impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o happiness_n by_o divine_a love_n humility_n and_o resignation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o vital_a touch_n and_o sense_n be_v a_o thing_n possible_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o heaven_n that_o glory_n be_v begin_v in_o grace_n and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v some_o excellent_a soul_n the_o happy_a antepast_n that_o holy_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n have_v seek_v and_o glory_v in_o this_o enjoyment_n and_o never_o complain_v so_o sore_o as_o when_o it_o be_v withhold_v and_o interrupt_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n run_v infinite_o this_o way_n and_o the_o best_a of_o modern_a good_a man_n do_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o that_o this_o spiritualize_v religion_n and_o render_v its_o enjoyment_n more_o comfortable_a and_o delicious_a that_o it_o keep_v the_o soul_n under_o a_o vivid_fw-la sense_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o grand_a security_n against_o temptation_n that_o it_o hold_v it_o steady_a amid_o the_o flattery_n of_o a_o prosperous_a state_n and_o give_v it_o the_o most_o ground_a anchorage_n and_o support_v amid_o the_o wave_n of_o a_o adverse_a condition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n i_o say_v i_o consider_v these_o weighty_a thing_n and_o wonder_v at_o the_o carelessness_n and_o prejudice_n of_o thought_n that_o occasion_v my_o suspect_v the_o reality_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o privilege_n i_o see_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v in_o deny_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n because_o ourselves_o do_v not_o feel_v they_o or_o can_v form_v a_o apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o thing_n of_o gust_n and_o relish_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o sentient_a and_o vital_a faculty_n and_o not_o by_o the_o noetical_a exercise_n of_o speculative_a understanding_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o believe_v infinite_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n afford_v its_o sensible_a presence_n and_o immediate_a beatific_a touch_n to_o some_o rare_a soul_n who_o be_v divest_v of_o carnal_a self_n and_o mundane_a pleasure_n abstract_v from_o the_o body_n by_o prayer_n and_o holy_a meditation_n spiritual_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o calm_a in_o their_o affection_n devout_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o tender_o affectionate_a to_o all_o the_o world_n sincere_a in_o their_o aim_n and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o action_n enlarge_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_a in_o their_o mind_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o disposition_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a communion_n and_o god_n transact_v not_o in_o this_o near_a way_n but_o with_o prepare_a spirit_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o influence_n and_o such_o i_o believe_v he_o never_o fail_v to_o bless_v with_o these_o happy_a fore-tasts_a of_o glory_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o conceit_a turbulent_a and_o notional_a confident_a and_o immodest_a imperious_a and_o malicious_a that_o dote_v upon_o trifle_n and_o run_v fierce_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n and_o scorn_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o such_o i_o say_v be_v their_o pretension_n what_o they_o will_v to_o divine_a communion_n illapse_n and_o discovery_n i_o believe_v they_o not_o their_o fancy_n abuse_v they_o or_o they_o will_v we_o for_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o with_o those_o who_o genius_n and_o way_n be_v so_o unlike_o he_o but_o the_o other_o excellent_a soul_n i_o describe_v will_v as_o certain_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o converse_n as_o the_o crystalline_a stream_n be_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n or_o the_o fit_o prepare_a earth_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o will_v be_v actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n of_o no_o mean_a learning_n and_o part_n and_o authority_n too_o among_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o reckon_v the_o despise_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o operation_n now_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o idolatry_n of_o old_a and_o afterward_o by_o reject_v of_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o come_n and_o yet_o in_o detestation_n of_o enthusiasm_n utter_o abandon_v all_o impulse_n and_o motion_n to_o thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o name_n of_o irrational_a impression_n and_o violent_a inclination_n and_o what_o some_o man_n intend_v by_o impulse_n he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o indeed_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o such_o thing_n reject_v they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o do_v they_o thereby_o only_o hurt_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o just_a punishment_n but_o such_o confident_a assertion_n in_o print_n may_v not_o only_o be_v hurtful_a to_o man_n but_o also_o injurious_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o man_n conceit_n the_o jew_n heretofore_o have_v the_o favour_n to_o inquire_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v answer_n and_o direction_n in_o their_o special_a exigence_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o allow_v that_o favour_n now_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n then_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n now_o be_v as_o the_o latter_a jew_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a state_n nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v any_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v not_o have_v some_o such_o mean_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a oracle_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n by_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o our_o profession_n do_v require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly-minded_n it_o do_v therefore_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o if_o god_n do_v not_o answer_v we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o saul_n when_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o dishonour_v our_o profession_n by_o argue_v against_o the_o truth_n to_o cover_v our_o shame_n and_o since_o the_o lord_n ear_n be_v not_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v whether_o our_o sin_n have_v not_o interpose_v between_o our_o god_n and_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v certain_o we_o often_o need_v a_o wisdom_n more_o than_o humane_a in_o many_o case_n wherein_o the_o general_a prescript_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o may_v not_o be_v expedient_a so_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a or_o necessary_a which_o may_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o write_a word_n and_o to_o the_o successful_a performance_n of_o acknowledge_a duty_n certain_a circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o due_o observe_v all_o endeavour_n will_v be_v frustrate_a and_o all_o these_o expedience_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o frequent_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o mortal_n without_o some_o notice_n from_o more_o intelligent_a being_n if_o therefore_o the_o all-seeing_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v please_v either_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mediate_o by_o any_o of_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o afford_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n to_o such_o mortal_n as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o the_o same_o if_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v please_v by_o any_o secret_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n or_o other_o notice_n to_o conduct_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n though_o without_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o subjection_n of_o his_o intellect_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o who_o after_o competent_a experience_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o such_o notice_n will_v certain_o incur_v sin_n more_o or_o less_o and_o just_o deserve_v correction_n so_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o impiety_n against_o that_o holy_a majesty_n and_o mischief_n to_o man_n to_o raise_v among_o they_o any_o scandal_n or_o prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o thereupon_o
prayer_n that_o be_v use_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o meditation_n as_o also_o vocal_a prayer_n than_o which_o step_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n observe_v many_o go_v no_o further_o but_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o that_o be_v in_o such_o meditation_n be_v take_v up_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o devotion_n 2._o the_o second_o step_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o after_o long_a practice_n break_v forth_o into_o continual_a aspiration_n and_o elevation_n thereof_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v divine_a inaction_n or_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a and_o more_o sensible_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o god_n act_v more_o than_o she_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o her_o power_n at_o all_o to_o procure_v soon_o or_o retain_v long_o than_o god_n please_v of_o which_o much_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 4._o after_o which_o usual_o in_o the_o interval_n of_o those_o celestial_a visit_n do_v follow_v great_a desolation_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o experience_a have_v describe_v they_o partly_o arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o her_o loss_n and_o a_o impatient_a longing_n after_o these_o favour_n once_o taste_v and_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o great_a nauseat_n and_o disrelish_v that_o she_o have_v now_o of_o those_o entertainment_n of_o the_o creature_n from_o which_o she_o former_o receive_v some_o content_a such_o we_o may_v imagine_v be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n david_n when_o he_o say_v heu_fw-la mihi_fw-la quia_fw-la incolatus_fw-la meus_fw-la prolongatus_fw-la est_fw-la and_o concupiscit_fw-la &_o deficit_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la in_fw-la atria_fw-la domini_fw-la and_o after_o a_o non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la psal_n 29._o a_o avertisti_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la &_o factus_fw-la sum_fw-la conturbatus_fw-la §_o 63._o but_o not_o only_o this_o but_o god_n also_o sometime_o withdraw_v even_o from_o his_o great_a saint_n and_o that_o for_o some_o long_a duration_n of_o time_n any_o sensible_a assistance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o grace_n leave_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a natural_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v quite_o depart_v from_o it_o in_o great_a aridity_n obscurity_n solitude_n pressure_n and_o heaviness_n disgu_v with_o all_o thing_n she_o know_v not_o why_o perform_v still_o her_o devotion_n and_o accustom_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o former_o but_o without_o any_o sensible_a comfort_n in_o such_o performance_n meditation_n aspiration_n read_v very_o difficult_a sterile_a insipid_a and_o seem_v without_o fruit_n only_o forbear_v her_o consent_n to_o any_o sin_n vanity_n or_o sensuality_n and_o not_o seek_v any_o secular_a consolation_n much_o discourage_v also_o at_o such_o time_n many_o be_v in_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v so_o desert_v they_o for_o fail_n in_o their_o duty_n or_o for_o something_o wherein_o they_o have_v offend_v his_o divine_a majesty_n which_o double_v this_o anguish_n or_o if_o not_o this_o at_o least_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v cause_v by_o some_o great_a indisposition_n of_o body_n as_o it_o be_v grant_v sometime_o partly_o it_o may_v so_o as_o some_o begin_v therefore_o to_o dispense_v for_o a_o time_n with_o the_o former_a exercise_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o other_o pious_a employment_n but_o notwithstanding_o many_o time_n in_o these_o the_o poor_a soul_n be_v mistake_v and_o this_o strange_a dejection_n of_o spirit_n come_v without_o any_o such_o respect_n mere_o from_o the_o sole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o those_o also_o who_o be_v by_o his_o former_a grace_n well_o ground_v and_o arrive_v to_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o be_v send_v only_o for_o their_o much_o great_a advancement_n therein_o and_o the_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o high_a favour_n and_o therefore_o ought_v as_o such_o to_o be_v entertain_v with_o all_o equanimity_n patience_n resignation_n and_o conformity_n to_o his_o will._n these_o consolation_n and_o desolation_n take_v as_o it_o be_v their_o certain_a turn_n in_o they_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v they_o have_v by_o course_n a_o day_n and_o a_o night_n a_o ascent_n towards_o god_n and_o a_o descent_n and_o decadence_n into_o themselves_o a_o vivification_n by_o and_o in_o he_o and_o a_o mortification_n in_o themselves_o a_o summer_n wherein_o the_o branch_n shoot_v forth_o and_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n and_o a_o winter_n when_o the_o root_n spread_v more_o and_o the_o tree_n become_v more_o sure_o fix_v to_o all_o god_n child_n do_v these_o vicissitude_n happen_v but_o these_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o further_o advance_v in_o perfection_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n be_v precede_v with_o great_a desolation_n and_o these_o ordinary_o proportion_v one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o always_o necessary_a less_o or_o more_o be_v such_o purgation_n and_o refining_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o interior_a cross_n because_o always_o something_o in_o they_o be_v amiss_o and_o as_o yet_o imperfect_a our_o natural_a corruption_n be_v still_o produce_v something_o in_o we_o to_o be_v amend_v and_o some_o selfwill_a and_o self-love_n to_o be_v part_v away_o by_o this_o sharp_a remedy_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o these_o desolation_n if_o right_o comply_v with_o as_o well_o as_o of_o divine_a consolation_n be_v very_o great_a in_o many_o respect_n §_o 64._o for_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n come_v most_o perfect_o to_o know_v itself_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o see_v its_o own_o nothingness_n and_o to_o be_v most_o perfect_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o self-love_n and_o propriety_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v most_o especial_o teach_v non_fw-la quiescere_fw-la in_o donis_fw-la dei_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la and_o adorare_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o spiritu_fw-la &_o veritate_fw-la not_o in_o devotione_n and_o exercere_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o adversis_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o prosperis_fw-la the_o seek_v gust_n and_o suavity_n and_o consolation_n even_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o its_o imperfection_n since_o these_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o herein_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v preserve_v