may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o sound_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o looking-glass_n sordid_a and_o impure_a the_o form_n of_o a_o face_n can_v be_v represent_v so_o neither_o in_o a_o foul_a and_o unclean_a mind_n the_o splendour_n of_o god_n ni._n whoever_o know_v that_o they_o be_v only_a mind_n have_v pass_v the_o bulk_n and_o grossness_n of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v purge_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o stain_n of_o vice_n and_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o or_o chief_a mind_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v unite_v to_o they_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o incorrupt_a he_o do_v converse_v with_o the_o mind_n without_o any_o thing_n intervening_a and_o by_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o soul_n as_o again_o by_o this_o he_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n but_o he_o be_v unite_v not_o as_o he_o be_v but_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o union_n and_o hence_o at_o last_o he_o become_v know_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o otherwise_o know_v god_n unless_o he_o open_v his_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o in_o it_o psellus_n god_n do_v so_o much_o become_v know_v to_o man_n as_o he_o be_v familiar_o join_v to_o they_o who_o by_o virtue_n be_v join_v to_o he_o for_o according_a as_o be_v their_o ascent_n he_o do_v descend_v and_o how_o much_o man_n do_v approach_n to_o god_n so_o much_o also_o do_v god_n become_v know_v to_o man_n impart_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o purity_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o see_v whether_o the_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a gradation_n will_v raise_v we_o for_o from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o from_o the_o first_o step_n of_o a_o ladder_n we_o be_v raise_v to_o admiration_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o second_o step_n again_o from_o admiration_n we_o ascend_v to_o more_o earnest_a desire_n then_o from_o desire_n be_v we_o raise_v up_o to_o purgation_n and_o from_o hence_o further_o to_o likeness_n with_o god_n and_o last_o we_o arrive_v to_o converse_v familiar_o with_o god_n and_o know_v he_o more_o perfect_o by_o union_n then_o when_o we_o be_v make_v deiform_a do_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a god_n converse_v familiar_o with_o those_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v call_v god_n infuse_v the_o divine_a fulgers_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o we_o as_o every_o one_o be_v purify_v nicetas_n to_o be_v make_v god_n be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a illumination_n but_o not_o to_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a essence_n since_o we_o be_v set_v in_o the_o confine_n between_o god_n and_o matter_n if_o we_o decline_v to_o matter_n we_o be_v gross_a and_o material_a if_o we_o tend_v towards_o god_n we_o be_v call_v divine_a and_o thereupon_o go_n nicetas_n st._n austin_n concern_v the_o same_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n that_o our_o body_n also_o may_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o we_o have_v from_o god_n ser._n 18._o de_fw-fr verb._n apost_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o incorporeal_a soul_n be_v so_o illuminate_v with_o the_o incorporeal_a light_n of_o the_o simple_a or_o pure_a wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o corporeal_a light_n and_o as_o the_o air_n grow_v dark_a upon_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o light_n 11_o de_fw-la civ_o dei_fw-la c._n 10._o mind_n be_v to_o soul_n as_o their_o sense_n but_o of_o science_n whatever_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_a they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v illustrate_v or_o shine_v upon_o by_o the_o sun_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v as_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n but_o god_n be_v he_o who_o do_v illustrate_v but_o i_o reason_n be_o so_o in_o mind_n as_o the_o aspect_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mind_n pure_a from_o all_o stain_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v remote_a and_o purge_v from_o all_o desire_n of_o mortal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o rare_a thing_n with_o the_o intenseness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o transcend_v all_o creature_n corporeal_a or_o incorporeal_a be_v consider_v and_o find_v mutable_a and_o to_o approach_v to_o that_o unchangeable_a substance_n of_o god_n and_o there_o learn_v from_o he_o that_o none_o but_o he_o make_v all_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o himself_o for_o so_o god_n speak_v with_o man_n not_o by_o any_o corporal_a creature_n sound_v in_o corporal_a ear_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o if_o one_o be_v fit_a to_o hear_v with_o the_o mind_n not_o with_o the_o body_n 11_o de_fw-fr c._n d._n 2._o v._n ibid._n coq_fw-la when_o the_o soul_n see_v that_o singular_a and_o true_a beauty_n it_o will_v the_o more_o love_n it_o but_o unless_o it_o fix_v on_o it_o its_o eye_n with_o a_o mighty_a love_n and_o decline_v not_o any_o whether_o from_o behold_v it_o it_o can_v remain_v in_o that_o most_o bless_a vision_n 1_o solil_n c._n 7._o one_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o i_o can_v prescribe_v thou_o i_o know_v no_o more_o that_o these_o sensible_a thing_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v forsake_v and_o that_o we_o must_v great_o beware_v while_o we_o act_v this_o body_n that_o our_o wing_n which_o we_o need_v have_v entire_a and_o perfect_a be_v not_o hinder_v by_o any_o of_o their_o birdlime_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v away_o from_o this_o darkness_n to_o that_o light_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v such_o that_o nothing_o