which_o most_o probable_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n hereto_o therefore_o may_v be_v apply_v that_o say_n of_o s._n bernard_n modus_fw-la diligendi_fw-la deum_fw-la est_fw-la diligere_fw-la sine_fw-la modo_fw-la that_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o manner_n of_o love_v of_o god_n be_v to_o love_v he_o unmeasurable_o and_o free_o without_o a_o prescribe_a manner_n 9_o in_o the_o next_o place_n have_v show_v what_o encumbrance_n a_o soul_n be_v to_o avoid_v in_o her_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n i_o will_v proceed_v to_o declare_v positive_o and_o direct_o how_o i_o will_v advise_v she_o to_o behave_v herself_o therein_o 10._o let_v a_o soul_n that_o begin_v mental_a prayer_n with_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n make_v choice_n of_o some_o good_a book_n of_o that_o subject_n as_o fuluius_n androtius_n granatensis_n or_o the_o abridgement_n of_o puentes_n meditation_n which_o i_o will_v especial_o recommend_v 11._o let_v she_o begin_v with_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o purgative_n way_n as_o concern_v sin_n death_n the_o final_a judgement_n hell_n or_o the_o like_a and_o let_v she_o abide_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o way_n till_o she_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o aversion_n from_o sin_n &_o that_o much_o of_o the_o fear_n and_o remorse_n that_o be_v former_o in_o she_o be_v depose_v so_o that_o she_o be_v come_v to_o have_v some_o good_a measure_n of_o confidence_n in_o god_n when_o she_o find_v these_o effect_n in_o she_o let_v she_o without_o regard_v whether_o she_o have_v run_v over_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o matter_n in_o her_o book_n belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n pass_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n which_o respect_v the_o illuminative_a way_n as_o they_o call_v it_o that_o be_v to_o such_o who_o matter_n or_o argument_n be_v some_o mystery_n of_o faith_n touch_v our_o lord_n life_n passion_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o beget_v and_o increase_v humility_n patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n in_o she_o 12._o be_v enter_v into_o the_o illuminative_a way_n let_v she_o in_o like_a manner_n abide_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o till_o she_o find_v herself_o apt_a for_o resignation_n love_n and_o other_o affection_n of_o the_o vnitive_a way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o let_v she_o thereupon_o apply_v herself_o 13._o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v due_o &_o in_o right_a order_n come_v into_o the_o illuminative_a &_o vnitive_a way_n as_o those_o way_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o master_n of_o meditation_n &_o after_o some_o time_n spend_v in_o the_o exercise_n proper_a to_o those_o way_n may_v afterward_o find_v herself_o call_v back_o to_o the_o purgative_n as_o after_o the_o commit_n of_o some_o fault_n extraordinary_a or_o during_o some_o unusual_a tentation_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n she_o be_v to_o yield_v thereto_o &_o abide_v in_o those_o inferior_a exercise_n as_o long_o as_o she_o find_v they_o proper_a &_o profitable_a for_o she_o which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v very_o long_o 14._o in_o like_a manner_n while_o she_o be_v in_o the_o purgative_n way_n if_o act_n of_o resignation_n love_n etc._n etc._n and_o much_o more_o if_o aspiration_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o she_o as_o some_o time_n they_o may_v let_v she_o by_o all_o mean_n correspond_v unto_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v relish_v to_o she_o neglect_v &_o forbear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o consider_v motive_n or_o to_o produce_v inferior_a act_n of_o contrition_n fear_v etc._n etc._n belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n 15._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n &_o necessity_n of_o these_o advice_n be_v this_o because_o the_o matter_n &_o manner_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v prescribe_v &_o order_v according_a to_o the_o temper_n &_o disposition_n of_o soul_n &_o not_o the_o method_n of_o book_n and_o therefore_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o prayer_n as_o god_n call_v they_o to_o &_o be_v likely_a to_o subdue_v inordinate_a affection_n in_o they_o therefore_o scrupulous_a &_o fearful_a soul_n even_o in_o the_o beginning_n eat_v to_o be_v forbid_v the_o exercise_n of_o terror_n etc._n etc._n which_o belong_v to_o the_o purgative_n way_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o such_o exercise_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v love_n confidence_n in_o god_n etc._n etc._n 16._o for_o some_o short_a space_n before_o a_o soul_n begin_v her_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n let_v she_o look_v upon_o the_o book_n and_o therein_o peruse_v the_o point_n that_o she_o intend_v to_o meditate_v on_o or_o rather_o indeed_o those_o point_n be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o provide_v before_o hand_n that_o be_v overnight_n for_o the_o morning-meditation_n and_o after_o dinner_n for_o the_o evening_n so_o do_v she_o will_v be_v less_o to_o seek_v about_o they_o &_o better_o employ_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o her_o exercise_n 17._o let_v she_o not_o trust_v her_o memory_n for_o the_o point_n that_o she_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o but_o have_v the_o book_n ready_a that_o she_o may_v look_v on_o it_o as_o she_o shall_v have_v need_n and_o let_v she_o take_v one_o point_n after_o another_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o book_n or_o as_o she_o shall_v have_v determine_v before_o when_o she_o prepare_v for_o the_o succeed_a recollection_n 18._o in_o her_o meditate_v on_o each_o point_n let_v she_o behave_v herself_o after_o this_o manner_n 1._o with_o her_o memory_n and_o understanding_n let_v she_o think_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o that_o point_n 2._o out_o of_o which_o let_v she_o draw_v a_o reason_n or_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o will_n may_v be_v incline_v some_o way_n or_o other_o towards_o god_n 3._o and_o thereupon_o let_v she_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_v as_o of_o humiliation_n adoration_n resignation_n contrition_n etc._n etc._n abide_v in_o such_o application_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o long_o as_o the_o will_n have_v life_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o or_o as_o long_o as_o she_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o 4._o the_o which_o fail_v and_o grow_v to_o be_v disgustful_a let_v she_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o point_n therein_o behave_v herself_o likewise_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n so_o proceed_v in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o follow_a till_o she_o have_v spend_v a_o competent_a time_n in_o her_o recollection_n 19_o now_o i_o conceive_v a_o competent_a time_n for_o one_o recollection_n spend_v in_o meditation_n to_o be_v a_o hour_n or_o very_o little_a less_o whereas_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v a_o lesser_a space_n will_v suffice_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v 1._o because_o in_o this_o latter_a exercise_n more_o act_n of_o the_o will_v wherein_o all_o good_a do_v consist_v be_v produce_v then_o in_o meditation_n 2._o and_o beside_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n be_v more_o dry_a and_o wearisome_a except_o in_o some_o few_o that_o abound_v in_o sensible_a affection_n then_o be_v meditation_n to_o soul_n fit_a for_o it_o 20._o during_o meditation_n let_v the_o soul_n neglect_v the_o too_o common_a practice_n in_o which_o meditation_n be_v make_v rather_o a_o study_n and_o speculation_n than_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n spend_v no_o more_o time_n in_o invent_v motive_n and_o in_o internal_a discourse_n then_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o move_v the_o will_n to_o good_a affection_n but_o as_o for_o such_o affection_n let_v she_o abide_v in_o they_o as_o long_o as_o she_o can_v for_o therein_o consist_v all_o the_o profit_n and_o if_o upon_o one_o consideration_n or_o motive_n she_o can_v produce_v many_o act_n of_o the_o will_n let_v she_o not_o fail_v to_o do_v so_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o each_o act_n as_o long_o as_o she_o find_v that_o she_o be_v enable_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o understanding_n shall_v lie_v quiet_a as_o it_o be_v a_o sleep_n and_o without_o exercise_n 21._o indeed_o in_o soul_n which_o have_v a_o effectual_a call_n to_o a_o internal_a life_n their_o meditation_n will_v have_v little_a study_n or_o speculation_n in_o they_o for_o after_o a_o short_a and_o quick_a reflection_n on_o the_o matter_n mystery_n or_o motive_n they_o will_v forthwith_o produce_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o their_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o reason_v or_o infer_v as_o a_o simple_a call_n to_o mind_n or_o think_v on_o a_o subject_n out_o of_o which_o the_o will_n may_v produce_v some_o act_n or_o other_o answerable_a to_o the_o point_v reflect_v on_o by_o the_o understanding_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o meditate_v be_v proper_a for_o many_o ignorant_a person_n especial_o woman_n which_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o internal_a discourse_v 22._o a_o soul_n that_o practice_n meditation_n will_v find_v
these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n she_o will_v be_v apprehensive_a and_o unwilling_a to_o adventure_v upon_o the_o new_a one_o 23._o four_o during_o these_o uncertainty_n and_o irresolution_n her_o disgust_n in_o her_o present_a exercise_n rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v and_o god_n still_o interious_o though_o not_o gross_o and_o sensible_o incline_v she_o to_o the_o new_a propose_a way_n she_o at_o length_n as_o it_o be_v force_v thereto_o adventure_n upon_o it_o yet_o with_o some_o fear_n at_o the_o first_o whether_o this_o change_n will_v prove_v for_o her_o good_a or_o no._n 24._o five_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o be_v well_o enter_v into_o this_o new_a exercise_n present_o she_o will_v find_v it_o gustfull_a &_o delightful_a unto_o she_o and_o withal_o much_o more_o profitable_a than_o be_v the_o other_o former_o practise_v whereupon_o she_o will_v thenceforward_o with_o courage_n and_o joy_n persevere_v in_o it_o 25._o by_o such_o step_n and_o degree_n do_v a_o soul_n that_o be_v pure_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n pass_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o another_o former_o unknowen_a unto_o she_o till_o at_o last_o she_o come_v to_o contemplation_n and_o she_o will_v clear_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o herself_o but_o god_n only_o that_o do_v as_o it_o be_v lead_v she_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o draw_v she_o forward_o into_o the_o new_a exercise_n teach_v she_o likewise_o how_o to_o hehave_v herself_o in_o the_o beginning_n whereas_o in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o it_o she_o afterward_o proceed_v as_o it_o be_v by_o she_o own_o habitual_a skill_n though_o real_o god_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n her_o secret_a master_n and_o helper_n and_o he_o deal_v with_o a_o humble_a soul_n as_o a_o write_a master_n with_o his_o scholar_n who_o at_o first_o move_v and_o direct_v his_o hand_n to_o form_n &_o join_v letter_n but_o afterward_o direct_v he_o only_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o tongue_n or_o as_o a_o father_n that_o carry_v his_o child_n over_o a_o ditch_n or_o style_n but_o let_v we_o he_o go_v alone_o in_o the_o even_o plain_a way_n 26._o and_o as_o for_o a_o soul_n that_o by_o read_v or_o teach_v be_v inform_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n her_o proceed_n and_o transition_n be_v much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n except_v only_o that_o the_o next_o degree_n to_o which_o she_o be_v to_o ascend_v do_v not_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o she_o but_o the_o sign_n by_o which_o a_o necessity_n of_o change_n do_v appear_v be_v as_o formerly_z a_o constant_a disgust_n in_o her_o present_a exercise_n of_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o kind_n of_o disability_n to_o continue_v it_o with_o any_o profit_n to_o her_o spirit_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o her_o recollection_n the_o meditate_v or_o discourse_v part_n diminish_v daily_a and_o the_o affective_a part_n increase_v the_o will_n by_o little_a and_o little_o get_v ground_n of_o the_o understanding_n till_o at_o last_o the_o prayer_n become_v entire_o of_o the_o will_n and_o thus_o she_o pass_v almost_o unaware_n into_o the_o next_o degree_n her_o prayer_n become_v by_o little_a and_o little_o more_o and_o more_o purify_v into_o the_o which_o degree_n when_o she_o be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o order_n enter_v then_o indeed_o she_o be_v not_o for_o any_o aridity_n or_o obscurity_n to_o quit_v it_o and_o to_o return_v to_o meditation_n but_o to_o use_v a_o discreet_a violence_n upon_o the_o will_n to_o make_v it_o to_o produce_v good_a affection_n and_o act_n although_o nature_n take_v little_a comfort_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o exercise_n for_o by_o so_o do_v she_o will_v much_o benefit_v herself_o both_o by_o mortify_a nature_n and_o fix_v divine_a love_n more_o profound_o in_o the_o spiritual_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n 27._o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o and_o wonderful_a change_n interiour_n as_o well_o as_o exterior_a and_o all_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o method_n or_o rule_n therefore_o follow_a he_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o resignation_n let_v we_o wonder_n at_o nothing_o let_v we_o neither_o oblige_v self_n too_o rigorous_o to_o any_o exercise_n nor_o refuse_v any_o to_o which_o he_o shall_v invite_v we_o seem_v it_o never_o so_o strange_a or_o to_o natural_a reason_n even_o senseless_a for_o in_o his_o guidance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n of_o error_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v all_o security_n and_o this_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o a_o wellminded_n resolute_a soul_n the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a force_a act_n of_o the_o will_n be_v the_o second_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o of_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n to_o wit_n force_v immediate_a act_n or_o affection_n &_o aspiration_n §_o 4._o 5._o &c_n &c_n difference_n between_o act_n of_o the_o will_n &_o affection_n §_o 8._o 9_o how_o the_o prayer_n of_o sensible_a affection_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v §_o 10._o of_o sublime_a pure_a affection_n of_o the_o spirit_n §_o 11._o 12._o &c_n &c_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n compare_v with_o meditation_n §_o 17._o 18._o condition_n of_o acts._n §_o 19_o mere_a cessation_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v avoid_v §_o 20._o a_o account_v not_o to_o be_v require_v touch_v the_o behaviour_n of_o soul_n in_o affective_a prayer_n §_o 21._o act_n proceed_v from_o a_o good_a natural_a propension_n be_v most_o efficacious_a 1._o a_o soul_n that_o by_o a_o divine_a call_n as_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o maturity_n for_o it_o relinquish_v meditation_n to_o the_o end_n to_o betake_v herself_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a exercise_n which_o be_v that_o of_o immediate_a act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n then_o only_o begin_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o way_n of_o contemplation_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n be_v the_o sublimest_n that_o any_o soul_n can_v practice_v and_o all_o the_o difference_n that_o hereafter_o follow_v be_v only_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a promptitude_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n wherewith_o a_o soul_n produce_v such_o acts._n 2._o so_o that_o the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_v which_o be_v contemplative_a prayer_n may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o distinct_a exercise_n to_o wit_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o force_a act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n produce_v either_o immediate_o according_a to_o the_o person_n present_a disposition_n without_o a_o distinct_a or_o express_a motive_n represent_v by_o the_o understanding_n or_o else_o suitable_a to_o such_o â—_o motive_n yet_o without_o any_o formal_a discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n these_o be_v call_v force_v act_n because_o after_o â—hat_n a_o soul_n be_v become_v indispose_v to_o prosecute_v the_o exâ—rcise_n of_o meditation_n it_o will_v be_v long_o before_o that_o good_a affection_n do_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o flow_v from_o she_o so_o that_o she_o will_v need_v to_o use_v some_o force_n upon_o herself_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o say_a act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v imperfect_a contemplation_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n the_o which_o though_o they_o be_v in_o substance_n little_o differ_v from_o the_o former_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o facility_n wherewith_o they_o be_v produce_v without_o force_n foresight_n or_o election_n pure_o flow_a from_o a_o internal_a impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n we_o therefore_o give_v they_o another_o name_n &_o call_v they_o not_o act_n but_o aspiration_n the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o which_o be_v proper_a &_o perfect_a contemplation_n 3._o of_o these_o two_o exercise_n i_o shall_v consequent_o treat_v beginning_n with_o the_o more_o imperfect_a which_o be_v that_o of_o force_a immediate_a act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n 4._o in_o the_o which_o exercise_n i_o make_v some_o difference_n between_o act_n &_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n the_o former_a oâ—_n which_o be_v make_v in_o and_o by_o the_o superior_a will_n only_o without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o sensitive_a nature_n such_o be_v act_n of_o humiliation_n resignation_n &c_n &c_n the_o produce_v of_o which_o do_v not_o cause_v any_o gust_n in_o inferiors_n nature_n whereas_o affection_n of_o love_n joy_n hope_v desire_v &c_n &c_n be_v exercise_v by_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v mucâ—_n immerse_v in_o sense_n and_o they_o begin_v at_o the_o first_o almoâ—â—_n whole_o in_o inferior_a nature_n but_o yet_o by_o practice_n theâ—_n become_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a be_v raise_v to_o the_o toâ—_n
of_o sensitive_a nature_n where_o it_o be_v join_v or_o combine_a witâ—_n the_o superior_a spiritual_a will_n 5._o now_o whether_o of_o these_o two_o that_o be_v act_n or_o affection_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v respective_o by_o soul_n that_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o observation_n and_o experience_n that_o each_o soul_n have_v of_o she_o own_o natural_a disposition_n &_o inclination_n general_o soul_n be_v more_o dispose_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n the_o which_o likewise_o be_v both_o more_o profitable_a &_o more_o secure_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v most_o insist_v upon_o they_o 6._o and_o as_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a affection_n it_o belong_v only_o to_o such_o soul_n as_o in_o their_o natural_a temper_n be_v more_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a who_o love_n express_v itself_o with_o great_a liquefaction_n in_o sensible_a nature_n so_o that_o they_o be_v easy_o move_v to_o tear_n and_o do_v feel_v warmth_n &_o quick_a motion_n about_o the_o heart_n &c_n &c_n which_o effect_n or_o symptom_n do_v not_o argue_v love_n to_o be_v great_a for_o it_o may_v be_v as_o cordial_a &_o more_o firm_a generous_a &_o active_a in_o other_o who_o seldom_o or_o never_o feel_v such_o effect_n 7._o such_o tender_a soul_n as_o these_o have_v withal_o a_o natural_a good_a propension_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o their_o interiour_n can_v easy_o exercise_v their_o affection_n to_o god_n in_o and_o by_o their_o corporal_a nature_n without_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o seek_v reason_n &_o motive_n for_o it_o yea_o in_o a_o short_a time_n they_o come_v to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o disgust_n in_o invent_v or_o consider_v motive_n represent_v by_o the_o understanding_n 8._o as_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o such_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o their_o recollection_n the_o special_a instruction_n follow_a concern_v the_o exercise_v of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n will_v serve_v so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o repeat_v they_o twice_o 9_o the_o principal_a care_n that_o such_o soul_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v this_o their_o love_n out_o of_o sensitive_a nature_n to_o the_o superior_a spiritual_a will_n by_o who_o operation_n alone_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o perfect_v therefore_o according_a to_o the_o advice_n former_o give_v touch_v sensible_a devotion_n they_o be_v to_o mortify_v and_o restrain_v rather_o than_o to_o give_v scope_n to_o tear_n and_o other_o tenderness_n of_o nature_n in_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n and_o some_o other_o particular_n which_o do_v concern_v affection_n as_o distinct_a from_o act_n of_o the_o will_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v occasional_o take_v notice_n of_o 10._o now_o beside_o these_o sensible_a act_n of_o love_n there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v pure_o in_o spirit_n &_o which_o among_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o will_v be_v the_o most_o sublime_a that_o can_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o life_n for_o they_o can_v be_v use_v by_o a_o soul_n so_o as_o to_o be_v her_o constant_a usual_a exercise_n till_o she_o be_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a degree_n of_o mortification_n which_o ordinary_o be_v not_o before_o a_o passive_a union_n after_o which_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o manner_n so_o spiritual_a &_o divine_a that_o the_o unexperienced_a can_v conceive_v nor_o the_o experience_a express_v these_o be_v certain_a painful_a yet_o delightful_a long_n afâ—er_v god_n certain_a languish_a elevation_n of_o spirit_n towards_o a_o unknown_a dark_a divine_a object_n the_o desire_n &_o absence_n of_o which_o cause_v a_o tedious_a disgust_n of_o all_o sensible_a contentment_n yea_o even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n also_o but_o of_o such_o operation_n as_o these_o it_o will_v be_v seasonable_a to_o speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o perfect_a contemplation_n 11._o as_o touch_v the_o most_o profitable_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o gross_a be_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o soul_n aim_n be_v to_o recollect_v herself_o by_o that_o general_a notion_n that_o faith_n give_v she_o of_o god_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v this_o present_o she_o do_v in_o her_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o imagination_n represent_v unto_o herself_o some_o divine_a object_n as_o some_o one_o or_o more_o perfection_n of_o god_n or_o some_o mystery_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o incarnation_n tranfiguration_n passion_n agony_n or_o dereliction_n of_o our_o lord_n &c_n &c_n and_o thereupon_o without_o such_o discourse_n as_o be_v use_v in_o meditation_n she_o do_v immediate_o without_o more_o ado_n produce_v act_n or_o affection_n one_o after_o a_o other_o towards_o god_n or_o upon_o herself_o with_o reference_n to_o god_n adore_v give_v thanks_o humble_v herself_o in_o his_o presence_n resigning_n herself_o to_o his_o will_n etc._n etc._n 12._o this_o exercise_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o learn_v and_o comprehend_v then_o meditation_n because_o so_o many_o rule_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o in_o it_o such_o study_n or_o exercise_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o imagination_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a plain_n downright_a and_o simple_a exercise_n consist_v mere_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o will_n but_o notwithstanding_o such_o plain_a simplicity_n it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o noble_a exercise_n then_o that_o of_o meditation_n as_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o result_n of_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o the_o understanding_n operate_v with_o reference_n to_o god_n can_v produce_v no_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o soul_n further_o than_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o and_o influence_n on_o the_o will_n by_o dispose_v it_o to_o submit_v and_o resign_v itself_o to_o god_n or_o to_o tend_v towards_o he_o by_o act_n of_o love_n adoration_n etc._n etc._n 13._o now_o this_o exercise_n although_o likewise_o it_o be_v not_o so_o busy_a and_o laborious_a as_o meditation_n yet_o it_o may_v &_o will_v often_o time_n seem_v to_o some_o soul_n even_o after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o reasonable_a progress_n in_o it_o to_o be_v more_o harsh_a &_o difficult_a but_o the_o good_a will_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o soul_n persist_v in_o it_o will_v by_o god_n grace_n overcome_v all_o difficulty_n 14._o a_o advice_n therefore_o it_o be_v again_o and_o again_o to_o be_v repeat_v and_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o devout_a well-minded_a soul_n that_o shall_v be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o these_o internal_a way_n of_o prayer_n be_v courageous_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o they_o after_o the_o best_a manner_n she_o can_v amid_o all_o desolation_n obscurity_n and_o distraction_n practise_v these_o exercise_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v in_o the_o superior_a will_n not_o care_v whether_o sensitive_a nature_n concur_v therein_o or_o no._n 15._o in_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v the_o think_n on_o the_o object_n and_o thereupon_o internal_o produce_v the_o act_n or_o affection_n itself_o &_o quiet_o continue_v and_o rest_v in_o it_o till_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v spend_v there_o be_v likewise_o always_o some_o use_n of_o image_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n these_o image_n be_v more_o gross_a but_o afterward_o by_o practice_n they_o grow_v more_o pure_a and_o all_o manner_n of_o discourse_n cease_v yea_o the_o soul_n will_v begin_v to_o reject_v all_o distinct_a image_n and_o apprehend_v god_n without_o any_o particular_a representation_n only_o by_o that_o obscure_a notion_n which_o faith_n inform_v we_o of_o his_o totality_n and_o incomprehensibility_n and_o this_o only_o be_v truth_n whearas_fw-mi all_o distinct_a image_n be_v but_o imperfect_a shadow_n of_o truth_n 16._o now_o how_o great_a be_v the_o security_n of_o a_o soul_n thus_o operate_a pure_o by_o the_o will_n how_o free_a be_v she_o from_o those_o error_n and_o danger_n into_o which_o she_o may_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o curious_a search_a subtlety_n of_o the_o understanding_n here_o god_n himself_o be_v only_o her_o light_n and_o not_o any_o imagination_n of_o her_o own_o though_o image_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o perforce_o into_o the_o fancy_n or_o be_v inject_v by_o the_o devil_n yet_o the_o soul_n will_v not_o with_o the_o will_v apply_v herself_o to_o such_o image_n but_o either_o divert_v her_o mind_n from_o they_o or_o transcend_v and_o renounce_v they_o and_o without_o image_n stir_v up_o sensuality_n and_o the_o rational_a will_n the_o devil_n can_v produce_v the_o least_o harm_n or_o danger_n to_o the_o soul_n nor_o hinder_v her_o union_n with_o god_n 17._o the_o more_o plain_a and_o simple_a that_o act_n of_o the_o will_v be_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n the_o more_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a be_v they_o to_o cause_v a_o good_a