amid_o such_o divine_a favour_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o inflate_v it_o in_o a_o due_a and_o necessary_a humility_n angelus_n satanae_n colaphisan_n ne_fw-la magnitudo_fw-la revelationum_fw-la extollat_fw-la i_o say_v the_o apostle_n after_o his_o rapt_v herein_o its_o true_a love_n and_o adherence_n to_o god_n qui_fw-la veniendo_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la and_o then_o derelinquendo_fw-la probat_fw-la donis_n firmat_n and_o then_o tribulationibus_fw-la tentat_fw-la say_v st._n gregory_n moral_n l._n 20._o c._n 19_o its_o perseverance_n and_o loyalty_n be_v especial_o discern_v in_o keep_v constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o he_o when_o deprive_v of_o all_o consolation_n in_o it_o avoid_v any_o application_n to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n have_v thus_o as_o it_o be_v dismiss_v and_o cast_v it_o off_o but_o resign_v itself_o and_o love_v its_o misery_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o because_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o a_o exercise_n wherein_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o be_v try_v that_o he_o may_v become_v a_o merciful_a high_a priest_n before_o god_n and_o experimental_o that_o he_o may_v compassionate_v our_o infirmity_n in_o the_o great_a desolation_n he_o undergo_v in_o the_o garden_n the_o night_n before_o his_o passion_n heb._n 4.15_o 2.17_o where_o caepit_fw-la pavere_fw-la &_o taedere_fw-la say_v the_o evangelist_n matt._n 26.37_o 38._o and_o that_o sad_a expression_n come_v from_o he_o tristis_fw-la est_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la mortem_fw-la tarry_v here_o and_o watch_v with_o i_o mark_v 14.34_o yet_o these_o desolation_n also_o in_o a_o soul_n thus_o far_o advance_v in_o grace_n be_v not_o void_a of_o a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o have_v always_o in_o god_n will_n be_v perform_v in_o they_o which_o will_v of_o god_n now_o in_o whatever_o happen_v be_v a_o constant_a consolation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o apostle_n precept_n 1_o thess_n 5.16_o 17._o of_o semper_fw-la gaudete_fw-la be_v thus_o accomplish_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o his_o orate_a sine_fw-la intermissione_n and_o go_v together_o for_o there_o can_v want_v content_a where_o the_o mind_n have_v its_o desire_n nor_o do_v such_o a_o mind_n want_v this_o that_o be_v unanimous_a with_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o want_n of_o which_o conformity_n be_v only_o from_o the_o love_a of_o something_o that_o be_v against_o his_o will._n worldly_n sorrow_n say_v st._n gregory_n affligentes_fw-la cruciant_fw-la but_o these_o spiritual_a reficiunt_fw-la dum_fw-la affligunt_fw-la in_o the_o one_o be_v in_o afflictione_n maeror_fw-la but_o in_o the_o other_o in_o merore_fw-la laetitia_fw-la moral_n l._n 23._o c._n 13._o nay_o
so_o they_o who_o ready_o consent_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n at_o length_n god_n desert_v they_o become_v the_o slave_n of_o satan_n upon_o jo._n 5.45_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v become_v teach_v of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v if_o they_o be_v greedy_a of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o benefit_n offer_v and_o even_o force_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v have_v no_o need_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o learned_a man_n that_o from_o they_o they_o may_v learn_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o eph._n 1.17_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v to_o believer_n do_v among_o other_o thing_n imprint_v also_o wisdom_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o that_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n of_o which_o philosopher_n do_v boast_v but_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o conduce_v to_o a_o better_a life_n the_o same_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v also_o to_o those_o who_o be_v his_o thing_n future_a and_o secret_a which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o humane_a mean_n upon_o 1_o jo._n 2.20_o the_o spirit_n do_v suggest_v to_o we_o in_o all_o circumstance_n both_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o hint_n or_o notice_n as_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o occasion_n v._o 27._o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o every_o circumstance_n for_o there_o be_v certain_a difference_n which_o time_n place_n and_o person_n require_v therefore_o be_v there_o often_o need_v of_o admonition_n to_o hit_v the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n see_v jer._n 31.34_o jo._n 6.45_o and_o if_o you_o please_v seneca_n epist_n 94._o and_o upon_o 1_o thess_n 4.9_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v you_o concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n so_o much_o the_o less_o need_n be_v there_o of_o prescript_n this_o place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_n precept_n but_o of_o special_a determination_n as_o all_o thing_n person_n and_o time_n do_v require_v and_o gal._n 5.18_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o now_o of_o age_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o law_n the_o guardian_n of_o their_o touth_n and_o rom._n 8.4_o those_o who_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n he_o interpret_v those_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v constant_o obey_v its_o motion_n and_o afterward_o v._o 5._o they_o that_o be_v after_o the_o spirit_n he_o interpret_v those_o who_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o do_v not_o now_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o christ_n and_o v._o 12._o he_o note_v god_n have_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o we_o shall_v use_v it_o and_o again_o so_o great_a a_o guest_n will_v be_v treat_v with_o care_n otherwise_o he_o will_v bid_v farewell_n to_o his_o lodging_n and_o to_o conclude_v 1_o thess_n 5.23_o spirit_n here_o say_v he_o be_v that_o holy_a spirit_n inhabit_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n and_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o keep_v adhere_v to_o soul_n unto_o death_n and_o after_o death_n even_o to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o then_o refer_v to_o what_o he_o have_v say_v 1_o cor._n 15.44_o to_o hierom_n upon_o gal._n 5._o and_o recite_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o philo_n irenaeus_n tatianus_n clem._n alexandrinus_n and_o tertullian_n more_o may_v be_v add_v but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o mind_n of_o this_o great_a man_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o residence_n in_o light_n and_o conduct_v and_o our_o duty_n how_o to_o treat_v it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v also_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n however_o some_o of_o late_o have_v common_o presume_v to_o speak_v if_o not_o despiteful_o and_o reproachful_o yet_o too_o slight_o of_o so_o great_a and_o holy_a a_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o most_o authentic_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v her_o most_o solemn_a address_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o divers_a collect_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n as_o for_o all_o person_n to_o be_v baptise_a before_o they_o be_v baptise_a to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v bear_v again_o etc._n etc._n and_o after_o they_o be_v baptise_a to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v his_o servant_n and_o attain_v his_o promise_n so_o likewise_o for_o all_o person_n confirm_v to_o strengthen_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o they_o his_o manifold_a gift_n of_o grace_n before_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o then_o again_o together_o with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v daily_o increase_v in_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o again_o afterward_o that_o his_o holy_a spirit_n may_v ever_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o lead_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o last_o for_o all_o the_o congregation_n upon_o several_a occasion_n as_o upon_o the_o nativity_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v daily_o be_v renew_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o 19_o sunday_n after_o trinity_n that_o his_o holy_a spirit_n may_v in_o all_o thing_n direct_v and_o rule_v our_o heart_n upon_o the_o first_o sunday_n in_o lent_n that_o we_o may_v ever_o obey_v his_o godly_a motion_n upon_o easter-day_n that_o as_o by_o thy_o special_a grace_n prevent_v we_o thou_o do_v put_v into_o our_o mind_n good_a desire_n so_o by_o thy_o continual_a help_n we_o may_v bring_v the_o same_o to_o good_a effect_n upon_o the_o five_o sunday_n after_o easter_n that_o by_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n we_o may_v think_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o by_o his_o merciful_a guide_v may_v perform_v the_o same_o and_o other_o to_o the_o like_a effect_n as_o upon_o the_o sunday_n after_o ascension_n whitsunday_n the_o 13_o sunday_n after_o trinity_n the_o collect_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n and_o at_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n all_o be_v admonish_v to_o beseech_v he_o to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o coll._n for_o grace_n we_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o all_o our_o do_n may_v be_v order_v by_o his_o governance_n and_o in_o the_o litany_n to_o endue_v we_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n according_a to_o his_o holy_a word_n in_o the_o order_v of_o deacon_n this_o question_n be_v first_o to_o be_v ask_v by_o the_o bishop_n do_v you_o trust_v that_o you_o be_v inward_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v upon_o you_o this_o office_n and_o ministration_n &_o c_o in_o the_o order_v of_o priest_n the_o bishop_n say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o a_o priest_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o consecration_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o archbishop_n say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o at_o each_o be_v sing_v the_o hymn_n come_v holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o commination_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n viz._n if_o we_o will_v be_v order_v by_o the_o governance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n art_n 17._o be_v mention_v together_o godly_a person_n and_o such_o as_o feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o work_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n mortify_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v subjoin_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o of_o her_o son_n who_o though_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o common_a prejudice_n of_o the_o age_n yet_o afterward_o upon_o better_a consideration_n extricate_v himself_o and_o recover_v a_o better_a judgement_n and_o have_v in_o few_o word_n say_v what_o be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o god_n himself_o afford_v his_o intimacy_n and_o converse_v to_o the_o better_a soul_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o i_o confess_v the_o proud_a and_o fantastic_a pretence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o conceit_a melancholist_n in_o this_o age_n to_o divine_a communion_n have_v prejudice_v divers_a intelligent_a person_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o happy_a vouchsafement_n so_o that_o they_o conclude_v the_o doctrine_n of_o immediate_a communion_n with_o the_o deity_n in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v but_o a_o high-flown_a notion_n of_o warm_a imagination_n and_o over-luscious_a self-flattery_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v myself_o have_v thought_n of_o this_o nature_n suppose_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o those_o comfort_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o it_o but_o i_o have_v consider_v since_o that_o god_n more_o near_a and_o immediate_a
nothing_o of_o some_o i_o know_v now_o live_v who_o number_n i_o pray_v god_n increase_v and_o make_v they_o perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o antiquity_n tradition_n and_o succession_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n among_o the_o gentile_n from_z the_o testimony_n &_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a adversary_n as_o adam_n be_v the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o mankind_n from_o the_o creation_n so_o be_v noah_n the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o mankind_n who_o have_v live_v since_o the_o flood_n and_o of_o noah_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a man_n and_o perfect_a in_o his_o generation_n and_o that_o he_o walk_v with_o god_n gen._n 6.9_o and_o that_o he_o be_v 600_o year_n old_a when_o the_o flood_n of_o water_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n gen._n 7.6_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o ancestor_n and_o what_o this_o walk_n with_o god_n do_v imply_v we_o may_v understand_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n and_o the_o apostle_n observation_n heb._n 11.7_o viz._n not_o only_o a_o careful_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o righteousness_n transmit_v from_o adam_n to_o his_o posterity_n but_o a_o ready_a obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o all_o special_a declaration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o he_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v those_o command_n of_o god_n and_o his_o obedience_n thereunto_o in_o building_n the_o ark_n which_o undoubted_o expose_v he_o to_o much_o trouble_n by_o question_n concern_v it_o and_o to_o various_a censure_n gen._n 6.14_o 22._o he_o do_v notwithstanding_o according_a to_o all_o that_o god_n command_v he_o so_o do_v he_o and_o in_o go_v into_o it_o with_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o creature_n gen._n 7.1_o 5_o 7_o 9_o and_o in_o go_v out_o again_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n gen._n 8.16_o 18._o in_o his_o walk_n with_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o can_v not_o but_o beside_o all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o ancestor_n learn_v much_o more_o by_o the_o immediate_a teach_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o as_o he_o be_v instruct_v by_o his_o ancestor_n so_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o instruct_v his_o family_n &_o posterity_n in_o all_o necessary_a knowledge_n among_o which_o that_o of_o walk_v with_o god_n be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o this_o be_v so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o other_o nation_n shall_v not_o have_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n with_o their_o descent_n direct_o from_o noah_n or_o why_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o his_o posterity_n to_o have_v all_o receive_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o sacred_a thing_n especial_o collateral_o from_o that_o of_o abraham_n rather_o than_o direct_o and_o lineal_o from_o their_o common_a ancestor_n noah_n as_o noah_n offer_v sacrifice_n gen._n 8.20_o and_o abraham_n offer_v sacrifice_n so_o we_o find_v priest_n and_o sacrifice_n among_o other_o nation_n such_o be_v melchizedeck_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n gen._n 14.18_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n or_o some_o divine_a mean_n that_o pharaoh_n understand_v that_o it_o