of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v at_o all_o delight_n thou_o believe_v i_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o same_o point_n of_o time_n thou_o shall_v see_v what_o thou_o desire_v etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 14._o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o see_v and_o embrace_v wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v naked_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o cover_v so_o as_o she_o do_v not_o suffer_v herself_o except_z to_z very_o few_o and_o her_o most_o choice_a lover_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o certain_a ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a light_n of_o mind_n that_o vulgar_a light_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n c._n 13._o confide_v constant_o in_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v commit_v thyself_o entire_o to_o he_o do_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thou_o own_o but_o profess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bountiful_a lord_n for_o so_o will_v he_o not_o cease_v to_o raise_v thou_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v permit_v nothing_o to_o befall_v thou_o but_o what_o shall_v profit_v thou_o though_o thou_o know_v it_o not_o 1_o soliloq_fw-la 14._o hear_v i_o my_o god_n hear_v i_o after_o that_o manner_n of_o thou_o know_v to_o very_a few_o command_v i_o beseech_v thou_o whatever_o thou_o will_v but_o heal_v and_o open_v my_o ear_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thy_o voice_n heal_n and_o open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o beck_n say_v to_o i_o which_o way_n i_o shall_v look_v that_o i_o may_v behold_v thou_o etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 1._o be_v admonish_v to_o return_v to_o myself_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o most_o inward_a part_n thou_o be_v my_o leader_n and_o i_o can_v do_v it_o because_o thou_o be_v become_v my_o helper_n i_o enter_v and_o i_o discern_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n such_o as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o same_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n above_o my_o mind_n the_o unchangeable_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o this_o vulgar_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o as_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n great_a as_o if_o it_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o clear_a than_o it_o and_o fill_v all_o with_o its_o greatness_n this_o be_v not_o that_o but_o another_o quite_o another_o from_o all_o those_o nor_o be_v it_o so_o above_o my_o mind_n as_o oil_n above_o water_n nor_o as_o heaven_n above_o earth_n but_o superior_a because_o he_o make_v i_o and_o i_o inferior_a because_o i_o be_v make_v by_o it_o he_o who_o know_v truth_n know_v it_o and_o he_o who_o know_v it_o know_v eternity_n charity_n know_v it_o o_o eternal_a truth_n and_o true_a charity_n and_o dear_a eternity_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n for_o thou_o do_v i_o sigh_v day_n and_o night_n and_o when_o i_o first_o know_v thou_o thou_o do_v assume_v i_o or_o take_v i_o up_o that_o i_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v which_o i_o do_v see_v and_o myself_o not_o to_o be_v who_o do_v see_v and_o thou_o
ascetick_n or_o the_o heroic_a piety_n &_o virtue_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a anchoret_n and_o coenobite_n part_n i._n exemplary_a ascetick_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1696._o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a subtle_a and_o wicked_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o evil_a man_n first_o to_o render_v name_n odious_a and_o then_o by_o affix_v they_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n thereby_o to_o render_v they_o so_o too_o with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o by_o that_o mean_n they_o impose_v upon_o and_o make_v their_o tool_n by_o such_o mean_n have_v not_o only_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a but_o also_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v much_o injure_v and_o abuse_v and_o few_o party_n there_o be_v who_o have_v not_o one_o time_n or_o other_o smart_v by_o it_o that_o the_o well-meaning_a reader_n therefore_o may_v not_o be_v so_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o put_v together_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o who_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o monkery_n and_o popery_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o popery_n take_v proper_o for_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v deserve_v all_o the_o odium_n cast_v upon_o it_o yet_o may_v most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a abuse_n be_v commit_v by_o pretence_n and_o imputation_n of_o that_o odious_a name_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o the_o people_n have_v be_v more_o abuse_v by_o popery_n itself_o or_o by_o the_o odium_n and_o imputation_n of_o the_o name_n and_o not_o only_o the_o people_n but_o the_o gospel_n itself_o i_o may_v add_v and_o the_o reformation_n too_o for_o while_o christian_a truth_n have_v be_v misrepresent_v and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o odium_n under_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n the_o cause_n on_o the_o side_n of_o popery_n be_v support_v strengthen_v and_o make_v so_o much_o the_o more_o defensible_a by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o so_o much_o truth_n and_o the_o cause_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o much_o the_o more_o weaken_a and_o disparage_v by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o so_o much_o indefensible_a error_n whereas_o if_o they_o be_v only_a thing_n inexcusable_a in_o they_o which_o be_v question_v as_o charity_n do_v require_v they_o must_v have_v sink_v in_o the_o cause_n long_o before_o this_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a affectation_n