to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n may_v &_o indeed_o ought_v at_o the_o first_o to_o take_v for_o the_o subject_n of_o her_o recollection_n those_o act_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o vnitive_a way_n to_o wit_n act_n of_o divine_a love_n resignation_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o with_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v find_v utter_o unfit_a for_o meditation_n and_o consequent_o must_v necessary_o begin_v a_o spiritual_a course_n with_o the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_n acts._n for_o for_o such_o a_o soul_n ordinary_o speak_v it_o will_v be_v expedient_a that_o at_o the_o beginning_n she_o take_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o her_o act_n such_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o purgative_n way_n as_o act_n of_o contrition_n fear_v of_o judgement_n hell_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o advice_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o blosius_n in_o the_o x._o &_o xi_o chapter_n of_o his_o institution_n 4._o now_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n &_o affection_n i_o will_v advise_v a_o soul_n that_o be_v well_o dispose_v &_o resolve_v to_o practice_v they_o that_o at_o the_o first_o she_o will_v rather_o use_v they_o mental_o because_o it_o be_v less_o distractive_a &_o more_o recollective_a unless_o by_o experience_n she_o find_v that_o the_o use_v they_o vocal_o do_v most_o relish_n with_o her_o spirit_n and_o as_o in_o some_o disposition_n it_o may_v cause_v a_o more_o intime_fw-la and_o perfect_a recollection_n 5._o whereas_o every_o exercise_n consist_v of_o about_o ten_o clause_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n let_v she_o not_o tie_v herself_o precise_o to_o that_o number_n in_o any_o recollection_n but_o if_o one_o exercise_n will_v not_o serve_v let_v she_o borrow_v from_o the_o next_o follow_a and_o again_o if_o one_o be_v too_o much_o for_o one_o time_n let_v she_o use_v as_o many_o of_o those_o act_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v as_o will_v suffice_v for_o the_o time_n &_o no_o more_o and_o in_o the_o next_o recollection_n let_v she_o begin_v where_o she_o last_o end_v 6._o a_o devout_a soul_n will_v find_v that_o by_o diligent_a practice_n in_o progress_n of_o time_n the_o number_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o each_o recollection_n will_v come_v to_o diminish_v so_o that_o whereas_o at_o the_o beginning_n perhaps_o ten_o act_n will_v scare_v suffice_v for_o one_o recollection_n afterward_o five_o or_o three_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v one_o will_v ofttimes_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o let_v she_o general_o observe_v the_o order_n and_o sequel_n of_o the_o say_a act_n contain_v in_o the_o exercise_n proper_a for_o she_o beginning_n and_o prosecute_n they_o as_o they_o lie_v for_o otherwise_o she_o will_v spend_v the_o precious_a time_n allot_v for_o prayer_n in_o look_v here_o and_o there_o for_o somewhat_o that_o may_v be_v please_v to_o her_o fancy_n or_o humour_n &_o yet_o in_o the_o end_n perhaps_o not_o content_v herself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o she_o may_v come_v to_o find_v will_v scarce_o countervail_v the_o distraction_n incur_v and_o time_n lose_v and_o again_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a custom_n of_o some_o to_o take_v at_o random_n the_o act_n or_o affection_n on_o which_o they_o will_v exercise_v themselves_o open_v the_o book_n and_o at_o adventure_n make_v use_n of_o what_o their_o eye_n first_o light_n on_o 8._o yet_o let_v she_o not_o tie_v herself_o so_o rigorous_o &_o superstitious_o to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a act_n but_o that_o if_o without_o search_v there_o shall_v be_v offer_v to_o her_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n be_v it_o resignation_n love_n or_o aspiration_n &_o which_o may_v be_v gustfull_a to_o she_o let_v she_o entertain_v it_o &_o therein_o abide_v as_o long_o as_o the_o relish_n of_o it_o last_v and_o that_o cease_v let_v she_o return_v to_o prosecute_v the_o act_n of_o the_o present_a exercise_n 9_o yet_o one_o special_a case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o a_o soul_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o oblige_v herself_o to_o any_o order_n prescribe_v in_o the_o say_a exercise_n and_o that_o be_v when_o she_o find_v that_o fear_n or_o scrupulosity_n do_v over_o much_o abound_v in_o she_o cause_v unquietnes_n dejection_n and_o want_n of_o confidence_n in_o god_n in_o which_o caâ—â—_n let_v she_o by_o all_o mean_n omit_v such_o exercise_n or_o act_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o raise_v or_o feed_v such_o passion_n in_o she_o and_o instead_o of_o they_o let_v she_o apply_v herself_o to_o exercise_n of_o hope_n love_n and_o joy_n in_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v cherish_v in_o she_o 10._o yea_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o disposition_n ought_v even_o in_o the_o beginning_n after_o their_o first_o conversion_n not_o to_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o exercise_n that_o concern_v remorse_n for_o sin_n or_o other_o matter_n of_o fear_n as_o death_n judgement_n and_o hell_n but_o rather_o to_o fix_v upon_o affection_n contrary_a to_o their_o present_a disposition_n and_o in_o case_n of_o new_a fault_n commit_v let_v their_o contrition_n or_o detestation_n of_o sin_n be_v rather_o exercise_v in_o a_o generality_n or_o virtual_o in_o act_n of_o conversion_n to_o god_n then_o particular_o direct_o and_o express_o and_o let_v they_o not_o be_v scrupulous_a herein_o out_o of_o a_o opinion_n that_o at_o such_o time_n god_n expect_v painful_a remorse_n from_o they_o or_o earnest_a expression_n of_o detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o such_o detestation_n be_v sufficient_o involue_v in_o a_o act_n of_o direct_a love_n to_o god_n which_o contain_v much_o perfection_n beside_o such_o act_n therefore_o be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o she_o be_v consequent_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 11._o a_o soul_n have_v pitch_v upon_o any_o act_n or_o affection_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a exercise_n let_v she_o tarry_v as_o long_o upon_o each_o of_o they_o without_o pass_v to_o a_o other_o as_o her_o gust_n unto_o such_o a_o affection_n last_v and_o as_o she_o find_v profit_n to_o her_o spirit_n by_o it_o 12._o whensoever_o in_o any_o clause_n there_o be_v contain_v matter_n of_o several_a desire_n or_o affection_n let_v she_o in_o she_o mind_n and_o exercise_v separate_v they_o and_o rest_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o several_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o say_v exercise_n will_v last_v long_o and_o yield_v more_o profit_n 13._o after_o that_o all_o the_o exercise_n appoint_v for_o she_o have_v be_v pass_v over_o let_v she_o repeat_v and_o pursue_v they_o again_o and_o again_o unless_o she_o do_v find_v herself_o draw_v by_o god_n to_o some_o other_o exercise_n more_o perfect_a as_o be_v that_o of_o aspiration_n and_o indeed_o whensoever_o in_o her_o exercise_n during_o her_o recollection_n she_o do_v find_v herself_o move_v to_o perfect_a aspiration_n elevation_n of_o the_o will_v &c_n &c_n or_o else_o to_o produce_v some_o other_o act_n as_o of_o resignation_n &c_n &c_n upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o present_a cross_n to_o be_v sustain_v let_v she_o not_o fail_v to_o correspond_v to_o such_o a_o invitation_n 14._o those_o that_o can_v find_v no_o profit_n or_o relish_n by_o any_o of_o these_o prescribe_a exercise_n or_o the_o like_a may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o ripe_a for_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o discursive_a prayer_n till_o it_o lose_v its_o relish_n and_o that_o they_o begin_v to_o find_v gust_n in_o affection_n 15._o the_o act_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o follow_a exercise_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n direct_v to_o god_n himself_o or_o the_o pure_a divinity_n as_o if_o they_o be_v internal_a conversation_n with_o god_n the_o which_o be_v perfect_a introversion_n and_o of_o all_o active_a assume_v exercise_n be_v the_o most_o profitable_a 16._o but_o withal_o such_o actuation_n be_v ofttimes_o very_o painful_a by_o reason_n that_o such_o introversion_n be_v exercise_v without_o the_o help_n of_o grosser_n image_n the_o which_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o recreate_v diversion_n in_o they_o and_o when_o such_o image_n do_v offer_v themselves_o the_o soul_n tend_v to_o the_o naked_a divinity_n tarry_v not_o in_o they_o but_o transcend_v or_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o her_o mind_n find_v no_o gust_n in_o a_o object_n so_o perfect_o spiritual_a become_v willing_a to_o ease_v itself_o by_o fasten_v upon_o some_o other_o good_a but_o inferior_a object_n she_o be_v by_o some_o writer_n teach_v to_o withdraw_v her_o attention_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n the_o which_o violence_n and_o self_n contradiction_n can_v be_v without_o much_o pain_n in_o so_o much_o that_o soul_n become_v thereby_o sometime_o so_o tire_v with_o such_o introversion_n and_o find_v so_o great_a difficulty_n in_o seek_v the_o divine_a presence_n so_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o lose_v all_o comfort_n
as_o they_o can_v find_v relish_n in_o it_o and_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o this_o advice_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o teach_n of_o a_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n who_o word_n record_v by_o cassianus_n 9_o conf._n c._n 25._o be_v these_o haec_fw-la oratio_fw-la licet_fw-la omnem_fw-la videatur_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la plenitudinem_fw-la continere_fw-la utpote_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v this_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n although_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o fullnes_n of_o all_o perfection_n as_o be_v either_o begin_v or_o establish_v by_o our_o lord_n own_o authority_n yet_o it_o do_v promote_v those_o that_o be_v familiar_o exercise_v in_o it_o to_o that_o far_o more_o sublime_a state_n which_o we_o mention_v before_o conduct_v they_o to_o that_o inflame_a prayer_n that_o far_o more_o supereminent_a actuation_n of_o soul_n know_v or_o experience_v by_o very_a few_o yea_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o altogether_o inexpressible_a the_o which_o transcend_v all_o humane_a sense_n or_o knowledge_n be_v not_o distinguish_v by_o any_o sound_n of_o speech_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o tongue_n nor_o any_o pronunciation_n of_o word_n but_o it_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o sublime_a braier_n which_o the_o spirit_n illustrate_v by_o a_o infusion_n of_o heavenly_a light_n do_v not_o design_n or_o express_v by_o humane_a language_n but_o have_v all_o the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n unite_v &_o conglobate_v it_o do_v plentiful_o gush_v it_o forth_o but_o of_o the_o heart_n as_o water_v out_o of_o a_o copious_a fountain_n &_o ineffable_o pour_v it_o out_o unto_o our_o lord_n in_o that_o one_o short_a moment_n of_o time_n send_v forth_o so_o many_o &_o so_o great_a desire_n as_o the_o soul_n herself_o make_v a_o reflection_n on_o her_o own_o operation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v nor_o even_o conceive_v 28._o but_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a to_o find_v soul_n so_o compose_v in_o their_o imagination_n &_o resolute_a in_o their_o will_n as_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o one_o only_a exercise_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v make_v a_o collection_n of_o several_a kind_n with_o sufficient_a variety_n &_o mixture_n these_o i_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o several_a book_n use_v my_o own_o liberty_n and_o judgement_n in_o alter_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o more_o proper_a for_o those_o that_o prosecute_v internal_a affective_a prayer_n &_o for_o that_o purpose_n ofttimes_o leave_v out_o many_o discourse_n &_o consideration_n intermingle_v with_o they_o in_o the_o book_n out_o of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v extract_v 29._o now_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v nor_o desire_v that_o soul_n practise_v affective_a prayer_n shall_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o these_o particular_a exercise_n or_o to_o the_o order_n observe_v in_o they_o they_o may_v if_o they_o conceive_v it_o for_o their_o purpose_n frame_v other_o exercise_n for_o their_o own_o use_n either_o by_o select_v here_o &_o there_o out_o of_o these_o or_o out_o of_o any_o other_o book_n such_o act_n or_o affection_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v agree_v to_o their_o spirit_n but_o have_v frame_v such_o a_o collection_n i_o will_v serious_o advise_v they_o to_o practice_v according_a to_o the_o advice_n here_o set_v down_o especial_o in_o this_o chapter_n 30._o the_o read_n of_o some_o pious_a discourse_n before_o recollection_n usual_o practise_v in_o community_n be_v a_o good_a &_o profitable_a practice_n but_o especial_o proper_a for_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o advance_v beyond_o meditation_n who_o may_v do_v well_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o mystery_n read_v that_o after_o they_o may_v make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n yet_o better_a it_o be_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o meditation_n prepare_v beforehand_o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o by_o once_o read_v over_o the_o point_n of_o a_o mystery_n they_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o imprint_v in_o the_o memory_n so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o 31._o but_o as_o for_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n i_o shall_v not_o require_v of_o they_o the_o like_a attention_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o will_v employ_v that_o time_n in_o chase_v away_o distract_n image_n in_o place_v themselves_o in_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o beg_v god_n assistance_n &_o direct_v their_o follow_a recollection_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o if_o in_o their_o private_a recollection_n they_o shall_v premise_v some_o competent_a read_n i_o conceive_v that_o s._n augustins_n confession_n soliloquy_n the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n &_o such_o other_o book_n affectuous_o write_v will_v be_v most_o commodious_a for_o they_o or_o above_o all_o certain_a passage_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n contain_v some_o word_n speak_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o will_v likely_o be_v a_o most_o profitable_a &_o effectual_a preparation_n but_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v prescribe_v for_o these_o thing_n every_o one_o therefore_o be_v to_o choose_v that_o book_n &_o subject_n that_o he_o find_v most_o proper_a for_o he_o 32._o when_o the_o preparation_n by_o reading_n be_v pass_v let_v the_o person_n apply_v himself_o to_o his_o recollection_n look_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o act_n or_o affection_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o employ_v his_o prayer_n upon_o and_o after_o this_o withdrawing_a his_o eye_n from_o the_o book_n let_v he_o think_v awhile_o upon_o it_o frame_v a_o spiritual_a image_n or_o conception_n of_o it_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v let_v he_o forthwith_o produce_v a_o act_n or_o affection_n to_o god_n answerable_a to_o the_o matter_n rest_v thereon_o as_o long_o as_o the_o virtue_n thereof_o last_v and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o follow_a act_n in_o like_a manner_n 33._o some_o soul_n there_o be_v that_o through_o a_o secret_a natural_a quality_n in_o their_o internal_a sense_n can_v so_o work_v with_o the_o imagination_n as_o to_o produce_v a_o image_n that_o may_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o prayer_n to_o they_o such_o person_n consequent_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_v &_o much_o less_o for_o meditation_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o pious_a desire_n or_o amorous_a affection_n but_o general_o soul_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o be_v rather_o enable_v for_o act_n of_o the_o will_v then_o affection_n yet_o so_o that_o sometime_o also_o they_o will_v find_v affection_n more_o flow_a then_o act_n and_o therefore_o according_o they_o be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o they_o 34._o it_o may_v happen_v sometime_o to_o devout_a soul_n that_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o disable_v to_o either_o of_o they_o in_o such_o case_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o use_v a_o discreet_a violence_n on_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v some_o good_a act_n most_o relish_v to_o they_o for_o where_o force_n be_v to_o be_v use_v there_o act_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o superior_a will_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o affection_n but_o if_o after_o trial_n they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v in_o so_o constrain_v a_o exercise_n &_o so_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n &_o likely_a to_o spend_v the_o time_n appoint_v in_o a_o unproffitable_a idleness_n let_v they_o try_v if_o a_o more_o imperfect_a exercise_n will_v fit_v they_o either_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o the_o three_o person_n as_o if_o he_o be_v absent_a or_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o or_o address_v themselves_o to_o angel_n saint_n or_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o can_v perform_v even_o this_o mental_o that_o be_v neither_o with_o attention_n nor_o gust_n let_v they_o do_v it_o at_o least_o vocal_o withal_o exercise_v as_o much_o patience_n stillnes_n &_o quietness_n as_o may_v be_v and_o do_v thus_o let_v they_o assure_v themselves_o that_o thereby_o they_o will_v afford_v unto_o their_o spirit_n a_o good_a wholesome_a &_o profitable_a though_o tastle_n repast_n 35._o but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o it_o shall_v happen_v which_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o way_n insupportable_a to_o they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o oll_n both_o the_o understanding_n &_o will_n fail_v they_o then_o since_o no_o active_a work_v externall_n or_o internal_a will_v help_v they_o they_o may_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a desolation_n &_o desertion_n so_o that_o their_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o pure_a suffer_v with_o patience_n &_o resignation_n exercise_v these_o the_o best_a they_o can_v in_o such_o circumstance_n the_o which_o if_o they_o will_v do_v then_o will_v this_o afflict_a desolation_n real_o prove_v more_o profitable_a than_o a_o state_n &_o prayer_n
second_o in_o those_o immediate_a act_n and_o affection_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o image_n of_o creature_n involue_v but_o which_o respect_n god_n immediate_o he_o be_v represent_v by_o some_o distinct_a image_n or_o express_v notion_n in_o the_o mind_n as_o by_o some_o special_a attribute_n perfection_n name_n similitude_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o soul_n after_o a_o long_a practice_n of_o internal_a abstraction_n &_o renounce_v of_o all_o representation_n of_o god_n content_v herself_o with_o such_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v apprehend_v by_o a_o obscure_a general_a faith_n that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o simple_o &_o absolute_o with_o no_o kind_n of_o image_n at_o all_o for_o that_o be_v suppose_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o be_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n but_o not_o with_o a_o distinct_a formal_a choose_v particular_a image_n for_o all_o such_o offering_n themselves_o be_v reject_v by_o perfect_a soul_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o they_o conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o intend_v to_o think_v of_o god_n all_o that_o they_o can_v say_v will_v be_v god_n be_v nothing_o of_o all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v or_o think_v but_o a_o be_v infinite_o beyond_o it_o &_o absolute_o incomprehensible_a by_o a_o create_a understanding_n he_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o what_o himself_o only_o perfect_o know_v and_o so_o i_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v &_o as_o such_o i_o adore_v and_o love_v he_o only_o i_o renounce_v all_o pretend_v to_o a_o distinct_a know_v of_o he_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o such_o a_o blind_a believe_v now_o though_o imperfect_a soul_n also_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v learn_v do_v acknowledge_v this_o negative_a apprehension_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o true_o proper_a &_o perfect_a yet_o by_o reason_n that_o gross_a image_n be_v not_o yet_o chase_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n they_o can_v in_o their_o internal_a operation_n proceed_v constant_o according_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n such_o a_o obscure_a negative_a object_n will_v not_o ordinary_o move_v their_o affection_n whereas_o no_o other_o but_o such_o a_o object_n will_v move_v the_o affection_n of_o perfect_a soul_n 7._o three_o proper_a aspiration_n in_o perfect_a soul_n have_v no_o precedent_a discourse_n at_o all_o as_o act_n have_v at_o least_o virtual_o neither_o do_v the_o will_n in_o aspiration_n intend_v to_o employ_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o understanding_n for_o they_o be_v sudden_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n without_o any_o previous_a motive_n or_o consideration_n 8._o four_o immediate_a act_n be_v not_o only_o produce_v with_o deliberation_n and_o choice_n but_o ordinary_o with_o some_o degree_n of_o force_n use_v upon_o the_o will_n but_o aspiration_n proceed_v from_o a_o interior_a impulse_n indeliberat_o and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_o flow_v from_o the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o they_o show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o interiour_n a_o secret_a supernatural_a direct_v principle_n to_o wit_n god_n holy_a spirit_n alone_o teach_v and_o move_v the_o soul_n to_o breath_n forth_o these_o aspiration_n not_o only_o in_o set_v recollection_n but_o almost_o continual_o now_o this_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o also_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o other_o good_a act_n &_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v any_o true_a good_a in_o they_o further_o than_o they_o proceed_v from_o this_o divine_a principle_n but_o in_o they_o the_o will_n do_v previous_o and_o forcible_o raise_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o produce_v they_o in_o which_o likewise_o much_o of_o nature_n be_v mix_v and_o so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o so_o complete_o and_o perfect_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o as_o he_o be_v of_o aspiration_n 9_o five_o in_o case_n that_o a_o soul_n who_o constant_a exercise_n as_o yet_o be_v but_o immediate_a act_n or_o meditation_n do_v sometime_o mere_o by_o a_o internal_a impulse_n produce_v such_o indeliberate_a aspiration_n yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o pure_a &_o subtle_a neither_o will_v they_o continue_v any_o considerable_a time_n but_o the_o present_a inuâ—_fw-la 〈…〉_o â—g_z pass_v the_o soul_n must_v be_v content_a to_o return_v to_o her_o inferior_a exercise_n or_o if_o she_o will_v needs_o force_v herself_o to_o continue_v they_o her_o recollection_n will_v become_v dry_a insipid_a and_o without_o any_o profit_n at_o all_o 10._o last_o aspiration_n when_o they_o be_v a_o soul_n usual_a exercise_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o more_o habitual_o perfect_a ground_n and_o therefore_o be_v far_o more_o efficacious_a &_o noble_a then_o immediate_a act_n and_o moreover_o there_o be_v no_o violence_n at_o all_o use_v in_o they_o they_o be_v much_o more_o frequent_o &_o continued_o produce_v and_o consequent_o do_v procure_v more_o new_a grace_n and_o merit_n and_o do_v far_o more_o increase_v the_o habit_n of_o charity_n 11._o no_o man_n can_v limit_n the_o time_n how_o long_a soul_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o inferior_a exercise_n before_o they_o will_v be_v enable_v and_o make_v ripe_a for_o so_o sublime_a a_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o rely_v upon_o the_o instruction_n practice_n or_o example_n of_o any_o all_o depend_v 1._o upon_o the_o industry_n or_o diligence_n of_o soul_n in_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n 2._o some_o what_o upon_o their_o special_a temper_n and_o disposition_n 3._o likewise_o upon_o the_o advantage_n that_o they_o may_v have_v from_o solitude_n and_o abstraction_n of_o life_n 4._o but_o principal_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o may_v and_o do_v by_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a mean_n call_v and_o enable_v soul_n to_o aspiration_n some_o soon_o an_o some_o late_a 12._o in_o pass_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o act_n to_o aspiration_n there_o be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o force_a act_n great_a variety_n in_o soul_n for_o some_o will_v have_v their_o morning_n recollection_n to_o be_v sudden_o and_o entire_o change_v from_o force_a act_n to_o aspiration_n and_o also_o the_o ability_n for_o a_o long_a continuance_n increase_v whereas_o the_o evening_n recollection_n will_v be_v little_o alter_v in_o other_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v most_o ordinary_a their_o exercise_v of_o act_n will_v grow_v by_o degree_n more_o and_o more_o aspirative_a and_o this_o will_v happen_v sometime_o in_o the_o beginning_n sometime_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o recollection_n and_o thus_o they_o in_o their_o recollection_n will_v get_v more_o and_o more_o ground_n upon_o act_n diminish_v both_o the_o frequency_n and_o constraint_n or_o difficulty_n of_o they_o and_o increase_a aspiration_n till_o in_o progress_n they_o become_v whole_o aspirative_a 13._o some_o soul_n who_o exercise_n be_v act_n mix_v with_o aspiration_n at_o their_o first_o come_v to_o their_o recollection_n yea_o &_o till_o they_o have_v for_o some_o reasonable_a space_n exercise_v themselves_o may_v happen_v to_o find_v themselves_o in_o perfect_a distraction_n in_o which_o case_n if_o they_o be_v call_v away_o by_o occasion_n of_o business_n of_o no_o great_a solicitude_n they_o may_v find_v much_o profit_n by_o such_o interruption_n &_o be_v dispose_v thereby_o to_o return_v with_o much_o eagerness_n to_o their_o recollection_n and_o with_o a_o enablement_n to_o exercise_v aspiration_n yea_o sometime_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o enable_v to_o exercise_v they_o during_o such_o employment_n their_o spirit_n be_v refresh_v by_o mean_n of_o such_o pause_n and_o distance_n cause_v by_o the_o say_a interruption_n and_o experience_n will_v teach_v they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a sometime_o to_o break_v of_o the_o course_n of_o their_o present_a internal_a prayer_n for_o some_o little_a space_n after_o which_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o better_a dispose_v for_o more_o frequent_a and_o efficacious_a aspiration_n 14._o but_o as_o for_o imperfect_a soul_n this_o must_v be_v no_o rule_n for_o they_o for_o they_o must_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o distraction_n interrupt_v their_o mental_a prayer_n or_o at_o least_o very_a seldom_o but_o must_v with_o discreet_a violence_n force_v themselves_o to_o begin_v with_o a_o serious_a recollection_n by_o that_o mean_n drive_v away_o or_o at_o least_o abate_v their_o present_a distraction_n 15._o when_o the_o exercise_n be_v become_v whole_o aspiration_n all_o the_o change_n that_o will_v happen_v afterward_o will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o exercise_n but_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o purity_n subtlety_n and_o spirituallnesse_n of_o those_o aspiration_n for_o there_o be_v no_o active_a exercise_n more_o sublime_a 16._o a_o soul_n may_v come_v to_o that_o state_n that_o she_o may_v constant_o breathe_v forth_o aspiration_n &_o yet_o sufficient_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o her_o obligation_n either_o
be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a cause_n why_o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n but_o even_o the_o knowledge_n almost_o of_o it_o be_v again_o lose_v in_o many_o contemplative_a order_n notwithstanding_o so_o few_o year_n be_v past_a since_o it_o be_v reviue_v by_o those_o eminent_a light_n s._n teresa_n b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n barbanzon_n etc._n etc._n 9_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o neither_o natural_a indgment_n learning_n nor_o experience_n all_o together_o be_v absolute_o sufficient_a to_o qualify_v a_o person_n for_o the_o employment_n of_o guide_a soul_n in_o all_o case_n in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o very_o oft_o a_o actual_a supernatural_a illumination_n will_v moreover_o be_v requisite_a &_o necessary_a though_o true_a it_o be_v that_o experience_a person_n have_v great_a advantage_n beyond_o what_o wit_n or_o learning_n can_v afford_v and_o such_o for_o matter_n beyond_o their_o experience_n no_o doubt_n will_v often_o remit_v soul_n to_o god_n &_o their_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o be_v a_o quality_n &_o office_n not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o person_n that_o bring_v no_o better_a endowment_n with_o they_o to_o the_o manage_n of_o contemplative_a soul_n but_o only_a subtlety_n of_o wit_n &_o learning_n or_o experience_n in_o a_o quite_o different_a &_o much_o inferior_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n such_o experience_n be_v as_o i_o say_v rather_o a_o disadvantage_n for_o such_o will_v resolve_v all_o case_n &_o though_o the_o direction_n they_o give_v must_v needs_o be_v improper_a yet_o they_o will_v be_v very_o absolute_a in_o require_v obedience_n whereas_o a_o person_n experience_v in_o the_o same_o internal_a way_n be_v humble_a withal_o for_o else_o say_v auila_n he_o also_o will_v probable_o be_v faulty_a too_o though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o case_n able_a to_o give_v a_o resolute_a judgement_n yet_o find_v his_o own_o deficiency_n he_o will_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o the_o matter_n &_o therpon_o out_o of_o humility_n will_v not_o scorn_v but_o rather_o be_v desirous_a to_o consult_v &_o take_v advice_n from_o other_o more_o able_a to_o resolve_v 10._o herpon_o it_o be_v that_o s._n teresa_n as_o it_o be_v record_v in_o her_o life_n much_o complain_v of_o the_o hurt_n that_o such_o resolute_a &_o in_o sufficient_a teacher_n do_v to_o she_o &_o will_v do_v to_o other_o and_o thaulerus_n worthy_o style_v a_o illuminate_v doctor_n profess_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o certain_a sermon_n that_o unless_o he_o be_v special_o illuminate_v by_o god_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o a_o doubt_n propose_v to_o he_o he_o will_v remit_v the_o party_n to_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o prayer_n what_o to_o do_v and_o let_v not_o such_o a_o one_o doubt_v say_v he_o but_o that_o god_n will_v be_v his_o faithful_a counsellor_n moreover_o he_o find_v great_a fault_n with_o those_o arrogant_a person_n that_o reprehend_v soul_n for_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o instinct_n &_o internal_a light_n &_o motion_n proceed_v from_o god_n spirit_n &_o for_o their_o call_v such_o by_o the_o title_n of_o new_a spirit_n or_o pretender_n to_o extraordinary_a illumination_n whereas_o say_v he_o those_o that_o take_v all_o their_o instruction_n from_o person_n &_o book_n will_v with_o very_o small_a success_n pursue_v the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n 11._o it_o be_v a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o this_o employment_n of_o direct_v soul_n which_o above_o all_o other_o be_v most_o difficult_a &_o exceed_v even_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o angel_n yet_o out_o of_o a_o ambitious_a humour_n be_v invade_v by_o person_n whole_o unfit_a for_o it_o &_o that_o without_o any_o vocation_n from_o god_n voluntary_o undertake_v it_o so_o that_o no_o marvel_n it_o be_v if_o so_o little_a good_a come_v from_o such_o intruder_n not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o say_v auila_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o sublime_a a_o task_n nay_o say_v the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o geneva_n not_o one_o often_o thousand_o and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o so_o free_o offer_v themselves_o to_o so_o divine_a a_o employment_n do_v thereby_o show_v themselves_o to_o want_n the_o most_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o wit_n humility_n &_o a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o its_o difficulty_n &_o therefore_o their_o direction_n be_v most_o to_o be_v suspect_v 12._o hereupon_o thaulerus_n say_v that_o a_o soul_n intend_v perfection_n ought_v to_o seek_v out_o a_o experience_a servant_n of_o god_n though_o it_o cost_v she_o a_o journey_n of_o many_o german_a mile_n but_o say_v he_o if_o such_o a_o friend_n can_v be_v find_v then_o will_v a_o simple_a confessarius_fw-la serve_v though_o never_o so_o ignorant_a for_o even_o by_o such_o man_n do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o office_n so_o that_o they_o may_v secure_o be_v submit_v to_o &_o obey_v even_o in_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v 13._o if_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v fearful_a &_o scrupulous_a be_v to_o choose_v a_o director_n she_o ought_v to_o avoid_v one_o of_o the_o like_a temper_n for_o passion_n which_o blind_v the_o seeker_n will_v also_o blind_v the_o director_n &_o so_o the_o blind_a will_v lead_v the_o blind_a 14._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o person_n consult_v with_o about_o difficulty_n concern_v internal_a prayer_n shall_v be_v learn_v or_o in_o holy_a order_n except_o doubt_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n intervene_v for_o though_o lay-person_n &_o woman_n be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o church_n to_o preach_v public_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o forbid_v to_o give_v private_a instruction_n in_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o such_o instructour_n we_o have_v diverse_a example_n as_o in_o the_o lay_v man_n that_o convert_v thâ—ulerus_n a_o learned_a doctor_n &_o a_o religious_a man_n and_o likewise_o in_o s._n catherine_n of_o sienna_n s._n teresa_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o a_o well_o govern_v monastery_n of_o woman_n where_o a_o good_a course_n of_o internal_a prayer_n approve_v by_o superior_n and_o learned_a divine_n be_v once_o well_o settle_v it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o instruction_n concern_v it_o shall_v rather_o come_v from_o superior_n within_o because_o otherwise_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frequent_a change_n of_o directour_n perhaps_o of_o contrary_a spirit_n &_o many_o of_o they_o little_o practise_v in_o such_o prayer_n soul_n will_v be_v govern_v uncertain_o &_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o their_o way_n 15._o though_o it_o seem_v evident_o more_o reasonable_a &_o more_o proportionable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o person_n profess_v a_o religious_a state_n to_o be_v conduct_v by_o other_o of_o the_o s_o ne_fw-fr profession_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la then_o by_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n thereto_o yet_o scarce_o any_o directour_n can_v be_v find_v more_o improper_a for_o such_o suppose_v that_o they_o tend_v to_o contemplation_n then_o be_v religious_a guide_n of_o active_a spirit_n that_o know_v no_o further_o of_o prayer_n than_o meditation_n &_o that_o show_v more_o zeal_n for_o a_o exact_a observance_n of_o ceremony_n or_o a_o multiply_a of_o external_a voluntary_a austerity_n the_o which_o of_o themselves_o &_o unless_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n have_v no_o special_a influence_n on_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o serve_v either_o for_o a_o outward_a show_v of_o rigour_n or_o for_o keep_v soul_n from_o mispending_a the_o time_n then_o for_o the_o more_o essential_a internal_a duty_n of_o prayer_n solitude_n of_o spirit_n interiour_n mortification_n &c_n &c_n much_o more_o profitable_a to_o such_o soul_n will_v be_v a_o director_n though_o not_o of_o any_o religious_a profession_n that_o will_v impose_v on_o soul_n only_o such_o austerity_n as_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o a_o internal_a life_n such_o as_o be_v perfect_a abstraction_n silence_n solitude_n convenient_a abstinence_n &c_n &c_n and_o for_o other_o matter_n not_o much_o necessary_a nor_o much_o effectual_a leave_v they_o in_o a_o due_a moderate_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n especial_o such_o as_o will_v not_o impose_v on_o they_o any_o form_n of_o mental_a prayer_n however_o like_v or_o practise_v by_o themselves_o but_o for_o such_o matter_n rathet_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n &_o that_o will_v not_o torture_v they_o with_o painful_a iterate_v coustumary_a confession_n &c_n &c_n 16._o and_o whereas_o it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o object_v that_o probable_o such_o directour_n be_v stranger_n as_o to_o the_o special_a distinctive_a spirit_n of_o such_o a_o order_n or_o community_n may_v endanger_v in_o their_o disciple_n a_o loss_n of_o the_o say_a spirit_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o
