life_n the_o thorn_n which_o choke_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n luk._n 8.14_o and_o concern_v watch_v that_o we_o be_v not_o surprise_v mat._n 24.42_o 25.13_o mar._n 13.35_o luk._n 21.36_o and_o now_o if_o any_o one_o please_v as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o make_v any_o question_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o what_o more_o authentic_a evidence_n of_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v than_o what_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v always_o approve_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o in_o such_o case_n usage_n and_o practice_n afterward_o which_o daily_a experience_n in_o the_o construction_n of_o law_n and_o ancient_a record_n and_o deed_n do_v sufficient_o confirm_v the_o apostle_n certain_o practise_v all_o this_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o circumstance_n and_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o preach_v it_o and_o recommend_v it_o by_o their_o doctrine_n too_o as_o far_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v they_o forsake_v all_o not_o one_o of_o they_o marry_v any_o wife_n afterward_o though_o they_o may_v have_v do_v it_o and_o be_v so_o far_o abstract_v from_o all_o diversion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o order_v deacon_n for_o other_o necessary_a work_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o preach_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o preach_v and_o of_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o people_n be_v that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o communion_n in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v etc._n etc._n act._n 2.42_o and_o again_o act._n 4.32_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o aught_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n what_o be_v here_o brief_o say_v of_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o primitive_a christian_n at_o jerusalem_n agree_v so_o well_o all_o thing_n consider_v with_o what_o philo_z more_o large_o relate_v concern_v those_o about_o alexandria_n who_o he_o call_v therapeut_n who_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o nor_o after_o under_o any_o denomination_n unless_o of_o that_o of_o christian_n which_o begin_v early_o at_o antioch_n and_o be_v soon_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n where_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o take_v place_n of_o all_o other_o that_o as_o the_o ancient_n do_v affirm_v we_o also_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cavil_n of_o some_o of_o the_o last_o age_n which_o have_v since_o be_v sufficient_o refute_v it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v not_o long_o appear_v in_o that_o form_n of_o community_n for_o they_o be_v dissolve_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o disperse_v into_o divers_a region_n by_o that_o great_a persecution_n after_o the_o death_n of_o stephen_n and_o doubtless_o by_o like_a occasion_n in_o other_o place_n but_o the_o example_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o provoke_v many_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n before_o well-disposed_a for_o it_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o retire_a abstract_a contemplative_a life_n the_o natural_a inclination_n in_o they_o be_v excite_v and_o fortify_v by_o the_o various_a example_n which_o be_v common_a among_o they_o before_o and_o then_o receive_v such_o further_a encouragement_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n both_o direct_o and_o indirect_o from_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v self-denial_n mortification_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n this_o can_v not_o but_o mighty_o affect_v they_o general_o with_o a_o heroic_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n the_o very_a doctrine_n promise_n and_o miracle_n with_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v be_v apt_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o produce_v all_o this_o but_o much_o more_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o power_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n then_o be_v and_o certain_o they_o want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n even_o then_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o have_v settle_v in_o coenobitical_a society_n which_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o commom_n obstacle_n the_o persecution_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o empire_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o do_v first_o in_o egypt_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v many_o descend_v from_o the_o recabite_n and_o essean_n and_o in_o no_o long_a time_n after_o in_o most_o other_o part_n concern_v those_o in_o egypt_n in_o his_o time_n st._n john_n chrysostome_n give_v we_o this_o account_n shall_v any_o one_o come_v now_o to_o the_o desert_n of_o egypt_n he_o will_v see_v all_o the_o wilderness_n altogether_o more_o excellent_a than_o a_o paradise_n and_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n shine_v in_o mortal_a body_n for_o there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v spread_v over_o all_o that_o region_n the_o camp_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o admirable_a royal_a flock_n and_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a power_n illustrious_o shine_v upon_o earth_n and_o this_o you_o may_v see_v most_o splendid_a not_o in_o men_n only_o but_o also_o in_o woman_n heaven_n itself_o do_v not_o so_o shine_v with_o various_a constellation_n of_o star_n as_o egypt_n be_v beset_v and_o illustrate_v with_o innumerable_a convent_v of_o monk_n and_o virgin_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v very_o plain_a 1._o that_o they_o who_o have_v derive_v these_o religious_a institution_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o truth_n to_o maintain_v their_o assertion_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o have_v raise_v such_o prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n against_o such_o holy_a religious_a society_n in_o general_a as_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o odium_n against_o all_o if_o they_o do_v it_o in_o simplicity_n and_o mere_o through_o the_o prejudice_n they_o themselves_o have_v conceive_v from_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o of_o their_o time_n yet_o do_v they_o very_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o they_o do_v it_o to_o temporize_v and_o ingratiate_v themselves_o with_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n who_o have_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o monastery_n and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v very_o wicked_o and_o impious_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v or_o question_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o but_o who_o be_v they_o by_o who_o the_o righteous_a god_n do_v usual_o execute_v such_o judgement_n and_o at_o this_o time_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v that_o for_o a_o warn_v to_o ourselves_o be_v they_o cast_v out_o for_o their_o laziness_n and_o corruption_n what_o then_o have_v we_o to_o expect_v suppose_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o