to_o see_v but_o porphyry_n himself_o as_o he_o do_v not_o utter_o reject_v this_o low_a and_o symbolical_a way_n so_o he_o say_v that_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o it_o but_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o purify_n the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o the_o intellectual_a by_o the_o low_a part_n he_o understand_v the_o irrational_a which_o by_o the_o theurgical_a rite_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o conversation_n with_o angel_n but_o the_o intellectual_a part_n can_v not_o be_v elevate_v by_o it_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o herein_o he_o place_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o return_n to_o and_o union_n with_o god_n in_o this_o upper_a part_n or_o fund_z of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o utmost_a the_o other_o attain_v to_o be_v only_o to_o live_v among_o the_o aetherial_a spirit_n but_o the_o contemplative_a soul_n return_v to_o the_o father_n as_o he_o speak_v which_o as_o many_o other_o of_o his_o notion_n he_o borrow_v from_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n to_o show_v what_o this_o intellectual_a or_o contemplative_a life_n be_v that_o shall_v bring_v man_n soul_n to_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n porphyry_n write_v a_o book_n on_o purpose_n of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o who_o quote_v many_o passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o particular_a precept_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o soul_n must_v fly_v from_o all_o body_n if_o it_o will_v live_v happy_a with_o god_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n and_o pure_a contemplative_a life_n in_o that_o book_n he_o complain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a way_n yet_o know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n not_o the_o indian_a chaldaick_n or_o any_o other_o but_o what_o that_o be_v which_o he_o mean_v appear_v by_o what_o he_o say_v near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n where_o 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the_o body_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v in_o sicily_n he_o be_v almost_o famish_v by_o abstinence_n and_o shun_v all_o conversation_n with_o mankind_n as_o he_o begin_v the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n that_o he_o be_v like_o one_o ashamed_a that_o his_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o body_n so_o that_o we_o find_v the_o foundation_n here_o lay_v say_v our_o author_n not_o only_o for_o the_o mystical_a union_n but_o the_o abstraction_n of_o mind_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o rather_o in_o a_o cessation_n of_o these_o act_n be_v likewise_o express_o affirm_v by_o porphyry_n many_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v say_v of_o understanding_n thing_n that_o be_v above_o the_o mind_n but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v better_o perform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d otio_fw-la &_o vacation_n intellectû_v as_o holstenius_fw-la render_v it_o rather_o by_o the_o rest_n and_o cessation_n of_o operation_n in_o the_o understanding_n than_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o many_o thing_n while_o a_o man_n wake_v be_v say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o sleep_v but_o the_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n of_o they_o be_v by_o sleep_n for_o thing_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o assimilation_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o understanding_n all_o thing_n be_v different_a according_a to_o their_o essence_n those_o thing_n above_o the_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o way_n of_o unknowing_a and_o after_o a_o super-essential_a manner_n where_o we_o see_v the_o very_a phrase_n of_o dionysius_n use_v by_o he_o and_o in_o many_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v and_o lose_v itself_o from_o the_o body_n and_o draw_v itself_o near_a to_o the_o first_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o god_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o clear_a light_n which_o follow_v the_o abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o state_n and_o life_n of_o contemplation_n and_o the_o virtue_n necessary_a thereto_o such_o as_o abstinence_n from_o the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o from_o affection_n to_o it_o which_o say_v he_o raise_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o very_o much_o disparage_v the_o active_a and_o political_a life_n in_o comparison_n with_o this_o the_o end_n of_o one_o be_v only_a man_n living_n according_a to_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o other_o assimilation_n to_o god_n he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o practical_a virtue_n be_v only_o a_o good_a man_n but_o he_o that_o live_v the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n be_v a_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o understand_v the_o deiformity_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o life_n of_o contemplation_n the_o way_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o for_o purify_n the_o soul_n be_v