any_o other_o word_n seasonable_o speak_v or_o any_o object_n occur_v with_o due_a circumstance_n do_v incite_v we_o to_o lift_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n to_o perform_v some_o act_n of_o charity_n to_o mortify_v some_o inordinate_a affection_n etc._n etc._n yea_o sometime_o from_o a_o desperate_a sinful_a state_n to_o convert_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o thus_o do_v we_o as_o s._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d raise_v &_o blow_v into_o a_o flame_n the_o grace_n which_o before_o lay_v in_o our_o heart_n like_o coal_n of_o fire_n smother_v in_o the_o ash_n and_o if_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v that_o grace_n which_o at_o the_o first_o impart_v be_v but_o weak_a &_o need_v strong_a endeavour_n to_o excite_v it_o become_v far_o more_o active_a &_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v excite_v so_o that_o upon_o any_o the_o least_o occasion_n offer_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o bestir_v itself_o &_o disperse_v its_o odour_n &_o virtue_n till_o at_o last_o it_o get_v so_o perfect_a a_o dominion_n in_o perfect_a soul_n that_o it_o quite_o subdue_v the_o contrary_a principle_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o be_v scarce_o ever_o idle_a but_o the_o least_o hint_n be_v give_v it_o turn_v the_o soul_n present_o to_o god_n &_o keep_v it_o almost_o continual_o fix_v on_o he_o in_o so_o much_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o former_o have_v no_o effect_n at_o all_o upon_o they_o now_o present_o &_o even_o violent_o inflame_v they_o 5._o yea_o in_o some_o supereminent_o perfect_a soul_n this_o gift_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n come_v to_o be_v so_o vigorous_a that_o it_o subdue_v even_o reason_n itself_o &_o lead_v it_o captive_a after_o itself_o push_v the_o soul_n to_o heroical_a action_n without_o any_o precedent_a act_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o least_o deliberation_n though_o in_o the_o act_n the_o soul_n by_o consent_v merit_n thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n how_o they_o by_o a_o impetuous_a impulse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n rush_v before_o the_o persecute_v judge_n to_o confess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n yea_o s._n apollonia_n cast_v herself_o into_o the_o fire_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n burn_v in_o their_o heart_n &_o constrein_v they_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v from_o the_o like_a efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n proceed_v that_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a primitive_a christian_n in_o their_o public_a meeting_n conceive_v &_o pour_v forth_o prayer_n without_o any_o concurrence_n thereto_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n god_n spirit_n itself_o in_o s._n paul_n expression_n pray_v in_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n principal_o it_o be_v that_o i_o suppose_v the_o school_n do_v understand_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n although_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o all_o holy_a action_n internal_a or_o external_a be_v effect_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n 6._o this_o fundamental_a grace_n therefore_o be_v that_o talon_n or_o stock_n that_o have_v god_n image_n on_o it_o &_o not_o caesar_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o every_o one_o in_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n to_o trade_n with_o all_o the_o which_o till_o the_o will_n cooperate_v with_o the_o actual_a aid_n of_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v wrap_v in_o a_o napkin_n &_o hide_v under_o ground_n but_o be_v well_o manage_v multiply_v into_o many_o talent_n this_o be_v that_o very_a small_a but_o divine_a seed_n of_o which_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v which_o be_v cast_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o labour_n &_o cultivation_n produce_v many_o &_o precious_a fruit_n this_o be_v that_o fermentum_fw-la leaven_n which_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o three_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n do_v disperse_v its_o virtue_n through_o the_o whole_a mass_n 7._o now_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v approach_v more_o close_o to_o the_o present_a matter_n we_o may_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a philosophical_a virtue_n there_o be_v ingenerate_v &_o daily_o increase_v by_o perseverance_n in_o the_o same_o exercise_n that_o most_o noble_a universal_a virtue_n of_o moral_a prudence_n which_o no_o study_n or_o speculative_a learning_n how_o great_a soever_o can_v have_v produce_v the_o which_o prudence_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v be_v a_o skill_n most_o proper_o conversant_a about_o particular_a act_n not_o general_a notion_n or_o definition_n of_o thing_n and_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n to_o judge_v &_o determine_v in_o which_o circumstance_n &_o with_o what_o concur_v quality_n a_o action_n of_o virtue_n ought_v and_o may_v with_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o perfection_n be_v exercise_v so_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o prudence_n when_o it_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o excel_a degree_n a_o virtuous_a person_n will_v never_o omit_v a_o due_a occasion_n to_o practice_v virtue_n nor_o will_v he_o ever_o do_v it_o unreasonable_o and_o undiscreet_o for_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v virtue_n and_o when_o he_o exercise_v it_o he_o will_v not_o be_v deficient_a in_o any_o thing_n requisite_a to_o give_v a_o lustre_n thereto_o the_o very_a same_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n be_v see_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a virtue_n or_o charity_n for_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n thereof_o not_o only_a charity_n itself_o be_v exalt_v multiply_v and_o increase_v but_o there_o be_v likewise_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o light_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n far_o more_o clear_a and_o more_o certain_a to_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a way_n then_o moral_a prudence_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o moral_a honesty_n the_o which_o divine_a light_n have_v this_o great_a advantage_n above_o prudence_n that_o whereas_o moral_a wisdom_n can_v only_o teach_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n in_o those_o occasion_n which_o do_v not_o every_o day_n happen_v in_o which_o such_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v neglect_v to_o give_v any_o rule_n to_o lesser_a indifferent_a action_n this_o divine_a light_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o love_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o god_n account_v no_o action_n at_o all_o in_o particular_a indifferent_a but_o teach_v we_o to_o direct_v all_o to_o the_o service_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o can_v discern_v how_o one_o may_v concur_v thereto_o more_o than_o another_o and_o according_o choose_v the_o best_a 8._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o any_o study_n or_o speculative_a consideration_n this_o divine_a light_n can_v be_v kindle_v be_v because_o the_o blindness_n and_o darkness_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o understanding_n come_v principal_o from_o the_o perverse_a deordination_n which_o self-love_n cause_v in_o our_o will_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o understanding_n to_o see_v what_o it_o do_v see_v for_o even_o when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v in_o general_n instruct_v in_o the_o office_n and_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n yet_o in_o many_o particular_n self-love_n adhere_v to_o that_o side_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o refuse_v will_v either_o forbid_v and_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o consider_v what_o be_v evil_a or_o defectuous_a in_o it_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o doubt_n it_o will_v cast_v such_o fair_a gloss_n on_o it_o and_o so_o seduce_v the_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o motive_n and_o pretence_n for_o the_o prefer_v thereof_o that_o in_o fine_a the_o light_n itself_o which_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n will_v mislead_v us._n but_o when_o by_o perfect_a divine_a charity_n all_o these_o distorsion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v rectify_v and_o that_o all_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n false_a pretext_n close_a interest_n and_o design_n of_o self-love_n be_v discover_v and_o banish_v than_o the_o mind_n behold_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o propose_v god_n as_o the_o end_n of_o all_o action_n whatsoever_o it_o see_v where_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o may_v best_o be_v serve_v and_o obâ—ved_v by_o they_o then_o the_o will_n be_v so_o far_o from_o clowâ—â—â—g_n or_o cast_v mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o before_o it_o alone_a dispell_n they_o for_o it_o be_v only_o the_o now-sanctified_n fervent_a will_n that_o draw_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o its_o faculty_n from_o all_o other_o inferior_a seduce_a object_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o its_o own_o stream_n and_o swift_a course_n towards_o god_n it_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o soul_n to_o choose_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a yea_o the_o best_a of_o all_o because_o god_n will_v have_v that_o to_o be_v choose_v alone_o according_a therefore_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o charity_n so_o be_v our_o measure_n of_o
be_v make_v of_o prosperity_n §_o 8._o 9_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n §_o 10._o a_o great_a courage_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o mortification_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o 14._o the_o advice_n of_o some_o writer_n to_o raise_v passion_n to_o the_o end_n afterward_o to_o repress_v they_o be_v dangerous_a 1._o natural_o we_o love_v &_o seek_v nothing_o but_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o love_v &_o seek_v we_o be_v our_o own_o last_o end_n refer_v all_o thing_n even_o supernatural_a yea_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o own_o interest_n &_o commodity_n we_o seek_v thing_n please_v only_o to_o our_o sense_n outward_a or_o inward_a as_o if_o the_o felicity_n of_o our_o soul_n &_o person_n consist_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n opinion_n of_o honour_n profit_n or_o curiosity_n of_o knowledge_n &c_n &c_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n in_o nature_n or_o action_n proceed_v from_o nature_n 2._o yea_o they_o who_o natural_o have_v much_o interior_a composednes_n &_o stillnes_n of_o passion_n &_o seem_v not_o much_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o rebellion_n in_o sensuality_n &_o that_o moreover_o have_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a devotion_n yet_o even_o these_o whatsoever_o they_o appear_v outward_o in_o show_v be_v full_a of_o self_n love_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n if_o they_o love_v quietness_n it_o be_v because_o nature_n take_v a_o contentment_n in_o it_o and_o their_o self-love_n be_v more_o abstruse_a &_o more_o deep_o seat_v in_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o therefore_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v cure_v because_o not_o so_o easy_o discover_v neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n of_o remedy_n till_o by_o prayer_n they_o get_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o say_a secret_a self_n love_n and_o grace_n by_o mortification_n to_o subdue_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a such_o good_a natural_a disposition_n may_v be_v beneficial_a to_o soul_n in_o two_o respect_n especial_o first_o in_o that_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o fall_v into_o fewer_n sin_n then_o more_o passionate_a impetuous_a nature_n do_v &_o consequent_o do_v not_o put_v so_o many_o impediment_n to_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v unless_o they_o practise_v prayer_n &_o mortification_n they_o will_v increase_v in_o spiritual_a pride_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nature_n not_o restrain_v will_v one_o way_n or_o other_o grow_v more_o &_o more_o inordinate_a 2._o a_o second_o benefit_n be_v that_o such_o disposition_n be_v better_o fit_v for_o internal_a prayer_n yea_o to_o the_o perfect_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n so_o that_o they_o may_v with_o less_o labour_n get_v out_o of_o nature_n elevate_n themselves_o to_o god_n 4._o a_o absolute_a necessity_n therefore_o there_o be_v for_o all_o soul_n to_o mortify_v nature_n &_o especial_o to_o rectify_v this_o general_a depravednes_n of_o propriety_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o our_o last_a end_n the_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o divine_a charity_n by_o which_o ourselves_o be_v direct_v to_o god_n as_o our_o last_o end_n and_o a_o necessary_a disposition_n thereto_o be_v the_o mortification_n of_o self_n love_n and_o thus_o far_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o mortify_v themselves_o namely_o to_o cure_v the_o mortal_o sinful_a disorder_n of_o their_o soul_n a_o necessity_n likewise_o there_o be_v upon_o supposition_n of_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n to_o mortify_v all_o deliberate_a affection_n to_o any_o the_o least_o venial_a defect_n and_o deordination_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o which_o duty_n of_o mortification_n require_v of_o we_o that_o deliberate_o and_o customary_o we_o neither_o admit_v into_o our_o mind_n internal_o vain_a thought_n nor_o outward_o speak_v or_o exercise_v act_n of_o vain_a love_n vain_a hope_n vain_a fear_n or_o vain_a sorrow_o &_o all_o be_v vain_a that_o be_v not_o refer_v to_o god_n or_o be_v not_o do_v for_o he_o 5._o mortification_n tend_v to_o subject_v the_o body_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o cross_v the_o inclination_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a &_o only_a principle_n for_o by_o such_o cross_n &_o afflict_v of_o the_o body_n self-love_n &_o selfewill_n the_o poison_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v abate_v &_o in_o time_n in_o a_o sort_n destroy_v &_o instead_o of_o they_o there_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o divine_a love_n &_o divine_a will_n &_o take_v possession_n thereof_o and_o therein_o consist_v our_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o secure_a state_n when_o cross_n &_o affliction_n do_v exceed_v world_o contentment_n &_o sensual_a ease_n for_o wonderful_a seldom_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o soul_n make_v any_o progress_n in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n by_o mean_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n some_o perfect_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o keep_v the_o station_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o withstand_v a_o casefull_a content_v &_o abound_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v almost_o miraculous_a if_o they_o thereby_o advance_v themselves_o in_o spirit_n so_o natural_o &_o almost_o necessary_o do_v case_n of_o nature_n nourish_v self-love_n pride_n security_n a_o spiritual_a sloth_n &_o a_o distaste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n 7._o indeed_o the_o only_a possible_a way_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o make_v prosperity_n a_o occasion_n of_o improvement_n to_o she_o be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a cross_n &_o diminish_v of_o it_o that_o be_v by_o take_v advantage_n even_o from_o thence_o to_o mortify_v nature_n as_o for_o example_n in_o case_n of_o riches_n &_o honour_n by_o carry_v ourselves_o both_o exterior_o &_o interior_o to_o god_n &_o man_n with_o more_o humility_n &_o modesty_n as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o such_o plenty_n &_o eminency_n also_o by_o suppress_v vain_a joy_n &_o complacency_n in_o such_o thing_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lord_n &_o proprietaire_n but_o only_a steward_n &_o dispenser_n of_o such_o thing_n from_o who_o a_o severe_a account_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o talent_n entrust_v to_o we_o for_o other_o sake_n &_o not_o our_o own_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o security_n solidity_n &_o fullnes_n of_o our_o soul_n good_a consist_v in_o a_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a &_o afflict_v to_o our_o nature_n 8._o in_o general_n mortification_n include_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o in_o every_o act_n of_o virtue_n we_o mortify_v some_o inordinate_a passion_n &_o inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o other_o so_o that_o to_o attain_v to_o perfect_a mortification_n be_v to_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o virtue_n 9_o the_o benefit_n &_o blessing_n that_o come_v to_o our_o soul_n by_o exercise_v of_o mortification_n be_v many_o &_o most_o precious_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v thereby_o avoid_v that_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v commit_v 2._o it_o cause_v a_o degree_n of_o purity_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o it_o procure_v great_a grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n 4._o one_o act_n of_o mortification_n enable_v to_o another_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o yield_v any_o time_n to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n we_o be_v enfeeble_v &_o less_o able_a to_o resist_v another_o time_n 5._o it_o diminish_v our_o suffer_v in_o purgatory_n because_o so_o much_o of_o suffer_v be_v past_a &_o a_o little_a pain_n for_o the_o present_n will_v countervail_v &_o prevent_v sharp_a &_o long_a pain_n for_o the_o future_a 6._o it_o procure_v internal_a light_n by_o dispel_v &_o calm_v the_o unrulines_n of_o passion_n 7._o it_o produce_v great_a peace_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v disturb_v only_o by_o unquiet_a passion_n 8._o it_o help_v the_o soul_n much_o in_o her_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a prayer_n &_o contemplation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o religious_a &_o spiritual_a exercise_n 9_o it_o be_v of_o great_a edification_n to_o our_o brethren_n &_o neighbour_n 10._o it_o increase_v all_o these_o way_n our_o future_a happiness_n &_o glory_n 10._o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a &_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a &_o moreover_o so_o large_o extend_v as_o that_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o natural_a inclination_n in_o so_o much_o as_o nothing_o do_v a_o imperfect_a soul_n any_o good_a further_o than_o it_o be_v cross_v &_o mortify_v to_o some_o inordination_n in_o her_o natural_a inclination_n it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o a_o soul_n that_o intend_v to_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n of_o contemplation_n have_v need_n have_v a_o great_a courage_n since_o her_o design_n must_v be_v to_o combat_v
as_o follow_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o precedent_n actual_a intention_n make_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n in_o so_o do_v she_o shall_v perform_v after_o the_o best_a &_o secure_a way_n the_o exercise_n of_o the_o continual_a presence_n of_o god_n so_o much_o commend_v by_o spiritual_a author_n &_o particular_o by_o our_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o humility_n by_o the_o which_o exercise_n sure_o it_o can_v be_v intend_v that_o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o have_v continual_o a_o actual_a remembrance_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o actual_a internal_a prayer_n will_v so_o much_o endammage_n the_o head_n of_o imperfect_a soul_n especial_o that_o they_o will_v quick_o be_v disable_v from_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o spirit_n 3._o the_o same_o practice_n likewise_o do_v after_o the_o secure_a manner_n supply_v that_o other_o exercise_n oft_o recommend_v of_o a_o continual_a think_v on_o our_o own_o nothing_o for_o by_o conformity_n to_o the_o foresay_a direction_n propriety_n &_o self-will_a by_o the_o which_o alone_o we_o will_v fain_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o more_o than_o we_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v be_v not_o only_o in_o thought_n imagination_n or_o desire_n of_o mind_n but_o real_o &_o effectual_o abandon_v &_o the_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n mortify_v &_o annihilate_v and_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o say_a exercise_n be_v so_o much_o magnify_v in_o a_o word_n by_o such_o practice_n join_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o his_o divine_a love_n a_o soul_n will_v be_v very_o well_o dispose_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a prayer_n of_o contemplation_n 4._o such_o a_o world_n there_o be_v of_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n require_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o action_n both_o touch_v the_o substance_n manner_n motive_n principle_n &_o end_n thereof_o &_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v so_o subtle_a to_o insinuate_v she_o own_o interest_n seek_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n we_o do_v &_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o renounce_v propriety_n even_o when_o we_o most_o earnest_o intend_v it_o that_o without_o a_o extraordinary_a light_n from_o god_n to_o be_v obtain_v only_o by_o spiritual_a prayer_n we_o can_v discover_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o light_n can_v be_v have_v only_o by_o prayer_n be_v because_o then_o alone_a every_o the_o least_o defect_n &_o most_o secret_a suggestion_n hinder_v our_o view_n &_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o our_o tendance_n to_o he_o &_o by_o consequence_n be_v easy_o discernible_a as_o be_v set_v between_o our_o eye_n &_o the_o sun_n whereas_o in_o our_o ordinary_a vocal_a prayer_n &_o external_a good_a action_n only_o great_a tentation_n be_v able_a perceptible_o to_o distract_v us._n 5._o those_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n can_v only_o so_o far_o mortify_v their_o passion_n that_o they_o break_v not_o forth_o into_o outward_a expression_n or_o action_n but_o the_o evil_a root_n remain_v still_o alive_a cause_v inward_a disorder_n very_o displease_v to_o god_n 6._o as_o for_o cross_n and_o adversity_n which_o a_o soul_n undergo_v out_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o in_o virtue_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o prayer_n the_o chief_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v only_o to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v nature_n or_o at_o most_o they_o serve_v to_o mortify_v the_o superabundant_a activity_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o internal_a sense_n and_o natural_a affection_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o person_n may_v become_v more_o judicious_a prudent_a and_o temperate_a but_o they_o pierce_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n itself_o to_o cause_v any_o purity_n therein_o or_o real_o to_o diminish_v self-love_n moreover_o the_o like_a cross_n undergo_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o common_a grace_n as_o ordinary_a good_a extrovert_v christian_n do_v enjoy_v though_o they_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o prevent_v the_o mortal_o poysonnous_a effect_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o we_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o expel_v that_o secret_a self-love_n which_o lurk_v in_o the_o inmost_a centre_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o they_o may_v remain_v greivous_o full_a of_o stain_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o divine_a love_n feeble_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v extinguish_v notwithstanding_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o cross_n 7._o whereas_o difficulty_n undergo_v in_o virtue_n of_o grace_n obtain_v by_o internal_a prayer_n do_v as_o it_o be_v scour_n &_o purity_n the_o spirit_n itself_o from_o the_o rust_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n &_o so_o do_v spiritualise_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n cause_v it_o to_o become_v a_o pure_a spirit_n exalt_v and_o separate_v from_o sensible_a object_n &_o all_o adhesion_n to_o they_o from_o which_o all_o vicious_a impurity_n proceed_v this_o be_v that_o division_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o spirit_n mention_v by_o s._n paul_n by_o which_o the_o pure_a spirit_n work_n as_o a_o spirit_n not_o obscure_v nor_o infect_v with_o sensual_a end_n and_o interest_n 8._o the_o way_n of_o mortification_n therefore_o practise_v by_o internal_a contemplative_a liver_n be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o actives_a though_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a state_n &_o well_o advance_v in_o active_a exercise_n for_o these_o endeavour_n to_o mortify_v their_o inordinate_a affection_n by_o combat_v they_o purposely_o &_o direct_o to_o wit_n by_o meditate_v discoursive_o on_o the_o motive_n afford_v by_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o deformity_n danger_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o by_o exercise_v a_o act_n of_o virtue_n contrary_a thereto_o so_o repress_v the_o inordinate_a passion_n whereas_o contemplative_a soul_n do_v indirect_o yet_o far_o more_o efficacious_o mortify_v their_o passion_n by_o transcend_v they_o that_o be_v by_o elevate_n &_o unite_n their_o spirit_n to_o god_n with_o the_o help_n of_o pure_a intellectual_a actuation_n by_o this_o mean_n forget_v &_o drown_a both_o their_o sensual_a desire_n yea_o all_o create_a thing_n &_o chief_o themselves_o in_o god_n so_o that_o in_o a_o tentation_n they_o do_v not_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o the_o object_n to_o the_o end_n to_o resist_v &_o contradict_v it_o but_o by_o a_o vigorous_a act_n of_o resignation_n &_o love_n they_o convert_v their_o spirit_n unto_o god_n scorn_v even_o to_o cast_v a_o regard_n or_o glance_n upon_o creature_n that_o will_v allure_v their_o affection_n from_o god_n &_o which_o can_v be_v consider_v except_o in_o god_n without_o leave_v some_o tincture_n &_o imperfection_n in_o the_o soul_n 9_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o external_a practice_n of_o virtue_n nor_o much_o less_o customary_a frequent_a confession_n communion_n obedience_n austerity_n &c_n &c_n but_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n &_o the_o sublime_a degree_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n aspiration_n pure_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n &_o other_o such_o divine_a operation_n that_o must_v be_v the_o principal_a instrument_n to_o bring_v a_o soul_n to_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a freedom_n from_o exterior_a &_o interiour_n immortification_n for_o by_o such_o operation_n only_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o transcend_v inferior_a nature_n &_o to_o live_v in_o the_o quiet_a secure_a &_o illuminate_v region_n of_o the_o spirit_n 10._o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o a_o devout_a soul_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n she_o must_v be_v content_a to_o work_v according_a to_o her_o present_a light_n &_o enablement_n so_o endeavour_v to_o correct_v her_o defect_n by_o less_o perfect_a exercise_n &_o such_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o active_a way_n and_o she_o must_v with_o patience_n &_o quietness_n of_o spirit_n bear_v with_o she_o own_o imperfection_n as_o she_o will_v with_o other_o expect_v god_n good_a time_n &_o endeavour_v to_o hasten_v the_o approach_n of_o that_o time_n by_o assiduous_a prayer_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o alone_o she_o may_v come_v to_o expel_v those_o defect_n which_o do_v now_o so_o much_o exercise_v &_o trouble_v she_o &_o also_o to_o discover_v &_o correct_v many_o other_o which_o as_o yet_o her_o eye_n be_v too_o infirm_a &_o dim_a to_o see_v 11._o indeed_o the_o provident_a care_n that_o god_n general_o have_v over_o his_o child_n both_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a be_v wonderful_a be_v careful_o suit_v to_o their_o present_a state_n for_o he_o do_v not_o usual_o send_v to_o imperfect_a soul_n any_o mortification_n but_o such_o as_o be_v ordinary_a &_o proportionable_a to_o their_o infirmity_n namely_o such_o as_o do_v gall_n &_o afflict_v their_o sensitive_a nature_n but_o do_v not_o pierce_v into_o the_o quick_a &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o remain_v free_a to_o support_v the_o other_o but_o as_o for_o soul_n arrive_v to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n or_o near_o it_o god_n do_v usual_o provide_v for_o they_o strange_a
