be_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o as_o s._n bernard_n say_v as_o man_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n for_o man_n so_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v not_o make_v for_o corporal_a but_o corporal_n for_o spiritual_a 34._o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v beyond_o this_o a_o perfection_n to_o be_v recommend_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o such_o internal_a liver_n who_o grace_n &_o fervour_n have_v render_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o aspire_v to_o it_o the_o which_o the_o same_o s._n bernard_n have_v both_o by_o his_o instruction_n &_o admirable_a example_n deliver_v hypocrates_n say_v he_o do_v teach_v to_o save_v life_n in_o this_o world_n but_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v to_o loose_v life_n he_o that_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v loose_v it_o now_o which_o of_o these_o two_o master_n doâ—_n you_o choose_v to_o follow_v true_o that_o religious_a man_n plain_o show_n who_o he_o choose_v for_o his_o master_n who_o say_v this_o meat_n be_v ill_a for_o the_o eye_n that_o for_o the_o head_n the_o other_o for_o the_o stomach_n &c_n &c_n now_o such_o niceness_n as_o this_o the_o holy_a father_n so_o earnest_o protest_v against_o as_o almost_o to_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o physic_n to_o be_v lawful_a the_o only_a proper_a medicinal_a remedy_n for_o religious_a person_n be_v abstinence_n yea_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o he_o purposely_o make_v choice_n of_o unwholesome_a place_n to_o build_v his_o monastery_n in_o as_o be_v desirous_a that_o his_o religious_a shall_v rather_o be_v infirm_a then_o robustious_a 35._o however_o in_o the_o choice_n &_o use_n of_o diet_n or_o physic_n every_o one_o must_v follow_v that_o divine_a light_n of_o discretion_n which_o god_n give_v they_o always_o avoid_v superfluity_n &_o sometime_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o want_n even_o of_o necessary_n they_o must_v account_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o continue_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o internal_a duty_n though_o after_o another_o manner_n increase_v the_o mortification_n of_o the_o will_v which_o be_v a_o mortification_n far_o more_o pure_a &_o perfect_a though_o they_o be_v force_v to_o allow_v a_o little_a more_o to_o the_o body_n their_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o benefit_n which_o sickness_n bring_v with_o it_o &_o to_o use_v all_o endeavour_n to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o they_o consider_v 1._o that_o they_o have_v a_o continual_a occasion_n of_o exercise_v patience_n &_o resignation_n the_o great_a blessing_n that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n for_o more_o free_a pure_a &_o less_o distract_a recollection_n so_o that_o their_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n do_v inseparable_o attend_v one_o another_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n by_o which_o the_o great_a saint_n have_v more_o sure_o &_o more_o speedy_o advance_v themselves_o to_o perfection_n then_o by_o many_o year_n voluntary_a external_a &_o corporal_a labour_n &_o austerity_n 36._o thaulerus_n have_v a_o say_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o dear_a &_o most_o perfect_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v to_o have_v their_o soul_n full_a of_o the_o divine_a love_n &_o their_o body_n full_a of_o pain_n and_o that_o when_o they_o feel_v no_o pain_n nor_o other_o affliction_n they_o great_o apprehend_v lest_o god_n have_v forget_v they_o but_o their_o comfort_n return_v when_o god_n visit_v ihem_n with_o any_o corporal_a or_o worldly_a affliction_n then_o they_o even_o feel_v that_o it_o stand_v well_o with_o they_o for_o than_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n that_o of_o all_o other_o do_v best_a dispose_n for_o the_o divine_a union_n 37._o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v never_o be_v perfect_o understand_v by_o read_v or_o meditate_v as_o when_o devout_a soul_n themselves_o taste_v of_o the_o like_a then_o they_o see_v and_o comfortable_o taste_v his_o love_n to_o they_o if_o their_o pain_n be_v supportable_a they_o do_v invite_v they_o to_o unite_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o express_a act_n of_o resignation_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o excessive_a that_o they_o become_v incapable_a of_o make_v express_v formal_a prayer_n than_o the_o very_o suffer_v of_o those_o pain_n with_o patience_n &_o peace_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o most_o sublime_a and_o efficacious_a prayer_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o those_o gemitus_fw-la inenarrabiles_fw-la those_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v which_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n suggest_v to_o suffer_v humble_a &_o devout_a soul_n 38._o and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n i_o will_v recommend_v to_o those_o charitable_a person_n that_o do_v attend_v on_o the_o sick_a a_o care_n to_o behave_v themselves_o as_o become_v they_o in_o those_o mortification_n that_o attend_v such_o a_o office_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o the_o passionate_a humour_n of_o their_o patient_n &_o not_o judge_v they_o for_o small_a excess_n that_o they_o will_v free_o &_o charitable_o administer_v what_o shall_v be_v requisite_a to_o their_o present_a state_n be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o those_o that_o have_v leave_v all_o for_o he_o &_o now_o depend_v only_o upon_o he_o he_o will_v rather_o enrich_v they_o more_o for_o their_o charity_n then_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v endamage_v by_o it_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v for_o the_o sick_a patient_n sake_n that_o the_o healthful_a enjoy_v a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n let_v they_o herein_o imitate_v the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n to_o the_o sick_a &_o his_o care_n likewise_o to_o admonish_v their_o attendant_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o 36._o chapter_n of_o his_o rule_n 39_o but_o above_o all_o thing_n a_o devout_a soul_n ought_v to_o judge_v that_o god_n have_v send_v she_o the_o most_o profitable_a trial_n of_o sickness_n not_o to_o the_o end_n to_o discharge_v she_o of_o her_o daily_a recollection_n but_o rather_o that_o she_o may_v pursue_v they_o after_o a_o more_o efficacious_a manner_n probably_n she_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v exact_o her_o former_a appoint_a time_n of_o prayer_n as_o also_o through_o disturbance_n of_o humour_n &_o spirit_n she_o will_v find_v great_a distraction_n yet_o if_o lift_v up_o her_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o she_o can_v she_o offer_v both_o her_o pain_n &_o distraction_n to_o god_n &_o withal_o if_o in_o time_n out_o of_o prayer_n she_o be_v watchful_a over_o herself_o not_o to_o give_v way_n either_o to_o the_o inordinate_a appetite_n or_o impatience_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a state_n of_o resignation_n she_o will_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o her_o prayer_n 40._o a_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o excuse_n for_o neglect_v this_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o prayer_n the_o time_n of_o which_o may_v more_o secure_o be_v observe_v in_o sickness_n then_o in_o health_n for_o who_o will_v trouble_v or_o interrupt_v such_o a_o one_o against_o his_o will_n or_o who_o will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o be_v alone_o or_o to_o rest_v whensoever_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o continue_v conversation_n however_o if_o the_o devout_a soul_n shall_v stand_v in_o need_n she_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o use_v all_o lawful_a foresight_n industry_n excuse_n &_o sleight_n that_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v the_o be_v hinder_v or_o interrupt_v 41._o now_o because_o physic_v inward_o take_v do_v much_o encumber_v the_o stomach_n &_o indispose_v for_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o will_v advise_v the_o sick_a person_n 1._o not_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o seek_v or_o accept_v of_o all_o receipt_n that_o friend_n &_o visitant_n be_v apt_a to_o prescribe_v 2._o when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v physic_n whether_o in_o the_o morning_n or_o evening_n so_o to_o order_v his_o time_n as_o not_o to_o take_v it_o till_o he_o have_v perform_v his_o appoint_a recollection_n 3._o not_o to_o receive_v physic_n no_o nor_o repast_n oft_o or_o more_o than_o shall_v be_v necessary_a not_o too_o much_o neglect_v the_o body_n but_o yet_o be_v careful_a rather_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o spirit_n let_v our_o patient_n therefore_o stout_o resist_v the_o invitation_n &_o tenderness_n of_o friend_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o urge_v he_o to_o eat_v more_o or_o often_o than_o shall_v be_v needful_a and_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v receive_v let_v he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n &_o for_o his_o sake_n neither_o with_o avidity_n if_o it_o be_v please_v to_o nature_n nor_o with_o murmur_v if_o displease_v 42_o it_o will_v be_v exceed_o difficult_a during_o pain_n or_o any_o great_a infirmity_n to_o use_v discursive_a meditation_n the_o exercise_n of_o act_n of_o the_o will_v &_o much_o more_o of_o aspiration_n be_v a_o far_o more_o proper_a prayer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n therefore_o
divine_a light_n by_o which_o their_o understanding_n have_v be_v illustrate_v &_o that_o divine_a love_n by_o which_o their_o will_n &_o affection_n adhere_v continual_o to_o god_n they_o be_v render_v incapable_a either_o of_o contemplate_v god_n except_o only_o as_o a_o severe_a judge_n &_o avenger_n or_o consequent_o of_o afford_v he_o any_o degree_n of_o love_n on_o the_o contrary_a both_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v only_o employ_v on_o themselves_o or_o on_o creature_n for_o their_o own_o natural_a carnal_a interest_n or_o pleasure_n &_o this_o with_o such_o a_o violent_a obstinacy_n &_o firmness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o by_o any_o force_n leave_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o raise_v their_o love_n towards_o god_n be_v once_o so_o impetuous_o precipitate_v from_o he_o towards_o themselves_o 5._o all_o these_o miserable_a depravation_n have_v be_v cause_v in_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n the_o which_o utter_o &_o irreparable_o disorder_v that_o most_o healthful_a exact_a temper_n of_o their_o bodily_a constitution_n insomuch_o as_o the_o spirit_n &_o humour_n etc._n etc._n which_o before_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o hinder_v their_o exercising_n &_o operation_n towards_o god_n but_o do_v much_o promote_v they_o now_o do_v whole_o dispose_v they_o to_o love_n &_o seek_v themselves_o only_o with_o a_o utter_a aversion_n from_o god_n &_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o divine_a will_n &_o all_o circumstant_fw-la creature_n instead_o of_o be_v step_n to_o raise_v they_o towards_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_n more_o and_o more_o seduce_v their_o affection_n from_o he_o &_o raise_v all_o other_o inordinate_a passion_n displease_v to_o he_o hereby_o in_o lieu_n of_o that_o peaceable_a and_o happy_a condition_n which_o they_o before_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n by_o a_o continual_a union_n with_o god_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_v eternal_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o become_v disquiet_v distract_v and_o even_o tear_v asunder_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o passion_n and_o design_n oft_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o much_o more_o opposite_a to_o god_n so_o that_o by_o fall_v from_o unity_n to_o a_o miserable_a multiplicity_n and_o from_o peace_n to_o a_o endless_a war_n they_o be_v therein_o captive_v by_o the_o devil_n ready_o yield_v to_o all_o his_o suggestion_n hateful_a to_o &_o hate_v god_n &_o so_o contract_v not_o only_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o a_o corporal_a death_n but_o also_o the_o guilt_n &_o right_n to_o a_o eternal_a separation_n from_o god_n after_o death_n in_o that_o lake_n of_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n burn_v for_o ever_o &_o prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n &_o his_o angel_n 6._o now_o the_o whole_a stock_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v thus_o total_o &_o universal_o deprave_a in_o our_o first_o parent_n it_o can_v not_o by_o any_o possible_a natural_a mean_n be_v avoid_v but_o that_o all_o their_o posterity_n shall_v be_v equal_o infect_v &_o poison_v with_o all_o these_o disorder_n all_o which_o be_v increase_v &_o daily_o heighten_v by_o ill_a education_n &_o actual_a transgression_n and_o consequent_o the_o same_o guilt_n both_o of_o temporal_a &_o erernall_a death_n be_v with_o all_o transfuse_v upon_o they_o 7._o but_o almighty_a god_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n pity_v his_o own_o creature_n thus_o ingulf_v in_o utter_a misery_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o adam_n seduce_v by_o his_o &_o our_o common_a enemy_n do_v in_o his_o most_o unspeakable_a mercy_n free_o &_o unasked_a provide_v &_o ordain_v his_o own_o coeternall_a son_n to_o be_v a_o saviour_n unto_o mankind_n who_o by_o his_o most_o bitter_a suffering_n &_o death_n redeem_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n &_o by_o his_o glorious_a life_n &_o resurrection_n have_v obtain_v a_o power_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n communicate_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n &_o sacrament_n &c_n &c_n he_o have_v rectify_v all_o these_o disorder_n shed_v forth_o a_o new_a heavenly_a light_n to_o cure_v the_o blindness_n of_o our_o understanding_n &_o divine_a charity_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o which_o abate_v that_o inordinate_a self-love_n former_o reign_v in_o we_o &_o hereby_o he_o reinstate_v we_o cooperate_n with_o his_o divine_a grace_n &_o persevere_v therein_o to_o a_o new_a right_n unto_o eternal_a happiness_n perhaps_o more_o sublime_a than_o man_n in_o innocency_n be_v destine_v to_o 8._o notwhichstand_v it_o be_v not_o the_o good_a will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n by_o this_o reparation_n to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o same_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n wherein_o adam_n live_v in_o paradise_n and_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n &_o also_o to_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n towards_o we_o for_o certain_o if_o we_o have_v be_v once_o more_o leave_v as_o adam_n be_v in_o the_o free_a power_n of_o our_o own_o will_n that_o be_v in_o so_o casual_a a_o estate_n as_o adam_n be_v &_o assist_v &_o fortify_v with_o no_o strong_a a_o aid_n then_o the_o primitive_a grace_n we_o shall_v again_o have_v irreparable_o forfeit_v all_o our_o happiness_n &_o plunge_v ourselves_o far_o more_o deep_o in_o endless_a misery_n 9_o therefore_o allmightie_a god_n think_v fit_a for_o our_o humiliation_n &_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o continual_a vigilance_n &_o fear_n as_o also_o thereby_o daily_o to_o refresh_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o primitive_a guilt_n &_o our_o thank_n fullnes_n for_o his_o inestimable_a goodness_n to_o leave_v we_o in_o a_o necessity_n of_o incur_v temporal_a death_n which_o we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o look_v on_o as_o a_o punishment_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o as_o a_o freedom_n from_o sin_n &_o a_o gate_n &_o entrance_n to_o eternal_a glory_n moreover_o though_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o have_v abolish_v the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n yet_o he_o have_v suffer_v still_o to_o remain_v in_o we_o many_o bitter_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o which_o shall_v never_o in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o whole_o extinguish_v by_o grace_n or_o our_o holy_a endeavour_n but_o that_o some_o degree_n of_o ignorance_n &_o inclination_n to_o that_o pernicious_a love_n of_o ourselves_o will_v remain_v in_o us._n by_o which_o mean_n we_o be_v preserve_v from_o our_o great_a enemy_n pride_n &_o also_o force_v to_o a_o continual_a watchfullnes_n &_o combat_n against_o ourselves_o &_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n always_o distrust_v ourselves_o &_o rely_v upon_o the_o medicinal_a omnipotent_a regenerate_a grace_n of_o christ_n far_o more_o helpful_a to_o we_o then_o the_o grace_n of_o innocency_n be_v in_o that_o it_o not_o only_o more_o powerful_o incline_v our_o will_n &_o conquer_v the_o actual_a resistance_n of_o they_o by_o make_v they_o free_o cooperate_v with_o it_o whensoever_o they_o do_v cooperate_v for_o it_o take_v not_o away_o our_o liberty_n to_o resist_v but_o like_o wise_a after_o it_o have_v be_v weaken_v by_o venial_a sin_n &_o extinguish_v by_o mortal_a it_o be_v again_o &_o again_o renew_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o prayer_n &c_n &c_n 10._o our_o duty_n therefore_o in_o our_o present_a state_n &_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n must_v be_v constant_o &_o fervent_o to_o cooperate_v with_o divine_a grace_n thereby_o endeavour_v not_o only_a to_o get_v victory_n over_o self-love_n pride_n sensuality_n &c_n &c_n by_o humility_n divine_a love_n &_o all_o other_o virtue_n but_o also_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o any_o limit_a degree_n of_o piety_n &_o holiness_n but_o daily_o to_o aspire_v according_a to_o our_o ability_n assist_v with_o grace_n by_o the_o same_o way_n to_o the_o same_o perfection_n for_o which_o we_o be_v first_o create_v &_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o adam_n in_o innocence_n to_o wit_n a_o utter_a extinguish_n of_o self-love_n &_o all_o affection_n to_o creature_n except_o in_o order_n to_o god_n &_o as_o they_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o beget_v &_o increase_v divine_a love_n in_o we_o &_o a_o continual_a uninterrupt_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o faith_n contemplate_v he_o &_o by_o love_n ever_o adhere_v to_o he_o 11._o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o duty_n &_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o not_o only_o serious_o to_o aspire_v to_o the_o divine_a love_n but_o also_o to_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o suitable_o to_o their_o several_a state_n &_o vocation_n for_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o love_n god_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v that_o be_v as_o the_o only_a object_n of_o her_o love_n &_o as_o the_o only_a universal_a end_n of_o she_o be_v &_o life_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o a_o inseparable_a union_n with_o who_o &_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n the_o use_n &_o comfort_n of_o creature_n be_v permit_v &_o give_v
