_a with_o god_n than_o the_o busy_a endeavour_n &_o prayer_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o a_o few_o such_o secret_a &_o unknown_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chariot_n &_o horseman_n the_o strength_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o church_n where_o they_o live_v 19_o i_o know_v that_o some_o mystic_a author_n do_v constitute_v several_a distinct_a state_n follow_a active_a contemplation_n as_o barbanson_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o after_o that_o of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o all_o these_o great_a variety_n of_o ascent_n &_o descent_n &c_n &c_n likewise_o f._n ben._n canfield_n in_o his_o last_o &_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o essential_a &_o supereminent_a will_n of_o god_n make_v mention_n of_o several_a distinct_a exercise_n as_o denudation_n a_o active_a &_o passive_a annihilation_n &c_n &c_n these_o author_n perhaps_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n &_o with_o regard_n to_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o what_o they_o deliver_v needs_o not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a measure_n for_o all_o neither_o will_v i_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v distinct_a state_n some_o of_o which_o i_o will_v mention_v as_o the_o great_a desolation_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n subtle_o to_o search_v into_o they_o those_o happy_a soul_n who_o god_n shall_v so_o high_o favour_v as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o vision_n and_o contemplation_n will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o light_n from_o any_o but_o god_n to_o conduct_v they_o in_o those_o hide_a divine_a path_n and_o the_o unexperienced_a will_v reap_v but_o little_a profit_n from_o such_o curious_a inquiry_n 20._o i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o deliver_v in_o a_o general_a manner_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n 2._o and_o from_o thence_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o treat_v modest_o concern_v passive_a union_n &_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o that_o great_a desolation_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o say_a union_n 4._o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v the_o whole_a book_n with_o a_o very_a short_a description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n chap._n two_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o centemplation_n to_o wit_n aspiration_n and_o wâ—y_o they_o be_v so_o call_v §_o 3._o example_n of_o aspiration_n §_o 4._o â—_o etc._n etc._n agreement_n &_o difference_n between_o aspiration_n and_o other_o internal_a acts._n §_o 11._o 12._o etc._n etc._n how_o a_o soul_n become_v ripe_a for_o aspiration_n &_o pass_v to_o they_o §_o 16._o 17._o aspiration_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o external_a business_n and_o why_o §_o 18._o 19_o great_a variety_n of_o aspiration_n to_o wit_n with_o or_o without_o word_n etc._n etc._n §_o 23._o 24._o etc._n etc._n the_o great_a benefit_n and_o fruit_n of_o aspiration_n 1._o internal_a prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n consist_v of_o certain_a most_o pure_o spiritual_a operation_n of_o the_o will_n longing_n &_o thirst_v after_o god_n &_o a_o union_n with_o he_o in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o his_o most_o proper_a dwell_v be_v 2._o these_o perfect_a operation_n be_v by_o spiritual_a author_n several_o name_v as_o elevation_n inward_a stir_n of_o the_o spirit_n aspiration_n &c_n &c_n we_o will_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n make_v use_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o last_o term_n of_o aspiration_n as_o most_o proper_a in_o a_o general_a notion_n to_o express_v the_o say_a operation_n for_o 1._o by_o they_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a ambition_n do_v aspire_v to_o raise_v &_o elevate_v herself_o out_o of_o inferior_a nature_n &_o to_o mount_v to_o the_o apicem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la which_o be_v god_n throne_n 2._o by_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n do_v breath_n forth_o her_o ardent_a affection_n to_o god_n as_o the_o heart_n force_v the_o lung_n to_o send_v forth_o that_o air_n which_o they_o have_v former_o suck_v in_o that_o they_o may_v draw_v in_o fresh_a air_n to_o refrigerate_v it_o so_o that_o in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o quick_a reciprocal_a motion_n of_o empty_v &_o fill_v of_o rise_v &_o fall_v for_o after_o every_o aspiration_n there_o be_v a_o short_a descent_n &_o then_o a_o mount_a high_a than_o before_o 3._o because_o as_o our_o outward_a breathe_n be_v a_o action_n as_o it_o be_v pure_o natural_a perform_v without_o any_o labour_n at_o all_o or_o so_o much_o as_o election_n so_o a_o soul_n root_v in_o charity_n breathe_v forth_o these_o pure_a aspiration_n without_o any_o force_n use_v upon_o herself_o they_o flow_a from_o she_o free_o both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o &_o in_o a_o sort_n natural_o 4._o because_o as_o the_o motion_n make_v in_o breathe_v do_v not_o hinder_v but_o rather_o advance_v all_o other_o motion_n &_o operation_n so_o may_v aspiration_n be_v exercise_v during_o other_o ordinary_a employment_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o either_o or_o without_o any_o considerable_a distraction_n except_o they_o be_v such_o business_n that_o do_v require_v a_o special_a fix_a attention_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o serious_a study_n now_o in_o such_o employment_n if_o they_o be_v impose_v by_o necessity_n or_o obedience_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o quit_v her_o aspiration_n and_o so_o do_v she_o will_v gain_v as_o much_o by_o her_o obedience_n as_o she_o will_v by_o prayer_n 3._o now_o these_o aspiration_n be_v certain_a short_a &_o lively_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o she_o express_v a_o thirsty_a longing_n after_o god_n such_o as_o these_o be_v my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o love_v thou_o alone_o when_o shall_v i_o be_v unite_v to_o thou_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n but_o thou_o alone_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v live_v &_o reign_v alone_o in_o my_o soul_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o alone_o suffise_v i_o do_v not_o thou_o know_v o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o love_v thou_o only_o let_v i_o be_v nothing_o &_o be_v thou_o all_o o_o my_o god_n o_o love_n o_o love_n o_o infinite_a universal_a good_a when_o shall_v i_o come_v &_o appear_v before_o the_o face_n of_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n let_v i_o love_v thou_o only_o &_o that_o be_v sufficient_a when_o shall_v i_o die_v that_o my_o god_n alone_o may_v live_v in_o i_o etc._n etc._n 4._o now_o the_o same_o affection_n such_o as_o these_o that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n may_v also_o be_v use_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o expression_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n and_o even_o in_o meditation_n itself_o but_o yet_o the_o manner_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n produce_v the_o say_v affection_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v different_a in_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a soul_n and_o the_o say_a aspiration_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o other_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will._n 5._o for_o first_o such_o feruorous_a affection_n tend_v direct_o &_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v the_o entire_a matter_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n whereas_o in_o immediate_a act_n they_o be_v only_o now_o &_o then_o interlace_v but_o the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o such_o act_n be_v the_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n as_o in_o act_n of_o resignation_n etc._n etc._n 6._o