that_o have_v succeed_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v god_n be_v able_a to_o restore_v they_o again_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o other_o husbandman_n who_o shall_v render_v he_o their_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v here_o for_o though_o i_o know_v many_o have_v write_v very_o bitter_o against_o monk_n and_o monkery_n i_o think_v they_o not_o worth_a the_o look_n into_o because_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v assert_v will_v stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a rock_n against_o all_o their_o blast_n yet_o at_o last_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o a_o excellent_a person_n of_o great_a learning_n judgement_n piety_n and_o candour_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n have_v write_v something_o to_o like_a purpose_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o look_v into_o he_o and_o find_v to_o my_o sorrow_n for_o he_o but_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n how_o unworthy_a of_o himself_o and_o of_o how_o little_a
may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v require_v a_o pure_a and_o sound_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o a_o looking-glass_n sordid_a and_o impure_a the_o form_n of_o a_o face_n can_v be_v represent_v so_o neither_o in_o a_o foul_a and_o unclean_a mind_n the_o splendour_n of_o god_n ni._n whoever_o know_v that_o they_o be_v only_a mind_n have_v pass_v the_o bulk_n and_o grossness_n of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v purge_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o stain_n of_o vice_n and_o render_v it_o fit_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o first_o or_o chief_a mind_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v unite_v to_o they_o for_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v pure_a and_o incorrupt_a he_o do_v converse_v with_o the_o mind_n without_o any_o thing_n intervening_a and_o by_o it_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o soul_n as_o again_o by_o this_o he_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n but_o he_o be_v unite_v not_o as_o he_o be_v but_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o union_n and_o hence_o at_o last_o he_o become_v know_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o otherwise_o know_v god_n unless_o he_o open_v his_o soul_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o in_o it_o psellus_n god_n do_v so_o much_o become_v know_v to_o man_n as_o he_o be_v familiar_o join_v to_o they_o who_o by_o virtue_n be_v join_v to_o he_o for_o according_a as_o be_v their_o ascent_n he_o do_v descend_v and_o how_o much_o man_n do_v approach_n to_o god_n so_o much_o also_o do_v god_n become_v know_v to_o man_n impart_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o purity_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o see_v whether_o the_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a gradation_n will_v raise_v we_o for_o from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o from_o the_o first_o step_n of_o a_o ladder_n we_o be_v raise_v to_o admiration_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o second_o step_n again_o from_o admiration_n we_o ascend_v to_o more_o earnest_a desire_n then_o from_o desire_n be_v we_o raise_v up_o to_o purgation_n and_o from_o hence_o further_o to_o likeness_n with_o god_n and_o last_o we_o arrive_v to_o converse_v familiar_o with_o god_n and_o know_v he_o more_o perfect_o by_o union_n then_o when_o we_o be_v make_v deiform_a do_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a god_n converse_v familiar_o with_o those_o who_o by_o grace_n be_v call_v god_n infuse_v the_o divine_a fulgers_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o we_o as_o every_o one_o be_v purify_v nicetas_n to_o be_v make_v god_n be_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a illumination_n but_o not_o to_o pass_v into_o the_o divine_a essence_n since_o we_o be_v set_v in_o the_o confine_n between_o god_n and_o matter_n if_o we_o decline_v to_o matter_n we_o be_v gross_a and_o material_a if_o we_o tend_v towards_o god_n we_o be_v call_v divine_a and_o thereupon_o go_n nicetas_n st._n austin_n concern_v the_o same_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o soul_n the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v god_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n that_o our_o body_n also_o may_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o we_o have_v from_o god_n ser._n 18._o de_fw-fr verb._n apost_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o incorporeal_a soul_n be_v so_o illuminate_v with_o the_o incorporeal_a light_n of_o the_o simple_a or_o pure_a wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o air_n be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o corporeal_a light_n and_o as_o the_o air_n grow_v dark_a upon_o the_o departure_n of_o that_o light_n 11_o de_fw-la civ_o dei_fw-la c._n 10._o mind_n be_v to_o soul_n as_o their_o sense_n but_o of_o science_n whatever_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_a they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v illustrate_v or_o shine_v upon_o by_o the_o sun_n that_o they_o may_v be_v see_v as_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n but_o god_n be_v he_o who_o do_v illustrate_v but_o i_o reason_n be_o so_o in_o mind_n as_o the_o aspect_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o mind_n pure_a from_o all_o stain_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v remote_a and_o purge_v from_o all_o desire_n of_o mortal_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 6._o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o rare_a thing_n with_o the_o intenseness_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o transcend_v all_o creature_n corporeal_a or_o incorporeal_a be_v consider_v and_o find_v mutable_a and_o to_o approach_v to_o that_o unchangeable_a substance_n of_o god_n and_o there_o learn_v from_o he_o that_o none_o but_o he_o make_v all_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o himself_o for_o so_o god_n speak_v with_o man_n not_o by_o any_o corporal_a creature_n sound_v in_o corporal_a ear_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o if_o one_o be_v fit_a to_o hear_v with_o the_o mind_n not_o with_o the_o body_n 11_o de_fw-fr c._n d._n 2._o v._n ibid._n coq_fw-la when_o the_o soul_n see_v that_o singular_a and_o true_a beauty_n it_o will_v the_o more_o love_n it_o but_o unless_o it_o fix_v on_o it_o its_o eye_n with_o a_o mighty_a love_n and_o decline_v not_o any_o whether_o from_o behold_v it_o it_o can_v remain_v in_o that_o most_o bless_a vision_n 1_o solil_n c._n 7._o one_o thing_n there_o be_v that_o i_o can_v prescribe_v thou_o i_o know_v no_o more_o that_o these_o sensible_a thing_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v forsake_v and_o that_o we_o must_v great_o beware_v while_o we_o act_v this_o body_n that_o our_o wing_n which_o we_o need_v have_v entire_a and_o perfect_a be_v not_o hinder_v by_o any_o of_o their_o birdlime_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v away_o from_o this_o darkness_n to_o that_o light_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v such_o that_o