especial_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prayer_n proper_a for_o that_o state_n reason_n require_v that_o since_o in_o all_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o practise_v the_o end_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o be_v that_o which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v approve_v worthy_a the_o take_n pain_n for_o will_v give_v life_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n conduce_v thereto_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o precise_o of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n the_o which_o indeed_o be_v of_o so_o supreme_a a_o excellence_n and_o divine_a profection_n above_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v design_v or_o seek_v after_o in_o any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o profession_n that_o those_o who_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v it_o and_o palate_n capable_a of_o a_o spiritual_a taste_n of_o it_o will_v think_v no_o difficulty_n no_o tediousness_n no_o bitterness_n or_o labour_n too_o great_a a_o price_n to_o purchase_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v say_v before_o that_o the_o general_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v aspire_v unto_o by_o all_o christian_n and_o much_o more_o those_o who_o more_o special_a profession_n be_v to_o tend_v perfection_n whether_o in_o a_o active_a or_o a_o contemplative_a state_n be_v a_o perfect_a &_o constant_a union_n in_o spirit_n to_o god_n by_o love_n which_o be_v uninterrupt_a perfect_a prayer_n but_o the_o same_o end_n be_v different_o seek_v &_o attain_v by_o active_a and_o by_o contemplative_a spirit_n for_o in_o a_o active_a life_n the_o union_n be_v not_o so_o immediate_a stable_n sublime_a &_o intime_fw-la of_o the_o supreme_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o contemplative_a state_n but_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o active_a liver_n be_v much_o in_o the_o imaginative_a &_o discursive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o be_v likewise_o their_o union_n the_o effect_n indeed_o of_o it_o be_v more_o perceptible_a and_o therefore_o more_o apt_a to_o cause_v admiration_n in_o other_o but_o with_o all_o be_v much_o in_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a nor_o so_o peaceful_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o so_o stable_a nor_o immediate_a as_o be_v that_o of_o contemplative_n the_o charity_n of_o actives_a be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o the_o outward_a effect_n of_o it_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n and_o thereby_o cause_v great_a edification_n they_o be_v with_o all_o frequent_o multiply_v for_o strong_a love_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o labour_n whereas_o the_o deed_n of_o contemplative_a soul_n except_o when_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n call_v they_o to_o exterior_a employment_n be_v but_o few_o and_o in_o appearance_n but_o small_a &_o little_o regard_v or_o esteem_v by_o other_o yet_o those_o mean_a action_n of_o they_o in_o god_n esteem_n may_v be_v prefer_v incomparable_o before_o the_o other_o as_o be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o perfect_a degree_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a as_o proceed_v from_o a_o immediate_a and_o most_o certain_a impulse_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o conduct_n light_n &_o virtue_n such_o soul_n do_v far_o more_o clear_o perceive_v and_o more_o faithful_o &_o constant_o follow_v even_o in_o their_o daily_a and_o ordinary_a practice_n then_o active_a liver_n do_v or_o can_v in_o their_o action_n of_o high_a importance_n last_o the_o charity_n of_o contemplative_n though_o it_o be_v less_o stir_v &_o buisy_n yet_o be_v far_o more_o profound_o root_v in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n cause_v a_o union_n much_o more_o spiritual_a &_o divine_a 5._o s._n bernard_n perfect_o experience_v in_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n writing_n to_o certain_a religious_a father_n of_o the_o carthusian_n order_n profess_v the_o same_o excellent_o express_v this_o union_n in_o these_o word_n aliorum_fw-la est_fw-la deo_fw-la seruire_fw-la vestrum_fw-la adhaerere_fw-la aliorum_fw-la est_fw-la deo_fw-la credere_fw-la scire_fw-la amare_fw-la revereri_fw-la vestrum_fw-la est_fw-la sapere_fw-la intelligere_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la frui_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o other_o that_o live_v active_a life_n either_o in_o the_o world_n or_o religion_n â—o_o serve_v god_n but_o it_o be_v you_o to_o adhere_v inseparable_o unto_o he_o it_o belong_v to_o other_o to_o believe_v to_o know_v to_o love_v to_o adore_v god_n but_o to_o you_o to_o taste_v to_o understand_v to_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o 6._o consonant_o to_o this_o expression_n of_o s._n bernard_n mystic_a writer_n do_v teach_v that_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v the_o attain_v unto_o a_o habitual_a &_o almost_o uninterrupt_a perfect_a union_n with_o god_n in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o fruitive_a possession_n of_o he_o &_o a_o real_a experimental_a perception_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o depth_n &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v full_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o he_o alone_o not_o onâ—y_o all_o deliberate_a affection_n to_o creature_n be_v exclude_v but_o in_o a_o manner_n all_o image_n of_o they_o also_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v distractive_a to_o the_o soul_n 7._o the_o effect_n of_o this_o bless_a perceptible_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o perfect_a soul_n be_v unspeakable_a &_o divine_a for_o he_o be_v in_o they_o both_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n internal_a &_o externall_n be_v the_o life_n of_o their_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o also_o as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o direct_v both_o the_o action_n &_o person_n to_o himself_o only_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o thing_n unto_o they_o a_o light_a to_o direct_v secure_o all_o their_o step_n and_o to_o order_v all_o their_o working_n even_o those_o also_o which_o seem_v the_o most_o indifferent_a the_o which_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v cause_n a_o far_a advancement_n of_o they_o to_o a_o yet_o more_o immediate_a union_n he_o be_v a_o shield_n to_o protect_v they_o in_o all_o tentation_n and_o danger_n a_o internal_a force_n and_o vigour_n within_o they_o to_o make_v they_o do_v &_o suffer_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o his_o pleasure_n be_v they_o shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v they_o not_o only_o believe_v &_o know_v but_o even_o feel_v &_o taste_v he_o to_o be_v the_o universal_a infinite_a good_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o continual_a conversation_n with_o he_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o bless_a state_n of_o a_o perfect_a denudation_n of_o spirit_n to_o a_o absolute_a internal_a solitude_n a_o transcendency_n &_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o create_a thing_n and_o especial_o of_o themselves_o to_o a_o heavenly-mindednes_a &_o fix_a attention_n to_o god_n only_o and_o this_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o employment_n to_o other_o never_o so_o distractive_a and_o final_o to_o a_o gustfull_a knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o a_o strict_a application_n of_o their_o spirit_n by_o love_n above_o knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o fruition_n &_o repose_n in_o he_o with_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o their_o will_n so_o that_o they_o become_v after_o a_o inexpressible_a manner_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yea_o one_o spirit_n one_o will_n one_o love_n with_o he_o be_v in_o a_o sort_n deify_v &_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n hereas_fw-la mortality_n be_v capable_a of_o 8._o to_o this_o purpose_n saih_o the_o same_o s._n bern_n amor_fw-la dei_fw-la vel_fw-la amor_fw-la deus_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_n amori_fw-la hominis_fw-la se_fw-la infundens_fw-la afficit_fw-la eum_fw-la sibi_fw-la &_o amans_fw-la semetipsum_fw-la de_fw-la homine_fw-la deus_fw-la secum_fw-la unum_fw-la efficit_fw-la &_o spiritum_fw-la eius_fw-la &_o amorem_fw-la eius_fw-la that_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o love_v which_o be_v god_n to_o wit_n the_o holy_a ghost_n pour_v himself_o into_o the_o love_n of_o man_n incline_v &_o appli_v mâ—n_z by_o love_n unto_o himself_o and_o thus_o god_n love_v himself_o by_o man_n make_v both_o his_o spirit_n &_o love_v one_o with_o himself_o 9_o a_o most_o bless_a state_n this_o be_v certain_o be_v the_o portion_n choose_v by_o mary_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o call_v optimam_fw-la partem_fw-la the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o divine_a grace_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v in_o this_o life_n and_o wherewith_o he_o enrich_v two_o in_o a_o singular_a mnaner_n those_o his_o most_o high_o favour_v &_o most_o tender_o love_a friend_n s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n and_o s._n mary_n magdalen_n but_o in_o a_o yet_o more_o supereminent_a degree_n his_o own_o most_o heavenly_a virgin-mother_n 10._o happy_a therefore_o be_v those_o soul_n upon_o which_o god_n bestow_v a_o desire_n &_o ambition_n so_o glorious_a as_o serious_o &_o effectual_o to_o tend_v aspire_v and_o endeavour_v
and_o likewise_o the_o security_n and_o benefitt_a of_o be_v but_o true_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n though_o she_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o it_o in_o this_o life_n 6._o first_o therefore_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n must_v needs_o be_v long_o and_o tedious_a even_o to_o soul_n well_o dispose_v thereto_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o education_n for_o to_o other_o it_o be_v a_o way_n unpassable_a with_o out_o extreme_a difficulty_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n that_o by_o she_o own_o experience_n will_v consider_v how_o obstinate_a inflexible_a and_o of_o how_o glewy_a &_o tenacious_a a_o nature_n corrupt_a self-love_n be_v in_o she_o how_o long_o a_o time_n must_v pass_v before_o she_o can_v subdue_v any_o one_o habitual_a ill_a inclination_n &_o affection_n in_o herself_o what_o fall_n &_o rise_v again_o there_o be_v in_o our_o passion_n &_o corrupt_a desire_n in_o somuch_o as_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v quite_o mortify_v &_o almost_o forget_v they_o will_v again_o raise_v themselves_o &_o combat_v we_o with_o as_o great_a or_o perhaps_o great_a violence_n than_o before_o now_o till_o the_o poysonnous_a root_n of_o self-love_n be_v wither_v so_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o knowing_o and_o deliberate_o suffer_v it_o to_o spring_v forth_o &_o bear_v fruit_n for_o utter_o kill_v it_o never_o will_v be_v in_o this_o life_n till_o we_o have_v lose_v at_o least_o all_o affection_n to_o all_o our_o corrupt_a desire_n even_o the_o most_o venial_a which_o be_v almost_o infinite_a perfect_a charity_n will_v never_o reign_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o consequent_o perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n can_v be_v expect_v for_o charity_n live_v &_o grow_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o self-love_n be_v abate_v and_o no_o further_o 7._o soul_n that_o first_o enter_v into_o the_o internal_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o that_o have_v make_v no_o great_a progress_n in_o they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o very_a dim_a light_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o discern_v only_o a_o few_o grosser_n defect_n &_o inordination_n but_o by_o persevere_v in_o the_o exercice_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n this_o light_n will_v be_v increase_v &_o then_o they_o will_v proportionable_o every_o day_n more_o &_o more_o discover_v a_o thousand_o secret_a and_o former_o invisible_a impurity_n in_o their_o intention_n selfe-sekings_a hypocrisy_n and_o close_a design_n of_o nature_n pursue_v she_o own_o corrupt_a design_n in_o the_o very_o best_a action_n cherish_v nature_n one_o way_n when_o she_o mortify_v it_o another_o and_o favour_a pride_n even_o when_o she_o exercise_v humility_n now_o a_o clear_a light_n to_o discover_v all_o these_o almost_o infinite_a depravation_n not_o only_o in_o our_o sensitive_a nature_n but_o also_o in_o the_o superior_a soul_n which_o be_v far_o more_o secret_a manifold_a &_o dangerous_a and_o a_o courage_n with_o success_n to_o combat_n &_o overcome_v they_o must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o long_a continue_a practice_n of_o prayer_n &_o mortification_n 8._o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a knowledge_n or_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o some_o good_a soul_n after_o they_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o internal_a way_n become_v dishearten_v and_o in_o danger_n to_o stop_v or_o quite_o leave_v they_o for_o though_o at_o the_o first_o be_v as_o usual_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o god_n with_o a_o tender_a sensible_a devotion_n which_o our_o holy_a father_n call_v feruorem_fw-la novitium_fw-la they_o do_v with_o much_o zeal_n &_o as_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o with_o good_a effect_n begin_v the_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n &_o prayer_n yet_o afterward_o such_o sensible_a fervour_n &_o tenderness_n cease_v as_o it_o seldom_o fail_v to_o do_v by_o that_o new_a light_n which_o they_o have_v get_v they_o discern_v a_o world_n of_o defect_n former_o undiscovered_a which_o they_o erroneous_o think_v be_v not_o in_o they_o before_o whereupon_o fear_v that_o instead_o of_o make_v progress_n they_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a state_n than_o when_o they_o begin_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n this_o proceed_v from_o a_o preconceive_a mistake_n that_o because_o in_o time_n of_o light_n &_o devotion_n the_o soul_n find_v herself_o carry_v with_o much_o fervour_n to_o god_n and_o perceive_v but_o small_a contradiction_n and_o rebellion_n in_o inferior_a nature_n that_o therefore_o she_o be_v very_o forward_o in_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n whereas_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o conquer_v as_o she_o imagine_v neither_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perfection_n so_o easy_a and_o short_a many_o change_n she_o must_v expect_v many_o rise_n and_o fall_n some_o time_n light_a and_o some_o time_n darkness_n sometime_o calmness_n of_o passion_n and_o present_o after_o it_o may_v be_v fierce_a combat_n than_o before_o and_o these_o succession_n of_o change_n repeat_v god_n know_v how_o oft_o before_o the_o end_n approach_v 9_o yea_o it_o will_v likely_a happen_v to_o such_o soul_n that_o even_o the_o former_o well_o know_v grosser_n defect_n in_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o increase_v and_o to_o grow_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v quelld_v after_o they_o have_v be_v competent_o advance_v in_o internal_a way_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o have_v set_v themselves_o to_o combat_v corrupt_a nature_n in_o all_o her_o perverse_a crooked_a &_o impure_a desire_n and_o be_v sequester_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o find_v themselves_o in_o continual_a wrestle_n and_o agony_n and_o want_n those_o please_a diversion_n conversation_n &_o recreation_n with_o which_o while_o they_o live_v a_o secular_a negligent_a life_n they_o can_v interrupt_v or_o put_v of_o their_o melancholic_a thought_n and_o unquietnes_n but_o if_o they_o will_v take_v courage_n &_o instead_o of_o seek_v ease_n from_o nature_n further_a than_o discretion_n allow_v have_v recourse_n for_o remedy_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n they_o will_v find_v that_o such_o violent_a tentation_n be_v a_o assure_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o secure_a &_o happy_a way_n and_o that_o when_o god_n see_v it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o from_o such_o combat_n with_o victory_n &_o comfort_n 10._o now_o as_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o tediousness_n of_o a_o perfect_a universal_a mortification_n of_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o nature_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o hasty_a perfection_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v expect_v and_o where_o there_o be_v appearance_n of_o extraordinary_a light_n &_o supernatural_a visit_n in_o soul_n not_o thorough_o mortify_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o secret_a exorbitancy_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o such_o soul_n some_o deep_o root_v pride_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n illusion_n so_o that_o then_o state_n be_v very_o dangerous_a the_o like_a will_v appear_v if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o nature_n &_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n which_o be_v perfect_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n do_v consist_v 11._o for_o a_o soul_n must_v 1._o ordinary_o speak_v pass_v through_o the_o way_n of_o external_a and_o imaginary_a exercise_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o which_o she_o must_v tarry_v god_n know_v how_o long_a yea_o with_o out_o a_o discreet_a diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o they_o she_o may_v perhaps_o end_v her_o day_n therein_o 2._o then_o when_o her_o affection_n do_v so_o abound_v and_o be_v sufficient_o ripe_a so_o as_o that_o discourse_n be_v not_o needful_a or_o become_v of_o little_a efficacy_n she_o be_v to_o betake_v herself_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n in_o the_o which_o a_o very_a long_a time_n must_v ordinary_o be_v spend_v before_o she_o can_v chase_v away_o distract_n grosser_n image_n and_o before_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o replenish_v with_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o without_o any_o election_n or_o deliberation_n it_o will_v of_o itself_o almost_o continual_o break_v forth_o into_o aspiration_n &_o pure_a elevation_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n 3._o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o happy_a state_n only_a god_n know_v for_o how_o long_o a_o time_n she_o be_v to_o continue_v therein_o there_o be_v almost_o infinite_a degree_n of_o aspiration_n each_o one_o exceed_v the_o former_a in_o purity_n before_o she_o be_v ripe_a for_o the_o divine_a inaction_n 4._o and_o have_v get_v that_o a_o very_a long_a time_n be_v like_a to_o be_v spend_v very_o oft_o in_o most_o woeful_a obscurity_n and_o desolation_n before_o she_o arrive_v 5._o to_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n now_o all_o these_o degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o proportionable_a degree_n