work_n read_v harken_v to_o a_o lesson_n recite_v say_v or_o hear_v mass_n communicate_v &c_n &c_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o negligence_n or_o irreverence_n commit_v by_o so_o do_v for_o by_o no_o operation_n so_o much_o as_o by_o aspiration_n do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v a_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o exercise_n and_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o mystic_n in_o god_n nothing_o be_v neglect_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o there_o may_v be_v soul_n so_o perfect_a that_o even_o amid_o the_o noise_n and_o disorder_n of_o a_o camp_n they_o may_v without_o neglect_v their_o present_a duty_n there_o most_o efficacious_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o aspiration_n to_o god_n 17._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o aspiration_n be_v less_o hinder_v by_o external_a business_n then_o be_v meditation_n or_o immediate_a act_n be_v because_o in_o aspiration_n the_o understanding_n be_v scarce_o at_o all_o employ_v &_o therefore_o may_v well_o enough_o attend_v to_o other_o business_n and_o moreover_o the_o will_n abound_v &_o even_o overflow_a with_o divine_a love_n will_v not_o find_v herself_o interress_v in_o affection_n &_o consequent_o not_o distract_v by_o such_o employment_n 18._o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v aspiration_n for_o first_o some_o be_v pure_o mental_a be_v certain_a indeliberate_a quick_a elevation_n and_o springing_n up_o of_o the_o spirit_n to_o godward_a as_o sparkle_n of_o fire_n fly_v from_o a_o burn_a coal_n which_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a and_o of_o these_o some_o be_v more_o gross_a &_o imaginative_a especial_o in_o beginner_n &_o therefore_o not_o difficult_a to_o be_v express_v other_o in_o more_o perfect_a soul_n that_o be_v come_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o spiritual_a abstraction_n grow_v more_o subtle_a &_o intellectual_a in_o so_o much_o as_o ofttimes_o the_o person_n himself_o can_v express_v what_o pass_v in_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o but_o a_o blind_a &_o almost_o imperceptible_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v exercise_v in_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o happen_v ofttimes_o in_o the_o great_a desolation_n now_o this_o growth_n of_o immateriality_n in_o aspiration_n be_v not_o easy_o perceptible_a though_o it_o be_v real_a &_o certain_a as_o we_o know_v that_o corn_n grow_v though_o we_o can_v perceive_v its_o grow_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n whether_o we_o observe_v such_o degree_n or_o no_o yea_o the_o examination_n thereof_o be_v better_o neglect_v 19_o again_o other_o aspiration_n be_v moreover_o external_o express_v by_o the_o tongue_n and_o in_o such_o expression_n sometime_o there_o be_v a_o proper_a sense_n and_o meaning_n as_o deus_fw-la meus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la which_o be_v s._n francis_n his_o aspiration_n or_o noverim_fw-la te_fw-la &_o noverim_fw-la i_o which_o be_v s._n augustins_n and_o in_o these_o sometime_o a_o soul_n do_v abide_v a_o good_a space_n iterate_v again_o and_o again_o the_o same_o aspiration_n sometime_o she_o do_v vary_v always_o procede_v according_a to_o her_o interior_a impulse_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n other_o aspiration_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o as_o be_v those_o practise_v by_o br._n massaeus_n a_o disciple_n of_o s._n francis_n who_o when_o he_o be_v full_a of_o interior_a affection_n can_v usual_o cry_v out_o nothing_o but_o v.u.u._n such_o unusual_a aspiration_n as_o these_o do_v show_v a_o great_a excess_n of_o interior_a fervour_n which_o burst_v out_o force_v the_o soul_n not_o able_a to_o contain_v itself_o nor_o yet_o to_o find_v out_o word_n by_o which_o to_o express_v her_o affection_n to_o power_n forth_o itself_o after_o such_o a_o unsignificant_a manner_n 20._o moreover_o aspiration_n &_o forcible_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v there_o be_v which_o be_v signify_v not_o by_o the_o tongue_n but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a action_n of_o the_o body_n as_o clap_v of_o hand_n leap_v &c_n &c_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v a_o example_n of_o another_o disciple_n of_o s._n francis_n call_v br._n bernard_n who_o out_o of_o a_o inward_a boil_a fervour_n be_v force_v to_o run_v over_o mountain_n &_o rocky_a place_n be_v agitate_a with_o a_o kind_n of_o holy_a frenzy_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o tear_n be_v very_o rare_a god_n holy_a spirit_n not_o usual_o move_v thereto_o because_o they_o will_v then_o flow_v unmeasurable_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o corporal_a health_n 21._o now_o such_o action_n &_o motion_n though_o they_o may_v be_v yield_v to_o sometime_o when_o one_o be_v alone_o yet_o in_o company_n they_o be_v to_o be_v suppress_v to_o which_o purpose_n blosius_n give_v this_o good_a instruction_n out_o of_o thaulerus_n that_o albeit_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a as_o flow_a from_o a_o divine_a principle_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n principal_o to_o be_v commend_v for_o these_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n to_o which_o corporal_a nature_n concurre_v be_v not_o to_o be_v equal_v to_o that_o most_o perfect_a union_n which_o some_o soul_n do_v experience_n in_o pure_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o such_o violent_a agitation_n do_v chief_o befall_v such_o soul_n as_o have_v have_v their_o exercise_n much_o in_o sensible_a devotion_n as_o woman_n &_o devout_a ignorant_a man_n and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n such_o be_v more_o dispose_v to_o rapt_n ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n 22._o last_o to_o these_o several_a expression_n of_o aspiration_n may_v be_v add_v that_o of_o say_v the_o divine_a office_n or_o other_o vocal_a prayer_n aspirative_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a proof_n of_o sublime_a contemplation_n than_o any_o of_o these_o unusual_a motion_n &c_n &c_n this_o be_v the_o contemplation_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o some_o in_o these_o day_n as_o a_o certain_a spiritual_a writer_n say_v of_o himself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o aspiration_n use_v daily_o two_o recollection_n consist_v of_o they_o on_o a_o time_n he_o find_v himself_o invite_v to_o produce_v they_o vocal_o and_o thereupon_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o say_n of_o our_o lady_n office_n choose_v that_o because_o he_o can_v say_v it_o perfect_o without-booke_n he_o repeat_v it_o nine_o or_o ten_o time_n a_o day_n with_o a_o perfect_a attention_n of_o spirit_n the_o which_o mental_a attention_n or_o operation_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o aspiration_n take_v the_o word_n as_o here_o we_o do_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o so_o for_o a_o few_o day_n as_o long_o as_o that_o invitation_n and_o enablement_n last_v he_o use_v no_o other_o internal_a exercise_n find_v great_a benefit_n by_o this_o but_o that_o invitation_n cease_v he_o find_v himself_o again_o oblige_v to_o return_v to_o mere_a mental_a aspiration_n 23._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o set_v down_o some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n that_o accrue_v to_o soul_n by_o this_o sublime_a exercise_n as_o first_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o interior_a sense_n and_o sensitive_a faculty_n the_o dominion_n that_o the_o superior_a soul_n have_v over_o they_o be_v now_o become_v very_o great_a for_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v god_n that_o help_v move_v