be_v because_o of_o sarah_n abraham_n wife_n that_o the_o lord_n plague_v he_o and_o his_o house_n gen._n 12.17_o as_o we_o find_v it_o express_v afterward_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o abimelech_n gen._n 20.3_o 6._o god_n come_v to_o abimelech_n in_o a_o dream_n by_o night_n and_o say_v to_o he_o behold_v thou_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a man_n for_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o have_v take_v for_o she_o be_v a_o man_n wife_n and_o another_o pharaoh_n acknowledge_v joseph_n to_o be_v a_o man_n in_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n gen._n 41.38_o and_o when_o he_o raise_v he_o to_o the_o great_a preferment_n in_o the_o kingdom_n give_v he_o for_o a_o wife_n the_o daughter_n of_o a_o egyptian_a priest_n ibid._n v._n 45._o and_o moses_n marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o a_o priest_n of_o midian_a jethro_n ex._n 2.16_o 21._o who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o appear_v ex._n 18.9_o 10_o 12._o and_o the_o mean_n then_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o to_o other_o nation_n as_o rebekah_n gen._n 25.22_o so_o balaam_n numb_a 22.8_o 9_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 23.4_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o receive_v answer_n from_o he_o and_o about_o this_o time_n job_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v live_v who_o be_v a_o holy_a man_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o have_v vision_n by_o these_o instance_n and_o other_o that_o may_v be_v note_v we_o may_v understand_v that_o in_o those_o ancient_a time_n it_o be_v believe_v in_o all_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v mean_n whereby_o man_n and_o woman_n may_v come_v to_o have_v some_o acquaintance_n and_o communication_n with_o god_n and_o what_o these_o mean_n be_v be_v well_o worth_a our_o inquiry_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v ancient_o their_o school_n or_o college_n of_o prophet_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o though_o what_o be_v their_o institution_n and_o their_o instruction_n and_o order_n there_o prescribe_v be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o relate_v yet_o in_o the_o particular_n mention_v they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_a anchoret_n and_o coenobite_n if_o we_o inquire_v among_o other_o nation_n of_o most_o ancient_a note_n and_o fame_n for_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o the_o mean_v recommend_v by_o they_o do_v so_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o mystical_a divinity_n deliver_v by_o divers_a christian_n that_o some_o opposer_n of_o this_o divinity_n think_v they_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o suppose_v that_o a_o prejudice_n to_o it_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o if_o the_o chaldaic_a oracle_n say_v one_o of_o considerable_a learning_n name_n and_o place_v be_v still_o extant_a which_o be_v frequent_o quote_v by_o plotinus_n jamblicus_n porphyrius_n and_o proclus_n who_o do_v whole_o approve_v the_o chaldaic_a theology_n and_o from_o they_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o fragment_n be_v preserve_v we_o may_v more_o full_o manifest_v these_o thing_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v they_o give_v we_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o draw_v the_o fundamental_o of_o this_o mystical_a divinity_n from_o thence_o for_o they_o speak_v of_o god_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o soul_n be_v clasp_v god_n to_o herself_o and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o by_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o very_a phrase_n use_v by_o proclus_n and_o the_o same_o which_o the_o mystic_n call_v the_o fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v be_v inebriate_v from_o god_n which_o plotinus_n call_v be_v drink_v with_o the_o divine_a nectar_n and_o psellus_n explain_v of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o abstraction_n from_o the_o body_n and_o extend_v the_o mind_n upward_o and_o hasten_v to_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o father_n with_o several_a other_o passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o for_o the_o egyptian_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o jamblicus_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o egyptian_a mystery_n which_o he_o write_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o epistle_n of_o porphyry_n to_o a_o egyptian_a priest_n and_o wherein_o proclus_n say_v that_o he_o write_v like_o a_o man_n inspire_v discourse_n at_o large_a concern_v divine_a ecstasy_n and_o vision_n and_o inspiration_n in_o which_o he_o describe_v the_o person_n just_a after_o the_o mystical_a way_n as_o no_o long_o lead_v a_o humane_a life_n or_o have_v any_o operation_n of_o their_o sense_n or_o understanding_n but_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n be_v only_o in_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o their_o own_o be_v act_v and_o possess_v whole_o by_o it_o afterward_o he_o set_v down_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o kind_n of_o those_o in_o some_o they_o have_v only_a participation_n in_o other_o near_o communion_n and_o in_o the_o high_a of_o all_o union_n in_o some_o of_o these_o he_o say_v the_o body_n whole_o rest_v and_o sometime_o break_v out_o into_o sing_v and_o all_o expression_n of_o joy_n sometime_o the_o body_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o ground_n as_o m._n teresa_n think_v she_o sometime_o it_o swell_v into_o a_o great_a bulk_n and_o sometime_o the_o contrary_n then_o he_o lay_v down_o rule_n to_o know_v divine_a inspiration_n by_o viz._n
to_o see_v but_o porphyry_n himself_o as_o he_o do_v not_o utter_o reject_v this_o low_a and_o symbolical_a way_n so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o purify_n the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o the_o intellectual_a by_o the_o low_a part_n he_o understand_v the_o irrational_a which_o by_o the_o theurgical_a rite_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o conversation_n with_o angel_n but_o the_o intellectual_a part_n can_v not_o be_v elevate_v by_o it_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o he_o place_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o return_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o upper_a part_n or_o fund_z of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o utmost_a the_o other_o attain_v to_o be_v only_o to_o live_v among_o the_o aetherial_a spirit_n but_o the_o contemplative_a soul_n return_v to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o speak_v which_o as_o many_o other_o of_o his_o notion_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n to_o show_v what_o this_o intellectual_a or_o contemplative_a life_n be_v that_o shall_v bring_v man_n soul_n to_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n porphyry_n write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o who_o quote_v many_o passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o particular_a precept_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v fly_v from_o all_o body_n if_o it_o will_v live_v happy_a with_o god_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n and_o pure_a contemplative_a life_n in_o that_o book_n he_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a way_n yet_o know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n not_o the_o indian_a chaldaick_n or_o any_o other_o but_o what_o that_o be_v which_o he_o mean_v appear_v by_o what_o he_o say_v near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n over_o all_o and_o four_o time_n say_v he_o when_o i_o be_v with_o he_o he_o attain_v to_o this_o union_n by_o a_o unexpressible_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o he_o before_o set_v forth_o by_o a_o divine_a illumination_n without_o any_o image_n or_o idea_n be_v above_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o intelligible_a thing_n and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v once_o in_o this_o state_n of_o union_n when_o he_o be_v 68_o year_n of_o age._n which_o holstenius_fw-la understand_v of_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o then_o fall_v into_o and_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o melancholy_n join_v with_o his_o abstract_a and_o severe_a life_n his_o frequent_a watch_n and_o almost_o continual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o and_o eunapius_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o little_a a_o lover_n of_o the_o body_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v in_o sicily_n he_o be_v almost_o famish_v by_o abstinence_n and_o shun_v all_o conversation_n with_o mankind_n as_o he_o begin_v the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n that_o he_o be_v like_o one_o ashamed_a that_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o body_n so_o that_o we_o find_v the_o foundation_n here_o lay_v say_v our_o author_n not_o only_o for_o the_o mystical_a union_n but_o the_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o rather_o in_o a_o cessation_n of_o these_o act_n be_v likewise_o express_o affirm_v by_o porphyry_n many_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v say_v of_o understanding_n thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v better_o perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d otio_fw-la &_o vacation_n intellectû_v as_o holstenius_fw-la render_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o rest_n and_o cessation_n of_o operation_n in_o the_o understanding_n than_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o many_o thing_n while_o a_o man_n wake_v be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o sleep_v but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o they_o be_v by_o sleep_n for_o thing_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o assimilation_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o understanding_n all_o thing_n be_v different_a according_a to_o their_o essence_n those_o thing_n above_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o way_n of_o unknowing_a and_o after_o a_o super-essential_a manner_n where_o we_o see_v the_o very_a phrase_n of_o dionysius_n use_v by_o he_o and_o in_o many_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v and_o lose_v itself_o from_o the_o body_n and_o draw_v itself_o near_a to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o god_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o clear_a light_n which_o follow_v the_o abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o state_n and_o life_n of_o contemplation_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a thereto_o such_o as_o abstinence_n from_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o from_o affection_n to_o it_o which_o say_v he_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o very_o much_o disparage_v the_o active_a and_o political_a life_n in_o comparison_n with_o this_o the_o end_n of_o one_o be_v only_a man_n living_n according_a to_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o other_o assimilation_n to_o god_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o practical_a virtue_n be_v only_o a_o good_a man_n but_o he_o that_o live_v the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n be_v a_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o understand_v the_o deiformity_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n the_o way_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o for_o purify_n the_o soul_n be_v this_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o know_v itself_o i._n e._n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o bind_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o another_o substance_n 2._o recollection_n or_o gather_v itself_o up_o from_o the_o body_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o advise_v to_o deny_v the_o body_n in_o its_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o show_v as_o little_a care_n of_o it_o and_o concernment_n for_o it_o as_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n to_o lessen_v all_o sense_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o so_o to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n then_o he_o describe_v the_o superlative_a be_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o little_a but_o above_o both_o and_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o least_o but_o above_o all_o and_o that_o his_o presence_n be_v not_o topical_a but_o assimilative_a and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n for_o our_o soul_n to_o recover_v themselves_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o themselves_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o true_a be_v be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o we_o become_v unite_v to_o god_n which_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n holstenius_fw-la think_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o porphyry_n understand_v by_o the_o book_n which_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a nuptial_n because_o both_o plotinus_n and_o he_o suppose_v this_o union_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mystical_a divine_n and_o porphyry_n say_v upon_o the_o read_n of_o it_o some_o think_v he_o mad_a because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n speak_v in_o it_o after_o a_o mystical_a and_o enthusiastical_a manner_n for_o which_o he_o be_v high_o applaud_v by_o plotinus_n jamblicus_n be_v porphyry_n disciple_n but_o out_o of_o he_o our_o author_n recite_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o before_o concern_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n but_o out_o of_o proclus_n another_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o live_v long_o after_o these_o and_o of_o who_o marinus_n give_v this_o character_n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o life_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o recollect_v and_o draw_v into_o its_o self_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n while_o it_o remain_v in_o it_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o theology_n say_v he_o he_o distinguish_v between_o that_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o intelligible_a idea_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o summity_n as_o the_o mystic_n speak_v and_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o say_v be_v alone_o capable_a of_o the_o divine_a and_o mystical_a union_n so_o he_o call_v