nothing_o of_o earthly_a thing_n do_v at_o all_o delight_n thou_o believe_v i_o in_o that_o moment_n in_o the_o same_o point_n of_o time_n thou_o shall_v see_v what_o thou_o desire_v etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 14._o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o see_v and_o embrace_v wisdom_n as_o it_o be_v naked_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o cover_v so_o as_o she_o do_v not_o suffer_v herself_o except_z to_z very_o few_o and_o her_o most_o choice_a lover_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o certain_a ineffable_a and_o incomprehensible_a light_n of_o mind_n that_o vulgar_a light_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n c._n 13._o confide_v constant_o in_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o can_v commit_v thyself_o entire_o to_o he_o do_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thou_o own_o but_o profess_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o bountiful_a lord_n for_o so_o will_v he_o not_o cease_v to_o raise_v thou_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v permit_v nothing_o to_o befall_v thou_o but_o what_o shall_v profit_v thou_o though_o thou_o know_v it_o not_o 1_o soliloq_fw-la 14._o hear_v i_o my_o god_n hear_v i_o after_o that_o manner_n of_o thou_o know_v to_o very_a few_o command_v i_o beseech_v thou_o whatever_o thou_o will_v but_o heal_v and_o open_v my_o ear_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thy_o voice_n heal_n and_o open_a my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v thy_o beck_n say_v to_o i_o which_o way_n i_o shall_v look_v that_o i_o may_v behold_v thou_o etc._n etc._n 1_o soliloq_fw-la c._n 1._o be_v admonish_v to_o return_v to_o myself_o i_o enter_v into_o my_o most_o inward_a part_n thou_o be_v my_o leader_n and_o i_o can_v do_v it_o because_o thou_o be_v become_v my_o helper_n i_o enter_v and_o i_o discern_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n such_o as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o same_o eye_n of_o my_o soul_n above_o my_o mind_n the_o unchangeable_a light_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o this_o vulgar_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o as_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n great_a as_o if_o it_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o clear_a than_o it_o and_o fill_v all_o with_o its_o greatness_n this_o be_v not_o that_o but_o another_o quite_o another_o from_o all_o those_o nor_o be_v it_o so_o above_o my_o mind_n as_o oil_n above_o water_n nor_o as_o heaven_n above_o earth_n but_o superior_a because_o he_o make_v i_o and_o i_o inferior_a because_o i_o be_v make_v by_o it_o he_o who_o know_v truth_n know_v it_o and_o he_o who_o know_v it_o know_v eternity_n charity_n know_v it_o o_o eternal_a truth_n and_o true_a charity_n and_o dear_a eternity_n thou_o be_v my_o god_n for_o thou_o do_v i_o sigh_v day_n and_o night_n and_o when_o i_o first_o know_v thou_o thou_o do_v assume_v i_o or_o take_v i_o up_o that_o i_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v which_o i_o do_v see_v and_o myself_o not_o to_o be_v who_o do_v see_v and_o thou_o
of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o have_v be_v in_o use_n long_o before_o all_o do_v agree_v that_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o only_o for_o certain_a time_n other_o perpetual_a for_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o those_o may_v again_o be_v distinguish_v into_o three_o sort_n viz._n such_o as_o be_v call_v or_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o samson_n a_o nazarite_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o womb_n judg._n 13.5_o 7_o 16.17_o and_o as_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n consecrate_v effectual_o and_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n even_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n luk._n 1.15_o such_o as_o be_v dedicate_v by_o their_o parent_n as_o samuel_n by_o his_o mother_n 1_o sam._n 1.10_o 28._o and_o such_o as_o do_v free_o offer_v themselves_o and_o this_o freewill_n offer_v of_o themselves_o though_o but_o for_o a_o certain_a time_n god_n do_v accept_v no_o less_o than_o the_o freewill_n offering_n of_o their_o good_n or_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v v._o leu._n 22.18_o 21_o 23_o 27.2_o and_o therefore_o order_v the_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o consecration_n and_o observation_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o calamity_n of_o nazarites_n be_v reckon_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o people_n by_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n lam._n 4.7_o but_o it_o be_v reckon_v by_o god_n among_o his_o divine_a favour_n to_o that_o people_n that_o he_o raise_v up_o nazarite_n among_o they_o and_o reckon_v with_o his_o bring_v they_o up_o from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o raise_v they_o prophet_n among_o they_o amos_n 2.10_o 11._o i_o raise_v up_o of_o your_o son_n for_o prophet_n and_o of_o your_o young_a man_n for_o nazarites_n though_o they_o may_v free_o offer_v themselves_o yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o do_v secret_o inspire_v and_o incline_v their_o wi_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v holy_a as_o origen_n have_v well_o observe_v hom._n 11._o in_o levit._n if_o any_o one_o devote_v himself_o to_o god_n if_o any_o one_o entangle_v himself_o in_o no_o secular_a business_n that_o he_o may_v please_v he_o to_o who_o he_o have_v approve_v himself_o if_o any_o one_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n who_o live_v worldly_a life_n and_o be_v oblige_v in_o secular_a business_n not_o seek_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v upon_o earth_n but_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v deserve_o call_v holy_a or_o saint_n and_o after_o much_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o conclude_v in_o these_o word_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a how_o every_o one_o of_o we_o who_o will_v be_v holy_a aught_o to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o thenceforth_o be_v employ_v in_o no_o business_n or_o act_n which_o relate_v not_o to_o god_n so_o likewise_o the_o college_n or_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n though_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o express_a mention_n of_o they_o till_o in_o 1_o sam._n 10.5_o yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o prophet_n live_v very_o abstract_v life_n the_o very_a change_n of_o the_o denomination_n mention_v in_o the_o chap._n next_o forego_n 1_o sam._n 9.9_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o that_o viz._n that_o he_o who_o be_v then_o call_v a_o prophet_n be_v afore-time_o call_v a_o seer_n and_o therefore_o when_o one_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o seer_n and_o if_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o seer_n than_o that_o lead_v we_o back_o to_o the_o time_n of_o rebecca_n gen._n 25.22_o for_o seer_n and_o how_o much_o far_o back_o no_o man_n know_v for_o that_o certain_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n then_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v first_o institute_v by_o samuel_n but_o that_o