of_o reformation_n and_o uncharitable_a seek_v occasion_n have_v make_v a_o reformation_n now_o as_o needful_a on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v show_v in_o divers_a particular_n but_o i_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o my_o way_n for_o that_o the_o other_o name_v mention_v may_v serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n here_o monkery_n be_v not_o only_o render_v odious_a as_o of_o itself_o but_o also_o as_o a_o part_n of_o popery_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o imagine_v all_o that_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v popery_n it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o then_o we_o shall_v leave_v little_a of_o true_a christianity_n for_o the_o reformation_n but_o if_o what_o be_v true_a christianity_n be_v not_o popery_n than_o neither_o be_v monkery_n as_o some_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o monastic_a life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a christianity_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o great_a perfection_n that_o mortal_n be_v capable_a of_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v will_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o who_o will_v consider_v what_o here_o follow_v with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o competent_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v more_o here_o but_o only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v peruse_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o contemplative_a live_n and_o religious_a society_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n some_o principle_n of_o inclination_n to_o religion_n which_o if_o not_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a education_n or_o other_o unhappy_a occurrence_n do_v insensible_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o in_o due_a time_n exert_v themselves_o in_o action_n though_o for_o some_o time_n they_o lie_v dormant_a as_o it_o be_v and_o do_v not_o appear_v even_o as_o some_o other_o which_o in_o all_o animal_n be_v manifest_o most_o natural_a and_o yet_o appear_v not_o till_o after_o some_o growth_n towards_o maturity_n have_v be_v observe_v believe_v and_o assert_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o ancient_a time_n and_o to_o this_o day_n these_o principle_n have_v among_o mankind_n be_v in_o many_o much_o corrupt_a and_o stifle_v by_o evil_a education_n or_o conversation_n with_o evil_a person_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n energy_n and_o instigation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n but_o in_o other_o again_o much_o cherish_v and_o improve_v not_o only_o by_o good_a education_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o of_o his_o good_a minister_a spirit_n from_o hence_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v produce_v and_o raise_v up_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v as_o light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o several_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o different_a way_n of_o live_v some_o live_v a_o life_n of_o civil_a conversation_n with_o other_o but_o strict_o conscientious_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a as_o be_v say_v of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 6._o or_o to_o speak_v more_o comprehensive_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act._n 23.1_o or_o according_a to_o the_o character_n of_o job_n perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o other_o live_v a_o more_o abstract_a life_n of_o retirement_n and_o contemplation_n abstract_v not_o only_o from_o business_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o from_o ordinary_a conversation_n with_o man_n that_o they_o may_v without_o distraction_n converse_v with_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n and_o other_o again_o live_v a_o kind_n of_o mix_a or_o middle_a life_n between_o these_o two_o avoid_v unnecessary_a business_n and_o incumberance_n and_o exercise_v recollection_n and_o abstraction_n as_o much_o as_o their_o occasion_n will_v permit_v and_o even_o in_o and_o amid_o their_o business_n of_o those_o three_o way_n of_o live_v that_o more_o strict_a and_o contemplative_a life_n be_v believe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n to_o have_v be_v begin_v by_o enos_n or_o in_o his_o time_n and_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o as_o the_o principle_n beforementioned_a be_v apt_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n so_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o singular_a note_v concern_v religion_n or_o some_o religious_a institution_n or_o practice_n in_o that_o sacred_a record_n gen._n 4._o ult_n but_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n not_o only_o before_o the_o flood_n but_o also_o for_o some_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n we_o know_v but_o very_o little_a but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o we_o have_v some_o more_o knowledge_n beside_o priest_n and_o profess_a philosopher_n there_o have_v always_o be_v both_o single_a person_n and_o complete_a or_o form_v society_n of_o people_n who_o discern_v the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o solidity_n and_o perminence_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o those_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o much_o as_o their_o mortal_a state_n can_v bear_v and_o apply_v themselves_o entire_o to_o the_o contemplation_n and_o prosecution_n of_o those_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n live_v a_o abstract_a and_o angelic_a life_n in_o mortal_a flesh_n in_o holy_a conversation_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n and_o some_o do_v actual_o and_o express_o consecrate_v themselves_o by_o vow_n unto_o the_o special_a service_n of_o god_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v those_o among_o the_o jew_n call_v nazarites_n because_o they_o do_v so_o separate_v themselves_o from_o among_o man_n to_o attend_v upon_o god_n the_o sacred_a history_n numb_a 6._o be_v a_o record_n not_o of_o the_o original_a but_o of_o the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o nazarites_n which_o though_o that_o be_v very_o ancient_a yet_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a and_o more_o ancient_a than_o any_o man_n can_v tell_v and_o god_n order_v of_o the_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o consecration_n and_o observation_n for_o that_o people_n be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n of_o his_o divine_a approbation_n
