abound_v 3._o but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a book_n the_o intention_n of_o a_o internal_a liver_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o those_o who_o live_v extrovert_v life_n who_o read_v they_o out_o of_o a_o vain_a curiosity_n or_o to_o be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o discourse_v of_o such_o sublime_a matter_n without_o any_o particular_a choice_n or_o consideration_n whether_o they_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o spirit_n for_o practice_v or_o no._n a_o contemplative_a soul_n in_o read_v such_o book_n must_v not_o say_v this_o be_v a_o good_a book_n or_o passage_n but_o moreover_o this_o be_v useful_a &_o proper_a for_o i_o &_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n in_o due_a time_n &_o place_n the_o good_a instruction_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a for_o i_o 4._o for_o such_o soul_n the_o book_n most_o proper_a be_v these_o follow_a scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la write_v by_o f._n walter_n hilton_n the_o cloud_n of_o unknowing_a write_v by_o a_o unknown_n author_n the_o secret_a path_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o likewise_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o soul_n write_v by_o r._n f._n constant_a in_o barbanson_n a_o capucin_n the_o book_n entitle_v of_o the_o threefold_a will_n of_o god_n write_v by_o r.f._n benet_n fitch_n alias_o ganfield_n a_o capucin_n likewise_o the_o work_n of_o s._n teresa_n of_o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n likewise_o harphius_n thaulerus_n suso_n rusbrochius_n richardus_fw-la de_fw-fr s._n victore_fw-la gerson_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o the_o ancient_n the_o live_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n live_v in_o the_o desert_n &_o cassian_n his_o conference_n of_o certain_a ancient_a hermit_n recommend_v particular_o unto_o we_o by_o our_o holy_a father_n s._n basiles_n rule_v etc._n etc._n then_o for_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n in_o a_o active_a life_n book_n most_o proper_a be_v the_o work_n of_o rodriguez_n of_o perfection_n the_o duke_n of_o gandy_n of_o good_a work_n mons_fw-la de_fw-fr sales_n ludovicus_n de_fw-fr puente_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o book_n of_o a_o mix_a nature_n be_v granatensis_n blosius_n etc._n etc._n indeed_o few_o spiritual_a book_n there_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o intermingle_v of_o such_o instruction_n now_o i_o shall_v advise_v soul_n in_o a_o active_a life_n not_o at_o all_o to_o meddle_v with_o instruction_n belong_v to_o contemplation_n but_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o precept_n &_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n to_o use_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o the_o perfection_n of_o external_a christian_a charity_n 5._o in_o all_o spiritual_a book_n as_o likewise_o in_o all_o that_o treat_v of_o christian_a morality_n such_o instruction_n as_o concern_v the_o essential_a quality_n &_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v proper_a to_o all_o soul_n yet_o not_o so_o the_o motive_n manner_n &_o circumstance_n of_o exercise_v the_o say_a virtue_n 6._o in_o read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n if_o any_o thing_n touch_v prayer_n &c_n &c_n occur_v as_o ofttimes_o it_o will_v happen_v that_o the_o spiritual_a disciple_n understand_v not_o let_v he_o pass_v it_o over_o &_o neither_o unnecessary_o trouble_v his_o own_o brain_n nor_o make_v it_o a_o business_n to_o trouble_v other_o about_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o perhaps_o in_o time_n after_o more_o read_v &_o especial_o more_o experience_n in_o prayer_n he_o will_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o 7._o and_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o do_v indeed_o or_o think_v he_o understand_v they_o let_v he_o not_o be_v hasty_a to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o by_o practice_n out_o of_o his_o own_o natural_a judgement_n or_o like_n but_o let_v he_o observe_v his_o own_o spirit_n way_n &_o internal_a guidance_n by_o god_n &_o according_o make_v use_v of_o they_o otherwise_o instead_o of_o reap_v benefit_n such_o inconvenience_n may_v happen_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a he_o have_v never_o read_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o read_v any_o book_n at_o all_o but_o only_o to_o have_v follow_v his_o own_o internal_a light_n as_o many_o good_a soul_n have_v do_v that_o never_o can_v read_v &_o yet_o seek_v god_n in_o simplicity_n of_o their_o heart_n &_o pray_v without_o any_o prescribe_a method_n practise_v likewise_o according_a to_o the_o invitation_n &_o impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v attein_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n 8._o general_o mystic_a author_n write_v according_a to_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n &_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divine_a operation_n in_o soul_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o if_o the_o same_o instruction_n will_v serve_v indefinite_o for_o all_o other_o whereas_o such_o be_v the_o in_o explicable_a variety_n of_o internal_a disposition_n that_o the_o same_o course_n &_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n will_v scarce_o serve_v any_o two_o soul_n therefore_o if_o the_o indiscreet_a reader_n without_o consider_v their_o own_o spirit_n &_o enablement_n shall_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n either_o tarry_v too_o long_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n when_o god_n have_v fit_v they_o &_o do_v call_v they_o to_o a_o high_a or_o in_o a_o foolish_a ambition_n shall_v being_n unprepared_a presume_v to_o a_o degree_n of_o prayer_n too_o sublime_a &_o spiritual_a for_o they_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o difficulty_n doubt_n &_o consultation_n 9_o but_o of_o all_o error_n the_o great_a &_o most_o dangerous_a be_v the_o indiscreet_a imitate_v the_o example_n &_o practice_n of_o saint_n in_o particular_a extraordinary_a corporal_a mortification_n voluntary_o yet_o by_o god_n special_a direction_n assume_v by_o they_o as_o labour_n fasting_n watch_n discipline_n &c_n &c_n for_o such_o a_o forwardness_n in_o other_o not_o call_v thereto_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a likewise_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v proceed_v mere_o from_o pride_n &_o self-love_n &_o will_v produce_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o the_o nourish_a of_o the_o same_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o if_o such_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n &_o patience_n as_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v they_o shall_v have_v to_o persevere_v in_o such_o exercise_n this_o will_v cause_v infirmity_n of_o body_n deâ—ection_n of_o mind_n &_o weariness_n if_o not_o a_o utter_a cast_n of_o a_o spiritual_a course_n 10._o the_o benefit_n that_o we_o ought_v &_o easy_o may_v reap_v from_o the_o read_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a practice_n of_o other_o be_v to_o admire_v god_n way_n in_o the_o conduct_v of_o his_o saint_n &_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o of_o humble_v &_o despise_v of_o ourselves_o see_v how_o short_a we_o come_v of_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o virtue_n but_o no_o further_o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n than_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n direct_v we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n &_o enable_v we_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n yea_o &_o moreover_o till_o we_o have_v obtain_v the_o leave_n &_o approbation_n of_o a_o prudent_a director_n till_o this_o be_v let_v we_o supply_v with_o a_o good_a will_n what_o our_o force_n will_v not_o reach_v unto_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o entangle_v ourselves_o by_o lay_v obligation_n or_o vow_n upon_o our_o soul_n about_o such_o matter_n the_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v difficulty_n to_o discharge_v ourselves_o from_o when_o by_o trial_n we_o find_v the_o inconvenience_n 11._o mystic_a writer_n in_o express_v the_o spiritual_a way_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v lead_n do_v oft_o seem_v to_o differ_v extreme_o from_o one_o another_o the_o which_o difference_n notwithstanding_o if_o right_o understand_v be_v mere_o in_o the_o phrase_n &_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o the_o ground_n hereof_o be_v because_o the_o pure_a immaterial_a operation_n of_o perfect_a soul_n in_o prayer_n &_o especial_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o soul_n in_o which_o they_o be_v patient_n only_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o intelligible_a word_n &_o phrase_n can_v perfect_o express_v they_o &_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o invent_v new_a word_n the_o best_a they_o can_v or_o to_o borrow_v similitude_n from_o corporal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v their_o conception_n more_o intelligible_a &_o thus_o do_v each_o one_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n that_o he_o find_v or_o conceive_v in_o himself_o or_o according_a to_o his_o skill_n in_o language_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v diversity_n among_o they_o herupon_o the_o author_n of_o the_o cloud_n observe_v that_o great_a harm_n may_v come_v by_o understand_v thing_n literal_o gross_o &_o sensible_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v express_v be_v intend_v &_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v spiritual_o 12._o some_o good_a
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