they_o live_v such_o abstract_a contemplative_a life_n be_v undeniable_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o from_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o their_o conversation_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o be_v there_o man_n only_o but_o woman_n also_o who_o do_v very_o ancient_o leave_v the_o world_n apply_v themselves_o to_o matter_n of_o devotion_n though_o perhaps_o not_o with_o so_o solemn_a consecration_n such_o as_o anna_n a_o prophetess_n who_o have_v live_v seven_o year_n a_o wife_n live_v afterward_o a_o widow_n till_o eighty_o four_o year_n of_o age_n and_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o fast_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n for_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o religious_a woman_n be_v there_o many_o among_o the_o israelite_n as_o ancient_o as_o the_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o most_o learned_a critic_n of_o this_o age_n as_o munster_n fagius_n vatablus_n and_o other_o upon_o exodus_fw-la 38.8_o and_o this_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 2.22_o that_o the_o woman_n who_o they_o abuse_v be_v such_o as_o these_o who_o assemble_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabarnacle_n as_o learned_a critic_n inform_v we_o and_o put_v all_o these_o notice_n together_o it_o seem_v that_o such_o religious_a devout_a woman_n there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o least_o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o abode_n in_o the_o wilderness_n while_o they_o have_v the_o temple_n stand_v among_o they_o and_o if_o so_o why_o not_o long_o before_o even_o while_o in_o egypt_n have_v they_o not_o receive_v religious_a instruction_n from_o their_o ancestor_n or_o do_v they_o retain_v none_o of_o they_o or_o do_v they_o see_v nothing_o of_o religion_n practise_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o have_v they_o not_o the_o same_o natural_a propensation_n to_o religion_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n we_o see_v how_o ready_a and_o expert_a all_o the_o woman_n be_v at_o the_o red-sea_n exod._n 15.1_o 20._o with_o miriam_n a_o prophetess_n to_o answer_v moses_n and_o the_o man_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v extinguish_v or_o lie_v dormant_a in_o their_o abide_v in_o egypt_n no_o certain_o their_o hard_a servitude_n though_o it_o may_v hinder_v their_o more_o solemn_a worship_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o hinder_v but_o do_v rather_o excite_v and_o provoke_v to_o more_o retire_v and_o secret_a devotion_n and_o indeed_o that_o servitude_n with_o rigour_n and_o hard_a bondage_n be_v not_o till_o a_o little_a before_o their_o deliverance_n and_o even_o then_o do_v we_o find_v that_o generous_a magnanimity_n even_o among_o the_o hebrew_a woman_n the_o midwife_n as_o to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n exod._n 1.17_o the_o company_n of_o the_o prophet_n mention_v 1_o sam._n 10.10_o and_o 19.20_o such_o as_o elsewhere_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 18.4_o 20.35_o 2_o king_n 2.3_o 5_o 7_o 15_o 4.38_o 6.1_o 2_o 9.1_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o religious_a person_n who_o live_v abstract_v contemplative_a life_n many_o of_o they_o plain_o coenobitical_a life_n and_o some_o anachoretical_a or_o hermete_v life_n as_o st._n antony_n and_o other_o among_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o elias_n 1_o king_n 17.1_o and_o elisha_n 1_o king_n 19.6_o so_o that_o st._n hierom_n say_v very_o true_o every_o order_n or_o institution_n of_o life_n have_v its_o principal_n or_o leader_n and_o then_o after_o divers_a instance_n in_o other_o he_o add_v our_o leader_n be_v such_o as_o paul_n as_o antony_n as_o julian_n as_o hilarian_a as_o the_o macerius_n be_v and_o to_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n our_o prince_n or_o leader_n be_v elias_n be_v elisha_n our_o leader_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o dwell_v in_o field_n and_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o make_v themselves_o tabernacle_n or_o cell_n by_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n of_o this_o company_n be_v also_o the_o son_n of_o racab_n etc._n etc._n ep._n 13._o ad_fw-la paulin._n p._n 34._o and_o elsewhere_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o we_o read_v to_o have_v be_v monk_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v build_v themselves_o cottage_n or_o cell_n near_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o leave_v the_o crowd_n of_o the_o city_n live_v on_o barley-cake_n and_o field-herb_n ep._n 4._o ad_fw-la rusticum_n pa._n 11._o and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o live_v in_o city_n that_o do_v no_o more_o invalidate_n what_o st._n hierom_n say_v than_o monastery_n be_v bring_v into_o city_n by_o st._n basil_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o their_o be_v monk_n who_o have_v dwell_v in_o such_o ever_o since_o such_o cavil_n do_v only_o prove_v the_o partiality_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o the_o author_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o any_o person_n of_o judgement_n and_o candour_n since_o
those_o who_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o gentleness_n gal._n 6._o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v diligent_a that_o when_o by_o our_o renunciation_n we_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v carnal_a that_o be_v have_v begin_v to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o worldly_a people_n and_o to_o cease_v from_o that_o manifest_a pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n we_o strive_v present_o with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o acquire_v the_o spiritual_a state_n lest_o flatter_a ourselves_o because_o we_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n or_o to_o have_v forsake_v the_o contagion_n of_o carnal_a fornication_n as_o if_o by_o this_o we_o have_v get_v the_o top_n of_o perfection_n we_o shall_v thenceforth_o become_v more_o remiss_a towards_o the_o emundation_n of_o other_o passion_n and_o more_o slothful_a and_o be_v detain_v between_o both_o not_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a profit_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o for_o perfection_n that_o in_o the_o outward_a man_n we_o seem_v separate_v from_o the_o conversation_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n or_o that_o we_o be_v set_v free_a from_o carnal_a corruption_n and_o mixture_n and_o so_o be_v find_v in_o that_o cepid_a state_n which_o be_v reckon_v the_o worst_a we_o shall_v understand_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v vomit_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o sentence_n say_v i_o will_v thou_o be_v hot_a or_o cold_a but_o because_o thou_o be_v now_o tepid_a or_o lukewarm_a i_o will_v begin_v to_o spew_v thou_o out_o of_o my_o mouth_n rev._n 3.15_o etc._n etc._n abbot_n isaac_n concern_v prayer_n cass_n col._n 9_o the_o end_n of_o every_o monk_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o heart_n tend_v to_o a_o continual_a and_o uninterrupted_a perseverance_n in_o prayer_n and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v permit_v to_o humane_a frailty_n strive_v