life_n the_o thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n luk._n 8.14_o and_o concern_v watch_v that_o we_o be_v not_o surprise_v mat._n 24.42_o 25.13_o mar._n 13.35_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o now_o if_o any_o one_o please_v as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o make_v any_o question_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o what_o more_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v than_o what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v always_o approve_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o such_o case_n usage_n and_o practice_n afterward_o which_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o law_n and_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n do_v sufficient_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n certain_o practise_v all_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o preach_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n too_o as_o far_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v they_o forsake_v all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o marry_v any_o wife_n afterward_o though_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o abstract_v from_o all_o diversion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o order_v deacon_n for_o other_o necessary_a work_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o preach_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o preach_v and_o of_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o communion_n in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v etc._n etc._n act._n 2.42_o and_o again_o act._n 4.32_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o aught_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n what_o be_v here_o brief_o say_v of_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o primitive_a christian_n at_o jerusalem_n agree_v so_o well_o all_o thing_n consider_v with_o what_o philo_z more_o large_o relate_v concern_v those_o about_o alexandria_n who_o he_o call_v therapeut_n who_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o after_o under_o any_o denomination_n unless_o of_o that_o of_o christian_n which_o begin_v early_o at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n where_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o that_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v affirm_v we_o also_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cavil_n of_o some_o of_o the_o last_o age_n which_o have_v since_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v not_o long_o appear_v in_o that_o form_n of_o community_n for_o they_o be_v dissolve_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o disperse_v into_o divers_a region_n by_o that_o great_a persecution_n after_o the_o death_n of_o stephen_n and_o doubtless_o by_o like_a occasion_n in_o other_o place_n but_o the_o example_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o provoke_v many_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n before_o well-disposed_a for_o it_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o retire_a abstract_a contemplative_a life_n the_o natural_a inclination_n in_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o fortify_v by_o the_o various_a example_n which_o be_v common_a among_o they_o before_o and_o then_o receive_v such_o further_a encouragement_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o direct_o and_o indirect_o from_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v self-denial_n mortification_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n this_o can_v not_o but_o mighty_o affect_v they_o general_o with_o a_o heroic_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n the_o very_a doctrine_n promise_n and_o miracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v be_v apt_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v all_o this_o but_o much_o more_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o be_v and_o certain_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n even_o then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o have_v settle_v in_o coenobitical_a society_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o commom_n obstacle_n the_o persecution_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o do_v first_o in_o egypt_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v many_o descend_v from_o the_o recabite_n and_o essean_n and_o in_o no_o long_a time_n after_o in_o most_o other_o part_n concern_v those_o in_o egypt_n in_o his_o time_n st._n john_n chrysostome_n give_v we_o this_o account_n shall_v any_o one_o come_v now_o to_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n he_o will_v see_v all_o the_o wilderness_n altogether_o more_o excellent_a than_o a_o paradise_n and_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n shine_v in_o mortal_a body_n for_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v spread_v over_o all_o that_o region_n the_o camp_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o admirable_a royal_a flock_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a power_n illustrious_o shine_v upon_o earth_n and_o this_o you_o may_v see_v most_o splendid_a not_o in_o men_n only_o but_o also_o in_o woman_n heaven_n itself_o do_v not_o so_o shine_v with_o various_a constellation_n of_o star_n as_o egypt_n be_v beset_v