be_v make_v of_o prosperity_n §_o 8._o 9_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o mortification_n §_o 10._o a_o great_a courage_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o mortification_n §_o 11._o 12._o 13._o 14._o the_o advice_n of_o some_o writer_n to_o raise_v passion_n to_o the_o end_n afterward_o to_o repress_v they_o be_v dangerous_a 1._o natural_o we_o love_v &_o seek_v nothing_o but_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o love_v &_o seek_v we_o be_v our_o own_o last_o end_n refer_v all_o thing_n even_o supernatural_a yea_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o own_o interest_n &_o commodity_n we_o seek_v thing_n please_v only_o to_o our_o sense_n outward_a or_o inward_a as_o if_o the_o felicity_n of_o our_o soul_n &_o person_n consist_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n opinion_n of_o honour_n profit_n or_o curiosity_n of_o knowledge_n &c_n &c_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n in_o nature_n or_o action_n proceed_v from_o nature_n 2._o yea_o they_o who_o natural_o have_v much_o interior_a composednes_n &_o stillnes_n of_o passion_n &_o seem_v not_o much_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o rebellion_n in_o sensuality_n &_o that_o moreover_o have_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a devotion_n yet_o even_o these_o whatsoever_o they_o appear_v outward_o in_o show_v be_v full_a of_o self_n love_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o their_o action_n if_o they_o love_v quietness_n it_o be_v because_o nature_n take_v a_o contentment_n in_o it_o and_o their_o self-love_n be_v more_o abstruse_a &_o more_o deep_o seat_v in_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o therefore_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v cure_v because_o not_o so_o easy_o discover_v neither_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o hope_n of_o remedy_n till_o by_o prayer_n they_o get_v a_o light_n to_o discover_v the_o say_a secret_a self_n love_n and_o grace_n by_o mortification_n to_o subdue_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v true_a such_o good_a natural_a disposition_n may_v be_v beneficial_a to_o soul_n in_o two_o respect_n especial_o first_o in_o that_o by_o mean_n thereof_o they_o fall_v into_o fewer_n sin_n then_o more_o passionate_a impetuous_a nature_n do_v &_o consequent_o do_v not_o put_v so_o many_o impediment_n to_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v unless_o they_o practise_v prayer_n &_o mortification_n they_o will_v increase_v in_o spiritual_a pride_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o nature_n not_o restrain_v will_v one_o way_n or_o other_o grow_v more_o &_o more_o inordinate_a 2._o a_o second_o benefit_n be_v that_o such_o disposition_n be_v better_o fit_v for_o internal_a prayer_n yea_o to_o the_o perfect_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v prayer_n of_o aspiration_n so_o that_o they_o may_v with_o less_o labour_n get_v out_o of_o nature_n elevate_n themselves_o to_o god_n 4._o a_o absolute_a necessity_n therefore_o there_o be_v for_o all_o soul_n to_o mortify_v nature_n &_o especial_o to_o rectify_v this_o general_a depravednes_n of_o propriety_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o our_o last_a end_n the_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o divine_a charity_n by_o which_o ourselves_o be_v direct_v to_o god_n as_o our_o last_o end_n and_o a_o necessary_a disposition_n thereto_o be_v the_o mortification_n of_o self_n love_n and_o thus_o far_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o mortify_v themselves_o namely_o to_o cure_v the_o mortal_o sinful_a disorder_n of_o their_o soul_n a_o necessity_n likewise_o there_o be_v upon_o supposition_n of_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n to_o mortify_v all_o deliberate_a affection_n to_o any_o the_o least_o venial_a defect_n and_o deordination_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o which_o duty_n of_o mortification_n require_v of_o we_o that_o deliberate_o and_o customary_o we_o neither_o admit_v into_o our_o mind_n internal_o vain_a thought_n nor_o outward_o speak_v or_o exercise_v act_n of_o vain_a love_n vain_a hope_n vain_a fear_n or_o vain_a sorrow_o &_o all_o be_v vain_a that_o be_v not_o refer_v to_o god_n or_o be_v not_o do_v for_o he_o 5._o mortification_n tend_v to_o subject_v the_o body_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v by_o cross_v the_o inclination_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a &_o only_a principle_n for_o by_o such_o cross_n &_o afflict_v of_o the_o body_n self-love_n &_o selfewill_n the_o poison_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v abate_v &_o in_o time_n in_o a_o sort_n destroy_v &_o instead_o of_o they_o there_o enter_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o divine_a love_n &_o divine_a will_n &_o take_v possession_n thereof_o and_o therein_o consist_v our_o perfection_n &_o happiness_n 6._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o far_o more_o secure_a state_n when_o cross_n &_o affliction_n do_v exceed_v world_o contentment_n &_o sensual_a ease_n for_o wonderful_a seldom_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o soul_n make_v any_o progress_n in_o a_o spiritual_a course_n by_o mean_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n some_o perfect_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o keep_v the_o station_n in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o withstand_v a_o casefull_a content_v &_o abound_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v almost_o miraculous_a if_o they_o thereby_o advance_v themselves_o in_o spirit_n so_o natural_o &_o almost_o necessary_o do_v case_n of_o nature_n nourish_v self-love_n pride_n security_n a_o spiritual_a sloth_n &_o a_o distaste_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n 7._o indeed_o the_o only_a possible_a way_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o make_v prosperity_n a_o occasion_n of_o improvement_n to_o she_o be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a cross_n &_o diminish_v of_o it_o that_o be_v by_o take_v advantage_n even_o from_o thence_o to_o mortify_v nature_n as_o for_o example_n in_o case_n of_o riches_n &_o honour_n by_o carry_v ourselves_o both_o exterior_o &_o interior_o to_o god_n &_o man_n with_o more_o humility_n &_o modesty_n as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o such_o plenty_n &_o eminency_n also_o by_o suppress_v vain_a joy_n &_o complacency_n in_o such_o thing_n by_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o lord_n &_o proprietaire_n but_o only_a steward_n &_o dispenser_n of_o such_o thing_n from_o who_o a_o severe_a account_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o talent_n entrust_v to_o we_o for_o other_o sake_n &_o not_o our_o own_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o all_o the_o security_n solidity_n &_o fullnes_n of_o our_o soul_n good_a consist_v in_o a_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a &_o afflict_v to_o our_o nature_n 8._o in_o general_n mortification_n include_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o in_o every_o act_n of_o virtue_n we_o mortify_v some_o inordinate_a passion_n &_o inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o other_o so_o that_o to_o attain_v to_o perfect_a mortification_n be_v to_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o virtue_n 9_o the_o benefit_n &_o blessing_n that_o come_v to_o our_o soul_n by_o exercise_v of_o mortification_n be_v many_o &_o most_o precious_a as_o 1._o there_o be_v thereby_o avoid_v that_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v commit_v 2._o it_o cause_v a_o degree_n of_o purity_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o it_o procure_v great_a grace_n &_o spiritual_a strength_n 4._o one_o act_n of_o mortification_n enable_v to_o another_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o yield_v any_o time_n to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n we_o be_v enfeeble_v &_o less_o able_a to_o resist_v another_o time_n 5._o it_o diminish_v our_o suffer_v in_o purgatory_n because_o so_o much_o of_o suffer_v be_v past_a &_o a_o little_a pain_n for_o the_o present_n will_v countervail_v &_o prevent_v sharp_a &_o long_a pain_n for_o the_o future_a 6._o it_o procure_v internal_a light_n by_o dispel_v &_o calm_v the_o unrulines_n of_o passion_n 7._o it_o produce_v great_a peace_n to_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v disturb_v only_o by_o unquiet_a passion_n 8._o it_o help_v the_o soul_n much_o in_o her_o advancement_n in_o spiritual_a prayer_n &_o contemplation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o religious_a &_o spiritual_a exercise_n 9_o it_o be_v of_o great_a edification_n to_o our_o brethren_n &_o neighbour_n 10._o it_o increase_v all_o these_o way_n our_o future_a happiness_n &_o glory_n 10._o the_o duty_n of_o mortification_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a &_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a &_o moreover_o so_o large_o extend_v as_o that_o it_o reach_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o natural_a inclination_n in_o so_o much_o as_o nothing_o do_v a_o imperfect_a soul_n any_o good_a further_o than_o it_o be_v cross_v &_o mortify_v to_o some_o inordination_n in_o her_o natural_a inclination_n it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o a_o soul_n that_o intend_v to_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n of_o contemplation_n have_v need_n have_v a_o great_a courage_n since_o her_o design_n must_v be_v to_o combat_v
i_o certain_o know_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o fear_n to_o have_v be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o commit_v and_o never_o confess_v in_o any_o sort_n defective_o or_o exact_o and_o if_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o this_o they_o may_v not_o only_o secure_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a but_o they_o be_v oblige_v under_o sin_n to_o abstain_v from_o confession_n in_o case_n they_o have_v be_v so_o command_v and_o to_o proceed_v to_o communicate_v for_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o such_o tender_a soul_n shall_v commit_v a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o without_o any_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v mortal_a 15._o this_o way_n of_o selfe-examination_n i_o be_v warrant_v by_o learned_a author_n do_v serious_o recommend_v to_o those_o soul_n that_o find_v that_o a_o punctual_a examination_n doch_fw-ge destroy_n the_o quiet_a of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o after_o one_o short_a selfe-questioning_a they_o do_v not_o resolut_o and_o positive_o determine_v that_o they_o have_v deliberate_o consent_v to_o a_o tentation_n and_o commit_v a_o sin_n unquestionable_o mortal_a let_v they_o resolve_v never_o after_o to_o trouble_v their_o thought_n with_o it_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v press_v they_o to_o a_o re-examination_n let_v they_o neglect_v they_o and_o consider_v they_o as_o pure_a tentation_n 16._o such_o soul_n be_v not_o to_o esteem_v that_o a_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o sin_n or_o mortal_a can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o case_n to_o be_v doubtful_a for_o a_o doubt_n be_v when_o two_o opinion_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o contrary_a reason_n for_o each_o be_v so_o even_o and_o equal_a that_o the_o judgement_n can_v determine_v itself_o to_o assent_v to_o either_o now_o a_o firm_a assent_n may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o violent_a fear_n of_o the_o contrary_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a person_n can_v ofttimes_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n or_o account_v of_o her_o fear_n but_o that_o for_o aught_o she_o know_v the_o matter_n be_v according_a to_o her_o fear_n 17._o among_o other_o subject_n of_o scruple_n one_o be_v a_o doubt_n in_o such_o soul_n whether_o they_o have_v true_a contrition_n for_o their_o fault_n or_o no._n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o sorrow_n from_o be_v true_a contrition_n it_o be_v the_o excess_n of_o servile_a fear_n mix_v with_o it_o which_o they_o wilful_o nourish_v with_o their_o scrupulosity_n but_o however_o consider_v they_o be_v suppose_v to_o practice_v internal_a prayer_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v able_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n which_o make_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v true_a contrition_n the_o which_o may_v be_v perform_v either_o direct_o by_o frame_v a_o efficacious_a act_n of_o sorrow_v and_o detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o for_o his_o love_n or_o only_o virtual_o yet_o efficacious_o by_o produce_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a love_n to_o god_n for_o thereby_o they_o do_v real_o avert_v themselves_o from_o whatsoever_o do_v offend_v he_o or_o be_v contrary_n to_o such_o love_n as_o sin_n be_v 18._o and_o from_o hence_o may_v appear_v the_o great_a security_n that_o a_o soul_n have_v which_o pursue_v internal_a prayer_n because_o every_o act_n of_o love_n or_o resignation_n perform_v pure_o for_o god_n do_v restore_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o case_n that_o by_o any_o precedent_a sin_n she_o have_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n and_o if_o she_o have_v not_o it_o do_v advance_v and_o establish_v she_o the_o more_o in_o grace_n 19_o there_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o more_o assure_a general_a remedy_n against_o scrupulosity_n and_o all_o such_o inordinate_a fear_n than_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n this_o alone_a will_v produce_v a_o courage_n to_o despise_v such_o fear_n whensoever_o they_o will_v hinder_v a_o soul_n from_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o order_n of_o her_o spiritual_a director_n 20._o the_o security_n and_o necessity_n of_o which_o obedience_n as_o likewise_o the_o culpableness_n and_o danger_n of_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o fear_n a_o devout_a soul_n may_v evident_o collect_v from_o hence_o viz._n by_o observe_v that_o she_o never_o disobeye_n in_o virtue_n of_o light_n obtain_v by_o prayer_n the_o which_o always_o dictate_v obedience_n and_o renounce_v she_o own_o judgement_n and_o contradict_v her_o fear_n to_o she_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o she_o be_v tempt_v to_o transgress_v the_o order_n of_o her_o confessor_n only_o at_o the_o time_n when_o fear_n be_v so_o violent_a upon_o she_o and_o make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n of_o her_o suppose_a fault_n in_o her_o mind_n that_o she_o can_v then_o pray_v with_o resignation_n and_o believe_v that_o then_o to_o obey_v her_o confessor_n will_v be_v to_o go_v against_o she_o own_o knowledge_n her_o security_n therefore_o must_v come_v from_o prayer_n to_o which_o her_o humble_a obedience_n will_v dispose_v she_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a scrupulous_a fear_n will_v render_v she_o utter_o unfit_a therefore_o soul_n which_o wilful_o nourish_v their_o fear_n and_o scruple_n by_o frequent_a unpermit_v confession_n have_v very_o much_o to_o answer_n for_o before_o almighty_a god_n for_o their_o wilful_a plunge_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n which_o make_v a_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n impossible_a thereby_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o a_o religious_a internal_a life_n as_o also_o for_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o obedience_n which_o almost_o in_o all_o possible_a case_n be_v most_o full_a of_o security_n 21._o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o purpose_n to_o deter_v soul_n from_o frequent_a confession_n even_o of_o venial_a sin_n when_o they_o find_v such_o confession_n profitable_a to_o they_o and_o help_n to_o their_o amendment_n but_o otherwise_o if_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o confession_n they_o endanger_v themselves_o to_o run_v into_o mortal_a sin_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o desperation_n or_o a_o wilful_a renounce_n of_o all_o way_n of_o piety_n through_o the_o horror_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n &_o incapacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o mortal_a &_o venial_a sin_n then_o sure_o it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o other_o way_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o expiate_a &_o purge_v of_o venial_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n prayer_n act_n of_o humiliation_n or_o contrition_n give_v of_o alm_n devout_a take_n of_o holy_a water_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o they_o be_v desirous_a in_o some_o good_a measure_n to_o observe_v the_o ordinary_a time_n of_o confession_n they_o may_v content_v themselves_o with_o express_v some_o such_o fault_n as_o they_o can_v with_o assurance_n and_o without_o disquietness_n declare_v and_o all_o other_o fault_n may_v be_v involue_v in_o some_o general_a phrase_n or_o expression_n 22._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o practise_v according_a to_o these_o instruction_n such_o soul_n will_v find_v nothing_o new_a to_o confess_v and_o so_o will_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o blessing_n &_o comfort_n of_o absolution_n herto_o i_o answer_n that_o it_o be_v happy_a if_o soul_n can_v find_v nothing_o expedient_a to_o be_v confess_v and_o sure_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o happiness_n be_v according_a to_o these_o advice_n to_o free_v they_o from_o their_o deiect_v scrupulosity_n the_o which_o as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v little_a effect_n of_o blessing_n can_v proceed_v from_o the_o best_a exercise_n or_o use_v of_o sacrament_n we_o know_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n innumerable_a saint_n attain_v to_o perfection_n with_o little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o confession_n consider_v their_o remotenes_n from_o place_n where_o priest_n inhabit_v by_o serious_a practice_n of_o prayer_n abstraction_n of_o life_n mortification_n &c_n &c_n which_o mean_n will_v doubtless_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n now_o and_o without_o they_o confession_n and_o communion_n though_o daily_o practise_v will_v have_v but_o small_a effect_n thereto_o now_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o world_n a_o mortification_n more_o effectual_a more_o purify_n and_o more_o proper_a for_o such_o soul_n then_o to_o obey_v god_n in_o their_o confessor_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o violent_a fear_n scrupulosity_n and_o seem_a judgement_n 23._o the_o proper_a season_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n of_o scrupulous_a soul_n be_v the_o time_n of_o communicate_v because_o they_o know_v that_o there_o be_v necessary_a â—herto_o not_o only_o the_o condition_n of_o be_v free_a from_o mortal_n â—in_v but_o likewise_o that_o a_o great_a preparation_n be_v requisite_a for_o in_o all_o
to_o the_o present_a indisposition_n in_o the_o body_n especial_o in_o woman_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o special_a infirmity_n through_o the_o ascend_n of_o ill_a vapour_n to_o the_o head_n there_o be_v raise_v melancholic_a and_o afflict_a image_n in_o the_o fancy_n which_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o corporal_a physician_n can_v hardly_o by_o counsel_n be_v expel_v chap._n xii_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o a_o scruple_n concern_v a_o soul_n vocation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n §_o 3._o 4._o t._n 6._o 7._o of_o several_a ground_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o soul_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o undertake_v a_o religious_a state_n §_o 8._o 9_o what_o motive_n be_v perfect_a and_o what_o unsit_v and_o how_o a_o soul_n once_o engage_v have_v then_o a_o necessary_a divine_a vocation_n to_o continue_v etc._n etc._n 1._o before_o i_o quit_v this_o passion_n of_o fear_n it_o will_v neither_o be_v impertinent_a nor_o unproffitable_a i_o hope_v to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o a_o tentation_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o thaulerus_n the_o which_o afford_v great_a matter_n of_o fear_n to_o some_o tender_a soul_n and_o regard_v their_o vocation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n the_o case_n stand_v thus_o 2._o some_o tender_a soul_n in_o religion_n that_o have_v good_a mind_n &_o will_n to_o persevere_v in_o seek_v god_n but_o be_v unsatisfy_a with_o themselves_o because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o imperfection_n not_o yet_o amend_v yea_o some_o that_o they_o have_v not_o observe_v before_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n they_o impute_v all_o their_o unsuccesfullnes_n in_o cure_v their_o defect_n to_o god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o have_v upon_o light_n or_o vain_a ground_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n undertake_v such_o a_o state_n of_o life_n for_o outward_a and_o perhaps_o unworthy_a end_n as_o to_o avoid_v worldly_a trouble_n want_v persecution_n &c._n &c._n and_o not_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a intention_n to_o seek_v god_n nor_o from_o any_o inspiration_n from_o he_o 3._o but_o to_o show_v the_o groundlesnes_n of_o such_o scrupulous_a apprehension_n such_o suspicious_a soul_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v first_o that_o in_o these_o wicked_a time_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o decay_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o world_n &_o of_o fervour_n in_o religion_n such_o heroical_a enterprise_n and_o such_o admirable_a call_v to_o a_o religious_a state_n be_v not_o every_o day_n to_o be_v expect_v as_o we_o read_v of_o in_o former_a time_n when_o king_n and_o prince_n sometime_o even_o in_o the_o prime_a vigour_n of_o their_o age_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n of_o transitory_a thing_n and_o a_o longing_n after_o god_n renounce_v all_o the_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n pleasure_n &_o glory_n that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v impediment_n to_o their_o holy_a design_n of_o embrace_v solitude_n poverty_n and_o all_o other_o penitential_a austerity_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o now_o enter_v into_o religion_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o like_a tentation_n &_o offer_v in_o the_o world_n as_o those_o despise_a