in_o troublesome_a disquiet_v imagination_n and_o resuery_n far_o more_o distract_n then_o any_o conversation_n therefore_o they_o or_o rather_o their_o superior_n ought_v to_o take_v a_o special_a care_n that_o such_o a_o dangerous_a humour_n be_v not_o nourish_v by_o discontent_a retirement_n at_o the_o time_n when_o other_o be_v converse_v together_o and_o that_o at_o all_o other_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v busy_v in_o such_o kind_n of_o employment_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o nourish_v solicitude_n such_o disposition_n if_o prudent_o manage_v may_v prove_v proper_a for_o contemplation_n because_o their_o thought_n be_v not_o easy_o dissipate_v they_o be_v dispose_v for_o recollection_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o same_o disposition_n be_v neglect_v and_o suffer_v to_o follow_v the_o bent_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o fall_v into_o terrible_a extravagancy_n 20._o s._n teresa_n in_o her_o foundation_n have_v a_o particular_a discourse_n contain_v excellent_a advice_n how_o melancholic_a spirit_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v from_o mortification_n or_o employment_n from_o which_o they_o be_v averse_a notwithstanding_o this_o forwardness_n of_o their_o humour_n yet_o withal_o that_o the_o superior_a in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o all_o that_o he_o impose_v so_o on_o they_o proceed_v from_o pure_a charity_n and_o not_o any_o crossenes_n or_o aversion_n etc._n etc._n chap._n viii_o §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o of_o the_o four_o kind_n of_o general_n mortification_n viz._n tranquillity_n of_o mind_n §_o 4._o 5._o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o superior_a soul_n during_o the_o time_n that_o there_o be_v disquiet_a in_o the_o sensitive_a §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o how_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n may_v be_v procure_v §_o 9_o 10._o of_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n 1._o the_o four_o general_n mortification_n be_v a_o constant_a peacefullnes_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o disquiet_v passion_n of_o grief_n fear_v despair_v &c_n &c_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n speak_v brief_o and_o only_o in_o a_o general_a manner_n be_v short_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n to_o treat_v large_o of_o the_o chief_a enemy_n thereof_o which_o be_v fear_n and_o scrupulosity_n where_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o special_a motive_n or_o instrument_n of_o procure_v such_o peace_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v 2._o without_o a_o reasonable_a proportion_n of_o such_o tranquillity_n obtain_v a_o soul_n will_v be_v quite_o disable_v from_o internal_a prayer_n therefore_o she_o be_v to_o use_v all_o care_n to_o preserve_v it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v disturb_v or_o lose_v she_o must_v endeavour_v as_o soon_o and_o after_o the_o best_a manner_n she_o can_v to_o regain_v it_o till_o she_o be_v able_a to_o say_v none_o shall_v take_v my_o peace_n from_o i_o and_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n anima_fw-la mea_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la meis_fw-la semper_fw-la my_o soul_n be_v always_o in_o my_o hand_n and_o disposition_n and_o not_o captivate_v by_o the_o corrupt_a passion_n of_o nature_n 3._o the_o subject_n of_o this_o peace_n be_v the_o soul_n according_a to_o all_o its_o faculty_n both_o know_v and_o affect_v and_o both_o in_o the_o superior_a and_o spiritual_a as_o also_o in_o the_o inferior_a and_o sensitive_a portion_n for_o not_o only_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n and_o passion_n of_o sensuality_n but_o also_o the_o reason_n and_o imagination_n may_v be_v disturb_v and_o therefore_o a_o composednes_n and_o calmness_n be_v to_o be_v procure_v through_o all_o but_o yet_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n herto_o necessary_a be_v not_o the_o same_o neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o when_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n be_v in_o disorder_n that_o the_o same_o disorder_n shall_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o superior_a also_o it_o do_v not_o always_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n whole_o to_o suppress_v the_o instability_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o imagination_n nor_o the_o unrulines_n of_o sensuality_n which_o oft_o time_n do_v resist_v our_o superior_a reasâ—n_n but_o we_o be_v always_o enable_v by_o the_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v in_o repose_v our_o superior_a soul_n that_o be_v to_o hinder_v it_o from_o attend_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o imagination_n which_o we_o may_v reject_v or_o to_o deny_v consent_n or_o approbation_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o sensuality_n and_o this_o aâ—_n lest_o it_o must_v be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o do_v 4._o neither_o ought_v a_o wellminded_n soul_n to_o be_v discourage_v or_o deject_a at_o the_o contradiction_n that_o she_o find_v in_o sensuality_n but_o resist_v it_o the_o best_a she_o can_v she_o must_v be_v resign_v and_o patient_a with_o herself_o as_o she_o will_v be_v at_o the_o refractory_a humour_n of_o another_o till_o that_o by_o god_n blessing_n a_o long_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n do_v produce_v a_o great_a subjection_n of_o sensual_a nature_n to_o reason_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n she_o may_v comfort_v herself_o with_o this_o assurance_n that_o all_o merit_n and_o demerit_n lie_v in_o the_o superior_a will_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o sensuality_n consider_v in_o itself_o and_o as_o divide_v from_o the_o will._n 5._o during_o the_o conflict_n between_o reason_n and_o sense_n or_o appetite_n there_o may_v be_v a_o real_a tranquillity_n in_o the_o superior_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n although_o the_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o quietness_n yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o fearful_a nature_n it_o will_v seem_v that_o whensoever_o the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v disturb_v the_o spiritual_a portion_n do_v also_o partake_v of_o its_o disorder_n and_o this_o uncertainty_n mistake_v and_o fear_n that_o a_o fault_n have_v be_v commit_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o much_o scrupulosity_n and_o by_o mean_n thereof_o of_o great_a unquietnes_n indeed_o even_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n to_o person_n that_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o subordination_n of_o the_o faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n 6._o however_o a_o wellminded_n soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o calmness_n in_o the_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o will_v a_o refusal_n to_o consent_v to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o sensuality_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a disorder_n thereof_o while_o that_o the_o combat_n do_v not_o cease_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o outward_a member_n direct_v by_o reason_n and_o move_v by_o the_o superior_a will_n do_v behave_v themselves_o otherwise_o then_o the_o unruly_a appetite_n will_v move_v they_o for_o example_n when_o a_o person_n be_v move_v to_o anger_n though_o he_o find_v a_o unquiet_a representation_n in_o the_o imrgination_n and_o a_o violent_a heat_n and_o motion_n about_o the_o heart_n as_o likewise_o a_o aversion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n against_o the_o person_n that_o have_v give_v the_o provocation_n yet_o if_o notwithstanding_o he_o refrain_v himself_o from_o break_v forth_o into_o word_n of_o impatience_n to_o which_o his_o passion_n will_v urge_v he_o &_o withal_o contradict_v design_n of_o revenge_n suggest_v by_o passion_n such_o a_o one_o practise_v internal_a prayer_n and_o mortification_n be_v to_o esteem_v himself_o not_o to_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n although_o beside_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o appetite_n he_o can_v not_o hinder_v mark_n of_o his_o passion_n from_o appear_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o the_o colour_n of_o his_o countenance_n 7._o when_o we_o seek_v to_o retaaine_v such_o quietness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o unquietnes_n we_o do_v it_o by_o exercise_v a_o act_n of_o mortification_n proper_a to_o the_o occasion_n every_o act_n whereof_o do_v in_o some_o degree_n abate_v impetuous_a nature_n dispose_v we_o for_o better_a and_o more_o quiet_a recollection_n which_o will_v procure_v we_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o more_o efficacious_a grace_n to_o resist_v sensuality_n afterward_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a each_o act_n of_o immortification_n do_v increase_v in_o we_o self-love_n the_o cause_n and_o root_n of_o all_o unquietnes_n and_o cause_v a_o great_a obscurity_n in_o the_o soul_n indispose_v it_o likewise_o to_o prayer_n 8._o to_o the_o end_n to_o procure_v a_o habitual_a peacefullnes_n of_o mind_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o do_v any_o of_o our_o action_n i_o mean_v even_o our_o action_n of_o duty_n with_o impetuousnes_n and_o a_o inward_a hastiness_n but_o with_o a_o compose_a calmness_n for_o all_o act_n of_o impetuosity_n and_o violence_n be_v so_o far_o but_o effect_n of_o self-love_n and_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o be_v
good_a resolution_n let_v she_o according_o with_o courage_n put_v in_o execution_n daily_o often_o renew_v it_o when_o she_o find_v herself_o to_o become_v slack_a or_o negligent_a 9_o last_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o of_o all_o other_o her_o employment_n she_o must_v always_o have_v at_o least_o a_o virtual_a intention_n of_o direct_v they_o all_o to_o god_n make_v he_o the_o final_a end_n of_o all_o and_o often_o time_n likewise_o she_o must_v frame_v a_o actual_a intention_n of_o the_o same_o now_o when_o god_n be_v indeed_o and_o in_o the_o true_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o end_n of_o her_o action_n he_o communicate_v a_o supernaturality_n &_o a_o kind_n of_o divinity_n unto_o they_o and_o unless_o he_o be_v true_o the_o end_n they_o have_v no_o merit_n at_o all_o 10._o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o only_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n this_o purity_n of_o intention_n can_v be_v obtain_v in_o what_o danger_n be_v those_o soul_n that_o do_v whole_o neglect_v it_o neither_o will_v a_o few_o interrupt_v occasional_a offering_n of_o our_o action_n to_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v a_o stable_a habit_n of_o such_o purity_n without_o constant_a set_v exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n all_o the_o virtue_n that_o such_o oblation_n have_v be_v a_o little_a to_o diminish_v the_o impurity_n of_o those_o particular_a action_n but_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o very_o inconsiderable_o increase_n or_o strengthen_v the_o habit_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o virtue_n therefore_o of_o such_o act_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o state_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o 11._o if_o a_o internal_a liver_n do_v practice_v such_o occasional_a offering_n of_o daily_a action_n i_o shall_v advise_v he_o 1._o not_o to_o multiply_v such_o act_n too_o thick_a one_o upon_o the_o other_o so_o as_o to_o endanger_v to_o hurt_v the_o head_n or_o distract_v the_o imagination_n or_o hinder_v the_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n 2._o let_v not_o they_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o other_o more_o perfect_a &_o profitable_a elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n or_o aspiration_n if_o the_o soul_n find_v herself_o invite_v thereto_o or_o if_o they_o be_v relish_v to_o she_o 12._o it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o the_o offering_n of_o our_o suffering_n to_o god_n will_v be_v far_o more_o profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n than_o the_o offer_v of_o mere_a work_n that_o have_v in_o they_o little_a or_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a inclination_n yet_o even_o that_o also_o without_o constant_a prayer_n will_v be_v of_o little_a force_n 13._o i_o dare_v with_o confidence_n profess_v that_o the_o observe_n of_o the_o foresay_v simple_a direction_n will_v be_v far_o more_o available_a to_o the_o procure_a purity_n of_o intention_n in_o most_o soul_n than_o such_o a_o curious_a examination_n of_o our_o daily_a work_n as_o be_v prescribe_v by_o a_o late_a worthy_a contemplative_a of_o our_o nation_n who_o require_v in_o every_o work_n six_o quality_n punctual_o to_o be_v observe_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v do_v 1._o actual_o 2._o oneâ—y_n 3._o willing_o 4._o assure_o 5._o clear_o 6._o speedy_o for_o the_o love_n &_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o he_o exact_v of_o a_o soul_n careful_o to_o search_v whether_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n have_v be_v want_v and_o consequent_o to_o be_v more_o circumspect_a in_o the_o future_a which_o sure_o will_v be_v a_o employment_n extreme_o distractive_a and_o full_a of_o solicitude_n though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o himself_o find_v much_o good_a by_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n 4._o it_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a for_o a_o imperfect_a soul_n to_o exercise_v purity_n of_o intention_n in_o action_n that_o be_v of_o obligation_n &_o do_v either_o in_o order_n to_o any_o law_n or_o any_o command_n of_o superior_n then_o in_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v to_o her_o own_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v good_a for_o such_o a_o one_o either_o to_o have_v she_o daily_o &_o ordinary_a employment_n prescribe_v to_o she_o by_o her_o spiritual_a director_n or_o to_o ordain_v they_o to_o herself_o upon_o good_a consideration_n before_o hand_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o prejudice_n due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n 15._o in_o every_o recollection_n the_o soul_n do_v either_o direct_o &_o express_o or_o at_o least_o virtual_o renew_v her_o first_o fundamental_a purpose_n of_o tend_v in_o all_o her_o action_n externall_n and_o internal_a to_o the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n and_o then_o also_o she_o discover_v &_o correct_v such_o defect_n and_o transgression_n of_o this_o purpose_n as_o have_v pass_v out_o of_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n our_o recollection_n therefore_o be_v the_o fountain_n &_o root_n whence_o all_o our_o future_a work_n have_v their_o virtue_n &_o merit_n &_o in_o they_o purity_n of_o intention_n be_v most_o perfect_o exercise_v 16._o the_o do_n or_o suffering_n of_o a_o contemplative_a liver_n though_o oft_o time_n with_o much_o repugnancy_n in_o inferior_a nature_n yet_o do_v partake_v more_o of_o purity_n of_o intention_n &_o merit_n than_o the_o voluntary_a action_n of_o active_a liver_n or_o of_o one_o that_o do_v not_o constant_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n albeit_o the_o action_n of_o these_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v with_o great_a alacrity_n &_o facility_n &_o to_o the_o doer_n seem_v to_o proceed_v pure_o out_o of_o charity_n and_o withal_o cause_v great_a admiration_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o action_n of_o the_o former_a be_v do_v pure_o out_o of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o also_o in_o great_a simplicity_n &_o unity_n their_o regard_n to_o god_n be_v not_o hinder_v by_o the_o image_n accompany_v such_o action_n whereas_o active_a liver_n immediate_o contemplate_v multiplicity_n yea_o in_o prayer_n itself_o they_o be_v not_o without_o multiplicity_n though_o they_o do_v direct_v that_o multiplicity_n more_o direct_o to_o one_o then_o in_o action_n out_o of_o prayer_n 17._o now_o since_o purity_n of_o intention_n consist_v in_o regard_v god_n with_o simplicity_n that_o be_v without_o mixture_n of_o image_n or_o affection_n to_o creature_n it_o concern_v internal_a liver_n to_o use_v as_o great_a care_n &_o discretion_n as_o may_v be_v not_o to_o intrude_v themselves_o unnecessary_o into_o distractive_a employment_n 18._o even_o the_o most_o perfect_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v less_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o thing_n grateful_a to_o nature_n then_o in_o such_o as_o be_v mortify_v therefore_o in_o the_o former_a they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o frame_v a_o actual_a upright_a intention_n 19_o the_o repugnancy_n that_o contemplative_a liver_n do_v find_v ofttimes_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o externall_n employment_n proceed_v not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o any_o unwillingnes_n to_o obey_v as_o out_o of_o a_o averseness_n from_o leave_v their_o internal_a solitude_n and_o abstraction_n yet_o such_o repugnancy_n in_o inferior_a nature_n be_v easy_o subdue_v at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o obedience_n and_o duty_n 20._o true_a purity_n of_o intention_n be_v best_a discern_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o action_n for_o ordinary_o we_o set_v upon_o externall_n work_n out_o of_o a_o sudden_a impulse_n and_o like_n of_o nature_n and_o afterward_o we_o cozen_v ourselves_o with_o a_o force_a good_a intention_n fasten_v upon_o they_o so_o think_v that_o in_o they_o we_o do_v pure_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o faint_o renounce_v our_o interest_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v indeed_o better_a to_o do_v thus_o then_o to_o continue_v such_o action_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v begin_v but_o no_o action_n be_v perfect_o meritorious_a and_o pure_a but_o such_o as_o have_v for_o their_o first_o principle_n a_o divine_a light_n &_o impulse_n and_o be_v continue_v in_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o 21._o therefore_o a_o certain_a ancient_n holy_a hermit_n be_v accustom_v before_o he_o set_v upon_o any_o work_n to_o make_v a_o pause_n for_o some_o time_n like_o one_o who_o thought_n be_v busy_v about_o some_o other_o matter_n and_o be_v ask_v why_o he_o do_v so_o he_o answer_v all_o our_o action_n be_v in_o themselves_o nothing_o worth_a but_o like_o a_o rough_a unshape_a piece_n of_o timber_n they_o have_v no_o gracefullnes_n in_o they_o unless_o we_o adorn_v &_o guild_v they_o over_o with_o a_o pure_a intention_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o love_n &_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o as_o one_o that_o be_v to_o shoot_v at_o a_o mark_n do_v first_o careful_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v shoot_v at_o random_n so_o do_v i_o fix_v my_o eye_n upon_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v our_o only_a
be_v apt_a not_o only_o to_o think_v better_o of_o ourselves_o then_o of_o any_o other_o to_o excuse_v our_o own_o fault_n &_o to_o accuse_v even_o the_o best_a action_n of_o other_o &c._n &c._n but_o also_o to_o raise_v up_o ourselves_o against_o &_o above_o god_n himself_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o if_o we_o be_v both_o the_o principle_n &_o end_n of_o all_o good_a challenge_v to_o ourselves_o the_o praise_n of_o all_o either_o real_a or_o imaginary_a good_a in_o we_o &_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o our_o own_o contentment_n 15._o by_o a_o serious_a &_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n way_n will_v be_v make_v for_o the_o introduce_v of_o true_a solid_a humility_n into_o our_o soul_n but_o yet_o these_o alone_a will_v not_o suffice_v except_o thereto_o we_o join_v 1._o abstraction_n of_o life_n by_o which_o we_o will_v come_v to_o overlook_v &_o forget_v the_o imperfection_n of_o other_o &_o only_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o thence_o fly_v employment_n charge_n &_o deal_n with_o other_o or_o when_o necessity_n require_v a_o treat_v with_o other_o do_v it_o with_o all_o modesty_n charity_n &_o a_o cordial_a respectfullnes_n be_v confound_v at_o our_o own_o praise_n &c_n &c_n 2._o a_o care_n to_o practice_v according_a to_o what_o humility_n oblige_v we_o with_o quietness_n of_o mind_n accept_v humiliation_n contempt_n &c_n &c_n from_o other_o endeavour_v to_o welcome_a they_o &_o even_o to_o take_v joy_n in_o they_o &c_n &c_n 3._o but_o especial_o internal_a prayer_n by_o which_o we_o not_o only_o get_v a_o more_o perfect_a light_n to_o discover_v a_o world_n of_o former_o unseen_a imperfection_n but_o also_o we_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n &_o get_v a_o more_o perfect_a sight_n of_o he_o in_o who_o all_o creature_n ourselves_o &_o all_o do_v vanish_v &_o be_v annihilate_v 16._o now_o when_o by_o these_o mean_v humility_n begin_v to_o get_v a_o little_a strength_n in_o we_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v how_o inventive_a &_o ingenious_a it_o be_v in_o find_v way_n to_o increase_v in_o perfection_n then_o this_o degree_n of_o prefer_v all_o other_o whatsoever_o before_o ourselves_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v as_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o reason_n &_o duty_n 17._o for_o then_o a_o devout_a soul_n know_v how_o valuable_a &_o necessary_a a_o virtue_n humility_n be_v by_o which_o alone_o that_o most_o deadly_a poison_n of_o our_o soul_n pride_n be_v destroy_v 1._o she_o will_v become_v scarce_o able_a to_o see_v any_o thing_n in_o herself_o but_o what_o be_v true_o her_o own_o that_o be_v her_o defectuousnes_n &_o nothing_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o other_o but_o what_o be_v god_n and_o thus_o do_v she_o can_v choose_v but_o humble_a herself_o under_o all_o other_o prefer_v all_o other_o before_o herself_o &_o this_o without_o fiction_n with_o all_o sincerity_n &_o simplicity_n 2._o she_o will_v never_o compare_v herself_o with_o other_o but_o to_o the_o intent_n to_o abase_v herself_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v in_o she_o any_o natural_a endowment_n want_v to_o other_o she_o will_v consider_v they_o as_o not_o her_o own_o but_o god_n commit_v to_o her_o trust_n to_o the_o end_n to_o trade_n with_o they_o for_o god_n glory_n only_o of_o which_o trust_n a_o severe_a account_n shall_v be_v require_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o her_o negligence_n &_o ingatitude_n she_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o glorify_v herself_o for_o such_o endowment_n that_o she_o will_v rather_o esteem_v they_o happy_a that_o want_n they_o 4._o if_o she_o have_v any_o supernatural_a grace_n which_o other_o want_n yea_o or_o if_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o open_a sin_n she_o will_v consider_v that_o she_o may_v according_a to_o her_o demerit_n be_v deprive_v of_o they_o &_o other_o enrich_v with_o they_o who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v make_v better_a use_n of_o they_o for_o she_o know_v by_o many_o woeful_a experiment_n the_o perverseness_n of_o her_o own_o heart_n but_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o other_o &_o therefore_o can_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n suspect_v that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o ingrateful_a 5._o she_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o lesser_a imperfection_n in_o other_o yea_o not_o know_v their_o secret_a intention_n she_o will_v judge_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v imperfection_n may_v perhaps_o be_v meritorious_a action_n 6._o in_o a_o word_n consider_v that_o god_n have_v make_v she_o a_o judge_n of_o herself_o only_o to_o the_o end_n to_o condemn_v herself_o &_o of_o other_o only_o to_o excuse_v they_o &_o know_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peril_n in_o judge_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a too_o hardly_o of_o one_o self_n but_o much_o in_o judge_v the_o worst_a of_o another_o in_o the_o small_a thing_n though_o other_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a yet_o at_o least_o she_o will_v judge_v this_o that_o if_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o light_n &_o help_n that_o she_o enjoy_v they_o will_v have_v be_v angel_n in_o purity_n compare_v with_o she_o &_o however_o that_o at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o such_o ingratitude_n as_o she_o be_v 18._o by_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o a_o devout_a soul_n will_v fix_v in_o her_o understanding_n a_o belief_n of_o her_o own_o vileness_n &_o baseness_n for_o to_o make_v humility_n a_o virtue_n it_o be_v the_o will_n that_o must_v even_o compel_v the_o understanding_n to_o say_v i_o will_v believe_v myself_o to_o be_v inferior_a to_o all_o according_a as_o i_o find_v just_a cause_n by_o these_o consideration_n and_o the_o same_o will_n will_v upon_o occasion_n force_v practice_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o belief_n it_o will_v make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a to_o seek_v thing_n please_v to_o she_o yea_o content_n with_o all_o hard_a usage_n as_o know_v she_o deserve_v far_o worse_o &_o aught_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v tread_v underfoot_o by_o all_o creature_n so_o that_o in_o love_n to_o justice_n &_o equality_n she_o will_v even_o desire_v &_o rejoice_v in_o all_o affront_n persecution_n &_o contempt_n or_o if_o certain_a circumstance_n as_o infirmity_n of_o body_n etc._n etc._n shall_v require_v and_o that_o she_o be_v necessitate_v to_o choose_v or_o desire_v any_o consolation_n she_o will_v accept_v they_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n &_o mortification_n that_o be_v pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n &_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o nature_n be_v far_o from_o think_v herself_o worthy_a of_o any_o thing_n but_o want_n pain_n &_o contempt_n 19_o nowv_o a_o superior_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v to_o offend_v against_o this_o degree_n of_o humility_n when_o he_o discover_v object_n reprehend_v or_o punish_v the_o fault_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o god_n to_o who_o alone_o it_o belong_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n yet_o withal_o the_o superior_a ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o esteem_v himself_o better_a than_o the_o person_n reprehend_v for_o though_o perhaps_o in_o that_o one_o respect_v he_o can_v much_o condemn_v himself_o yet_o for_o many_o other_o fault_n which_o he_o see_v in_o himself_o &_o can_v see_v in_o other_o he_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o remain_v humble_v yea_o to_o be_v the_o more_o confound_v whensoever_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n require_v of_o he_o to_o be_v a_o reprehend_a of_o other_o while_o himself_o do_v far_o more_o deserve_v reprehension_n 20._o when_o by_o serious_a practice_n of_o humiliation_n join_v with_o prayer_n a_o soul_n be_v come_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n in_o spiritual_a exercise_n then_o be_v attain_v that_o more_o admirable_a kind_n of_o humility_n which_o regard_v god_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n contemplate_v his_o totality_n &_o illimited_a universality_n of_o be_v &_o thence_o reflect_v on_o her_o own_o nothing_o of_o which_o now_o she_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a sight_n she_o most_o profound_o humble_v &_o annihilate_v herself_o before_o he_o 21._o and_o when_o prayer_n be_v come_v to_o perfection_n then_o will_v the_o soul_n also_o mount_v to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o humility_n which_o regard_v god_n consider_v absolute_o in_o himself_o &_o without_o any_o express_a or_o distinct_a comparison_n with_o creature_n for_o hereby_o a_o soul_n fix_v her_o sight_n upon_o god_n as_o all_o in_o all_o &_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o incomprehensibility_n do_v not_o by_o any_o distinct_a act_n or_o reflection_n consider_v the_o vacuity_n &_o nothingnes_n of_o creature_n but_o real_o transcend_v &_o forget_v they_o so_o that_o to_o she_o they_o be_v in_o very_a deed_n as_o nothing_o because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o object_n which_o with_o her_o spirit_n she_o only_o see_v &_o with_o her_o affection_n only_a embrace_n
it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o raise_v &_o better_v their_o attention_n to_o god_n yet_o so_o that_o it_o must_v always_o give_v place_n to_o internal_a prayer_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v for_o it_o 11._o but_o as_o for_o that_o vocal_a prayer_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n of_o obligation_n no_o manner_n of_o pretence_n of_o find_v more_o profit_n by_o internal_a exercise_n ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o any_o to_o neglect_v or_o disparage_v it_o for_o though_o some_o soul_n of_o the_o best_a disposition_n may_v perhaps_o more_o advance_v themselves_o towards_o perfection_n by_o internal_a exercise_n alone_o yet_o since_o general_o even_o in_o religion_n soul_n be_v so_o tepid_v &_o negligent_a that_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o voluntary_a devotion_n they_o will_v scarce_o ever_o exercise_v either_o vocal_a or_o mental_a prayer_n therefore_o in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o manifest_a distinction_n can_v be_v make_v between_o the_o particular_a disposition_n of_o person_n it_o be_v requisite_a &_o necessary_a that_o all_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o a_o public_a external_a performance_n of_o divine_a service_n praise_v god_n with_o the_o tongue_n also_o which_o be_v for_o that_o end_n give_v we_o that_o so_o a_o order_n &_o decorum_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o god_n church_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v imitate_v the_o employment_n of_o angel_n &_o glorify_a saint_n in_o a_o solemn_a unite_v join_v of_o heart_n &_o tongue_n to_o glorify_v god_n this_o be_v necessary_a also_o for_o the_o edification_n &_o invitation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o the_o office_n who_o perhaps_o will_v never_o think_v of_o god_n be_v they_o not_o encourage_v thereto_o by_o see_v good_a soul_n spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n in_o such_o solemn_a &_o almost_o hourly_o pray_v to_o &_o praise_v god_n 12._o now_o whereas_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v there_o be_v necessary_o require_v a_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n without_o which_o it_o be_v not_o prayer_n we_o must_v know_v that_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n &_o degree_n of_o attention_n all_o of_o they_o good_a but_o yet_o one_o more_o perfect_a &_o profitable_a than_o another_o for._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o attention_n or_o express_v reflection_n on_o the_o word_n &_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o the_o tongue_n or_o revolue_v in_o the_o mind_n now_o this_o attention_n be_v in_o vocal_a prayer_n necessary_o to_o vary_v &_o change_v according_a as_o sentence_n in_o the_o psalm_n &c_n &c_n do_v succeed_v one_o another_o can_v so_o powerful_o &_o efficacious_o fix_v the_o mind_n or_o affection_n on_o god_n because_o they_o be_v present_o to_o be_v recall_v to_o new_a consideration_n or_o succeed_v affection_n this_o be_v the_o low_a &_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o attention_n of_o which_o all_o soul_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n capable_a &_o the_o more_o imperfect_a they_o be_v the_o less_o difficulty_n there_o be_v in_o yield_v it_o for_o soul_n that_o have_v good_a &_o establish_a affection_n to_o god_n can_v hardly_o quit_v a_o good_a affection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n &_o which_o they_o find_v gustfull_a &_o profitable_a for_o they_o to_o exchange_v it_o for_o a_o new_a one_o succeed_v in_o the_o office_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o preiudiâ—e_n 13._o the_o second_o degree_n be_v that_o of_o soul_n indifferent_o well_o practise_v in_o internal_a prayer_n who_o come_v to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o office_n &_o either_o bring_n with_o they_o or_o by_o occasion_n of_o such_o recite_v raise_v in_o themselves_o a_o efficacious_a affection_n to_o god_n do_v desire_n without_o variation_n to_o continue_v it_o with_o as_o profound_a a_o recollectednes_n as_o they_o may_v not_o at_o all_o hee_a whether_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a passage_n which_o they_o pronounce_v this_o be_v a_o attention_n to_o god_n though_o not_o to_o the_o word_n and_o be_v far_o more_o beneficial_a than_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o to_o oblige_v any_o soul_n to_o quit_v such_o a_o attention_n for_o the_o former_a will_v be_v both_o prejudicial_a &_o unreasonable_a for_o since_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n in_o scripture_n or_o otherwise_o be_v ordain_v only_o to_o this_o end_n to_o supplâ—_n &_o furnish_v the_o soul_n that_o needs_o with_o good_a matter_n of_o affection_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o god_n a_o soul_n that_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o that_o end_n which_o be_v union_n as_o long_o as_o it_o last_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v therefrom_o &_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v a_o new_a mean_n till_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o former_a be_v spend_v 14._o a_o three_o &_o most_o sublime_a degree_n of_o attention_n to_o the_o divine_a office_n be_v that_o whereby_o vocal_a prayer_n do_v become_v mental_a that_o be_v whereby_o soul_n most_o profound_o &_o with_o a_o perfect_a simplicity_n unite_v to_o god_n can_v yet_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o union_n attend_v also_o to_o the_o sense_n &_o spirit_n of_o each_o passage_n that_o they_o pronounce_v yea_o thereby_o find_v their_o affection_n adhesion_n &_o union_n increase_v &_o more_o simplify_v this_o attention_n come_v not_o till_o a_o soul_n be_v arrive_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v so_o habitual_o unite_v to_o god_n &_o beside_o the_o imagination_n so_o subdue_v to_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o can_v rest_v upon_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v distract_v it_o 15._o happy_a be_v those_o soul_n of_o which_o god_n know_v the_o number_n be_v very_o small_a that_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o three_o degree_n the_o which_o must_v be_v ascend_v to_o by_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o the_o two_o former_a in_o their_o order_n especirl_o of_o the_o second_o degree_n and_o therefore_o in_o recite_v of_o the_o office_n even_o the_o more_o imperfect_a soul_n may_v do_v well_o whensoever_o they_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n recollect_v to_o continue_v so_o as_o long_o as_o they_o well_o can_v preserve_v as_o much_o stability_n in_o their_o imagination_n as_o may_v be_v 16._o and_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o beget_v &_o increase_v such_o a_o recollect_v way_n of_o say_v the_o divine_a office_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n either_o in_o meditation_n or_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o only_a aim_n and_o end_v whereof_o be_v the_o procure_v a_o immovable_a attention_n &_o adhesion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o this_o as_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n may_v suffice_v concern_v vocal_a prayer_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o general_a and_o principal_o of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o the_o excellency_n &_o necessity_n of_o affective_a prayer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o ancient_n &_o not_o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n §_o 6._o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o it_o in_o these_o day_n §_o 7._o 8._o the_o testimony_n of_o cardinal_n bellarmine_n to_o show_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n suffice_v not_o §_o 9_o 10._o 11._o etc._n etc._n five_o admirable_a virtue_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n §_o 16._o 17._o a_o exhortation_n to_o constancy_n &_o courage_n in_o pursue_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o 1._o internal_a or_o mental_a prayer_n which_o be_v simple_o and_o mere_o such_o and_z which_o we_o make_v the_o second_o member_n in_o the_o division_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_a if_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a kind_n and_o of_o which_o only_o we_o shall_v treat_v hereafter_o be_v either_o 1._o imperfect_a and_o acquire_v 2._o or_o perfect_a &_o that_o which_o be_v call_v proper_o infuse_v prayer_n the_o former_a be_v only_o a_o preparation_n &_o inferior_a disposition_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v fit_v &_o make_v capable_a of_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o other_o to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a &_o religious_a exercise_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o order_n treat_v of_o they_o both_o &_o of_o their_o several_a special_a degreeâ—_n begin_v with_o the_o low_a &_o thence_o ascend_v orderly_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o high_a the_o which_o will_v bring_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n 2._o but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o deliver_v the_o special_a instruction_n pertinent_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a by_o way_n of_o preparation_n &_o encouragement_n to_o set_v down_o the_o necessity_n &_o excellency_n of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o general_a i_o mean_v especial_o of_o
