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
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
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
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
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
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