in_o all_o the_o good_a action_n we_o do_v or_o good_a thought_n we_o entertain_v we_o so_o do_v &_o think_v in_o virtue_n only_o of_o a_o precedent_n &_o concomitant_a illumination_n of_o our_o understanding_n &_o incline_v of_o our_o will_n both_o which_o be_v immediate_o cause_v by_o god_n reason_n likewise_o &_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o while_o vain_a or_o sinful_a distract_n image_n or_o inordinate_a passion_n cloud_n the_o mind_n god_n illumination_n be_v either_o unperceived_a or_o neglect_v by_o we_o &_o his_o motion_n ineffectual_a if_o ever_o therefore_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o fit_a disposition_n to_o receive_v those_o bless_a effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n &_o if_o ever_o god_n will_v make_v good_a his_o so_o serious_a &_o frequent_a promise_n it_o be_v then_o when_o by_o a_o profound_a recollection_n a_o humble_a soul_n withdraw_v all_o her_o affection_n from_o herself_o &_o all_o other_o creature_n yea_o &_o endeavour_n to_o expel_v all_o the_o image_n of_o they_o transcend_v all_o create_a thing_n &_o raise_v herself_o according_a to_o her_o power_n to_o a_o strict_a union_n with_o he_o and_o withal_o power_v forth_o her_o desire_n to_o be_v inform_v in_o his_o will_n only_o intend_v thereby_o his_o glory_n &_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o divine_a love._n 3._o now_o though_o imperfect_a soul_n not_o be_v able_a as_o yet_o to_o drive_v away_o distract_n image_n &_o to_o still_o all_o unruly_a passion_n be_v force_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o natural_a light_n in_o many_o matter_n of_o less_o importance_n so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinary_a action_n do_v not_o at_o all_o contribute_v to_o their_o advancement_n in_o spirit_n yet_o perfect_a soul_n walk_v almost_o continual_o in_o a_o supernatural_a light_n perceive_v &_o resist_v the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o self_n love_n &_o not_o suffer_v themselves_o hasty_o to_o be_v push_v forward_o to_o action_n before_o they_o have_v consult_v their_o internal_a guide_n &_o much_o less_o contrary_a to_o his_o direction_n 4._o most_o secure_o therefore_o may_v we_o yea_o with_o all_o confidence_n ought_v we_o to_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o god_n &_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o any_o way_n that_o he_o will_v lead_v we_o both_o for_o the_o exterior_a &_o interior_a through_o light_n &_o darkness_n through_o bitter_a &_o sweet_a and_o what_o doubt_n can_v there_o be_v of_o err_a have_v such_o a_o guide_n which_o always_o lead_v the_o soul_n through_o the_o path_n of_o mortification_n &_o renunciation_n of_o self_n will_n although_o sometime_o some_o special_a way_n may_v to_o our_o or_o other_o natural_a judgement_n seem_v strange_a &_o perhaps_o impertinent_a 5._o the_o ground_n of_o which_o duty_n &_o the_o security_n attend_v it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o we_o through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o our_o interior_a complexion_n &_o temper_n of_o soul_n as_o likewise_o of_o our_o present_n want_v incomprehensible_a to_o humane_a knowledge_n get_v by_o sense_n can_v neither_o know_v the_o special_a way_n either_o of_o prayer_n or_o mortification_n proper_a to_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o other_o do_v sufficient_o know_v they_o whereas_o of_o god_n omniscience_n and_o equal_o infinite_a goodness_n none_o can_v doubt_v 2._o because_o the_o end_n whereto_o we_o aspire_v be_v supernatural_a consequent_o the_o way_n lead_v thereunto_o &_o the_o light_n direct_v in_o those_o way_n must_v likewise_o be_v supernatural_a 3._o because_o if_o we_o know_v the_o most_o proper_a &_o most_o direct_a way_n lead_v to_o contemplation_n &_o divine_a union_n yet_o they_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n without_o a_o divine_a impulse_n we_o will_v not_o choose_v the_o fit_a that_o be_v those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a to_o our_o nature_n 6._o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o security_n according_a to_o the_o several_a manner_n by_o which_o god_n communicate_v unto_o we_o his_o inspiration_n for_o 1._o though_o in_o sensible_a devotion_n the_o good_a thought_n &_o affection_n give_v we_o be_v in_o themselves_o &_o according_a to_o their_o substance_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n &_o aught_o with_o all_o security_n to_o be_v comply_v withal_o yet_o with_o discretion_n so_o as_o that_o out_o of_o a_o gluttonous_a pleasure_n conceive_v by_o they_o we_o do_v not_o yield_v unto_o they_o so_o far_o as_o thereby_o to_o weaken_v our_o head_n or_o prejudice_n our_o health_n notwithstanding_o the_o resolution_n of_o undertake_v any_o practice_n for_o the_o future_a ground_v on_o such_o sensible_a devotion_n be_v to_o be_v mistrust_v as_o have_v in_o they_o more_o of_o nature_n &_o self-love_n &_o want_v sincerity_n of_o resignation_n beside_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v principal_a worker_n the_o reason_n be_v rather_o obscure_v then_o illuminate_v thereby_o yea_o &_o by_o god_n permission_n the_o devil_n may_v have_v some_o influence_n in_o such_o devotion_n &_o subsequent_a resolution_n 2._o of_o the_o like_a uncertain_a nature_n may_v the_o seem_a inspiration_n or_o light_n be_v which_o be_v get_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o imagination_n &_o discourse_n upon_o the_o matter_n either_o in_o prayer_n or_o our_o of_o it_o the_o person_n thereupon_o conclude_v this_o or_o that_o side_n to_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v god_n will_n 3._o but_o if_o without_o such_o work_v of_o the_o imagination_n or_o if_o after_o it_o the_o soul_n in_o recollect_v prayer_n make_v with_o resignation_n &_o submission_n of_o her_o natural_a judgement_n &_o renounce_v all_o interest_n of_o nature_n come_v as_o it_o be_v unexpected_o to_o have_v one_o part_n of_o the_o question_n present_v to_o her_o mind_n as_o truth_n &_o as_o god_n will_n god_n then_o give_v a_o clarity_n to_o the_o reason_n to_o see_v that_o which_o it_o see_v not_o before_o or_o otherwise_o then_o it_o see_v it_o or_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v find_v a_o blind_a &_o reasonles_a motion_n in_o the_o will_n to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o such_o case_n the_o soul_n may_v most_o secure_o &_o confident_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a inspiration_n &_o motion_n be_v wrought_v without_o any_o trouble_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o imagination_n sense_n or_o passion_n 7._o let_v not_o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v discourage_v from_o commit_v herself_o to_o god_n internal_a direction_n though_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o those_o who_o pass_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a person_n &_o that_o be_v most_o forward_o to_o usurp_v the_o conduct_a of_o soul_n to_o perfection_n while_o themselves_o know_v no_o further_o than_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o imagination_n shall_v declaim_v against_o it_o &_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o they_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o principal_a guide_n they_o shall_v accuse_v the_o doctrine_n here_o deliver_v as_o fantastical_a unsafe_a &_o pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n no_o wonder_v it_o be_v if_o such_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o contemplative_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o secret_a path_n by_o which_o god_n lead_v soul_n to_o perfection_n in_o the_o which_o none_o can_v tread_v or_o at_o least_o make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n till_o quit_v a_o servile_a dependence_n on_o external_a teacher_n they_o rely_v only_o upon_o the_o divine_a guidance_n and_o for_o this_o propose_v devout_a soul_n be_v serious_o &_o oft_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o disposition_n of_o as_o much_o abstraction_n both_o external_a &_o internal_a as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o hear_v &_o discern_v the_o divine_a voice_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o which_o if_o they_o will_v in_o practice_n faithful_o correspond_v god_n will_v be_v want_v to_o they_o in_o nothing_o 8._o and_o for_o a_o further_a security_n that_o there_o can_v scarce_o happen_v any_o considerable_a danger_n to_o a_o soul_n proceed_v this_o way_n for_o know_v the_o divine_a will_n though_o she_o shall_v sometime_o mistake_v in_o the_o thing_n itself_o both_o she_o &_o also_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o as_o have_v former_o be_v say_v the_o only_a matter_n that_o be_v here_o suppose_v to_o be_v propose_v for_o a_o resolution_n be_v &_o must_v be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o general_n be_v indifferent_a but_o yet_o which_o be_v well_o choose_v may_v &_o will_v advance_v the_o soul_n for_o in_o no_o other_o thing_n but_o such_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n and_o sure_o if_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v god_n will_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o who_o can_v question_v it_o certain_o the_o proceed_n thus_o with_o indifference_n &_o resignation_n &_o without_o
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
of_o two_o most_o sublime_a contemplative_n thus_o therefore_o speak_v one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o conference_n cap._n 7._o finis_fw-la monachi_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la culmen_fw-la in_o orationis_fw-la consummatione_fw-la consistit_fw-la that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o monastical_a profession_n and_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o all_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o confer_v cap._n 7._o another_o say_v hic_fw-la finis_fw-la totius_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la eo_fw-la usque_fw-la extenuata_fw-la mens_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la situ_fw-la carnali_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la quotidie_fw-la sublimetur_fw-la donec_fw-la omnis_fw-la eius_fw-la conuersatio_fw-la omnisque_fw-la volutatio_fw-la cordis_fw-la una_fw-la &_o iugis_fw-la efficiatur_fw-la oratio_fw-la that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o the_o mind_n become_v so_o purify_v from_o all_o carnal_a defilement_n that_o it_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o daily_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n till_o its_o whole_a employment_n and_o every_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v become_v one_o uninterrupted_n prayer_n 11._o now_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v that_o they_o aspire_v to_o how_o sublime_a in_o spirit_n though_o ofttimes_o join_v with_o their_o vocal_a prayer_n may_v appear_v from_o that_o description_n give_v of_o it_o by_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o 10._o confer_v cap._n 20._o ita_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la orationis_fw-la purissimam_fw-la perveniet_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la nullam_fw-la deitatis_fw-la effigiem_fw-la in_o sva_fw-la supplicatione_n miscebit_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la ullam_fw-la quidem_fw-la in_o se_fw-la memoriam_fw-la dicti_fw-la cuiusdam_fw-la vel_fw-la facti_fw-la speciem_fw-la seu_fw-la formam_fw-la characteris_fw-la admittet_fw-la that_o be_v thus_o by_o much_o practice_n the_o soul_n will_v arrive_v to_o that_o most_o sublime_a purity_n of_o praler_n wherein_o no_o image_n at_o all_o of_o the_o divinity_n be_v mingle_v and_o which_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o least_o memory_n nor_o a_o character_n or_o