prayer_n either_o vocal_a or_o discoursive_o mental_a the_o which_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o admirable_a &_o inestimable_a deserve_v to_o be_v purchase_v with_o all_o the_o care_n &_o endeavour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n 10._o the_o first_o excellency_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n above_o all_o other_o be_v that_o only_o by_o such_o prayer_n our_o union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n in_o which_o our_o essential_a happiness_n consist_v be_v perfect_o obtain_v for_o therein_o the_o will_n with_o all_o the_o power_n &_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v apply_v and_o fix_v to_o the_o love_a adore_a &_o glorify_v this_o only_a beatify_a object_n whereas_o in_o vocal_a prayer_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a variety_n &_o succession_n of_o image_n of_o creature_n suggest_v the_o which_o do_v distract_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o imperfect_a from_o such_o a_o application_n and_o meditation_n in_o which_o discourse_n be_v employ_v be_v so_o far_o little_o more_o than_o a_o philosophical_a contemplation_n of_o god_n delay_v this_o fix_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n on_o god_n the_o which_o be_v only_o acceptable_a to_o he_o 11._o the_o second_o virtue_n be_v this_o that_o by_o this_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_v the_o soul_n enter_v far_o more_o profound_o into_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n partake_v of_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o divine_a light_n far_o more_o plentiful_o by_o which_o she_o both_o discover_v god_n perfection_n more_o clear_o &_o also_o see_v the_o way_n wherein_o she_o be_v to_o walk_v more_o perfect_o then_o by_o any_o other_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o when_o the_o soul_n endeavour_n to_o apply_v all_o her_o affection_n entire_o on_o god_n then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o be_v profound_o introvert_v a_o world_n of_o impurity_n of_o intention_n &_o inordinate_a affection_n lurk_v in_o she_o do_v discover_v themselves_o &_o the_o obscure_a mist_n of_o they_o be_v dispel_v the_o soul_n then_o find_v by_o a_o real_a perception_n &_o feel_n how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o her_o present_a union_n in_o will_n with_o god_n whereas_o when_o the_o understanding_n alone_o or_o principal_o be_v busy_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o soul_n herself_o the_o imagination_n which_o be_v very_o active_a &_o subtle_a will_v not_o represent_v to_o the_o soul_n either_o god_n or_o herself_o so_o liquid_o &_o sincere_o but_o be_v blind_v &_o seduce_v by_o natural_a self-love_n will_v invent_v a_o hundred_o excuse_n &_o pretext_n to_o deceive_v the_o soul_n &_o to_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v intend_v &_o do_v pure_o for_o god_n which_o proceed_v principal_o if_o not_o total_o from_o the_o root_n of_o concupiscence_n &_o self-love_n 12._o a_o three_o admirable_a perfection_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o divine_a light_n but_o also_o grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o put_v in_o practice_v all_o thing_n to_o which_o supernatural_a light_n direct_v be_v obtain_v principal_o by_o this_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o by_o a_o double_a causality_n &_o virtue_n to_o wit_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o impetration_n ground_v on_o the_o rich_a &_o precious_a promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o prayer_n above_o all_o other_o good_a action_n 2._o by_o a_o direct_a &_o proper_a efficiency_n for_o since_o all_o the_o virtue_n &_o merit_n of_o our_o external_a action_n do_v depend_v upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o internal_a disposition_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n exercise_v charity_n &_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o they_o &_o conquer_a the_o resistance_n of_o nature_n and_o since_o all_o internal_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n whatsoever_o be_v true_o &_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n direct_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n hence_o be_v follow_v that_o as_o all_o habit_n be_v get_v by_o frequency_n &_o constancy_n of_o exercise_n therefore_o by_o the_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o soul_n be_v enable_v with_o facility_n to_o practice_v perfect_o all_o virtue_n 13._o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v that_o such_o prayer_n be_v universal_a mortification_n &_o a_o mortification_n the_o most_o profound_a intime_fw-la &_o perfect_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v possible_o perform_v entire_o destructive_a to_o sensual_a satisfaction_n for_o therein_o the_o will_n force_v inferior_a nature_n &_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o avert_v themselves_o from_o all_o other_o object_n please_v to_o they_o and_o to_o concur_v to_o her_o internal_a actuation_n towards_o god_n &_o this_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o distraction_n by_o vain_a image_n during_o a_o torpide_a dullnes_n of_o the_o heart_n yea_o a_o violent_a contradiction_n of_o sensuality_n when_o there_o be_v according_a to_o any_o sensible_a perception_n a_o total_a disgust_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o exercise_n yea_o when_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v in_o obscurity_n &_o can_v by_o any_o reflexed_a act_n reap_v any_o consolation_n from_o such_o a_o exercise_n such_o a_o exilium_fw-la cordis_fw-la such_o a_o desertion_n &_o internal_a desolation_n be_v a_o mortification_n to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o as_o of_o extreme_a bitterness_n so_o of_o unexpressible_a efficacy_n to_o the_o purify_n &_o universal_a perfect_a of_o the_o soul_n &_o spirit_n therefore_o s._n chrysostome_n tract_n de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la have_v good_a reason_n to_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n which_o with_o a_o due_a care_n &_o assiduity_n pray_v unto_o god_n shall_v ever_o sin_v 17._o a_o four_o excellence_n of_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a action_n that_o can_v possible_o want_v purity_n of_o intention_n soul_n may_v from_o a_o impulse_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o satirfaction_n exact_o observe_v fast_n perform_v obedience_n keep_v the_o choir_n approach_v to_o sacrament_n yea_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o curious_a speculation_n during_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o self-love_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o far_o any_o purity_n of_o intention_n in_o any_o of_o these_o duty_n then_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o internal_a affective_a prayer_n that_o be_v the_o will_v fix_v by_o charity_n on_o god_n whereas_o if_o any_o oblique_a intention_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n it_o will_v present_o be_v observe_v &_o unless_o it_o be_v contradict_v &_o expel_v there_o can_v be_v no_o progress_n in_o such_o prayer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v a_o exercise_n either_o more_o secure_a or_o more_o profitable_a since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o alone_o that_o all_o other_o exercise_n have_v any_o concurrence_n towards_o the_o perfectionate_v of_o the_o soul_n 15._o last_o affective_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o make_v all_o other_o sort_n of_o prayer_n to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o prayer_n for_o be_v that_o exclude_v meditation_n be_v but_o a_o useless_a speculation_n and_o curiosity_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o vocal_a prayer_n but_o a_o empty_a sound_n of_o word_n for_o god_n only_o desire_v our_o heart_n or_o affection_n without_o which_o our_o tongue_n or_o brain_n be_v of_o no_o esteem_n at_o all_o yea_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o profitable_a attention_n in_o any_o prayer_n further_o than_o the_o heart_n concurre_v for_o if_o the_o attention_n be_v only_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o will_v not_o constitute_v prayer_n for_o then_o study_n or_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v call_v prayer_n hence_o say_v a_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n nunquam_fw-la verè_fw-la orat_fw-la quisquis_fw-la etiam_fw-la flexis_fw-la genibus_fw-la evagatione_fw-la cordis_fw-la etiam_fw-la qualicumque_fw-la distrahitur_fw-la that_o be_v that_o man_n do_v never_o true_o pray_v who_o though_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o knes_n be_v distract_v with_o any_o wander_a or_o unattention_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o likewise_o the_o learned_a soto_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n conclusive_o affirm_v orationi_fw-la mentali_fw-la deesse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la attentio_fw-la cum_fw-la ipsa_fw-la attentio_fw-la &c_n &c_n that_o be_v attention_n can_v possible_o be_v want_v to_o mental_a prayer_n of_o the_o heart_n since_o the_o attention_n itself_o be_v the_o very_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o one_o pray_v mental_o &_o be_v not_o attentive_a as_o be_v of_o itself_o manifest_a for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o mind_n begin_v to_o wander_v it_o cease_v to_o pray_v therefore_o vocal_a prayer_n be_v only_o that_o prayer_n which_o may_v want_v attention_n namely_o when_o the_o thought_n divert_v themselves_o to_o other_o object_n the_o tongue_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o mind_n give_v a_o uncertain_a
pure_a prayer_n do_v thereby_o omit_v due_a petition_n for_o either_o common_a or_o particular_a necessity_n on_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o necessity_n be_v know_v to_o god_n who_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o ardent_o desire_v a_o supply_n to_o they_o but_o yet_o do_v not_o busy_v themselves_o much_o in_o make_v express_a prayer_n for_o they_o because_o they_o will_v rather_o employ_v their_o affection_n in_o such_o prayer_n as_o they_o know_v be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o not-expresse-asking_a they_o do_v privy_o and_o most_o efficacious_o ask_v &_o obtain_v the_o say_v petition_n and_o as_o for_o devotion_n to_o saint_n they_o account_v it_o to_o be_v their_o chief_a honour_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v most_o honour_v 29._o the_o seven_o &_o last_o objection_n be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o author_n have_v before_o answer_v in_o his_o account_n to_o his_o general_n viz._n that_o this_o fashion_n of_o prayer_n call_v soul_n from_o the_o spiritual_a exercise_n institute_v by_o s._n ignatius_n the_o which_o answer_n need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o diversity_n of_o prayer_n may_v cause_v faction_n in_o the_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o perfect_a may_v lawful_o practice_v way_n not_o common_a to_o the_o imperfect_a without_o any_o fear_n of_o division_n or_o any_o intention_n of_o contradict_v or_o despise_v of_o other_o 30._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n both_o of_o the_o account_v give_v by_o the_o v._o r._n father_n baltazar_n aluarez_n to_o his_o general_n touch_v his_o prayer_n as_o likewise_o of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o tempest_n raise_v against_o he_o be_v as_o to_o his_o own_o person_n very_o prosperous_a &_o happy_a for_o after_o a_o most_o strict_a examination_n his_o innocence_n &_o truth_n be_v assert_v by_o his_o write_n &_o his_o most_o humble_a patience_n manifest_v in_o his_o whole_a behaviour_n moreover_o the_o general_n conceive_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n of_o he_o that_o he_o prefer_v he_o to_o two_o office_n successive_o of_o the_o great_a dignity_n &_o trust_n that_o the_o society_n than_o have_v in_o spain_n notwithstanding_o the_o same_o general_n not_o approve_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a manner_n of_o prayer_n though_o acknowledged_a to_o proceed_v from_o a_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v common_o disperse_v and_o indifferent_o teach_v through_o the_o order_n as_o suppose_v not_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o its_o activity_n yet_o none_o ever_o do_v execute_v the_o office_n impose_v with_o great_a perfection_n than_o the_o say_v r._n father_n baltazar_n therefore_o a_o decree_n be_v make_v to_o forbid_v the_o spread_a of_o it_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v produce_v the_o desire_a effect_n the_o second_o section_n of_o the_o three_o treatise_n of_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n viz._n meditation_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o several_a degree_n and_o station_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n as_o the_o three_o way_n purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a etc._n etc._n §_o 4._o 5._o they_o be_v best_a distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n §_o 6._o 7._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n §_o 16._o 17._o how_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o say_a degree_n §_o 18._o 19_o how_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a §_o 20._o 21._o the_o degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o so_o diverse_a but_o that_o sometime_o they_o may_v be_v intermix_v §_o 22._o 23._o 24._o in_o what_o sense_n the_o exercise_n of_o a_o active_a life_n to_o wit_n meditation_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o way_n also_o purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a 1._o it_o be_v general_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o that_o write_v treatise_n of_o spiritual_a doctrine_n to_o begin_v with_o a_o division_n of_o the_o several_a station_n or_o ascent_n observe_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o but_o such_o a_o division_n i_o have_v conceive_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v reserve_v to_o this_o place_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o in_o a_o spiritual_a progress_n there_o be_v a_o ascent_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n universal_o of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o well_o of_o mortification_n as_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o a_o progress_n be_v to_o be_v make_v with_o reference_n principal_o to_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o increase_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n whereof_o so_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v esteem_v to_o have_v make_v a_o proportionable_a progress_n in_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o virtue_n dispose_v to_o contemplation_n and_o perfection_n 2._o now_o several_a mystic_a author_n according_a to_o the_o several_a notion_n that_o they_o have_v both_o of_o the_o end_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o mean_v conduce_v thereto_o have_v by_o several_a term_n make_v the_o division_n of_o its_o degree_n the_o most_o ancient_a division_n be_v into_o three_o state_n 1._o of_o beginner_n 2._o of_o proficient_n 3._o of_o such_o as_o be_v perfect_a yet_o withal_o they_o do_v not_o signify_v by_o what_o distinctive_a mark_v each_o of_o these_o state_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o other_o but_o general_o in_o latter_a time_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n be_v divide_v 1._o into_o the_o purgative_n way_n in_o which_o all_o sinful_a defect_n be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n 2._o the_o illuminative_a way_n by_o which_o divine_a virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v introduce_v 3._o the_o vnitive_a way_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n attain_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o all_o other_o exercise_n to_o wit_n a_o union_n with_o god_n in_o spirit_n by_o perfect_a charity_n 3._o beside_o these_o many_o other_o division_n may_v be_v find_v as_o of_o f._n benet_n canfield_n who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n that_o be_v god_n himself_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o all_o our_o exercise_n do_v by_o a_o division_n of_o the_o say_a will_n into_o 1._o externall_n 2._o internal_a 3._o essential_a or_o supereminent_a will_n virtual_o divide_v all_o spiritual_a exercise_n into_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a and_o conformable_a to_o these_o three_o notion_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will._n again_o other_o divide_v all_o exercise_n into_o 1._o active_a 2._o contemplative_a etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v of_o no_o importance_n which_o of_o these_o division_n be_v make_v use_n of_o so_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v 4._o but_o since_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o degree_n of_o perfection_n general_o understand_v as_o relate_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n be_v best_a conceive_v and_o measure_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o indeed_o be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o call_v degree_n as_o several_a state_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o mortification_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n because_o the_o perfect_a do_v the_o same_o action_n though_o in_o a_o more_o perfect_a degree_n than_o the_o imperfect_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o r._n f._n constantin_n barbanson_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o experience_a author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v secret_n sentier_n de_fw-fr l'amour_fw-fr divin_v divide_v the_o whole_a progress_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a life_n according_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o prayer_n which_o say_v he_o have_v these_o degree_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o meditation_n 2._o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n without_o meditation_n the_o which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o imperfect_a 3._o afterward_o a_o soul_n come_v to_o a_o experimental_a perception_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o she_o 4._o then_o follow_v the_o great_a desolation_n 5._o the_o which_o be_v pass_v there_o succeed_v a_o sublime_a manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n 6._o from_o thence_o after_o many_o interchangeable_a rise_n and_o fall_n the_o which_o be_v find_v likewise_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n the_o soul_n enter_v into_o the_o divine_a yet_o most_o secret_a way_n of_o perfection_n 5._o now_o this_o order_n of_o he_o in_o gross_a as_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o suitable_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n my_o purpose_n be_v to_o follow_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o collect_v the_o four_o last_o degree_n into_o one_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v only_o distinguish_v three_o degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o wit_n 1._o discursive_a prayer_n or_o meditation_n 2._o the_o prayer_n of_o force_a immediate_a act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n without_o discourse_n preparatory_a thereto_o 3._o the_o prayer_n of_o pure_a active_a contemplation_n or_o aspiration_n as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o without_o any_o force_n flow_a from_o the_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
contemplative_n to_o who_o a_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o choir_n be_v both_o far_o more_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a to_o all_o end_v pretend_v to_o by_o such_o exercise_n than_o they_o be_v yea_o moreover_o great_a harm_n may_v come_v to_o soul_n profess_v contemplation_n by_o they_o for_o so_o great_a attention_n such_o a_o exact_a performance_n of_o nice_a observance_n and_o such_o a_o captivity_n of_o spirit_n be_v require_v that_o when_o all_o be_v pass_v soul_n thereby_o ofttimes_o become_v disable_v to_o continue_v the_o internal_a prayer_n proper_a for_o they_o or_o to_o comply_v with_o many_o regular_a duty_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o may_v come_v from_o strict_a examan_n of_o conscience_n repetition_n of_o general_n confession_n etc._n etc._n very_o prejudicial_a to_o tender_a soul_n 7._o therefore_o as_o touch_v contemplative_a person_n who_o live_v perhaps_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o that_o be_v whole_o devote_a to_o the_o active_a way_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o such_o retirement_n and_o therein_o to_o exercise_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o state_n my_o advice_n to_o they_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v themselves_o in_o as_o much_o stillnes_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v be_v and_o have_v receive_v instruction_n for_o their_o prayer_n let_v they_o in_o practice_n give_v as_o much_o scope_n as_o they_o well_o can_v to_o their_o good_a affection_n not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o the_o say_v affection_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o matter_n propose_v for_o meditation_n or_o no_o nor_o distract_n themselves_o with_o reflection_n upon_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o end_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o let_v they_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v all_o due_a liberty_n in_o spirit_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o confession_n therein_o proceed_v no_o further_a than_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n avoid_v such_o particular_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o nourish_v fear_n and_o scrupulosity_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n 8._o and_o as_o for_o secular_a liver_n to_o who_o indeed_o the_o say_a retraite_n according_a to_o custom_n undertake_v at_o set_a time_n may_v prove_v of_o admirable_a profit_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o end_n the_o virtue_n of_o they_o may_v not_o quick_o expire_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a afterward_o to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o light_n receive_v in_o they_o and_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o good_a purpose_n make_v during_o such_o retirement_n for_o they_o must_v not_o expect_v by_o a_o few_o day_n solitude_n and_o prayer_n to_o get_v a_o habit_n of_o sanctity_n but_o only_o a_o transient_a good_a passion_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o which_o without_o future_a care_n to_o cherish_v and_o increase_v it_o will_v quick_o vanish_v and_o their_o fervour_n will_v be_v cool_v 9_o moreover_o perceive_v evident_o by_o this_o experience_n the_o good_a effect_n of_o mental_a prayer_n they_o ought_v to_o resolve_v the_o best_a they_o can_v to_o allow_v some_o reasonable_a time_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o when_o they_o return_v to_o their_o secular_a vocation_n use_v likewise_o as_o much_o abstraction_n as_o their_o state_n of_o life_n will_v permit_v otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o will_v not_o only_o return_v to_o all_o their_o former_a defectuousnes_n &_o sin_n but_o will_v moreover_o thereto_o add_v the_o guilt_n of_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n that_o so_o effectual_o call_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o their_o follow_a sin_n will_v be_v sin_n against_o clear_a light_n 10._o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o soul_n shall_v so_o rely_v upon_o the_o repeat_v such_o retirement_n and_o new_a take_n of_o the_o same_o practice_n of_o meditation_n etc._n etc._n as_o by_o they_o to_o make_v amends_o toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la for_o all_o fault_n past_a they_o will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v for_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v very_o good_a to_o seek_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o procure_v remorse_n and_o contrition_n for_o past_a sin_n yet_o if_o a_o soul_n upon_o a_o consideration_n that_o she_o have_v such_o a_o special_a remedy_n in_o a_o readiness_n shall_v neglect_v the_o care_n &_o watchfullnes_n over_o herself_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v &_o not_o without_o just_a ground_n that_o that_o which_o she_o take_v for_o contrition_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a remorse_n for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v shower_n down_o his_o grace_n upon_o a_o soul_n so_o corrupt_v in_o her_o intention_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o a_o change_n from_o meditation_n to_o a_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o internal_a life_n §_o 2._o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o active_a liver_n §_o 3._o a_o soul_n of_o a_o contemplative_a profession_n when_o to_o leave_v operate_n with_o the_o understanding_n §_o 4._o exercise_n of_o the_o will_v more_o perfect_a than_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n §_o 5._o whether_o meditation_n on_o the_o passion_n may_v be_v leave_v §_o 6._o 7._o 8._o etc._n etc._n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a §_o 12._o 13._o etc._n etc._n advice_n show_v when_o a_o change_n of_o prayer_n be_v seasonable_a §_o 18._o 19_o more_o particular_a sign_n show_v the_o proper_a time_n of_o a_o change_n §_o 20._o the_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o change_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n that_o lead_v a_o abstract_a life_n and_o diligent_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n to_o fix_v continual_o in_o meditation_n or_o to_o rest_v in_o any_o degree_n of_o affective_a prayer_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o intellectual_a &_o spiritual_a operation_n be_v to_o become_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a abstract_a &_o universal_a and_o to_o carry_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n still_o high_o and_o further_o into_o god_n the_o activity_n of_o the_o imagination_n &_o understanding_n continual_o abate_v &_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o will_v continual_o increase_v and_o get_v ground_n upon_o the_o understanding_n till_o at_o last_o all_o its_o operation_n become_v so_o quiet_v and_o silence_v that_o they_o cease_v or_o at_o least_o become_v unperceptible_a 2._o a_o soul_n therefore_o be_v thus_o invite_v and_o dispose_v to_o approach_v continual_o near_a and_o near_o unto_o god_n if_o she_o be_v either_o by_o she_o own_o or_o other_o ignorance_n so_o fetter_v with_o custom_n or_o rule_n that_o she_o be_v deprive_v of_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o correspond_v to_o such_o a_o invitation_n and_o to_o quit_v inferior_a exercise_n she_o will_v find_v no_o profit_n at_o all_o by_o her_o prayer_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a pain_n which_o will_v endanger_v to_o force_v she_o to_o relinquish_v her_o recollection_n 3._o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o those_o who_o profession_n be_v to_o live_v active_a distract_a life_n though_o they_o do_v serious_o aspire_v to_o the_o perfection_n answerable_a to_o that_o state_n for_o such_o may_v continue_v all_o their_o life_n in_o meditation_n and_o follow_v the_o method_n of_o it_o because_o what_o they_o lose_v by_o their_o distraction_n they_o may_v recover_v by_o their_o follow_a meditation_n the_o good_a image_n use_v therein_o expelling_a the_o vain_a image_n contract_v in_o their_o externall_n employment_n true_a it_o be_v that_o to_o such_o person_n meditation_n will_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a and_o more_o in_o spirit_n yet_o never_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v a_o direct_a use_n of_o the_o imagination_n 4._o when_o a_o contemplative_a soul_n therefore_o have_v for_o some_o reasonable_a time_n practise_v meditation_n and_o come_v to_o perceive_v that_o a_o further_a exercise_n thereof_o be_v become_v dry_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o her_o spirit_n cause_v great_a disgust_n and_o little_a or_o no_o profit_n she_o ought_v then_o to_o forbear_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n which_o she_o will_v then_o doubtless_o perform_v with_o great_a gust_n and_o facility_n to_o her_o notable_a profit_n in_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o some_o writer_n who_o think_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_v to_o be_v mean_a and_o base_a in_o comparison_n of_o inuentive_a meditation_n and_o curious_a speculation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n in_o as_o much_o as_o none_o but_o elevate_v spirit_n can_v perform_v this_o whereas_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o simple_a person_n can_v exercise_v act_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o will_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o speculation_n consideration_n deduction_n of_o conclusion_n &c._n &c._n in_o matter_n pertain_v to_o god_n be_v of_o themselves_o of_o any_o virtue_n to_o give_v true_a perfection_n to_o a_o soul_n further_o than_o as_o they_o do_v excite_v