and_o direct_v soul_n in_o their_o operation_n during_o this_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n the_o heart_n also_o be_v estrange_v from_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n and_o replenish_v with_o divine_a love_n distractive_a thought_n &_o image_n of_o creature_n either_o do_v not_o press_v into_o the_o mind_n or_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o pass_v no_o far_o then_o into_o the_o imagination_n or_o if_o the_o understanding_n do_v sometime_o busy_v itself_o with_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v scarce_o or_o not_o at_o all_o touch_n or_o affect_v the_o will_n the_o which_o be_v not_o by_o such_o extravagant_a thought_n interrupt_v or_o divert_v in_o her_o pursuit_n of_o aspiration_n and_o blind_a elevation_n whereas_o in_o immediate_a force_a act_n great_a force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v against_o such_o distraction_n which_o do_v not_o only_o busy_v the_o understanding_n but_o likewise_o more_o or_o less_o withdraw_v the_o will_n from_o god_n 24._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n though_o the_o devil_n may_v have_v great_a influence_n upon_o it_o in_o meditation_n or_o even_o sometime_o in_o immediate_a affection_n and_o act_n seek_v thereby_o to_o seduce_v soul_n to_o extravagance_n and_o a_o spiritual_a gluttony_n it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n which_o be_v so_o much_o elevate_v above_o the_o imagination_n and_o sensitive_a nature_n that_o here_o he_o have_v no_o advantage_n give_v he_o for_o such_o deceit_n and_o if_o during_o that_o sensible_a devotion_n
splendour_n see_v in_o the_o eye_n and_o countenance_n of_o god_n saint_n betoken_v a_o inward_a purity_n likewise_o elevation_n of_o the_o body_n ability_n to_o walk_v on_o the_o water_n or_o to_o pass_v through_o door_n whilst_o they_o be_v shut_v and_o other_o such_o like_a resemble_v the_o quality_n of_o glorify_a body_n now_o though_o the_o devil_n can_v counterfeit_v these_o yet_o they_o be_v seldom_o give_v by_o god_n but_o he_o withal_o give_v a_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v from_o he_o 5._o a_o second_o sort_n of_o sensible_a grace_n more_o sublime_a than_o the_o former_a be_v such_o as_o be_v by_o god_n commucate_v to_o the_o internal_a sense_n especial_o the_o imagination_n in_o fuse_v supernatural_a image_n into_o it_o by_o which_o god_n sometime_o make_v know_v his_o will_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n so_o as_o the_o person_n will_v perceive_v word_n imaginative_o speak_v or_o think_v they_o see_v a_o angel_n or_o saint_n as_o if_o such_o word_n have_v indeed_o be_v speak_v and_o those_o object_n represent_v real_o to_o the_o outward_a sense_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o imagination_n that_o it_o can_v after_o its_o manner_n exercise_v all_o the_o function_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n 6._o of_o such_o supernatural_a inaction_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o internal_a sense_n the_o most_o notable_a effect_n be_v rapt_n or_o ecstasy_n likewise_o internal_a vision_n and_o apparition_n the_o which_o go_v together_o sometime_o and_o sometime_o be_v separate_v 7._o now_o a_o rapture_n or_o ecstasy_n be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n cause_v by_o god_n by_o which_o the_o person_n be_v bereave_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o her_o internal_a operations_n cleave_v whole_o to_o supernatural_a thing_n &_o the_o imagination_n be_v enuiron_v with_o light_n vision_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o person_n may_v internal_o know_v &_o see_v what_o be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o reveile_v unto_o he_o for_o the_o good_a either_o of_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o 8._o my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v nice_o of_o these_o matter_n for_o which_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o joannes_n a_o jesu-maria_n a_o discalced_a carmelite_n who_o treat_v of_o they_o with_o great_a exactness_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o insist_v 1._o on_o the_o way_n of_o discern_v true_a vision_n rapture_n &c_n &c_n from_o false_a 2._o and_o afford_v instruction_n how_o a_o soul_n ought_v to_o behave_v herself_o about_o they_o 9_o now_o for_o a_o preparation_n to_o the_o follow_a rule_n of_o discern_a i_o will_v lay_v these_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o devil_n can_v immediate_o operate_v either_o on_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n but_o only_o by_o imprint_v new_a or_o dispose_v the_o image_n already_o in_o the_o fancy_n or_o by_o move_v the_o sensitive_a appetite_n 2._o by_o consequence_n if_o the_o light_v imprint_v in_o the_o understanding_n by_o mean_n of_o rapt_n vision_n etc._n etc._n do_v direct_v to_o real_a good_a as_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n humility_n &c_n &c_n &_o that_o the_o will_n entertain_v these_o good_a affection_n â—â—aâ—_n soul_n may_v prudent_o and_o rational_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n to_o god_n 10._o the_o rule_n of_o discern_a deliver_v by_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a holy_a author_n be_v these_o which_o follow_v the_o first_o when_o the_o will_n be_v move_v without_o the_o ordinary_a precedent_n action_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o imagination_n and_o also_o in_o the_o same_o instant_n a_o certain_a new_a light_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o mind_n a_o soul_n may_v be_v confident_a that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n 11._o the_o second_o rule_n good_a observation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v whether_o the_o person_n be_v christianly_o dispose_v not_o much_o sway_v by_o curiosity_n or_o pride_n not_o addict_v to_o melancholy_a &c_n &c_n whether_o by_o such_o favour_n they_o be_v not_o invite_v to_o say_v or_o do_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o catholic_n truth_n peace_n obedience_n honesty_n puriâ—y_n humility_n &c_n &c_n and_o according_o soul_n be_v to_o judge_v from_o what_o principle_n they_o flow_v 12._o the_o three_o rule_n divine_a spiritual_a union_n vision_n etc._n etc._n be_v ordinary_o of_o short_a continuance_n 13._o the_o four_o rule_n apparition_n of_o good_a spirit_n although_o in_o the_o beginning_n they_o cause_v a_o tremble_a and_o amazement_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n the_o soul_n receive_v courage_n and_o comfort_n find_v herself_o illuminate_v inflame_v with_o devotion_n and_o in_o great_a peace_n whereas_o when_o the_o devil_n grow_n familiar_a with_o any_o though_o he_o appear_v in_o never_o so_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a shape_n the_o person_n be_v not_o affright_v and_o he_o leave_v they_o as_o he_o find_v they_o 14._o the_o five_o rule_n it_o be_v ordinary_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n 1._o when_o he_o effectual_o show_v that_o his_o power_n accompany_v his_o will_n as_o when_o upon_o his_o say_n fear_v not_o the_o person_n present_o become_v quiet_a 2._o when_o his_o word_n be_v clear_a intelligible_a and_o so_o delighfull_a that_o the_o soul_n do_v diligent_o observe_v and_o remember_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n 3._o when_o the_o person_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v say_v 4._o when_o the_o soul_n conceive_v much_o more_o by_o those_o holy_a and_o divine_a word_n then_o in_o themselves_o they_o signify_v 5._o when_o there_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o assurance_n that_o what_o be_v say_v shall_v certain_o be_v effect_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o be_v sign_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n say_v s._n teresa_n 15._o the_o six_o rule_n the_o receive_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a outward_a favour_n or_o