most_o of_o our_o cell_n will_v be_v empty_a and_o our_o conuent_v become_v true_a desert_n yet_o all_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o because_o the_o call_v to_o religion_n usual_a in_o those_o day_n be_v not_o so_o extraordinary_a as_o former_o therefore_o they_o be_v unsufficient_a or_o not_o at_o all_o divine_a for_o though_o our_o intention_n now_o be_v not_o so_o heroical_a and_o deiforme_a because_o our_o charity_n be_v not_o so_o inflame_v yet_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o they_o may_v be_v upright_o 4._o second_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v often_o please_v in_o love_n to_o certain_a soul_n that_o perhaps_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o that_o imperfect_a charity_n which_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v by_o a_o especial_a providence_n certain_a externall_n casualty_n to_o befall_v they_o by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n compel_v to_o retire_v into_o the_o secure_a solitude_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n for_o which_o purpose_n also_o he_o remove_v many_o impediment_n to_o such_o a_o course_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dear_a friend_n riches_n &c._n &c._n cross_v also_o their_o design_n which_o if_o they_o have_v succeed_v will_v have_v chain_v they_o to_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o for_o want_n of_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n other_o to_o avoid_v suit_n and_o other_o trouble_n or_o even_o for_o want_n of_o bodily_a strength_n and_o be_v disable_v to_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n other_o out_o of_o a_o tediousness_n and_o satiety_n of_o sensual_a contentment_n last_o some_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a remorse_n for_o some_o special_a crime_n or_o other_o respect_v no_o better_a than_o these_o be_v induce_v to_o embrace_v a_o religious_a state_n none_o of_o which_o respect_v notwithstanding_o without_o some_o degree_n of_o charity_n will_v probable_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v produce_v this_o change_n as_o neither_o will_v charity_n alone_o have_v it_o not_o be_v actuate_v and_o quicken_v by_o such_o consideration_n now_o these_o vocation_n though_o mix_v with_o much_o impurity_n yet_o be_v far_o from_o be_v unlawful_a 5._o in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o may_v possible_o happen_v that_o some_o may_v have_v come_v into_o religion_n induce_v mere_o and_o only_o by_o outward_a yea_o perhaps_o unlawful_a respect_n they_o have_v much_o rather_o have_v stay_v in_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o if_o they_o can_v have_v enjoy_v they_o they_o prefer_v far_o before_o god_n but_o god_n debar_v they_o from_o such_o pleasure_n send_v they_o great_a cross_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o the_o refuge_n of_o a_o religious_a state_n in_o which_o also_o it_o may_v be_v their_o first_o design_n be_v to_o seek_v themselves_o only_o and_o not_o god_n yea_o we_o read_v of_o one_o that_o adjoin_v himself_o to_o a_o religious_a community_n mere_o for_o this_o wicked_a end_n to_o get_v a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v sacrilege_n by_o steal_v a_o chalice_n but_o be_v there_o god_n rouch_v his_o heart_n to_o repent_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o criminal_a hypocrisy_n after_o which_o he_o lead_v a_o very_a religious_a holy_a life_n 6._o again_o fourthly_a some_o do_v come_v into_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v with_o a_o good_a harmless_a meaning_n but_o meet_v with_o tepid_a or_o perhaps_o irreligious_a companion_n they_o grow_v weary_a of_o their_o condition_n the_o difficulty_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o support_v and_o improve_v to_o their_o soul_n advancement_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v again_o free_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o return_v into_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v chain_v by_o a_o vow_n and_o ecclesiastical_a law_n now_o although_o these_o come_v into_o religion_n uncalled_a by_o god_n yet_o now_o the_o impossibility_n of_o change_v their_o present_a condition_n be_v a_o effectual_a call_n from_o he_o to_o keep_v they_o constant_a and_o faithful_a to_o he_o 7._o last_o some_o come_v into_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v unaware_n unto_o themselves_o and_o without_o any_o election_n on_o their_o own_o part_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o person_n of_o noble_a family_n especial_o virgin_n that_o be_v even_o force_v to_o such_o a_o state_n by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o inveigle_v into_o it_o by_o the_o subtle_a avaricious_a insinuation_n &_o persuasion_n of_o other_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o state_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o mean_n they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n unknowen_a to_o themselves_o rely_v whole_o on_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o be_v once_o a_o little_a engage_v the_o opinion_n of_o honour_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n force_v they_o to_o persevere_v 8._o now_o among_o all_o these_o variety_n of_o case_n &_o vocation_n to_o religion_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o only_o those_o perfect_a soul_n mention_v in_o the_o beginning_n have_v a_o true_a call_v to_o religion_n if_o so_o how_o much_o the_o small_a number_n of_o religious_a can_v be_v judge_v to_o have_v have_v a_o lawful_a call_n what_o reason_n therefore_o have_v any_o soul_n that_o now_o desire_v to_o seek_v god_n in_o religion_n however_o they_o come_v thither_o to_o disquiet_v themselves_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a in_o charity_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o religion_n for_o a_o perfect_o pure_a intention_n can_v proceed_v but_o from_o a_o perfect_a habitual_a charity_n be_v it_o therefore_o strange_a to_o they_o that_o nature_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v
other_o or_o force_v herself_o to_o continue_v meditation_n she_o will_v make_v no_o progress_n at_o all_o yea_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o extreme_a painefullnes_n of_o invent_v motive_n now_o unnecessary_a and_o tie_v herself_o to_o method_n and_o prescribe_a form_n will_v be_v to_o she_o so_o distractive_a so_o void_a of_o all_o taste_n and_o comfort_n and_o so_o insupportable_a that_o not_o be_v suffer_v to_o follow_v god_n invitation_n call_v to_o a_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n she_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o give_v quite_o over_o all_o internal_a prayer_n whereas_o by_o pursue_v god_n call_v she_o will_v every_o day_n get_v light_a to_o discover_v more_o and_o more_o her_o secret_a inward_a defect_n and_o grace_n to_o mortify_v and_o amend_v they_o and_o such_o her_o mortification_n be_v exercise_v rather_o by_o transcend_v &_o forget_v the_o object_n of_o her_o inordinate_a affection_n than_o a_o direct_a combat_v against_o they_o and_o this_o state_n of_o prayer_n do_v proper_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o illuminative_a way_n because_o iâ—_n it_o the_o soul_n with_o little_a reflection_n on_o herself_o or_o heâ—_n own_o obscurity_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n &c_n &c_n tend_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n by_o who_o she_o be_v enlighten_v and_o adorn_v with_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n 12._o in_o the_o three_o place_n a_o soul_n after_o a_o long_a exercise_n in_o force_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n to_o god_n represent_v to_o the_o understanding_n by_o image_n far_o more_o subtle_a and_o spiritual_a then_o former_o yea_o endeavour_v to_o contemplate_v he_o in_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o a_o blind_a and_o naked_a faith_n void_a of_o all_o distinct_a and_o express_a image_n will_v by_o little_a and_o little_o grow_v so_o well_o dispose_v to_o he_o that_o she_o will_v have_v less_o need_n of_o force_v herself_o to_o produce_v good_a affection_n to_o he_o or_o of_o prescribe_v to_o herself_o determinate_a form_n of_o act_n or_o affection_n on_o the_o contrary_a divine_a love_n will_v become_v so_o firm_o establish_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o whole_o and_o only_o fill_v and_o possess_v it_o that_o it_o will_v become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a soul_n unto_o the_o soul_n as_o constant_o breathe_v forth_o feruorous_a act_n of_o love_n and_o as_o natural_o almost_o as_o the_o lung_n do_v send_v forth_o breath_n 13._o and_o here_o begin_v the_o state_n of_o pure_a contemplation_n the_o end_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o a_o internal_a life_n in_o this_o bless_a state_n the_o actuation_n and_o aspiration_n be_v so_o pure_a &_o spiritual_a that_o the_o soul_n herself_o often_o time_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o she_o do_v and_o no_o wonder_n since_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o forethought_a or_o election_n of_o her_o own_o but_o be_v suggest_v to_o she_o by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n entire_o possess_v she_o and_o although_o in_o these_o most_o sublime_a and_o blind_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_v the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n with_o their_o image_n be_v not_o absolute_o exclude_v yet_o so_o unperceptible_a be_v their_o operation_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o many_o mystical_a writer_n speak_v according_a to_o what_o they_o feel_v and_o experience_v in_o themselves_o have_v say_v that_o in_o pure_a contemplation_n the_o will_n without_o the_o understanding_n be_v only_o operative_a as_o for_o the_o mortification_n proper_a to_o this_o state_n they_o be_v as_o unexpressible_a as_o the_o prayer_n indeed_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n seem_v to_o be_v now_o become_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o light_n in_o which_o the_o soul_n walk_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o wonderful_a that_o the_o small_a imperfection_n be_v clear_o discover_v and_o by_o prayer_n alone_o mortify_v prayer_n be_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o life_n interrupt_v by_o sleep_n only_o and_o not_o alway_v then_o neither_o true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o other_o necessity_n of_o corporal_a nature_n refection_n study_v conversation_n or_o business_n it_o may_v be_v depress_v a_o little_a from_o the_o height_n in_o which_o it_o be_v when_o the_o soul_n set_v itself_o to_o attend_v to_o god_n only_o but_o still_o it_o continue_v with_o efficacy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o those_o avocation_n and_o this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o that_o which_o mystic_n do_v style_v the_o vnitive_a way_n because_o herein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n have_v transcend_v all_o creature_n and_o herself_o too_o the_o which_o be_v become_v as_o it_o be_v amnihilate_v &_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o 14._o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o spirituality_n beyond_o this_o but_o yet_o this_o state_n may_v infinite_o increase_v in_o degree_n of_o purity_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o spiritual_a intime_fw-la and_o divine_a without_o all_o limitation_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v for_o divine_a inaction_n passive_a union_n and_o grace_n most_o admirable_a and_o most_o efficacious_a to_o purify_v she_o as_o perfect_o as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n she_o be_v capable_a now_o it_o be_v that_o god_n provide_v for_o soul_n dear_o belove_v by_o he_o trial_n and_o desolation_n incomprehensible_a to_o the_o unexperienced_a lead_v they_o from_o light_n to_o darkness_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o light_v again_o in_o all_o which_o change_v the_o soul_n keep_v herself_o in_o the_o same_o equality_n and_o tranquillity_n as_o know_v that_o by_o they_o all_o she_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o god_n plunge_v herself_o more_o and_o more_o profound_o in_o he_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n be_v above_o all_o instructour_n and_o instruction_n a_o divine_a light_n be_v her_o guide_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o she_o that_o now_o life_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o live_v reign_v and_o operate_v in_o she_o 15._o these_o be_v the_o three_o state_n of_o a_o spiritual_a contemplative_a life_n distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o three_o state_n or_o degree_n of_o internal_a prayer_n as_o for_o vocal_a prayer_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o peculiar_a degree_n of_o prayer_n but_o it_o may_v and_o do_v accompany_v all_o these_o state_n without_o any_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prayer_n though_o with_o very_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o actuation_n of_o the_o soul_n during_o its_o exercise_n for_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o meditation_n she_o perform_v her_o vocal_a prayer_n with_o the_o use_n of_o grosser_n image_n and_o much_o distractednes_n but_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o will_n she_o recite_v they_o with_o less_o multiplicity_n and_o some_o good_a measure_n of_o recollection_n and_o be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n her_o vocal_a prayer_n become_v likewise_o aspirative_a and_o vnitive_a not_o at_o all_o distract_n she_o but_o rather_o drive_v her_o more_o profound_o and_o intime_o into_o god_n 16._o now_o god_n be_v both_o the_o principle_n and_o object_n of_o all_o our_o internal_a exercise_n be_v after_o several_a way_n represent_v to_o the_o mind_n in_o they_o for_o 1._o in_o meditation_n the_o soul_n as_o yet_o much_o immerse_v in_o sense_n be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o distinct_a grosser_n image_n by_o which_o to_o apprehend_v he_o as_o the_o humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o mystery_n belong_v thereto_o and_o sometime_o such_o attribute_n of_o the_o divinity_n as_o be_v most_o obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o which_o do_v produce_v more_o sensible_a motion_n in_o our_o imperfect_a soul_n as_o his_o justice_n mercy_n power_n etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n the_o understand_a endeavour_n to_o apprehend_v god_n in_o the_o obscure_a notion_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o she_o be_v sometime_o force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o more_o particular_a sensible_a image_n the_o mind_n after_o a_o short_a reflection_n on_o they_o give_v place_n to_o the_o recollect_v actuation_n of_o the_o will_v alone_o 3._o but_o be_v arrive_v to_o aspiration_n which_o be_v active_a contemplatian_n the_o soul_n make_v use_v of_o no_o particular_a express_a image_n at_o all_o but_o content_v herself_o with_o the_o only_a general_a obscure_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n teach_v she_o 17._o now_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a have_v no_o great_a advantage_n in_o this_o regard_n over_o the_o more_o imperfect_a since_o all_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o ordinary_a knowledge_n do_v sufficient_o believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a can_v be_v true_o represent_v by_o any_o particular_a image_n and_o
mortification_n than_o other_o that_o consume_v their_o strength_n &_o spirit_n with_o intolerable_a fasting_n chain_n discipline_n &c_n &c_n for_o as_o cassian_n say_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o institution_n si_fw-la rationabilis_fw-la possibilium_fw-la mensura_fw-la seruetur_fw-la eadem_fw-la obseruantiae_fw-la perfectio_fw-la est_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o impari_fw-la facultate_fw-la that_o be_v if_o a_o reasonable_a discreet_a measure_n of_o austerity_n that_o ordinary_o be_v not_o above_o our_o power_n be_v observe_v there_o will_v be_v the_o same_o perfection_n of_o observance_n where_o the_o external_a ability_n be_v unequal_a 13._o in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v great_a use_n of_o discretion_n in_o sensible_a devotion_n by_o which_o say_v harphius_n some_o soul_n be_v so_o far_o carry_v away_o so_o besot_v with_o self-love_n &_o self-will_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o that_o no_o advice_n from_o the_o most_o experience_a will_v avayle_v to_o moderate_v they_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o amend_v &_o till_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o support_v any_o serious_a application_n to_o exercise_n of_o the_o spirit_n nevertheless_o say_v he_o have_v thus_o by_o their_o indiscretion_n bring_v on_o themselves_o this_o inconvenience_n they_o may_v for_o all_o that_o merit_n much_o if_o with_o humility_n patience_n &_o resignation_n they_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o their_o infirmity_n 14._o we_o ought_v therefore_o much_o rather_o to_o mortify_v such_o sensible_a fervour_n then_o use_v force_v to_o increase_v it_o apply_v hereto_o that_o say_v of_o the_o wiseman_n proverb_n 25._o have_v thou_o find_v honey_n eat_v of_o it_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o lest_o thou_o be_v fill_v &_o vomit_v it_o up_o 15._o all_o the_o merit_n that_o be_v in_o sensible_a devotion_n consist_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o superior_a will_n to_o those_o act_n without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o help_v to_o raise_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o her_o natural_a state_n yea_o the_o more_o she_o be_v visit_v &_o even_o bathe_v in_o such_o sensible_a consolation_n except_o she_o use_v mortification_n about_o they_o &_o be_v wary_a not_o to_o rest_v in_o they_o but_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o produce_v of_o more_o efficacious_a act_n in_o the_o superior_a will_n the_o more_o strong_a will_v she_o grow_v in_o self-love_n &_o more_o defile_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a lust_n unless_o soul_n therefore_o do_v grow_v more_o humble_a thereby_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o danger_n to_o be_v pervert_v by_o it_o and_o quite_o to_o loose_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n give_v it_o 16._o yet_o soul_n during_o their_o imperfect_a state_n be_v not_o violent_o to_o strain_v themselves_o to_o work_v pure_o in_o spirit_n but_o moderate_o to_o use_v sensible_a devotion_n when_o god_n send_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o advance_v they_o in_o spirit_n neither_o ought_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v so_o carry_v away_o with_o a_o like_n &_o gluttonous_a affection_n to_o it_o which_o indeed_o afford_v delicacy_n more_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n then_o any_o sensible_a satisfaction_n as_o for_o it_o to_o omit_v other_o duty_n belong_v to_o their_o state_n &_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v 17._o thirdâ—y_o as_o touch_v the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n how_o far_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o it_o have_v hene_n sufficient_o declare_v when_o we_o treat_v of_o it_o indeed_o soul_n during_o that_o exercise_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v rather_o by_o the_o discretion_n of_o other_o than_o their_o own_o &_o this_o both_o in_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o how_o long_o they_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o rule_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v custom_n but_o experience_n of_o profit_n &_o what_o proportion_n of_o time_n they_o be_v to_o allow_v unto_o the_o understanding_n &_o will_n to_o operate_v in_o it_o for_o that_o exercise_n do_v not_o afford_v supernatural_a light_n enough_o to_o enable_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v she_o own_o guide_n 18._o four_o for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n a_o soul_n that_o out_o of_o ripeness_n get_v by_o sufficient_a practice_n of_o meditation_n be_v arrive_v thereto_o will_v have_v light_a &_o discretion_n sufficient_a to_o judge_v what_o act_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o she_o