representation_n of_o anything_o either_o speak_v or_o do_v the_o strange_a subtlety_n &_o spirituality_n of_o which_o prayer_n consider_v there_o be_v apply_v unto_o it_o that_o say_v of_o s._n antony_n in_o the_o 9_o conf._n chap._n 31._o non_fw-fr est_fw-fr perfecta_fw-la oratio_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la se_fw-la monachus_n vel_fw-la hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la quod_fw-la orat_fw-la intelligit_fw-la that_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a one_o unless_o the_o religious_a person_n that_o exercise_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n that_o pass_v in_o it_o or_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o he_o pray_v 12._o what_o great_a advantage_n the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o other_o religious_a person_n enjoy_v for_o the_o more_o certain_a and_o more_o speedy_a attain_n to_o this_o internal_a purity_n of_o prayer_n &_o wonderful_a cleanness_n of_o spirit_n the_o end_n of_o their_o profession_n how_o much_o more_o able_a their_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v to_o support_v that_o most_o rigorous_a solitude_n those_o long_a continue_a attention_n of_o mind_n &c_n &c_n and_o how_o much_o more_o efficacious_a herto_o be_v their_o manual_a labour_n beyond_o our_o employment_n in_o study_n and_o last_o how_o by_o such_o like_a mean_n they_o with_o the_o only_a exercise_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n attain_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n shall_v be_v show_v more_o full_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o last_o treatise_n concern_v internal_a prayer_n 13._o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o show_v that_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n s_o benedict_n all_o his_o disciple_n be_v oblige_v to_o propose_v to_o themselves_o no_o other_o end_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n but_o only_o such_o purity_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o spiritual_a prayer_n so_o that_o how_o exact_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o outward_a observance_n unless_o they_o be_v refer_v unto_o and_o efficacious_a also_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o this_o internal_a purity_n in_o some_o reasonable_a measure_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v esteem_v by_o god_n to_o have_v comply_v with_o their_o vocation_n and_o profession_n 14._o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v from_o those_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n &_o religious_a that_o our_o holy_a father_n borrow_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n which_o in_o the_o conclusion_n he_o profess_v to_o be_v mean_v only_o by_o he_o as_o a_o disposition_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o most_o perfect_a internal_a practice_n it_o be_v from_o they_o that_o he_o borrow_n the_o phrase_n of_o oratio_fw-la pura_fw-la pure_a prayer_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n the_o exercise_n whereof_o beside_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o office_n he_o appoint_v daily_o as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o also_o by_o the_o story_n relate_v by_o s._n gregory_n of_o one_o of_o his_o monk_n who_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o blackmore_n tempt_v out_o of_o the_o community_n in_o the_o time_n of_o such_o recollection_n by_o which_o may_v be_v perceive_v the_o great_a fruit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o such_o prayer_n for_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v content_v he_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o the_o office_n because_o during_o that_o exercise_n he_o can_v more_o easy_o distract_v his_o mind_n but_o know_v the_o force_n of_o internal_a prayer_n how_o recollective_a it_o be_v and_o what_o light_n it_o afford_v to_o discover_v the_o inward_a defect_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o obtain_v grace_n to_o correct_v they_o his_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o so_o profitable_a a_o exercise_n and_o therefore_o to_o countermine_v the_o devil_n malice_n our_o holy_a father_n think_v it_o worth_a a_o journey_n express_o to_o cure_v the_o infirmity_n and_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o one_o of_o his_o seduce_a monk_n 15._o for_o this_o end_v it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o 58._o c._n ordeine_n superior_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o disposition_n of_o newcomer_n that_o they_o shall_v most_o especial_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o most_o necessary_a condition_n si_fw-la deum_fw-la veer_fw-la quaerit_fw-la if_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o true_o seek_v god_n and_o more_o particulary_a si_fw-la sollicitùs_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la opus_fw-la dei_fw-la if_o he_o have_v a_o solicitous_a care_n due_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o interpret_v to_o be_v prayer_n and_o this_o so_o principal_a a_o work_n that_o he_o ordeine_n that_o nihil_fw-la operi_fw-la dei_fw-la praeponatur_fw-la nothing_o must_v be_v prefer_v before_o it_o 16._o for_o the_o advance_v of_o this_o prayer_n that_o it_o may_v become_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o contemplative_a state_n all_o other_o exterior_a observance_n be_v appoint_v 1._o by_o the_o 12._o degree_n of_o humility_n by_o frequent_a prostration_n acknowledge_v of_o secret_a imperfection_n etc._n etc._n pride_n selfelove_n &_o all_o other_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n hinder_v our_o union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n be_v subdue_v &_o expel_v and_o as_o our_o holy_a father_n say_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o degree_n that_o perfect_a charity_n which_o most_o immediate_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n 2._o by_o perfect_a obedience_n self_n judgement_n &_o self_n will_v be_v abate_v 3._o by_o fast_n watch_n &_o other_o austerity_n sensuality_n be_v mortify_v 4._o by_o religious_a poverty_n all_o distract_n care_v about_o temporal_a thing_n be_v expel_v 5._o and_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollectednes_n and_o introversion_n so_o great_a silence_n and_o solitude_n be_v so_o rigorous_o enjoin_v and_o practise_v all_o object_n of_o sensual_a affection_n remove_v all_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n all_o relate_n or_o harken_v to_o news_n severe_o prohibit_v all_o this_o sure_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o fit_a disposition_n to_o imitate_v those_o solitary_a and_o devout_a saint_n propose_v by_o our_o holy_a father_n for_o our_o example_n in_o their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n attend_v to_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o uninterrupted_n union_n of_o spirit_n with_o he_o by_o pure_a spiritual_a contemplation_n 17._o therefore_o though_o our_o holy_a lawgiver_n do_v not_o in_o his_o rule_n give_v his_o disciple_n any_o special_a instruction_n for_o order_v their_o interiour_n spiritual_a prayer_n touch_v such_o matter_n refer_v they_o to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o himself_o say_v as_o likewise_o to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o hermit_n profess_v contemplation_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o dispose_v his_o disciple_n by_o his_o ordinance_n to_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
well_o as_o other_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o far_o from_o favour_v this_o pernicious_o officious_a and_o uncharitable_a humour_n of_o accuse_v or_o inform_v in_o any_o of_o their_o religious_a much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o esteem_v that_o their_o authority_n can_v extend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o brotherly_a charity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o excuse_v or_o however_o to_o oblige_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o accuser_n or_o informer_n against_o his_o brethren_n a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a to_o their_o subject_n soul_n will_v be_v allege_v by_o such_o superior_n as_o be_v of_o a_o curious_a inquisitive_a disposition_n and_o be_v continual_o search_v into_o the_o behaviour_n of_o their_o religious_a but_o little_a good_a reformation_n will_v ever_o be_v wrought_v by_o such_o a_o humour_n of_o jealous_a curiosity_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v the_o breed_n of_o discontent_n general_o in_o all_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o private_a uncharitable_a informer_n 10._o it_o be_v more_o secure_a for_o one_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o offend_v in_o his_o tongue_n to_o be_v in_o company_n of_o many_o then_o of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o he_o affect_v therefore_o particular_a intimacy_n and_o private_a correspondence_n between_o religious_a be_v much_o to_o be_v avoid_v both_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o community_n and_o the_o good_a of_o each_o private_a religious_a person_n 11._o no_o word_n be_v to_o be_v speak_v nor_o action_n do_v mere_o upon_o the_o motive_n of_o edify_v other_o and_o indeed_o where_o recreative_a conversation_n be_v allow_v the_o most_o commodious_a subject_n of_o discourse_n be_v pure_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o be_v neither_o apt_a to_o move_v passion_n nor_o to_o leave_v distract_n image_n in_o the_o hearer_n mind_n 12._o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o add_v some_o advice_n touch_v religious_a recreation_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v fit_a to_o be_v prohibit_v because_o we_o say_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n extend_v itself_o universal_o to_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o one_o life_n on_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_a reason_n but_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a among_o the_o ancient_a saint_n famous_a for_o contemplation_n show_v that_o it_o be_v profitable_a yea_o at_o due_a time_n necessary_a to_o this_o purpose_n seem_v the_o story_n of_o s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n the_o first_o doctor_n and_o example_n of_o contemplation_n who_o custom_n be_v to_o recreate_v himself_o with_o a_o tame_a dove_n for_o which_o be_v censure_v by_o a_o hunter_n that_o pass_v by_o as_o for_o a_o action_n that_o be_v beneath_o his_o gravity_n and_o not_o beseem_v one_o that_o profess_v a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n he_o defend_v himself_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o reprover_n by_o show_v that_o as_o a_o bow_n if_o it_o be_v always_o