the_o will_n to_o love_v he_o and_o by_o love_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o this_o union_n by_o exercise_n may_v be_v obtain_v in_o perfection_n by_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o capable_a of_o discourse_n and_o that_o have_v no_o more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n then_o what_o be_v afford_v from_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a verity_n of_o christian_a faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o meditation_n &c_n &c_n be_v the_o produce_v act_n of_o the_o will._n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n neglect_v or_o scorn_v the_o exercise_n proper_a for_o he_o out_o of_o a_o conceit_n that_o it_o be_v too_o mean_a but_o let_v he_o first_o try_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o and_o not_o till_o then_o make_v a_o judgement_n 6._o other_o there_o be_v that_o do_v indeed_o persuade_v soul_n in_o due_a time_n to_o quit_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o understanding_n for_o those_o of_o the_o will_n but_o yet_o always_o with_o one_o exception_n and_o reservation_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o meditation_n on_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n this_o say_v they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v say_v aside_o but_o will_v be_v a_o subject_a fit_n for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a what_o a_o ingratitude_n will_v it_o be_v to_o god_n say_v they_o &_o what_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o soul_n good_a purposely_o to_o forbear_v a_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n the_o root_n of_o all_o merit_n the_o supreme_a testimony_n of_o divine_a love_n towards_o we_o the_o most_o invite_a and_o win_v object_n of_o love_n from_o we_o to_o god_n the_o terror_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n &_o c_o this_o be_v the_o position_n of_o many_o spiritual_a author_n and_o particular_o of_o f._n benet_n canfield_n 7._o nottwithstand_v i_o can_v join_v with_o these_o author_n in_o this_o position_n nor_o agree_v that_o a_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n shall_v be_v abridge_v for_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o liberty_n be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v the_o experience_n and_o proof_n of_o her_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o her_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o upon_o no_o colour_n or_o conceit_n of_o perfection_n in_o any_o subject_n or_o exercise_n to_o oblige_v herself_o thereto_o further_a than_o she_o find_v it_o helpful_a and_o gustfull_a to_o her_o spirit_n 8._o as_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o passion_n it_o do_v doubtless_o deserve_v all_o the_o title_n give_v unto_o it_o but_o yet_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v if_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o disability_n to_o meditate_v on_o it_o whether_o this_o disability_n proceed_v from_o some_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o from_o abundance_n of_o affection_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o can_v expect_v because_o they_o do_v not_o need_v curious_o to_o search_v motive_n from_o the_o understanding_n and_o discourse_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o person_n exercise_v immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n towards_o god_n without_o discourse_v on_o the_o passion_n be_v therefore_o bereave_v of_o the_o true_a yea_o only_a true_a exercise_v of_o our_o lord_n passion_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o such_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n be_v contain_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o precedent_a meditation_n neither_o be_v the_o person_n drive_v to_o the_o pain_n &_o expense_n of_o time_n in_o find_v out_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o raise_v their_o affection_n to_o our_o lord_n but_o immediate_o and_o without_o more_o a_o do_v suffer_v the_o affection_n to_o flow_v and_o they_o do_v far_o more_o true_o efficacious_o and_o proffitable_o exercise_v and_o as_o it_o be_v exemplify_v the_o passion_n itself_o and_o this_o in_o two_o manner_n viz._n 1._o in_o their_o internal_a prayer_n wherein_o they_o produce_v the_o same_o affection_n and_o act_n of_o love_n humility_n and_o patience_n of_o which_o our_o lord_n give_v they_o a_o pattern_n in_o his_o passion_n 2._o in_o their_o externall_n do_n real_o on_o occasion_n practise_v the_o same_o virtue_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o passion_n with_o far_o more_o perfection_n in_o virtue_n of_o such_o prayer_n than_o they_o can_v by_o meditation_n and_o so_o do_v show_v themselves_o to_o be_v more_o true_a disciple_n of_o he_o 9_o this_o divine_a object_n therefore_o be_v far_o from_o be_v lose_v or_o forget_v by_o such_o proceed_n in_o prayer_n yea_o it_o be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a manner_n both_o commemorate_a and_o imitate_v and_o sure_o to_o tie_v the_o soul_n general_o in_o all_o recollection_n to_o a_o particular_a curious_a reflection_n on_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o our_o lord_n passion_n will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o will_v oblige_v a_o person_n that_o can_v read_v perfect_o and_o with_o one_o glance_n of_o his_o eye_n join_v a_o whole_a sentence_n together_o to_o make_v a_o express_a and_o distinct_a reflection_n on_o each_o letter_n syllable_n and_o word_n such_o a_o frame_n and_o multiply_v of_o image_n will_v only_o serve_v to_o obscure_v the_o mind_n and_o cool_v the_o affection_n well_o may_v such_o devout_a soul_n out_o of_o time_n of_o prayer_n in_o read_v or_o discourse_v admit_v such_o image_n and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o in_o future_a recollection_n but_o when_o they_o actual_o pray_v then_o to_o be_v force_v to_o stop_v and_o restrain_v the_o will_n from_o melt_v into_o divine_a love_n or_o from_o sacrifice_v herself_o to_o god_n by_o perfect_a resignation_n &c_n &c_n till_o she_o have_v pass_v through_o her_o former_a imperfect_a method_n of_o imaginative_a meditation_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o forbid_v soul_n to_o unite_v themselves_o in_o spirit_n to_o the_o divinity_n 10._o notwithstanding_o when_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v perfect_a they_o will_v be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o the_o express_a consideration_n of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o good_a sensible_a object_n will_v be_v no_o impediment_n at_o all_o to_o their_o high_a exercise_n yea_o it_o will_v very_o efficacious_o advance_v the_o soul_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v after_o that_o perfect_a contemplation_n be_v attain_v to_o for_o then_o the_o imagination_n be_v so_o rectify_v and_o so_o perfect_o subject_v to_o the_o superior_a soul_n that_o it_o will_v not_o only_o not_o obscure_a or_o distract_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_n with_o great_a readiness_n help_v to_o make_v contemplation_n more_o pure_a and_o clear_a then_o a_o view_v of_o the_o humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v drive_v the_o soul_n more_o deep_o into_o the_o divinity_n as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o glorify_a saint_n without_o the_o least_o distraction_n to_o their_o vision_n of_o god_n yea_o sure_o with_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o do_v in_o their_o thanks-givings_a reflect_v on_o the_o humanity_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n say_v dignus_fw-la est_fw-la agnus_n qui_fw-la occisus_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n 11._o till_o that_o soul_n therefore_o do_v attain_v to_o such_o contemplation_n let_v they_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n &c._n &c._n content_v themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o passion_n virtual_o though_o not_o express_o remember_v the_o say_n of_o a_o spiritual_a author_n that_o in_o god_n nothing_o be_v neglect_v all_o faith_n and_o all_o love_n be_v exercise_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o union_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o love_n to_o the_o divinity_n all_o particular_a devotion_n be_v both_o sufficient_o and_o perfect_o perform_v when_o we_o perform_v our_o principal_a duty_n most_o perfect_o in_o do_v this_o we_o do_v honour_v the_o saint_n after_o a_o manner_n most_o acceptable_a to_o they_o we_o do_v most_o perfect_o discharge_v our_o vocal_a prayer_n which_o be_v not_o of_o obligation_n and_o we_o most_o efficacious_o express_v our_o charity_n both_o to_o our_o friend_n live_v and_o dead_a so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n for_o such_o end_n to_o interrupt_v or_o distract_v our_o recollection_n by_o oblige_v ourselves_o voluntary_o to_o multiply_v the_o repeat_n of_o office_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v any_o disparagement_n to_o our_o gratitude_n unto_o our_o lord_n for_o his_o suffering_n that_o we_o thereby_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o good_a thought_n that_o we_o entertain_v and_o all_o the_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v be_v produce_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o passion_n adhere_v to_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n although_o no_o express_a internal_a discourse_n on_o it_o be_v exercise_v 12._o now_o what_o have_v here_o be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o disoblige_v of_o soul_n that_o practise_v internal_a prayer_n from_o tie_v themselves_o to_o imaginative_a exercise_n about_o sensible_a object_n be_v not_o only_o
suitable_a to_o reason_n but_o be_v moreover_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o learned_a and_o experience_v mystic_a writer_n and_o particular_o the_o devout_a reader_n may_v see_v what_o barbancon_n in_o his_o secret_n sentier_n 1_o cap._n 6._o admonit_fw-la 2._o have_v write_v on_o this_o point_n 13._o thus_o have_v show_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n for_o a_o soul_n aspire_v to_o contemplation_n with_o all_o due_a liberty_n of_o spirit_n to_o follow_v the_o divine_a guidance_n from_o each_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o another_o more_o sublime_a they_o become_v more_o proper_a &_o profitable_a i_o will_v now_o endeavour_v to_o give_v more_o particular_a advice_n concern_v pass_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n to_o that_o of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o will_v show_v by_o what_o sign_n and_o mark_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v reasonable_o judge_v and_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o change_n and_o transition_n be_v proper_a for_o she_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o my_o intention_n and_o desire_n be_v that_o soul_n shall_v principal_o depend_v on_o their_o internal_a light_n which_o god_n holy_a spirit_n will_v afford_v they_o in_o and_o by_o prayer_n 14._o let_v every_o devout_a soul_n diligent_o pursue_v her_o present_a exercise_n in_o prayer_n advise_o undertake_v or_o recommend_v to_o she_o by_o a_o prudent_a director_n till_o there_o come_v a_o proper_a time_n for_o a_o change_n let_v she_o say_v the_o excellent_a author_n of_o scala_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la content_v herself_o with_o this_o gift_n of_o god_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o bestow_v on_o she_o a_o better_a which_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o do_v when_o he_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v for_o her_o good_a and_o so_o do_v she_o can_v but_o increase_v in_o charity_n although_o she_o see_v no_o evident_a proof_n of_o her_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a operation_n whensoever_o it_o shall_v be_v god_n pleasure_n to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o her_o prayer_n he_o will_v by_o degree_n so_o press_v she_o thereto_o that_o in_o the_o end_n she_o shall_v both_o clear_o perceive_v and_o correspond_v to_o his_o invitation_n and_o till_o that_o time_n come_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o she_o to_o examine_v or_o frame_v any_o judgement_n of_o her_o progress_n her_o best_a be_v to_o do_v her_o duty_n and_o leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n 15._o a_o change_n whensoever_o it_o be_v make_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o activity_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o discourse_n be_v abate_v and_o the_o whole_a internal_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n by_o little_a be_v reduce_v to_o blind_a operation_n of_o the_o will_v the_o which_o operation_n or_o affection_n likewise_o grow_v by_o practice_n more_o and_o more_o natural_a quiet_a pure_a silent_a subtle_a imperceptible_a and_o profound_a the_o divine_a spirit_n draw_v the_o soul_n in_o her_o exercise_n ever_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o itself_o 16._o ordinary_o when_o a_o time_n of_o change_n from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a to_o a_o more_o sublime_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n come_v it_o will_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a or_o at_o once_o be_v perceive_v or_o but_o very_o obscure_o &_o doubtful_o only_o a_o soul_n will_v perceive_v a_o better_n in_o her_o exercise_n her_o operation_n by_o little_a and_o little_o become_v more_o spiritual_a and_o indeed_o in_o some_o person_n there_o be_v almost_o daily_a a_o better_n and_o purify_n of_o their_o prayer_n the_o which_o themselves_o do_v or_o may_v well_o enough_o observe_v though_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o subtlety_n 17._o far_o less_o inconvenience_n will_v follow_v by_o detain_v a_o soul_n somewhat_o too_o long_o in_o a_o humble_a inferior_a exercise_n as_o of_o meditation_n when_o she_o be_v fit_a and_o ripe_a for_o a_o more_o sublime_a one_o then_o if_o through_o inconsideration_n levity_n or_o a_o ambitious_a humour_n to_o imitate_v example_n or_o instruction_n in_o book_n not_o pertinent_a to_o she_o she_o shall_v at_o the_o first_o or_o before_o her_o time_n be_v put_v into_o one_o above_o her_o present_a capacity_n for_o in_o the_o former_a case_n a_o easy_a and_o present_a remedy_n may_v be_v find_v by_o exalt_v the_o soul_n afterward_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a exercise_n suitable_a to_o her_o present_a disposition_n till_o which_o be_v do_v she_o will_v at_o least_o exercise_v her_o humility_n and_o submission_n of_o judgement_n by_o which_o she_o will_v receive_v much_o profit_n but_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o remedy_n in_o the_o other_o case_n because_o first_o the_o natural_a unwillingnes_n and_o shame_n that_o be_v in_o soul_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o too_o hasty_a ambition_n and_o to_o descend_v lower_n will_v secret_o hinder_v they_o and_o beside_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o misapply_v certain_a document_n in_o spiritual_a author_n which_o forbid_v soul_n to_o quit_v their_o present_a exercise_n for_o one_o inferior_a through_o any_o discouragement_n from_o aridity_n or_o unsatisfaction_n find_v in_o they_o notwithstanding_o except_o they_o will_v be_v content_a with_o the_o mortification_n of_o return_v to_o meditation_n in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o incur_v a_o habitual_a dryenes_n melancholy_a and_o stupidity_n and_o morever_o they_o will_v run_v into_o a_o endless_a labarynth_n perplex_v and_o entangle_v themselves_o therein_o to_o the_o great_a disquiet_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o trouble_v of_o other_o with_o question_n and_o doubt_n 18._o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v often_o invite_v soul_n to_o some_o change_n in_o prayer_n according_a to_o that_o which_o before_o they_o have_v read_v in_o some_o book_n and_o then_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n of_o such_o a_o book_n as_o a_o light_n send_v they_o from_o god_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o secret_a motion_n and_o invitation_n afford_v they_o by_o god_n to_o apply_v such_o instruction_n that_o be_v their_o sure_a guide_n without_o which_o they_o must_v apply_v nothing_o that_o they_o find_v in_o book_n 19_o more_o particular_o by_o these_o follow_a sign_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n perceive_v and_o judge_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o she_o to_o change_v her_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n as_o for_o example_n to_o quit_v meditation_n and_o to_o betake_v herself_o to_o a_o prayer_n of_o the_o will_n etc._n etc._n 20._o first_o she_o will_v not_o find_v that_o pleasure_n satisfaction_n and_o profit_n in_o her_o present_a exercise_n which_o former_o she_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o sensible_a disgust_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o impotency_n to_o practice_v internal_a discourse_n any_o long_o or_o if_o she_o will_v force_v herself_o to_o observe_v her_o method_n of_o meditate_v it_o will_v produce_v no_o effect_n upon_o her_o affection_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v flow_v far_o more_o free_o and_o this_o disgust_n be_v not_o for_o once_o or_o twice_o nor_o as_o former_o upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o corporal_a distemper_n passion_n aridity_n or_o any_o unusual_a accident_n but_o it_o be_v a_o last_a disgust_n arise_v from_o a_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o grow_v in_o perfection_n join_v with_o a_o uncertainty_n or_o fear_n that_o the_o way_n wherein_o she_o now_o be_v be_v not_o proper_a to_o effect_v that_o desire_n 21._o second_o she_o will_v thereupon_o find_v in_o herself_o a_o certain_a motion_n or_o inward_a invitation_n to_o enter_v into_o some_o other_o new_a exercise_n at_o yet_o not_o clear_o know_v to_o she_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o new_a exercise_n propose_v to_o she_o there_o be_v however_o a_o motion_n to_o a_o cessation_n from_o the_o present_a exercise_n at_o least_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v when_o from_o aspiration_n a_o soul_n be_v invite_v to_o a_o rest_a and_o repose_v in_o god_n with_o a_o cessation_n of_o all_o active_a aspiration_n or_o affection_n the_o which_o be_v a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o a_o supernatural_a contemplation_n 22._o three_o a_o devout_a soul_n consider_v the_o benefit_n that_o she_o have_v hitherto_o reap_v by_o her_o present_a exercise_n and_o her_o accustomance_n to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o easy_o leave_v consider_v likewise_o that_o for_o want_n of_o trial_n she_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o know_v the_o worth_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a propose_a exercise_n the_o which_o at_o first_o appear_v a_o little_a strange_a and_o uncouth_a to_o she_o she_o will_v not_o easy_o see_v or_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v prove_v as_o profitable_a as_o her_o present_a exercise_n have_v already_o be_v for_o
for_o such_o heroical_a spirit_n as_o be_v most_o advance_v in_o the_o wave_n of_o perfection_n 18._o when_o special_a occasion_n of_o actual_a &_o real_a resignation_n do_v not_o occur_v a_o soul_n may_v make_v general_a and_o indefinite_a act_n of_o resignation_n regard_v in_o gross_a all_o occasion_n whatsoever_o without_o exception_n either_o according_a to_o the_o form_n practise_v by_o s._n ignatius_n deus_fw-la mens_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la ecce_fw-la i_o tibi_fw-la penitus_fw-la offero_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la mea_fw-la tuus_fw-la subijcio_fw-la voluntati_fw-la or_o say_v in_o our_o lord_n word_n non_fw-la mea_fw-la voluntas_fw-la fiat_fw-la sed_fw-la tua_fw-la domine_fw-la in_o terra_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o coelo_fw-la amen_o jesu_n or_o in_o any_o other_o form_n like_o to_o these_o and_o this_o practice_n of_o universal_a resignation_n may_v be_v begin_v very_o timely_a &_o according_o continue_v one_o whole_a life_n although_o indeed_o only_o perfect_a soul_n can_v pure_o without_o reservation_n exercise_v such_o act_n yea_o when_o a_o devour_v soul_n have_v a_o particular_a occasion_n to_o resign_v herself_o in_o any_o special_a difficulty_n occur_v she_o may_v for_o that_o purpose_n make_v use_v of_o any_o such_o general_a form_n of_o resignation_n only_o reflect_v internal_o upon_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o so_o apply_v the_o general_a form_n without_o express_o name_v the_o particular_a difficulty_n 19_o in_o exercise_v internal_o these_o act_n a_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o produce_v they_o over-fast_a &_o quick_a one_o upon_o another_o to_o the_o hurt_n &_o oppression_n of_o the_o head_n or_o spirit_n but_o quiet_o &_o leisurely_o one_o after_o another_o with_o reasonable_a pausing_n 20._o though_o in_o the_o follow_a example_n of_o resignation_n mention_n be_v only_o make_v of_o matter_n difficult_a &_o unpleasing_a to_o nature_n yet_o may_v a_o soul_n with_o benefit_n exercise_v herself_o in_o the_o clean_a contrary_n for_o example_n as_o she_o may_v resign_v to_o sickness_n pain_n want_n dishonour_v &c_n &c_n so_o she_o may_v also_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n resign_v herself_o to_o health_n pleasure_n riches_n honour_v &c_n &c_n intend_v if_o god_n will_v be_v such_o to_o accept_v of_o these_o also_o &_o to_o employ_v they_o only_o to_o his_o glory_n &_o not_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n not_o diminish_v but_o rather_o increasinge_a humility_n &_o divine_a love_n by_o they_o in_o which_o case_n how_o please_v soever_o to_o nature_n such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v yet_o the_o resignation_n be_v exercise_v with_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o be_v mortyfy_v to_o nature_n as_o he_o that_o for_o the_o glory_n &_o love_n of_o god_n submit_v himself_o to_o accept_v of_o a_o office_n impose_v on_o he_o &_o attend_v with_o dignity_n &_o power_n intend_v thereby_o not_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o ambition_n but_o rather_o frame_v a_o resolution_n to_o abate_v &_o mortify_v such_o a_o satisfaction_n &_o to_o employ_v that_o office_n not_o seek_v but_o obedient_o accept_v by_o he_o pure_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n &_o the_o benefit_n of_o soul_n thus_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o make_v good_a use_n both_o of_o prosperity_n &_o adversity_n in_o all_o thing_n renounce_v all_o self-seeking_a &_o have_v a_o eye_n only_o to_o god_n though_o indeed_o consider_v our_o frailty_n &_o inclination_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n adversity_n be_v far_o more_o secure_a &_o profitable_a for_o we_o &_o therefore_o such_o resignation_n be_v proper_a for_o few_o soul_n 21._o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n some_o soul_n there_o may_v be_v which_o will_v find_v it_o best_o for_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o act_n of_o resignation_n yea_o &_o perhaps_o even_o in_o the_o same_o act_n till_o they_o be_v thence_o bring_v to_o aspiration_n and_o other_o there_o will_v be_v who_o exercise_n may_v consist_v of_o great_a variety_n both_o of_o act_n &_o affection_n &_o that_o confuse_o both_o for_o matter_n &_o manner_n &_o this_o either_o out_o of_o a_o book_n or_o from_o their_o own_o interiour_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o act_n or_o affection_n in_o some_o the_o say_a act_n may_v be_v raise_v by_o a_o short_a reflection_n or_o by_o consideration_n of_o some_o motive_n or_o even_o with_o a_o precedent_a sleight_n meditation_n last_o some_o will_v find_v more_o relish_n in_o act_n express_v in_o latin_a though_o they_o do_v but_o imperfect_o understand_v the_o language_n then_o in_o their_o own_o natural_a tongue_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o have_v in_o the_o follow_a collection_n frame_v exercise_n in_o both_o language_n and_o all_o these_o manner_n of_o exercise_n be_v good_a if_o the_o soul_n by_o experience_n &_o observation_n find_v profit_n by_o they_o for_o by_o that_o alone_o must_v all_o our_o exercise_n be_v regulate_v 22._o but_o how_o perfect_a soever_o any_o act_n or_o force_a affection_n be_v they_o must_v give_v way_n to_o aspiration_n whensoever_o a_o soul_n be_v invite_v or_o enable_v to_o produce_v they_o for_o as_o act_n be_v the_o end_n of_o meditation_n so_o be_v aspiration_n the_o proper_a end_n &_o fruit_n of_o act_n far_o more_o perfect_o effect_v &_o procure_v that_o purity_n of_o soul_n and_o heavenly-mindednes_a to_o which_o we_o aspire_v by_o all_o our_o exercise_n chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o how_o internal_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o time_n improper_a &_o distractive_a §_o 2._o particular_o in_o a_o state_n of_o distractive_a office_n &_o employment_n §_o 3._o soul_n ought_v to_o prepare_v &_o furnish_v themselves_o before_o hand_n for_o such_o time_n §_o 4._o 5._o &c_n &c_n with_o what_o condition_n &_o unwillingnes_n office_n ought_v to_o be_v undertake_v §_o 9_o 10._o &c_n &c_n how_o they_o be_v be_v impose_v to_o be_v discharge_v §_o 14._o 15._o &c_n &c_n no_o office_n whatsoever_o ought_v to_o dispense_v with_o internal_a prayer_n 21._o 22._o no_o distraction_n aridity_n &c_n &c_n ought_v to_o hinder_v it_o §_o 23._o god_n will_v bless_v a_o soul_n that_o behave_v herself_o well_o in_o distractive_a employment_n 1._o beeore_n i_o quit_v this_o present_a argument_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o prayer_n to_o wit_n aspiration_n i_o conceive_v it_o requisite_a to_o consider_v how_o a_o devout_a person_n be_v to_o behave_v himself_o who_o have_v undertake_v a_o religious_a contemplative_a live_v in_o solitude_n repose_n and_o vacancy_n to_o attend_v to_o god_n &_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n but_o afterward_o come_v to_o find_v some_o change_n in_o that_o life_n either_o 1._o by_o be_v distract_v with_o unavoidable_a externall_n employment_n and_o office_n impose_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o all_o can_v be_v exempt_v 2._o or_o else_o encumber_v with_o the_o incommodity_n &_o sollicitude_n of_o sickness_n to_o which_o all_o be_v obnoxious_a the_o which_o be_v general_o two_o state_n that_o seem_v most_o disaduantageous_a for_o retire_a prayer_n i_o say_v my_o intention_n be_v to_o give_v the_o best_a advice_n i_o can_v how_o soul_n be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o these_o two_o state_n as_o with_o regard_n to_o their_o prayer_n especial_o 2._o first_o therefore_o to_o the_o end_n that_o a_o wellmeaning_n soul_n may_v with_o purity_n behave_v herself_o about_o externall_n office_n &_o employment_n she_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a contrary_a to_o humility_n &_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o weariness_n of_o internal_a way_n and_o of_o a_o sensual_a desire_n to_o rule_v over_o other_o yea_o moreover_o it_o be_v a_o wilful_a thrust_v once_o self_n into_o dangerous_a distraction_n &_o tentation_n for_o any_o one_o voluntary_o to_o desire_n or_o seek_v such_o employment_n dignity_n or_o prelature_n 2._o yet_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o office_n that_o regard_v the_o common_a good_a spiritual_a or_o temporal_a it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a utter_o to_o refuse_v they_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v by_o the_o command_n of_o superior_n call_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o undertake_v &_o discharge_v of_o such_o office_n 3._o for_o this_o reason_n it_o will_v behoove_v every_o religious_a devout_a soul_n by_o assiduous_a prayer_n during_o the_o time_n of_o vacancy_n to_o furnish_v herself_o with_o light_n &_o discretion_n that_o she_o may_v proceed_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o humility_n prudence_n and_o religious_a perfection_n 4._o in_o case_n therefore_o that_o superior_n shall_v think_v good_a to_o impose_v a_o office_n upon_o a_o religious_a subject_n 1._o if_o the_o subject_n know_v of_o any_o real_a incapacity_n or_o disability_n in_o himself_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v any_o other_o more_o sufficient_o qualify_v he_o ought_v with_o all_o humility_n &_o simplicity_n to_o rectify_v the_o superior_n mistake_v opinion_n
