8.23_o have_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o spirit_n so_o abundant_o as_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n do_v witness_v deb_n whereupon_o s._n bernard_n in_o a_o certain_a sermon_n speak_v thus_o to_o his_o brethren_n what_o be_v it_o thank_v be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o grace_n all_o this_o be_v do_v what_o be_v it_o that_o your_o life_n do_v resemble_v the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o forsake_v all_o and_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o presence_n draw_v water_n in_o joy_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o saviour_n drink_v of_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n at_o the_o fountain_n itself_o bless_a be_v their_o eye_n that_o behold_v it_o have_v not_o you_o also_o do_v somewhat_o the_o like_a not_o in_o his_o presence_n but_o in_o his_o absence_n not_o at_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n but_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o his_o messenger_n maintain_v this_o your_o prerogative_n which_o they_o upon_o sight_n and_o word_n of_o mouth_n you_o by_o hear_v and_o by_o message_n have_v believe_v behold_v how_o he_o compare_v a_o religious_a state_n with_o that_o worthy_a act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n do_v prefer_v it_o before_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o 20.29_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v angel_n 9_o in_o a_o other_o place_n he_o do_v yet_o more_o full_o and_o more_o plain_o compare_v this_o kind_n of_o life_n not_o only_o with_o the_o apostle_n but_o with_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o very_a angel_n these_o be_v his_o word_n you_o see_v my_o brother_n what_o spirit_n you_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v you_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o degree_n of_o excellency_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o angel_n be_v seat_v and_o i_o make_v account_n we_o can_v aim_v at_o any_o high_a thing_n very_o i_o think_v i_o find_v something_o of_o each_o of_o they_o in_o you_o and_o something_o that_o be_v excellent_a for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o this_o single_a life_n of_o you_o be_v a_o life_n celestial_a and_o angelical_a or_o that_o in_o the_o resurrection_n all_o the_o elect_n shall_v be_v as_o you_o now_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n whole_o forbear_v marriage_n preserve_v my_o brethren_n this_o precious_a jewel_n preserve_v that_o sanctity_n of_o life_n which_o resemble_v you_o to_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v you_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n â—0_n holy_a scripture_n say_v that_o incorruption_n make_v a_o man_n near_o to_o god_n you_o be_v that_o which_o you_o be_v not_o by_o your_o own_o desert_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o your_o chastity_n and_o sanctimony_n angel_n upon_o earth_n or_o rather_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n but_o yet_o a_o while_n upon_o earth_n pilgrim_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n true_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a kind_n of_o prophesy_v 13_o that_o which_o i_o see_v you_o give_v unto_o and_o a_o excellent_a study_n to_o which_o i_o see_v you_o apply_v what_o be_v that_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o not_o to_o consider_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o which_o be_v not_o see_v this_o certain_o be_v to_o prophesy_v to_o walk_v in_o spirit_n to_o live_v according_a to_o faith_n to_o seek_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v about_o not_o which_o be_v upon_o earth_n to_o forget_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o to_o stretch_v to_o those_o which_o be_v before_o we_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o prophecy_n for_o how_o be_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n for_o so_o the_o prophet_n of-old_a be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o among_o the_o man_n of_o their_o time_n but_o by_o spirit_n and_o prophetical_a commotion_n transcend_v the_o day_n they_o live_v in_o they_o do_v rejoice_v to_o see_v the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a in_o it_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o profession_n the_o apostle_n be_v of_o behold_v we_o have_v leave_v all_o and_o have_v follow_v thou_o 19â—_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o glory_n we_o have_v glory_n but_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a we_o will_v have_v care_n that_o we_o have_v it_o with_o god_n for_o not_o our_o mighty_a hand_n but_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o that_o be_v powerful_a have_v do_v great_a thing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v worthy_o magnify_v our_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v by_o his_o great_a gift_n that_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n we_o follow_v that_o great_a course_n and_o purpose_n in_o which_o those_o great_a apostle_n do_v glory_n thus_o do_v s._n bernard_n discourse_n in_o commendation_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n paralel_v it_o in_o many_o thing_n with_o those_o three_o degree_n of_o perfection_n let_v we_o see_v how_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o do_v prefer_v it_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a commendation_n perhaps_o say_v he_o if_o i_o will_v glory_v also_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v unwise_a for_o i_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n there_o be_v some_o here_o that_o have_v leave_v more_o than_o a_o boat_n and_o net_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v all_o indeed_o but_o to_o follow_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v present_a with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o say_v what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v with_o more_o safety_n hear_v our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thomas_n thou_o have_v believe_v bless_v be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o have_v believe_v perhaps_o also_o it_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a kind_n of_o prophecy_n not_o to_o attend_v to_o any_o temporal_a thing_n nor_o to_o thing_n that_o with_o time_n do_v perish_v but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o the_o treasure_n of_o chastity_n be_v more_o illustrious_a in_o a_o vessel_n of_o earth_n and_o virtue_n in_o some_o sort_n more_o laudable_a in_o flesh_n that_o be_v frail_a and_o weak_a when_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o this_o body_n of_o we_o a_o angelical_a conversation_n in_o our_o hart_n a_o prophetical_a expectation_n in_o both_o a_o apostolical_a perfection_n what_o a_o mass_n of_o grace_n be_v there_o thus_o speak_v s._n bernard_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o commendation_n of_o a_o religious_a institute_n 10._o but_o what_o do_v we_o stand_v heap_v together_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n when_o we_o have_v the_o verdict_n of_o truth_n itself_o from_o god_n own_o mouth_n for_o of_o this_o state_n our_o saviour_n speak_v those_o word_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v and_o come_v follow_v i_o 19.21_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n say_v and_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v not_o wicked_a and_o debauch_v but_o honest_a and_o orderly_a for_o he_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o his_o life-time_n he_o have_v do_v no_o man_n no_o wrong_n and_o our_o saviour_n behold_v he_o do_v love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o have_v think_v that_o this_o man_n be_v perfect_a see_v he_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o thou_o want_v yet_o one_o thing_n a_o thing_n so_o great_a and_o of_o so_o high_a a_o strain_n that_o the_o man_n though_o invite_v by_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o horror_n to_o climb_v up_o this_o one_o degree_n and_o step_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o in_o what_o this_o perfection_n do_v consist_v which_o the_o man_n do_v want_v if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a go_v and_o sell_v al._n he_o therefore_o that_o sell_v all_o that_o be_v he_o that_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o a_o perfect_a state_n he_o that_o have_v not_o do_v this_o though_o he_o have_v do_v all_o other_o thing_n want_v yet_o one_o thing_n wherefore_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n by_o confession_n not_o only_o of_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n there_o be_v not_o a_o high_a or_o more_o eminent_a state_n counsel_n 11._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n itself_o of_o religion_n we_o shall_v discover_v more_o plain_o the_o same_o prerogative_n for_o first_o religion_n be_v rank_v among_o the_o euangelical_n counsel_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o or_o rather_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a among_o they_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v by_o
