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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n know_v true_a truth_n 7,323 5 5.7216 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A79974 Christian rvles proposed to a vertuous soule aspiring to holy perfection, vvhereby shee may regulate both her time, and actions for the obtaining of her happy end. / By her faithfull frend. VV.C. W. C. (William Clifford), d. 1670. 1659 (1659) Wing C4710; ESTC R171392 155,609 555

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ceremony_n and_o service_n of_o the_o holy_a mass_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v plain_o inform_v how_o significant_o we_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n by_o this_o silence_n of_o some_o principal_a action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o life_n as_o may_v appear_v first_o by_o the_o prayer_n or_o secret_a before_o the_o preface_n whereby_o we_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o that_o prayer_n which_o jesus-christ_n do_v thrice_o repeat_v in_o the_o garden_n there_o pray_v private_o unto_o his_o heavenly_a father_n prostrate_v upon_o the_o ground_n in_o that_o his_o bitter_a agony_n of_o sweat_a water_n and_o blood_n immediate_o before_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o curse_a judas_n luke_n 22._o and_o as_o for_o that_o other_o long_a silence_n follow_v the_o preface_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o consecration_n it_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o admirable_a &_o prodigious_a quiet_a patience_n of_o this_o divine_a &_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o all_o the_o cr●ell_a torment_n of_o his_o most_o painful_a death_n and_o passion_n prophesy_v of_o he_o so_o long_o before_o by_o esaie_n 53.7_o as_o a_o sheep_n to_o slaughter_n shall_v he_o be_v lead_v &_o as_o a_o lamb_n before_o his_o shearer_n he_o shall_v be_v dumb_a and_o shall_v not_o open_v his_o mouth_n this_o silence_n also_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o terror_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n so_o great_o doubt_v and_o stagger_v in_o their_o faith_n from_o that_o very_a time_n of_o his_o suffering_n till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n during_o which_o space_n they_o all_o keep_v private_a and_o secret_a out_o of_o sight_n the_o priest_n pray_v secret_o also_o at_o other_o time_n and_o with_o a_o low_a voice_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o several_a private_a retreat_n which_o this_o our_o most_o merciful_a lord_n and_o gracious_a redeemer_n jesus_n be_v accustom_v to_o make_v in_o solitude_n separate_v from_o all_o company_n frequent_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o private_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o you_o see_v that_o silence_n in_o this_o holy_a sacrifice_n be_v not_o without_o pious_a mystery_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ceremony_n in_o the_o mass_n which_o serve_v not_o either_o for_o great_a solemnity_n of_o this_o most_o holy_a sacrifice_n or_o to_o increase_v the_o people_n devotion_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v but_o read_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o devout_a and_o holy_a mystery_n and_o serious_o observe_v the_o same_o the_o five_o rule_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o certain_a select_a virtue_n most_o conduce_v to_o christian_a perfection_n wherein_o be_v also_o propose_v pious_a practice_n for_o several_a occasion_n in_o the_o day_n the_o two_o former_a rule_n instruct_v we_o how_o to_o render_v due_a honour_n and_o homage_n unto_o god_n both_o by_o prayer_n and_o by_o sacrifice_n it_o follow_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n that_o the_o next_o shall_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o pay_v he_o the_o like_a due_a tribute_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o which_o end_n you_o have_v in_o this_o rule_n the_o several_a exercise_n of_o such_o choice_n virtue_n as_o may_v be_v conceive_v most_o needful_a for_o a_o virtuous_a soul_n aspire_v to_o perfection_n but_o before_o i_o speak_v of_o any_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o most_o needful_a and_o profitable_a virtue_n for_o your_o practice_n you_o must_v first_o consider_v wherein_o it_o be_v that_o you_o find_v your_o chief_a frailty_n and_o weakness_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o second_o what_o be_v your_o particular_a state_n