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
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
love_v we_o with_o a_o pure_a and_o indissoluble_a charity_n we_o also_o may_v be_v join_v to_o he_o in_o a_o perpetual_a and_o inseparable_a charity_n cap._n 7._o for_o the_o attain_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o he_o recommend_v from_o experience_n of_o the_o senior_n the_o continual_a or_o frequent_a mental_a repetion_n of_o that_o verse_n psal_n 70._o deus_fw-la in_o adjutorium_fw-la meum_fw-la intend_v domine_fw-la ad_fw-la adjuvandum_fw-la i_o festina_fw-la in_o our_o liturgy_n o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v we_o o_o lord_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v we_o and_o large_o show_v the_o use_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o special_a occasion_n abbot_n theodore_n concern_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n cassian_n lib._n 5._o he_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o great_a sanctity_n and_o complete_a science_n not_o only_o in_o the_o active_a life_n but_o also_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o acquire_v not_o so_o much_o by_o study_n of_o read_v or_o humane_a learning_n as_o by_o purity_n of_o heart_n for_o he_o can_v hardly_o either_o understand_v or_o pronounce_v so_o much_o as_o a_o few_o greek_a word_n when_o he_o seek_v the_o explanation_n of_o a_o certain_a obscure_a question_n he_o persist_v indefatigable_o in_o prayer_n seven_o day_n and_o night_n until_o he_o know_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o question_n propose_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n cap._n 33._o when_o certain_a of_o the_o brethren_n admire_v his_o eminent_a light_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v of_o he_o the_o sense_n of_o certain_a scripture_n he_o say_v a_o monk_n desire_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n aught_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o employ_v his_o pain_n upon_o book_n of_o commentator_n but_o rather_o restrain_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o industry_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o bent_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o purify_n of_o his_o carnal_a affection_n which_o be_v expel_v present_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o veil_n of_o his_o passion_n be_v once_o remove_v will_v begin_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o to_o contemplate_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v not_o publish_v to_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v unintelligible_a and_o obscure_a but_o they_o become_v obscure_a by_o our_o fault_n the_o veil_n of_o sin_n overclouding_a the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v again_o restore_v to_o their_o natural_a sanity_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v even_o alone_o abundant_o suffice_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o true_a knowledge_n nor_o will_v they_o need_v the_o instruction_n of_o commentary_n as_o these_o eye_n of_o flesh_n need_v the_o doctrine_n of_o none_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v free_a from_o suffusion_n and_o dimness_n of_o sight_n for_o therefore_o be_v there_o so_o great_a variety_n and_o error_n arisen_a among_o interpreter_n themselves_o because_o the_o most_o run_v to_o interpret_v they_o without_o use_v any_o diligence_n towards_o the_o purgation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o grossness_n or_o uncleanness_n of_o their_o heart_n think_v thing_n divers_a or_o contrary_a either_o to_o faith_n or_o to_o themselves_o they_o can_v not_o comprehend_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n cap._n 34._o for_o this_o see_v in_o smith_n be_v select_a discourse_n the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n abbot_n serapion_n of_o discretion_n cass_n coll._n 2._o cap._n 11._o when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n and_o live_v with_o abbot_n theon_n this_o brutish_a custom_n be_v impose_v upon_o i_o by_o the_o enemy_n that_o after_o i_o have_v eat_v with_o he_o at_o the_o nine_o hour_n i_o do_v every_o day_n secret_o convey_v one_o biscuit_n into_o my_o bosom_n which_o i_o do_v after_o without_o his_o knowledge_n eat_v in_o secret_a which_o theft_n though_o i_o do_v constant_o through_o my_o accustom_a incontinence_n commit_v yet_o when_o i_o have_v gratify_v my_o appetite_n come_v to_o myself_o i_o be_v more_o torment_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o my_o theft_n than_o satisfy_v with_o what_o i_o have_v eat_v and_o when_o i_o be_v every_o day_n compel_v to_o the_o grief_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o perform_v that_o most_o troublesome_a work_n impose_v as_o it_o be_v by_o pharaoh_n taskmaster_n instead_o of_o brick_n upon_o i_o nor_o can_v