bend_v will_v loose_v its_o force_n so_o the_o mind_n likewise_o will_v become_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o divine_a thought_n if_o no_o relaxation_n be_v allow_v to_o it_o consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n that_o can_v always_o supply_v fit_a spirit_n to_o action_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o its_o inclination_n 13._o true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a rule_n there_o be_v extant_a not_o order_n about_o conuentuall_a recreation_n which_o argue_v that_o none_o be_v practise_v in_o those_o day_n yea_o our_o holy_a father_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n how_o every_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o common_a notwithstanding_o after_o refection_n he_o enjoin_v the_o religious_a to_o retire_v each_o one_o into_o his_o cell_n permit_v they_o a_o convenient_a time_n to_o refresh_v themselves_o alone_o either_o with_o sleep_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o that_o warm_a climate_n or_o otherwise_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v if_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o sleep_v for_o no_o certain_a employment_n be_v then_o appoint_v 14._o but_o because_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n our_o complexion_n be_v not_o suppose_v able_a to_o support_v so_o great_a solitude_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o have_v superior_n allow_v and_o ordain_v daily_o certain_a time_n for_o recreative_a conference_n almost_o oblige_v each_o particular_a religious_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o and_o beside_o at_o certain_a season_n monthly_a or_o as_o the_o custom_n be_v they_o have_v afford_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o diet._n 15._o neither_o do_v this_o prejudice_n the_o duty_n of_o continual_a mortification_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v in_o extreme_a rigour_n because_o then_o nature_n even_o in_o the_o able_a complexion_n will_v be_v destroy_v and_o beside_o recreation_n be_v appoint_v that_o mortification_n may_v be_v better_a &_o more_o fervent_o exercise_v afterward_o add_v herunto_o that_o even_o in_o recreation_n itself_o mortification_n may_n and_o aught_o in_o some_o reasonable_a degree_n to_o be_v discreet_o exercise_v so_o as_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o to_o power_n itself_o forth_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o nature_n but_o to_o keep_v a_o moderate_a watchfullnesse_n over_o itself_o and_o to_o refer_v the_o contentment_n find_v therein_o to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o spirit_n 16._o to_o speak_v a_o little_a therefore_o particular_o touch_v such_o conference_n decency_n be_v in_o gross_a to_o be_v observe_v but_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o prescribe_v any_o set_v order_n or_o manner_n for_o the_o talk_n as_o not_o to_o speak_v unasked_a not_o to_o exceed_v such_o a_o limitation_n of_o word_n &c._n &c._n to_o omit_v many_o particular_a caution_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v here_o some_o more_o freedom_n must_v be_v allow_v so_o it_o go_v not_o too_o far_o 17._o among_o woman_n there_o can_v scarce_o be_v any_o recreation_n if_o the_o tongue_n be_v too_o much_o stint_v neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o their_o talk_n shall_v be_v of_o spiritual_a matter_n both_o because_o such_o talk_n be_v far_o from_o be_v recreative_a as_o likewise_o because_o none_o but_o expert_a person_n ought_v to_o discourse_v of_o such_o subject_n indeed_o to_o make_v such_o the_o subject_n of_o ordinary_a discourse_n even_o between_o the_o most_o able_a experience_a person_n either_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v not_o convenient_a at_o all_o except_o some_o special_a occasion_n make_v it_o expedient_a for_o it_o usual_o proceed_v from_o pride_n or_o a_o willingness_n to_o interest_n one_o self_n in_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o and_o may_v produce_v inconvenient_a effect_n in_o both_o 18._o the_o matter_n and_o condition_n of_o recreative_a discourse_n therefore_o may_v be_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o particular_o refer_v to_o the_o interiour_n of_o any_o of_o the_o party_n but_o if_o it_o regard_v a_o religious_a state_n that_o it_o be_v about_o less_o considerable_a external_a matter_n as_o ceremony_n custom_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o it_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o cause_v chearfullnes_n though_o not_o laughter_n which_o our_o holy_a father_n will_v have_v banish_v from_o his_o community_n now_o discourse_v about_o such_o matter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v idle_a word_n 3._o it_o be_v better_a to_o talk_v of_o the_o ocurrence_n of_o former_a time_n then_o of_o the_o present_a because_o our_o holy_a father_n forbid_v the_o inquire_a or_o tell_v of_o news_n in_o the_o world_n for_o fear_v lest_o the_o hearer_n be_v interest_v may_v become_v distract_v with_o sollicitude_n 4._o it_o must_v not_o therefore_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o probable_o will_v leave_v in_o the_o mind_n any_o hurtful_a image_n 5._o the_o hearer_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o enter_v so_o deep_a into_o his_o mind_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v raise_v any_o passion_n there_o 6._o it_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n â—y_a which_o any_o one_o present_a or_o absent_a may_v be_v prejudice_v or_o contristate_v nor_o indeed_o afterward_o distract_v etc._n etc._n 19_o as_o touch_v those_o that_o be_v natural_o of_o melancholic_a disposition_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o that_o they_o give_v not_o way_n to_o so_o pestilent_a a_o humour_n nature_n will_v incline_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o recreation_n and_o diversion_n and_o be_v very_o subtle_a it_o will_v suggest_v pretence_n to_o justify_v a_o froward_a loneliness_n &_o a_o humour_n not_o able_a to_o support_v innocent_a conversation_n as_o if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o a_o religious_a solitude_n and_o recollection_n but_o in_o all_o likelihood_n such_o a_o perverse_a solitude_n be_v employ_v
direct_a combat_n against_o the_o appetits_fw-fr of_o it_o and_o only_o from_o the_o decay_n &_o ignorance_n of_o such_o prayer_n have_v it_o proceed_v that_o spiritual_a directour_n have_v be_v force_v to_o multiply_v such_o &_o so_o many_o nice_a observance_n about_o diet_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o rule_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o without_o prayer_n have_v but_o small_a effect_n to_o produce_v solid_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n 16._o a_o soul_n perfect_o spiritualise_v if_o she_o may_v have_v she_o wish_v will_v willing_o be_v free_v not_o only_o from_o all_o pleasure_n take_v in_o refection_n consider_v the_o daily_a tentation_n to_o excess_n but_o even_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n de_n necessitatibus_fw-la meis_fw-la erue_fw-la i_o domine_fw-la o_fw-la lord_n free_v i_o from_o these_o my_o corporal_a necessity_n for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o they_o she_o may_v always_o like_o a_o angel_n be_v in_o continual_a contemplation_n &_o enjoy_v a_o never-failing_a internal_a light_n the_o which_o be_v obscure_v by_o the_o fume_n raise_v even_o by_o the_o most_o temperate_a refection_n by_o which_o also_o passion_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n quicken_v such_o soul_n may_v indeed_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o disaffection_n to_o refection_n and_o the_o best_a way_n beside_o &_o out_o of_o prayer_n to_o beget_v such_o disaffection_n &_o to_o prevent_v the_o harm_n that_o may_v come_v from_o any_o corporal_a necessity_n will_v be_v not_o only_o to_o practice_v the_o mortify_n of_o sensual_a contentment_n in_o go_v to_o the_o refectory_n but_o upon_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o tentation_n there_o to_o be_v find_v to_o go_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o unwillingnes_n &_o fear_n 17._o a_o most_o noble_a kind_n of_o mortification_n in_o refection_n be_v that_o mention_v by_o harphius_n of_o a_o certain_a holy_a brother_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n francis_n call_v rogerius_n who_o by_o mean_n of_o elevate_n the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o suspend_v they_o in_o god_n during_o refection_n lose_v all_o perception_n of_o taste_n in_o eat_v &_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o unable_a so_o to_o elevate_v his_o soul_n he_o will_v for_o so_o long_o forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v afford_v any_o gust_n but_o this_o practice_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o perfect_a it_o may_v prove_v prejudicial_a &_o dangerous_a to_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o less_o perfect_a soul_n or_o any_o that_o have_v not_o a_o especial_a &_o certain_a inspiration_n to_o imitate_v it_o 18._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o mortification_n practise_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a hermit_n who_o use_v to_o mix_v a_o few_o drop_n of_o oil_n esteem_v by_o they_o a_o great_a delicacy_n with_o their_o vinegar_n to_o the_o end_n thereby_o to_o provoke_v the_o appetite_n to_o desire_v more_o the_o which_o they_o deny_v to_o it_o or_o of_o another_o who_o have_v receive_v a_o bunch_n of_o grape_n ravenous_o devour_v they_o partly_o to_o make_v the_o gustfull_a pleasure_n so_o much_o the_o short_a &_o partly_o as_o he_o say_v to_o cozen_v the_o devil_n to_o who_o he_o desire_v to_o appear_v a_o glutton_n 19_o a_o soul_n that_o practise_v internal_a prayer_n may_v content_v herself_o with_o a_o moderate_a attention_n to_o what_o be_v read_v during_o refection_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o in_o some_o community_n be_v say_v immediate_o after_o dinner_n because_o too_o earnest_a a_o attention_n and_o recollectednes_n at_o such_o time_n will_v prejudice_n the_o head_n and_o stomach_n a_o soul_n therefore_o may_v esteem_v this_o to_o be_v as_o a_o time_n of_o desolation_n as_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o resemblance_n 20._o concern_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n &_o caution_n to_o be_v use_v about_o it_o some_o instruction_n shall_v be_v give_v in_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v how_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v herself_o in_o regard_n of_o her_o prayer_n during_o sickness_n 21._o last_o the_o matter_n of_o sleep_n be_v not_o wnworthy_a the_o ear_n of_o a_o spiritual_a person_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o full_a