what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v in_o each_o recollection_n when_o &_o what_o pause_n shall_v be_v necessary_a &_o when_o she_o be_v to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o high_a 19_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o discretion_n in_o this_o exercise_n be_v not_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o example_n of_o some_o saint_n in_o former_a time_n who_o can_v remain_v almost_o continual_o in_o some_o mental_a actuation_n to_o god_n without_o give_v way_n to_o a_o extravagant_a thought_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o be_v almost_o continual_o in_o internal_a combatting_n a_o indiscreet_a imitation_n of_o such_o example_n as_o likewise_o a_o too_o violent_a produce_v of_o act_n upon_o one_o another_o will_v so_o oppress_v ordinary_a spirit_n that_o it_o will_v put_v they_o into_o a_o incapacity_n of_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o future_a 20._o they_o who_o do_v not_o use_v set_v recollection_n may_v &_o ought_v frequent_o to_o force_v themselves_o to_o interiour_n act_v towards_o god_n yea_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o please_v not_o much_o regard_v the_o season_n of_o the_o day_n as_o whether_o it_o be_v after_o refection_n or_o before_o sleep_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o their_o progress_n will_v be_v but_o small_a for_o want_n of_o more_o prolong_v and_o continue_a exercise_n 21._o last_o discretion_n and_o mortification_n likewise_o be_v to_o be_v use_v also_o even_o in_o those_o exercise_n to_o which_o we_o be_v invite_v and_o enable_v by_o god_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n and_o elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o usual_a time_n therefore_o of_o set_v recollection_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v for_o they_o do_v so_o weaken_v and_o consume_v corporal_a nature_n that_o if_o soul_n shall_v give_v way_n unto_o they_o as_o oft_o as_o they_o think_v themselves_o enable_v which_o be_v indeed_o almost_o continual_o so_o perfect_o be_v they_o dispose_v to_o god_n they_o will_v utter_o disable_v themselves_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n for_o the_o future_a 22._o to_o this_o purpose_n harphius_n relate_v a_o account_n that_o one_o brother_n rogerius_n a_o devout_a franciscan_a give_v of_o himself_o say_v that_o a_o hundred_o time_n in_o a_o matin_n he_o be_v in_o spirit_n draw_v upward_o to_o a_o more_o high_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a secret_n all_o which_o tract_v he_o forcible_o resist_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v his_o soul_n free_a scope_n to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o those_o object_n so_o represent_v to_o he_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o plunge_v in_o the_o abyss_n of_o the_o divine_a incomprehensibility_n and_o so_o whole_o drive_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v retire_v himself_o alive_a from_o such_o a_o contemplation_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peril_n of_o indiscretion_n in_o soul_n so_o high_o elevate_v and_o so_o whole_o in_o god_n hand_n who_o may_v do_v with_o soul_n and_o body_n what_o he_o please_v 23._o the_o same_o harphius_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o some_o other_o soul_n not_o so_o sublime_o elevate_v who_o yet_o be_v so_o languish_v in_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o in_o such_o a_o impatient_a ardour_n &_o thirst_n after_o he_o that_o it_o make_v the_o body_n to_o faint_v and_o quite_o wither_v away_o and_o therefore_o he_o call_v they_o martyr_n of_o love._n now_o by_o this_o languish_a love_n i_o conceive_v be_v understand_v a_o love_n much_o in_o sensuality_n though_o the_o object_n thereof_o be_v god_n and_o it_o be_v exercise_v about_o the_o heart_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o a_o violent_a but_o chaste_a love_n be_v oft_o exercise_v between_o absent_a person_n of_o different_a sex_n so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sensible_a devotion_n now_o though_o harphius_n say_v that_o such_o martyr_n of_o love_n die_v corporal_o through_o the_o extremity_n of_o passion_n do_v immediate_o pass_v into_o heaven_n have_v be_v already_o purify_v in_o the_o purgatory_n &_o fire_n of_o love_n notwitstanding_n although_o no_o doubt_n such_o soul_n die_v in_o a_o most_o secure_a estate_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v not_o escape_v some_o degree_n of_o purgatory_n for_o their_o indiscreet_a yield_n to_o the_o impulse_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o this_o love_n which_o though_o true_o divine_a be_v yet_o far_o less_o perfect_a than_o that_o pure_a love_n which_o in_o perfect_a contemplation_n be_v exercise_v in_o
understanding_n and_o fervour_n in_o the_o will_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n extinguish_v yet_o out_o of_o this_o darkness_n god_n produce_v light_a and_o strength_n from_o this_o infirmity_n 8._o for_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o in_o this_o case_n of_o desolation_n the_o soul_n do_v by_o her_o free_a will_n or_o rather_o in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n beyond_o all_o her_o faculty_n remain_v in_o a_o constant_a union_n &_o adhesion_n to_o god_n although_o no_o such_o union_n do_v appear_v unto_o she_o yea_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o she_o be_v not_o only_o estrange_v but_o even_o avert_v from_o god_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o secret_a but_o firm_a adhesion_n she_o make_v election_n of_o god_n as_o her_o only_a good_a the_o which_o may_v to_o any_o but_o herself_o sufficient_o appear_v by_o her_o carriage_n during_o that_o state_n for_o she_o break_v not_o out_o into_o any_o murmur_n she_o seek_v not_o to_o comfort_v herself_o by_o admit_v any_o inordinate_a externall_n solace_n not_o do_v any_o thing_n deliberate_o by_o which_o to_o rid_v herself_o from_o such_o a_o afflict_a estate_n soon_o or_o otherwise_o then_o god_n will_v have_v she_o to_o do_v she_o practise_v tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o tempest_n of_o passion_n in_o sensitive_a nature_n she_o exercise_v resignation_n without_o the_o least_o contentment_n to_o herself_o therein_o she_o learn_v patience_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o impatience_n &_o resignation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o irresignation_n in_o a_o word_n she_o yield_v herself_o as_o a_o prey_n unto_o almighty_a god_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o this_o most_o sharp_a purgatory_n of_o love._n the_o which_o be_v a_o immediate_a dispoition_n to_o a_o establish_a state_n of_o perfection_n 9_o more_o particular_o the_o fruit_n &_o benefit_n flow_a from_o this_o most_o sad_a estate_n support_v with_o patience_n &_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n be_v wonderful_a 1._o for_o first_o hereby_o the_o devout_a soul_n obtain_v a_o new_a light_n to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n desertion_n in_o the_o garden_n &_o on_o the_o cross_n &_o from_o this_o light_n a_o most_o inflame_a love_n to_o he_o now_o she_o cease_v to_o wander_v why_o he_o shall_v deprecate_v a_o cup_n so_o mortal_o bitter_a as_o this_o &_o that_o it_o shall_v work_v such_o strange_a effect_n on_o he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v cry_v out_o eli_n eli_n lammasabacthani_fw-la &_o by_o this_o desertion_n of_o his_o which_o last_v till_o the_o very_a last_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n she_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o end_n put_v to_o she_o 2._o now_o she_o learn_v by_o experience_n to_o make_v a_o division_n between_o the_o supreme_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o inferior_a nature_n yea_o between_o the_o summity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o same_o for_o that_o portion_n of_o she_o by_o which_o she_o cleave_v to_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o other_o three_o person_n distinct_a from_o herself_o that_o suffer_v complain_v and_o desire_n for_o she_o choose_v god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fear_v that_o she_o will_v choose_v and_o consent_v to_o sin_n she_o be_v mighty_o support_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o she_o think_v he_o utter_o estrange_v and_o separate_v from_o she_o thus_o at_o last_o she_o perceive_v that_o she_o can_v operate_v without_o any_o perceptible_a use_n of_o her_o faculty_n 3._o hereby_o she_o learn_v a_o perfect_a disappropriation_n and_o transcendence_n even_o of_o the_o high_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o a_o contentation_n to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o god_n have_v to_o bestow_v on_o she_o except_o only_o himself_o 4._o the_o sight_n of_o the_o unexpressible_a weakness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o nature_n leave_v to_o itself_o without_o any_o sensible_a influence_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o inferior_a faculty_n produce_v in_o she_o a_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o hatred_n of_o herself_o 5._o last_o by_o this_o most_o sharp_a purgatory_n of_o love_n she_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o most_o perfect_a confidence_n in_o god_n of_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o security_n of_o god_n unchangeable_a love_n to_o she_o not_o to_o be_v disturb_v by_o any_o possible_a future_a affliction_n for_o what_o have_v a_o soul_n leave_v to_o fear_n that_o can_v with_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n support_v yea_o and_o make_v her_o benefit_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o god_n himself_o chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o of_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o precedent_a exercise_n and_o of_o all_o the_o change_n in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n to_o wit_n a_o stable_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o prayer_n §_o 4._o 5._o wherein_o that_o state_n consist_v the_o testimony_n of_o suso_n §_o 6._o 7._o the_o wonderful_a purity_n and_o sublimity_n of_o the_o soul_n operation_n in_o this_o state_n out_o of_o barbanson_n etc._n etc._n §_o 9_o 10._o of_o the_o union_n of_o nothing_o with_o nothing_o etc._n etc._n §_o 11._o the_o sublimity_n of_o angelical_a love_n in_o perfect_a soul_n §_o 12._o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n 1._o it_o remain_v only_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n that_o something_o be_v say_v of_o the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o exercise_n of_o mortification_n and_o prayer_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o change_n 2._o and_o sure_o that_o end_n must_v needs_o be_v supereminent_o excellent_a for_o the_o attain_n whereof_o such_o incredible_a labour_n both_o interior_a and_o exterior_a must_v be_v undertake_v and_o whereto_o such_o wonderful_a divine_a grace_n and_o visit_n be_v only_o instrumental_a disposition_n suso_n write_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n concern_v the_o foresay_a passive_a union_n by_o which_o a_o soul_n have_v a_o distinct_a view_n of_o of_o god_n her_o original_a say_v that_o though_o the_o say_a contemplation_n continue_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o moment_n it_o so_o replenish_v his_o heart_n with_o joy_n that_o he_o wonder_v it_o do_v not_o cleave_v asunder_o on_o the_o other_o side_n upon_o the_o subsequent_a most_o contrary_a visitation_n by_o a_o spiritual_a desertion_n the_o heart_n become_v so_o replenish_v with_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n as_o if_o all_o gilead_n have_v not_o balm_n enough_o to_o assuage_v it_o 3._o and_o for_o what_o end_v all_o this_o sure_o not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v rest_v final_o in_o the_o joy_n conceive_v by_o such_o a_o fruition_n nor_o mere_o to_o torture_v the_o soul_n by_o such_o a_o bitter_a desolation_n our_o supreme_a happiness_n be_v not_o receive_v but_o love_v all_o these_o favour_n therefore_o and_o all_o these_o suffering_n do_v end_n in_o this_o namely_o the_o accomplish_n of_o this_o love_n in_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o all_o our_o perfection_n consist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o love_n and_o a_o entire_a conformity_n with_o the_o divine_a will._n 4._o there_o be_v therefore_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n no_o strange_a novelty_n or_o wonder_n pretend_v to_o divine_a love_n be_v all_o it_o begin_v with_o love_n and_o resignation_n and_o there_o it_o end_v likewise_o all_o the_o difference_n be_v in_o the_o degree_n &_o lustre_n of_o it_o love_n even_o in_o its_o most_o imperfect_a state_n be_v most_o divine_o beautiful_a the_o which_o beauty_n be_v wonderful_o increase_v by_o exercise_n but_o when_o by_o such_o fiery_a trial_n and_o purification_n as_o also_o by_o so_o near_o approach_v as_o be_v make_v to_o the_o fountain_n of_o beauty_n and_o light_n in_o passive_a union_n this_o love_n be_v exalt_v to_o its_o perfection_n how_o new_a how_o admirable_a and_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o imperfect_a soul_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_v of_o it_o we_o must_v content_v ourselves_o to_o hear_v those_o speak_v of_o it_o that_o have_v have_v some_o experience_n in_o it_o and_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_n at_o it_o 5._o that_o which_o the_o forementioned_a suso_n in_o his_o nine_o rock_n write_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o love_n in_o gross_a be_v not_o so_o abstruse_a o_o how_o small_a say_v he_o be_v the_o number_n of_o those_o perfect_a soul_n and_o yet_o as_o few_o as_o they_o be_v god_n set_v they_o as_o pillar_n to_o support_v his_o church_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o it_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v dissipate_v the_o prayer_n of_o one_o such_o soul_n be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n then_o of_o all_o christian_n beside_o they_o approach_v very_o near_o to_o god_n their_o original_a and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o vile_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o this_o yet_o by_o fit_n a_o certain_a clarity_n or_o glimpse_n of_o their_o prime_a principle_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o which_o
they_o easy_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o thing_n within_o they_o from_o whence_o those_o splendour_n do_v issue_n but_o they_o be_v so_o pure_o simple_o and_o naked_o resign_v to_o god_n in_o catholic_n belief_n that_o whensoever_o they_o receive_v any_o joyful_a consolation_n from_o he_o they_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a then_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o deprive_v of_o it_o for_o their_o only_a desire_n be_v simple_o to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o simple_a faith_n they_o adhere_v so_o pure_o and_o simple_o to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n that_o they_o neither_o desire_v nor_o endeavour_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o there_o be_v in_o they_o so_o profound_a a_o humility_n that_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o any_o of_o those_o secret_a and_o comfort_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o ask_v they_o they_o desire_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o that_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_o glorify_v they_o be_v so_o absolute_o resign_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o whatsoever_o befall_v they_o and_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o they_o therefore_o if_o god_n give_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o be_v content_v with_o it_o if_o he_o deprive_v they_o of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o well_o please_v thus_o they_o challenge_v nothing_o they_o appropriate_v nothing_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o they_o will_v choose_v rather_o to_o avoid_v please_v then_o bitter_a thing_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v their_o sovereign_a delight_n they_o fear_v neither_o life_n nor_o death_n purgatory_n nor_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o devil_n in_o it_o for_o all_o servile_a fear_n be_v utter_o extinguish_v in_o they_o and_o the_o only_a fear_n remain_v be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o they_o ought_v &_o desire_n thâ—y_v be_v so_o humble_a that_o they_o despise_v themselves_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o ever_o they_o perform_v yea_o they_o abase_v themselves_o below_o all_o creature_n not_o dare_v to_o compare_v themselves_o with_o any_o they_o love_v all_o man_n alike_o in_o god_n and_o every_o one_o that_o love_v god_n they_o love_v he_o likewise_o thâ—y_o be_v total_o dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o to_o they_o and_o all_o the_o intellectual_a exercise_n and_o operation_n which_o former_o they_o pursue_v with_o propriety_n be_v altogether_o dead_a in_o they_o thâ—y_v do_v neither_o by_o intention_n nor_o love_n seek_v themselves_o nor_o any_o proper_a honour_n nor_o profit_n in_o time_n or_o eternity_n they_o have_v utter_o lose_v themselves_o &_o all_o creature_n both_o for_o time_n &_o eternity_n and_o they_o live_v in_o a_o certain_a learned_a ignorance_n not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n they_o resent_v no_o tentation_n nor_o affliction_n it_o be_v their_o joy_n to_o follow_v our_o lord_n bear_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o last_o gasp_n they_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o no_o other_o way_n but_o this_o and_o although_o they_o be_v unknown_a unto_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o world_n be_v well_o know_v unto_o they_o these_o be_v true_o man_n indeed_o true_a adorer_n of_o god_n that_o adore_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n thus_o suso_n 6._o but_o as_o for_o the_o internal_a actuation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o perfect_a they_o be_v so_o inexplicable_o subtle_a and_o pure_a that_o experience_n itself_o do_v not_o sufficient_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o they_o what_o soul_n can_v imagine_v how_o divine_o spiritual_a &_o angelical_a must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o internal_a exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o s._n romualdus_n after_o almost_o a_o hundred_o year_n spend_v in_o solitude_n during_o all_o which_o time_n they_o continual_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o pure_a and_o divine_a 7._o in_o the_o active_a union_n which_o soul_n during_o a_o less_o perfect_a state_n have_v with_o god_n god_n be_v in_o they_o as_o a_o object_n distinct_a from_o they_o and_o so_o contemplate_v by_o they_o but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n and_o end_n but_o the_o only_a perceivable_a principle_n also_o of_o all_o their_o operation_n yea_o say_v barbanson_n cap._n 12._o he_o be_v the_o fund_z the_o entire_a state_n the_o stable_a foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o be_v life_n and_o respiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v become_v as_o much_o exalt_v as_o the_o operation_n &_o contemplation_n thereof_o for_o this_o union_n be_v not_o now_o only_a a_o gift_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o a_o short_a continuance_n nor_o only_a simple_a actual_a infusion_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n may_v at_o some_o time_n be_v actual_o inform_v and_o no_o more_o but_o the_o very_a foundation_n state_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v reverse_v and_o reform_v by_o divine_a grace_n the_o which_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o consequent_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n confer_v on_o we_o a_o stable_n and_o permanent_a state_n in_o regard_n of_o our_o interiour_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a life_n conformable_a whereto_o be_v the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o inclination_n to_o divine_a thing_n yea_o say_v the_o same_o author_n in_o another_o place_n although_o the_o divine_a actual_a and_o special_a touch_n be_v not_o always_o real_o present_a so_o as_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o