extricate_v myself_o from_o this_o their_o most_o cruel_a tyranny_n and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v to_o discover_v the_o secret_a theft_n to_o my_o senior_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o rescue_v i_o out_o of_o the_o yoke_n of_o this_o captivity_n that_o certain_a brother_n desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o cell_n of_o the_o senior_n for_o edification_n sake_n and_o when_o they_o be_v refresh_v and_o a_o spiritual_a conference_n be_v begin_v the_o senior_n answer_v to_o their_o question_n discourse_v of_o the_o vice_n of_o gastrimargy_n or_o gluttony_n and_o of_o the_o domination_n and_o slavery_n of_o thought_n keep_v secret_a and_o do_v explain_v their_o nature_n and_o most_o dismal_a power_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v conceal_v i_o by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o conference_n be_v prick_v and_o terrify_v with_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n as_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v for_o that_o cause_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o the_o senior_n i_o begin_v first_o secret_o to_o sigh_v then_o the_o compunction_n of_o my_o heart_n increase_v break_v out_o into_o sigh_n and_o tear_n i_o pull_v the_o biscuit_n which_o by_o that_o evil_a custom_n i_o have_v secret_o steal_v to_o eat_v out_o of_o my_o bosom_n where_o it_o be_v conceal_v and_o profer_v it_o to_o they_o i_o do_v prostrate_a upon_o the_o ground_n with_o supplication_n for_o pardon_n confess_v how_o i_o do_v every_o day_n eat_v in_o secret_a and_o with_o abundance_n of_o tear_n do_v implore_v they_o to_o beg_v my_o absolution_n from_o this_o hard_a bondage_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o say_v the_o senior_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n child_n thy_o confession_n have_v obtain_v thy_o absolution_n though_o i_o hold_v my_o tongue_n for_o thou_o have_v this_o day_n get_v the_o victory_n of_o thy_o enemy_n more_o powerful_o beat_v he_o down_o by_o thy_o confession_n than_o thou_o thyself_o be_v cast_v down_o by_o he_o through_o thy_o concealment_n who_o not_o at_o all_o check_v either_o by_o thy_o own_o or_o any_o other_o reprehension_n thou_o do_v suffer_v to_o domineer_v over_o thou_o till_o now_o but_o now_o after_o this_o thy_o confession_n that_o wicked_a spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o disquiet_v thou_o nor_o shall_v the_o filthy_a serpent_n any_o long_o hold_v a_o hide_v place_n in_o thou_o be_v drawnout_a into_o the_o light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o a_o salutary_a confession_n the_o senior_n have_v not_o finish_v these_o word_n and_o behold_v a_o burn_a lamp_n proceed_v from_o my_o side_n so_o fill_v the_o cell_n with_o the_o smell_n of_o brimstone_n that_o the_o stink_n of_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o remain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o senior_n resume_v his_o admonition_n behold_v say_v he_o our_o lord_n have_v visible_o prove_v to_o thou_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o word_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v with_o thy_o eye_n the_o instigator_n of_o thy_o affection_n drive_v out_o of_o thy_o heart_n by_o a_o salubrious_a confession_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o detect_v enemy_n shall_v no_o long_o at_o all_o have_v place_n in_o thou_o by_o his_o manifest_a expulsion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o senior_n the_o domination_n of_o that_o diabolical_a tyranny_n in_o i_o be_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o confession_n extinct_a and_o for_o ever_o lay_v so_o that_o the_o enemy_n never_o after_o attempt_v to_o inject_v so_o much_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o concupiscence_n nor_o have_v i_o ever_o after_o feel_v myself_o assault_v by_o any_o instigation_n of_o that_o thievish_a desire_n in_o this_o manner_n therefore_o may_v we_o most_o easy_o come_v to_o the_o science_n of_o true_a discretion_n if_o follow_v the_o tract_n of_o the_o senior_n we_o presume_v neither_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n new_a nor_o to_o determine_v it_o by_o our_o own_o judgement_n but_o walk_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o their_o tradition_n or_o probity_n of_o life_n shall_v inform_v we_o in_o which_o institution_n be_v settle_v any_o one_o may_v not_o only_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a reason_n of_o discretion_n but_o remain_v safe_a against_o all_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o enemy_n for_o by_o no_o other_o vice_n do_v the_o devil_n draw_v a_o religious_a person_n so_o headlong_o to_o destruction_n as_o when_o he_o do_v persuade_v he_o neglect_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o senior_n to_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