this_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o soul_n to_o know_v itself_o i._n e._n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n and_o bind_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o another_o substance_n 2._o recollection_n or_o gather_v itself_o up_o from_o the_o body_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o affection_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o advise_v to_o deny_v the_o body_n in_o its_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o show_v as_o little_a care_n of_o it_o and_o concernment_n for_o it_o as_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n to_o lessen_v all_o sense_n both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o so_o to_o come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n then_o he_o describe_v the_o superlative_a be_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o little_a but_o above_o both_o and_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o least_o but_o above_o all_o and_o that_o his_o presence_n be_v not_o topical_a but_o assimilative_a and_o that_o the_o only_a way_n for_o our_o soul_n to_o recover_v themselves_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o themselves_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o true_a be_v be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o we_o become_v unite_v to_o god_n which_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n holstenius_fw-la think_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o porphyry_n understand_v by_o the_o book_n which_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a nuptial_n because_o both_o plotinus_n and_o he_o suppose_v this_o union_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mystical_a divine_n and_o porphyry_n say_v upon_o the_o read_n of_o it_o some_o think_v he_o mad_a because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n speak_v in_o it_o after_o a_o mystical_a and_o enthusiastical_a manner_n for_o which_o he_o be_v high_o applaud_v by_o plotinus_n jamblicus_n be_v porphyry_n disciple_n but_o out_o of_o he_o our_o author_n recite_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o before_o concern_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n but_o out_o of_o proclus_n another_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o live_v long_o after_o these_o and_o of_o who_o marinus_n give_v this_o character_n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o life_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o recollect_v and_o draw_v into_o its_o self_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n while_o it_o remain_v in_o it_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o theology_n say_v he_o he_o distinguish_v between_o that_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o difference_n of_o intelligible_a idea_n and_o that_o which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o summity_n as_o the_o mystic_n speak_v and_o pure_a fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o say_v be_v alone_o capable_a of_o the_o divine_a and_o mystical_a union_n so_o he_o call_v
by_o inquire_v in_o what_o manner_n god_n appear_v whether_o a_o appearance_n of_o fire_n come_v before_o he_o whether_o he_o fill_v up_o and_o act_v the_o whole_a soul_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o cessation_n of_o all_o its_o own_o act_n for_o this_o he_o make_v the_o main_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n that_o the_o person_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o and_o possess_v by_o the_o deity_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o ecstasy_n and_o alienation_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o if_o either_o the_o soul_n act_n or_o the_o body_n move_v then_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v a_o false_a inspiration_n no_o man_n can_v express_v himself_o more_o emphatical_o concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o contemplative_a prayer_n than_o jamblicus_n do_v this_o quicken_v the_o mind_n enlarge_v its_o capacity_n open_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o fit_v it_o for_o conjunction_n and_o union_n with_o god_n and_o never_o leave_v man_n till_o it_o have_v carry_v they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o by_o degree_n do_v alter_v and_o change_v man_n that_o it_o make_v they_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o state_n of_o dei-formity_n that_o they_o become_v go_n the_o first_o degree_n of_o prayer_n say_v he_o bring_v to_o a_o state_n of_o recollection_n and_o have_v some_o divine_a contact_n which_o help_v our_o knowledge_n the_o second_o carry_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o excite_v the_o divine_a bounty_n to_o free_a communication_n to_o it_o but_o the_o three_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o ineffable_a union_n which_o make_v our_o mind_n &_o soul_n to_o rest_n in_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a port_n or_o haven_n and_o he_o conclude_v his_o book_n with_o say_v that_o this_o union_n with_o god_n be_v man_n great_a perfection_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n among_o the_o egyptian_n who_o mystery_n his_o design_n be_v to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v many_o other_o