after_o a_o unmoveable_a tranquillity_n and_o perpetual_a purity_n of_o mind_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o we_o unwearied_o seek_v and_o continual_o exercise_v as_o well_o labour_n of_o the_o body_n as_o contrition_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v between_o these_o a_o certain_a reciprocal_a and_o inseparable_a conjunction_n for_o as_o the_o structure_n of_o all_o virtue_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n so_o unless_o all_o these_o be_v bind_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o the_o tope_n of_o it_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n hold_v out_o firm_a and_o stable_a for_o as_o without_o they_o can_v this_o perpetual_a and_o continual_a tranquillity_n of_o prayer_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v be_v acquire_v and_o perfect_v so_o neither_o can_v those_o virtue_n which_o prepare_v for_o it_o without_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o be_v accomplish_v wherefore_o neither_o can_v we_o right_o treat_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o prayer_n or_o enter_v to_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v accomplish_v by_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n unless_o first_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o or_o to_o be_v prepare_v be_v in_o order_n enumerate_v and_o discuss_v and_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o building_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o more_o sublime_a tower_n be_v count_v and_o diligent_o prepare_v for_o it_o which_o notwithstanding_o will_v neither_o profit_n be_v prepare_v nor_o right_o admit_v those_o high_a toping_n of_o perfection_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o unless_o first_o all_o refuse_n of_o vice_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o all_o dead_a rubbish_n of_o passion_n dig_v up_o the_o most_o firm_a foundation_n of_o simplicity_n and_o humility_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o sound_n and_o solid_a earth_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o evangelical_n rock_n upon_o which_o this_o tower_n to_o be_v build_v with_o the_o employment_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a virtue_n may_v be_v both_o unmovable_o establish_v and_o raise_v up_o to_o the_o high_a heaven_n by_o the_o consistence_n of_o its_o own_o firmness_n cap._n 2._o and_o therefore_o that_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v with_o that_o fervour_n and_o purity_n it_o ought_v these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o solicitude_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o general_a be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o next_o not_o only_o the_o care_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o any_o business_n or_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v detraction_n idle_a talk_n much_o talk_v jesting_n be_v likewise_o also_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o anger_n above_o all_o thing_n or_o the_o perturbation_n of_o sadness_n be_v to_o be_v thorough_o root_v out_o the_o pernicious_a food_n of_o carnal_a concupiscence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a vice_n which_o be_v visible_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o whole_o thrust_v out_o and_o such_o a_o cleanse_n of_o the_o rubbish_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o simplicity_n or_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o innocence_n first_o make_v the_o unshaken_a foundation_n of_o a_o profound_a humility_n which_o may_v bear_v a_o tower_n reach_v to_o the_o heaven_n be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v then_o be_v the_o superstruction_n of_o spiritual_a virtue_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o from_o all_o discourse_n or_o reason_v and_o light_n wander_v be_v the_o mind_n to_o be_v restrain_v that_o so_o it_o may_v by_o degree_n be_v elevate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o spiritual_a intuition_n for_o whatever_o our_o soul_n conceive_v before_o the_o hour_n of_o prayer_n of_o necessity_n it_o will_v occur_v to_o we_o while_o we_o pray_v by_o intrusion_n of_o our_o remembrance_n wherefore_o such_o as_o we_o will_v be_v find_v while_o we_o pray_v such_o ought_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n for_o from_o the_o precedent_a state_n be_v the_o mind_n form_v in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 3._o the_o quality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o a_o light_a feather_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o spoil_v by_o some_o wet_a from_o without_o happen_v to_o it_o by_o the_o levity_n of_o its_o own_o substance_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o gentle_a breath_n be_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o raise_v up_o on_o high_a and_o to_o the_o heaven_n but_o if_o it_o be_v aggravate_v with_o the_o accession_n of_o any_o wet_a it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o raise_v up_o to_o any_o aerial_a flight_n by_o its_o natural_a mobility_n but_o will_v be_v depress_v down_o to_o the_o very_a earth_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o wet_a receive_v so_o also_o our_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v not_o aggravate_v with_o contract_a vice_n and_o worldly_a care_n or_o corrupt_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o noxious_a lust_n be_v lift_v up_o as_o with_o the_o natural_a advantage_n of_o its_o purity_n will_n with_o the_o least_o breath_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n be_v elevate_v on_o high_a and_o forsake_v low_a and_o earthly_a thing_n will_v be_v transport_v to_o those_o which_o be_v heavenly_a and_o invisible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o proper_o admonish_v by_o our_o lord_n precept_n see_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n overcharge_v with_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n luk._n 21.34_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v our_o prayer_n shall_v pierce_v not_o only_o the_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o raise_v our_o mind_n purge_v from_o all_o earthly_a corruption_n and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o dregs_o of_o passion_n to_o its_o hatural_a sublimity_n that_o so_o our_o prayer_n may_v ascend_v to_o god_n disburdened_n of_o all_o weight_n of_o corruption_n cap._n 4._o the_o intention_n of_o a_o monk_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v fix_v in_o god_n by_o who_o even_o a_o small_a separation_n from_o that_o chief_a good_a be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o present_a death_n and_o most_o pernicious_a destruction_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n come_v to_o be_v settle_v in_o such_o a_o tranquillity_n or_o loose_v from_o the_o tie_n of_o all_o carnal_a passion_n and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n do_v most_o tenacious_o adhere_v to_o that_o one_o chief_a good_a then_o do_v it_o fulfil_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n pray_v without_o intermission_n 1_o thess_n 5.17_o and_o in_o every_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n without_o anger_n or_o dispute_n 1_o tim._n 2.8_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v be_v drench_v in_o this_o purity_n and_o reform_v from_o the_o earthly_a filth_n to_o a_o spiritual_a and_o angelic_a likeness_n whatever_o it_o