and_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o for_o by_o this_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v what_o virtue_n be_v most_o needful_a for_o your_o present_a condition_n or_o by_o what_o vice_n you_o be_v chief_o in_o danger_n to_o fall_v into_o sin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o oppose_v it_o which_o have_v discover_v arm_v yourself_o strong_o against_o that_o pernicious_a enemy_n and_o bend_v all_o your_o whole_a force_n and_o diligence_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o holy_a virtue_n which_o most_o oppose_v it_o as_o for_o example_n if_o you_o find_v that_o pride_n vain_a glory_n or_o self-love_n and_o esteem_v work_v strong_o to_o get_v possession_n in_o your_o hart_n oppose_v they_o vigorous_o by_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o holy_a humility_n abjection_n and_o contempt_n of_o yourself_o if_o intemperance_n assault_v you_o repel_v it_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o moderate_a sobriety_n and_o by_o mortify_v all_o superfluous_a curiosity_n in_o your_o diet_n if_o choler_n and_o angry_a passion_n shall_v surprise_v you_o resist_v it_o by_o patience_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mildness_n and_o meekness_n of_o jesus-christ_n if_o final_o the_o dangerous_a vice_n of_o sloth_n and_o tediousness_n in_o your_o devotion_n shall_v begin_v to_o fasten_v upon_o your_o soul_n call_v present_o to_o god_n with_o much_o fervour_n that_o his_o holy_a grace_n may_v soon_o rëen_o kindle_v in_o you_o the_o ardent_a flame_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n but_o above_o all_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o let_v sterility_n or_o disgust_v in_o your_o prayer_n prevail_v so_o far_o with_o you_o as_o to_o omit_v your_o usual_a and_o accustom_a devotion_n for_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o your_o fidelity_n unto_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o obtain_v you_o a_o blessing_n to_o your_o full_a content_n and_o joy_n the_o like_v you_o must_v also_o observe_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n choose_v ever_o to_o prefer_v such_o virtue_n as_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o obligation_n of_o your_o present_a condition_n before_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o your_o own_o gust_n and_o inclination_n for_o our_o perfection_n say_v the_o b._n bishop_n of_o geneva_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o action_n of_o piety_n but_o in_o the_o well_o do_v of_o those_o to_o which_o our_o particular_a condition_n most_o oblidge_n we_o and_o which_o best_o suit_n with_o our_o present_n and_o proper_a call_n or_o office_n a_o necessary_a advertisement_n for_o the_o true_a solid_a and_o profitable_a practice_n of_o any_o virtue_n which_o we_o most_o desire_v to_o obtain_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o follow_a select_a virtue_n i_o conceive_v it_o very_o requisite_a first_fw-mi here_o to_o give_v you_o in_o general_a this_o necessary_a advertisement_n for_o the_o profitable_a exercise_n of_o any_o virtue_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o the_o speedy_a obtain_n of_o that_o virtue_n which_o we_o most_o desire_v not_o doubt_v to_o assure_v you_o that_o the_o ill_a observance_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o so_o many_o after_o long_a exercise_n and_o innumerable_a act_n of_o such_o virtue_n as_o they_o most_o desire_v to_o obtain_v profit_v very_o little_a therein_o or_o in_o any_o true_a christian_a perfection_n now_o the_o true_a reason_n hereof_o be_v this_o that_o each_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a spirit_n which_o be_v as_o the_o essence_n nature_n and_o as_o the_o very_a soul_n or_o form_n which_o give_v life_n and_o perfect_v the_o action_n we_o endeavour_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o frame_v in_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o right_a practice_n of_o that_o virtue_n such_o due_a disposition_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n require_v and_o without_o which_o precedent_a disposition_n the_o virtue_n be_v but_o mere_o superficial_a and_o exterior_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v first_o to_o know_v and_o well_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o what_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o such_o a_o virtue_n or_o wherein_o consist_v the_o essence_n and_o true_a nature_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v practice_v each_o