passage_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o he_o concern_v the_o know_v of_o god_n by_o divine_a contact_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o any_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o this_o ineffable_a union_n but_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o well_o acquaint_v jamblicus_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o the_o egyptian_n be_v with_o the_o profound_a secret_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n there_o be_v a_o book_n translate_v out_o of_o arabic_a entitle_v of_o divine_a wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o egyptian_n wherein_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o our_o author_n take_v notice_n but_o of_o one_o passage_n in_o it_o which_o he_o set_v down_o as_o the_o word_n of_o plato_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o plato_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v note_v that_o pythagoras_n and_o the_o pythagorian_n can_v not_o but_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o this_o mystical_a theology_n though_o they_o do_v not_o ordinary_o deliver_v it_o in_o such_o express_a term_n but_o in_o a_o more_o occult_a manner_n for_o it_o be_v know_v &_o confess_v that_o pythagoras_n himself_o be_v from_o his_o youth_n great_o incline_v to_o a_o inquisition_n into_o religious_a rite_n and_o mystery_n that_o he_o travel_v into_o egypt_n to_o hear_v their_o priest_n be_v there_o 22_o year_n have_v recommendation_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o priest_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o all_o their_o learning_n enter_v into_o the_o egyptian_a adyta_fw-la and_o be_v institute_v in_o thing_n unexpressible_a touch_v the_o god_n give_v himself_o exact_a information_n concern_v person_n and_o thing_n not_o omit_v any_o person_n eminent_a at_o any_o time_n for_o learning_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o religious_a rite_n or_o any_o place_n where_o he_o conceive_v he_o may_v find_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a that_o he_o go_v thence_o to_o babylon_n and_o continue_v there_o 12_o year_n converse_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o chaldean_n as_o also_o with_o the_o persian_a magi_n who_o entertain_v he_o very_o courteous_o &_o give_v he_o insight_n into_o their_o more_o hide_a mystery_n and_o religious_a rite_n and_o without_o doubt_n with_o the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o both_o place_n and_o likely_a enough_o as_o selden_n and_o other_o think_v with_o ezekiel_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o make_v theology_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o first_o most_o universal_a be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o his_o philosophy_n that_o he_o be_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o treat_v chief_o of_o god_n his_o nature_n and_o worship_n that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a devoto_n or_o advocate_n for_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o sacred_a institutes_n that_o the_o confederation_n of_o his_o coenobium_fw-la for_o so_o they_o call_v it_o or_o college_n have_v reference_n to_o some_o divine_a temperament_n and_o to_o union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o unity_n with_o the_o divine_a soul_n that_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o society_n and_o sect_n for_o the_o admission_n and_o probation_n of_o disciple_n distinction_n of_o person_n reverence_n to_o their_o elder_n celibacie_n communion_n of_o good_n retirement_n from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o much_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o essean_n and_o the_o christian_a coenobite_n afterward_o that_o of_o the_o differ_a sect_n afterward_o none_o do_v pythagorize_v more_o than_o plato_n especial_o in_o divine_a matter_n as_o aristotle_n and_o laertius_n have_v observe_v yea_o that_o the_o choice_a of_o his_o metaphysic_n contemplation_n seem_v to_o be_v traduce_v from_o pythagoras_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o that_o plotinus_n do_v more_o clear_o explicate_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o pythagorick_a philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o platonic_a and_o from_o all_o this_o put_v together_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o conclude_v especial_o if_o we_o take_v in_o what_o be_v relate_v by_o jamblicus_n that_o he_o continue_v 3_o day_n and_o 2_o night_n at_o one_o time_n in_o the_o same_o posture_n without_o take_v either_o meat_n or_o drink_v or_o sleep_v lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o this_o mystic_a theology_n which_o be_v in_o such_o esteem_n with_o both_o those_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v instruction_n and_o those_o who_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o that_o in_o plotinus_n and_o other_o we_o read_v the_o pythagorick_a as_o well_o as_o platonic_a principle_n and_o that_o in_o both_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o judaic_a and_o what_o be_v derive_v by_o all_o from_o the_o common_a parent_n noah_n to_o this_o i_o will_v add_v only_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o of_o he_o out_o of_o