receive_v into_o its_o self_n whatever_o it_o handle_v whatever_o it_o do_v will_v be_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o sincere_a prayer_n cap._n 6._o the_o various_a species_n of_o prayer_n i_o judge_v can_v be_v comprehend_v without_o mighty_a contrition_n of_o heart_n purity_n of_o mind_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o purity_n in_o which_o every_o soul_n do_v proceed_v and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o state_n in_o which_o either_o by_o occurrence_n she_o be_v lower_v or_o by_o her_o own_o industry_n renew_v she_o herself_o be_v every_o moment_n new_o form_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o prayer_n be_v by_o none_o always_o make_v of_o the_o same_o form_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 8._o they_o who_o have_v the_o penal_a thorn_n of_o conscience_n pluck_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n be_v secure_a ruminate_v the_o favour_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v either_o in_o time_n pass_v give_v or_o at_o present_a do_v give_v or_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o future_a with_o a_o most_o pure_a mind_n be_v transport_v with_o a_o most_o servant_n heart_n to_o that_o ardent_a prayer_n which_o can_v be_v express_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o comprehend_v yet_o sometime_o a_o mind_n which_o have_v profit_v to_o that_o true_a effect_n of_o purity_n and_o have_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v root_v in_o it_o be_v wont_a conceive_v all_o the_o part_n of_o prayer_n at_o once_o together_o and_o like_o a_o incompressible_a and_o devour_a flame_n spread_v over_o all_o to_o pour_v out_o to_o god_n ineffable_a prayer_n of_o a_o most_o pure_a vigour_n which_o the_o spirit_n itself_o intercede_v with_o inexplicable_a groan_n we_o be_v ignorant_a do_v send_v forth_o to_o god_n conceive_v in_o that_o moment_n so_o great_a thing_n and_o pour_v they_o out_o ineffable_o in_o supplication_n as_o it_o can_v at_o another_o time_n i_o will_v not_o say_v repeat_v with_o the_o mouth_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o recollect_v with_o the_o mind_n etc._n etc._n cap_n 15._o the_o high_a and_o more_o sublime_a state_n of_o prayer_n be_v form_v by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o the_o fervour_n of_o charity_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v cast_v down_o and_o melt_v into_o love_n of_o he_o do_v very_o familiar_o discourse_v to_o god_n as_o its_o own_o father_n with_o a_o peculiar_a devotion_n which_o state_n that_o we_o ought_v diligent_o to_o desire_v the_o form_n of_o the_o lord's-prayer_n do_v instruct_v we_o say_v our_o father_n when_o therefore_o we_o do_v confess_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o god_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o be_v our_o father_n we_o do_v indeed_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v adopt_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o slavery_n add_v thereunto_o who_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o fly_v from_o the_o abode_n of_o the_o present_a life_n which_o we_o live_v upon_o earth_n with_o much_o horror_n as_o a_o pilgrimage_n and_o separate_v we_o far_o from_o our_o father_n we_o may_v hasten_v rather_o with_o our_o utmost_a desire_n to_o that_o region_n in_o which_o we_o confess_v our_o father_n live_v and_o may_v admit_v nothing_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o may_v render_v we_o unworthy_a of_o this_o our_o profession_n and_o of_o the_o nobility_n of_o such_o a_o adoption_n or_o make_v we_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n to_o which_o order_n and_o degree_n be_v promote_v we_o shall_v continual_o be_v inflame_v with_o that_o devotion_n which_o be_v in_o good_a child_n that_o now_o we_o shall_v employ_v all_o our_o affection_n not_o for_o our_o commodity_n but_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o father_n say_v to_o he_o hollow_v be_v thy_o name_n etc._n etc._n cap._n 18._o and_o after_o a_o brief_a but_o excellent_a explication_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o prayer_n he_o add_v you_o see_v therefore_o what_o model_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o by_o the_o judge_n himself_o who_o be_v to_o be_v entreat_v by_o it_o in_o which_o be_v no_o petition_n of_o riches_n no_o remembrance_n of_o dignity_n no_o prayer_n for_o power_n or_o strength_n no_o mention_n of_o corporal_n needs_o or_o of_o temporal_a life_n contain_v the_o creator_n of_o eternity_n will_v have_v nothing_o fade_v nothing_o vile_a nothing_o temporal_a to_o be_v implore_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v do_v a_o very_a great_a injury_n to_o his_o magnificence_n and_o munificence_n whoever_o pass_v by_o the_o petition_n of_o eternal_a thing_n will_v rather_o ask_v any_o thing_n transitory_a or_o fade_a and_o by_o the_o vileness_n or_o meanness_n of_o his_o prayer_n will_v rather_o incur_v the_o offence_n than_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o judge_n cap._n 24._o this_o prayer_n therefore_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o contain_v all_o plenitude_n of_o perfection_n because_o either_o institute_v or_o establish_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o yet_o do_v it_o promote_v those_o of_o his_o family_n to_o that_o high_a state_n which_o we_o mention_v before_o and_o lead_v they_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a degree_n to_o that_o fervent_a ineffable_a prayer_n know_v or_o experience_v by_o very_a few_o which_o transcend_v all_o humane_a sense_n be_v not_o distinct_o deliver_v by_o any_o manner_n of_o word_n or_o expression_n but_o which_o the_o mind_n illustrate_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o that_o celestial_a light_n do_v not_o signify_v by_o humane_a and_o narrow_a eloquence_n but_o pour_v out_o abundant_o as_o out_o of_o a_o full_a fountain_n in_o full_a compact_a sense_n and_o ineffable_o utter_v to_o the_o lord_n produce_v so_o great_a thing_n in_o that_o little_a point_n of_o time_n as_o the_o mind_n can_v neither_o easy_o utter_v nor_o recover_v itself_o particular_o remember_v cap._n 25._o and_o that_o you_o may_v perceive_v the_o affection_n of_o a_o true_a prayer_n i_o will_v produce_v to_o you_o not_o my_o own_o but_o st._n antony_n sense_n of_o it_o who_o we_o have_v know_v to_o have_v sometime_o so_o persist_v in_o prayer_n that_o he_o frequent_o pray_v in_o a_o excess_n of_o mind_n when_o the_o sun_n begin_v to_o rise_v we_o have_v hear_v he_o in_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n cry_v out_o why_o do_v thou_o hinder_v i_o o_o sun_n who_o do_v now_o rise_v to_o withdraw_v i_o from_o the_o splendour_n of_o this_o true_a light_n who_o also_o be_v this_o celestial_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a sentence_n concern_v the_o end_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o perfect_a prayer_n in_o which_o a_o monk_n do_v understand_v menon_n understand_v by_o prayer_n these_o man_n understand_v a_o elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o they_o who_o