repast_n do_v not_o so_o much_o plunge_v a_o soul_n in_o sensuality_n nor_o so_o indispose_v she_o for_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o a_o long_a &_o profound_a sleep_n from_o whence_o even_o a_o perfect_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v herself_o into_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o much_o difficulty_n &_o long_o strive_v 22._o and_o on_o these_o ground_n doubtless_o it_o be_v that_o the_o midnight_n office_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o end_n to_o interrupt_v sâ—eepe_a yea_o ancient_o the_o three_o nocturne_n be_v therefore_o divide_v namely_o to_o prevent_v the_o immersing_a of_o soul_n in_o sensual_a nature_n 23._o for_o imperfect_a soul_n it_o may_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o convenient_a measure_n of_o sleep_n yet_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d â—eing_v it_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v it_o be_v likewise_o good_a for_o they_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n with_o a_o affection_n &_o desire_v so_o be_v early_o up_o for_o such_o a_o affection_n will_v cause_v their_o sleep_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o a_o little_a solicitude_n the_o which_o will_v dispose_v they_o both_o to_o wake_v soon_o and_o to_o rise_v with_o less_o unwillingnes_n 24._o in_o case_n that_o one_o be_v in_o bed_n can_v sleep_v it_o be_v uâ—ry_o dangerous_a to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o mere_a negligence_n &_o idleness_n because_o than_o not_o only_o vain_a but_o veâ—y_n hurtful_a &_o pernicious_a thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o press_v into_o the_o mind_n for_o a_o prevention_n or_o remedy_n against_o which_o i_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n advise_v one_o to_o betake_v himself_o to_o any_o serious_o recollect_v thought_n or_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n for_o that_o will_v quite_o hinder_v sleep_n for_o the_o future_a and_o spoil_v the_o next_o day_n recollection_n the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o the_o time_n immediate_o go_v before_o bedtime_n but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v simple_o vain_a thought_n that_o then_o wander_v unsetle_o in_o his_o mind_n let_v he_o not_o willing_o pursue_v they_o but_o rather_o neglect_v they_o whereas_o if_o they_o be_v sinful_a imagination_n set_v he_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v divert_v quiet_o his_o mind_n from_o they_o and_o now_o &_o then_o without_o much_o force_n lift_v up_o his_o mind_n unto_o god_n or_o use_v some_o familiar_a prayer_n or_o say_v the_o bead_n without_o much_o force_a attention_n yet_o more_o attention_n be_v require_v against_o sinful_a then_o vain_a thought_n 25._o as_o for_o perfect_a soul_n their_o prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v less_o hinder_v sleep_n by_o reason_n it_o be_v both_o so_o pure_a &_o so_o facile_a that_o it_o be_v become_v almost_o as_o natural_a as_o breathe_v &_o perform_v without_o any_o agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o revolve_v of_o image_n in_o the_o internal_a sense_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o mortification_n of_o anger_n by_o patience_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o here_o be_v treat_v of_o smaller_n impatience_n chief_o scarce_o observable_a but_o by_o recollect_v liver_n §_o 6._o patience_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o all_o time_n even_o in_o joy_n &_o prosperity_n §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o we_o ought_v to_o aspire_v to_o a_o indifference_n §_o 10._o patience_n towards_o god_n afflict_v we_o be_v easy_a than_o towards_o man._n §_o 11._o 12._o 14._o 15._o 16._o 17._o 18._o seven_o degree_n of_o patience_n §_o 19_o example_n of_o seem_o extravagant_a kind_n of_o patience_n etc._n etc._n §_o 20._o prayer_n the_o only_a efficacious_a instrument_n to_o get_v patience_n §_o 21._o all_o action_n except_o actual_a prayer_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n defectuous_a 1._o the_o next_o passion_n to_o be_v mortify_v be_v anger_n the_o which_o whosoever_o willing_o suffer_v to_o arise_v &_o increase_v or_o that_o deliberate_o yield_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n for_o any_o matter_n that_o concern_v the_o body_n health_n fortune_n life_n &c_n &c_n yea_o or_o pretend_v soul_n good_a such_o a_o one_o real_o make_v more_o esteem_n of_o they_o then_o of_o the_o solid_a good_a of_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o far_o as_o anger_n get_v a_o mastery_n over_o he_o so_o far_o he_o lose_v that_o dominion_n that_o his_o soul_n ought_v to_o have_v over_o all_o other_o thing_n &_o put_v reason_n out_o of_o its_o throne_n herupon_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o patientia_fw-la vestra_fw-la possidebitis_fw-la animas_fw-la vestras_fw-la that_o be_v by_o patience_n you_o shall_v keep_v the_o possession_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o imply_v that_o by_o impatience_n we_o lose_v that_o possession_n and_o what_o great_a loss_n can_v we_o have_v hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o
be_v so_o far_o from_o receive_v any_o harm_n by_o they_o that_o she_o will_v by_o their_o mean_n increase_v in_o grace_n so_o that_o though_o she_o do_v not_o receive_v any_o extraordinary_a illumination_n nor_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o her_o natural_a will_n by_o such_o distract_a prayer_n yet_o do_v she_o get_v that_o for_o which_o such_o illumination_n &_o gust_n be_v give_v to_o wit_n a_o privy_a but_o effectual_a grace_n to_o adhere_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o resign_v herself_o to_o he_o in_o all_o his_o providence_n &_o permission_n concern_v she_o and_o grace_v get_v by_o such_o a_o afflict_a way_n of_o abnegation_n be_v far_o more_o secure_a &_o merit_v more_o at_o god_n hand_n then_o if_o it_o have_v come_v by_o lightsome_a &_o please_a consolation_n since_o this_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v transcend_v self-love_n contradict_v &_o subdue_v even_o when_o it_o assault_v the_o soul_n most_o subtle_o &_o dangerous_o to_o wit_n by_o pretend_v that_o all_o sollicitude_n &_o anxious_a discouragement_n cause_v by_o distraction_n do_v flow_v from_o divine_a love_n &_o from_o a_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n progress_n in_o spirituality_n last_o this_o be_v a_o way_n by_o which_o charity_n &_o all_o divine_a virtue_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v produce_v &_o establish_v there_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n that_o the_o devil_n use_v to_o hinder_v the_o production_n of_o they_o in_o negligent_a &_o tepid_a soul_n or_o to_o destroy_v they_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n produce_v 9_o as_o for_o more_o particular_a advice_n expedient_n &_o sleight_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o special_a case_n &_o circumstance_n none_o can_v teach_v but_o god_n only_o who_o by_o mean_n of_o experience_n &_o perseverance_n in_o prayer_n will_v undoubted_o give_v unto_o a_o soul_n light_n &_o grace_v sufficient_a 10._o to_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o point_n this_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v between_o distraction_n in_o perfect_a soul_n from_o the_o same_o in_o the_o imperfect_a viz._n that_o in_o perfect_a soul_n distraction_n proceed_v only_o from_o some_o unwilling_a distemper_n in_o the_o cognoscitive_a faculty_n but_o in_o the_o imperfect_a they_o be_v rather_o from_o some_o degree_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o the_o object_n of_o the_o distraction_n and_o therefore_o a_o well-aduanced_n soul_n have_v little_a difficulty_n in_o put_v they_o away_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o reflect_v upon_o they_o for_o without_o contend_v with_o they_o she_o can_v present_o unite_v herself_o with_o her_o superior_a will_n to_o god_n even_o while_o her_o know_v power_n be_v busy_a about_o impertinent_a object_n whereas_o imperfect_a soul_n in_o the_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n have_v as_o yet_o a_o express_a &_o perceptible_a use_n of_o the_o understanding_n &_o imagination_n can_v but_o receive_v some_o prejudice_n by_o distraction_n in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o faculty_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v employ_v upon_o different_a object_n that_o have_v no_o subordination_n or_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o 11._o there_o remain_v a_o three_o condition_n or_o quality_n which_o i_o say_v be_v necessary_a to_o true_a internal_a affective_a prayer_n to_o wit_n the_o divine_a inspiration_n from_o which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v it_o be_v of_o little_a efficacy_n or_o merit_n now_o though_o in_o the_o general_a division_n of_o internal_a prayer_n i_o seem_v to_o appropriate_v the_o title_n of_o infuse_v prayer_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o perfect_a contemplation_n the_o meaning_n thereof_o be_v that_o such_o prayer_n be_v mere_o infuse_v the_o soul_n by_o any_o deliberate_a preparation_n or_o election_n not_o dispose_v herself_o thereto_o whereas_o in_o the_o inferior_a degree_n there_o be_v necessary_a both_o a_o precedent_n and_o concomitant_a industry_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o matter_n for_o prayer_n &_o to_o force_v herself_o to_o produce_v affection_n correspondent_a to_o the_o say_a matter_n by_o reason_n that_o as_o yet_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o so_o abound_v &_o operative_a in_o the_o soul_n as_o to_o impel_v she_o to_o pray_v or_o rather_o breathe_v forâ—h_a prayer_n in_o and_o by_o she_o but_o in_o all_o case_n that_o be_v most_o true_a whiâ—h_o s._n bernard_n say_v tepida_fw-la est_fw-la oratio_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la praevenit_fw-la inspiratio_fw-la that_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o repide_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o s._n augustin_n bene_fw-la orare_fw-la deum_fw-la gratia_fw-la spiritall_n est_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v aright_o 12._o now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n herto_o be_v express_v in_o that_o say_n of_o s._n paul_n quid_fw-la oremus_fw-la sicut_fw-la oportet_fw-la nescimus_fw-la etc._n etc._n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v our_o infirmity_n yea_o say_v he_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v request_n in_o we_o &_o for_o we_o &_o this_o oft_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v express_v &_o which_o the_o soul_n itself_o can_v conceive_v it_o be_v this_o inspiration_n only_o which_o give_v a_o supernaturality_n to_o our_o