he_o slay_v himself_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o commandment_n whereby_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o a_o religious_a life_n do_v surpass_v not_o only_o a_o secular_a life_n that_o be_v vicious_a and_o debaush_v but_o a_o honest_a and_o commendable_a life_n for_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o a_o secular_a man_n be_v that_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o perfect_a and_o entire_a oblation_n of_o ourselves_o by_o perpetual_a obedience_n ordinane_fw-la and_o this_o excellency_n of_o obedience_n be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o meritorious_a as_o it_o be_v for_o they_o that_o order_n the_o good_a which_o they_o do_v according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n do_v merit_n no_o more_o than_o the_o price_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o can_v give_v they_o but_o obedience_n add_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v those_o action_n better_a which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o but_o ennoble_v those_o that_o otherwise_o of_o themselves_o be_v nothing_o worth_a and_o make_v they_o exceed_o grateful_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o more_o ordinary_a and_o mean_a then_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o have_v care_n of_o bodily_a health_n to_o walk_v for_o recreation_n sake_n and_o such_o like_a natural_a or_o necessary_a action_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v high_o esteem_v of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v upon_o intent_n of_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o do_v by_o those_o that_o have_v lawful_a command_n over_o us._n wherefore_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o compare_v obedience_n to_o a_o wand_n that_o have_v virtue_n to_o turn_v that_o which_o it_o touch_v into_o gold_n for_o such_o a_o wand_n will_v not_o only_o make_v silver_n and_o such_o precious_a metal_n more_o precious_a than_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o put_v a_o incomparable_a value_n upon_o wood_n stone_n and_o very_a earth_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o worth_a 1â—_n 2._o and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o fruit_n come_v of_o obedience_n s._n gregory_n have_v comprise_v a_o inestimable_a praise_n thereof_o in_o few_o word_n say_v obedience_n be_v the_o only_o virtue_n which_o plant_v all_o other_o virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o preserve_v they_o after_o they_o be_v once_o plant_v way_n it_o plant_v they_o two_o several_a way_n first_o because_o the_o liberal_a offer_n of_o himself_o which_o man_n make_v to_o god_n provoke_v god_n to_o be_v bountiful_a and_o liberal_a again_o towards_o he_o for_o god_n be_v of_o that_o disposition_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overcome_v in_o bounty_n and_o love_n and_o service_n do_v unto_o he_o and_o consequent_o whosoever_o shall_v give_v himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v free_o unto_o he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o receive_v from_o he_o again_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o final_o god_n himself_o second_o it_o plant_v other_o virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n because_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o obedience_n we_o must_v necessary_o practice_v they_o all_o for_o when_o we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o a_o other_o man_n for_o god_n we_o practise_v humility_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n put_v ourselves_o under_o one_o to_o who_o in_o nature_n we_o be_v equal_a and_o in_o other_o thing_n perhaps_o better_a than_o he_o we_o practise_v patience_n undergo_n thing_n that_o be_v hard_a &_o contrary_a to_o our_o will_n and_o inclination_n we_o practise_v faith_n reverence_v god_n who_o we_o see_v not_o in_o man_n who_o we_o do_v behold_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o care_n &_o providence_n of_o almighty_a god_n do_v watch_n over_o we_o in_o he_o we_o practise_v hope_n contemn_v thing_n present_a but_o charity_n most_o of_o all_o and_o in_o a_o action_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o wit_n prefer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n before_o our_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o rare_a virtue_n of_o christian_a life_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o one_o virtue_n of_o obedience_n and_o consequent_o that_o as_o s._n gregory_n teach_v it_o do_v plant_v all_o other_o virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o while_o it_o prosper_v all_o the_o rest_n do_v prosper_v and_o increase_v they_o it_o also_o conserve_v they_o which_o be_v a_o other_o benefit_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o virtue_n for_o all_o other_o virtue_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v wrong_v and_o shake_v and_o steal_v from_o we_o by_o the_o devil_n who_o lie_v like_o thief_n in_o wait_n for_o such_o precious_a jewel_n and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v worth_a the_o more_o those_o hellish_a fiend_n do_v whet_v their_o tooth_n against_o they_o yea_o the_o virtue_n themselves_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n be_v say_v to_o destroy_v themselves_o not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n in_o they_o but_o through_o the_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o those_o that_o possess_v they_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o lucifer_n 14._o who_o as_o isaiah_n the_o prophet_n say_v be_v adorn_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o precious_a stone_n but_o those_o very_a ornament_n throw_v he_o down_o headlong_o from_o the_o heavenly_a habitation_n but_o obedience_n preserve_v itself_o &_o the_o other_o virtue_n which_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o because_o it_o trust_v not_o to_o itself_o nor_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o itself_o nor_o indeed_o reserve_v any_o thing_n for_o itself_o but_o take_v no_o thought_n of_o itself_o 1â—_n it_o cast_v itself_o whole_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n out_o of_o who_o hand_n no_o body_n can_v take_v we_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v for_o either_o the_o enemy_n dare_v not_o approach_n or_o if_o he_o attempt_v upon_o we_o it_o do_v now_o belong_v to_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o sight_n for_o we_o or_o to_o give_v we_o so_o much_o strength_n that_o we_o shall_v easy_o withstand_v his_o fury_n and_o so_o s._n gregory_n say_v in_o another_o place_n 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o that_o do_v obey_v be_v sacrifice_n for_o while_o we_o be_v obedient_a to_o man_n for_o god_n we_o overcome_v the_o proud_a spirit_n with_o other_o virtue_n we_o fight_v against_o the_o devil_n by_o obedience_n we_o vanquish_v they_o wherefore_o they_o that_o be_v obedient_a be_v conqueror_n because_o while_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o subject_v their_o will_n to_o other_o by_o obedience_n they_o command_v over_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v fall_v these_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n alone_o for_o so_o s._n gregory_n speak_v obedience_n be_v the_o only_o virtue_n which_o plant_v all_o other_o