virtue_n in_o its_o own_o proper_a spirit_n that_o be_v to_o have_v a_o true_a interior_a feeling_n thereof_o and_o that_o as_o we_o exterior_o procure_v the_o action_n of_o the_o virtue_n so_o we_o may_v practice_v in_o the_o interior_a of_o our_o hart_n the_o virtue_n itself_o without_o which_o the_o exterior_a nothing_o at_o all_o avail_v this_o interior_a disposition_n be_v to_o all_o virtuous_a action_n as_o be_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n and_o as_o the_o root_n from_o which_o the_o tree_n receive_v life_n and_o nourishment_n yea_o it_o be_v as_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o origine_fw-la and_o life_n of_o all_o christian_a and_o virtuous_a action_n this_o great_a truth_n will_v yet_o much_o more_o manifest_o appear_v by_o consider_v serious_o how_o small_a progress_n in_o virtue_n be_v make_v by_o the_o only_a exterior_a practice_n thereof_o if_o the_o interior_a disposition_n be_v want_v as_o by_o this_o particular_a example_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n it_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v and_o it_o will_v serve_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o obtain_v they_o by_o practice_n true_a
disorder_a passion_n and_o affection_n which_o most_o incline_v you_o to_o sin_n and_o principal_o make_v good_a reflection_n upon_o those_o fault_n commit_v against_o your_o resolution_n make_v that_o day_n in_o your_o morning_n prayer_n as_o also_o upon_o such_o affect_a venial_a sin_n as_o frequent_o be_v commit_v by_o deliberate_a &_o free_a consent_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v idle_a &_o unprofitable_a word_n trifle_a untreuthe_n 'slight_o contempt_n or_o aversion_n small_a calumny_n &_o murmuration_n against_o superior_n or_o other_o sloth_n to_o refist_n distraction_n in_o prayer_n negligence_n and_o cooldnesse_n in_o frequent_v sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o devotion_n do_v all_o rather_o by_o custom_n and_o without_o fruit_n for_o want_v of_o virtuous_a endeavour_n vanity_n &_o secret_a self-esteeme_a toomuch_a inclination_n &_o industry_n to_o seek_v our_o own_o ease_n &_o commodity_n neglect_v our_o christian_a perfection_n self-love_n in_o our_o action_n &_o and_o the_o 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the_o same_o &_o i_o now_o offer_v up_o my_o life_n and_o death_n my_o body_n and_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o they_o both_o in_o satisfaction_n for_o all_o my_o grievous_a sin_n &_o i_o most_o humble_o crave_v that_o i_o whole_o trust_v in_o thy_o infinite_a great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o by_o the_o sacred_a merit_n of_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n thou_o will_v pardon_v i_o as_o i_o do_v all_o who_o any_o way_n have_v injury_v i_o and_o vouchsafe_v i_o thy_o holy_a grace_n to_o amend_v a_o final_a perseverance_n in_o the_o same_o until_o my_o end_n these_o our_o devotion_n before_o bed_n be_v end_v we_o must_v retire_v ourselves_o in_o that_o devout_a recollection_n from_o all_o company_n the_o best_a we_o can_v to_o our_o quiet_a repose_n without_o dissipate_v our_o hart_n by_o any_o further_a needless_a discourse_n or_o idle_a conversation_n but_o begin_v now_o to_o undress_n our_o self_n and_o to_o put_v off_o our_o clothes_n we_o must_v call_v to_o 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this_o innocent_a pastime_n do_v much_o rather_o resemble_v puritanical_a cruelty_n than_o any_o virtue_n or_o true_a christian_a devotion_n which_o come_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v in_o that_o severe_a spirit_n of_o cruelty_n and_o rigour_n but_o in_o his_o spirit_n by_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v sweet_o dispose_v wisd_v 8._o now_o as_o concern_v your_o ordinary_a devotion_n if_o leisure_n and_o good_a commodity_n will_v permit_v after_o your_o daily_a morning_n prayer_n and_o other_o usual_a devotion_n make_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a spiritual_a lecture_n say_v your_o even_o song_n also_o after_o dinner_n and_o hear_v some_o good_a exhortation_n if_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v and_o let_v not_o the_o whole_a day_n pass_v without_o some_o good_a work_n as_o in_o visit_v some_o sick_a person_n or_o to_o comfort_v such_o as_o either_o corporal_o or_o spiritual_o may_v most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o your_o help_n or_o final_o to_o exercise_v at_o the_o least_o some_o 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