mortification_n than_o other_o that_o consume_v their_o strength_n &_o spirit_n with_o intolerable_a fasting_n chain_n discipline_n &c_n &c_n for_o as_o cassian_n say_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o institution_n si_fw-la rationabilis_fw-la possibilium_fw-la mensura_fw-la seruetur_fw-la eadem_fw-la obseruantiae_fw-la perfectio_fw-la est_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o impari_fw-la facultate_fw-la that_o be_v if_o a_o reasonable_a discreet_a measure_n of_o austerity_n that_o ordinary_o be_v not_o above_o our_o power_n be_v observe_v there_o will_v be_v the_o same_o perfection_n of_o observance_n where_o the_o external_a ability_n be_v unequal_a 13._o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o discretion_n in_o sensible_a devotion_n by_o which_o say_v harphius_n some_o soul_n be_v so_o far_o carry_v away_o so_o besot_v with_o self-love_n &_o self-will_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o no_o advice_n from_o the_o most_o experience_a will_v avayle_v to_o moderate_v they_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o amend_v &_o till_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o support_v any_o serious_a application_n to_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n nevertheless_o say_v he_o have_v thus_o by_o their_o indiscretion_n bring_v on_o themselves_o this_o inconvenience_n they_o may_v for_o all_o that_o merit_n much_o if_o with_o humility_n patience_n &_o resignation_n they_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o their_o infirmity_n 14._o we_o ought_v therefore_o much_o rather_o to_o mortify_v such_o sensible_a fervour_n then_o use_v force_v to_o increase_v it_o apply_v hereto_o that_o say_v of_o the_o wiseman_n proverb_n 25._o have_v thou_o find_v honey_n eat_v of_o it_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o lest_o thou_o be_v fill_v &_o vomit_v it_o up_o 15._o all_o the_o merit_n that_o be_v in_o sensible_a devotion_n consist_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n to_o those_o act_n without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o help_v to_o raise_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o her_o natural_a state_n yea_o the_o more_o she_o be_v visit_v &_o even_o bathe_v in_o such_o sensible_a consolation_n except_o she_o use_v mortification_n about_o they_o &_o be_v wary_a not_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o but_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o produce_v of_o more_o efficacious_a act_n in_o the_o superior_a will_n the_o more_o strong_a will_v she_o grow_v in_o self-love_n &_o more_o defile_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a lust_n unless_o soul_n therefore_o do_v grow_v more_o humble_a thereby_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v by_o it_o and_o quite_o to_o loose_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v it_o 16._o yet_o soul_n during_o their_o imperfect_a state_n be_v not_o violent_o to_o strain_v themselves_o to_o work_v pure_o in_o spirit_n but_o moderate_o to_o use_v sensible_a devotion_n when_o god_n send_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n neither_o ought_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o a_o like_n &_o gluttonous_a affection_n to_o it_o which_o indeed_o afford_v delicacy_n more_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n then_o any_o sensible_a satisfaction_n as_o for_o it_o to_o omit_v other_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o state_n &_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v 17._o thirdâ—y_o as_o touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n how_o far_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o it_o have_v hene_n sufficient_o declare_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o it_o indeed_o soul_n during_o that_o exercise_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v rather_o by_o the_o discretion_n of_o other_o than_o their_o own_o &_o this_o both_o in_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o how_o long_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o rule_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v custom_n but_o experience_n of_o profit_n &_o what_o proportion_n of_o time_n they_o be_v to_o allow_v unto_o the_o understanding_n &_o will_n to_o operate_v in_o it_o for_o that_o exercise_n do_v not_o afford_v supernatural_a light_n enough_o to_o enable_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v she_o own_o guide_n 18._o four_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n a_o soul_n that_o out_o of_o ripeness_n get_v by_o sufficient_a practice_n of_o meditation_n be_v arrive_v thereto_o will_v have_v light_a &_o discretion_n sufficient_a to_o judge_v what_o act_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o she_o what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o each_o recollection_n when_o &_o what_o pause_n shall_v be_v necessary_a &_o when_o she_o be_v to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o high_a 19_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o discretion_n in_o this_o exercise_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o example_n of_o some_o saint_n in_o former_a time_n who_o can_v remain_v almost_o continual_o in_o some_o mental_a actuation_n to_o god_n without_o give_v way_n to_o a_o extravagant_a thought_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v almost_o continual_o in_o internal_a combatting_n a_o indiscreet_a imitation_n of_o such_o example_n as_o likewise_o a_o too_o violent_a produce_v of_o act_n upon_o one_o another_o will_v so_o oppress_v ordinary_a spirit_n that_o it_o will_v put_v they_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o future_a 20._o they_o who_o do_v not_o use_v set_v recollection_n may_v &_o ought_v frequent_o to_o force_v themselves_o to_o interiour_n act_v towards_o god_n yea_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o please_v not_o much_o regard_v the_o season_n of_o the_o day_n as_o whether_o it_o be_v after_o refection_n or_o before_o sleep_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o their_o progress_n will_v be_v but_o small_a for_o want_n of_o more_o prolong_v and_o continue_a exercise_n 21._o last_o discretion_n and_o mortification_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v use_v also_o even_o in_o those_o exercise_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o enable_v by_o god_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o usual_a time_n therefore_o of_o set_v recollection_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o they_o do_v so_o weaken_v and_o consume_v corporal_a nature_n that_o if_o soul_n shall_v give_v way_n unto_o they_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v themselves_o enable_v which_o be_v indeed_o almost_o continual_o so_o perfect_o be_v they_o dispose_v to_o god_n they_o will_v utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n for_o the_o future_a 22._o to_o this_o purpose_n harphius_n relate_v a_o account_n that_o one_o brother_n rogerius_n a_o devout_a franciscan_a give_v of_o himself_o say_v that_o a_o hundred_o time_n in_o a_o matin_n he_o be_v in_o spirit_n draw_v upward_o to_o a_o more_o high_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a secret_n all_o which_o tract_v he_o forcible_o resist_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o soul_n free_a scope_n to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o those_o object_n so_o represent_v to_o he_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o plunge_v in_o the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a incomprehensibility_n and_o so_o whole_o drive_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v retire_v himself_o alive_a from_o such_o a_o contemplation_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peril_n of_o indiscretion_n in_o soul_n so_o high_o elevate_v and_o so_o whole_o in_o god_n hand_n who_o may_v do_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n what_o he_o please_v 23._o the_o same_o harphius_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o some_o other_o soul_n not_o so_o sublime_o elevate_v who_o yet_o be_v so_o languish_v in_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o in_o such_o a_o impatient_a ardour_n &_o thirst_n after_o he_o that_o it_o make_v the_o body_n to_o faint_v and_o quite_o wither_v away_o and_o therefore_o he_o call_v they_o martyr_n of_o love._n now_o by_o this_o languish_a love_n i_o conceive_v be_v understand_v a_o love_n much_o in_o sensuality_n though_o the_o object_n thereof_o be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o heart_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o a_o violent_a but_o chaste_a love_n be_v oft_o exercise_v between_o absent_a person_n of_o different_a sex_n so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n now_o though_o harphius_n say_v that_o such_o martyr_n of_o love_n die_v corporal_o through_o the_o extremity_n of_o passion_n do_v immediate_o pass_v into_o heaven_n have_v be_v already_o purify_v in_o the_o purgatory_n &_o fire_n of_o love_n notwitstanding_n although_o no_o doubt_n such_o soul_n die_v in_o a_o most_o secure_a estate_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o escape_v some_o degree_n of_o purgatory_n for_o their_o indiscreet_a yield_n to_o the_o impulse_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o this_o love_n which_o though_o true_o divine_a be_v yet_o far_o less_o perfect_a than_o that_o pure_a love_n which_o in_o perfect_a contemplation_n be_v exercise_v in_o
the_o intellectual_a soul_n without_o any_o sensible_a change_n or_o redundance_n to_o the_o body_n for_o the_o tree_n of_o love_n be_v in_o no_o sort_n to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o disposition_n or_o capacity_n to_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o 2._o touch_v a_o special_a sort_n of_o internal_a prayer_n prescribe_v by_o antonio_n roias_n a_o spanish_a priest_n with_o approbation_n give_v to_o it_o §_o 3._o 4._o the_o order_n for_o preparation_n to_o the_o say_a prayer_n of_o internal_a silence_n §_o 5._o 6._o etc._n etc._n how_o the_o say_a prayer_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v §_o 11._o 12._o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o internal_a silence_n §_o 13._o this_o prayer_n may_v become_v proper_a for_o most_o soul_n §_o 14._o a_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v the_o same_o preparation_n prescribe_v §_o 15._o it_o be_v commend_v by_o the_o author_n both_o to_o beginner_n &_o proficient_n yet_o with_o some_o caution_n §_o 16._o this_o prayer_n be_v inferior_a to_o s._n teresas_n prayer_n of_o quietness_n §_o 17._o of_o the_o phrase_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v say_v herein_o to_o be_v aux_n escouttes_n §_o 18._o this_o prayer_n be_v far_o from_o the_o mere_a cessation_n or_o idleness_n of_o the_o illuminati_fw-la §_o 19_o 20._o a_o transition_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n of_o contemplation_n with_o a_o serious_a exhortation_n of_o s._n teresa_n to_o aspire_v courageous_o thereto_o 1._o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v pure_a contemplation_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a as_o it_o be_v also_o pertinent_a enough_o to_o insert_v here_o as_o a_o appendix_n to_o these_o instruction_n concern_v the_o prayer_n of_o force_a act_n of_o the_o will_n a_o certain_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n pertain_v to_o this_o same_o degree_n though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o soul_n behaviour_n much_o differ_v it_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o internal_a silence_n quietness_n &_o repose_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o meditation_n at_o all_o nor_o no_o act_n of_o the_o will_v express_o &_o direct_o frame_v be_v rather_o a_o kind_n of_o virtual_a &_o habitual_a attention_n to_o god_n than_o a_o formal_a &_o direct_a tendance_n to_o he_o yet_o be_v this_o a_o far_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prayer_n then_o be_v that_o prayer_n of_o quietness_n which_o s._n teresa_n speak_v of_o &_o experience_v which_o be_v indeed_o supernatural_a contemplation_n 2._o the_o first_o that_o publish_v a_o treatise_n purposely_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n be_v antonio_z de_fw-fr roias_n a_o devout_a spanish_a priest_n &_o doctor_n in_o a_o book_n call_v the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n approve_a which_o large_a eulogy_n by_o no_o less_o than_o nime_fw-mi eminent_a doctor_n bishop_n or_o inquisitour_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfullnes_n convenience_n &_o security_n of_o it_o it_o have_v moreover_o be_v translate_v &_o publish_v in_o french_a &_o recommend_v by_o several_a other_o doctor_n 3._o now_o the_o order_n that_o the_o author_n advise_v a_o devout_a soul_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o prayer_n of_o internal_a silence_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o preparation_n thereto_o &_o actual_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v as_o follow_v 4._o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o preparation_n 1._o the_o soul_n be_v to_o examine_v &_o purify_v her_o conscience_n with_o a_o prudent_a diligent_a search_n 2._o she_o be_v to_o endeavour_v serious_o &_o cordial_o to_o make_v a_o act_n of_o contrition_n for_o her_o sin_n from_o a_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n love_n &_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n 3._o she_o be_v to_o frame_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a &_o entire_a resignation_n of_o herself_o into_o god_n hand_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o present_a exercise_n of_o a_o silent_a recollection_n determine_v to_o perform_v it_o pure_o for_o god_n glory_n renounce_v all_o inferior_a private_a interest_n &_o contentment_n &c_n &c_n 4._o she_o may_v if_o need_v be_v meditate_v a_o little_a upon_o one_o of_o the_o mystery_n concern_v the_o incarnation_n &_o passion_n etc._n etc._n of_o our_o lord_n also_o mix_v certain_a eiaculatory_a prayer_n 5._o she_o be_v to_o make_v a_o firm_a act_n of_o faith_n &_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o who_o she_o intend_v to_o place_v herself_o with_o most_o profound_a reverence_n humility_n &_o love_n 5._o in_o consequence_n to_o these_o preparation_n in_o the_o which_o she_o be_v to_o continue_v till_o she_o find_v herself_o dispose_v to_o quit_v all_o such_o express_a &_o direct_a act_n or_o affection_n and_o have_v a_o implicit_a assurance_n by_o a_o bare_a &_o obscure_a faith_n that_o god_n who_o be_v incomprehensible_a universal_a goodness_n be_v indeed_o present_a to_o &_o in_o she_o all_o that_o remain_v for_o she_o then_o to_o do_v be_v with_o all_o humility_n &_o love_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o petitioner_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o make_v no_o special_a direct_a request_n but_o content_v herself_o to_o appear_v before_o he_o with_o all_o her_o want_v &_o necessity_n best_a &_o indeed_o only_o know_v to_o he_o who_o therefore_o need_v not_o her_o information_n so_o that_o she_o with_o a_o silent_a attention_n regard_v god_n only_o reject_v all_o manner_n of_o image_n of_o all_o object_n whatsoever_o &_o with_o the_o will_v she_o frame_v no_o particular_a request_n nor_o any_o express_a act_n towards_o god_n but_o remain_v in_o a_o entire_a silence_n both_o of_o tongue_n &_o thought_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o precedent_n direct_a act_n remain_v in_o she_o with_o a_o sweere_a tacit_a consent_v of_o love_n in_o the_o will_n permit_v god_n to_o take_v a_o entire_a possession_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o of_o a_o temple_n whole_o belong_v and_o consecrate_v to_o he_o in_o the_o which_o he_o be_v already_o present_a 6._o in_o this_o state_n the_o soul_n behave_v herself_o much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o humble_a faithful_a &_o love_a subject_n that_o out_o of_o duty_n &_o with_o most_o entire_a affection_n &_o respect_n approach_n to_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o sovereign_n at_o his_o first_o access_n he_o use_v such_o profound_a reverence_n &_o protestation_n of_o duty_n &_o fidelity_n as_o be_v befit_v but_o that_o be_v do_v he_o remain_v silent_a and_o immovable_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o with_o the_o same_o respect_n &_o reverence_n that_o he_o first_o enter_v and_o know_v that_o his_o prince_n only_o ought_v to_o dispose_v of_o his_o fortune_n &_o state_n &_o that_o he_o be_v both_o most_o wise_a to_o judge_v what_o favour_n may_v become_v the_o one_o to_o give_v &_o the_o other_o to_o receive_v &_o withal_o that_o he_o have_v a_o love_n &_o magnificence_n to_o advance_v he_o beyond_o his_o desert_n he_o make_v no_o particular_a request_n at_o all_o now_o the_o reverence_n that_o he_o show_v he_o be_v not_o by_o make_v any_o express_a reflection_n or_o inward_a say_n the_o king_n be_v here_o to_o who_o i_o owe_v all_o duty_n love_n &_o obedience_n for_o know_v he_o to_o be_v present_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o renew_v either_o speech_n or_o thought_n that_o he_o be_v so_o and_o real_o exhibit_v all_o manner_n of_o respect_n to_o he_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o make_v either_o internal_a or_o external_a profession_n of_o it_o he_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o hear_v &_o execute_v any_o command_n &_o till_o he_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o king_n how_o he_o ought_v to_o perform_v his_o will_n &_o service_n he_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o voluntary_a undertake_n so_o do_v the_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o roias_n behave_v herself_o in_o god_n presence_n not_o renew_v but_o only_o persevere_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n love_n duty_n &c_n &c_n which_o she_o frame_v in_o the_o beginning_n if_o be_v in_o this_o vacancy_n &_o internal_a silence_n god_n spirit_n shall_v suggest_v unto_o she_o any_o pure_a affection_n she_o be_v attentive_a &_o ready_a to_o entertain_v &_o quiet_o exercise_v they_o &_o present_o return_v to_o her_o silence_n 7._o if_o during_o this_o silence_n the_o soul_n find_v any_o aridity_n obscurity_n or_o insensiblenes_n in_o inferior_a nature_n &c_n &c_n those_o thing_n do_v not_o interrupt_v she_o persevere_v in_o her_o silence_n &_o virtual_a exercise_n of_o faith_n oblation_n &_o resignation_n join_v with_o a_o quiet_a attention_n to_o his_o will_n &_o inspiration_n yet_o if_o indeed_o she_o shall_v forget_v herself_o &_o that_o either_o wander_v thought_n or_o sensual_a affection_n shall_v press_v
imagine_v but_o a_o inexhaustible_a ocean_n of_o universal_a be_v &_o good_a infinite_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n the_o which_o be_v &_o good_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o we_o love_v with_o the_o whole_a possible_a extension_n of_o our_o will_n embrace_v god_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o know_v he_o but_o yet_o even_o such_o a_o contemplation_n &_o love_n in_o this_o life_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o bodily_a weakness_n &_o necessity_n can_v be_v without_o many_o descent_n and_o interruption_n 9_o this_o mystic_a contemplation_n or_o union_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o active_a and_o ordinary_a be_v indeed_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o perfect_a soul_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v whensoever_o fit_a occasion_n shall_v be_v to_o unite_v themselves_o active_o and_o actual_o to_o god_n by_o efficacious_a fervent_a amorous_a and_o constant_a yet_o withal_o silent_a &_o quiet_a elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o passive_a &_o extraordinary_a the_o which_o be_v not_o a_o state_n but_o a_o actual_a grace_n &_o favour_n from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v at_o certain_a time_n according_a to_o his_o free_a good_a pleasure_n to_o communicate_v a_o glimpse_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n after_o a_o secret_a &_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v passive_a not_o but_o that_o therein_o the_o soul_n do_v active_o contemplate_v god_n but_o she_o can_v neither_o when_o she_o please_v dispose_v herself_o thereto_o nor_o yet_o refuse_v it_o when_o that_o god_n think_v good_a to_o operate_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o to_o represent_v himself_o unto_o she_o by_o a_o divine_a particular_a image_n not_o at_o all_o frame_v by_o the_o soul_n but_o supernatural_o infuse_v into_o she_o the_o which_o grace_n be_v seldom_o if_o ever_o afford_v but_o to_o soul_n that_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o perfect_a active_a union_n concern_v this_o passive_a union_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o 10._o as_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n which_o be_v active_a contemplation_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o treat_v in_o gross_a in_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v in_o mystic_a author_n thaulerus_n harphius_n &c_n &c_n that_o he_o that_o will_v become_v spiritual_a aught_o to_o practice_v the_o draw_a of_o his_o external_a sense_n inward_o into_o his_o internal_a there_o lose_v &_o as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v they_o have_v do_v this_o he_o must_v then_o draw_v his_o internal_a sense_n into_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o there_o annihilate_v they_o likewise_o and_o those_o power_n of_o the_o intellectual_a soul_n he_o must_v draw_v into_o that_o which_o be_v call_v their_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n &_o fountain_n from_o whence_o those_o power_n do_v flow_v &_o in_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o last_o that_o unity_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n must_v be_v apply_v and_o firm_o fix_v on_o god_n and_o herein_o say_v they_o consist_v the_o perfect_a divine_a contemplation_n &_o union_n of_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n with_o god_n 11._o now_o whether_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o will_v abide_v the_o strict_a examination_n of_o philosophy_n or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o take_v on_o i_o to_o determine_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o a_o frequent_a &_o constant_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n join_v with_o mortification_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o operate_v more_o &_o more_o abstract_v from_o sense_n &_o more_o elevate_v above_o the_o corporal_a organ_n &_o faculty_n so_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o separate_a spirit_n 12._o yet_o this_o abstraction_n &_o elevation_n perhaps_o be_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o pure_a operation_n have_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o sensible_a image_n for_o the_o school_n resolve_v that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o state_n of_o a_o soul_n join_v to_o a_o mortal_a body_n but_o sure_o her_o operation_n in_o this_o pure_a degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o subtle_a &_o intime_fw-la &_o the_o image_n that_o she_o make_v use_v of_o so_o exquisite_o pure_a &_o immaterial_a that_o she_o can_v perceive_v at_o all_o that_o she_o work_n by_o image_n so_o that_o spiritual_a writer_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o person_n utter_o unexperienced_a in_o these_o mystic_a affair_n if_o deliver_v thing_n as_o they_o perceive_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n they_o have_v express_v they_o otherwise_o then_o will_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o school_n 13._o now_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n do_v a_o soul_n begin_v to_o arrive_v after_o a_o sufficient_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o have_v attain_v thereto_o they_o do_v grow_v more_o &_o more_o spiritual_a &_o sublime_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n &_o blind_a elevation_n without_o all_o limit_n 14._o i_o call_v they_o pure_a intellectual_a operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o actuation_n imaginative_a produce_v by_o mean_a of_o gross_a sensible_a image_n &_o not_o as_o if_o the_o say_a operation_n be_v in_o the_o intellect_n or_o understanding_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o by_o the_o will._n for_o in_o proper_a aspiration_n the_o soul_n have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o only_o antecedent_o to_o propose_v a_o object_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o only_o a_o general_n obscure_a confuse_a notion_n of_o god_n as_o faith_n dark_o teach_v &_o this_o rather_o virtual_o then_o direct_o &_o express_o the_o main_a business_n be_v to_o elevate_v the_o will_n and_o unite_v it_o to_o god_n so_o present_v 15._o in_o which_o union_n above_o all_o particular_a image_n there_o be_v neither_o time_n nor_o place_n but_o all_o be_v vacuity_n &_o emptiness_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v existent_a but_o god_n &_o the_o soul_n yea_o so_o far_o be_v the_o soul_n from_o reflect_v on_o her_o own_o existence_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o god_n &_o she_o be_v not_o distinct_a but_o one_o only_a thing_n this_o be_v call_v by_o some_o mystic_a author_n the_o state_n of_o nothingnes_n by_o other_o the_o state_n of_o totality_n because_o therein_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o the_o container_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o this_o state_n be_v thus_o describe_v by_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n collat_n x._o c._n 11._o ita_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la orationis_fw-la incorruptionem_fw-la mens_fw-la nostra_fw-la perveniat_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o will_v the_o mind_n ascend_v to_o that_o pure_a simplicity_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o be_v free_v from_o all_o intuition_n of_o image_n undistinguish_v with_o any_o prosecution_n of_o word_n or_o sense_n but_o utter_v internal_o by_o a_o inflame_a intention_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o unutterable_a excess_n of_o affoction_n and_o inconceivable_a quickness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n the_o which_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n be_v abstract_v from_o all_o sense_n &_o sensible_a object_n do_v power_n forth_o unto_o god_n by_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v express_v 16._o it_o be_v a_o error_n therefore_o of_o unexperienced_a person_n who_o think_v and_o say_v that_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o thought_n of_o contemplative_n be_v actual_o in_o heaven_n in_o interior_a conversation_n with_o angel_n and_o saint_n taste_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n or_o whole_o employ_v in_o sublime_a speculation_n about_o divine_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n &c_n &c_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o a_o passive_a union_n god_n may_v after_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a but_o wonderful_a manner_n represent_v any_o or_o all_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o supernatural_a species_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o active_a contemplation_n it_o consist_v not_o at_o all_o in_o speculation_n but_o in_o blind_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n and_o ingulf_v it_o more_o and_o more_o profound_o in_o god_n with_o no_o other_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o of_o a_o obscure_a faith_n only_o 17._o this_o happy_a state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o most_o perfect_a that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n be_v almost_o a_o entire_a reparation_n &_o restitution_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o primitive_a innocence_n for_o as_o long_o as_o it_o last_v because_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v free_v from_o all_o sinful_o distract_n image_n and_o affection_n that_o will_v separate_v she_o from_o god_n hereupon_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n say_v that_o except_o in_o the_o very_a actual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n be_v not_o
care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o choose_v pious_a and_o discreet_a directour_n because_o too_o many_o there_o be_v that_o will_v too_o ready_o and_o sudden_o resolve_v such_o matter_n to_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o will_v thereupon_o desire_v such_o person_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v some_o particular_a favour_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n etc._n etc._n now_o upon_o such_o indiscreet_a behaviour_n in_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v directour_n such_o person_n will_v begin_v to_o think_v that_o god_n love_v to_o treat_v with_o they_o and_o will_v interpret_v the_o thing_n declare_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o gust_n and_o humour_n and_o if_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o then_o they_o imagine_v they_o will_v fall_v into_o melancholic_a suspicion_n and_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o devil_n snare_n 29._o the_o best_a course_n that_o a_o confessarius_fw-la in_o this_o case_n can_v take_v be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o rational_a ground_n of_o probability_n that_o such_o vision_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o come_v from_o god_n to_o exhort_v and_o enjoin_v the_o person_n to_o avoid_v and_o despise_v they_o yea_o and_o if_o after_o long_o and_o serious_a examination_n it_o shall_v seem_v almost_o evident_a to_o he_o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o yet_o ought_v he_o so_o to_o behave_v himself_o both_o in_o word_n and_o action_n as_o to_o deter_v the_o soul_n from_o adhere_v to_o they_o with_o affection_n rather_o incline_v she_o to_o a_o suspicion_n and_o fear_n or_o however_o to_o a_o indifferency_n about_o they_o with_o a_o aspect_n of_o love_n to_o god_n himself_o only_o who_o be_v above_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o thus_o if_o the_o confessarius_fw-la behave_v himself_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v prevent_v all_o harm_n to_o ensue_v and_o he_o shall_v perform_v a_o service_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n 30._o certain_o the_o danger_n be_v far_o less_o to_o be_v too_o difficult_a in_o believe_v and_o esteem_v such_o thing_n then_o to_o be_v never_o so_o little_a too_o credulous_a and_o incline_v to_o admire_v they_o for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o good_a one_o shall_v be_v often_o suspect_v they_o that_o a_o ill_a one_o shall_v be_v once_o believe_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v find_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n appear_v to_o s._n teresa_n do_v neither_o take_v it_o ill_o from_o she_o nor_o from_o her_o director_n when_o by_o his_o order_n she_o do_v spit_n at_o he_o and_o defy_v he_o so_o appear_v to_o she_o but_o he_o only_o inform_v she_o how_o she_o shall_v give_v convince_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v no_o illusion_n 31._o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n give_v very_o good_a advice_n touch_v this_o point_n exhort_v soul_n as_o the_o sure_a way_n that_o in_o case_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o prudent_a and_o experience_a confessarius_fw-la they_o shall_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n concern_v such_o grace_n but_o to_o pass_v they_o over_o and_o to_o make_v no_o account_n of_o they_o and_o however_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o head_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o execute_n of_o any_o thing_n signify_v after_o such_o a_o unusual_a manner_n 32._o and_o though_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o make_v no_o great_a estimation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v a_o great_a security_n from_o danger_n by_o they_o shall_v therefore_o think_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o consult_v with_o a_o prudent_a director_n about_o such_o trifle_n or_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o revelation_n seem_v unto_o she_o so_o absolute_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o to_o ask_v any_o one_o judgement_n about_o they_o yet_o say_v the_o same_o author_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o she_o discover_v they_o to_o her_o spiritual_a master_n 33._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v 1._o because_o ordinary_o such_o be_v god_n order_n and_o disposition_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o such_o a_o humble_a submission_n of_o herself_o a_o new_a light_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o she_o 2._o to_o the_o end_n that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n she_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n to_o restrain_v her_o affection_n from_o such_o thing_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o true_a nakedness_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n for_o which_o end_v the_o confessarius_fw-la aught_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o such_o favour_n but_o pass_v over_o they_o slight_o to_o encourage_v the_o soul_n rather_o to_o value_v and_o tend_v to_o a_o perfect_a active_a union_n by_o charity_n and_o pure_a prayer_n 3._o that_o by_o such_o a_o occasion_n offer_v the_o soul_n may_v conquer_v that_o natural_a unwillingnes_n which_o be_v in_o some_o to_o discover_v what_o thing_n pass_v within_o they_o and_o with_o such_o soul_n the_o confessarius_fw-la be_v to_o deal_n mild_o not_o affright_v or_o scandalize_a they_o nor_o dishearten_v they_o from_o deal_v free_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v such_o vision_n ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n may_v produce_v in_o they_o that_o effect_n which_o probable_o god_n intend_v namely_o by_o they_o to_o call_v soul_n to_o a_o near_o and_o more_o perfect_a active_a union_n by_o love_n whereof_o one_o perfect_a act_n frame_v by_o the_o will_n be_v of_o more_o worth_a and_o more_o grateful_a to_o god_n than_o all_o the_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o pass_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v be_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o many_o soul_n which_o be_v never_o visit_v with_o any_o such_o favour_n be_v yet_o far_o more_o advance_v in_o spirit_n and_o more_o near_o to_o god_n then_o be_v some_o other_o who_o frequent_o enjoy_v such_o extraordinary_a favour_n 34._o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o be_v suggest_v in_o such_o a_o revelation_n whether_o it_o concern_v knowledge_n or_o practice_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o small_a moment_n yet_o without_o advice_n a_o soul_n ought_v neither_o to_o assent_v to_o it_o nor_o execute_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v yet_o consider_v the_o cause_n &_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o come_v which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v supernatural_a it_o become_v of_o great_a importance_n yea_o the_o mere_a conversation_n &_o familiarity_n with_o a_o intellectual_a spirit_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o as_o be_v with_o a_o good_a spirit_n it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v occasion_n of_o much_o good_a so_o be_v with_o a_o bad_a spirit_n as_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v till_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a it_o will_v probable_o cause_v very_o much_o harm_n 35._o a_o soul_n be_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o about_o such_o matter_n aught_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o she_o fall_v not_o into_o impertinence_n but_o as_o aluarez_n de_fw-fr paz_n advise_v let_v she_o humble_o brief_o &_o clear_o manifest_v so_o much_o of_o these_o extraordinary_a matter_n to_o her_o director_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o judge_v and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o much_o value_v they_o let_v she_o simple_o hold_v on_o her_o course_n and_o secure_o proceed_v in_o her_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n 36._o if_o some_o eminent_o perfect_a soul_n have_v follow_v their_o own_o light_n in_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o practise_v according_o without_o consult_v other_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_n the_o forego_n advice_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o soul_n less_o experience_v and_o perfect_a and_o such_o as_o in_o s._n paul_n phrase_n have_v not_o their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o the_o discern_a of_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n 37._o in_o such_o case_n likewise_o all_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o resign_v their_o judgement_n and_o will_n to_o other_o as_o utter_o to_o neglect_v their_o own_o proper_a call_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o to_o a_o wellminded_n soul_n that_o walk_v and_o deal_v simple_o and_o plain_o with_o god_n and_o labour_v diligent_o to_o keep_v her_o affection_n free_a from_o all_o create_a thing_n aspire_v to_o a_o indifference_n whether_o she_o have_v or_o want_v they_o yea_o out_o of_o humility_n and_o a_o pious_a fear_n rather_o desire_n to_o want_n such_o extraordinary_a visitation_n such_o a_o soul_n doubtless_o will_v be_v so_o guide_v and_o illuminate_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n as_o she_o will_v perfect_o know_v what_o to_o do_v &_o forbear_v and_o whether_o when_o and_o of_o who_o to_o ask_v counsel_n let_v therefore_o such_o a_o soul_n careful_o observe_v her_o internal_a direction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o b._n john_n de_fw-fr cruse_n 38._o from_o these_o precedent_a advice_n it_o may_v appear_v how_o different_o a_o soul_n ought_v