virtue_n in_o the_o mind_n whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o great_a a_o good_a be_v want_v to_o all_o secular_a people_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o straight_o and_o solid_a and_o short_a a_o way_n religious_a people_n walk_v to_o perfection_n their_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o obedience_n and_o so_o find_v mean_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o one_o only_o virtue_n to_o compass_v all_o the_o rest_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o expedition_n wherefore_o climacus_n say_v 4._o that_o obedience_n be_v a_o perfect_a abnegation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n a_o voluntary_a death_n a_o life_n void_a of_o care_n a_o journey_n by_o water_n without_o damage_n the_o burial_n of_o our_o will_n a_o life_n of_o humility_n and_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v travel_v sleep_v that_o to_o live_v in_o obedience_n be_v to_o lay_v our_o burden_n upon_o a_o other_o shoulder_n to_o swim_v upon_o a_o other_o arm_n &_o to_o be_v held-up_a by_o the_o chin_n that_o we_o sink_v not_o but_o pass_v the_o huge_a gulf_n of_o this_o life_n without_o danger_n &_o at_o a_o short_a cut_n what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o pithy_o in_o commendation_n of_o this_o virtue_n but_o where_o he_o say_v we_o travel_v sleep_v i_o think_v be_v special_o to_o be_v note_v and_o ponder_v for_o the_o give_v we_o to_o undertand_v that_o by_o obedience_n we_o be_v carry_v like_o little_a child_n in_o a_o other_o arm_n so_o that_o all_o the_o care_n &_o trouble_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o carry_v we_o and_o where_o this_o spiritual_a journey_n be_v toilsome_a &_o laborious_a to_o some_o and_o dangerous_a to_o other_o and_o full_a of_o hazard_n religious_a people_n have_v so_o easy_a a_o time_n of_o it_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o virtue_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o feel_v their_o journey_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o other_o commodity_n of_o obedience_n in_o which_o we_o may_v true_o say_v all_o other_o commodity_n be_v contain_v to_o wit_n that_o it_o do_v subject_v we_o and_o all_o our_o action_n god_n to_o the_o will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o
life_n it_o will_v go_v direct_o to_o heaven_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a great_a benefit_n &_o great_o to_o be_v esteem_v for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o redeem_v but_o one_o sin_n by_o our_o own_o labour_n and_o endeavour_v how_o many_o tear_n how_o many_o fasting_n how_o many_o discipline_n what_o penance_n will_v it_o cost_v we_o what_o then_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o such_o a_o mass_n of_o imperfection_n as_o a_o idle_a &_o careless_a life_n be_v wont_a to_o gather_v 3._o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v diverse_a other_o mean_n to_o get_v remission_n of_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n and_o chief_o by_o indulgence_n grant_v by_o his_o holiness_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v power_n to_o that_o effect_n religion_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o these_o two_o way_n for_o though_o the_o power_n which_o the_o pope_n have_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v limit_v for_o first_o there_o must_v be_v some_o just_a cause_n to_o â—â—ant_v a_o indulgence_n and_o a_o cause_n which_o may_v carry_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o indulgence_n which_o be_v grant_v second_o there_o must_v be_v some_o work_n perform_v whereby_o to_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n in_o some_o measure_n also_o proportionable_a to_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v remit_v if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o indulgence_n be_v not_o avaulable_n or_o at_o leastwise_o it_o reach_v no_o further_o than_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o of_o the_o work_n will_v carry_v it_o and_o the_o valuation_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o the_o matter_n be_v obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o indulgence_n may_v quick_o come_v to_o little_a or_o nothing_o special_o see_v many_o fault_n may_v be_v also_o commit_v in_o perform_v negligent_o the_o work_n which_o be_v enjoin_v it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o pardon_n which_o a_o religious_a life_n do_v bring_v we_o for_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v of_o any_o grant_n of_o man_n but_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v always_o avaylable_a to_o all_o after_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a manner_n and_o that_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n micheas_n speak_v 7.19_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o put_v away_o all_o our_o iniquity_n and_o cast_v all_o our_o sin_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n wherefore_o all_o divine_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o examine_v these_o thing_n very_o narrow_o with_o common_a consent_n do_v number_v this_o among_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o religion_n 47._o and_o among_o they_o s._n antonine_n a_o man_n renow_v for_o learning_n and_o sanctity_n prove_v it_o very_o solid_o and_o bring_v also_o paludanus_n for_o his_o opinion_n and_o many_o other_o have_v deliver_v the_o same_o and_o chief_o s._n thomas_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o if_o almes-giving_a do_v redeem_v sin_n as_o we_o find_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n 3._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o entrance_n into_o religion_n work_v the_o same_o effect_n which_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a penance_n be_v not_o only_o of_o equal_a force_n with_o almes-giving_a but_o do_v saâ—e_v excel_v it_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v so_o because_o he_o that_o give_v a_o almeâ—_n to_o a_o poor_a body_n give_v his_o external_a substance_n and_o part_v only_o of_o that_o whereof_o he_o have_v plenty_n but_o a_o religious_a man_n give_v all_o and_o himself_o withal_o so_o that_o no_o alm_n or_o guilt_n can_v be_v equal_a with_o it_o of_o wâ—ich_a also_o s._n thomas_n in_o a_o other_o place_n give_v this_o reason_n because_o when_o we_o enâ—er_v into_o religion_n our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o 3._o but_o yet_o so_o as_o we_o on_o our_o part_n lie_v down_o a_o real_a and_o very_a great_a satisfaction_n for_o they_o for_o when_o we_o deliver-up_a our_o will_n whâ—ly_o to_o god_n &_o bequeath_v ourselves_o to_o his_o service_n we_o give_v he_o that_o which_o be_v more_o dear_a unto_o 〈…〉_z all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o do_v full_o satisfy_v for_o all_o our_o sin_n past_a 3._o because_o we_o give_v he_o the_o great_a gift_n that_o man_n can_v â—ive_a thus_o say_v s._n tâ—â—mas_n waldâ—â—â—â—_n a_o learned_a author_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o confirm_v iâ—_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o holy_a man_n who_o in_o a_o vision_n see_v the_o like_a grace_n descend_v upon_o a_o monk_n when_o he_o take_v the_o habit_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v see_v â—iven_v in_o baptism_n and_o s._n anselm_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o book_n of_o similitude_n show_v it_o by_o example_n of_o one_o oâ—borâ—â—_n a_o monk_n who_o not_o lonâ—_n after_o he_o be_v decease_v anselm_n appear_v in_o the_o night_n to_o s._n anselm_n himself_o &_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o haâ—_n beâ—n_o â—hree_o time_n most_o cruel_o assault_v by_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o last_o agony_n &_o defend_v by_o one_o that_o stand_v by_o he_o 〈…〉_z and_o plead_v hard_o for_o he_o for_o first_o the_o devil_n 〈…〉_z unto_o he_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v before_o baptism_n for_o he_o be_v baptize_v when_o he_o be_v in_o year_n but_o when_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o all_o those_o sin_n have_v be_v wash_v away_o by_o baptism_n the_o devil_n be_v mute_a a_o none_o 〈…〉_z the_o sin_n which_o the_o man_n have_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n