gift_n as_o rose_n ring_n jewel_n etc._n etc._n be_v much_o to_o be_v suspect_v unless_o such_o thing_n happen_v to_o soul_n of_o a_o long_a continue_a sanctity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o miraculous_o reveyl_v after_o their_o death_n then_o diwlge_v during_o their_o life_n the_o like_a judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o outward_a character_n imprint_v on_o body_n as_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n mark_v of_o our_o lord_n wound_v etc._n etc._n 16._o the_o seven_o rule_n when_o soul_n after_o the_o practice_n of_o long_a and_o severe_a austerity_n come_v to_o enjoy_v much_o peace_n and_o contentment_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a especial_o if_o such_o favour_n be_v overmuch_o in_o sense_n and_o not_o great_o relish_v of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o little_a undecent_a &c_n &c_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o such_o a_o change_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o persevere_v in_o fear_n and_o penance_n not_o trust_v upon_o their_o good_a work_n pass_v but_o humble_o beseech_v god_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o enemy_n illusion_n 17._o the_o eight_o rule_n ecstasy_n that_o do_v not_o produce_v considerable_a profit_n either_o to_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o other_o deserve_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o when_o any_o mark_n of_o their_o approach_a be_v perceive_v the_o person_n ought_v to_o divert_v their_o mind_n some_o other_o way_n 18._o the_o nine_o rule_n the_o appearance_n of_o object_n how_o beautiful_a and_o celestial_a soever_o ought_v not_o sudden_o to_o be_v vvell-comed_a nor_o affection_n to_o be_v place_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o take_v on_o he_o the_o shape_n even_o of_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o and_o if_o in_o such_o visitation_n the_o person_n feel_v any_o impure_a motion_n or_o fall_v into_o undecent_a posture_n etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o reluctance_n they_o make_v against_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v that_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o ill_a principle_n yet_o if_o a_o soul_n be_v surprise_v with_o any_o seem_o glorious_a false_a apparition_n shall_v either_o afford_v veneration_n or_o unfitting_a affection_n thereto_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v much_o deject_a for_o what_o be_v past_a since_o the_o error_n commit_v be_v only_o material_a 19_o the_o ten_o rule_n it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a to_o see_v a_o soul_n that_o be_v very_o young_a in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n or_o that_o be_v not_o of_o extraordinary_a purity_n to_o fall_v into_o rapt_n etc._n etc._n for_o great_a mortification_n with_o prayer_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o soul_n ripe_a for_o the_o divine_a inaction_n 20._o the_o eleaventh_o rule_n it_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o charity_n in_o person_n to_o be_v trouble_v with_o diabolical_a apparition_n &c_n &c_n if_o thereby_o there_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o no_o other_o ill_a effect_n beside_o
molestation_n and_o affliction_n yea_o in_o that_o case_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v that_o they_o be_v strong_o assist_v with_o god_n holq_n spirit_n since_o they_o overcome_v so_o great_a tentation_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n 21._o the_o twelve_o and_o last_o rule_n it_o can_v proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n when_o soul_n visit_v with_o revelation_n &c_n &c_n shall_v obstinate_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o experience_a superior_n and_o directour_n unless_o the_o person_n be_v able_a to_o yield_v most_o convince_a proof_n thereof_o and_o moreover_o shall_v serious_o profess_v that_o god_n together_o with_o the_o secret_n reveyl_v have_v imprint_v in_o their_o soul_n this_o assurance_n and_o belief_n also_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o obedience_n be_v a_o most_o secure_a remedy_n against_o all_o possible_a inconvenience_n and_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n in_o no_o case_n this_o be_v that_o that_o s._n teresa_n serious_o enjoine_v and_o most_o constant_o practise_v herself_o and_o this_o in_o very_o strange_a circumstance_n when_o the_o confessarius_fw-la condemn_v she_o be_v both_o unlearned_a &_o impertinent_a etc._n etc._n but_o withal_o spiritual_a directour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v rash_a in_o their_o proceed_n nor_o to_o judge_v till_o after_o a_o long_a experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o a_o due_a weigh_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o revelation_n discover_v to_o they_o it_o be_v likewise_o requisite_a that_o those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n be_v themselves_o devout_a exercise_v in_o prayer_n and_o in_o good_a state_n towards_o god_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v from_o he_o receive_v light_a to_o direct_v other_o 22._o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o touch_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o soul_n after_o the_o receive_n of_o such_o supernatural_a favour_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o the_o principal_a care_n that_o she_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v that_o she_o do_v not_o bear_v a_o deliberate_a and_o fix_a love_n to_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o consequent_o that_o she_o do_v not_o either_o express_o or_o implicit_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o have_v such_o vision_n revelation_n etc._n etc._n or_o in_o case_n that_o god_n without_o her_o prayer_n have_v send_v they_o that_o she_o do_v not_o usual_o without_o necessity_n talk_v of_o such_o matter_n or_o love_v to_o hear_v other_o talk_v of_o they_o for_o these_o be_v sign_n of_o a_o undue_a affection_n to_o they_o 23._o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n say_v that_o when_o god_n do_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n make_v know_v unto_o humble_a soul_n his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o hand_n some_o great_a employment_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v likely_o gain_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o excellency_n and_o probable_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o conceive_v some_o extraordinary_a worth_a to_o be_v in_o themselves_o for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o high_o favour_v by_o god_n which_o conceit_n the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v he_o do_v ofentimes_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v the_o fear_n and_o repugnance_n that_o they_o have_v former_o to_o such_o thing_n cause_v in_o they_o a_o desire_n and_o readiness_n much_o rather_o to_o the_o undergo_n of_o some_o vile_a or_o base_a office_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o thus_o with_o jeremy_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o happen_v quite_o contrary_a when_o the_o bid_n be_v from_o the_o devil_n counterfeit_n privy_o a_o divine_a mission_n for_o he_o with_o his_o commission_n cause_v a_o forwardness_n in_o soul_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o employment_n of_o excellency_n or_o otherwise_o grateful_a to_o nature_n as_o also_o a_o great_a aversion_n from_o those_o that_o either_o suspect_v or_o will_v dissuade_v they_o from_o such_o undertake_n 24._o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v by_o serious_a consideration_n to_o raise_v and_o increase_v in_o herself_o a_o apprehension_n and_o aversion_n from_o such_o matter_n say_v with_o s._n peter_n exi_n a_o i_o etc._n etc._n go_v from_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o a_o sinful_a man_n and_o by_o