such_o as_o the_o indian_a brahmin_n or_o gymnosophist_n the_o persian_a magi_n and_o the_o druid_n who_o be_v say_v by_o some_o to_o have_v be_v as_o ancient_a as_o abraham_n time_n the_o character_n give_v by_o bardisanes_n syrus_n of_o the_o brachmanes_n that_o they_o neither_o worship_v image_n nor_o eat_v what_o be_v animate_v neither_o drink_n wine_n or_o beer_n be_v far_o from_o all_o malignity_n attend_v whole_o to_o god_n be_v comprehensive_a enough_o to_o take_v in_o both_o the_o austerity_n and_o contemplation_n of_o those_o beforementioned_a but_o the_o religious_a care_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o conceal_v their_o most_o sacred_a mystery_n from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o their_o communication_n of_o they_o principal_o by_o successive_a verbal_a tradition_n be_v a_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v so_o little_a of_o this_o in_o any_o write_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o we_o call_v heathen_n but_o even_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o what_o be_v collect_v by_o our_o author_n that_o these_o notion_n and_o exercise_n be_v not_o first_o introduce_v by_o plotinus_n and_o his_o disciple_n but_o derive_v to_o they_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o chaldean_n and_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v from_o what_o original_a they_o derive_v they_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o discover_v any_o other_o than_o either_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n as_o many_o assert_v or_o at_o least_o the_o common_a parent_n noah_n so_o that_o what_o our_o author_n have_v collect_v to_o disparage_v mystical_a theology_n be_v well_o consider_v will_v prove_v a_o notable_a recommendation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o noah_n do_v instruct_v his_o posterity_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v transmit_v to_o after-generation_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n in_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n entire_o and_o without_o mixture_n of_o corruption_n so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o inquisite_fw-la person_n and_o especial_o into_o divine_a mystery_n as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o plato_n man_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n and_o so_o favour_v as_o they_o be_v must_v have_v obtain_v a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o all_o these_o nation_n and_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n in_o and_o after_o the_o captivity_n when_o they_o seem_v by_o divine_a providence_n to_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o may_v be_v more_o full_o know_v to_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v undoubted_o design_v by_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v a_o light_n and_o admonition_n to_o the_o gentile_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n in_o all_o their_o various_a state_n in_o egypt_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n in_o their_o captivity_n and_o in_o their_o dispersion_n to_o this_o very_a day_n nor_o do_v i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o other_o nation_n as_o together_o with_o what_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o common_a ancestor_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o who_o use_v and_o improve_v the_o same_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o for_o the_o just_a condemnation_n of_o the_o rest_n who_o neglect_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o find_v that_o these_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o mystic_a divinity_n that_o be_v with_o the_o thing_n whether_o under_o that_o name_n or_o any_o other_o it_o matter_n not_o if_o we_o find_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o it_o among_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o other_o before_o if_o we_o find_v the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a ascetick_n well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o much_o or_o rather_o altogether_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o before_o dionysius_n his_o theologia_n mystica_fw-la be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n this_o put_v together_o be_v such_o a_o constellation_n of_o concurrent_a and_o corroborate_n evidence_n that_o whencesoever_o that_o name_n and_o some_o term_n and_o expression_n which_o seem_v somewhat_o uncouth_a come_v in_o after_o age_n yet_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o must_v have_v be_v derive_v from_o some_o very_a ancient_a common_a original_a to_o those_o nation_n and_o to_o those_o christian_a ascetick_n not_o from_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a groundless_a oratorical_a fiction_n to_o expose_v it_o no_o more_o than_o from_o dionysius_n who_o our_o author_n do_v not_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v so_o ancient_a but_o either_o from_o some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v of_o the_o jew_n or_o which_o seem_v more_o likely_a from_o a_o divine_a conduct_n and_o inspiration_n for_o they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o unacquainted_a with_o humane_a learning_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o different_a from_o the_o mystical_a theology_n which_o be_v thus_o oppose_v by_o our_o author_n but_o rather_o that_o the_o same_o institution_n be_v convey_v as_o secret_n by_o tradition_n to_o some_o principal_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n from_o the_o common_a parent_n noah_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v but_o fair_o that_o be_v candid_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v that_o account_n of_o this_o divinity_n which_o our_o author_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o purpose_n to_o collect_v from_o a_o late_a author_n father_n austin_n baker_n and_o mr._n cressy_n preface_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v sufficient_o recommend_v itself_o as_o no_o improper_a or_o unlikely_a method_n to_o have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n let_v the_o reader_n judge_v of_o it_o say_v he_o and_o so_o say_v i_o by_o these_o passage_n in_o he_o viz._n mr._n cressy_n preface_n 1._o the_o only_a proper_a disposition_n towards_o receive_v supernatural_a irradiation_n from_o god_n holy_a spirit_n be_v a_o abstraction_n of_o life_n a_o sequestration_n from_o all_o business_n that_o concern_v other_o and_o a_o attendance_n to_o god_n alone_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o little_a after_o 2._o the_o light_n here_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o be_v such_o as_o do_v expel_v all_o image_n of_o creature_n and_o do_v calm_a all_o manner_n of_o passion_n to_o the_o end_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o vacuity_n may_v be_v more_o capable_a of_o receive_v and_o entertain_v god_n in_o the_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o far_o our_o author_n out_o of_o mr._n cressy_n but_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v to_o these_o two_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o character_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o fanaticism_n 3._o the_o prayer_n here_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a instrument_n to_o procure_v divine_a light_n be_v a_o pure_a recollect_v intime_fw-la or_o most_o inward_a prayer_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o here_o be_v no_o new_a speculative_a verity_n or_o revelation_n of_o mystery_n pretend_v no_o private_a new-found-out_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n brag_v of_o 5._o here_o the_o establish_v order_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o unity_n essential_a thereto_o be_v not_o prejudice_v yea_o the_o inspiration_n expect_v and_o obtain_v by_o pure_a internal_a prayer_n do_v more_o firm_o and_o unalterable_o fix_v soul_n under_o this_o obedience_n and_o to_o this_o order_n and_o unity_n 6._o our_o light_n teach_v we_o to_o attend_v only_o to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o never_o to_o interess_n ourselves_o in_o any_o care_n or_o employment_n about_o other_o till_o evident_o god_n inspiration_n force_v we_o and_o external_n authority_n oblige_v we_o thereto_o 7._o our_o light_n make_v we_o to_o fear_v and_o avoid_v all_o supereminence_n and_o judicature_n all_o sensual_a pleasure_n desire_v of_o wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n 8._o and_o last_o our_o light_n if_o they_o shall_v chance_v sometime_o to_o be_v mistake_v by_o we_o no_o harm_n at_o all_o will_v accrue_v to_o other_o and_o not_o any_o considerable_a prejudice_n to_o ourselves_o because_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o direct_v we_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o be_v order_v only_o towards_o a_o more_o perfect_a love_v of_o god_n and_o withdraw_v we_o from_o creature_n §_o 33._o the_o contrary_a or_o different_a character_n of_o fanatic_a false_a light_n i_o pass_v by_o for_o brevity_n sake_n out_o of_o father_n baker_n himself_o he_o produce_v these_o among_o other_o such_o contemplative_a soul_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o much_o incline_v to_o external_n work_v except_o say_v father_n baker_n which_o our_o author_n leave_v out_o when_o
god_n call_v they_o thereto_o by_o secret_a inspiration_n or_o engage_v they_o therein_o by_o command_n of_o superior_n but_o they_o seek_v rather_o to_o purify_v themselves_o and_o inflame_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n by_o internal_a quiet_n and_o pure_a actuation_n in_o spirit_n by_o a_o total_a abstraction_n from_o creature_n by_o solitude_n both_o external_a and_o especial_o internal_a so_o dispose_v themselves_o to_o receive_v the_o influx_n and_o inspiration_n of_o god_n who_o guidance_n chief_o they_o endeavour_v to_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n 3._o thing_n tr._n 1._o s._n 1._o c._n 2._o §._o 3._o and_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v the_o attain_n unto_o a_o habitual_a and_o almost_o uninterrupted_a perfect_a union_n with_o god_n in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o fruitive_a possession_n of_o he_o and_o a_o real_a experimental_a perception_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o depth_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v full_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o he_o alone_o not_o only_o all_o deliberate_a affection_n say_v fa._n baker_n to_o creature_n be_v exclude_v but_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o image_n of_o they_o also_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v distractive_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o he_o add_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a perceptable_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a soul_n be_v unspeakable_a and_o divine_a for_o he_o be_v in_o they_o both_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n internal_a and_o external_n be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o also_o as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o direct_v both_o the_o action_n and_o person_n to_o himself_o only_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n unto_o they_o a_o light_a to_o direct_v secure_o all_o their_o step_n and_o to_o order_v all_o their_o working_n even_o those_o also_o which_o seem_v the_o most_o indifferent_a the_o which_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o far_a advancement_n of_o they_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o immediate_a union_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o protect_v they_o in_o all_o tentation_n and_o danger_n a_o internal_a force_n and_o vigour_n within_o they_o to_o make_v they_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o his_o pleasure_n be_v they_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v they_o not_o only_o believe_v and_o know_v but_o even_o feel_v and_o taste_v he_o to_o be_v the_o universal_a infinite_a good_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o he_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o bless_a state_n of_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o spirit_n to_o a_o absolute_a internal_a solitude_n a_o transcendency_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o themselves_o to_o a_o heavenly-mindedness_a and_o fix_a attention_n to_o god_n only_o and_o this_o even_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o employment_n to_o other_o never_o so_o distractive_a and_o final_o to_o a_o gustful_a knowledge_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o a_o strict_a application_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o love_n above_o knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o fruition_n and_o repose_n in_o he_o with_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o their_o will_n so_o that_o they_o become_v after_o a_o inexpressible_a manner_n partarkers_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yea_o one_o spirit_n one_o will_n one_o love_n with_o he_o be_v in_o a_o sort_n deify_v and_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n here_o as_o mortality_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o special_a mean_n for_o obtain_v such_o spiritual_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n from_o god_n be_v doubtless_o very_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o these_o our_o author_n set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n of_o o._n n._n who_o purposely_o write_v in_o answer_n to_o he_o upon_o this_o subject_a viz._n beside_o a_o watchful_a guard_n say_v he_o for_o keep_v the_o conscience_n clean_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v not_o only_o from_o mortal_a but_o also_o venial_a sin_n much_o frequent_a and_o continue_a vocal_a or_o mental_a prayer_n much_o solitude_n and_o mortification_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o abstraction_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n from_o any_o creature_n much_o recollection_n and_o withdraw_v from_o abroad_o into_o ourselves_o much_o meditation_n on_o such_o select_a subject_n as_o may_v rather_o inflame_v our_o affection_n than_o increase_v our_o science_n and_o when_o once_o we_o find_v these_o enkindle_v the_o endeavour_v a_o quiescence_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v from_o former_a discourse_n those_o action_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o intellect_n now_o hinder_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n and_o the_o bring_n of_o ourselves_o rather_o to_o a_o simple_a contemplation_n to_o exercise_v act_n of_o love_n adhere_v to_o sigh_v after_o and_o entertain_v the_o divine_a object_n thereof_o and_o here_o say_v he_o if_o his_o divine_a majesty_n please_v to_o advance_v we_o any_o high_a to_o such_o union_n with_o he_o as_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o wherein_o we_o receive_v rather_o than_o act_v and_o he_o operate_v in_o we_o rather_o than_o we_o ourselves_o we_o embrace_v they_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o gratitude_n if_o otherwise_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o our_o best_a endeavour_n and_o long_v after_o he_o with_o patience_n though_o enable_v also_o to_o these_o only_a by_o his_o grace_n this_o our_o spiritual_a and_o mystical_a master_n teach_v we_o and_o thus_o after_o this_o way_n which_o these_o man_n stile_n fanaticism_n and_o enthusiasm_n we_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v a_o more_o strict_a acquaintance_n and_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o herein_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o forefather_n elsewhere_o say_v our_o author_n he_o fa._n baker_n describe_v the_o progress_n towards_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n thus_o that_o he_o who_o will_v come_v to_o it_o must_v practice_v the_o draw_v of_o his_o external_n sense_n inward_o to_o his_o internal_a there_o lose_v and_o as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v they_o then_o he_o must_v draw_v his_o internal_a sense_n into_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_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 the_o unity_n and_o to_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 wherein_o the_o perfect_a divine_a contemplation_n lie_v it_o be_v true_a these_o word_n be_v in_o father_n baker_n but_o they_o be_v but_o what_o he_o say_v we_o read_v in_o other_o author_n and_o beside_o he_o add_v 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 and_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 and_o more_o abstract_a from_o sense_n and_o more_o celebrate_v above_o the_o corporeal_a organ_n and_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 by_o this_o we_o may_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a as_o our_o author_n say_v to_o put_v together_o some_o of_o their_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o a_o account_n of_o their_o divinity_n p._n 285._o and_o what_o account_v that_o be_v but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v some_o other_o passage_n which_o he_o recite_v and_o in_o they_o some_o which_o he_o construe_v as_o he_o do_v these_o and_o other_o thing_n and_o some_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v hard_a say_n to_o one_o who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v they_o or_o consider_v they_o as_o term_n of_o art_n and_o allow_v they_o a_o candid_a construction_n and_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o exercise_n of_o wit_n to_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o sport_n themselves_o with_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o wicked_a spirit_n do_v easy_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o and_o impose_v upon_o person_n engage_v in_o controversy_n they_o be_v ordinary_o like_o soldier_n engage_v in_o war_n act_n as_o if_o all_o be_v lawful_a whereby_o they_o can_v incommode_v a_o adversary_n without_o due_a regard_n to_o charity_n truth_n and_o that_o fair_a deal_v and_o kindness_n which_o christianity_n enjoin_v to_o enemy_n and_o too_o often_o behave_v themselves_o like_o such_o soldier_n as_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v a_o end_n of_o a_o war_n lest_o they_o shall_v want_v employment_n trifle_v and_o skirmish_v at_o a_o distance_n with_o vain_a word_n and_o show_n and_o the_o consequence_n in_o each_o be_v frequent_o the_o baffle_n and_o disparage_v of_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o and_o give_v advantage_n to_o their_o adversary_n and_o i_o wish_v this_o author_n by_o