before_o he_o enter_v into_o religion_n to_o which_o answer_n be_v make_v that_o these_o also_o be_v forgive_v by_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n final_o he_o lay_v against_o he_o all_o his_o fault_n and_o negligence_n commit_v duâ—ing_v the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o religion_n but_o when_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o he_o have_v satisfy_v for_o they_o by_o often_o confession_n and_o other_o virtuous_a exercise_n the_o devil_n have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v go_v away_o vanquish_v and_o confound_v 〈◊〉_d 4._o s._n athanasias_n recount_v the_o like_a example_n of_o s._n antony_n the_o great_a thaâ—_n 〈…〉_z nine_o hour_n he_o be_v once_o in_o spirit_n carry_v up_o towards_o heaven_n 〈…〉_z and_o when_o the_o devil_n flock_v about_o he_o labour_v with_o all_o might_n to_o hinder_v he_o the_o angel_n ask_v they_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v in_o he_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o rip_v up_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n but_o the_o bless_a angel_n present_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n before_o he_o be_v a_o monk_n but_o if_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n they_o shall_v lay_v it_o open_a but_o find_v nothing_o to_o say_v they_o be_v fain_o to_o yield_v against_o their_o will_n and_o leave_v he_o free_a passage_n to_o heaven_n 5._o in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o s._n francis_n his_o order_n we_o read_v also_o francis_n that_o a_o certain_a religious_a priest_n of_o that_o order_n christopher_n by_o name_n be_v wonderful_o trouble_v in_o mind_n about_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o desire_v one_o of_o his_o brethren_n that_o do_v often_o see_v and_o speak_v with_o his_o good_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v ask_v he_o concern_v it_o the_o good_a angel_n make_v answer_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o concern_v those_o sin_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v dismay_v nor_o take_v any_o thought_n but_o from_o thence_o forward_a labour_n diligent_o to_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v 6._o and_o that_o which_o leontius_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n leontius_n a_o ancient_a author_n do_v relate_v in_o the_o life_n of_o simeon_n the_o abbot_n be_v a_o pleasant_a narration_n and_o worthy_a to_o be_v record_v as_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n this_o simeon_n then_o a_o young_a man_n and_o of_o noble_a extraction_n to_o either_o with_o one_o john_n of_o equal_a nobility_n and_o in_o the_o flower_n also_o of_o his_o youth_n come_v to_o a_o monastery_n and_o be_v both_o of_o they_o to_o be_v clothe_v the_o next_o day_n in_o their_o monastical_a weed_n some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o house_n begin_v to_o speak_v thus_o untâ—_n they_o for_o i_o will_v put_v down_o the_o author_n be_v own_o word_n because_o they_o be_v plain_a and_o full_a of_o ancient_a simplicity_n you_o be_v happy_a because_o to_o morrow_n you_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o sin_n as_o when_o you_o be_v first_o bear_v no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o if_o you_o be_v baptise_a the_o same_o day_n which_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o astonish_v &_o run_v to_o the_o godly_a abbot_n of_o the_o monastery_n call_v nico_n &_o
and_o honour_n that_o can_v be_v to_o be_v the_o handmaid_n of_o christ._n and_o certain_o as_o i_o say_v it_o behoove_v all_o man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n christian_n especial_o 5._o that_o we_o find_v the_o like_a deliver_v by_o heathen_a writer_n be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o yet_o plato_n in_o his_o dialogue_n of_o a_o common_a weal_n discourse_v after_o this_o manner_n dereg_n next_o after_o god_n we_o must_v honour_v our_o own_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v no_o true_a honour_n if_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o we_o commend_v our_o self_n or_o let_v our_o mind_n do_v whatsoever_o it_o have_v a_o fancy_n to_o much_o less_o if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o over_o to_o pleasure_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o affront_v it_o and_o fill_v it_o full_o of_o mischief_n and_o repentance_n neither_o do_v he_o honour_v his_o mind_n that_o esteem_v this_o life_n to_o be_v any_o great_a good_a thing_n because_o he_o also_o do_v disgrace_n and_o defile_v it_o nor_o he_o that_o prefer_v corporal_a beauty_n before_o virtue_n or_o heap_v richâ—â—_n unjust_o all_o these_o do_v lavish_a that_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n be_v most_o beautiful_a and_o most_o honourable_a for_o a_o small_a and_o idle_a gain_n because_o all_o the_o good_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o under_o earth_n can_v equal_v virtue_n only_o and_o consequent_o the_o only_a true_a honour_n be_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v upright_o and_o honest_a 〈…〉_z 6._o aristotle_n do_v not_o only_o deliver_v the_o self_n same_o more_o exprest_o but_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o most_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o judgement_n touch_v this_o point_n he_o say_v that_o honour_n be_v only_o due_a to_o virtue_n as_o a_o reward_n thereof_o and_o a_o reward_n nothing_o answerable_a to_o it_o but_o far_o short_a of_o it_o because_o no_o honour_n be_v great_a enough_o for_o perfect_a virtue_n also_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a in_o goodness_n deserve_v honour_n and_o because_o common_o people_n take_v nothing_o to_o be_v good_a but_o that_o which_o be_v outward_a as_o nobility_n of_o descent_n riches_n command_n and_o the_o like_a they_o honour_v they_o more_o as_o man_n excellent_a above_o other_o in_o who_o they_o find_v these_o thing_n but_o in_o truth_n a_o honest_a man_n only_o be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o they_o that_o have_v these_o other_o thing_n without_o virtue_n deserve_v no_o honour_n though_o the_o practice_n be_v otherwise_o in_o such_o as_o put_v themselves_o forward_o in_o the_o world_n and_o think_v because_o it_o outward_a appearance_n they_o be_v great_a that_o therefore_o they_o be_v true_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o other_o nature_n 7._o and_o beside_o the_o authority_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o there_o be_v a_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a for_o as_o we_o see_v god_n have_v create_v three_o difference_n of_o nature_n in_o this_o world_n on_o consist_v of_o spirit_n and_o understand_v only_o as_o the_o angel_n one_o whole_o corporal_a as_o beast_n one_o of_o a_o middle_a composition_n betwixt_o they_o both_o or_o rather_o contain_v they_o both_o which_o be_v man_n who_o have_v flesh_n as_o beast_n and_o spirit_n and_o understand_v as_o the_o angel_n and_o consequent_o man_n perform_v the_o function_n of_o both_o nature_n understand_v thing_n consider_v their_o beginning_n and_o cause_n remember_v that_o which_o be_v past_a forthink_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v as_o the_o angel_n do_v and_o eat_v drink_v sleep_a grieve_v breed_n grow_a increase_a die_v as_o beast_n so_o that_o place_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o they_o both_o that_o way_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o behaviour_n he_o bend_v himself_o to_o that_o nature_n he_o do_v become_v most_o like_a if_o he_o take_v the_o path_n of_o sense_n and_o sensual_a or_o carnal_a pleasure_n he_o become_v a_o very_a beast_n which_o be_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n say_v 1â—_n man_n when_o he_o be_v in_o honour_n do_v not_o understand_v he_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o foolish_a beast_n and_o make_v like_a unto_o they_o if_o he_o govern_v himself_o by_o reason_n and_o suppress_v desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n follow_v that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a be_v become_v not_o only_o like_o the_o angel_n but_o like_a to_o god_n and_o increase_v more_o and_o more_o the_o true_a resemblance_n of_o he_o in_o himself_o 