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he_o may_v as_o with_o familiar_n converse_v with_o we_o god_n to_o god_n unite_a and_o make_v know_v etc._n etc._n to_o make_v this_o remarkable_a discourse_n the_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a it_o may_v be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o add_v some_o brief_a note_n out_o of_o the_o greek_a commentator_n nicetas_n and_o psellus_n upon_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n word_n be_v this_o i_o will_v keep_v my_o mind_n pure_a and_o entire_a from_o all_o worldly_a care_n and_o will_v fly_v into_o a_o certain_a security_n very_o firm_a and_o as_o a_o think_v raise_v on_o high_a and_o thence_o will_v i_o observe_v what_o god_n will_v speak_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n nicetas_n n._n 1._o stand_o signify_v firmness_n and_o constancy_n and_o a_o state_n unmoved_a and_o unmoveable_a to_o mean_a thing_n speculate_v a_o accurate_a and_o agreeable_a contemplation_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o impetus_fw-la or_o earnestness_n wherewith_o the_o mind_n be_v carry_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n for_o so_o he_o who_o do_v emerge_n out_o of_o the_o grossness_n of_o corporal_a thing_n at_o first_o go_v the_o middle_a way_n which_o be_v call_v animal_n but_o afterward_o the_o more_o sublime_a which_o be_v call_v spiritual_a psell_n the_o watch_n or_o guard_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o every_o one_o soul_n according_a to_o which_o he_o do_v receive_v divine_a vision_n in_o a_o certain_a proportion_n for_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v raise_v himself_o by_o high_a contemplation_n he_o will_v err_v he_o call_v it_o power_n because_o every_o soul_n raise_v up_o to_o a_o divine_a simplicity_n and_o converse_v immediate_o with_o divine_a vision_n themselves_o use_v those_o kind_n of_o sight_n free_o and_o according_a to_o this_o power_n condescend_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o his_o auditor_n etc._n etc._n he_o call_v it_o speculation_n because_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o measure_v divine_a vision_n by_o the_o will_n but_o by_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n and_o measure_n of_o its_o purgation_n psell_n 9_o what_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o sensible_fw-fr that_o god_n be_v in_o intellectual_n for_o as_o it_o do_v illuminate_v the_o visible_a world_n he_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o invisible_a moreover_o as_o it_o make_v those_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o bright_a so_o he_o make_v they_o divine_a and_o deiform_a nicetas_n the_o presence_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o divine_a splendour_n convert_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o glory_n and_o contemplation_n from_o many_o and_o various_a opinion_n and_o imagination_n to_o that_o which_o true_o be_v that_o be_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n nicetas_n for_o what_o the_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o body_n this_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o therefore_o to_o behold_v the_o lightning_n when_o it_o break_v out_o there_o be_v need_n of_o good_a eye_n so_o also_o for_o this_o that_o we_o
ascetick_n or_o the_o heroic_a piety_n &_o virtue_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a anchoret_n and_o coenobite_n part_n i._n exemplary_a ascetick_n london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1696._o advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a subtle_a and_o wicked_a policy_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o evil_a man_n first_o to_o render_v name_n odious_a and_o then_o by_o affix_v they_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n thereby_o to_o render_v they_o so_o too_o with_o the_o vulgar_a who_o by_o that_o mean_n they_o impose_v upon_o and_o make_v their_o tool_n by_o such_o mean_n have_v not_o only_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a but_o also_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v much_o injure_v and_o abuse_v and_o few_o party_n there_o be_v who_o have_v not_o one_o time_n or_o other_o smart_v by_o it_o that_o the_o well-meaning_a reader_n therefore_o may_v not_o be_v so_o abuse_v and_o impose_v upon_o in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o put_v together_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o who_o can_v receive_v they_o by_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o monkery_n and_o popery_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o popery_n take_v proper_o for_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v deserve_v all_o the_o odium_n cast_v upon_o it_o yet_o may_v most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a abuse_n be_v commit_v by_o pretence_n and_o imputation_n of_o that_o odious_a name_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o the_o people_n have_v be_v more_o abuse_v by_o popery_n itself_o or_o by_o the_o odium_n and_o imputation_n of_o the_o name_n and_o not_o only_o the_o people_n but_o the_o gospel_n itself_o i_o may_v add_v and_o the_o reformation_n too_o for_o while_o christian_a truth_n have_v be_v misrepresent_v and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o odium_n under_o the_o name_n of_o popery_n the_o cause_n on_o the_o side_n of_o popery_n be_v support_v strengthen_v and_o make_v so_o much_o the_o more_o defensible_a by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o so_o much_o truth_n and_o the_o cause_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o reformation_n so_o much_o the_o more_o weaken_a and_o disparage_v by_o the_o intermixture_n of_o so_o much_o indefensible_a error_n whereas_o if_o they_o be_v only_a thing_n inexcusable_a in_o they_o which_o be_v question_v as_o charity_n do_v require_v they_o must_v have_v sink_v in_o the_o cause_n long_o before_o this_o but_o a_o indiscreet_a affectation_n of_o reformation_n and_o uncharitable_a seek_v occasion_n have_v make_v a_o reformation_n now_o as_o needful_a on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o this_o may_v be_v show_v in_o divers_a particular_n but_o i_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o my_o way_n for_o that_o the_o other_o name_v mention_v may_v serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n here_o monkery_n be_v not_o only_o render_v odious_a as_o of_o