to_o these_o thing_n lawful_a but_o not_o expedient_a when_o come_v to_o st._n paul_n omne_fw-la mihi_fw-la license_fw-la sed_fw-la ego_fw-la sub_fw-la nullius_fw-la redigar_fw-la potestate_fw-la 1_o cor._n 6.12_o and_o to_o his_o corpus_fw-la in_o servitem_fw-la redigo_fw-la 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o to_o act_v more_o constant_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n move_v now_o more_o perceptible_o in_o we_o and_o give_v the_o law_n to_o we_o when_o grace_n be_v as_o to_o these_o non-expedients_a also_o predominant_a and_o sole_a mistress_n order_v all_o thing_n without_o our_o reluctance_n or_o also_o with_o our_o zeal_n to_o the_o great_a love_n praise_n honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o do_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o this_o his_o spirit_n then_o be_v we_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a growth_n to_o a_o complete_a man_n in_o christ_n to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n such_o as_o this_o life_n attain_v but_o few_o regenerate_v there_o be_v that_o do_v not_o by_o their_o own_o disorder_n die_v in_o their_o spiritual_a youth_n before_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o mature_a age._n as_o therefore_o in_o our_o regeneration_n a_o man_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n so_o the_o church_n desire_v in_o that_o which_o be_v call_v from_o some_o high_a mystery_n it_o speak_v of_o as_o to_o the_o supreme_a effect_n of_o this_o grace_n mystical_a theology_n to_o advance_v those_o already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o of_o perfection_n and_o from_o the_o spirit_n dwelling_n to_o it_o more_o absolute_o reign_v in_o we_o which_o find_v so_o many_o great_a reward_n not_o only_o in_o the_o next_o but_o this_o present_a life_n §_o 19_o 2._o we_o must_v know_v therefore_o that_o to_o such_o end_n this_o holy_a spirit_n receive_v in_o our_o regeneration_n assi_v and_o work_v in_o we_o not_o only_o as_o to_o afford_v general_o to_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o save_v their_o soul_n such_o internal_a illumination_n and_o motion_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o resist_n of_o any_o sinful_a temptation_n or_o to_o perform_v any_o necessary_a act_n of_o virtue_n in_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o but_o also_o in_o afford_v we_o light_n and_o ability_n in_o all_o indifferent_a action_n and_o occurrence_n with_o which_o may_v be_v also_o join_v all_o the_o act_n of_o christian_a virtue_n when_o no_o necessity_n oblige_v we_o to_o do_v any_o of_o they_o and_o so_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o without_o sin_n to_o do_v or_o omit_v they_o whereby_o we_o be_v guide_v to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o god_n will_n and_z particular_a circumstance_n consider_v may_v much_o more_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christian_a perfection_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v avoid_v such_o other_o of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v suggest_v either_o by_o corrupt_a nature_n or_o the_o evil_a spirit_n under_o pretence_n also_o of_o some_o good_a end_n but_o to_o defeat_v a_o better_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n excite_v we_o and_o assist_v we_o not_o only_o in_o do_v duty_n of_o necessary_a obligation_n or_o in_o the_o avoid_n what_o be_v prohibit_v and_o perform_v what_o be_v command_v by_o god_n under_o penalty_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o all_o these_o act_n also_o that_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v more_o to_o god_n glory_n or_o to_o our_o great_a perfection_n though_o these_o be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v without_o sin_v choose_v or_o refuse_v for_o in_o this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o be_v like_a to_o concupiscence_n in_o we_o the_o one_o continual_o exciting_a we_o unto_o that_o which_o be_v better_o as_o the_o other_o to_o that_o which_o be_v worse_o see_v the_o apostle_n description_n of_o these_o two_o inmate_n rom._n 8.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o gal._n 5.16_o 17_o 18._o where_o he_o say_v v._o 7._o that_o spiritus_fw-la concupiscit_fw-la adversus_fw-la carnem_fw-la &_o caro_fw-la adversus_fw-la spiritum_fw-la and_o that_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la adversantur_fw-la and_o ibid._n v._n 18._o as_o also_o rom._n 8.14_o that_o those_o who_o be_v god_n child_n or_o regenerate_v aguntur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n it_o guide_v we_o into_o truth_n jo._n 16.13_o bring_v thing_n forget_v to_o our_o remembrance_n jo._n 14.26_o give_v knowledge_n and_o argument_n to_o one_o act._n 6.10_o utterance_n and_o eloquence_n and_o the_o power_n to_o persuade_v to_o another_o act._n 2.4_o to_o another_o wisdom_n or_o a_o good_a judgement_n 1_o cor._n 1.5_o 12.8_o 9_o 28._o prudence_n in_o govern_v in_o execute_v another_o command_n rom._n 12.6_o 7._o to_o another_o courage_n and_o boldness_n act._n 4.29_o 31._o it_o open_v man_n vnderstaending_n and_o heart_n and_o render_v they_o docile_a and_o apt_a to_o believe_v luk._n 24.8_o act._n 16.14_o eph._n 1.18_o what_o be_v there_o that_o be_v not_o do_v in_o we_o by_o this_o holy_a spirit_n when_o we_o be_v employ_v about_o any_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n the_o father_n or_o the_o son_n so_o be_v our_o regenerate_a life_n whole_o manage_v by_o this_o spirit_n as_o the_o natural_a be_v by_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o not_o obstruct_v work_v in_o we_o a_o continual_a growth_n in_o grace_n till_o we_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o eph._n 4.13_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v he_o convert_v gal._n 5.25_o that_o as_o they_o live_v their_o new_a life_n in_o or_o by_o the_o spirit_n so_o they_o will_v walk_v in_o it_o according_a to_o its_o direction_n and_o that_o they_o will_v mind_v or_o affect_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o thing_n it_o mind_v they_o of_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d within_o they_o be_v death_n in_o the_o end_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d within_o they_o be_v life_n and_o peace_n to_o they_o exhort_v they_o also_o eph._n 4.30_o with_o no_o corrupt_a and_o fruitless_a communication_n to_o contristate_v or_o grieve_v this_o spirit_n tim._n 4.14_o not_o to_o neglect_v it_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v void_a or_o idle_a in_o they_o 1_o thess_n 5.19_o not_o to_o quench_v it_o eph._n 5.18_o to_o replenish_v themselves_o with_o it_o and_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o continual_o to_o revive_v it_o rom._n 12.11_o to_o be_v fervent_a in_o it_o without_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o cor._n 3.5_o we_o can_v think_v a_o good_a thought_n and_o our_o lord_n jo._n 15_o 5._o that_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o §_o 20._o 3._o these_o action_n of_o the_o latter_a kind_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o that_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v or_o omit_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o perform_v without_o any_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v either_o such_o as_o by_o the_o evangelical_n counsel_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o rectify_a reason_n be_v clear_o discern_v by_o we_o the_o one_o to_o be_v better_o and_o more_o to_o lead_v to_o christian_a perfection_n than_o the_o other_o or_o such_o where_o we_o have_v some_o doubt_n of_o these_o two_o action_n good_a or_o lawful_a which_o be_v the_o better_a or_o more_o expedient_a in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o we_o to_o be_v the_o better_a as_o to_o our_o perfection_n be_v the_o motion_n in_o we_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o do_v it_o be_v the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o reject_v or_o neglect_v this_o so_o often_o we_o contristate_v the_o spirit_n that_o will_v thus_o conduct_v we_o to_o perfection_n and_o refuse_v to_o do_v god_n will_n when_o this_o be_v know_v to_o we_o who_o will_v it_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o all_o thing_n consider_v to_o be_v best_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o good_a to_o be_v do_v though_o such_o omission_n or_o neglect_n amount_v not_o to_o a_o sin_n but_o to_o a_o fail_v so_o much_o in_o perfection_n and_o indeed_o the_o not_o vigilant_o observe_v these_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o we_o and_o the_o not_o harken_v to_o and_o obey_v they_o when_o evident_a to_o be_v such_o or_o also_o the_o not_o preconsult_v by_o prayer_n what_o it_o advise_v but_o rather_o precipitate_v our_o action_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o their_o no_o great_a improvement_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o it_o to_o they_o be_v a_o check_n to_o the_o further_o and_o strong_a operation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n for_o who_o will_v offer_v
counsel_n seldom_o or_o never_o accept_v or_o ask_v abate_v the_o fervour_n and_o solace_n that_o there_o will_v be_v in_o prosecute_a its_o suggestion_n and_o leave_v we_o guilty_a of_o much_o unkindness_n and_o ingratitude_n for_o as_o st._n bernard_n cum_fw-la hae_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritus_fw-la circa_fw-la nos_fw-la dispensatoriae_fw-la quidem_fw-la vicissitudines_fw-la vigilantissime_fw-la non_fw-la observantur_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la nec_fw-la absentem_fw-la desideres_fw-la nec_fw-la presentem_fw-la glorifices_fw-la in_o cant._n serm._n 17._o when_o these_o condescend_v vicissitness_n concern_v we_o be_v not_o most_o watchful_o heed_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thou_o do_v neither_o desire_n he_o when_o absent_a nor_o glorify_v he_o when_o present_a but_o in_o the_o latter_a action_n wherein_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o doubt_n which_o be_v best_a and_o yet_o wherein_o the_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n may_v be_v exceed_o beneficial_a to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o condition_n to_o the_o better_a order_n of_o our_o life_n and_o service_n of_o god_n such_o illumination_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o also_o a_o clear_a discern_a thereof_o be_v obtain_v especial_o by_o much_o purity_n of_o conversation_n and_o abstraction_n from_o worldly_a thing_n by_o frequent_a recollection_n and_o introversion_n and_o attendance_n on_o god_n in_o the_o perfect_a practice_n of_o prayer_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o for_o god_n have_v gracious_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o effectual_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n as_o that_o of_o elias_n avail_v much_o jam._n 5.17_o that_o he_o hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o one_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n him_z he_o hear_v jo._n 9.31_o that_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o shall_v ask_v in_o prayer_n that_o be_v such_o person_n not_o doubt_v but_o believe_v we_o shall_v receive_v they_o mat._n 21.22_o mar._n 11.23_o that_o if_o we_o abide_v in_o christ_n and_o he_o in_o we_o ask_v what_o we_o will_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o we_o jo._n 15.7_o because_o indeed_o such_o ask_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o live_v in_o they_o and_o so_o ask_v according_a to_o god_n will._n that_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o do_v what_o be_v please_v in_o god_n sight_n whatever_o we_o ask_v we_o receive_v of_o he_o 1_o jo._n 3.22_o that_o if_o we_o ask_v any_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n he_o hear_v we_o and_o grant_v our_o request_n 1_o jo._n 5.14_o that_o though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v desire_v or_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v rom._n 8.26_o 27._o that_o be_v as_o to_o temporal_a prosperity_n or_o affliction_n or_o such_o like_a thing_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n there_o speak_v what_o therein_o be_v best_a for_o god_n glory_n or_o our_o own_o proficiency_n yet_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o with_o unutterable_a groan_n and_o great_a ardour_n intercee_v for_o we_o according_a to_o god_n will_n and_o that_o god_n know_v its_o mind_n though_o not_o express_v in_o word_n and_o grant_v its_o request_n that_o the_o same_o spirit_n search_v the_o profound_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o that_o natural_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v they_o but_o they_o many_o time_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o it_o but_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v discern_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o etc._n etc._n most_o of_o which_o text_n seem_v to_o be_v speak_v not_o only_o of_o our_o petition_v god_n concern_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o our_o or_o other_o salvation_n but_o more_o universal_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o request_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o lawful_a and_o of_o his_o spirit_n direct_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o do_v in_o they_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o grant_v those_o to_o we_o which_o may_v be_v best_a for_o we_o wherein_o god_n hear_v and_o grant_v the_o petition_n of_o his_o saint_n much_o soon_o than_o of_o other_o §_o 21._o i_o say_v then_o since_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v declare_v these_o thing_n and_o make_v these_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v what_o