8._o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n i_o say_v you_o be_v go_n wherefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n betwixt_o one_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o one_o that_o livech_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n i_o do_v not_o say_v as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o a_o porter_n and_o a_o king_n for_o though_o this_o distance_n be_v great_a it_o be_v still_o within_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o a_o beast_n and_o a_o angel_n nothing_o be_v more_o contemptible_a than_o the_o one_o nothing_o under_o god_n more_o honourable_a than_o the_o other_o 8._o wherefore_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o true_a worth_n true_a honour_n true_a nobility_n consist_v in_o virtue_n only_o which_o whosoever_o do_v not_o understand_v have_v not_o eye_n to_o be_v hold_v the_o glory_n of_o virtue_n 1._o and_o that_o which_o s._n gregory_n say_v prove_v true_a in_o such_o a_o man_n that_o carnal_a people_n though_o for_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n want_v the_o light_n of_o live_a reason_n because_o they_o see_v only_o with_o the_o eye_n which_o the_o serpent_n open_v for_o say_v he_o if_o they_o see_v the_o spiritual_a glory_n of_o virtue_n doubtless_o they_o will_v covet_v to_o have_v it_o within_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o quality_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o religious_a poverty_n chap._n iii_o every_o virtue_n that_o a_o man_n do_v thorough_o practice_n do_v beget_v he_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o opinion_n of_o other_o man_n great_a admiration_n and_o people_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n force_v to_o love_v he_o and_o respect_v he_o for_o it_o and_o the_o rare_a and_o more_o excellent_a the_o virtue_n be_v and_o more_o hard_a to_o compass_v admiration_n they_o work_v this_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n more_o forcible_o because_o as_o their_o beauty_n and_o splendour_n be_v great_a so_o they_o draw_v people_n thought_n the_o more_o to_o admire_v they_o in_o which_o number_n doubtless_o the_o virtue_n proper_a to_o a_o religious_a state_n aught_o to_o be_v rank_v as_o true_o innoble_v those_o that_o possess_v they_o wherefore_o we_o will_v say_v something_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o of_o poverty_n which_o as_o saint_n ambrose_n tell_v we_o luc._n be_v the_o foremost_a in_o degree_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o other_o virtue_n 2._o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o poverty_n we_o have_v discourse_v sufficient_o in_o the_o precedent_a book_n here_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v as_o i_o say_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v come_v the_o easy_a to_o understand_v if_o we_o first_o suppose_v that_o we_o talk_v not_o here_o of_o poverty_n which_o be_v force_v upon_o a_o man_n by_o necessity_n or_o by_o some_o sudden_a or_o violent_a accident_n for_o such_o poverty_n be_v base_a and_o sordid_a and_o odious_a among_o man_n and_o not_o without_o reason_n because_o see_v it_o be_v not_o voluntary_a it_o deserve_v no_o commendation_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o inconvenience_n from_o abroad_o it_o have_v no_o inward_a comfort_n at_o home_n to_o solace_v it_o it_o quench_v not_o the_o desire_n of_o have_v but_o inflame_v it_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v quiet_a and_o contentment_n with_o it_o that_o it_o rather_o breed_v nothing_o but_o care_n and_o anxiety_n and_o anguish_n of_o mind_n 3._o euangelical_n povertie_n 3.9_o which_o be_v that_o which_o religious_a people_n profess_v be_v of_o a_o far_a other_o strain_n for_o it_o be_v voluntary_a willing_o undertake_v willing_o undergo_v and_o bear_v though_o it_o may_v have_v riches_n and_o whole_a mountain_n of_o gold_n it_o esteem_v all_o as_o dung_n with_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o hope_v of_o heavenly_a treasure_n and_o set_v all_o thing_n at_o naught_o be_v seat_v above_o all_o and_o after_o a_o strange_a manner_n possess_v all_o by_o tread_v all_o under_o foot_n they_o that_o profess_v it_o cast_v away_o not_o only_o that_o which_o be_v superfluous_a to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o state_n â—â—_o of_o which_o the_o wiseman_n speak_v give_v i_o neither_o riches_n nor_o poverty_n but_o grant_v i_o only_o thing_n needful_a for_o my_o sustenance_n but_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o necessary_n and_o put_v
they_o enjoy_v from_o vice_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o affection_n and_o in_o the_o constancy_n and_o permanencie_n of_o their_o will_n in_o good_a whereof_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a before_o and_o also_o by_o the_o sublime_a disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n soar_v above_o all_o thing_n create_v and_o domineer_a over_o they_o by_o contemn_v they_o final_o not_o to_o repeat_v every_o thing_n again_o by_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o chaste_a and_o continent_n life_n 6.20_o whereof_o the_o wiseman_n say_v incorruption_n make_v a_o man_n near_o to_o god_n and_o doubtless_o the_o near_o we_o come_v to_o the_o likeness_n with_o god_n the_o true_a and_o more_o perfect_a be_v our_o friendship_n with_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o friendship_n friendship_n more_o signal_n and_o more_o abundant_a in_o us._n for_o whereas_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o friendship_n be_v to_o make_v thing_n common_a among_o friend_n what_o be_v there_o that_o religion_n people_n do_v not_o give_v unto_o god_n or_o what_o have_v god_n which_o he_o do_v not_o impart_v to_o they_o again_o the_o religious_a give_v themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v god_n on_o the_o other_o side_n bestow_v upon_o they_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o glory_n that_o be_v himself_z as_o therefore_o in_o this_o state_n of_o life_n there_o be_v a_o real_a communication_n of_o all_o thing_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o and_o consequent_o true_a &_o perfect_a friendship_n so_o they_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o communication_n may_v understand_v thereby_o that_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v short_a of_o it_o so_o far_o they_o be_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o friendship_n with_o god_n 4._o moreover_o 5._o in_o this_o friendship_n there_o want_v not_o conversation_n without_o which_o as_o aristotle_n affirm_v no_o friendship_n can_v hold_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o external_a conversation_n god_n as_o depend_v of_o nearnes_n of_o body_n and_o sense_n which_o can_v not_o reach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n divine_a but_o the_o communication_n which_o we_o may_v have_v by_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n wherewith_o we_o traffic_v with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o perform_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o be_v this_o more_o perfect_o more_o frequent_o &_o more_o at_o ease_n perform_v then_o in_o religion_n 20._o which_o of_o purpose_n bar_v all_o other_o conversation_n whole_o to_o attend_v to_o this_o and_o god_n who_o say_v his_o delight_n be_v to_o be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n can_v but_o converse_v much_o more_o willing_o with_o they_o that_o so_o ardent_o desire_v his_o bless_a company_n &_o absolute_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o thing_n create_v 5._o what_o honour_n therefore_o what_o pleasure_n what_o commodity_n must_v necessary_o follow_v of_o this_o conversation_n for_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o converse_v with_o wise_a man_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v learn_v by_o their_o wisdom_n and_o with_o rich_a man_n that_o we_o may_v partake_v of_o their_o riches_n upon_o far_o more_o solid_a ground_n we_o may_v hope_v for_o all_o kind_n of_o good_a by_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a many_o heavenly_a illustration_n many_o sweet_a communication_n and_o present_a token_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o