exercise_v so_o profitable_a a_o mortification_n she_o will_v secure_v herself_o from_o all_o peril_n and_o render_v herself_o very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n serious_a instruction_n to_o a_o disappropriation_n and_o mortify_v our_o love_n to_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scala_n perfectionis_fw-la angela_n de_fw-fr fulginio_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o book_n call_v interiour_n abnegation_n there_o be_v this_o passage_n to_o god_n it_o belong_v to_o give_v rare_a and_o excellent_a gift_n and_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o belong_v to_o refuse_v they_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o approach_v unto_o a_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n duty_n be_v in_o humility_n to_o draw_v back_o as_o s._n peter_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o god_n to_o elevate_v the_o soul_n and_o her_o duty_n be_v to_o humble_a and_o abase_v herself_o for_o as_o our_o nature_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n desire_v a_o proper_a excellency_n and_o sublimity_n yea_o even_o in_o thing_n holy_a and_o appertain_v to_o god_n so_o our_o spirit_n illuminate_v by_o grace_n which_o be_v superior_a to_o our_o nature_n ought_v incessant_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o occasion_n to_o seek_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o excellency_n except_o in_o essential_a virtue_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o poverty_n and_o lowne_n even_o in_o sacred_a thing_n that_o so_o she_o be_v not_o less_o careful_a and_o resolute_a to_o overcome_v herself_o than_o nature_n be_v to_o seek_v herself_o thus_o there_o must_v be_v a_o continual_a contestation_n between_o god_n and_o the_o humble_a soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o especial_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v most_o incline_v &_o forward_o to_o embrace_v these_o high_a and_o grateful_a thing_n must_v necessary_o make_v such_o resistance_n not_o yield_v till_o pure_a necessity_n force_v they_o and_o till_o god_n take_v from_o they_o all_o power_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o to_o refuse_v the_o excellence_n of_o that_o grace_n whereunto_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o continual_o and_o powerful_o urge_v and_o draw_v they_o instruction_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o auilas_fw-la epistle_n 25._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a virgin_n coleta_n who_o when_o god_n offer_v to_o reveyle_v unto_o her_o diverse_a secret_n answer_v lord_n god_n it_o suffice_v i_o only_o to_o know_v thou_o and_o the_o sin_n in_o which_o i_o have_v offend_v thou_o and_o to_o obtain_v thy_o pardon_n for_o they_o but_o most_o notable_a in_o this_o regard_n be_v the_o example_n of_o suso_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o publish_v to_o all_o estate_n in_o the_o world_n the_o pope_n bishop_n abbot_n &c._n &c._n their_o vice_n and_o enormity_n represent_v to_o he_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o nine_o rock_n he_o out_o of_o that_o habitual_a fear_n and_o humility_n that_o be_v in_o he_o do_v so_o resist_v the_o execute_v such_o a_o charge_n that_o till_o he_o be_v adiur_v and_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o and_o so_o force_v to_o it_o even_o against_o his_o will_n he_o have_v never_o yield_v and_o then_o also_o he_o submit_v himself_o with_o much_o bewail_v his_o misery_n express_v his_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o pride_n and_o therefore_o humble_o beg_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v conceiled_a from_o the_o world_n and_o last_o protest_v his_o desire_n and_o love_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o nothing_o but_o only_a to_o god_n himself_o his_o resistance_n indeed_o be_v so_o obstinate_a that_o god_n tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o true_a but_o indiscreet_a humility_n he_o will_v present_o have_v cast_v he_o into_o hell_n for_o it_o 26._o those_o therefore_o that_o be_v favour_v with_o extraordinary_a grace_n if_o they_o do_v due_o consider_v their_o state_n and_o danger_n will_v find_v little_a ground_n to_o exalt_v themselves_o or_o to_o despise_v other_o that_o be_v in_o a_o more_o low_a but_o withal_o far_o more_o secure_a way_n 27._o now_o for_o the_o prevent_n and_o avoid_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o ill_o use_v such_o favour_n and_o divine_a grace_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o self_n love_n and_o pride_n spiritual_a author_n do_v serious_o enjoin_v such_o person_n so_o visit_v by_o god_n not_o to_o trust_v their_o own_o judgement_n or_o to_o determine_v whether_o they_o come_v from_o god_n or_o not_o and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v any_o thing_n of_o consequence_n upon_o such_o revelation_n but_o to_o refer_v themselves_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o 28._o and_o herein_o great_a
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
depression_n &_o a_o extraordinary_a consolation_n be_v usual_o attend_v by_o succeed_a anguish_n &_o desertion_n so_o above_o all_o other_o time_n this_o so_o supereminent_a &_o so_o comfortable_a a_o divine_a visitation_n be_v common_o follow_v by_o a_o most_o terrible_a unexpected_a desolation_n a_o desolation_n so_o unsupportable_a to_o soul_n unprovided_a or_o unaware_o of_o it_o that_o many_o not_o enable_v or_o not_o well_o instruct_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o heart_n to_o prosecute_v internal_a way_n &_o so_o bereave_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o their_o former_a exercise_n &_o divine_a passive_a inaction_n have_v return_v to_o a_o common_a extroverted_a life_n 2._o the_o which_o true_o be_v a_o misery_n so_o great_a and_o so_o deplorable_a that_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a in_o other_o i_o conceive_v requisite_a to_o give_v warning_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o such_o a_o desolation_n together_o with_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o god_n permit_v yea_o in_o a_o sort_n conduct_n soul_n into_o it_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o bear_v themselves_o in_o it_o with_o patience_n resignation_n &_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n i_o shall_v be_v brief_a in_o this_o point_n remit_v the_o reader_n for_o a_o far_a explication_n of_o it_o to_o barbançon_n as_o likewise_o to_o that_o excellent_a treatise_n call_v interiour_n abnegation_n 3._o from_o the_o foresay_a sublime_a familiarity_n therefore_o and_o communication_n between_o god_n &_o his_o choose_a soul_n he_o conduct_n they_o usual_o especial_o after_o the_o first_o passive_a union_n to_o another_o far_o different_a state_n of_o pure_a sufferance_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o happy_a suffer_a as_o former_o from_o god_n but_o a_o woeful_a suffer_v from_o the_o soul_n herself_o for_o god_n for_o some_o time_n retire_v himself_o from_o she_o permit_v she_o to_o feel_v her_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o 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&_o suggestion_n do_v violent_o assault_v she_o &_o she_o find_v as_o great_a difficulty_n if_o not_o great_a to_o surmount_v they_o then_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a course_n the_o feel_n of_o all_o this_o be_v intolerable_a to_o she_o and_o thereupon_o she_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o by_o some_o great_a unknown_a sin_n she_o have_v procure_v all_o this_o or_o however_o that_o her_o resistance_n be_v now_o so_o feeble_a and_o inefficacious_a that_o she_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v quite_o cast_v hereof_o she_o find_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o her_o nature_n so_o strong_a in_o she_o that_o she_o think_v she_o be_v nothing_o but_o nature_n