prevention_n to_o produce_v actual_a operation_n the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o can_v maintain_v itself_o yea_o and_o perceive_v itself_o to_o persist_v in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o life_n of_o peace_n serenity_n and_o repose_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v continual_o attentive_a to_o what_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v in_o she_o 8._o by_o reason_n of_o this_o habitation_n and_o absolute_a dominion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o perfect_a who_o have_v whole_o neglect_v forget_v and_o lose_v themselves_o to_o the_o end_n that_o god_n alone_o may_v live_v in_o they_o who_o they_o contemplate_v in_o the_o absolute_a obscurity_n of_o faith_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o mystic_a writer_n do_v call_v this_o perfect_a union_n the_o union_n of_o nothing_o with_o nothing_o that_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v not_o where_o corporal_o that_o have_v no_o image_n nor_o affection_n to_o creature_n in_o she_o yea_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o free_a disposal_n of_o her_o own_o faculty_n actuate_a by_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o according_a to_o the_o actual_a touch_v of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o apprehend_v god_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o all_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n thus_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v no_o where_o corporal_o or_o sensible_o be_v every_o where_o spiritual_o and_o immediate_o unite_v to_o god_n this_o infinite_a nothing_o 9_o the_o soul_n now_o be_v so_o elevate_v in_o spirit_n that_o she_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n here_o she_o come_v to_o a_o feel_n indeed_o of_o her_o not-being_a &_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o not-being_a of_o creature_n the_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a truth_n not_o as_o if_o the_o soul_n or_o other_o creature_n either_o do_v cease_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a be_v or_o as_o if_o a_o natural_a be_v be_v indeed_o no_o real_a be_v as_o father_n benet_n canfield_n do_v seem_v to_o determine_v but_o because_o all_o sinful_a adhesion_n by_o affection_n to_o creature_n be_v annihilate_v than_o they_o remain_v as_o to_o the_o soul_n only_o in_o that_o true_a be_v which_o they_o have_v in_o god_n by_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o relation_n to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o whereas_o while_o we_o sinful_o adhere_v unto_o they_o by_o stay_v in_o they_o with_o love_n we_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o as_o if_o we_o think_v they_o to_o have_v a_o be_v or_o subsistence_n of_o &_o in_o themselves_o &_o not_o of_o god_n only_o &_o that_o they_o may_v be_v love_v for_o themselves_o without_o reference_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n and_o root_n of_o all_o sin_n 10._o all_o sensible_a operation_n former_o exercise_v yea_o all_o express_a and_o deliberate_v intellectual_a operation_n bring_v the_o soul_n some_o whither_o and_o to_o some_o determinate_a thing_n but_o in_o this_o perfect_a state_n the_o soul_n desire_n be_v to_o be_v nowhere_o and_o she_o seek_v nothing_o that_o either_o sense_n or_o understanding_n can_v fix_v upon_o such_o soul_n can_v taste_v and_o comprehend_v what_o s._n denys_n mean_v in_o his_o instruction_n to_o timothy_n
of_o two_o most_o sublime_a contemplative_n thus_o therefore_o speak_v one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o conference_n cap._n 7._o finis_fw-la monachi_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la culmen_fw-la in_o orationis_fw-la consummatione_fw-la consistit_fw-la that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o monastical_a profession_n and_o the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o all_o perfection_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n and_o in_o the_o ten_o confer_v cap._n 7._o another_o say_v hic_fw-la finis_fw-la totius_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la eo_fw-la usque_fw-la extenuata_fw-la mens_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la situ_fw-la carnali_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la quotidie_fw-la sublimetur_fw-la donec_fw-la omnis_fw-la eius_fw-la conuersatio_fw-la omnisque_fw-la volutatio_fw-la cordis_fw-la una_fw-la &_o iugis_fw-la efficiatur_fw-la oratio_fw-la that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o the_o mind_n become_v so_o purify_v from_o all_o carnal_a defilement_n that_o it_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o daily_o to_o spiritual_a thing_n till_o its_o whole_a employment_n and_o every_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v become_v one_o uninterrupted_n prayer_n 11._o now_o what_o a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n this_o be_v that_o they_o aspire_v to_o how_o sublime_a in_o spirit_n though_o ofttimes_o join_v with_o their_o vocal_a prayer_n may_v appear_v from_o that_o description_n give_v of_o it_o by_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o these_o word_n in_o the_o 10._o confer_v cap._n 20._o ita_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la orationis_fw-la purissimam_fw-la perveniet_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la nullam_fw-la deitatis_fw-la effigiem_fw-la in_o sva_fw-la supplicatione_n miscebit_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la ullam_fw-la quidem_fw-la in_o se_fw-la memoriam_fw-la dicti_fw-la cuiusdam_fw-la vel_fw-la facti_fw-la speciem_fw-la seu_fw-la formam_fw-la characteris_fw-la admittet_fw-la that_o be_v thus_o by_o much_o practice_n the_o soul_n will_v arrive_v to_o that_o most_o sublime_a purity_n of_o praler_n wherein_o no_o image_n at_o all_o of_o the_o divinity_n be_v mingle_v and_o which_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o least_o memory_n nor_o a_o character_n or_o representation_n of_o anything_o either_o speak_v or_o do_v the_o strange_a subtlety_n &_o spirituality_n of_o which_o prayer_n consider_v there_o be_v apply_v unto_o it_o that_o say_v of_o s._n antony_n in_o the_o 9_o conf._n chap._n 31._o non_fw-fr est_fw-fr perfecta_fw-la oratio_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la se_fw-la monachus_n vel_fw-la hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la quod_fw-la orat_fw-la intelligit_fw-la that_o be_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a one_o unless_o the_o religious_a person_n that_o exercise_v it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n that_o pass_v in_o it_o or_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o he_o pray_v 12._o what_o great_a advantage_n the_o ancient_a hermit_n &_o other_o religious_a person_n enjoy_v for_o the_o more_o certain_a and_o more_o speedy_a attain_n to_o this_o internal_a purity_n of_o prayer_n &_o wonderful_a cleanness_n of_o spirit_n the_o end_n of_o their_o profession_n how_o much_o more_o able_a their_o bodily_a complexion_n be_v to_o support_v that_o most_o rigorous_a solitude_n those_o long_a continue_a attention_n of_o mind_n &c_n &c_n and_o how_o much_o more_o efficacious_a herto_o be_v their_o manual_a labour_n beyond_o our_o employment_n in_o study_n and_o last_o how_o by_o such_o like_a mean_n they_o with_o the_o only_a exercise_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n attain_v to_o perfect_a contemplation_n shall_v be_v show_v more_o full_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o last_o treatise_n concern_v internal_a prayer_n 13._o in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v content_v myself_o with_o show_v that_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n s_o benedict_n all_o his_o disciple_n be_v oblige_v to_o propose_v to_o themselves_o no_o other_o end_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n but_o only_o such_o purity_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o spiritual_a prayer_n so_o that_o how_o exact_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o outward_a observance_n unless_o they_o be_v refer_v unto_o and_o efficacious_a also_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o this_o internal_a purity_n in_o some_o reasonable_a measure_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v esteem_v by_o god_n to_o have_v comply_v with_o their_o vocation_n and_o profession_n 14._o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v from_o those_o ancient_a holy_a hermit_n &_o religious_a that_o our_o holy_a father_n borrow_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n which_o in_o the_o conclusion_n he_o profess_v to_o be_v mean_v only_o by_o he_o as_o a_o disposition_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o imitate_v they_o in_o their_o most_o perfect_a internal_a practice_n it_o be_v from_o they_o that_o he_o borrow_n the_o phrase_n of_o oratio_fw-la pura_fw-la pure_a prayer_n in_o the_o 20._o chap._n the_o exercise_n whereof_o beside_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o office_n he_o appoint_v daily_o as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o also_o by_o the_o story_n relate_v by_o s._n gregory_n of_o one_o of_o his_o monk_n who_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o blackmore_n tempt_v out_o of_o the_o community_n in_o the_o time_n of_o such_o recollection_n by_o which_o may_v be_v perceive_v the_o great_a fruit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o such_o prayer_n for_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v content_v he_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o the_o office_n because_o during_o that_o exercise_n he_o can_v more_o easy_o distract_v his_o mind_n but_o know_v the_o force_n of_o internal_a prayer_n how_o recollective_a it_o be_v and_o what_o light_n it_o afford_v to_o discover_v the_o inward_a defect_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o obtain_v grace_n to_o correct_v they_o his_o principal_a aim_n be_v to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o so_o profitable_a a_o exercise_n and_o therefore_o to_o countermine_v the_o devil_n malice_n our_o holy_a father_n think_v it_o worth_a a_o journey_n express_o to_o cure_v the_o infirmity_n and_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o one_o of_o his_o seduce_a monk_n 15._o for_o this_o end_v it_o be_v that_o our_o holy_a father_n in_o the_o 58._o c._n ordeine_n superior_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o spirit_n &_o disposition_n of_o newcomer_n that_o they_o shall_v most_o especial_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o this_o most_o necessary_a condition_n si_fw-la deum_fw-la veer_fw-la quaerit_fw-la if_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o true_o seek_v god_n and_o more_o particulary_a si_fw-la sollicitùs_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la opus_fw-la dei_fw-la if_o he_o have_v a_o solicitous_a care_n due_o to_o perform_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o interpret_v to_o be_v prayer_n and_o this_o so_o principal_a a_o work_n that_o he_o ordeine_n that_o nihil_fw-la operi_fw-la dei_fw-la praeponatur_fw-la nothing_o must_v be_v prefer_v before_o it_o 16._o for_o the_o advance_v of_o this_o prayer_n that_o it_o may_v become_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o a_o contemplative_a state_n all_o other_o exterior_a observance_n be_v appoint_v 1._o by_o the_o 12._o degree_n of_o humility_n by_o frequent_a prostration_n acknowledge_v of_o secret_a imperfection_n etc._n etc._n pride_n selfelove_n &_o all_o other_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n hinder_v our_o union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n be_v subdue_v &_o expel_v and_o as_o our_o holy_a father_n say_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o degree_n that_o perfect_a charity_n which_o most_o immediate_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n be_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n 2._o by_o perfect_a obedience_n self_n judgement_n &_o self_n will_v be_v abate_v 3._o by_o fast_n watch_n &_o other_o austerity_n sensuality_n be_v mortify_v 4._o by_o religious_a poverty_n all_o distract_n care_v about_o temporal_a thing_n be_v expel_v 5._o and_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o recollectednes_n and_o introversion_n so_o great_a silence_n and_o solitude_n be_v so_o rigorous_o enjoin_v and_o practise_v all_o object_n of_o sensual_a affection_n remove_v all_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n all_o relate_n or_o harken_v to_o news_n severe_o prohibit_v all_o this_o sure_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o fit_a disposition_n to_o imitate_v those_o solitary_a and_o devout_a saint_n propose_v by_o our_o holy_a father_n for_o our_o example_n in_o their_o continual_a conversation_n with_o god_n attend_v to_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o uninterrupted_n union_n of_o spirit_n with_o he_o by_o pure_a spiritual_a contemplation_n 17._o therefore_o though_o our_o holy_a lawgiver_n do_v not_o in_o his_o rule_n give_v his_o disciple_n any_o special_a instruction_n for_o order_v their_o interiour_n spiritual_a prayer_n touch_v such_o matter_n refer_v they_o to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o himself_o say_v as_o likewise_o to_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o hermit_n profess_v contemplation_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o dispose_v his_o disciple_n by_o his_o ordinance_n to_o
sufficient_a for_o the_o person_n to_o propose_v the_o matter_n humble_o and_o modest_o to_o his_o superior_n yet_o withal_o with_o a_o entire_a resignation_n and_o almost_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v god_n will_v actual_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o a_o religious_a person_n in_o a_o employment_n of_o that_o nature_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n facilitate_v the_o business_n and_o in_o his_o own_o time_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o the_o superior_a without_o the_o subject_n solicitation_n to_o permit_v he_o to_o go_v 11._o but_o what_o ever_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o other_o for_o go_v into_o england_n whether_o it_o be_v convert_n of_o soul_n and_o particular_o of_o some_o special_a friend_n or_o kindred_n or_o of_o recovery_n of_o bodily_a health_n gain_v of_o temporal_a commodity_n to_o the_o community_n &c_n &c_n the_o true_a motiveâ—_n indeed_o ordinary_o proceed_v from_o tepidity_n the_o which_o tepidity_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o prayer_n and_o perseverance_n in_o religious_a duty_n and_o not_o further_o increase_v and_o perhaps_o change_v into_o open_a libertinage_n and_o profaneness_n by_o such_o a_o exemption_n from_o all_o regularity_n and_o order_n by_o which_o a_o poor_a unprovided_a sensual_a soul_n will_v become_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n expose_v to_o innumerable_a tentation_n without_o spiritual_a armour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v cast_v headlong_o into_o a_o pitt_n of_o darkness_n and_o of_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v a_o holy_a religious_a life_n 12._o as_o for_o their_o obligation_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o so_o terrible_a a_o employment_n when_o they_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o it_o it_o will_v suffice_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o say_a charge_n do_v not_o dispense_v with_o the_o essential_a obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o as_o religious_a if_o in_o their_o conuent_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v humble_a abstinent_a devout_a &c_n &c_n much_o more_o ought_v they_o be_v still_o religious_a but_o now_o expose_v to_o innumerable_a tentation_n to_o increase_v a_o vigilance_n over_o themselves_o to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a vain_a conversation_n all_o sollicitude_n about_o external_a thing_n &c_n &c_n and_o to_o practice_v all_o possible_a abstraction_n of_o life_n solitude_n both_o externall_n and_o internal_a but_o especial_o not_o to_o neglect_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o all_o which_o be_v pure_a spiritual_a prayer_n which_o alone_o can_v procure_v security_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o blessing_n upon_o other_o for_o sure_o if_o prayer_n be_v necessary_a in_o a_o convent_n much_o more_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o such_o person_n live_v in_o the_o world_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o treatise_n the_o second_o treatise_n of_o mortification_n the_o second_o treatise_n of_o the_o first_o instrument_n of_o perfection_n viz._n mortification_n the_o first_o section_n of_o mortification_n in_o general_n and_o of_o necessary_a &_o voluntary_a mortification_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5._o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n reduce_v to_o two_o head_n viz._n 1._o mortification_n 2._o prayer_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o division_n §_o 6._o the_o necessity_n of_o each_o of_o these_o §_o 7._o how_o they_o do_v advance_v each_o the_o other_o §_o 8._o etc._n etc._n of_o the_o two_o prayer_n be_v the_o more_o noble_a 1._o have_v so_o large_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n &_o end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n in_o general_a as_o likewise_o of_o the_o only_a divine_a master_n from_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v learn_v &_o the_o school_n of_o solitude_n in_o which_o he_o give_v his_o direction_n order_n require_v that_o we_o now_o treat_v of_o the_o special_a instruction_n touch_v the_o mean_n or_o instrument_n conduce_v to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o supernatural_a end_n aspire_v to_o by_o us._n concern_v which_o our_o discourse_n will_v not_o need_v to_o be_v so_o diffuse_v consider_v the_o large_a scope_n that_o we_o have_v allow_v to_o ourselves_o in_o the_o first_o general_a treatise_n in_o which_o mention_n also_o be_v make_v of_o much_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o follow_v 2._o several_a mystical_a author_n each_o one_o abound_v in_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o raise_v a_o frame_n of_o spirituality_n as_o suit_v best_o to_o his_o own_o imagination_n and_o design_n have_v make_v several_a partition_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n much_o considerable_a which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v prefer_v but_o to_o the_o end_n the_o best_a ease_n and_o help_n may_v be_v afford_v to_o the_o devout_a reader_n memory_n the_o division_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o short_a that_o may_v be_v yet_o sufficient_o and_o clear_o enough_o comprehend_v all_o necessary_a duty_n namely_o under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o 1._o mortification_n 2._o prayer_n 3._o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o this_o division_n may_v be_v better_o understand_v we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o glorious_a end_n of_o a_o contemplative_a life_n to_o wit_n union_n in_o spirit_n with_o god_n by_o love_n be_v entire_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o any_o natural_a ability_n and_o strength_n although_o he_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o and_o much_o more_o be_v this_o impossible_a to_o he_o in_o his_o present_a state_n since_o he_o be_v natural_o most_o averse_a from_o it_o be_v whole_o possess_v and_o fill_v with_o nothing_o but_o self-love_n propriety_n and_o pride_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o union_n therefore_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a duty_n must_v be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n 1._o of_o ourselves_o our_o own_o nothing_o our_o unproffitablenes_n vileness_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o aversion_n and_o hatred_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o allsufficiency_n universal_a be_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o incomprehensible_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o consequent_o upon_o this_o knowledge_n all_o our_o endeavour_n towards_o this_o end_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o divine_a light_n and_o assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n must_v be_v employ_v first_o in_o remove_v those_o impediment_n and_o next_o consequent_o in_o approach_v direct_o to_o god_n a_o immediate_a union_n with_o who_o be_v aspire_v to_o as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n &_o perfection_n of_o our_o intellective_a nature_n we_o must_v renounce_v &_o fly_v from_o ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o unto_o god_n we_o must_v destroy_v self-love_n in_o our_o soul_n that_o so_o the_o divine_a love_n may_v be_v raise_v &_o increase_v in_o they_o now_o it_o be_v by_o mortification_n that_o self_n love_n &_o all_o other_o our_o natural_a deordination_n which_o hinder_v a_o divine_a union_n be_v remove_v and_o it_o be_v by_o prayer_n that_o we_o direct_o tend_v to_o a_o divine_a union_n by_o the_o former_a we_o exercise_v all_o duty_n &_o practice_v all_o virtue_n which_o regard_v ourselves_o for_o virtue_n be_v so_o far_o only_o to_o be_v esteem_v worthy_a of_o that_o name_n in_o as_o much_o &_o as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v mortificatory_a to_o our_o inordinate_a passion_n and_o affection_n as_o humility_n of_o pride_n patience_n of_o anger_n temperance_n of_o sensual_a desire_n &c._n &c._n and_o prayer_n in_o the_o notion_n in_o which_o it_o be_v here_o understand_v include_v all_o our_o duty_n direct_o pertain_v to_o god_n as_o comprehend_v all_o manner_n of_o internal_a actuation_n &_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o understanding_n contemplate_v &_o admire_v he_o by_o the_o will_n &_o affection_n adore_v obey_v love_a &_o adhere_v to_o he_o &_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a soul_n resign_v &_o submit_v itself_o &_o the_o body_n also_o with_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o eath_n of_o they_o to_o be_v dispose_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a will_n both_o for_o time_n &_o eternity_n 4._o this_o division_n deserve_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v approve_v because_o hesychius_n a_o ancient_n illuminate_v monk_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr puritate_fw-la cordis_n have_v conformable_o reduce_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o 1._o temperance_n 2._o and_o prayer_n by_o temperance_n understand_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o mortification_n for_o as_o he_o express_v his_o meaning_n this_o temperance_n be_v a_o general_a abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o will_v any_o way_n disorder_v the_o affection_n or_o obscure_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o call_v it_o likewise_o custodiam_fw-la cordis_n a_o guard_n or_o watch_v set_v over_o the_o heart_n force_v it_o to_o repel_v all_o vain_a &_o unproffitable_a thought_n the_o which_o if_o they_o be_v too_o