we_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n we_o may_v rational_o presume_v and_o be_v pious_o confident_a that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o request_n when_o this_o be_v only_o to_o know_v his_o will_n that_o we_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o it_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o take_v that_o for_o his_o will_n to_o which_o after_o such_o address_n and_o other_o due_a preparation_n make_v we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o more_o strong_o incline_v and_o also_o take_v such_o inclination_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n either_o illuminate_n sometime_o our_o understanding_n in_o discover_v to_o it_o some_o reason_n not_o so_o well_o discern_v or_o else_o disesteem_v and_o think_v inconsiderable_a before_o or_o sometime_o more_o confirm_v to_o we_o the_o judgement_n our_o own_o reason_n make_v of_o the_o thing_n before_o or_o sometime_o effect_v a_o strong_a and_o sudden_o injected_a inclination_n in_o the_o will_n so_o sway_v without_o any_o precede_a reason_n or_o discourse_n of_o the_o intellect_n present_v to_o it_o or_o sometime_o cause_v a_o extraordinary_a tranquillity_n consolation_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o accompany_v such_o our_o election_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o abbot_n isaac_n in_o cassian_n collat._n 9_o c._n 32._o cum_fw-la orantes_fw-la nos_fw-la nulla_fw-la interpellaverit_fw-la haesitatio_fw-la si_fw-la obtinuisse_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o ipsa_fw-la orationis_fw-la effusione_n quod_fw-la poscimus_fw-la senserimus_fw-la non_fw-la ambigamus_fw-la preces_fw-la nostras_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la efficaciter_fw-la penetrasse_fw-la where_o note_n that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o creature_n can_v work_v so_o immediate_o and_o intimate_o on_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o god_n spirit_n do_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o phantasm_n or_o image_n of_o the_o spirit_n humour_n etc._n etc._n or_o where_o no_o such_o preponderation_n to_o any_o side_n be_v perceive_v in_o the_o soul_n than_o we_o may_v presume_v this_o to_o be_v his_o will_n that_o make_v use_n of_o our_o best_a reason_n or_o other_o advice_n without_o any_o solicitude_n we_o take_v either_o side_n §_o 22._o now_o in_o the_o discern_a of_o these_o divine_a illumination_n and_o inspiration_n from_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a from_o those_o of_o our_o own_o or_o a_o bad_a spirit_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o any_o one_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a perfection_n in_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n they_o attain_v hereby_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o hence_o its_o illumination_n and_o inspiring_n in_o they_o be_v also_o much_o great_a and_o strong_a and_o more_o intimate_o effective_a on_o the_o soul_n than_o any_o other_o motion_n from_o whencesoever_o they_o come_v can_v be_v and_o so_o also_o these_o become_v more_o evident_a to_o such_o and_o many_o time_n be_v so_o clear_o discern_v by_o they_o from_o the_o supernatural_a impression_n they_o make_v upon_o the_o soul_n as_o that_o it_o can_v resist_v disbelieve_v or_o any_o way_n doubt_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a so_o st._n austin_n relate_v of_o his_o mother_n monica_n that_o she_o clear_o know_v such_o supernatural_a act_n in_o she_o from_o her_o own_o imagination_n dicebat_fw-la enim_fw-la discernere_fw-la se_fw-la nescio_fw-la quo_fw-la sapore_fw-la quem_fw-la verbis_fw-la explicare_fw-la non_fw-la poterat_fw-la quid_fw-la interesset_fw-la inter_fw-la revelantem_fw-la te_fw-la &_o animam_fw-la svam_fw-la somniantem_fw-la confess_v l._n 6._o c._n 13._o for_o she_o say_v she_o do_v discern_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o savour_n which_o she_o can_v not_o explain_v in_o word_n what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o thou_o reveal_v and_o her_o own_o soul_n dream_v and_o indeed_o if_o such_o interior_a divine_a operation_n be_v not_o sometime_o certain_o discernible_a how_o can_v st._n paul_n be_v assure_v when_o he_o intend_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n and_o again_o in_o bythinia_n a_o most_o charitable_a design_n that_o the_o spirit_n forbid_v it_o and_o not_o rather_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o gospel_n act._n 16.6_o 7._o or_o that_o it_o be_v by_o revelation_n and_o not_o a_o fancy_n of_o he_o that_o he_o ascend_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 2.2_o or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o testify_v and_o not_o man_n fear_n that_o much_o affliction_n shall_v happen_v to_o he_o there_o act._n 20.23_o how_o the_o corinthian_n know_v when_o they_o have_v a_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n since_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v transact_v
only_o interiorly_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o that_o in_o all_o these_o give_v the_o evidence_n to_o itself_o a_o certain_a assurance_n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o at_o sometime_o may_v have_v of_o divine_a operation_n in_o they_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v here_o that_o all_o person_n less_o advance_v in_o prayer_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n or_o also_o the_o great_a saint_n at_o all_o time_n discern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o they_o so_o clear_o in_o this_o sort_n of_o action_n as_o not_o to_o be_v sometime_o mistake_v and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o person_n pious_o dispose_v and_o frequent_a in_o prayer_n may_v have_v a_o rational_a presumption_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v any_o more_o communicate_v unto_o they_o perhaps_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o their_o humility_n and_o that_o no_o absolute_a certitude_n be_v herein_o to_o be_v expect_v be_v a_o thing_n often_o confess_v by_o sanctae_fw-la sophia_n see_v 1_o vol._n p._n 139._o and_o p._n 137._o §_o 23._o 4._o but_o in_o case_n such_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v yet_o can_v no_o damage_n come_v thereby_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o commit_v any_o sin_n 1._o the_o subject_a of_o they_o we_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v matter_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o on_o any_o side_n lawful_a see_v sancta_fw-la sophia_n 1_o vol._n p._n 143._o 2._o no_o command_n of_o superior_n in_o these_o any_o way_n neglect_v 3._o no_o neglect_v beside_o use_v prayer_n in_o practise_v any_o other_o mean_n of_o make_v a_o secure_a choice_n either_o in_o weigh_v reason_n on_o all_o side_n or_o take_v advice_n from_o other_o only_a the_o devout_a soul_n in_o use_v these_o endeavour_n yet_o rely_v not_o on_o they_o but_o on_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n work_v continual_o in_o the_o regenerate_v both_o by_o prevenient_a and_o subsequent_a grace_n make_v no_o sudden_a resolution_n nor_o rush_n hasty_o upon_o any_o action_n but_o diligent_o hearken_v first_o to_o this_o internal_a guide_n what_o it_o may_v tell_v she_o be_v best_o desire_v faithful_o all_o natural_a passion_n and_o self-love_n lay_v aside_o to_o correspond_v with_o all_o its_o motion_n the_o careful_a observer_n of_o which_o with_o a_o pure_a intention_n of_o mind_n may_v be_v just_o presume_v seldom_o to_o want_v they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o certain_o know_v they_o and_o mean_v while_o such_o person_n if_o not_o free_a always_o from_o mistake_v yet_o be_v secure_a in_o this_o sort_n of_o action_n we_o speak_v of_o from_o entertain_v any_o sinful_a enthusiasm_n or_o such_o as_o any_o other_o person_n except_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n can_v either_o censure_n or_o discover_v §_o 24._o here_o the_o author_n proceed_v to_o another_o discourse_n which_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o this_o purpose_n than_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a of_o mystic_a divinity_n it_o may_v be_v both_o proper_a for_o this_o place_n and_o also_o useful_a and_o grateful_a to_o many_o devout_a people_n to_o add_v part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v of_o direction_n give_v by_o spiritual_a writer_n concern_v prayer_n and_o devotion_n first_o for_o preparation_n for_o prayer_n they_o be_v advise_v 1._o to_o a_o serious_a endeavour_n at_o all_o time_n to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n clear_a from_o all_o sin_n even_o the_o least_o as_o much_o as_o humane_a frailty_n permit_v and_o to_o a_o care_n of_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n thereof_o without_o which_o endeavour_n our_o devotion_n can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o receive_n from_o he_o any_o great_a plenty_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o 2._o at_o time_n of_o prayer_n to_o abstraction_n from_o all_o secular_a business_n recollection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n from_o all_o creature_n and_o all_o object_n of_o the_o exterior_a sense_n and_o then_o to_o begin_v at_o first_o with_o form_n for_o all_o occasion_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n where_o novice_n say_v he_o begin_z and_o which_o the_o most_o perfect_a also_o frequent_o return_v to_o §_o 25._o from_o these_o they_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o mental_a prayer_n in_o which_o the_o cessation_n from_o external_n action_n render_v the_o inward_a more_o attent_a and_o affective_a more_o free_a from_o distraction_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o from_o the_o wander_v of_o the_o thought_n for_o this_o many_o useful_a subject_n of_o meditation_n be_v recommend_v chief_o touch_v our_o own_o misery_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o divine_a perfection_n 1._o of_o their_o natural_a condition_n the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n the_o divine_a justice_n the_o bitter_a passion_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n the_o terror_n of_o death_n judgement_n and_o hell_n to_o plant_v in_o they_o the_o due_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v in_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o mortification_n and_o purification_n from_o all_o habit_n of_o sin_n 2._o of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o imitation_n and_o growth_n in_o virtue_n and_o 3._o of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o benefit_n both_o receive_v and_o promise_v of_o the_o grace_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o and_o the_o ability_n for_o do_v good_a and_o please_a god_n restore_v to_o man_n by_o it_o if_o attentive_o observe_v and_o obey_v to_o advance_v they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o christian_a perfection_n and_o to_o enkindle_v in_o they_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n the_o acquisition_n of_o which_o love_n and_o not_o of_o knowledge_n be_v chief_o design_v in_o they_o §_o 26._o when_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o meditation_n they_o be_v well_o prepare_v they_o be_v direct_v by_o lay_v more_o aside_o their_o former_a reason_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o brain_n with_o the_o frequent_a stroke_n of_o which_o they_o have_v already_o kindle_v this_o fire_n in_o the_o heart_n how_o to_o exercise_v these_o affection_n now_o in_o that_o lesson_n of_o loving_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n luke_n 10.27_o in_o a_o more_o simple_a and_o quiet_a intuition_n and_o contemplation_n advertency_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o in_o more_o fervent_a and_o amorous_a colloquy_n with_o god_n in_o praise_v thank_v solace_v herself_o with_o he_o whilst_o she_o cast_v her_o eye_n upon_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n past_a and_o promise_v in_o many_o resolution_n for_o the_o future_a to_o serve_v he_o better_o and_o no_o more_o so_o to_o grieve_v and_o offend_v he_o in_o offer_v all_o she_o have_v she_o can_v do_v or_o suffer_v to_o his_o service_n and_o in_o put_v herself_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o silence_n and_o attention_n to_o hear_v what_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o in_o she_o speak_v to_o she_o not_o only_o in_o guide_v and_o admonish_v in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n but_o also_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o also_o good_a but_o not_o necessary_a when_o several_a of_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v under_o deliberation_n in_o which_o she_o also_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o that_o she_o may_v still_o choose_v and_o do_v that_o which_o may_v better_v please_v he_o and_o wherein_o his_o holy_a will_n may_v be_v more_o perfect_o accomplish_v §_o 27._o which_o act_v of_o love_n when_o once_o to_o a_o competent_a degree_n facilitated_a in_o we_o as_o they_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o great_a consolation_n so_o they_o exceed_o help_v to_o advance_v it_o in_o all_o christian_a duty_n and_o virtue_n for_o love_n will_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o work_n in_o we_o now_o with_o much_o more_o fidelity_n and_o alacrity_n as_o do_v all_o thing_n not_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o affection_n and_o not_o to_o obey_v but_o please_v her_o belove_a and_o gain_v from_o he_o also_o a_o reciprocal_a love_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n be_v arrive_v so_o far_o through_o the_o constant_a exercise_n and_o custom_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o mortification_n necessary_a to_o it_o that_o these_o act_n of_o love_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o several_a degree_n surpass_v one_o another_o be_v render_v easy_a and_o frequent_a and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n speedy_o resume_v without_o any_o or_o much_o precedent_a meditation_n which_o act_v before_o be_v difficult_a and_o rare_a and_o when_o the_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a sweetness_n she_o find_v in_o this_o latter_a affective_a meditation_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o return_v not_o to_o the_o former_a inventive_a meditation_n without_o some_o reluctance_n this_o be_v the_o first_o entrance_n into_o that_o which_o be_v style_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n such_o as_o humane_a industry_n attain_v namely_o wherein_o the_o will_v assist_v