have_v observe_v how_o much_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v affect_v and_o take_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o much_o inferior_a object_n will_v not_o so_o confident_o censure_v this_o though_o they_o never_o have_v experience_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o themselves_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o plato_n have_v say_v of_o oratory_n in_o menon_n even_o this_o itself_o that_o he_o pray_v cap._n 31._o they_o only_o with_o most_o pure_a eye_n do_v behold_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o ascend_v from_o low_a and_o earthly_a work_n and_o thought_n do_v retire_v with_o he_o into_o the_o high_a mount_n of_o solitude_n who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o tumult_n of_o all_o earthly_a thought_n and_o perturbation_n and_o separate_v from_o all_o mixture_n of_o vice_n elevate_v with_o a_o most_o pure_a faith_n and_o eminence_n of_o virtue_n do_v reveal_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o clarity_n to_o those_o who_o be_v meet_v to_o behold_v he_o with_o pure_a aspect_n of_o soul_n etc._n etc._n coll._n 10._o c._n 6._o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o a_o solitary_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v all_o his_o intention_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o possess_v in_o this_o body_n a_o image_n of_o future_a beatitude_n and_o begin_v in_o this_o vessel_n to_o foretaste_a the_o earnest_n of_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o glory_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o the_o mind_n so_o extenuate_v or_o refine_a from_o all_o carnal_a dust_n may_v be_v daily_o elevate_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n till_o all_o its_o conversation_n all_o its_o volutation_n of_o heart_n may_v become_v one_o continual_a prayer_n and_o as_o i_o say_v a_o little_a before_o all_o our_o love_n all_o our_o desire_n all_o our_o study_n all_o our_o endeavour_n all_o our_o cogitation_n all_o that_o we_o see_v all_o that_o we_o speak_v all_o that_o we_o hope_v may_v be_v god_n and_o that_o unity_n which_o now_o be_v of_o the_o father_n with_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n may_v be_v transfuse_v into_o our_o sense_n and_o mind_n that_o be_v that_o as_o he_o
do_v beat_v back_o my_o weak_a sight_n shine_v vehement_o upon_o i_o and_o i_o tremble_v with_o love_n and_o horror_n and_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o in_o the_o region_n of_o dissimilitude_n or_o unlikeness_n as_o if_o i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n from_o on_o high_a i_o be_o the_o food_n of_o grow_v person_n grow_v and_o thou_o shall_v feed_v on_o i_o nor_o shall_v thou_o change_v i_o into_o thou_o as_o the_o food_n of_o thy_o flesh_n but_o thou_o shall_v be_v change_v into_o i_o and_o i_o know_v that_o for_o iniquity_n thou_o do_v tutor_v man_n and_o make_v my_o soul_n to_o pine_v away_o like_o a_o spider_n and_o i_o say_v be_v truth_n nothing_o because_o it_o be_v diffuse_v neither_o through_o finite_a nor_o through_o infinite_a space_n and_o thou_o cry_v from_o a_o far_o yes_o indeed_o i_o be_o that_o i_o am._n and_o i_o hear_v as_o it_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o doubt_n at_o all_o left_a and_o i_o can_v easy_o doubt_v that_o i_o be_v alive_a than_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o which_o be_v see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v 7_o confess_v c._n 10._o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v note_v out_o of_o these_o and_o other_o of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o ancient_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v very_o cautious_a not_o to_o express_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o profane_a or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a according_a to_o our_o saviour_n admonition_n mat._n 7.6_o and_o out_o of_o that_o caution_n and_o a_o like_a caution_n to_o avoid_v all_o ostentation_n and_o secure_v their_o humility_n be_v more_o spare_v in_o their_o expression_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o their_o write_n than_o those_o of_o after-age_n who_o by_o degree_n begin_v to_o write_v more_o open_o and_o at_o last_o to_o compose_v whole_a book_n of_o what_o be_v before_o teach_v more_o secret_o to_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a by_o this_o taste_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o holy_a people_n together_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o excellent_a person_n as_o be_v contempory_o with_o they_o and_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o manner_n and_o exercise_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rashness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o many_o of_o late_a time_n who_o have_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o despise_v vilify_v and_o reproach_v the_o monastic_a state_n in_o general_a and_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o such_o as_o have_v industrious_o endeavour_v to_o rake_v up_o all_o the_o dirt_n and_o raise_v all_o the_o calumny_n and_o slander_n they_o can_v against_o they_o if_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o in_o late_a time_n have_v increase_v among_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v provoke_v the_o indignation_n of_o man_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o must_v the_o whole_a state_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v condemn_v for_o they_o if_o the_o serpent_n cast_v out_o a_o flood_n of_o false_a and_o hypocritical_a pretender_n such_o as_o those_o describe_v by_o piammon_n before_o pag._n 59_o and_o hierom_n pag._n 65._o call_v sarabite_n and_o remoboth_n to_o drown_v and_o obscure_v the_o excellence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a do_v it_o become_v christian_n to_o help_v the_o serpent_n in_o that_o attempt_n there_o be_v also_o say_v st._n austin_n who_o be_v false_a monk_n and_o we_o have_v know_v such_o sed_fw-la non_fw-la periit_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la pia_fw-la propter_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la profitentur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la but_o the_o pious_a fraternity_n be_v not_o therefore_o lose_v because_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o in_o psal_n 132._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n he_o note_v such_o a_o mixture_n among_o they_o and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o who_o censure_n all_o for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o some_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o action_n of_o too_o many_o of_o that_o order_n which_o may_v be_v note_v even_o from_o the_o time_n of_o diotrephes_n but_o especial_o after_o they_o become_v not_o only_o secure_v but_o great_o honour_v by_o christian_a prince_n and_o emperor_n or_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n by_o what_o have_v be_v act_v by_o some_o among_o they_o or_o even_o of_o christianity_n by_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o too_o many_o call_v christian_n how_o unreasonable_a will_v that_o be_v if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o admire_v even_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o