the_o rebelliousnes_n whereof_o &_o its_o rage_n against_o god_n be_v unexpressible_a she_o be_v now_o as_o full_a of_o image_n of_o vanity_n as_o ever_o she_o have_v be_v former_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o she_o have_v far_o less_o power_n to_o expel_v they_o than_o when_o she_o live_v in_o the_o world_n if_o 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that_o it_o be_v better_a perhaps_o if_o she_o be_v quite_o extrovert_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o she_o dare_v not_o altogether_o quit_v her_o endeavour_n to_o practice_v recollection_n but_o yet_o she_o know_n not_o why_o 5._o now_o if_o all_o these_o disorder_n continue_v only_o for_o some_o short_a time_n she_o may_v without_o extreme_a difficulty_n practice_v patience_n as_o she_o do_v in_o her_o former_a aridity_n and_o desolation_n but_o alas_o this_o most_o afflict_a martyrdom_n oftentimes_o continue_v many_o month_n yea_o in_o some_o person_n several_a year_n not_o always_o in_o extremity_n but_o with_o some_o intercision_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n come_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o loose_v all_o patience_n she_o often_o complain_v in_o her_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o desert_v she_o that_o will_v fain_o not_o desert_n he_o yet_o when_o she_o make_v such_o prayer_n to_o her_o seem_v her_o spirit_n will_v not_o join_v if_o she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o mere_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o but_o she_o know_v it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o work_v and_o to_o raise_v herself_o up_o by_o prayer_n and_o this_o she_o can_v do_v she_o stand_v in_o need_n now_o of_o as_o gross_a operation_n to_o cause_v a_o introversion_n as_o ever_o and_o yet_o those_o gross_a operation_n have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o effect_n as_o in_o her_o former_a imperfect_a state_n 6._o moreover_o the_o tentation_n which_o she_o now_o suffer_v be_v both_o so_o violent_a and_o her_o resistance_n so_o feeble_a they_o be_v withal_o so_o unexpected_a so_o secret_a and_o subtle_a that_o notwithstanding_o any_o information_n that_o she_o former_o have_v by_o read_v or_o otherway_n touch_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o suffer_v to_o be_v expect_v yet_o when_o it_o come_v she_o will_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o can_v be_v possible_o a_o way_n to_o perfection_n or_o conduce_v to_o her_o good_a all_o her_o former_a light_n and_o instruction_n will_v scarce_o at_o all_o diminish_v her_o resentment_n of_o her_o deplorable_a condition_n she_o lose_v nothing_o of_o her_o former_a light_n for_o soul_n arrive_v to_o this_o state_n be_v not_o to_o seek_v or_o to_o learn_v how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o interior_o they_o study_v no_o more_o for_o that_o than_o one_o will_v do_v how_o he_o may_v see_v with_o his_o eye_n or_o hear_v with_o his_o ear_n have_v the_o perfect_a use_n of_o his_o sense_n but_o when_o she_o be_v to_o practice_v according_a to_o this_o light_n she_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o if_o she_o have_v any_o difficulty_n or_o obscurity_n it_o be_v how_o she_o be_v to_o comport_v herself_o in_o external_a matter_n &_o even_o this_o obscurity_n be_v but_o very_o small_a but_o however_o she_o think_v that_o all_o the_o light_n she_o have_v serve_v to_o little_a purpose_n find_v that_o notwithstanding_o it_o she_o work_n as_o if_o she_o have_v no_o light_n at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n she_o now_o see_v she_o own_o natural_a misery_n so_o perfect_o yea_o and_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o it_o that_o she_o can_v see_v how_o god_n can_v comfort_v she_o if_o he_o will_v 7._o all_o this_o show_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o her_o precedent_a exercise_n yea_o that_o during_o the_o forego_n divine_a inaction_n yet_o many_o dregs_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n do_v remain_v in_o she_o they_o be_v only_o hide_v but_o not_o extinguish_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o only_a forcible_a expedient_a leave_v to_o destroy_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o the_o sinful_a inclination_n of_o nature_n in_o she_o indeed_o to_o natural_a reason_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o most_o improper_a remedy_n to_o destroy_v nature_n by_o suspend_v the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o suffer_a nature_n to_o break_v forth_o violent_o without_o any_o control_n and_o restraint_n all_o sensible_a light_n in_o the_o
may_v so_o profit_n in_o spirit_n as_o active_a soul_n do_v that_o live_v in_o world_o manner_n that_o they_o may_v careful_o avoid_v sin_n &_o keep_v god_n commandment_n &_o be_v true_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o follow_a his_o will_n by_o the_o use_n of_o bodily_a exercise_n &_o frequency_n of_o sacrament_n although_o they_o use_v not_o much_o mental_a prayer_n abstraction_n &_o mortification_n for_o if_o they_o use_v none_o at_o all_o as_o no_o good_a christian_n but_o use_v they_o in_o some_o degree_n undoubted_o they_o will_v not_o profit_n at_o all_o in_o spirit_n neither_o active_o nor_o contemplative_o nor_o avoid_v sin_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o sort_n unite_v to_o god_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o confession_n whereas_o the_o author_n dispute_v much_o against_o the_o use_n of_o confession_n of_o venial_a sin_n as_o necessary_a to_o spiritual_a profit_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a condemn_v the_o discreet_a use_n of_o frequent_a confession_n but_o only_o the_o needless_a numeration_n of_o venial_a sin_n &_o daily_a defect_n which_o some_o soul_n do_v make_v in_o their_o confession_n with_o great_a anxiety_n of_o mind_n &_o some_o confessor_n do_v oblige_v their_o penitent_n unto_o with_o great_a prejudice_n of_o that_o cheerful_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n which_o a_o soul_n shall_v have_v to_o converse_v in_o prayer_n with_o god_n &_o be_v common_o a_o cause_n of_o scrupule_n one_o of_o the_o great_a banns_n of_o spiritual_a perfection_n so_o that_o for_o soul_n that_o be_v by_o nature_n prone_a to_o fear_v &_o scrupulosity_n the_o director_n of_o necessity_n must_v moderate_v they_o both_o in_o the_o frequency_n of_o confession_n &_o matter_n to_o be_v confess_v yea_o he_o may_v advise_v they_o to_o confess_v few_o time_n than_o other_o free_a soul_n do_v otherwise_o for_o soul_n that_o be_v cheerful_a &_o valiant_a &_o courageous_a in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o author_n oblige_v they_o in_o his_o practice_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n much_o more_o those_o that_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o careful_a in_o avoid_v occasion_n of_o ordinary_a defect_n i_o say_v he_o oblige_v they_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o constitution_n oblige_v which_o be_v not_o under_o any_o sin_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v sin_v as_o often_o as_o they_o omit_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n but_o as_o a_o laudable_a counsel_n &_o profitable_a observance_n which_o under_o a_o penalty_n &_o regular_a correction_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v &_o not_o omit_v but_o by_o advice_n of_o the_o spiritual_a father_n or_o leave_n of_o the_o superior_a note_v also_o that_o he_o do_v worthy_o advertise_v a_o defect_n of_o many_o who_o come_v to_o confession_n make_v the_o principal_a intention_n of_o it_o only_o the_o absolution_n from_o sin_n i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o defect_n because_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o intention_n must_v be_v the_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n by_o which_o formal_o infuse_v or_o pour_v into_o ourselves_o god_n