and_o illustrate_v with_o innumerable_a convent_v of_o monk_n and_o virgin_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v very_o plain_a 1._o that_o they_o who_o have_v derive_v these_o religious_a institution_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o assertion_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o have_v raise_v such_o prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n against_o such_o holy_a religious_a society_n in_o general_a as_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o odium_n against_o all_o if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o simplicity_n and_o mere_o through_o the_o prejudice_n they_o themselves_o have_v conceive_v from_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o their_o time_n yet_o do_v they_o very_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o temporize_v and_o ingratiate_v themselves_o with_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n who_o have_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o monastery_n and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v very_o wicked_o and_o impious_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o who_o be_v they_o by_o who_o the_o righteous_a god_n do_v usual_o execute_v such_o judgement_n and_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v that_o for_o a_o warn_v to_o ourselves_o be_v they_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o laziness_n and_o corruption_n what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o expect_v suppose_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o that_o have_v succeed_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v god_n be_v able_a to_o restore_v they_o again_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o other_o husbandman_n who_o shall_v render_v he_o their_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v here_o for_o though_o i_o know_v many_o have_v write_v very_o bitter_o against_o monk_n and_o monkery_n i_o think_v they_o not_o worth_a the_o look_n into_o because_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v assert_v will_v stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a rock_n against_o all_o their_o blast_n yet_o at_o last_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o a_o excellent_a person_n of_o great_a learning_n judgement_n piety_n and_o candour_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n have_v write_v something_o to_o like_a purpose_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o look_v into_o he_o and_o find_v to_o my_o sorrow_n for_o he_o but_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n how_o unworthy_a of_o himself_o and_o of_o how_o little_a
those_o who_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n gal._n 6._o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v diligent_a that_o when_o by_o our_o renunciation_n we_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v carnal_a that_o be_v have_v begin_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o worldly_a people_n and_o to_o cease_v from_o that_o manifest_a pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o strive_v present_o with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o acquire_v the_o spiritual_a state_n lest_o flatter_a ourselves_o because_o we_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n or_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o contagion_n of_o carnal_a fornication_n as_o if_o by_o this_o we_o have_v get_v the_o top_n of_o perfection_n we_o shall_v thenceforth_o become_v more_o remiss_a towards_o the_o emundation_n of_o other_o passion_n and_o more_o slothful_a and_o be_v detain_v between_o both_o not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a profit_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o for_o perfection_n that_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n we_o seem_v separate_v from_o the_o conversation_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n or_o that_o we_o be_v set_v free_a from_o carnal_a corruption_n and_o mixture_n and_o so_o be_v find_v in_o that_o cepid_a state_n which_o be_v reckon_v the_o worst_a we_o shall_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v vomit_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o sentence_n say_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a but_o because_o thou_o be_v now_o tepid_a or_o lukewarm_a i_o will_v begin_v to_o spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n rev._n 3.15_o etc._n etc._n abbot_n isaac_n concern_v prayer_n cass_n col._n 9_o the_o end_n of_o every_o monk_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o heart_n tend_v to_o a_o continual_a and_o uninterrupted_a perseverance_n in_o prayer_n and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v permit_v to_o humane_a frailty_n strive_v after_o a_o unmoveable_a tranquillity_n and_o perpetual_a purity_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o we_o unwearied_o seek_v and_o continual_o exercise_v as_o well_o labour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o contrition_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v between_o these_o a_o certain_a reciprocal_a and_o inseparable_a conjunction_n for_o as_o the_o structure_n of_o all_o virtue_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n so_o unless_o all_o these_o be_v bind_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o the_o tope_n of_o it_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n hold_v out_o firm_a and_o stable_a for_o as_o without_o they_o can_v this_o perpetual_a and_o continual_a tranquillity_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v so_o neither_o can_v those_o virtue_n which_o prepare_v for_o it_o without_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o be_v accomplish_v wherefore_o neither_o can_v we_o right_o treat_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n or_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n unless_o first_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o to_o be_v