which_o can_v but_o bring_v wonderful_a contentment_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v we_o feel_v within_o ourselves_o that_o 8.16_o which_o in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o wisdom_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o quadr._n his_o conversation_n have_v no_o betternes_n and_o his_o commerce_n no_o irksomnes_n but_o joy_n and_o gladness_n wherefore_o s._n bernard_n haâ—_n great_a reason_n to_o make_v the_o comparison_n which_o he_o do_v betwixt_o the_o religious_a and_o secular_a people_n say_v that_o religious_a people_n be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n secular_a people_n and_o they_o that_o be_v good_a among_o they_o belong_v indeed_o to_o his_o army_n but_o further_o off_o and_o add_v happy_a be_v you_o that_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v of_o his_o household_a to_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v now_o you_o be_v not_o stranger_n and_o forrener_n but_o you_o be_v citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o domestics_n of_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v familiar_o with_o he_o and_o a_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o also_o of_o exceed_v great_a commodity_n god_n 6._o but_o yet_o this_o league_n which_o be_v betwixt_o a_o religious_a man_n and_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d my_o conceit_n of_o a_o high_a strain_n than_o friendship_n and_o deserve_v a_o more_o honourable_a name_n claim_v a_o kind_n of_o kindred_n and_o near_a propinquity_n with_o he_o which_o if_o i_o do_v fain_o of_o my_o own_o head_n it_o will_v savour_n of_o pride_n and_o presumption_n for_o i_o to_o say_v it_o but_o see_v our_o saviour_n have_v so_o express_o cast_v it_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v both_o foolish_a not_o to_o entertain_v it_o and_o wicked_a not_o to_o believe_v it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o answer_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o man_n that_o bring_v he_o word_n that_o his_o mother_n and_o his_o brethren_n be_v stand_v without_o 5â—_n he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v my_o brother_n and_o my_o sister_n and_o my_o mother_n to_o what_o state_n of_o life_n do_v this_o say_n more_o proper_o agree_v then_o to_o a_o religious_a course_n where_o people_n fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n not_o in_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n but_o in_o all_o &_o always_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o strict_o as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o obedience_n which_o they_o vow_v to_o keep_v perpetual_o all_o their_o life-time_n wherefore_o the_o promise_n also_o which_o s._n paul_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 6.17_o and_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o say_v our_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n to_o you_o &_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v our_o lord_n almighty_a religious_a people_n therefore_o have_v perform_v the_o first_o and_o depart_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldling_n it_o remain_v that_o god_n entertain_v they_o as_o his_o child_n and_o though_o it_o be_v honour_n enough_o to_o be_v servant_n to_o so_o infinite_a a_o majesty_n yet_o they_o may_v just_o claim_v this_o other_o title_n and_o expect_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o fatherlie_a care_n over_o they_o and_o cherish_v they_o with_o fatherlie_a love_n christ._n 7._o final_o that_o no_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n nor_o benefit_n also_o may_v be_v want_v in_o this_o one_o benefit_n of_o god_n he_o deal_v so_o liberal_o with_o these_o his_o child_n that_o as_o all_o divine_n deliver_v and_o particular_o s._n thomas_n he_o make_v they_o his_o spouse_n which_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o may_v say_v it_o be_v a_o near_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v a_o more_o sweet_a kind_n of_o tie_n 3._o then_o that_o of_o child_n and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v true_a the_o marriage_n of_o a_o religious_a soul_n with_o god_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o true_o a_o marriage_n as_o any_o can_v be_v between_o man_n and_o wife_n chastity_n s._n augustin_n attribute_v this_o effect_n to_o voluntary_a chastity_n they_o that_o vow_v virginity_n to_o god_n say_v he_o though_o they_o have_v a_o high_a place_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o without_o marriage_n for_o they_o pertain_v to_o the_o marriage_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n joan._n in_o which_o marriage_n the_o bridegroom_n be_v christ_n which_o doubtless_o agree_v particular_o to_o all_o religious_a people_n in_o regard_v of_o their_o continency_n for_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v overcome_v with_o liberality_n but_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v for_o his_o love_n he_o reward_n it_o even_o in_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n with_o great_a increase_n for_o as_o he_o return_v a_o hundred-fold_n in_o possession_n to_o they_o that_o leave_v their_o possession_n for_o his_o sake_n &_o to_o they_o that_o leave_v father_n and_o mother_n he_o give_v himself_o in_o lieu_n of_o they_o with_o a_o hundred_o time_n as_o much_o love_n and_o charity_n as_o father_n and_o mother_n can_v bear_v towards_o they_o so_o he_o repay_v in_o like_a kind_n they_o that_o forsake_v carnal_a marriage_n for_o his_o love_n and_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o more_o happy_a marriage_n with_o himself_o vow_n though_o beside_o chastity_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n in_o
though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o harm_n likely_a to_o befall_v we_o the_o very_a delay_v a_o business_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n be_v a_o great_a harm_n and_o hindrance_n unto_o we_o for_o it_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o so_o many_o good_a thing_n as_o be_v in_o religion_n a_o loss_n which_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v for_o so_o many_o day_n yea_o so_o many_o hour_n as_o this_o demur_v take_v up_o so_o much_o gain_n and_o profit_n do_v it_o take_v from_o we_o because_o in_o religion_n no_o day_n no_o hour_n pass_v without_o excessive_a gain_n three_o we_o run_v hazard_n of_o inconstancy_n and_o as_o we_o be_v all_o mutable_a frail_a infirm_a we_o put_v ourselves_o in_o danger_n of_o yield_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n either_o to_o the_o importunate_a solicitation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o flatter_a show_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o our_o own_o flesh_n that_o still_o repine_v and_o labour_v to_o slip_v the_o collar_n a_o ship_n out_o of_o the_o harbour_n be_v always_o in_o danger_n and_o aught_o to_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o speedy_o to_o put_v into_o the_o haven_n hateful_a 15._o how_o speedy_o do_v we_o desire_v that_o all_o other_o business_n shall_v be_v dispatch_v even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o consequence_n though_o they_o bring_v a_o heavy_a obligation_n upon_o we_o for_o term_v of_o life_n who_o do_v admit_v of_o so_o many_o delay_n if_o he_o pretend_v for_o a_o bishopric_n or_o other_o promotion_n or_o if_o he_o be_v to_o marry_v and_o yet_o who_o know_v not_o what_o a_o heavy_a burden_n the_o one_o be_v and_o how_o full_o the_o other_o be_v of_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o religion_n we_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o know_v that_o his_o nature_n be_v gentle_a affable_a love_a liberal_a in_o his_o guiâ—â—s_n patient_a in_o bear_v our_o imperfection_n when_o we_o many_o we_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o a_o woman_n a_o woman_n i_o say_v of_o as_o frail_a a_o nature_n at_o least_o as_o ourselves_o in_o sex_n inferior_a most_o common_o inclinable_a to_o many_o vice_n to_o anger_n pride_n headlongnes_a prattle_a and_o some_o yet_o great_a and_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o we_o light_v not_o upon_o such_o a_o one_o the_o yoke_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v long_o try_v before_o by_o