demophilus_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o root_v in_o he_o let_v we_o cleave_v to_o our_o root_n for_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o water_n and_o the_o sprouts_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o root_n be_v dry_v up_o and_o wither_v away_o p._n 11._o be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o true_a light_n which_o light_v every_o man_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o abide_v in_o the_o vine_n it_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o pleasure_n to_o the_o body_n to_o the_o get_n of_o riches_n and_o also_o to_o god_n and_o be_v not_o this_o also_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n but_o he_o go_v on_o for_o he_o who_o be_v give_v to_o pleasure_n the_o same_o will_v also_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o body_n but_o he_o who_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o body_n he_o will_v also_o study_v to_o get_v riches_n and_o he_o who_o study_v to_o get_v riches_n will_v necessary_o be_v unjust_a but_o he_o who_o be_v unjust_a be_v both_o impious_a towards_o god_n and_o unjust_a towards_o man_n and_o therefore_o although_o he_o sacrifice_v whole_a hecatomb_n he_o be_v but_o the_o more_o impious_a and_o far_o from_o god_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o deliberate_o sacrilegious_a wherefore_o it_o behove_v to_o avoid_v every_o voluptuary_n person_n as_o impious_a and_o sacrilegious_a p._n 12._o you_o can_v well_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n who_o rely_v upon_o friend_n or_o child_n or_o any_o transitory_a and_o fade_a thing_n for_o all_o these_o be_v instable_a thing_n but_o to_o rely_v upon_o one_o self_n and_o upon_o god_n that_o only_o be_v firm_a and_o stable_a p._n 12._o a_o wise_a man_n send_v hither_o naked_a will_v naked_a or_o strip_v of_o all_o invoke_v he_o who_o send_v he_o for_o god_n hear_v he_o only_o who_o be_v not_o encumber_v with_o impertinence_n p._n 9_o a_o divine_a sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d solid_o join_v we_o to_o god_n for_o
it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o say_v he_o though_o there_o be_v many_o intellectual_a power_n in_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o this_o only_a that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o for_o we_o can_v reach_v the_o divine_a be_v either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o by_o opinion_n or_o by_o apprehension_n no_o nor_o yet_o by_o ratiocination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v any_o way_n be_v know_v by_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v into_o its_o own_o unity_n and_o remove_v from_o itself_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o its_o power_n it_o ascend_v to_o the_o great_a height_n of_o true_a contemplation_n while_o the_o soul_n look_v about_o on_o thing_n below_o it_o it_o see_v nothing_o but_o shadow_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o state_n of_o introversion_n than_o it_o see_v its_o own_o essence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o when_o it_o search_v deep_a than_o it_o find_v the_o mind_n within_o itself_o and_o the_o several_a order_n of_o real_a being_n when_o it_o go_v yet_o far_o into_o the_o most_o secret_a closet_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o it_o contemplate_v as_o it_o be_v blindfold_a the_o divine_a being_n and_o the_o first_o idea_n or_o unity_n of_o being_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o rest_n or_o quiescency_n of_o its_o power_n to_o stretch_v itself_o towards_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o dance_v as_o it_o be_v round_o it_o and_o to_o raise_v up_o the_o whole_a soul_n towards_o this_o union_n with_o it_o and_o abstract_v itself_o from_o all_o inferior_a being_n to_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v conjoin_v with_o that_o ineffable_a and_o super-essential_a be_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o soul_n come_v to_o have_v the_o true_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n all_o these_o notion_n say_v our_o author_n both_o among_o the_o chaldean_n and_o the_o platonic_a philosopher_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o very_a ancient_a hypothesis_n but_o very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christianity_n which_o hypothesis_n be_v grant_v this_o mystical_a divinity_n appear_v with_o some_o face_n of_o reason_n and_o colour_n of_o probability_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v exist_v in_o another_o world_n long_o before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o body_n that_o in_o their_o descent_n to_o the_o body_n they_o have_v a_o aetherial_a vehicle_n join_v to_o they_o which_o upon_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n become_v the_o mean_n of_o communication_n between_o they_o and_o take_v up_o its_o chief_a seat_n in_o the_o brain_n which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o call_v the_o imagination_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o this_o state_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v much_o inveigle_v with_o kindness_n to_o the_o body_n and_o so_o forget_v its_o return_n home_o that_o the_o body_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v