prepare_v be_v in_o order_n enumerate_v and_o discuss_v and_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o building_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o more_o sublime_a tower_n be_v count_v and_o diligent_o prepare_v for_o it_o which_o notwithstanding_o will_v neither_o profit_n be_v prepare_v nor_o right_o admit_v those_o high_a toping_n of_o perfection_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o unless_o first_o all_o refuse_n of_o vice_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o all_o dead_a rubbish_n of_o passion_n dig_v up_o the_o most_o firm_a foundation_n of_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o sound_n and_o solid_a earth_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o evangelical_n rock_n upon_o which_o this_o tower_n to_o be_v build_v with_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a virtue_n may_v be_v both_o unmovable_o establish_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n by_o the_o consistence_n of_o its_o own_o firmness_n cap._n 2._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o that_o fervour_n and_o purity_n it_o ought_v these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o solicitude_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o general_a be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o next_o not_o only_o the_o care_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o any_o business_n or_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v detraction_n idle_a talk_n much_o talk_v jesting_n be_v likewise_o also_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o anger_n above_o all_o thing_n or_o the_o perturbation_n of_o sadness_n be_v to_o be_v thorough_o root_v out_o the_o pernicious_a food_n of_o carnal_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a vice_n which_o be_v visible_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o whole_o thrust_v out_o and_o such_o a_o cleanse_n of_o the_o rubbish_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o simplicity_n or_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o innocence_n first_o make_v the_o unshaken_a foundation_n of_o a_o profound_a humility_n which_o may_v bear_v a_o tower_n reach_v to_o the_o heaven_n be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v then_o be_v the_o superstruction_n of_o spiritual_a virtue_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o from_o all_o discourse_n or_o reason_v and_o light_n wander_v be_v the_o mind_n to_o be_v restrain_v that_o so_o it_o may_v by_o degree_n be_v elevate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o spiritual_a intuition_n for_o whatever_o our_o soul_n conceive_v before_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n of_o necessity_n it_o will_v occur_v to_o we_o while_o we_o pray_v by_o intrusion_n of_o our_o remembrance_n wherefore_o such_o as_o we_o will_v be_v find_v while_o we_o pray_v such_o ought_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n for_o from_o the_o precedent_a state_n be_v the_o mind_n form_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o light_a feather_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o spoil_v by_o some_o wet_a from_o without_o happen_v to_o it_o by_o the_o levity_n of_o its_o own_o substance_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o gentle_a breath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o raise_v up_o on_o high_a and_o to_o the_o heaven_n but_o if_o it_o be_v aggravate_v with_o the_o accession_n of_o any_o wet_a it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o raise_v up_o to_o any_o aerial_a flight_n by_o its_o natural_a mobility_n but_o will_v be_v depress_v down_o to_o the_o very_a earth_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o wet_a receive_v so_o also_o our_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v not_o aggravate_v with_o contract_a vice_n and_o worldly_a care_n or_o corrupt_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o noxious_a lust_n be_v lift_v up_o as_o with_o the_o natural_a advantage_n of_o its_o purity_n will_n with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n be_v elevate_v on_o high_a and_o forsake_v low_a and_o earthly_a thing_n will_v be_v transport_v to_o those_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o invisible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o proper_o admonish_v by_o our_o lord_n precept_n see_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcharge_v with_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n luk._n 21.34_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v our_o prayer_n shall_v pierce_v not_o only_o the_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o raise_v our_o mind_n purge_v from_o all_o earthly_a corruption_n and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o dregs_o of_o passion_n to_o its_o hatural_a sublimity_n that_o so_o our_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v to_o god_n disburdened_n of_o all_o weight_n of_o corruption_n cap._n 4._o the_o intention_n of_o a_o monk_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v fix_v in_o god_n by_o who_o even_o a_o small_a separation_n from_o that_o chief_a good_a be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o present_a death_n and_o most_o pernicious_a destruction_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o such_o a_o tranquillity_n or_o loose_v from_o the_o tie_n of_o all_o carnal_a passion_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v most_o tenacious_o adhere_v to_o that_o one_o chief_a good_a then_o do_v it_o fulfil_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o intermission_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o in_o every_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o anger_n or_o dispute_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v be_v drench_v in_o this_o purity_n and_o reform_v from_o the_o earthly_a filth_n to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o angelic_a likeness_n whatever_o it_o