with_o grace_n excite_v itself_o to_o these_o act_n of_o love_n and_o simple_a contemplation_n of_o which_o practice_n thus_o st._n bernard_n de_fw-fr interiori_fw-la domo_fw-la c._n 14._o jam_fw-la fortasse_fw-la ascendisti_fw-la jam_fw-la ad_fw-la cor_fw-la tuum_fw-la rediisti_fw-la &_o ibi_fw-la stare_n didicisti_fw-la nec_fw-la hoc_fw-la sufficiat_fw-la tibi_fw-la disce_fw-la habitare_fw-la &_o mansionem_fw-la facere_fw-la &_o qualicunque_fw-la mentis_fw-la vagatione_fw-la abstractus_fw-la fueris_fw-la illuc_fw-la semper_fw-la redire_fw-la festina_fw-la absque_fw-la dubio_fw-la per_fw-la multum_fw-la usum_fw-la quandoque_fw-la tibi_fw-la vertetur_fw-la in_o oblectamentum_fw-la in_o tantum_fw-la ut_fw-la absque_fw-la ullâ_fw-la laboris_fw-la difficultate_fw-la possis_fw-la ibi_fw-la assiduus_fw-la esse_fw-la quin_fw-la imo_fw-la poena_fw-la potius_fw-la tibi_fw-la sit_fw-la alibi_fw-la quam_fw-la ibi_fw-la moram_fw-la aliquam_fw-la facere_fw-la thou_o have_v now_o perhaps_o ascend_v thou_o have_v now_o return_v to_o thy_o heart_n and_o have_v learn_v to_o stand_v there_o nor_o let_v this_o suffice_v thou_o learn_v to_o dwell_v learn_v to_o make_v thy_o abode_n there_o and_o with_o whatever_o wander_v of_o mind_n thou_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v make_v haste_n always_o to_o return_v thither_o without_o doubt_n by_o much_o use_n it_o will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v turn_v to_o delight_n to_o thou_o insomuch_o that_o without_o any_o laborious_a difficulty_n thou_o may_v be_v there_o continual_o yea_o rather_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pain_n to_o thou_o to_o make_v any_o stay_v any_o where_o else_o than_o there_o thus_o he_o yet_o be_v the_o soul_n not_o direct_v here_o to_o remain_v idle_a stupid_a or_o unactive_a but_o to_o return_v to_o its_o wont_a meditation_n and_o if_o neither_o fit_o dispose_v for_o these_o to_o vocal_a and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n or_o also_o to_o read_v when_o the_o sweetness_n of_o such_o contemplation_n cease_v §_o 28._o devout_a soul_n advance_v hitherto_o be_v direct_v and_o provoke_v to_o yet_o much_o high_a flight_n and_o by_o their_o continue_a devotion_n to_o prosecute_v a_o further_a fruition_n of_o that_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o this_o purpose_n for_o their_o encouragement_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o person_n experience_v therein_o the_o many_o rich_a reward_n of_o prayer_n the_o supernatural_a elevation_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o advance_v some_o soul_n to_o who_o have_v be_v much_o practise_v in_o this_o holy_a exercise_n and_o the_o more_o free_a and_o familiar_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o in_o several_a manner_n mention_v before_o wherein_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o now_o act_v so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o great_a quietness_n silence_n and_o rest_n of_o its_o former_a natural_a operation_n be_v more_o immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o a_o more_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o who_o sometime_o with_o the_o touch_v and_o influence_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n do_v illuminate_v inflame_v and_o ravish_v the_o soul_n and_o cause_v in_o it_o a_o ineffable_a and_o transport_v delight_n in_o contemplate_v what_o be_v show_v to_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n perceive_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o ardent_a love_n and_o this_o supernatural_o infuse_v when_o also_o be_v communicate_v to_o it_o many_o time_n celestial_a secret_n and_o divine_a mystery_n and_o future_a event_n by_o internal_a word_n and_o revelation_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v receive_v by_o it_o with_o a_o great_a tranquillity_n and_o attention_n and_o cessation_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o its_o faculty_n sensitive_a or_o intellectual_a nor_o seem_v it_o in_o its_o own_o disposal_n whilst_o it_o have_v these_o touch_v but_o both_o do_v and_o must_v see_v and_o think_v only_o what_o his_o divine_a majesty_n will_v have_v it_o and_o this_o only_a so_o long_o as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o any_o art_n or_o industry_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v attain_v or_o procure_v when_o she_o will_v but_o all_o be_v supernatural_a and_o as_o well_o above_o the_o operation_n of_o common_a grace_n in_o we_o as_o of_o reason_n in_o which_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a divine_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o experience_a also_o observe_v two_o sort_n of_o motion_n in_o it_o either_o a_o very_a intimate_a retreat_n and_o recollection_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o exterior_a object_n as_o it_o be_v into_o some_o interior_a part_n of_o itself_o remove_v from_o the_o thought_n or_o remembrace_v of_o creature_n or_o worldly_a thing_n which_o be_v often_o join_v with_o a_o retire_v also_o of_o the_o vital_a spirit_n more_o or_o less_o from_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n leave_v sometime_o in_o such_o recollection_n without_o sense_n motion_n or_o heat_v alienatio_fw-la mentis_fw-la à _fw-la sensibus_fw-la corporis_fw-la s._n augustin_n in_o psal_n 67._o call_v it_o ut_fw-la spiritui_fw-la quod_fw-la demonstrandum_fw-la est_fw-la demonstretur_fw-la such_o perhaps_o be_v that_o ecstasy_n of_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o spirit_n rev._n 1.10_o or_o 2._o a_o elevation_n rapt_v or_o flight_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v above_o itself_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o depart_v present_o out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o person_n to_o suffer_v a_o present_a dissolution_n avolatio_fw-la mentis_fw-la as_o s._n bernard_n express_v it_o such_o seem_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 12._o §_o 29._o these_o thing_n be_v not_o handle_v as_o rule_n of_o devotion_n but_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o as_o thing_n only_o in_o god_n not_o our_o power_n yet_o be_v these_o rich_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o pregustation_n of_o the_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v recommend_v to_o signify_v the_o many_o noble_a effect_n and_o powerful_a influence_n which_o such_o favour_n have_v upon_o those_o who_o receive_v they_o as_o to_o the_o complete_n they_o in_o all_o christian_a perfection_n that_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a love_n of_o god_n all_o these_o divine_a inaction_n tend_v still_o to_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o to_o the_o wound_a it_o more_o deep_o with_o the_o love_n and_o long_v after_o he_o and_o after_o the_o suffer_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o alacrity_n for_o he_o and_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v receive_v dispose_v we_o still_o to_o other_o high_o if_o the_o soul_n correspond_v to_o they_o as_o she_o ought_v if_o i_o persevere_v say_v s._n bernard_n in_o cant._n serm._n 69._o speak_v of_o these_o favour_n to_o correspond_v to_o this_o condescension_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v with_o meet_a affection_n and_o action_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o i_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n will_v ever_o make_v their_o abide_v with_o i_o we_o be_v also_o tell_v that_o though_o upon_o no_o preparation_n and_o predisposition_n in_o we_o whatever_o such_o favour_n do_v necessary_o follow_v yet_o without_o these_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o grant_v they_o that_o active_a contemplation_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o passive_a and_o that_o though_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o they_o they_o be_v but_o rare_a and_o give_v to_o few_o yet_o in_o some_o inferior_a degree_n they_o be_v communicate_v to_o many_o and_o however_o that_o a_o active_a contemplation_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n by_o love_n speak_v of_o before_o and_o the_o great_a advancement_n in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n gain_v thereby_o if_o we_o be_v admit_v to_o no_o high_a thing_n of_o which_o true_a humility_n always_o esteem_v its_o self_n unworthy_a be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n in_o this_o world_n for_o any_o pain_n of_o we_o in_o purge_v of_o our_o life_n and_o close_a attendance_n on_o god_n in_o solitude_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v undertake_v for_o it_o last_o since_o such_o christian_a perfection_n chief_o contain_v in_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o affective_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o on_o high_a knowledge_n or_o speculation_n therefore_o it_o be_v recommend_v as_o attainable_a by_o all_o sex_n and_o condition_n and_o all_o be_v equal_o encourage_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o contemplation_n as_o s._n gregory_n observe_v in_o ezek._n hom_n 17._o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o high_a and_o not_o give_v to_o the_o low_a but_o this_o do_v often_o the_o high_a and_o often_o the_o low_a more_o often_o those_o who_o be_v remote_a that_o be_v from_o worldly_a care_n but_o sometime_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o marry_a state_n receive_v §_o 30_o 31._o more_o of_o this_o he_o have_v afterward_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o add_v as_o follow_v of_o the_o step_n in_o order_n to_o the_o high_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o this_o life_n arrive_v to_o mention_v in_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n p._n 32._o 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o way_n of_o external_n and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o
perfect_a shall_v be_v as_o his_o master_n that_o be_v in_o suffering_n like_o he_o the_o author_n may_v do_v well_o to_o review_v this_o passage_n of_o he_o §_o 66._o the_o repair_n to_o prayer_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n we_o can_v make_v it_o be_v a_o proper_a natural_a and_o most_o efficacious_a way_n to_o obtain_v a_o supernatural_a light_n from_o god_n spirit_n to_o discern_v his_o will_n in_o all_o our_o action_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a and_o such_o wherein_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o other_o have_v any_o external_a certain_a rule_n all_o circumstance_n consider_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v guide_v as_o we_o have_v in_o all_o such_o other_o action_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o be_v doubt_v of_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o say_v as_o if_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o our_o direction_n in_o these_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o make_n use_n of_o either_o our_o own_o reason_n or_o other_o man_n advice_n as_o be_v say_v before_o §_o 76._o this_o be_v not_o make_v enthusiasm_n but_o prayer_n a_o mean_n to_o obtain_v the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o show_v we_o in_o two_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o of_o they_o come_v from_o it_o or_o which_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o god_n will_n that_o so_o we_o may_v follow_v and_o obey_v it_o and_o what_o a_o christian_a be_v he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a especial_o in_o two_o affair_n of_o much_o concernment_n which_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o do_v not_o retire_v to_o his_o prayer_n desire_v god_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o promise_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v by_o any_o way_n to_o signify_v to_o he_o to_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o more_o conduce_v to_o christian_a perfection_n as_o certain_o the_o one_o may_v be_v much_o more_o than_o the_o other_o although_o both_o contain_v within_o the_o general_a bound_n of_o good_a or_o indifferent_a and_o then_o what_o illumination_n he_o pray_v for_o why_o may_v not_o he_o also_o expect_v again_o who_o be_v there_o much_o frequent_v prayer_n that_o do_v not_o perceive_v in_o they_o some_o illustration_n and_o influence_n enter_v and_o inject_v as_o it_o be_v into_o his_o mind_n without_o his_o own_o procurement_n touch_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o or_o the_o immense_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n or_o some_o acceptable_a service_n he_o may_v do_v to_o god_n or_o his_o neighbour_n or_o secret_a reprehension_n for_o some_o fault_n or_o admonition_n for_o the_o better_a order_n of_o his_o life_n spiritu_fw-la as_o our_o lord_n say_v jo._n 3.8_o spirante_fw-la ubi_fw-la vult_fw-la and_o he_o not_o know_v whence_o such_o thing_n come_v or_o how_o they_o pass_v away_o yet_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v assure_v must_v be_v from_o god_n spirit_n because_o no_o good_a thought_n be_v from_o ourselves_o and_o why_o may_v not_o we_o imagine_v the_o same_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v suppose_v of_o the_o thought_n inject_v in_o our_o doubt_n and_o request_n concern_v action_n leave_v free_a and_o undetermined_a by_o the_o divine_a declare_v will_n what_o way_n in_o these_o we_o may_v rather_o take_v the_o better_a to_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o name_n of_o enthusiasm_n shall_v deter_v christian_n from_o such_o a_o practice_n or_o harken_v to_o this_o internal_a language_n or_o as_o mr._n cressy_n express_v it_o in_o his_o preface_n shall_v render_v prayer_n and_o by_o prayer_n the_o obtain_n of_o divine_a grace_n a_o suspicious_a exercise_n and_o i_o wish_v the_o author_n will_v a_o little_a better_o weigh_v his_o word_n and_o the_o malign_a influence_n they_o may_v have_v on_o other_o we_o say_v then_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v necessary_a for_o grace_n as_o well_o further_v as_o prevent_v we_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a spirit_n in_o our_o mind_n in_o matter_n pure_o indifferent_a which_o may_v be_v propose_v to_o we_o by_o either_o of_o these_o spirit_n for_o a_o different_a end_n where_o we_o have_v no_o other_o external_a rule_n to_o judge_v these_o motion_n by_o as_o we_o have_v in_o all_o internal_a suggestion_n concern_v such_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v either_o direct_o command_v or_o prohibit_v by_o god_n law_n i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o collection_n out_o of_o this_o author_n with_o the_o explication_n of_o some_o of_o the_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v quarrel_v with_o as_o follow_v divine_a inaction_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a the_o act_n of_o god_n or_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o which_o in_o the_o perfect_a be_v more_o extraordinary_a sensible_a and_o manifest_a §_o 48._o passive_n union_n be_v call_v passive_a not_o that_o when_o herein_o a_o soul_n contemplate_v god_n she_o may_v not_o be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n active_a but_o because_o when_o god_n be_v please_v so_o gracious_o to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n be_v take_v out_o of_o her_o own_o disposal_n and_o do_v and_o must_v see_v and_o think_v only_o what_o god_n will_v have_v she_o and_o this_o no_o long_o than_o his_o good_a pleasure_n be_v such_o neither_o can_v any_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n that_o the_o soul_n can_v use_v assure_o procure_v it_o thus_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n explain_v this_o word_n and_o the_o expression_n be_v secure_v by_o such_o like_a scripture_n language_n qui_fw-la spiritu_fw-la dei_fw-la aguntur_fw-la rom._n 8.14_o not_o i_o live_v but_o christ_n in_o i_o gal._n 2.20_o not_o i_o work_v but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o you_o matt._n 10.20_o so_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v say_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o groan_n unutterable_a rom._n 8.26_o etc._n etc._n §_o 48._o deiformity_n and_o deification_n be_v word_n not_o of_o late_a only_a but_o ancient_o use_v signify_v a_o union_n with_o god_n not_o in_o essence_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o this_o union_n still_o more_o intimate_a as_o the_o grace_n more_o extraordinary_a secure_v by_o like_a scripture_n language_n for_o deiform_a renew_a to_o the_o image_n of_o our_o greator_n col._n 3.10_o change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o our_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o transform_a by_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 12.2_o for_o deification_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o