the_o soul_n mischief_n no_o other_o way_n be_v itself_o under_o the_o power_n of_o fate_n then_o as_o it_o draw_v it_o downward_o that_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v always_o act_v but_o we_o know_v not_o its_o operation_n but_o only_o by_o the_o impression_n they_o make_v upon_o the_o fancy_n that_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o true_a idea_n of_o thing_n within_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o representation_n convey_v by_o our_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o our_o ratiocination_n be_v very_o short_a and_o uncertain_a that_o our_o only_a way_n of_o recover_v our_o soul_n be_v by_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o body_n and_o retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o the_o mind_n have_v the_o divine_a be_v so_o near_o conjoin_v to_o it_o that_o it_o pass_v into_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o recover_v its_o former_a state_n when_o it_o part_n from_o the_o body_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o return_v alone_o without_o the_o aetherial_a vehicle_n it_o bring_v with_o it_o therefore_o the_o chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n have_v several_a sacred_a and_o symbolical_a rite_n for_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o vehicle_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o they_o make_v necessary_a for_o this_o end_n and_o with_o they_o jamblicus_n join_v but_o porphyry_n think_v they_o not_o necessary_a but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o mere_a contemplation_n will_v purify_v enough_o without_o it_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o their_o hypothesis_n as_o may_v be_v full_o see_v in_o hierocles_n and_o synesius_n without_o go_v far_o and_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n which_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v well_o enough_o accommodate_v to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v as_o remote_a from_o christianity_n as_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o be_v this_o be_v say_v by_o our_o author_n to_o disparage_v mystical_a divinity_n because_o he_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v consent_v to_o by_o any_o that_o be_v friend_n to_o it_o but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o mystical_a divinity_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v be_v more_o ancient_a than_o it_o his_o bare_a affirmation_n in_o his_o own_o case_n certain_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o proof_n but_o in_o case_n that_o be_v admit_v how_o be_v that_o different_a from_o christianity_n for_o he_o will_v not_o say_v contrary_a though_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o his_o reader_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o so_o the_o jew_n do_v believe_v it_o before_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o apocrypha_fw-la do_v favour_v it_o the_o apostle_n question_n concern_v the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a do_v favour_v it_o nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n answer_n at_o all_o contradict_v it_o but_o rather_o suppose_v it_o and_o it_o have_v be_v assert_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_n from_o proof_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n his_o conclusion_n also_o be_v observable_a that_o mystical_a divinity_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o christianity_n as_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o such_o another_o cautious_a expression_n not_o to_o expose_v himself_o but_o by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o his_o reader_n may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a venerable_a thing_n and_o divine_a matter_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o great_a reverence_n the_o very_a heathen_a mystic_n will_v have_v think_v so_o whatever_o our_o rationatist_n think_v beside_o these_o ancient_a philosopher_n our_o author_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o like_a notion_n and_o practice_n among_o other_o gentile_n even_o at_o this_o day_n but_o of_o what_o antiquity_n among_o they_o he_o say_v not_o it_o be_v take_v from_o a_o letter_n of_o monsteur_n bernier_n to_o monsieur_n chaplain_n date_v 4_o octob._n 1667_o concern_v the_o gentile_n of_o indostan_n wherein_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o certain_a order_n of_o religious_a among_o they_o who_o make_v vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n live_v in_o convent_v under_o superior_n who_o be_v common_o call_v jauguis_n i._n e._n unite_a to_o god_n who_o use_v themselves_o to_o many_o hardship_n and_o be_v look_v on_o as_o so_o many_o eremite_n by_o the_o people_n be_v account_v true_a saint_n illuminate_v and_o perfect_a jauguis_n these_o be_v people_n that_o have_v entire_o abandon_v the_o world_n and_o sequester_v themselves_o into_o some_o very_a remote_a corner_n or_o garden_n like_o eremite_n without_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o town_n if_o you_o carry_v they_o any_o meat_n they_o receive_v it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o and_o subsist_v by_o the_o sole_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o