censure_v and_o condemn_v by_o none_o but_o infidel_n heretic_n and_o apostate_n only_o one_o synesius_n be_v set_v up_o against_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o all_o the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n athanasius_n basil_n nazianzen_n chrysostom_n ambrose_n austin_n and_o innumerable_a more_o and_o who_o be_v this_o synesius_n a_o bishop_n indeed_o and_o a_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o as_o a_o learned_a doctor_n of_o this_o church_n and_o no_o friend_n to_o enthusiasm_n have_v observe_v a_o better_a platonist_n than_o sound_a christian_a one_o who_o live_v among_o they_o and_o yet_o very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a in_o they_o one_o who_o pass_v a_o harsh_a censure_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o in_o it_o give_v a_o remarkable_a testimony_n for_o they_o he_o know_v indeed_o what_o every_o rustic_a can_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o they_o practise_v themselves_o and_o recommend_v to_o other_o temperance_n and_o continence_n and_o great_a austerity_n and_o thereof_o he_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a witness_n but_o the_o reason_n thereof_o he_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o call_v their_o way_n of_o live_v barbarous_a adamantine_a and_o contrary_a to_o humane_a nature_n a_o ample_a testimony_n right_o understand_v he_o know_v their_o diligent_a labour_n and_o work_n and_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o thereof_o be_v a_o undeniable_a witness_n but_o how_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o twist_v of_o reed_n and_o make_v of_o basket_n that_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v he_o know_v that_o they_o have_v great_a regard_n to_o motion_n impulse_n transport_v etc._n etc._n and_o thereof_o he_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n but_o what_o to_o make_v of_o they_o he_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o think_v that_o they_o do_v thereby_o hope_n for_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n he_o know_v that_o they_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o thereof_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n but_o what_o they_o be_v he_o understand_v not_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v attain_v any_o such_o knowledge_n without_o learning_n and_o study_n and_o therefore_o think_v they_o do_v very_o arrogant_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n than_o other_o have_v and_o what_o wonder_v if_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o the_o know_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o acquaint_v with_o such_o mystery_n and_o secret_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a but_o reveal_v unto_o babe_n than_o some_o of_o our_o learned_a doctor_n be_v at_o this_o time_n undoubted_o have_v those_o great_a man_n mention_v before_o no_o way_n inferior_a to_o this_o in_o any_o part_n of_o learning_n understand_v no_o more_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o he_o do_v they_o have_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n or_o have_v he_o understand_v as_o much_o as_o they_o he_o have_v be_v of_o they_o and_o so_o much_o for_o synesius_n a_o very_a competent_a witness_n of_o what_o he_o know_v in_o this_o case_n but_o a_o most_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o what_o he_o understand_v not_o if_o we_o come_v near_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o monastery_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o dissolution_n stow_n the_o historian_n write_v of_o the_o year_n 1536._o 28._o hen._n 8._o say_v the_o poor_a do_v much_o lament_v the_o downfall_n of_o monastery_n for_o the_o great_a hospitality_n which_o be_v keep_v there_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o till_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o monastery_n there_o be_v no_o law_n in_o england_n to_o enforce_v any_o man_n to_o pay_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o way_n of_o temporal_a coercion_n the_o stat._n of_o ed._n 1._o call_v the_o stat._n de_fw-fr asportatis_fw-la religiosorum_fw-la recite_v it_o to_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o build_v monastery_n that_o hospitality_n and_o almsgiving_n may_v be_v exercise_v and_o the_o sick_a and_o feeble_n maintain_v the_o clergy_n then_o scarce_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v proprietor_n but_o rather_o vsufructuarii_a and_o as_o mr._n selden_n say_v that_o parsonage_n and_o vicarage_n be_v elemosynae_fw-la laicorum_fw-la so_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v use_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o reserve_n for_o the_o laity_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o poverty_n again_o that_o be_v the_o surplus_n be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v always_o to_o be_v deduct_v the_o maintenance_n of_o he_o who_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o quality_n of_o his_o person_n order_n and_o function_n this_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o very_a good_a friend_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o late_a lord_n chancellor_n finch_n but_o as_o to_o the_o monastery_n certain_o that_o be_v a_o excellent_a provision_n for_o the_o poor_a where_o they_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o corporal_a alm_n and_o such_o as_o it_o seem_v do_v not_o fail_v till_o the_o last_o so_o that_o we_o need_v no_o law_n for_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a till_o the_o monastery_n be_v dissolve_v which_o be_v that_o sin_n whereof_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a mr._n joseph_n meed_n say_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a which_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o be_v account_v no_o sin_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o god_n ever_o pass_v by_o without_o some_o visible_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n ep._n 14._o p._n 760._o v._n ep._n 58._o p._n 829._o disc_n 2._o p._n 15_o 17._o &_o disc_n 27._o p._n 119_o ..._o and_o the_o judgement_n he_o think_v begin_v upon_o some_o v._n p._n 17._o &_o 829._o and_o expect_v more_o to_o follow_v and_o since_o the_o righteous_a god_n be_v a_o severe_a revenger_n of_o the_o indignity_n and_o injury_n do_v to_o his_o saint_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v think_v to_o have_v less_o regard_n to_o sacred_a person_n than_o to_o sacred_a thing_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a defect_n of_o pious_a and_o a_o complete_a christian_a education_n which_o be_v now_o notorious_a in_o our_o university_n and_o that_o blindness_n and_o spirit_n of_o sloth_n and_o slumber_n which_o from_o thence_o seem_v to_o have_v seize_v and_o possess_v all_o rank_n and_o quality_n of_o person_n and_o party_n among_o we_o may_v not_o be_v a_o special_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o that_o universal_a prejudice_n and_o contempt_n which_o upon_o the_o scandal_n of_o some_o the_o profane_a sacrilegious_a impiety_n of_o other_o and_o the_o inconsiderate_a rashness_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o many_o more_o have_v raise_v against_o it_o finis_fw-la