22._o this_o most_o heroical_a humility_n can_v only_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o act_n of_o contemplation_n for_o then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o a_o soul_n feel_v she_o own_o nothing_o without_o intend_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o at_o all_o other_o time_n she_o in_o some_o degree_n feel_v the_o false_a suppose_v be_v of_o herself_o &_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v only_o in_o actual_a pure_a prayer_n that_o the_o image_n of_o they_o be_v expel_v &_o with_o the_o image_n the_o affection_n to_o they_o also_o 23._o notwithstanding_o a_o great_a measure_n &_o proportion_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o such_o prayer_n remain_v &_o be_v operative_a also_o afterward_o out_o of_o prayer_n for_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v see_v creature_n she_o never_o see_v they_o as_o in_o themselves_o but_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o god_n &_o so_o in_o they_o humble_v herself_o to_o god_n &_o love_v god_n in_o they_o and_o if_o she_o reflect_v upon_o herself_o &_o turn_v her_o eye_n inward_a into_o her_o spirit_n desire_v to_o find_v god_n there_o there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o considerable_a imperfection_n obscurity_n or_o stain_n that_o will_v darken_v she_o view_v of_o god_n but_o she_o will_v discover_v it_o and_o most_o perfect_o hate_v it_o 24._o as_o for_o sin_n or_o imperfection_n in_o other_o though_o never_o so_o heinous_a they_o be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o her_o see_v of_o god_n because_o either_o she_o transcend_v &_o mark_v they_o not_o or_o be_v by_o their_o mean_n urge_v to_o a_o near_o &_o more_o fervent_a love_n of_o he_o for_o his_o patience_n to_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n impair_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n &_o to_o a_o great_a compassion_n towards_o sinner_n 25._o but_o the_o least_o imperfection_n in_o herself_o be_v real_o a_o hindrance_n to_o her_o immediate_a union_n with_o god_n &_o perfect_a sight_n of_o he_o be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o light_n as_o she_o than_o enjoy_v perfect_o see_v &_o perfect_o abhor_v by_o she_o yea_o such_o fault_n as_o to_o her_o natural_a understanding_n former_o appear_v no_o big_a than_o moat_n do_v in_o virtue_n of_o this_o supernatural_a light_n seem_v as_o mountain_n and_o defect_n which_o she_o before_o never_o dream_v or_o imagine_v to_o be_v in_o herself_o she_o now_o see_v not_o only_o to_o be_v but_o to_o abound_v &_o bear_v great_a sway_n in_o she_o to_o this_o purpose_n say_v s._n gregory_n l._n 22._o moral_a c._n 1._o sancti_fw-la viri_fw-la quo_fw-la altiùs_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la proficiunt_fw-la eo_fw-la subtiliùs_fw-la indignos_fw-la se_fw-la deprehendunt_fw-la quia_fw-la dum_fw-la proximi_fw-la luci_fw-la fiunt_fw-la quidquid_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la latebat_fw-la inveniunt_fw-la that_o be_v holy_a man_n the_o high_a that_o they_o raise_v themselves_o approach_v to_o god_n the_o more_o clear_o do_v they_o perceive_v their_o own_o unworthines_n because_o be_v encompass_v with_o a_o pure_a light_n they_o discover_v in_o themselves_o those_o defect_n which_o before_o they_o can_v not_o see_v 26._o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o &_o the_o feel_n or_o perception_n of_o it_o the_o former_a may_v be_v get_v by_o a_o little_a meditation_n or_o by_o read_v of_o school_n divinity_n which_o teach_v &_o demonstrate_v how_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a dependence_n on_o the_o only_a true_a be_v of_o god_n whereas_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o nothing_o will_v never_o be_v attain_v by_o study_n or_o meditation_n alone_o but_o by_o the_o raise_n &_o purify_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o prayer_n the_o devil_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nothingnes_n of_o creature_n in_o a_o far_o great_a perfection_n than_o any_o man_n &_o yet_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o feel_n now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o not-being_a that_o be_v true_a perfect_a humility_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o feel_n of_o our_o be_v be_v pride_n 27._o now_o this_o feel_n of_o our_o not-being_a have_v two_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o corporal_a or_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o wit_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o raise_v above_o the_o body_n &_o all_o desire_n concern_v it_o that_o it_o have_v lose_v all_o care_n &_o solicitude_n about_o it_o have_v mortify_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n all_o inferior_a passion_n this_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o humility_n but_o not_o yet_o perfect_a as_o may_v appear_v plain_o by_o this_o that_o after_o a_o soul_n have_v attain_v herto_o by_o a_o passive_a union_n there_o ordinary_o follow_v the_o great_a privation_n or_o desolation_n in_o which_o she_o find_v herself_o to_o be_v yet_o full_a of_o herself_o &_o she_o own_o be_v combat_v with_o may_o rise_n &_o repugnance_n 2._o the_o second_o degree_n follow_v after_o that_o the_o say_a privation_n cease_v in_o which_o the_o soul_n exercise_v herself_o after_o a_o far_o more_o sublime_a manner_n &_o begin_v then_o to_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a feel_n of_o her_o not-being_a consist_v in_o a_o abstraction_n from_o the_o soul_n herself_o &_o all_o her_o faculty_n &_o operation_n all_o which_o be_v so_o lose_v &_o annihilate_v in_o god_n that_o in_o her_o exercise_n of_o most_o pure_a prayer_n she_o can_v perceyve_v distinct_o any_o work_v either_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v or_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o she_o do_v when_o she_o pray_v 28._o the_o author_n of_o secret_n sentier_n say_v that_o soul_n which_o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o state_n of_o perfect_a union_n be_v yet_o ordinary_o permit_v by_o god_n to_o descend_v oft_o from_o their_o high_a abstraction_n into_o their_o inferior_a nature_n even_o as_o they_o be_v during_o their_o state_n of_o entrance_n into_o a_o spiritual_a course_n so_o that_o according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n during_o such_o a_o descent_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o the_o feel_n of_o their_o own_o be_v but_o theâ—_n say_v he_o they_o from_o this_o descent_n do_v by_o little_a &_o little_a through_o their_o internal_a exercise_n ascend_v high_a therâ—_n they_o be_v ever_o before_o and_o such_o ascent_n &_o descent_n interchangeable_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n thus_o say_v barbanzon_n perhaps_o out_o of_o experience_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o whether_o from_o thence_o he_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o apply_v this_o observation_n so_o general_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o perfect_a who_o only_o can_v judge_v of_o such_o matter_n 29._o but_o alas_o these_o contemplation_n &_o consequent_o the_o say_v bless_v fruit_n of_o they_o be_v very_o rare_a &_o not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o come_v to_o at_o pleasure_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n till_o after_o a_o passive_a union_n or_o contemplation_n whereto_o well_o may_v we_o dispose_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o power_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o free_a will_n &_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o confer_v it_o on_o who_o when_o &_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o please_v he_o 30._o but_o however_o let_v not_o beginner_n nor_o proficient_n in_o spirituality_n be_v discourage_v for_o that_o as_o yet_o they_o can_v find_v in_o themselves_o or_o at_o least_o very_o imperfect_o a_o perception_n of_o their_o not-being_a not_o have_v as_o yet_o a_o supernatural_a intellectual_a species_n evident_o &_o even_o palpable_o represent_v to_o their_o mind_n god_n totality_n &_o their_o own_o nothing_o the_o which_o species_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o active_a exercise_n to_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o aspire_v thereunto_o and_o persevere_v in_o the_o way_n lead_v thither_o they_o will_v certain_o arrive_v to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o sublime_a humility_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o alone_o all_o other_o virtue_n will_v be_v perfect_o exercise_v by_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o it_o they_o will_v come_v to_o know_v both_o god_n &_o themselves_o aright_o &_o be_v in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n as_o our_o holy_a father_n say_v to_o that_o perfect_a charity_n which_o expel_v all_o fear_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o only_o treat_v particular_o &_o large_o of_o this_o virtue_n &_o of_o obedience_n which_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o it_o 31._o we_o ought_v therefore_o never_o to_o cease_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v reveyle_v unto_o we_o our_o own_o nothing_o &_o his_o all-being_a for_o prayer_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o as_o for_o exterior_a act_n &_o expression_n of_o humility_n if_o they_o flow_v from_o prayer_n they_o may_v be_v profitable_a &_o acceptable_a to_o god_n
perfection_n we_o be_v arrive_v 6._o four_o all_o increase_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n by_o whatsoever_o instrument_n it_o be_v produce_v as_o by_o regular_a austerity_n temperance_n exercise_n of_o mortification_n be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o good_a internal_a disposition_n and_o actuation_n of_o soul_n accompany_v the_o use_n of_o they_o yea_o the_o same_o may_v also_o in_o a_o certain_a proportion_n be_v affirm_v even_o of_o the_o sacrament_n themselves_o in_o adultis_fw-la the_o which_o although_o by_o their_o own_o intrinsical_a virtue_n and_o as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess_v 7._o can_n 8._o express_v it_o ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la they_o do_v conserre_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o aid_v and_o this_o quantum_fw-la est_fw-la parte_fw-la dei_fw-la at_o all_o time_n and_o on_o all_o person_n that_o due_o receive_v they_o see_v sess_v 7._o cap._n 6._o &_o 7._o yet_o withal_o the_o quantity_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o say_a grace_n be_v in_o the_o same_o council_n sess_v 6._o cap._n 7._o say_v to_o be_v secundam_fw-la propriam_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la dispositionem_fw-la &_o cooperationem_fw-la according_a to_o the_o peculiar_a disposition_n and_o cooperation_n of_o each_o person_n respective_o that_o be_v those_o that_o come_v with_o more_o or_o less_o perfect_a intense_a continued_z and_o multiply_v internal_a act_n of_o faith_n hope_n charity_n devotion_n &c_n &c_n do_v according_o receive_v a_o more_o or_o less_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o sacramental_a grace_n now_o what_o be_v all_o these_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n but_o the_o exercise_v of_o internal_a prayer_n whence_o appear_v how_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n internal_a prayer_n both_o by_o way_n of_o merit_n or_o impetration_n and_o likewise_o by_o a_o direct_a efficiency_n have_v in_o the_o produce_v and_o increase_n of_o divine_a virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n 7._o five_o if_o a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n shall_v in_o occasion_n for_o example_n of_o contradiction_n persecution_n &c_n &c_n neglect_v to_o exercise_v patience_n she_o must_v necessary_o exercise_v impatience_n &_o by_o consequence_n will_v make_v little_a or_o no_o progress_n by_o her_o prayer_n yet_o if_o then_o she_o shall_v use_v any_o reasonable_a care_n diligence_n or_o watchfullnes_n over_o herself_o though_o not_o for_o the_o get_n of_o much_o yet_o not_o to_o loose_v much_o out_o of_o prayer_n god_n will_v by_o mean_n of_o her_o prayer_n serious_o prosecute_v infuse_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o grace_n as_o will_v cause_v a_o progress_n notwithstanding_o frequent_a fail_n through_o frailty_n or_o inaduertence_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v late_o ere_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o infusion_n will_v appear_v 8._o six_o increase_v in_o virtue_n do_v pure_o depend_v on_o the_o free_a grace_n &_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n confer_v the_o say_a grace_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o measure_n as_o himself_o please_v &_o also_o by_o his_o holy_a providence_n administer_a occasion_n several_o of_o exercise_v several_a virtue_n the_o which_o occasion_n ordinary_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o disposal_n 9_o seaventh_o according_a to_o our_o progress_n in_o virtue_n so_o be_v our_o progress_n in_o prayer_n &_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n purify_v from_o self-love_n she_o be_v incapable_a of_o that_o perfect_a degree_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v call_v contemplation_n according_a to_o that_o save_n of_o our_o saviour_n math._n 5._o beati_fw-la mundo_fw-la cord_n quoniam_fw-la ipsi_fw-la deum_fw-la videbunt_fw-la that_o be_v bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o until_o the_o internal_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o mist_n of_o passion_n &_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v fix_v itself_o upon_o so_o pure_a &_o divine_a a_o object_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o every_o the_o most_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v proportional_o purify_v god_n be_v in_o some_o qualify_a sense_n contemplate_v but_o we_o do_v not_o apply_v the_o term_n of_o contemplation_n except_o only_o to_o the_o most_o sublime_a degree_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o yet_o be_v never_o so_o perfect_o absolute_a in_o this_o life_n but_o that_o it_o may_v without_o limitation_n increase_v because_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_o free_v from_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o original_a sin_n ignorance_n &_o concupiscence_n but_o there_o will_v over_o remain_v matter_n &_o exercise_v for_o further_a mortification_n or_o purification_n 10._o eight_o virtue_n be_v in_o no_o other_o state_n of_o life_n so_o perfect_o establish_v in_o the_o depth_n &_o centre_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o a_o contemplative_a state_n because_o all_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o do_v principal_o &_o direct_o regard_v the_o exaltation_n spiritualise_v &_o purification_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o a_o continual_a application_n adhesion_n &_o union_n of_o it_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o light_n &_o purity_n 11._o lastâ—y_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n in_o a_o internal_a life_n virtue_n be_v most_o easy_o obtain_v most_o secure_o possess_v and_o most_o perfect_o practise_v in_o a_o active_a life_n a_o person_n that_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n therein_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o enable_v he_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n dispose_v thereto_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o externall_n work_v of_o charity_n there_o be_v needful_a riches_n or_o friend_n &c_n &c_n and_o for_o spiritual_a almes-giving_a there_o be_v require_v learning_n study_n disputation_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o there_o be_v acquire_v a_o established_a habit_n of_o solid_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o very_o secure_o possess_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o distraction_n follicitude_n and_o tentation_n but_o a_o contemplative_a life_n as_o s._n thomas_n 22._o q._n 182._o a._n 1._o c._n observe_v even_o from_o aristotle_n himself_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o very_a few_o thing_n be_v to_o itself_o sufficient_a such_o a_o person_n alone_o without_o need_v either_o assistance_n or_o favour_n from_o abroad_o can_v both_o purchase_v and_o exercise_v all_o virtue_n yea_o and_o liberal_o dispense_v all_o kind_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o also_o for_o by_o prayer_n alone_o exercise_v in_o solitude_n he_o can_v employ_v and_o engage_v god_n omnipotence_n wisdom_n and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o riches_n for_o the_o supply_v all_o the_o necessity_n externall_n and_o internal_a of_o his_o church_n the_o light_n that_o be_v get_v by_o prayer_n will_v be_v more_o than_o equivalent_a to_o long_a and_o laborious_a study_n not_o sanctify_v with_o prayer_n for_o the_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v efficacious_o a_o pastoral_a charge_n over_o soul_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o he_o though_o no_o doubt_n prayer_n will_v also_o incite_v to_o sufficient_a study_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o conversation_n and_o book_n yea_o fetter_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o dungeon_n prayer_n alone_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a entertainment_n to_o he_o there_o he_o will_v find_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o present_v and_o as_o bountiful_a to_o he_o as_o ever_o yea_o the_o great_a solitude_n there_o be_v at_o the_o more_o freedom_n be_v the_o soul_n to_o run_v speedy_o and_o light_o in_o the_o course_n of_o virtue_n for_o nothing_o do_v indeed_o fetter_v she_o but_o selfelove_n &_o propriety_n and_o last_o virtue_n once_o get_v be_v evident_o most_o secure_o possess_v in_o solitude_n from_o whence_o all_o distraction_n and_o almost_o all_o tentation_n be_v exclude_v the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o treatise_n of_o mortification_n sancta_fw-la sophia_n or_o direction_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o contemplation_n etc._n etc._n extract_v out_o of_o more_o than_o xl._n treatise_n write_v by_o the_o late_a ven._n father_n f._n augustin_n baker_n a_o monk_n of_o the_o english_a congregation_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n and_o methodical_o digest_v by_o the_o r._n f._n serenus_n cressy_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o congregation_n and_o print_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o convent_n of_o s._n gregory_n in_o douai_n vol._n ii_o at_o douai_n by_o john_n patte_n '_o and_o thomas_n fievet_n anno_fw-la d._n m.dc.lvii_o to_o the_o venerable_a and_o r._n lady_z d._n catherine_n gascoigne_n the_o lady_n abbess_n of_o the_o religious_a dame_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n benedict_n in_o cambray_n and_o to_o all_o the_o rr._n dame_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o same_o convent_n madam_n if_o i_o have_v not_o any_o press_a obligation_n as_o i_o have_v many_o to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o acknowledge_v both_o my_o worthy_a esteem_n and_o resentment_n also_o for_o your_o many_o favour_n yet_o without_o injustice_n