perpetual_a fast_n prayer_n and_o profound_a meditation_n for_o they_o sink_v themselves_o so_o deep_o into_o these_o rapture_n that_o they_o spend_v many_o hour_n together_o in_o be_v insensible_a and_o behold_v in_o that_o time_n as_o they_o give_v out_o god_n himself_o like_o a_o very_a bright_a and_o ineffable_a light_n with_o a_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n attend_v with_o a_o entire_a contempt_n and_o forsake_v of_o the_o world_n for_o thus_o much_o one_o of_o they_o that_o pretend_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o this_o rapture_n when_o he_o please_v and_o have_v be_v often_o in_o it_o tell_v i_o and_o other_o that_o be_v about_o they_o affirm_v the_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o seriousness_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o believe_v it_o in_o earnest_n that_o there_o be_v no_o imposture_n in_o it_o to_o these_o other_o may_v be_v add_v who_o have_v have_v the_o like_a notion_n and_o use_v the_o like_a exercise_n as_o well_o ancient_o as_o at_o this_o time_n
like_o must_v necessary_o be_v join_v with_o like_a p._n 9_o the_o same_o which_o i_o have_v say_v of_o pythagoras_n may_v in_o effect_n be_v say_v of_o socrates_n also_o both_o as_o to_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o to_o his_o travel_n for_o acquire_v of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o to_o his_o principle_n from_o the_o observation_n and_o confession_n of_o such_o as_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o mystic_a theology_n they_o be_v scholar_n in_o the_o same_o school_n and_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n as_o do_v plato_n also_o from_o thence_o and_o from_o they_o so_o that_o i_o may_v dispatch_v this_o in_o a_o few_o observation_n of_o what_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o have_v as_o clear_a notion_n as_o any_o touch_a god_n his_o nature_n unity_n and_o other_o sacred_a mystery_n which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v attain_v unto_o but_o by_o some_o borrow_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o assert_v that_o virtue_n be_v neither_o by_o nature_n nor_o by_o teach_v but_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n come_v by_o divine_a infusion_n and_o call_v god_n his_o tutor_n that_o while_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o under_o the_o impression_n of_o corporal_a image_n sensible_a form_n and_o terrene_a affection_n he_o be_v not_o right_o dispose_v for_o divine_a contemplation_n which_o require_v a_o mind_n defecate_v etc._n etc._n that_o divine_a thing_n and_o mystery_n can_v be_v comprehend_v but_o by_o a_o refine_a judgement_n by_o such_o as_o have_v their_o soul_n abstract_v from_o all_o corporal_a image_n impression_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o man_n shall_v be_v very_a intent_n on_o get_v a_o reform_a life_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v exonerate_v of_o its_o depress_v lust_n might_n by_o a_o natural_a vigour_n lift_v up_o itself_o to_o eternal_o and_o by_o that_o purity_n of_o intelligence_n contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o eternal_a incommunicable_a light_n where_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o create_a nature_n live_v in_o stability_n v._o aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 8._o c._n 3._o and_o as_o to_o his_o own_o life_n that_o he_o institute_v his_o whole_a life_n even_o from_o his_o childhood_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o he_o call_v a_o daemon_n a_o voice_n a_o sign_n and_o that_o plato_n report_v of_o he_o that_o he_o stand_v a_o whole_a day_n without_o any_o alteration_n in_o the_o same_o posture_n his_o mind_n be_v abstract_v with_o pure_a contemplation_n and_o that_o favorinus_n in_o a._n gellius_n say_v that_o he_o do_v this_o often_o and_o now_o to_o return_v to_o our_o principal_a author_n and_o the_o word_n of_o plato_n in_o he_o which_o be_v these_o be_v often_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o contemplation_n my_o body_n be_v leave_v behind_o i_o seem_v to_o enjoy_v the_o chief_a good_a with_o incredible_a pleasure_n wherefore_o i_o stand_v as_o it_o be_v astonish_v find_v myself_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n and_o to_o have_v obtain_v immortality_n with_o the_o clear_a light_n which_o can_v be_v express_v with_o word_n nor_o hear_v with_o ear_n nor_o understand_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o then_o he_o describe_v the_o sadness_n he_o feel_v at_o the_o decay_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n and_o the_o pleasure_n which_o return_v with_o his_o former_a ecstasy_n the_o word_n be_v at_o last_o my_o intellect_n be_v weary_v with_o this_o contemplation_n fall_v back_o into_o fantasy_n and_o then_o that_o light_n fail_v i_o become_v somewhat_o sad_a but_o again_o have_v leave_v my_o body_n return_v thither_o again_o i_o perceive_v my_o mind_n abound_v with_o light_n and_o that_o flow_v then_o into_o the_o body_n then_o raise_v above_o it_o nor_o of_o plato_n himself_o do_v our_o author_n take_v any_o more_o notice_n then_o of_o that_o one_o passage_n but_o of_o the_o late_a platonist_n plotinus_n jamblicus_n porphrygius_n and_o proclus_n who_o as_o he_o