as_o many_o as_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v religious_a what_o therefore_o shall_v we_o need_v to_o fear_v pass_v at_o such_o a_o foard_v where_o such_o a_o infinite_a company_n have_v pass_v before_o we_o with_o happy_a success_n dom._n 16._o and_o final_o we_o must_v remember_v how_o death_n continual_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n and_o the_o many_o chance_n that_o may_v bring_v we_o untimely_o unto_o it_o of_o which_o s._n augustin_n speak_v thus_o who_o have_v promise_v thou_o to_o morrow_n where_o thou_o read_v that_o if_o thou_o reform_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v have_v pardon_n read_v i_o if_o thou_o can_v how_o long_o thou_o shall_v live_v therefore_o thou_o know_v not_o how_o long_o it_o will_v be_v reform_v thyself_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a wherefore_o differre_v thou_o till_o to_o morrow_n 9_o and_o s._n bernard_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o certain_a novice_n of_o he_o commend_v they_o high_o because_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o put_v their_o purpose_n of_o religion_n in_o execution_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v not_o any_o more_o appear_v empty_a in_o you_o as_o in_o many_o son_n of_o distrust_n who_o delay_v from_o day_n to_o day_n to_o be_v convert_v unto_o our_o lord_n take_v away_o by_o unexpected_a death_n in_o a_o moment_n descend_v to_o hell_n 17._o these_o be_v the_o point_n unwillingnes_n which_o they_o that_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o god_n be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o boisterous_a wave_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o quiet_a haven_n of_o religion_n ought_v serious_o to_o consider_v for_o what_o be_v the_o drift_n of_o this_o pretence_n of_o take_v advice_n or_o make_v some_o trial_n of_o ourselves_o but_o a_o colour_n and_o shadow_n to_o cloak_n and_o hide_v the_o snare_n which_o the_o devil_n lay_v for_o we_o and_o the_o secret_a love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o be_v loath_a open_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v be_v long_o in_o leave_v that_o which_o we_o leave_v unwilling_o which_o be_v scarce_o credible_a how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a then_o at_o last_o never_o to_o forsake_v that_o which_o we_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o and_o they_o that_o do_v so_o willing_o accept_v of_o delay_n let_v they_o give_v ear_n to_o s._n bernard_n a_o man_n of_o no_o mean_a understanding_n and_o experience_n in_o these_o thing_n let_v they_o hearken_v to_o what_o he_o say_v to_o one_o romanus_n a_o subdeacon_n of_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n and_o make_v account_n that_o he_o speak_v to_o themselves_o why_o do_v thou_o delay_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o salvation_n 105._o which_o thou_o have_v so_o long_o ago_o conceive_v among_o man_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o death_n nothing_o more_o uncertain_a than_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n for_o it_o will_v come_v like_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n woe_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v great_a with_o child_n in_o that_o day_n if_o it_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o prevent_v this_o wholesome_a childbirth_n alas_o it_o will_v break_v through_o the_o house_n and_o extinguish_v the_o holy_a young_a imp_n for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o security_n then_o sudden_a ruin_n will_v come_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o child-bearing_a woman_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v o_o therefore_o make_v haste_n get_v away_o depart_z let_v thy_o soul_n die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o just_a that_o thy_o latter_a thing_n also_o may_v be_v like_a to_o they_o o_o how_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n 108._o fly_v i_o beseech_v thou_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n how_o can_v thou_o live_v where_o thou_o dare_v not_o die_v and_o again_o the_o same_o s._n bernard_n write_v to_o another_o that_o have_v ask_v a_o year_n be_v respite_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o his_o study_n speak_v thus_o unto_o he_o i_o beseech_v thou_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o hart_n and_o reflect_v that_o the_o term_n of_o thy_o year_n which_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o god_n thou_o have_v take_v respite_n in_o be_v not_o a_o year_n please_v to_o god_n nor_o to_o please_v he_o in_o but_o a_o sour_a of_o discord_n a_o feeder_n of_o anger_n and_o a_o nourisher_n of_o apostasy_n a_o year_n to_o extinguish_v spirit_n to_o shut_v out_o grace_n to_o bring_v thou_o into_o that_o lukewarmness_a which_o be_v wont_a to_o provoke_v god_n to_o vomit_v of_o a_o temptation_n rise_v from_o our_o parent_n and_o kindred_n chap._n xxxiv_o behold_v a_o other_o engine_n which_o the_o devil_n make_v use_v of_o against_o a_o religious_a vocation_n ground_v in_o the_o tender_a affection_n which_o every_o one_o bear_v natural_o towards_o his_o kindred_n which_o s._n hierome_n fit_o term_v the_o ram_n 1._o or_o a_o warlike_a instrument_n to_o batter_v down_o piety_n and_o devotion_n for_o it_o have_v two_o part_n as_o it_o be_v two_o horn_n wherewith_o it_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v and_o beat_v down_o this_o rampire_n of_o salvation_n the_o one_o be_v the_o natural_a love_n which_o they_o of_o who_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o they_o that_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n do_v claim_n as_o it_o be_v by_o right_a the_o other_o comprehend_v all_o the_o way_n which_o kindred_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v to_o turn_v a_o man_n resolution_n from_o so_o holy_a a_o purpose_n by_o pray_v by_o entreat_v by_o tear_n by_o argument_n by_o lay_v load_n upon_o reason_n concern_v their_o house_n and_o family_n and_o twenty_o such_o other_o device_n 2._o against_o this_o subtle_a and_o withal_o vehement_a and_o strong_a temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n for_o both_o concur_v in_o this_o temptation_n which_o be_v seldom_o see_v in_o other_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o be_v arm_v and_o first_o to_o be_v thorough_o possess_v and_o to_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o infallible_a maxim_n that_o when_o once_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o call_v we_o to_o religion_n what_o way_n soever_o we_o come_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o whatsoever_o afterward_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o to_o divert_v we_o or_o draw_v we_o from_o that_o vocation_n can_v come_v but_o from_o the_o devil_n wherefore_o whatsoever_o our_o parent_n friend_n or_o kinsfolk_n or_o any_o body_n else_o for_o it_o be_v alone_o who_o they_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n we_o must_v give_v they_o the_o hear_n