imagine_v but_o a_o inexhaustible_a ocean_n of_o universal_a be_v &_o good_a infinite_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n the_o which_o be_v &_o good_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o we_o love_v with_o the_o whole_a possible_a extension_n of_o our_o will_n embrace_v god_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o know_v he_o but_o yet_o even_o such_o a_o contemplation_n &_o love_n in_o this_o life_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o bodily_a weakness_n &_o necessity_n can_v be_v without_o many_o descent_n and_o interruption_n 9_o this_o mystic_a contemplation_n or_o union_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o active_a and_o ordinary_a be_v indeed_o a_o habitual_a state_n of_o perfect_a soul_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v whensoever_o fit_a occasion_n shall_v be_v to_o unite_v themselves_o active_o and_o actual_o to_o god_n by_o efficacious_a fervent_a amorous_a and_o constant_a yet_o withal_o silent_a &_o quiet_a elevation_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o passive_a &_o extraordinary_a the_o which_o be_v not_o a_o state_n but_o a_o actual_a grace_n &_o favour_n from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v please_v at_o certain_a time_n according_a to_o his_o free_a good_a pleasure_n to_o communicate_v a_o glimpse_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o servant_n after_o a_o secret_a &_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v passive_a not_o but_o that_o therein_o the_o soul_n do_v active_o contemplate_v god_n but_o she_o can_v neither_o when_o she_o please_v dispose_v herself_o thereto_o nor_o yet_o refuse_v it_o when_o that_o god_n think_v good_a to_o operate_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o to_o represent_v himself_o unto_o she_o by_o a_o divine_a particular_a image_n not_o at_o all_o frame_v by_o the_o soul_n but_o supernatural_o infuse_v into_o she_o the_o which_o grace_n be_v seldom_o if_o ever_o afford_v but_o to_o soul_n that_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o perfect_a active_a union_n concern_v this_o passive_a union_n and_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o 10._o as_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n which_o be_v active_a contemplation_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o treat_v in_o gross_a in_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v in_o mystic_a author_n thaulerus_n harphius_n &c_n &c_n that_o he_o that_o will_v become_v spiritual_a aught_o to_o practice_v the_o draw_a of_o his_o external_a sense_n inward_o into_o his_o internal_a there_o lose_v &_o as_o it_o be_v annihilate_v they_o have_v do_v this_o he_o must_v then_o draw_v his_o internal_a sense_n into_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o there_o annihilate_v they_o likewise_o and_o those_o power_n of_o the_o intellectual_a soul_n he_o must_v draw_v into_o that_o which_o be_v call_v their_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n &_o fountain_n from_o whence_o those_o power_n do_v flow_v &_o in_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o last_o that_o unity_n which_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o perfect_a union_n with_o god_n must_v be_v apply_v and_o firm_o fix_v on_o god_n and_o herein_o say_v they_o consist_v the_o perfect_a divine_a contemplation_n &_o union_n of_o a_o intellectual_a soul_n with_o god_n 11._o now_o whether_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o will_v abide_v the_o strict_a examination_n of_o philosophy_n or_o no_o i_o will_v not_o take_v on_o i_o to_o determine_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o by_o a_o frequent_a &_o constant_a exercise_n of_o internal_a prayer_n of_o the_o will_n join_v with_o mortification_n the_o soul_n come_v to_o operate_v more_o &_o more_o abstract_v from_o sense_n &_o more_o elevate_v above_o the_o corporal_a organ_n &_o faculty_n so_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o separate_a spirit_n 12._o yet_o this_o abstraction_n &_o elevation_n perhaps_o be_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o soul_n in_o these_o pure_a operation_n have_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o the_o internal_a sense_n or_o sensible_a image_n for_o the_o school_n resolve_v that_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o state_n of_o a_o soul_n join_v to_o a_o mortal_a body_n but_o sure_o her_o operation_n in_o this_o pure_a degree_n of_o prayer_n be_v so_o subtle_a &_o intime_fw-la &_o the_o image_n that_o she_o make_v use_v of_o so_o exquisite_o pure_a &_o immaterial_a that_o she_o can_v perceive_v at_o all_o that_o she_o work_n by_o image_n so_o that_o spiritual_a writer_n be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o person_n utter_o unexperienced_a in_o these_o mystic_a affair_n if_o deliver_v thing_n as_o they_o perceive_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n they_o have_v express_v they_o otherwise_o then_o will_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o school_n 13._o now_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n do_v a_o soul_n begin_v to_o arrive_v after_o a_o sufficient_a exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o have_v attain_v thereto_o they_o do_v grow_v more_o &_o more_o spiritual_a &_o sublime_a by_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n &_o blind_a elevation_n without_o all_o limit_n 14._o i_o call_v they_o pure_a intellectual_a operation_n in_o opposition_n to_o actuation_n imaginative_a produce_v by_o mean_a of_o gross_a sensible_a image_n &_o not_o as_o if_o the_o say_a operation_n be_v in_o the_o intellect_n or_o understanding_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o by_o the_o will._n for_o in_o proper_a aspiration_n the_o soul_n have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o only_o antecedent_o to_o propose_v a_o object_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o only_o a_o general_n obscure_a confuse_a notion_n of_o god_n as_o faith_n dark_o teach_v &_o this_o rather_o virtual_o then_o direct_o &_o express_o the_o main_a business_n be_v to_o elevate_v the_o will_n and_o unite_v it_o to_o god_n so_o present_v 15._o in_o which_o union_n above_o all_o particular_a image_n there_o be_v neither_o time_n nor_o place_n but_o all_o be_v vacuity_n &_o emptiness_n as_o if_o nothing_o be_v existent_a but_o god_n &_o the_o soul_n yea_o so_o far_o be_v the_o soul_n from_o reflect_v on_o her_o own_o existence_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o she_o that_o god_n &_o she_o be_v not_o distinct_a but_o one_o only_a thing_n this_o be_v call_v by_o some_o mystic_a author_n the_o state_n of_o nothingnes_n by_o other_o the_o state_n of_o totality_n because_o therein_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o the_o container_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o this_o state_n be_v thus_o describe_v by_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n collat_n x._o c._n 11._o ita_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la orationis_fw-la incorruptionem_fw-la mens_fw-la nostra_fw-la perveniat_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v so_o will_v the_o mind_n ascend_v to_o that_o pure_a simplicity_n of_o prayer_n the_o which_o be_v free_v from_o all_o intuition_n of_o image_n undistinguish_v with_o any_o prosecution_n of_o word_n or_o sense_n but_o utter_v internal_o by_o a_o inflame_a intention_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o unutterable_a excess_n of_o affoction_n and_o inconceivable_a quickness_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n the_o which_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n be_v abstract_v from_o all_o sense_n &_o sensible_a object_n do_v power_n forth_o unto_o god_n by_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v express_v 16._o it_o be_v a_o error_n therefore_o of_o unexperienced_a person_n who_o think_v and_o say_v that_o all_o the_o exercise_n and_o thought_n of_o contemplative_n be_v actual_o in_o heaven_n in_o interior_a conversation_n with_o angel_n and_o saint_n taste_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n or_o whole_o employ_v in_o sublime_a speculation_n about_o divine_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n &c_n &c_n true_a it_o be_v that_o in_o a_o passive_a union_n god_n may_v after_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a but_o wonderful_a manner_n represent_v any_o or_o all_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o supernatural_a species_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o active_a contemplation_n it_o consist_v not_o at_o all_o in_o speculation_n but_o in_o blind_a elevation_n of_o the_o will_n and_o ingulf_v it_o more_o and_o more_o profound_o in_o god_n with_o no_o other_o sight_n or_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o of_o a_o obscure_a faith_n only_o 17._o this_o happy_a state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o most_o perfect_a that_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n be_v almost_o a_o entire_a reparation_n &_o restitution_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o state_n of_o primitive_a innocence_n for_o as_o long_o as_o it_o last_v because_o then_o the_o soul_n be_v free_v from_o all_o sinful_o distract_n image_n and_o affection_n that_o will_v separate_v she_o from_o god_n hereupon_o a_o holy_a hermit_n in_o cassian_n say_v that_o except_o in_o the_o very_a actual_a exercise_n of_o contemplation_n a_o soul_n be_v not_o
only_o in_o a_o imperfect_a state_n burr_n also_o in_o a_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o a_o sinful_a defect_n by_o reason_n that_o where_o god_n do_v not_o whole_o possess_v the_o soul_n the_o very_a image_n of_o creature_n can_v but_z more_o or_o less_o defile_v she_o how_o comfortable_a therefore_o &_o how_o only_o secure_a be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n 18._o those_o that_o be_v unexperienced_a may_v and_o often_o do_v call_v this_o a_o state_n of_o idleness_n and_o unproffitable_a cessation_n as_o martha_n complain_v against_o her_o sister_n mary_n but_o those_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o all_o business_n as_o s._n bernard_n call_v it_o true_a it_o be_v they_o do_v not_o without_o a_o special_a and_o certain_a inspiration_n from_o god_n interest_n themselves_o in_o external_a business_n nor_o perhaps_o employ_v much_o of_o their_o time_n and_o devotion_n in_o express_a prayer_n for_o common_a necessity_n yet_o those_o unexpressible_a devotion_n which_o they_o exercise_v &_o in_o which_o they_o tacit_o involve_v the_o needs_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v far_o more_o prevalent_a with_o god_n than_o the_o busy_a endeavour_n &_o prayer_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o a_o few_o such_o secret_a &_o unknown_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chariot_n &_o horseman_n the_o strength_n and_o bulwark_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o church_n where_o they_o live_v 19_o i_o know_v that_o some_o mystic_a author_n do_v constitute_v several_a distinct_a state_n follow_a active_a contemplation_n as_o barbanson_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o soul_n &_o after_o that_o of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o spirit_n &c_n &c_n and_o in_o all_o these_o great_a variety_n of_o ascent_n &_o descent_n &c_n &c_n likewise_o f._n ben._n canfield_n in_o his_o last_o &_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o essential_a &_o supereminent_a will_n of_o god_n make_v mention_n of_o several_a distinct_a exercise_n as_o denudation_n a_o active_a &_o passive_a annihilation_n &c_n &c_n these_o author_n perhaps_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n &_o with_o regard_n to_o their_o particular_a manner_n of_o prayer_n therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o what_o they_o deliver_v needs_o not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a measure_n for_o all_o neither_o will_v i_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v distinct_a state_n some_o of_o which_o i_o will_v mention_v as_o the_o great_a desolation_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n subtle_o to_o search_v into_o they_o those_o happy_a soul_n who_o god_n shall_v so_o high_o favour_v as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o vision_n and_o contemplation_n will_v have_v no_o need_n of_o light_n from_o any_o but_o god_n to_o conduct_v they_o in_o those_o hide_a divine_a path_n and_o the_o unexperienced_a will_v reap_v but_o little_a profit_n from_o such_o curious_a inquiry_n 20._o i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o deliver_v in_o a_o general_a manner_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n 2._o and_o from_o thence_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o treat_v modest_o concern_v passive_a union_n &_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o that_o great_a desolation_n which_o usual_o follow_v the_o say_a union_n 4._o and_o then_o i_o will_v conclude_v the_o whole_a book_n with_o a_o very_a short_a description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n chap._n two_o §_o 1._o 2._o of_o the_o prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o centemplation_n to_o wit_n aspiration_n and_o wâ—y_o they_o be_v so_o call_v §_o 3._o example_n of_o aspiration_n §_o 4._o â—_o etc._n etc._n agreement_n &_o difference_n between_o aspiration_n and_o other_o internal_a acts._n §_o 11._o 12._o etc._n etc._n how_o a_o soul_n become_v ripe_a for_o aspiration_n &_o pass_v to_o they_o §_o 16._o 17._o aspiration_n may_v be_v exercise_v in_o external_a business_n and_o why_o §_o 18._o 19_o great_a variety_n of_o aspiration_n to_o wit_n with_o or_o without_o word_n etc._n etc._n §_o 23._o 24._o etc._n etc._n the_o great_a benefit_n and_o fruit_n of_o aspiration_n 1._o internal_a prayer_n proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o active_a contemplation_n consist_v of_o certain_a most_o pure_o spiritual_a operation_n of_o the_o will_n longing_n &_o thirst_v after_o god_n &_o a_o union_n with_o he_o in_o the_o supreme_a point_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o his_o most_o proper_a dwell_v be_v 2._o these_o perfect_a operation_n be_v by_o spiritual_a author_n several_o name_v as_o elevation_n inward_a stir_n of_o the_o spirit_n aspiration_n &c_n &c_n we_o will_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n make_v use_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o last_o term_n of_o aspiration_n as_o most_o proper_a in_o a_o general_a notion_n to_o express_v the_o say_a operation_n for_o 1._o by_o they_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o holy_a ambition_n do_v aspire_v to_o raise_v &_o elevate_v herself_o out_o of_o inferior_a nature_n &_o to_o mount_v to_o the_o apicem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la which_o be_v god_n throne_n 2._o by_o they_o the_o soul_n be_v inflame_v with_o divine_a love_n do_v breath_n forth_o her_o ardent_a affection_n to_o god_n as_o the_o heart_n force_v the_o lung_n to_o send_v forth_o that_o air_n which_o they_o have_v former_o suck_v in_o that_o they_o may_v draw_v in_o fresh_a air_n to_o refrigerate_v it_o so_o that_o in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o quick_a reciprocal_a motion_n of_o empty_v &_o fill_v of_o rise_v &_o fall_v for_o after_o every_o aspiration_n there_o be_v a_o short_a descent_n &_o then_o a_o mount_a high_a than_o before_o 3._o because_o as_o our_o outward_a breathe_n be_v a_o action_n as_o it_o be_v pure_o natural_a perform_v without_o any_o labour_n at_o all_o or_o so_o much_o as_o election_n so_o a_o soul_n root_v in_o charity_n breathe_v forth_o these_o pure_a aspiration_n without_o any_o force_n use_v upon_o herself_o they_o flow_a from_o she_o free_o both_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o &_o in_o a_o sort_n natural_o 4._o because_o as_o the_o motion_n make_v in_o breathe_v do_v not_o hinder_v but_o rather_o advance_v all_o other_o motion_n &_o operation_n so_o may_v aspiration_n be_v exercise_v during_o other_o ordinary_a employment_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o either_o or_o without_o any_o considerable_a distraction_n except_o they_o be_v such_o business_n that_o do_v require_v a_o special_a fix_a attention_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o serious_a study_n now_o in_o such_o employment_n if_o they_o be_v impose_v by_o necessity_n or_o obedience_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o quit_v her_o aspiration_n and_o so_o do_v she_o will_v gain_v as_o much_o by_o her_o obedience_n as_o she_o will_v by_o prayer_n 3._o now_o these_o aspiration_n be_v certain_a short_a &_o lively_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o she_o express_v a_o thirsty_a longing_n after_o god_n such_o as_o these_o be_v my_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o love_v thou_o alone_o when_o shall_v i_o be_v unite_v to_o thou_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n but_o thou_o alone_o o_o that_o thou_o will_v live_v &_o reign_v alone_o in_o my_o soul_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o alone_o suffise_v i_o do_v not_o thou_o know_v o_o my_o god_n that_o i_o love_v thou_o only_o let_v i_o be_v nothing_o &_o be_v thou_o all_o o_o my_o god_n o_o love_n o_o love_n o_o infinite_a universal_a good_a when_o shall_v i_o come_v &_o appear_v before_o the_o face_n of_o thou_o o_o my_o god_n let_v i_o love_v thou_o only_o &_o that_o be_v sufficient_a when_o shall_v i_o die_v that_o my_o god_n alone_o may_v live_v in_o i_o etc._n etc._n 4._o now_o the_o same_o affection_n such_o as_o these_o that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o aspiration_n may_v also_o be_v use_v for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o expression_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o immediate_a act_n and_o even_o in_o meditation_n itself_o but_o yet_o the_o manner_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n produce_v the_o say_v affection_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v different_a in_o perfect_a &_o imperfect_a soul_n and_o the_o say_a aspiration_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o other_o force_a immediate_a act_n of_o the_o will._n 5._o for_o first_o such_o feruorous_a affection_n tend_v direct_o &_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v the_o entire_a matter_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o aspiration_n whereas_o in_o immediate_a act_n they_o be_v only_o now_o &_o then_o interlace_v but_o the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o such_o act_n be_v the_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n as_o in_o act_n of_o resignation_n etc._n etc._n 6._o