prayer_n &_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v hear_v &_o grant_v by_o god_n 13._o but_o of_o this_o subject_n much_o have_v already_o be_v say_v &_o more_o will_v follow_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n especial_o the_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o aspiration_n where_o we_o shall_v show_v how_o these_o inspiration_n be_v attemper_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a good_a propension_n of_o soul_n so_o that_o those_o which_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o introversion_n be_v usual_o move_v by_o god_n to_o seek_v he_o by_o pure_a spiritual_a operation_n without_o image_n or_o motive_n yet_o this_o by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o also_o i_o will_v show_v how_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n &_o a_o freedom_n from_o nice_a method_n &_o rule_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o dispose_v the_o soul_n for_o these_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v any_o further_a enlarge_n of_o myself_o on_o this_o point_n in_o this_o place_n 14._o now_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o excellency_n &_o most_o heavenly_a effect_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n ought_v to_o give_v we_o a_o suitable_a esteem_n &_o value_v of_o it_o above_o any_o other_o employment_n whatsoever_o a_o experience_n hereof_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o ancient_a hermit_n call_v jacob_n in_o theodoret._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr pp_n resolute_o to_o persist_v in_o refuse_v to_o interrupt_v his_o appoint_a prayer_n or_o to_o delay_v the_o time_n of_o it_o for_o any_o other_o business_n on_o civility_n in_o visit_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v all_o to_o depart_v when_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o this_o solitude_n to_o benefit_v other_o man_n soul_n but_o to_o purify_v my_o own_o by_o prayer_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o internal_a affective_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n have_v always_o be_v entertain_v at_o first_o with_o jealousy_n and_o rigour_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o a_o illustrious_a example_n in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o late_a r._n fa_o baltazar_n aluarez_n of_o the_o society_n of_o jesus_n §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o a_o account_v require_v &_o give_v by_o he_o to_o his_o general_n touch_v his_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n the_o order_n &_o manner_n of_o god_n guidance_n of_o he_o thereto_o &_o therein_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o prayer_n declare_v §_o 16._o 17._o etc._n etc._n the_o substance_n of_o a_o discourse_n write_v by_o he_o in_o answer_n to_o seven_o objection_n make_v against_o internal_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n §_o 30._o the_o success_n of_o this_o tempest_n 1._o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o this_o most_o excellent_a of_o god_n gift_n internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n of_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a eminency_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v always_o find_v some_o even_o among_o the_o learned_a and_o ofttimes_o among_o such_o as_o have_v be_v the_o most_o strict_a &_o severe_a about_o religious_a observance_n that_o have_v &_o do_v oppose_v it_o god_n forbid_v that_o this_o shall_v always_o be_v impute_v either_o to_o malice_n envy_v &c_n &c_n but_o rather_o to_o want_v of_o experience_n in_o the_o mysterious_a way_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ofttimes_o conduct_n his_o special_a servant_n it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o calumny_n &_o persecution_n suso_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n etc._n etc._n find_v when_o god_n enlighten_v they_o &_o move_v they_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n this_o heavenly_a light_n all_o which_o
other_o or_o force_v herself_o to_o continue_v meditation_n she_o will_v make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o extreme_a painefullnes_n of_o invent_v motive_n now_o unnecessary_a and_o tie_v herself_o to_o method_n and_o prescribe_a form_n will_v be_v to_o she_o so_o distractive_a so_o void_a of_o all_o taste_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o insupportable_a that_o not_o be_v suffer_v to_o follow_v god_n invitation_n call_v to_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o give_v quite_o over_o all_o internal_a prayer_n whereas_o by_o pursue_v god_n call_v she_o will_v every_o day_n get_v light_a to_o discover_v more_o and_o more_o her_o secret_a inward_a defect_n and_o grace_n to_o mortify_v and_o amend_v they_o and_o such_o her_o mortification_n be_v exercise_v rather_o by_o transcend_v &_o forget_v the_o object_n of_o her_o inordinate_a affection_n than_o a_o direct_a combat_v against_o they_o and_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n do_v proper_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o illuminative_a way_n because_o iâ—_n it_o the_o soul_n with_o little_a reflection_n on_o herself_o or_o heâ—_n own_o obscurity_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n &c_n &c_n tend_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n by_o who_o she_o be_v enlighten_v and_o adorn_v with_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n 12._o in_o the_o three_o place_n a_o soul_n after_o a_o long_a exercise_n in_o force_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n to_o god_n represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n by_o image_n far_o more_o subtle_a and_o spiritual_a then_o former_o yea_o endeavour_v to_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o naked_a faith_n void_a of_o all_o distinct_a and_o express_a image_n will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o grow_v so_o well_o dispose_v to_o he_o that_o she_o will_v have_v less_o need_n of_o force_v herself_o to_o produce_v good_a affection_n to_o he_o or_o of_o prescribe_v to_o herself_o determinate_a form_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n on_o the_o contrary_a divine_a love_n will_v become_v so_o firm_o establish_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o whole_o and_o only_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o that_o it_o will_v become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a soul_n unto_o the_o soul_n as_o constant_o breathe_v forth_o feruorous_a act_n of_o love_n and_o as_o natural_o almost_o as_o the_o lung_n do_v send_v forth_o breath_n 13._o and_o here_o begin_v the_o state_n of_o pure_a contemplation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o this_o bless_a state_n the_o actuation_n and_o aspiration_n be_v so_o pure_a &_o spiritual_a that_o the_o soul_n herself_o often_o time_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o she_o do_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o forethought_a or_o election_n of_o her_o own_o but_o be_v suggest_v to_o she_o by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n entire_o possess_v she_o and_o although_o in_o these_o most_o sublime_a and_o blind_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n with_o their_o image_n be_v not_o absolute_o exclude_v yet_o so_o unperceptible_a be_v their_o operation_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o many_o mystical_a writer_n speak_v according_a to_o what_o they_o feel_v and_o experience_v in_o themselves_o have_v say_v that_o in_o pure_a contemplation_n the_o will_n without_o the_o understanding_n be_v only_o operative_a as_o for_o the_o mortification_n proper_a to_o this_o state_n they_o be_v as_o unexpressible_a as_o the_o prayer_n indeed_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n seem_v to_o be_v now_o become_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o light_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n walk_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o wonderful_a that_o the_o small_a imperfection_n be_v clear_o discover_v and_o by_o prayer_n alone_o mortify_v prayer_n be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o life_n interrupt_v by_o sleep_n only_o and_o not_o alway_v then_o neither_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o other_o necessity_n of_o corporal_a nature_n refection_n study_v conversation_n or_o business_n it_o may_v be_v depress_v a_o little_a from_o the_o height_n in_o which_o it_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n set_v itself_o to_o attend_v to_o god_n only_o but_o still_o it_o continue_v with_o efficacy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o those_o avocation_n and_o this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o that_o which_o mystic_n do_v style_v the_o vnitive_a way_n because_o herein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n have_v transcend_v all_o creature_n and_o herself_o too_o the_o which_o be_v become_v as_o it_o be_v amnihilate_v &_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o 14._o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o spirituality_n beyond_o this_o but_o yet_o this_o state_n may_v infinite_o increase_v in_o degree_n of_o purity_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o spiritual_a intime_fw-la and_o divine_a without_o all_o limitation_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o divine_a inaction_n passive_a union_n and_o grace_n most_o admirable_a and_o most_o efficacious_a to_o purify_v she_o as_o perfect_o as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n she_o be_v capable_a now_o it_o be_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o soul_n dear_o belove_v by_o he_o trial_n and_o desolation_n incomprehensible_a to_o the_o unexperienced_a lead_v they_o from_o light_n to_o darkness_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o light_v again_o in_o all_o which_o change_v the_o soul_n keep_v herself_o in_o the_o same_o equality_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o know_v that_o by_o they_o all_o she_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o god_n plunge_v herself_o more_o and_o more_o profound_o in_o he_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n be_v above_o all_o instructour_n and_o instruction_n a_o divine_a light_n be_v her_o guide_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o she_o that_o now_o life_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o live_v reign_v and_o operate_v in_o she_o 15._o these_o be_v the_o three_o state_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a life_n distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o three_o state_n or_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o peculiar_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o