of_o reason_n and_o faith_n it_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o more_o like_a to_o last_v and_o as_o they_o also_o observe_v more_o noble_a because_o reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v that_o wherein_o man_n differ_v from_o a_o beast_n and_o excel_v all_o corporal_a creature_n whereas_o the_o slowness_n and_o backwardness_n of_o our_o will_n may_v be_v holpen_v diverse_a way_n and_o many_o motive_n and_o incitement_n there_o be_v to_o quicken_v it_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o they_o and_o cast_v they_o serious_o in_o our_o mind_n motion_n 7._o by_o which_o also_o we_o may_v see_v that_o they_o be_v likewise_o in_o a_o error_n that_o think_v they_o be_v never_o call_v of_o god_n unless_o they_o feel_v such_o extraordinary_a motion_n towards_o religion_n in_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o burn_v with_o desire_n of_o it_o and_o find_v themselves_o carry_v towards_o it_o without_o any_o trouble_n or_o difficulty_n for_o the_o luâ—â—pish_a and_o earthly_a condition_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o mounâ—_n so_o high_a without_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o destroy_v nature_n but_o to_o help_v it_o nor_o to_o kill_v our_o enemy_n outright_o that_o we_o may_v have_v no_o body_n to_o fight_v withal_o but_o to_o give_v we_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o overcome_v by_o fight_v because_o this_o be_v a_o more_o beneficial_a for_o we_o many_o way_n and_o more_o wholesome_a choice_n 8._o agree_v therefore_o that_o we_o must_v use_v the_o discourse_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o thereby_o to_o find_v out_o his_o will_n the_o way_n and_o mean_n which_o directour_n of_o spirit_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v take_v in_o it_o be_v this_o first_o as_o i_o say_v we_o must_v lay_v before_o we_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v which_o be_v but_o one_o to_o wit_n by_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n to_o come_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n second_o we_o must_v present_v to_o our_o consideration_n all_o the_o course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v sit_v to_o be_v advise_v upon_o and_o examine_v and_o search_v diligent_o into_o every_o one_o of_o they_o what_o help_n what_o inconvenience_n be_v in_o it_o compare_v with_o the_o final_a end_n we_o aim_v at_o and_o resolve_v upon_o that_o which_o both_o in_o itself_o and_o for_o we_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a as_o they_o that_o be_v to_o take_v a_o journey_n choose_v the_o easy_a the_o short_a and_o the_o most_o commodious_a way_n three_o we_o must_v bear_v in_o mind_n that_o most_o certain_o the_o day_n will_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v die_v and_o give_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n of_o all_o our_o negotiation_n and_o consequent_o in_o reason_n we_o must_v now_o do_v that_o which_o then_o we_o will_v with_o we_o have_v do_v and_o choose_v that_o which_o then_o we_o will_v give_v any_o thing_n we_o have_v choose_v for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o in_o a_o business_n of_o such_o weight_n to_o carry_v ourselves_o so_o as_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v repent_v it_o at_o last_o in_o vain_a necessary_a 9_o a_o three_o thing_n which_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o 〈…〉_z to_o what_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o must_v understand_v be_v that_o they_o mâ—st_v not_o tâ—iâ—k_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o distraction_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n of_o the_o world_n but_o let_v they_o withdraw_v themselves_o a_o little_a out_o of_o that_o noise_n confession_n that_o they_o may_v have_v thâ—â—â—ares_v free_a and_o hear_v what_o their_o lord_n their_o god_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o first_o of_o all_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a let_v they_o purge_v their_o soul_n by_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o great_a help_n for_o the_o light_n of_o god_n to_o come_v more_o free_o into_o they_o all_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n be_v disperse_v then_o let_v they_o give_v themselves_o somewhat_o more_o then_o ordinary_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n to_o raise_v their_o heart_n from_o earthly_a prayer_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o final_o present_v themselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o a_o scholar_n before_o his_o master_n pliable_a attentive_a desirous_a of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n for_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o we_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n 107._o when_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v otherwise_o busy_v and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o care_n and_o delight_n and_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n buzz_v continual_o in_o our_o care_n to_o which_o effect_n s._n bernard_n write_v to_o oâ—e_v thomas_n that_o be_v in_o the_o like_a consultation_n about_o leave_v the_o world_n o_o dear_o belove_v if_o thou_o prepare_v thy_o inward_a ear_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honiecombe_n fly_v the_o care_n which_o be_v without_o that_o have_v thy_o inward_a sense_n free_a and_o vacant_a thou_o also_o may_v say_v with_o samuel_n speak_v o_o lord_n because_o thy_o servant_n hear_v this_o voice_n do_v not_o sound_a in_o the_o market_n place_n it_o be_v not_o hear_v abroad_o a_o private_a counsel_n require_v private_a audience_n it_o will_v certain_o give_v joy_n to_o thy_o hear_n and_o gladness_n if_o thou_o harken_v unto_o it_o with_o a_o indicious_a ear_n 10._o and_o yet_o we_o must_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o us._n to_o wit_n that_o whosoever_o desire_v this_o light_n must_v not_o only_o as_o s._n bernard_n advise_v come_v near_o to_o god_n but_o come_v with_o a_o mind_n resolve_v absolute_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v say_v unto_o hâ—m_n for_o there_o be_v those_o that_o do_v not_o deal_v upright_o and_o sincere_o with_o god_n but_o desire_v of_o curiosity_n to_o know_v his_o will_n not_o to_o perform_v it_o but_o to_o know_v it_o and_o to_o be_v think_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o have_v do_v their_o duty_n but_o they_o be_v so_o far_o wide_a from_o be_v discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n by_o it_o as_o they_o incur_v a_o great_a fault_n as_o a_o servant_n â—hat_n know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o and_o moreover_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v a_o mean_n that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v they_o that_o light_n which_o he_o will_v because_o he_o see_v that_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o give_v it_o they_o 110.10_o and_o to_o their_o prejudice_n which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o psalm_n good_a understanding_n to_o they_o that_o do_v it_o because_o god_n give_v a_o good_a understanding_n to_o they_o that_o do_v or_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o understand_v as_o s._n gregory_n eâ—ag_n note_v in_o these_o word_n he_o that_o will_v understand_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v let_v he_o hasten_v to_o fulfil_v by_o work_n that_o which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o hear_v 10._o a_o four_o thing_n ult._n which_o we_o must_v bear_v in_o mind_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a settle_n and_o comfort_n unto_o we_o in_o this_o consultation_n be_v that_o every_o instinct_n which_o move_v a_o man_n to_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n can_v be_v but_o of_o the_o holie-ghost_n this_o be_v a_o position_n of_o s._n thomas_n both_o in_o the_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o they_o that_o withdraw_v people_n from_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o sum_n of_o divinity_n where_o he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o religion_n can_v doubt_n 142.10_o but_o that_o he_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o god_n who_o it_o be_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o lead_v into_o the_o right_a way_n suppose_v he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o have_v no_o sinister_a end_n in_o it_o 1â—_n but_o come_v out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n wherefore_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v unto_o we_o try_v the_o spirit_n if_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o spirit_n that_o be_v doubtful_a &_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o admit_v other_o into_o religion_n for_o they_o not_o know_v with_o what_o mind_n and_o intention_n people_n offer_v themselves_o do_v well_o to_o try_v their_o spirit_n and_o he_o say_v further_a that_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o satan_n transfigure_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o lâ—got_n shall_v move_v we_o to_o religion_n spirit_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a first_o because_o as_o long_o as_o he_o suggest_v that_o which_o be_v common_a for_o good_a angel_n to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n for_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o benefit_n ourselves_o by_o our_o enemy_n special_o when_o we_o know_v not_o that_o it_o