say_v out_o of_o psellus_n do_v whole_o approve_v of_o the_o chaldaic_a theology_n he_o give_v we_o some_o large_a taste_n and_o particular_o the_o short_a account_n of_o plotinus_n his_o hypothesis_n be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immerse_v in_o the_o body_n suffer_v very_o much_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o union_n with_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o be_v draw_v to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o a_o conversation_n with_o sensible_a thing_n and_o so_o become_v evil_a and_o miserable_a that_o its_o good_a and_o happy_a condition_n lie_v in_o be_v like_a to_o god_n not_o in_o regard_n of_o understanding_n but_o a_o state_n of_o quiescency_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o active_a life_n be_v insufficient_a for_o assimilation_n to_o god_n but_o in_o order_n to_o it_o those_o which_o be_v proper_o intellectual_a be_v most_o necessary_a whereby_o the_o soul_n draw_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o body_n thus_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o act_v by_o its_o self_n be_v wisdom_n introversion_n be_v temperance_n abstraction_n from_o matter_n be_v fortitude_n to_o follow_v reason_n be_v justice_n that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o the_o soul_n purify_v its_o self_n i._n e._n cast_v off_o the_o thing_n without_o its_o self_n and_o so_o recover_v its_o purity_n by_o bring_v those_o thing_n into_o light_n again_o which_o lie_v hide_v under_o the_o rubbish_n of_o sensible_a thing_n before_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v there_o but_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o come_v near_o a_o great_a light_n than_o its_o self_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o image_n which_o be_v in_o it_o to_o the_o true_a original_n the_o way_n of_o purify_n the_o soul_n he_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o abstraction_n and_o recollection_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o express_v by_o awaken_n the_o soul_n out_o of_o sleep_n wherein_o it_o be_v disturb_v by_o sensible_a image_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n have_v need_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o purify_n but_o only_o restrain_v it_o to_o its_o self_n by_o take_v away_o that_o load_n of_o matter_n which_o oppress_v it_o and_o than_o it_o natural_o endeavour_n after_o the_o near_a union_n with_o the_o first_o be_v which_o he_o call_v the_o true_a be_v and_o the_o super-essential_a be_v and_o he_o say_v when_o the_o soul_n endeavour_v after_o this_o union_n it_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o sensible_a and_o intellectual_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o supreme_a part_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o fund_z of_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n then_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v but_o as_o something_o above_o be_v and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o either_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o our_o contemplation_n of_o he_o be_v not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o intellectual_a operation_n but_o by_o a_o divine_a presence_n which_o far_o exceed_v any_o knowledge_n for_o knowledge_n he_o say_v hinder_v union_n therefore_o we_o must_v go_v beyond_o knowledge_n and_o be_v abstract_v from_o all_o other_o object_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o only_o by_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a love_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o clear_a light_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o this_o state_n say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o passion_n but_o of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n too_o neither_o be_v the_o person_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d like_o one_o in_o a_o rapture_n or_o a_o ecstasy_n he_o enjoy_v god_n in_o that_o state_n of_o quiescency_n as_o in_o a_o silent_a wilderness_n which_o he_o call_v be_v in_o god_n and_o in_o other_o place_n see_v god_n in_o themselves_o be_v the_o same_o with_o god_n be_v one_o with_o god_n and_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a state_n of_o dei-formity_n of_o porphyry_n who_o be_v a_o disciple_n and_o confident_a of_o plotinus_n the_o same_o author_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o theurgic_a way_n as_o liable_a to_o deceit_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o advance_v the_o soul_n to_o high_a perfection_n which_o theurgic_a way_n lie_v in_o the_o initiate_a of_o man_n in_o some_o sacred_a mystery_n by_o partake_v of_o certain_a rite_n and_o symbol_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o deity_n the_o end_v whereof_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v reduce_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o that_o state_n they_o be_v in_o before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o body_n so_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o from_o porphyry_n that_o they_o who_o be_v purify_v after_o this_o manner_n do_v converse_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o angel_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v