future_a world_n heb._n 6.4_o 5._o the_o lord_n and_o we_o make_v one_o spirit_n 2._o pet._n 1.4_o fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o i_o have_v no_o more_o but_o to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n who_o this_o o._n n._n be_v out_o of_o who_o book_n i_o have_v collect_v those_o thing_n his_o name_n be_v abraham_n woodhead_n a_o good_a man_n who_o with_o great_a modesty_n and_o solidity_n have_v vindicate_v mystical_a divinity_n against_o the_o quarrel_n of_o one_o who_o charge_v it_o to_o be_v fanaticism_n his_o character_n may_v be_v see_v more_o at_o large_a in_o mr._n wood_n be_v oxford_n antiquity_n finis_fw-la postscript_n whereas_o it_o be_v fear_v by_o some_o that_o what_o be_v in_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n relate_v concern_v plotinus_n and_o porphyrius_n who_o live_v in_o gospel-time_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o christian_n but_o the_o latter_a a_o grand_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o christianity_n may_v too_o much_o gratify_v some_o call_a quaker_n to_o their_o hurt_n who_o be_v great_a magnifyer_n of_o the_o gentile_a dispensation_n i_o do_v declare_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o gratify_v any_o people_n for_o their_o good_a but_o not_o any_o to_o their_o hurt_a and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v any_o such_o misuse_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v for_o a_o good_a purpose_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preface_n they_o must_v know_v 1._o that_o as_o the_o action_n of_o witch_n and_o their_o familiar_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a and_o undeniable_a be_v good_a evidence_n against_o atheist_n and_o sadducean_n and_o the_o real_a inspiration_n of_o any_o spirit_n if_o prove_v be_v good_a evidence_n against_o all_o such_o anti-enthusiasts_a as_o deny_v the_o reality_n of_o inspiration_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o it_o than_o mere_o the_o act_n of_o people_n imagination_n so_o the_o plain_a apart_a declaration_n by_o these_o man_n of_o the_o mystic_a divinity_n which_o be_v more_o occult_o deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v good_a evidence_n of_o the_o tradition_n and_o succession_n of_o these_o mystery_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v err_v in_o the_o use_n and_o application_n of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o collection_n make_v 2._o that_o though_o porphyry_n and_o plotinus_n and_o some_o
or_o reproach_v it_o but_o plain_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o wherein_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v mislead_v from_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a and_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v principal_o to_o transform_v we_o into_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n to_o endue_v we_o with_o power_n to_o overcome_v all_o our_o corruption_n and_o all_o temptation_n and_o to_o adorn_v we_o with_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o ennoble_v humane_a nature_n and_o raise_v it_o above_o its_o self_n and_o so_o make_v we_o christian_n indeed_o and_o to_o conduct_v we_o in_o all_o the_o important_a occurrence_n of_o our_o life_n but_o to_o desire_v it_o for_o matter_n of_o ostentation_n to_o glory_n in_o divine_a communication_n or_o over-earnest_o seek_v after_o the_o consolation_n through_o impatience_n of_o bear_v the_o spiritual_a cross_n be_v great_a sign_n that_o such_o soul_n be_v either_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n or_o have_v make_v but_o little_a progress_n 2._o that_o satan_n be_v often_o transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 3._o that_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o 2.1_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n ibid._n 6.3_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16.17_o gal._n 1.8_o to_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n jud._n 3_o can_v be_v from_o the_o true_a spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o that_o such_o spirit_n as_o lead_v into_o division_n separation_n and_o sect_n lead_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o lead_v into_o contempt_n or_o disrespect_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n or_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n or_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n how_o specious_a soever_o their_o pretence_n may_v be_v for_o the_o conscientious_a and_o reverend_a use_n of_o these_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n whereby_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o whereby_o it_o be_v ordinary_o communicate_v to_o they_o cui_fw-la veritas_fw-la comperta_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la cui_fw-la deus_fw-la cognitus_fw-la sine_fw-la christo_fw-la cui_fw-la christus_fw-la exploratus_fw-la sine_fw-la spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la cui_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n accommodatus_fw-la sine_fw-la fidei_fw-la sacramento_n say_v a_o ancient_a and_o eminent_a christian_a tertul._n de_fw-fr anima_fw-la c._n 1._o to_o who_o be_v truth_n discover_v without_o god_n to_o who_o be_v god_n know_v without_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v christ_n manifest_v without_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n grant_v without_o the_o sacrament_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v baptism_n 5._o and_o more_o particular_o in_o respect_n to_o some_o among_o we_o that_o they_o who_o assert_v this_o doctrine_n without_o distinction_n or_o caution_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o may_v be_v presume_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a what_o caution_n and_o rule_n be_v give_v by_o learned_a and_o experience_v christian_n to_o distinguish_v the_o imposture_n of_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o conduct_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o good_a be_v much_o to_o be_v suspect_v to_o serve_v another_o interest_n then_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o those_o they_o mislead_v and_o that_o they_o all_o expose_v people_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o ready_o embrace_v such_o advantage_n 6._o that_o there_o be_v special_a reason_n why_o god_n order_v moses_n to_o smite_v the_o water_n and_o the_o dust_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o take_v handful_n of_o ash_n from_o the_o furnace_n and_o sprinkle_v it_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n to_o produce_v the_o intend_a effect_n and_o why_o our_o saviour_n make_v clay_n with_o spital_n and_o anoint_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n and_o then_o bid_v he_o wash_v and_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n for_o which_o perhaps_o no_o man_n do_v nor_o do_v know_v the_o reason_n and_o yet_o undoubted_o if_o these_o order_n have_v not_o be_v observe_v the_o effect_n have_v not_o follow_v 7._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v order_n without_o declare_v the_o reason_n for_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n if_o the_o order_n be_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o effect_n shall_v follow_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o exercise_n of_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n it_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o shall_v lead_v people_n to_o despise_v or_o neglect_v these_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o they_o there_o be_v more_o for_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o baptism_n it_o be_v the_o solemnity_n and_o external_a act_n of_o declaration_n of_o our_o engagement_n in_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o refuse_v to_o seal_v and_o deliver_v a_o bond_n which_o whoever_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o give_v bond_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o knave_n or_o a_o cheat_n and_o in_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a communion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n of_o recognition_n of_o the_o absolute_a dominion_n of_o the_o father_n by_o right_a of_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o son_n by_o right_a of_o redemption_n over_o we_o and_o all_o we_o be_v and_o have_v a_o symbolical_a oblation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o all_o we_o have_v to_o god_n in_o a_o commemorative_n sacrifice_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o father_n as_o the_o great_a propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n of_o as_o full_a import_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o christian_n as_o be_v all_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o they_o which_o be_v but_o type_n of_o the_o same_o a_o holy_a rite_n of_o address_n to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o passion_n by_o which_o alone_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n have_v acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o of_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n whereby_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n be_v as_o real_o communicate_v to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v as_o virtue_n go_v out_o of_o he_o and_o heal_v the_o people_n and_o the_o woman_n who_o touch_v the_o hem_o of_o his_o garment_n and_o these_o have_v be_v the_o sentiment_n and_o this_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o over_o the_o world_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o perform_v every_o day_n in_o most_o of_o the_o great_a church_n and_o every_o lord's-day_n in_o all_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o benefit_n to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v that_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a evidnece_n of_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o satan_n transform_v than_o disrespect_n and_o neglect_v of_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o that_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n than_o to_o see_v that_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v most_o malicious_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honour_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o apply_v to_o his_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v he_o oppose_v it_o with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n he_o can_v possible_a beside_o for_o people_n to_o slight_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n so_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o another_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v what_o decay_v of_o charity_n and_o unanimity_n among_o man_n and_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n have_v in_o all_o part_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o may_v be_v another_o evidence_n of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o do_v neglect_v it_o whatever_o their_o pretence_n be_v but_o for_o all_o separatist_n
and_o sectary_n in_o general_a it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a caution_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o admonition_n and_o prohibition_n against_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o of_o prediction_n both_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n both_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v that_o specious_a appearance_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n among_o any_o of_o any_o party_n of_o separatist_n but_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n or_o delusion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n or_o energy_n of_o some_o spirit_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o divers_a of_o these_o indication_n or_o sign_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v and_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a spirit_n be_v its_o appearance_n never_o so_o specious_a in_o other_o respect_n and_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v such_o as_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n find_v themselves_o to_o be_v sometime_o strange_o assault_v and_o tempt_v by_o the_o subtle_a adversary_n viz._n to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o person_n and_o to_o neglect_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o needless_a to_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a religious_a christian_n be_v general_o preserve_v from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a snare_n be_v that_o they_o be_v train_v up_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o ancient_a experience_a christian_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n of_o humility_n subjection_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o constant_a discovery_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o where_o both_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o among_o many_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v little_a of_o solidity_n especial_o where_o those_o noble_a heroic_a virtue_n of_o abstraction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v reject_v as_o monkery_n and_o superstition_n but_o all_o their_o goodly_a appearance_n and_o pretence_n end_v at_o last_o in_o emptiness_n and_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ancient_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o any_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n and_o elude_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o undermine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o much_o fanaticism_n as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a for_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v as_o all_o other_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v be_v genuine_a live_a christian_n but_o mere_a empty_a formal_a professor_n of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o great_a part_n both_o of_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n among_o we_o if_o judgement_n be_v make_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o their_o fruit_n and_o fruitfulness_n but_o lest_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o any_o doubt_n in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o between_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a distinguishable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o operation_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v often_o so_o subtle_a and_o secret_a in_o the_o manner_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o power_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n as_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o as_o the_o most_o desirable_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v regeneration_n and_o effectual_a sanctification_n so_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o always_o lead_v to_o mortification_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o celestial_a angelic_a and_o divine_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o soul_n due_o prepare_v purge_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o that_o bless_a guide_n do_v often_o manifest_v his_o presence_n by_o sensible_a attraction_n and_o restraint_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o plain_a suggestion_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o once_o find_v that_o i_o can_v give_v no_o better_a advice_n than_o what_o we_o have_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o and_o 6._o which_o i_o believe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o mystic_a theology_n of_o the_o ancient_n finis_fw-la