itself_o but_o also_o as_o a_o part_n of_o popery_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o imagine_v all_o that_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v popery_n it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o then_o we_o shall_v leave_v little_a of_o true_a christianity_n for_o the_o reformation_n but_o if_o what_o be_v true_a christianity_n be_v not_o popery_n than_o neither_o be_v monkery_n as_o some_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o monastic_a life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a christianity_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o great_a perfection_n that_o mortal_n be_v capable_a of_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v will_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o who_o will_v consider_v what_o here_o follow_v with_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o competent_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v more_o here_o but_o only_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o have_v peruse_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o contemplative_a live_n and_o religious_a society_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n some_o principle_n of_o inclination_n to_o religion_n which_o if_o not_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a education_n or_o other_o unhappy_a occurrence_n do_v insensible_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o in_o due_a time_n exert_v themselves_o in_o action_n though_o for_o some_o time_n they_o lie_v dormant_a as_o it_o be_v and_o do_v not_o appear_v even_o as_o some_o other_o which_o in_o all_o animal_n be_v manifest_o most_o natural_a and_o yet_o appear_v not_o till_o after_o some_o growth_n towards_o maturity_n have_v be_v observe_v believe_v and_o assert_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n both_o in_o ancient_a time_n and_o to_o this_o day_n these_o principle_n have_v among_o mankind_n be_v in_o many_o much_o corrupt_a and_o stifle_v by_o evil_a education_n or_o conversation_n with_o evil_a person_n and_o by_o the_o impression_n energy_n and_o instigation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n but_o in_o other_o again_o much_o cherish_v and_o improve_v not_o only_o by_o good_a education_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o of_o his_o good_a minister_a spirit_n from_o hence_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v produce_v and_o raise_v up_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v as_o light_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o several_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o different_a way_n of_o live_v some_o live_v a_o life_n of_o civil_a conversation_n with_o other_o but_o strict_o conscientious_a walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a as_o be_v say_v of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 6._o or_o to_o speak_v more_o comprehensive_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n before_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o act._n 23.1_o or_o according_a to_o the_o character_n of_o job_n perfect_a and_o upright_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o other_o live_v a_o more_o abstract_a life_n of_o retirement_n and_o contemplation_n abstract_v not_o only_o from_o business_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o from_o ordinary_a conversation_n with_o man_n that_o they_o may_v without_o distraction_n converse_v with_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n and_o other_o again_o live_v a_o kind_n of_o mix_a or_o middle_a life_n between_o these_o two_o avoid_v unnecessary_a business_n and_o incumberance_n and_o exercise_v recollection_n and_o abstraction_n as_o much_o as_o their_o occasion_n will_v permit_v and_o even_o in_o and_o amid_o their_o business_n of_o those_o three_o way_n of_o live_v that_o more_o strict_a and_o contemplative_a life_n be_v believe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n to_o have_v be_v begin_v by_o enos_n or_o in_o his_o time_n and_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o as_o the_o principle_n beforementioned_a be_v apt_a to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n so_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o singular_a note_v concern_v religion_n or_o some_o religious_a institution_n or_o practice_n in_o that_o sacred_a record_n gen._n 4._o ult_n but_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a time_n not_o only_o before_o the_o flood_n but_o also_o for_o some_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n we_o know_v but_o very_o little_a but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o we_o have_v some_o more_o knowledge_n beside_o priest_n and_o profess_a philosopher_n there_o have_v always_o be_v both_o single_a person_n and_o complete_a or_o form_v society_n of_o people_n who_o discern_v the_o vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o solidity_n and_o perminence_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n withdraw_v themselves_o from_o those_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o much_o as_o their_o mortal_a state_n can_v bear_v and_o apply_v themselves_o entire_o to_o the_o contemplation_n and_o prosecution_n of_o those_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n live_v a_o abstract_a and_o angelic_a life_n in_o mortal_a flesh_n in_o holy_a conversation_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n and_o some_o do_v actual_o and_o express_o consecrate_v themselves_o by_o vow_n unto_o the_o special_a service_n of_o god_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v those_o among_o the_o jew_n call_v nazarites_n because_o they_o do_v so_o separate_v themselves_o from_o among_o man_n to_o attend_v upon_o god_n the_o sacred_a history_n numb_a 6._o be_v a_o record_n not_o of_o the_o original_a but_o of_o the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o nazarites_n which_o though_o that_o be_v very_o ancient_a yet_o be_v much_o more_o ancient_a and_o more_o ancient_a than_o any_o man_n can_v tell_v and_o god_n order_v of_o the_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o consecration_n and_o observation_n for_o that_o people_n be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n of_o his_o divine_a approbation_n
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
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
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