purity_n &_o simplicity_n of_o spirit_n such_o may_v call_v themselves_o monk_n &_o contemplative_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o show_v no_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o the_o habit_n &_o a_o certain_a outward_a formal_a solemn_a &_o severe_a comportment_n under_o which_o may_v be_v hide_v a_o secret_n most_o profound_a self_n love_n &_o pride_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o that_o memorable_a say_n of_o hesychius_n a_o holy_a illuminate_v monk_n he_o that_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n say_v he_o that_o be_v marriage_n possession_n &_o the_o like_a such_o a_o one_o indeed_o have_v make_v the_o exterior_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o not_o as_o yet_o the_o interiour_n but_o he_o that_o have_v renounce_v his_o own_o thought_n &_o affection_n such_o a_o one_o have_v make_v true_o the_o interiour_n man_n aÌ„_o monk_n also_o and_o very_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o small_a desire_n thereunto_o may_v easy_o make_v the_o outward_a man_n a_o monk_n but_o it_o be_v a_o task_n of_o no_o small_a labour_n to_o make_v the_o interiour_n man_n so_o too_o now_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o interiour_n monk_n say_v he_o be_v the_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o that_o internal_a prayer_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o ancient_a hermit_n what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v §_o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o 6._o how_o it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v to_o they_o internal_a &_o bring_v many_o soul_n ancient_o to_o perfection_n and_o why_o it_o will_v not_o now_o do_v so_o ordinary_o §_o 7._o 8._o 9_o 10._o the_o great_a help_n that_o the_o ancient_n find_v by_o external_a labour_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o recollection_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o how_o manual_a labour_n come_v to_o give_v place_n to_o study_n that_o which_o be_v defend_v §_o 14._o the_o late_a practice_n of_o internal_a prayer_n recompense_v other_o defect_n 1._o that_o internal_a spiritual_a prayer_n be_v serious_o &_o almost_o continual_o practise_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v apparent_a both_o out_o of_o the_o live_v &_o conference_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o few_o proof_n extant_a that_o appoint_a time_n be_v set_v for_o the_o exercise_v it_o conuentual_o except_o in_o the_o foremencioned_n story_n of_o the_o monk_n tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o retire_v himself_o from_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v in_o such_o prayer_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o superior_n &_o directour_n of_o soul_n tend_v to_o contemplation_n be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n oblige_v to_o enjoin_v daily_a recollection_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o daily_a private_a &_o continual_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v not_o so_o helpful_a &_o advantageous_a to_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o most_o necessary_a simplicity_n &_o purity_n of_o soul_n as_o ancient_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v some_o supply_n for_o this_o defect_n by_o such_o conuentuall_a recollection_n the_o which_o they_o institute_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o public_a because_o they_o perceive_v or_o fear_v that_o religious_a soul_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v out_o of_o tepidity_n neglect_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a &_o so_o efficacious_a 2._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o compare_v the_o manner_n of_o live_v observe_v ancient_o by_o religious_a person_n with_o the_o modern_a in_o these_o day_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o great_a advantage_n they_o enjoy_v towards_o the_o attain_n of_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n beyond_o we_o we_o may_v consider_v 1._o their_o set_a devotion_n what_o they_o be_v and_o 2._o their_o daily_a employment_n during_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o day_n 3._o as_o concern_v the_o first_o their_o appoint_a devotion_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a be_v only_o recite_v â—he_n psalter_n to_o which_o they_o sometime_o adjoin_v a_o little_a read_n of_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o the_o foremencionâ—d_a conventuall_a mental_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v very_o short_a be_v only_o such_o short_a aspiration_n as_o god_n spirit_n do_v suggest_v unto_o they_o in_o particular_a as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o their_o public_a vocal_a prayer_n yea_o &_o in_o private_a when_o they_o do_v purposely_o apply_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n they_o seldom_o vary_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o public_a devotion_n for_o than_o they_o also_o use_v the_o psalter_n 4._o now_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o vocal_a prayer_n alone_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n available_a to_o bring_v soul_n to_o perfect_a contemplation_n which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o neither_o do_v nor_o ordinary_o speak_v candoe_v i_o shall_v declare_v more_o full_o when_o i_o come_v hereafter_o to_o treat_v of_o prayer_n and_o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o to_o point_v only_o at_o the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o difference_n viz_o 1._o one_o reason_n be_v their_o incomparable_o more_o abstraction_n of_o life_n more_o rigorous_a solitude_n &_o almost_o perpetual_a silence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v believe_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a 2._o a_o second_o be_v their_o fast_n abstinence_n &_o other_o austerity_n beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o infirm_a corporal_a complexion_n 3._o a_o three_o be_v their_o externall_n employment_n out_o of_o the_o set_a time_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o do_v far_o better_a dispose_n soul_n to_o recollection_n to_o attendance_n on_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n &c_n &c_n then_o those_o ordinary_o practise_v in_o these_o day_n 5._o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o vocal_a prayer_n exercise_v by_o such_o pure_a resign_v humble_a mortify_v &_o undistract_a soul_n have_v the_o efficacy_n to_o produce_v in_o they_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollect_v introversion_n which_o doubtless_o in_o many_o of_o they_o be_v more_o profound_a not_o only_o while_o they_o be_v busy_v in_o their_o vocal_a exercise_n but_o also_o during_o their_o externall_n business_n than_o it_o be_v ordinary_o with_o we_o in_o the_o height_n of_o our_o best_a recollection_n 6._o but_o a_o more_o large_a handle_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o last_o treatise_n where_o we_o speak_v purposely_o of_o prayer_n and_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v only_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o three_o forename_a advantage_n of_o corporal_a labour_n which_o to_o the_o ancient_n prove_v a_o help_n to_o contemplation_n far_o more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o general_a employment_n of_o religious_a in_o these_o day_n 7._o for_o the_o demonstrate_v whereof_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o ancient_o soul_n embrace_v a_o religious_a life_n be_v move_v thereto_o mere_o out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o penance_n without_o any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o solitude_n for_o the_o get_n of_o learning_n or_o for_o the_o dispose_n themselves_o to_o holy_a order_n be_v likewise_o poor_a unprovided_a of_o annual_a rent_n or_o foundation_n the_o which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v or_o desire_v that_o in_o our_o holy_a father_n expression_n cap._n 48._o they_o do_v then_o only_o account_v themselves_o to_o be_v verè_fw-la monachi_fw-la si_fw-la de_fw-fr labour_v manuum_fw-la suarum_fw-la viverent_fw-la true_a monk_n whilst_o they_o live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v both_o by_o necessity_n &_o choice_n oblige_v to_o corporal_a labour_n 8._o but_o their_o principal_a care_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o god_n &_o to_o aspire_v unto_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o he_o they_o ordinary_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o labour_n as_o be_v not_o distractive_a &_o such_o as_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o solitude_n &_o silence_n so_o that_o during_o the_o say_a labour_n they_o keep_v their_o mind_n continual_o fix_v on_o god_n such_o labour_n be_v the_o make_n of_o basket_n or_o some_o other_o work_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n that_o require_v no_o solicitude_n &_o very_o small_a exactness_n or_o attention_n and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n inform_v we_o such_o be_v the_o charity_n of_o bishop_n &_o other_o good_a person_n their_o neighbour_n that_o to_o ease_v they_o of_o all_o care_n about_o the_o dispose_n or_o sell_v of_o their_o work_n as_o likewise_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v recourse_n to_o market_n for_o the_o sale_n thereof_o order_n be_v take_v that_o such_o work_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n &_o a_o competent_a price_n allow_v they_o for_o they_o 9_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o their_o externall_n labour_v be_v exercise_v in_o order_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n prove_v a_o wonderful_a help_n thereto_o dispose_v they_o to_o prayer_n &_o almost_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o it_o
be_v god_n himself_o who_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n teach_v s._n anthony_n this_o art_n &_o most_o secure_a method_n of_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n when_o be_v unable_a to_o keep_v his_o mind_n continual_o bend_v in_o actual_a prayer_n he_o grow_v weary_a of_o solitude_n &_o in_o a_o never_a disposition_n to_o quit_v it_o at_o which_o time_n a_o angelâ—_n appear_v to_o he_o busy_o employ_v in_o make_v basket_n of_o the_o rind_n of_o palm_n signify_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o he_o shall_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n intermit_v his_o devotion_n so_o spend_v the_o time_n that_o he_o can_v not_o employ_v in_o prayer_n 10._o such_o be_v the_o externall_n daily_a employment_n of_o the_o ancient_a contemplative_n &_o so_o great_a virtue_n do_v they_o find_v in_o they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o which_o mean_v so_o many_o of_o they_o attain_v to_o so_o sublime_a a_o degree_n of_o contemplation_n yea_o &_o general_o most_o of_o they_o arrive_v to_o very_o great_a simplicity_n of_o spirit_n &_o almost_o continual_a recollectednes_n 11._o but_o when_o afterward_o by_o the_o most_o plentifully-flowing_a charity_n of_o devout_a christian_n there_o be_v not_o only_o take_v from_o religious_a all_o necessity_n of_o sustain_v themselves_o by_o corporal_a labour_n but_o they_o be_v moreover_o rich_o furnish_v and_o enable_v to_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o many_o other_o we_o may_v well_o judge_v that_o it_o will_v become_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v a_o continuance_n of_o much_o manual_a labour_n pure_o and_o only_o for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o spirit_n when_o otherwise_o it_o be_v both_o needle_n and_o afflict_v to_o the_o body_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o since_o necessary_o some_o employment_n beside_o prayer_n must_v be_v find_v out_o for_o the_o entertain_n of_o those_o solitary_a liver_n learn_v as_o the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o other_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o yet_o so_o that_o for_o many_o age_n corporal_a labour_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v 12._o yet_o â—his_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a nor_o i_o suppose_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o so_o great_a and_o almost_o universal_a a_o change_n as_o afterward_o follow_v in_o the_o manner_n and_o fashion_n of_o a_o coenobiticall_a life_n but_o we_o may_v reasonable_o impute_v the_o say_a exchange_n of_o labour_n for_o study_n in_o a_o principal_a manner_n to_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n that_o stand_v in_o such_o extreme_a need_n of_o another_o sort_n of_o labourer_n in_o god_n vineyard_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o charity_n of_o religious_a man_n themselves_o who_o during_o that_o most_o horrible_a ignorance_n and_o depravation_n reign_v over_o all_o the_o world_n almost_o beside_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o repay_v the_o wonderful_a charity_n of_o good_a christian_n by_o extend_v a_o great_a charity_n in_o communicate_v to_o they_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o their_o temporal_a hence_o come_v a_o necessity_n of_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o which_o indeed_o for_o several_a age_n be_v in_o a_o sort_n whole_o sustain_v by_o they_o yea_o moreover_o by_o their_o zeal_n labour_n and_o wisdom_n the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v spread_v abroad_o among_o heathen_n also_o and_o many_o province_n and_o kingdom_n adjoin_v to_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n consider_v no_o wonder_n be_v there_o if_o the_o introduce_v of_o read_v and_o study_n in_o the_o place_n of_o manual_a labour_n be_v avoidable_o necessary_a 13._o but_o perhaps_o some_o there_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o affect_v or_o please_v with_o the_o present_a reputation_n or_o commodidity_n enjoy_v by_o religious_a person_n that_o assent_v to_o what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v will_v notwithstanding_o infer_v that_o since_o learning_n be_v now_o become_v so_o much_o dilate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o zeal_n and_o charity_n of_o ancient_a monastical_a religious_a there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o the_o like_a necessity_n of_o their_o interess_a themselves_o in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o return_v to_o their_o old_a corporal_a employment_n and_o labour_n 14._o herto_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o even_o still_o there_o be_v much_o need_n of_o they_o consider_v the_o far_o great_a frequentation_n of_o sacrament_n in_o these_o day_n above_o the_o ancient_a time_n but_o moreover_o if_o in_o these_o time_n wherein_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o expose_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n religious_a person_n shall_v quit_v study_n return_v to_o their_o ancient_a employment_n of_o manual_a labour_n from_o which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v god_n himself_o do_v doubtless_o withdraw_v they_o beside_o that_o their_o ignorance_n will_v render_v they_o the_o universal_a object_n of_o contempt_n through_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o will_v likewise_o expose_v they_o as_o for_o their_o state_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o all_o that_o either_o envy_a or_o covet_v the_o scarce_o subsistence_n leave_v they_o and_o as_o to_o their_o soul_n they_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o be_v turn_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o the_o variety_n of_o directour_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o guide_v they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v all_o man_n will_v be_v deter_v from_o adjoin_v themselves_o unto_o they_o for_o continue_v a_o succession_n 15._o now_o though_o as_o have_v be_v say_v such_o a_o change_n have_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n make_v in_o the_o external_a employment_n of_o religious_a person_n yet_o still_o the_o same_o essential_a indispensable_a obligation_n of_o aspire_v to_o contemplation_n remain_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o which_o although_o study_v join_v with_o prayer_n seem_v in_o some_o regard_v to_o be_v less_o advantageous_a than_o ancient_o such_o labour_n as_o the_o egyptian_a monk_n etc._n etc._n undertake_v be_v yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o goodness_n to_o his_o seruamt_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n by_o raise_v up_o several_a holy_a person_n to_o teach_v more_o accurate_o then_o former_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a internal_a contemplative_a prayer_n for_o since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o to_o person_n far_o more_o distract_v by_o study_n then_o ancient_o they_o be_v by_o labour_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o moderate_a quiet_a attention_n to_o god_n vocal_a prayer_n though_o never_o so_o much_o prolong_v have_v not_o ordinary_o speak_v sufficient_a force_n to_o recollect_v the_o mind_n habitual_o or_o to_o suppress_v and_o cure_v the_o many_o inordinate_a affection_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o use_n of_o appoint_a daily_a recollection_n have_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n without_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o contemplation_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v so_o that_o to_o such_o prayer_n we_o may_v most_o principal_o impute_v the_o great_a light_n and_o help_n for_o contemplation_n afford_v by_o some_o late_a saint_n in_o religious_a order_n and_o in_o the_o world_n also_o to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o god_n church_n that_o sole_a exercise_n in_o a_o good_a measure_n make_v amends_o for_o all_o other_o defect_n in_o which_o we_o seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o the_o ancient_n chap._n vii_o §_o 1._o of_o special_a duty_n of_o religious_a person_n §_o 2._o a_o religious_a person_n ought_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v always_o under_o obedience_n §_o 3._o 4._o quality_n necessary_a in_o a_o religious_a superior_a §_o 5._o 6._o 7._o 8._o 9_o that_o active_a spirit_n be_v very_o improper_a to_o govern_v such_o as_o be_v contemplative_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n §_o 10._o a_o fearful_a example_n in_o bernardinus_fw-la othinus_n show_v how_o dangerous_a the_o neglect_n of_o internal_a prayer_n be_v in_o a_o religious_a superior_a 1._o have_v thus_o large_o set_v down_o the_o proper_a and_o only_a end_n of_o a_o religious_a profession_n to_o wit_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o recollect_v contemplative_a prayer_n alone_o i_o will_v further_o add_v some_o more_o special_a duty_n belong_v to_o religious_a person_n according_a to_o their_o several_a relation_n and_o quality_n as_o superior_n or_o other_o subordinate_a officer_n subject_n etc._n etc._n for_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a virtue_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n as_o obedience_n poverty_n humility_n etc._n etc._n the_o handle_n of_o they_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o follow_a treatise_n 2._o now_o with_o what_o mind_n a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o embrace_v a_o religious_a profession_n be_v signify_v to_o we_o in_o that_o notable_a passage_n in_o our_o holy_a father_n rule_n where_o he_o say_v in_o coenobio_fw-la degens_fw-la desiderat_fw-la sibi_fw-la abbatem_fw-la praeesse_fw-la that_o be_v whosoever_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a community_n be_v desirous_a that_o
soul_n powerful_o and_o immediate_o direct_v and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o this_o three_o degree_n to_o which_o the_o prayer_n belong_v be_v indeed_o true_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o prayer_n may_v very_o convenient_o include_v all_o the_o four_o degree_n mention_v by_o barbanson_n &_o so_o nice_o distinguish_v by_o he_o rather_o out_o of_o a_o particular_a experience_n of_o the_o effect_n pass_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o all_o for_o god_n work_v according_a to_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o perfect_a servant_n and_o not_o according_a to_o any_o method_n that_o man_n can_v conceive_v or_o express_v 6._o these_o therefore_o be_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n the_o which_o do_v most_o proper_o answer_n to_o the_o common_o assign_a way_n of_o spirituality_n the_o purgative_n illuminative_a and_o vnitive_a of_o they_o the_o first_o be_v a_o prayer_n consist_v much_o of_o discourse_n of_o the_o vndestanding_n the_o other_o two_o be_v prayer_n of_o the_o will_n but_o most_o principal_o and_o pure_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o order_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o wit_n 1._o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o second_o section_n of_o the_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n to_o wit_n meditation_n 2._o in_o the_o follow_a section_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n 3._o and_o in_o the_o last_o section_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n or_o contemplation_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o each_o in_o particular_a i_o conceive_v it_o requisite_a first_o to_o show_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o propriety_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o division_n of_o the_o succeed_a degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v build_v and_o may_v be_v evident_o and_o convince_o demonstrate_v so_o far_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o soul_n that_o tend_v to_o perfection_n it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v conduct_v by_o these_o degree_n in_o this_o order_n and_o no_o other_o way_n and_o this_o experience_n will_v make_v good_a even_o in_o soul_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o without_o learning_n read_v or_o instruction_n be_v immediate_o guide_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o internal_a way_n the_o reason_n hereof_o will_v appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v 7._o first_o therefore_o it_o be_v apparent_a and_o acknowledged_a that_o general_a speak_n a_o soul_n from_o a_o state_n of_o negligence_n &_o secularity_n first_o enter_v into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n though_o she_o be_v suppose_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o grace_n by_o which_o she_o be_v move_v to_o make_v so_o great_a and_o happy_a a_o change_n to_o be_v real_o in_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n yet_o there_o still_o remain_v in_o she_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o fear_n conceive_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o her_o former_a sin_n and_o withal_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o vicious_a habit_n do_v yet_o abide_v and_o will_v do_v so_o till_o by_o long_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n they_o be_v abate_v and_o expel_v moreover_o a_o world_n of_o vain_a and_o sinful_a image_n do_v possess_v the_o soul_n which_o distract_v she_o whensoever_o she_o set_v her_o mind_n on_o god_n call_v she_o to_o attend_v to_o her_o formerly-pleasing_a object_n which_o take_v up_o all_o her_o affection_n and_o which_o do_v still_o ofttimes_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o her_o memory_n with_o too_o much_o contentment_n to_o inferior_a nature_n the_o which_o contentment_n though_o she_o upon_o reflection_n do_v resist_v and_o renown_n with_o her_o superior_a soul_n yet_o this_o resistance_n be_v ofttimes_o so_o feeble_a that_o frequent_o she_o be_v real_o entangle_v and_o seduce_v &_o more_o oft_o do_v find_v ground_n to_o doubt_v that_o she_o have_v give_v consent_n thereto_o 8._o such_o be_v ordinary_o the_o disorder_a condition_n of_o a_o soul_n at_o her_o first_o conversion_n the_o remedy_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v proper_a and_o necessary_a for_o she_o be_v prayer_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o prayer_n that_o for_o the_o present_a she_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v either_o a_o much_o distract_a vocal_a prayer_n or_o discursive_a meditation_n in_o which_o the_o understanding_n and_o imagination_n be_v chief_o employ_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o although_o god_n have_v imprint_v true_a charity_n in_o such_o a_o soul_n yet_o seduce_v image_n so_o abound_v and_o vicious_a affection_n be_v as_o yet_o so_o predominant_a in_o sensitive_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o the_o fortify_v it_o to_o chase_v away_o the_o say_a image_n and_o subdue_v such_o affection_n by_o store_v the_o imagination_n with_o contrary_a good_a image_n and_o set_v on_o work_n affection_n contrary_a to_o these_o and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o invent_v argument_n and_o motive_n especial_o of_o fear_n so_o that_o the_o exercise_n proper_a to_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o first_o imperfect_a state_n be_v those_o of_o sensible_a contrition_n and_o remorse_n for_o sin_n etc._n etc._n cause_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o foulness_n of_o it_o of_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v it_o the_o certainty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o horror_n of_o hell_n etc._n etc._n as_o likewise_o a_o consideration_n that_o no_o less_o a_o price_n will_v serve_v for_o the_o reparation_n of_o a_o soul_n from_o sin_n then_o the_o ibloudy_a passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v now_o the_o seasonable_a subject_n of_o meditation_n and_o the_o action_n of_o mortification_n fit_a to_o attend_v such_o prayer_n be_v more_o sensible_a gross_a and_o exterior_a proper_a to_o repress_v she_o grosser_n defect_n 9_o now_o when_o by_o mean_n of_o such_o exercise_n the_o soul_n be_v become_v well_o ease_v from_o remorse_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v move_v to_o the_o resistance_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o fear_v of_o his_o judgement_n her_o discursive_a prayer_n for_o all_o that_o do_v not_o cease_v but_o there_o be_v a_o change_n make_v only_o in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o because_o instead_o of_o the_o consideration_n of_o judgement_n hell_n etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n find_v herself_o more_o incline_v to_o resist_v sin_n by_o the_o motive_n of_o love_n or_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o charity_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o likewise_o out_o of_o a_o comfortable_a meditation_n of_o the_o future_a joy_n promise_v and_o prepare_v for_o she_o although_o charity_n be_v much_o increase_v yet_o not_o yet_o to_o such_o a_o point_n but_o that_o she_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o set_v it_o on_o work_n as_o likewise_o of_o good_a holy_a and_o efficacious_a image_n of_o divine_a thing_n to_o allure_v she_o to_o forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o vain_a image_n that_o yet_o do_v much_o distract_v she_o the_o object_n of_o her_o thought_n now_o be_v the_o infinite_a joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o bless_a humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o the_o divinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o mortification_n answerable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n do_v grow_v more_o internal_a be_v much_o exercise_v about_o inward_a defect_n which_o by_o prayer_n be_v discover_v to_o she_o and_o correct_v now_o a_o soul_n whilst_o she_o continue_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o much_o and_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o motive_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o purgative_n way_n though_o towards_o the_o latter_a end_n there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o illuminative_a 10._o in_o the_o second_o place_n when_o a_o soul_n by_o perseverance_n in_o such_o discursive_a prayer_n come_v to_o find_v as_o in_o â—â—me_n she_o will_v that_o she_o stand_v in_o less_o need_n of_o invent_v motive_n to_o induce_v she_o to_o exercise_v love_n to_o god_n because_o good_a affection_n by_o exercise_n abound_v and_o â—owing_v ripe_a do_v with_o facility_n move_v themselves_o so_o â—â—at_a the_o mere_a present_v of_o a_o good_a object_n to_o the_o soul_n suffise_v to_o make_v she_o produce_v a_o good_a affection_n thenceforward_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o soul_n in_o prayer_n quit_v discourse_v and_o the_o will_v immediate_o stir_v itself_o towards_o god_n and_o here_o meditation_n end_v the_o second_o and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n or_o state_n of_o internal_a prayer_n begin_v to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n 11._o now_o a_o soul_n live_v a_o solitary_a or_o abstract_a life_n and_o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o prayer_n if_o she_o shall_v be_v oblige_v by_o