almighty_n do_v blot_n out_o sin_n &_o wipe_v they_o away_o now_o although_o absolution_n from_o sin_n be_v never_o give_v without_o infusion_n of_o grace_n yet_o ought_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o penitent_a to_o be_v principal_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n for_o if_o he_o principal_o intend_v the_o absolution_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o reflection_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o its_o own_o profit_n by_o self-love_n desire_v to_o avoid_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n &_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n &_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o deformity_n of_o guiltiness_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o good_a desire_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o property_n of_o beginner_n in_o love_n &_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n &_o be_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o transcend_v itself_o &_o all_o creature_n to_o live_v only_o in_o god_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o set_v examan_n of_o conscience_n the_o author_n do_v not_o condemn_v it_o especial_o for_o soul_n who_o be_v not_o great_o advance_v in_o perfection_n but_o for_o soul_n which_o daily_a profit_n &_o grow_v in_o grace_n he_o prefer_v the_o exercise_n of_o love_n &_o not_o without_o cause_n for_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o our_o recollection_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a &_o speedy_a way_n to_o amend_v ourselves_o by_o wrap_v all_o our_o defect_n in_o a_o generality_n &_o so_o endeavour_v to_o consume_v they_o as_o it_o be_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n of_o love_n then_o by_o particularise_v they_o &_o discuss_v they_o in_o singular_a because_o in_o so_o do_v they_o distract_v the_o mind_n that_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v yet_o this_o doctrine_n hinder_v not_o but_o if_o any_o notable_a defect_n have_v be_v commit_v it_o shall_v be_v by_o a_o particular_a reflection_n amend_v yet_o rather_o by_o a_o amorous_a conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o humility_n then_o by_o turn_v itself_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o defect_n in_o particular_a and_o doubtless_o a_o soul_n that_o according_a to_o the_o author_n doctrine_n do_v so_o careful_o avoid_v all_o defect_n that_o it_o present_o upon_o sight_n of_o any_o default_n exact_v a_o amendment_n of_o itself_o such_o a_o soul_n need_v not_o set_v examen_fw-la but_o supli_v the_o use_n thereof_o by_o a_o more_o noble_a exercise_n which_o be_v as_o i_o term_v it_o a_o humble_a consume_n of_o all_o her_o defect_n in_o one_o bundle_n in_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o a_o set_n examen_fw-la be_v profitable_a for_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o vnitive_a love_n &_o be_v counsel_v by_o our_o father_n blosius_n in_o diverse_a place_n &_o by_o s._n bernard_n in_o his_o book_n to_o the_o carthusian_n in_o these_o word_n nemo_fw-la te_fw-la plus_fw-la diligit_fw-la nemo_fw-la te_fw-la fidelius_fw-la iudicab_n mane_fw-la praeteritae_fw-la noctis_fw-la fac_fw-la a_o temetipso_fw-la exactionem_fw-la &_o futurae_fw-la diei_fw-la tu_fw-la tibi_fw-la indicito_fw-la cautionem_fw-la vespere_fw-la diei_fw-la praeteritae_fw-la rationem_fw-la exige_fw-la &_o superuenientis_fw-la noctis_fw-la fac_fw-la indictionem_fw-la â—â—c_fw-la districte_a nequaquam_fw-la tibi_fw-la aliquando_fw-la lascivire_fw-la vacabit_fw-la that_o be_v none_o love_v thou_o more_o none_o will_v judge_v thou_o more_o faithful_o than_o thou_o own_o self_n in_o the_o morning_n then_o exact_a a_o account_n of_o the_o night_n pass_v &_o appoint_v thyself_o a_o caveat_n for_o the_o day_n ensue_v at_o evening_n take_v account_n of_o the_o day_n pass_v &_o order_v the_o course_n of_o the_o night_n follow_v thus_o district_o examine_v thyself_o thou_o will_v find_v no_o leisure_n to_o play_v the_o wanton_a and_o long_o before_o s._n bernard_n the_o holy_a abbot_n s._n dorotheus_n commend_v the_o same_o exercise_n serm_n 11._o as_o usual_a among_o all_o monk_n quo_fw-la pacto_fw-la per_fw-la singulos_fw-la dies_fw-la nosipsos_fw-la purgare_fw-la &_o propemodum_fw-la expiare_fw-la debeamus_fw-la exactissime_fw-la docuerunt_fw-la maiores_fw-la &_o patres_fw-la nostri_fw-la nempe_fw-la ut_fw-la vespere_fw-la sedulo_fw-la quisquam_fw-la perquirat_fw-la &_o investiget_fw-la quomodo_fw-la pertransierit_fw-la drem_fw-la illum_fw-la rursus_fw-la mane_n examinet_fw-la quomodo_fw-la exegerit_fw-la noctem_fw-la illam_fw-la et_fw-la paenitentiam_fw-la agate_n ac_fw-la resipiscat_fw-la coram_fw-la deo_fw-la si_fw-la quo_fw-la pacto_fw-la ut_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la peccatum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la admiserit_fw-la and_o long_o before_o he_o holy_a s._n ephrem_n that_o live_v but_o 250._o year_n after_o christ_n our_o lord_n passion_n have_v the_o commendation_n of_o a_o set_n examen_fw-la in_o these_o golden_a word_n diebus_fw-la singulis_fw-la vesperi_fw-la &_o mane_n diligenter_n considera_fw-la quo_fw-la pacto_fw-la se_fw-la habeant_fw-la negotia_fw-la tua_fw-la &_o mercimonij_fw-la ratio_fw-la et_fw-la vespere_fw-la quidem_fw-la ingressus_fw-la in_o cubiculum_fw-la cordis_fw-la tui_fw-la examina_fw-la teipsum_fw-la at_o dicito_fw-la putasne_fw-la hodie_fw-la in_o aliquo_fw-la deum_fw-la exacerbavi_fw-la nuquid_fw-la verba_fw-la otiosa_fw-la protuli_fw-la num_fw-la per_fw-la contemptum_fw-la negligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la peccavi_fw-la num_fw-la in_o re_fw-la aliqua_fw-la fratrem_fw-la irritavi_fw-la num_fw-la alicuius_fw-la famam_fw-la detractionibus_fw-la laceravi_fw-la &c_n &c_n et_fw-la facto_fw-la iam_fw-la dilucalo_fw-la rursus_fw-la eadem_fw-la tecum_fw-la meditare_fw-la &_o dicito_fw-la quomodo_fw-la putas_fw-la ista_fw-la mihi_fw-la nox_fw-la praeterijt_fw-la lucratus_fw-la sum_n in_o ea_fw-la mercimonium_fw-la meum_fw-la numquid_fw-la improbae_fw-la ac_fw-la sordidae_fw-la cogitationes_fw-la invaserunt_fw-la i_o atque_fw-la illis_fw-la libenter_fw-la immoratus_fw-la sum_fw-la &c_n &c_n neither_o do_v our_o author_n discommend_v this_o set_v examen_fw-la but_o the_o defective_a use_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o to_o make_v it_o in_o order_n to_o confession_n which_o doubtless_o in_o a_o soul_n well_o advance_v breed_v needless_a image_n since_o such_o a_o soul_n will_v
though_o in_o themselves_o venial_a yet_o do_v much_o obscure_v the_o divine_a light_n &_o weaken_v its_o efficacy_n yea_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o such_o imperfect_a soul_n do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o action_n &_o its_o essentials_n follow_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o by_o mix_v of_o sensual_a interest_n &_o end_n suggest_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n they_o do_v diminish_v its_o lustre_n beauty_n &_o value_v and_o so_o subtle_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o oft_o make_v its_o false_a suggestion_n pass_v for_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o seldom_o miss_v the_o insinuate_a its_o poison_n in_o some_o degree_n either_o into_o the_o beginning_n or_o continuation_n of_o our_o best_a action_n 5._o from_o these_o unquestionable_a ground_n thus_o true_o lay_v it_o follow_v evident_o that_o in_o all_o good_a action_n &_o especial_o in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o conduct_v to_o contemplation_n &_o perfection_n god_n alone_o be_v our_o only_a master_n &_o director_n &_o creature_n when_v he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v they_o be_v only_o his_o instrument_n so_o that_o all_o other_o teacher_n whatsoever_o whether_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o external_a directour_n or_o rule_v prescribe_v in_o book_n &c_n &c_n be_v