it_o may_v and_o do_v accompany_v all_o these_o state_n without_o any_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n though_o with_o very_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o actuation_n of_o the_o soul_n during_o its_o exercise_n for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o meditation_n she_o perform_v her_o vocal_a prayer_n with_o the_o use_n of_o grosser_n image_n and_o much_o distractednes_n but_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n she_o recite_v they_o with_o less_o multiplicity_n and_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o recollection_n and_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n her_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v likewise_o aspirative_a and_o vnitive_a not_o at_o all_o distract_n she_o but_o rather_o drive_v her_o more_o profound_o and_o intime_o into_o god_n 16._o now_o god_n be_v both_o the_o principle_n and_o object_n of_o all_o our_o internal_a exercise_n be_v after_o several_a way_n represent_v to_o the_o mind_n in_o they_o for_o 1._o in_o meditation_n the_o soul_n as_o yet_o much_o immerse_v in_o sense_n be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o distinct_a grosser_n image_n by_o which_o to_o apprehend_v he_o as_o the_o humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o mystery_n belong_v thereto_o and_o sometime_o such_o attribute_n of_o the_o divinity_n as_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o which_o do_v produce_v more_o sensible_a motion_n in_o our_o imperfect_a soul_n as_o his_o justice_n mercy_n power_n etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o understand_a endeavour_n to_o apprehend_v god_n in_o the_o obscure_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o she_o be_v sometime_o force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o more_o particular_a sensible_a image_n the_o mind_n after_o a_o short_a reflection_n on_o they_o give_v place_n to_o the_o recollect_v actuation_n of_o the_o will_v alone_o 3._o but_o be_v arrive_v to_o aspiration_n which_o be_v active_a contemplatian_n the_o soul_n make_v use_v of_o no_o particular_a express_a image_n at_o all_o but_o content_v herself_o with_o the_o only_a general_a obscure_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n teach_v she_o 17._o now_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a have_v no_o great_a advantage_n in_o this_o regard_n over_o the_o more_o imperfect_a since_o all_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o ordinary_a knowledge_n do_v sufficient_o believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a can_v be_v true_o represent_v by_o any_o particular_a image_n and_o
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
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
due_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o body_n that_o it_o be_v not_o too_o much_o prejudice_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n perform_v with_o overmuch_o violence_n &_o impetuosity_n and_o this_o not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o body_n sake_n as_o the_o spirit_n the_o which_o since_o in_o this_o life_n it_o can_v work_v without_o the_o body_n by_o too_o violent_a working_n it_o may_v so_o weaken_v the_o body_n as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enable_v for_o continuance_n &_o so_o those_o little_a short_a gain_n which_o be_v get_v by_o a_o few_o impetuous_a exercise_n will_v be_v dear_o buy_v by_o a_o incapacity_n of_o continue_v they_o contract_v in_o both_o soul_n &_o body_n we_o must_v neither_o stretch_v our_o understanding_n to_o high_a seeking_n lest_o we_o be_v plunge_v thereby_o in_o internal_a darkness_n from_o which_o will_v proceed_v intolerable_a perplexity_n neither_o must_v we_o force_v the_o affection_n even_o to_o good_a object_n too_o much_o nor_o suffer_v they_o to_o flow_v with_o too_o violent_a a_o stream_n nor_o last_o must_v we_o exhaust_v bodily_a strength_n by_o unnecessary_a external_a austerity_n 4._o as_o for_o the_o painfullnes_n trouble_n &_o uneasine_n to_o nature_n that_o without_o too_o much_o debility_n do_v accompany_v spiritual_a exercise_n those_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v digest_v consider_v the_o unspeakable_a benefit_n &_o service_n that_o they_o produce_v unto_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o for_o our_o comfort_n this_o uneasines_n will_v by_o custom_n &_o constancy_n continual_o diminish_v for_o as_o harphius_n observe_v a_o soul_n after_o long_a practice_n of_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n will_v come_v to_o such_o a_o facility_n in_o they_o that_o they_o will_v become_v as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o she_o and_o herein_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n &_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n over_o soul_n how_o he_o temper_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o body_n for_o while_o the_o body_n be_v vigorous_a be_v able_a to_o endure_v more_o he_o give_v her_o rude_a &_o more_o laborious_a exercise_n but_o when_o by_o long-continued_a working_n it_o be_v become_v so_o feeble_a that_o any_o violent_a intention_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o rude_a external_a mortification_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o need_n will_v overwhelm_a it_o than_o the_o exercise_n be_v most_o easy_a peaceable_a silent_a &_o serene_a yet_o infinite_o more_o full_a of_o virtue_n then_o former_o 5._o now_o the_o peculiar_a virtue_n by_o which_o all_o harmful_a inconvenience_n either_o to_o the_o body_n or_o spirit_n may_v be_v avoid_v be_v that_o supernatural_a discretion_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o hold_v a_o mean_a &_o avoid_v the_o vicious_a extreme_n in_o the_o practise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a duty_n it_o be_v just_o call_v a_o supernatural_a virtue_n because_o god_n only_o can_v bestow_v it_o for_o all_o the_o wit_n &_o philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o mere_a folly_n &_o blindness_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o this_o he_o do_v principal_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o use_n of_o requisite_a abstraction_n &_o attendance_n to_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n whereby_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o celestial_a habitual_a light_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n suitable_o to_o our_o own_o particular_a disposition_n &_o ability_n for_o no_o one_o man_n can_v in_o all_o matter_n be_v a_o rule_n unto_o another_o 6._o now_o as_o touch_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o this_o supernatural_a discretion_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n much_o have_v already_o be_v set_v down_o dispersedly_z in_o these_o treatise_n i_o will_v therefore_o only_o point_v at_o some_o few_o consideration_n which_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n do_v regard_v this_o mistress_n of_o all_o virtue_n discretion_n which_o sure_o deserve_v above_o all_o other_o to_o be_v purposely_o &_o by_o itself_o treat_v of_o in_o as_o much_o as_o without_o it_o all_o other_o virtue_n be_v imprudent_a that_o be_v not_o virtue_n at_o all_o 7._o first_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o necessary_a mortification_n of_o which_o kind_n all_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v that_o come_v from_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o other_o especial_o superior_n a_o soul_n be_v to_o esteem_v those_o mortification_n which_o a_o superior_a beyond_o the_o rule_n shall_v voluntary_o impose_v upon_o the_o subject_n to_o be_v to_o the_o subject_n himself_o necessary_a however_o voluntary_a to_o the_o superior_a 8._o now_o superior_n aught_o rare_o to_o impose_v such_o kind_n of_o mortification_n on_o their_o subject_n because_o so_o many_o circumstance_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o well_o impose_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o illumination_n from_o god_n be_v requisite_a for_o those_o that_o practise_v the_o impose_v of_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o superior_a must_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o subject_n in_o probability_n will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o they_o 2._o and_o that_o though_o they_o may_v do_v the_o subject_a good_a some_o one_o way_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o harm_v he_o more_o another_o 3._o he_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o other_o be_v not_o scandalize_v thereby_o 9_o the_o like_a circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o a_o particular_a person_n that_o will_v voluntary_o assume_v mortification_n for_o want_n of_o which_o point_n of_o discretion_n harphius_n say_v that_o such_o kind_n of_o strange_a odd_a and_o uncouth_a mortification_n as_o be_v impose_v &_o practise_v in_o some_o community_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v voluntary_o assume_v as_o if_o with_o a_o design_n therefore_o to_o be_v despise_v by_o another_o 10._o the_o author_n of_o the_o abridgement_n of_o perfection_n just_o impute_v indiscretion_n to_o those_o who_o will_v never_o give_v rest_n to_o nature_n but_o will_v always_o have_v some_o cross_n or_o other_o exterior_a or_o interiour_n by_o which_o to_o mortify_v nature_n for_o say_v he_o the_o high_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v always_o suffer_v but_o to_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v all_o that_o by_o god_n providence_n shall_v befall_v us._n the_o which_o contentment_n be_v take_v away_o by_o that_o continual_a anxiety_n which_o those_o must_v suffer_v that_o will_v needs_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o rack_n 11._o in_o like_a manner_n harphius_n tax_v those_o that_o think_v themselves_o ready_a for_o affliction_n &_o complain_v that_o they_o â—vant_n occasion_n to_o exercise_v their_o resignation_n for_o â—ives_n he_o to_o such_o a_o one_o thou_o deceive_v thyself_o by_o â—ide_v god_n do_v see_v that_o as_o yet_o thou_o be_v not_o indeed_o ready_a &_o strong_a enough_o for_o extraordinary_a trial_n for_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o furnish_v thou_o with_o occasion_n he_o will_v send_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o exercise_v a_o soul_n rather_o than_o she_o will_v want_v mortification_n for_o her_o good_a therefore_o let_v soul_n never_o be_v solicitous_a nor_o set_v themselves_o to_o devise_v or_o procure_v mortification_n as_o if_o they_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forget_v they_o notable_a example_n of_o this_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o life_n of_o thaulerus_n where_o likewise_o we_o read_v how_o god_n reprehend_v the_o layman_n that_o convert_v thaulerus_n in_o his_o sleep_n for_o certain_a assume_v voluntary_a corporal_a austerity_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v a_o memorable_a passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o suso_n concern_v a_o spiritual_a daughter_n of_o he_o who_o of_o herself_o be_v dispose_v to_o have_v undertake_v some_o great_a corporal_a mortification_n but_o be_v dissuade_v by_o suso_n although_o himself_o by_o a_o special_a call_v from_o god_n do_v use_v very_o violent_a &_o sharp_a one_o in_o the_o which_o discourse_n there_o be_v many_o excellent_a document_n very_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v peruse_v by_o the_o devout_a reader_n 12._o let_v a_o soul_n therefore_o serious_o practice_v that_o mortification_n of_o mortification_n which_o be_v pure_a internal_a prayer_n &_o with_o it_o join_v a_o diligent_a good_a use_n of_o those_o mortification_n attend_v her_o state_n of_o life_n or_o send_v she_o otherwise_o from_o god_n not_o omit_v those_o most_o efficacious_a internal_a mortification_n by_o act_n of_o humiliation_n &_o annihilation_n of_o herself_o &_o so_o do_v she_o will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o want_n of_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n for_o corporal_a austerity_n do_v not_o by_o the_o excess_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o fitness_n &_o proportion_n to_o the_o soul_n present_a disposition_n perfectionate_a a_o internal_a liver_n so_o that_o some_o in_o firm_a but_o sincere_o affect_v person_n do_v advance_v themselves_o more_o by_o ordinary_a &_o trifle_a