no_o further_o nor_o otherwise_o to_o be_v follow_v or_o hearken_v to_o then_o as_o they_o be_v subordinate_a &_o conformable_a to_o the_o internal_a direction_n &_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n or_o as_o god_n invite_v instruct_v &_o move_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o they_o by_o they_o to_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o will_n &_o by_o he_o enable_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o any_o other_o way_n they_o will_v certain_o mislead_v us._n 5._o this_o be_v by_o all_o mystical_a writer_n acknowledge_v so_o fundamental_a a_o truth_n that_o without_o acknowledge_v it_o &_o work_v according_a to_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a contemplative_a life_n so_o that_o to_o say_v as_o too_o common_o it_o be_v say_v by_o author_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v spiritual_a but_o have_v no_o taste_n of_o these_o mystic_a matter_n take_v all_o your_o instruction_n from_o without_o from_o externall_n teacher_n or_o book_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n which_o can_v be_v teach_v by_o no_o other_o but_o god_n or_o by_o those_o who_o god_n special_o instruct_v &_o appoint_v determinate_o for_o the_o disciple_n present_a exigence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o internal_o teach_v both_o the_o teacher_n &_o disciple_n &_o his_o inspiration_n be_v the_o only_a lesson_n for_o both_o all_o our_o light_n therefore_o be_v from_o divine_a illumination_n &_o all_o our_o strength_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n be_v from_o the_o divine_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o our_o will_n &_o affection_n 7._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o so_o important_a a_o verity_n may_v more_o distinct_o be_v declare_v &_o more_o firm_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v god_n scholar_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o his_o divine_a love_n they_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o inspiration_n which_o be_v here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n though_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o do_v extend_v further_o &_o to_o more_o &_o other_o particular_a object_n than_o the_o divine_a light_n or_o grace_n by_o which_o good_a christian_n live_v common_a life_n in_o the_o world_n be_v lead_v extend_v to_o yea_o then_o it_o do_v even_o in_o those_o that_o seek_v perfection_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n 8._o the_o light_n &_o virtue_n of_o common_a grace_n afford_v general_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n such_o internal_a illumination_n &_o motion_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o any_o sinful_a tentation_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v oblige_v though_o this_o direction_n be_v oft_o obey_v with_o many_o circumstantial_a defect_n and_o their_o action_n be_v so_o far_o &_o no_o further_o meritorious_a &_o please_a to_o god_n then_o as_o they_o proceed_v from_o such_o internal_a grace_n or_o inspiration_n but_o as_o for_o other_o action_n which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v not_o absolute_o of_o necessary_a obligation_n the_o which_o notwithstanding_o may_v be_v make_v instrumental_a to_o the_o advance_v &_o perfect_v of_o holiness_n in_o their_o soul_n such_o as_o be_v the_o ordinary_a &_o usual_o esteem_v indifferent_a action_n of_o their_o life_n to_o a_o due_a improovement_n of_o such_o action_n they_o have_v neither_o the_o light_n nor_o the_o strength_n or_o very_o seldom_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o live_v distract_v life_n not_o use_v such_o solitude_n &_o recollection_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o dispose_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o receive_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n &_o virtue_n and_o as_o for_o those_o that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n by_o active_a exercise_n even_o the_o more_o perfect_a although_o they_o attain_v thereby_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o light_n &_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o perform_v their_o necessary_a duty_n of_o holiness_n more_o perfect_o &_o with_o a_o more_o pure_a intention_n &_o likeewise_o make_v far_o great_a benefit_n for_o their_o advancement_n by_o action_n &_o occurrence_n more_o indifferent_a yet_o they_o also_o for_o want_n of_o habitual_a introversion_n &_o recollectednes_n of_o mind_n do_v pass_v over_o without_o benefit_n the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a action_n 9_o but_o as_o for_o contemplative_a liver_n those_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v make_v a_o sufficient_a progress_n towards_o perfection_n beside_o the_o common_a grace_n light_n or_o inspiration_n necessary_a for_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o essential_a duty_n the_o which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o degree_n so_o as_o to_o purify_v their_o action_n from_o a_o world_n of_o secret_a impurity_n &_o subtle_a mixture_n of_o the_o interest_n &_o end_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n invisible_a to_o all_o other_o soul_n beside_o this_o light_n i_o say_v which_o be_v presuppose_v &_o prerequire_v they_o walk_v in_o a_o continual_a supernatural_a light_n &_o be_v guide_v by_o assiduous_a inspiration_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o most_o ordinary_a &_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a action_n &_o occurrence_n in_o all_o which_o they_o clear_o see_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v have_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o do_v will_n of_o god_n &_o by_o they_o also_o to_o improove_v themselves_o in_o the_o divine_a love_n the_o which_o extraordinary_a light_n be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n introversion_n &_o attention_n to_o god_n in_o their_o spirit_n 11._o more_o particular_o by_o this_o internal_a divine_a light_n a_o internal_a liver_n be_v or_o may_v be_v direct_v 1._o in_o the_o manner_n &_o circumstance_n when_o where_o &_o how_o any_o virtue_n may_v most_o proffitable_o &_o perfect_o be_v exercise_v for_o as_o for_o the_o substantial_a act_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n &_o the_o necessary_a oblige_a circumstance_n in_o which_o it_o can_v with_o out_o mortal_a sin_n be_v omit_v the_o light_n of_o common_a sanctify_a grace_n will_v suffice_v to_o direct_v 2._o in_o the_o manner_n frequency_n length_n change_n &_o other_o circumstance_n of_o internal_a prayer_n 3._o in_o action_n or_o omission_n which_o absolute_o consider_v may_v seem_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a &_o at_o the_o present_a there_o may_v be_v as_o to_o ordinary_a light_n a_o uncertainty_n whether_o the_o do_v or_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a this_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o supernatural_a inspiration_n &_o light_n such_o action_n or_o omission_n be_v for_o example_n read_v study_v of_o such_o or_o such_o matter_n walk_v converse_v stay_v in_o or_o quit_v solitude_n in_o one_o cell_n take_v a_o journey_n undertake_v or_o refuse_v a_o employment_n accept_v or_o refuse_v inuitation_n &c_n &c_n in_o all_o which_o thing_n well-minded_a soul_n by_o solitude_n &_o introversion_n dispose_v themselves_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o impulse_n communicate_v to_o they_o which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o that_o side_n of_o the_o doubt_n which_o if_o they_o correspond_v thereto_o will_v most_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n &_o suit_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n whereas_o without_o such_o light_n general_o soul_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o obscure_a light_n &_o impulse_n of_o nature_n &_o carnal_a end_n or_o interest_n without_o