they_o easy_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n within_o they_o from_o whence_o those_o splendour_n do_v issue_n but_o they_o be_v so_o pure_o simple_o and_o naked_o resign_v to_o god_n in_o catholic_n belief_n that_o whensoever_o they_o receive_v any_o joyful_a consolation_n from_o he_o they_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a then_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o their_o only_a desire_n be_v simple_o to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o simple_a faith_n they_o adhere_v so_o pure_o and_o simple_o to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o they_o neither_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o there_o be_v in_o they_o so_o profound_a a_o humility_n that_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o any_o of_o those_o secret_a and_o comfort_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o ask_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o that_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o glorify_v they_o be_v so_o absolute_o resign_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o whatsoever_o befall_v they_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o they_o therefore_o if_o god_n give_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v content_v with_o it_o if_o he_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o well_o please_v thus_o they_o challenge_v nothing_o they_o appropriate_v nothing_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o they_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o avoid_v please_v then_o bitter_a thing_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v their_o sovereign_a delight_n they_o fear_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n purgatory_n nor_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o it_o for_o all_o servile_a fear_n be_v utter_o extinguish_v in_o they_o and_o the_o only_a fear_n remain_v be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o they_o ought_v &_o desire_n thâ—y_v be_v so_o humble_a that_o they_o despise_v themselves_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o ever_o they_o perform_v yea_o they_o abase_v themselves_o below_o all_o creature_n not_o dare_v to_o compare_v themselves_o with_o any_o they_o love_v all_o man_n alike_o in_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v god_n they_o love_v he_o likewise_o thâ—y_o be_v total_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o to_o they_o and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a exercise_n and_o operation_n which_o former_o they_o pursue_v with_o propriety_n be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o they_o thâ—y_v do_v neither_o by_o intention_n nor_o love_n seek_v themselves_o nor_o any_o proper_a honour_n nor_o profit_n in_o time_n or_o eternity_n they_o have_v utter_o lose_v themselves_o &_o all_o creature_n both_o for_o time_n &_o eternity_n and_o they_o live_v in_o a_o certain_a learned_a ignorance_n not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n they_o resent_v no_o tentation_n nor_o affliction_n it_o be_v their_o joy_n to_o follow_v our_o lord_n bear_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o last_o gasp_n they_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o although_o they_o be_v unknown_a unto_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n be_v well_o know_v unto_o they_o these_o be_v true_o man_n indeed_o true_a adorer_n of_o god_n that_o adore_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n thus_o suso_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o the_o internal_a actuation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o perfect_a they_o be_v so_o inexplicable_o subtle_a and_o pure_a that_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o they_o what_o soul_n can_v imagine_v how_o divine_o spiritual_a &_o angelical_a must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o s._n romualdus_n after_o almost_o a_o hundred_o year_n spend_v in_o solitude_n during_o all_o which_o time_n they_o continual_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a and_o divine_a 7._o in_o the_o active_a union_n which_o soul_n during_o a_o less_o perfect_a state_n have_v with_o god_n god_n be_v in_o they_o as_o a_o object_n distinct_a from_o they_o and_o so_o contemplate_v by_o they_o but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n and_o end_n but_o the_o only_a perceivable_a principle_n also_o of_o all_o their_o operation_n yea_o say_v barbanson_n cap._n 12._o he_o be_v the_o fund_z the_o entire_a state_n the_o stable_a foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o be_v life_n and_o respiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v become_v as_o much_o exalt_v as_o the_o operation_n &_o contemplation_n thereof_o for_o this_o union_n be_v not_o now_o only_a a_o gift_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o a_o short_a continuance_n nor_o only_a simple_a actual_a infusion_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n may_v at_o some_o time_n be_v actual_o inform_v and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o very_a foundation_n state_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v reverse_v and_o reform_v by_o divine_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o consequent_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n confer_v on_o we_o a_o stable_n and_o permanent_a state_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o interiour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a life_n conformable_a whereto_o be_v the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o inclination_n to_o divine_a thing_n yea_o say_v the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n although_o the_o divine_a actual_a and_o special_a touch_n be_v not_o always_o real_o present_a so_o as_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o prevention_n to_o produce_v actual_a operation_n the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o can_v maintain_v itself_o yea_o and_o perceive_v itself_o to_o persist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o life_n of_o peace_n serenity_n and_o repose_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o attentive_a to_o what_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v in_o she_o 8._o by_o reason_n of_o this_o habitation_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o perfect_a who_o have_v whole_o neglect_v forget_v and_o lose_v themselves_o to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n alone_o may_v live_v in_o they_o who_o they_o contemplate_v in_o the_o absolute_a obscurity_n of_o faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o mystic_a writer_n do_v call_v this_o perfect_a union_n the_o union_n of_o nothing_o with_o nothing_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o where_o corporal_o that_o have_v no_o image_n nor_o affection_n to_o creature_n in_o she_o yea_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o free_a disposal_n of_o her_o own_o faculty_n actuate_a by_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o according_a to_o the_o actual_a touch_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o apprehend_v god_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n thus_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o where_o corporal_o or_o sensible_o be_v every_o where_o spiritual_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o god_n this_o infinite_a nothing_o 9_o the_o soul_n now_o be_v so_o elevate_v in_o spirit_n that_o she_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n here_o she_o come_v to_o a_o feel_n indeed_o of_o her_o not-being_a &_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o not-being_a of_o creature_n the_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a truth_n not_o as_o if_o the_o soul_n or_o other_o creature_n either_o do_v cease_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a be_v or_o as_o if_o a_o natural_a be_v be_v indeed_o no_o real_a be_v as_o father_n benet_n canfield_n do_v seem_v to_o determine_v but_o because_o all_o sinful_a adhesion_n by_o affection_n to_o creature_n be_v annihilate_v than_o they_o remain_v as_o to_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o that_o true_a be_v which_o they_o have_v in_o god_n by_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o whereas_o while_o we_o sinful_o adhere_v unto_o they_o by_o stay_v in_o they_o with_o love_n we_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o as_o if_o we_o think_v they_o to_o have_v a_o be_v or_o subsistence_n of_o &_o in_o themselves_o &_o not_o of_o god_n only_o &_o that_o they_o may_v be_v love_v for_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n and_o root_n of_o all_o sin_n 10._o all_o sensible_a operation_n former_o exercise_v yea_o all_o express_a and_o deliberate_v intellectual_a operation_n bring_v the_o soul_n some_o whither_o and_o to_o some_o determinate_a thing_n but_o in_o this_o perfect_a state_n the_o soul_n desire_n be_v to_o be_v nowhere_o and_o she_o seek_v nothing_o that_o either_o sense_n or_o understanding_n can_v fix_v upon_o such_o soul_n can_v taste_v and_o comprehend_v what_o s._n denys_n mean_v in_o his_o instruction_n to_o timothy_n