recollection_n or_o acquire_v contemplation_n the_o first_o be_v of_o beginner_n the_o second_o of_o proficient_n the_o first_o be_v sensible_a and_o material_a the_o second_o more_o naked_a pure_a and_o internal_a 2._o when_o the_o soul_n be_v already_o accustom_a to_o discourse_n of_o mystery_n by_o the_o help_n of_o imagition_n and_o the_o use_n of_o corporal_a image_n be_v carry_v from_o creature_n to_o cteature_n and_o from_o knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n though_o with_o very_o little_a of_o that_o which_o it_o want_v and_o from_o these_o to_o the_o creator_n then_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v that_o soul_n by_o the_o hand_n if_o rather_o he_o call_v it_o not_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n and_o lead_v it_o without_o ratiocination_n by_o the_o way_n of_o pure_a faith_n make_v the_o intellect_n pass_v by_o all_o consideration_n and_o reason_n draw_v it_o forward_o and_o raise_v it_o out_o of_o this_o material_a and_o sensible_a state_n make_v it_o under_o a_o simple_a and_o obscure_a knowledge_n of_o faith_n whole_o aspire_v to_o its_o bridegroom_n upon_o the_o wing_n of_o love_n without_o any_o far_a necessity_n of_o the_o persuasion_n and_o information_n of_o the_o intellect_n to_o make_v it_o love_v he_o because_o in_o that_o manner_n the_o soul_n love_n will_v be_v very_o scanty_a much_o dependent_a on_o creature_n stint_v to_o drop_n and_o these_o too_o but_o fall_v with_o pause_n and_o interval_n 3._o by_o how_o much_o less_o it_o depend_v on_o creature_n and_o the_o more_o it_o rely_v on_o god_n alone_o and_o his_o secret_a document_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o pure_a faith_n the_o more_o durable_a firm_a and_o strong_a will_v that_o love_n be_v after_o the_o soul_n have_v already_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n which_o all_o the_o meditation_n and_o corporal_a image_n of_o creature_n can_v give_v she_o if_o now_o the_o lord_n raise_v she_o out_o of_o that_o state_n by_o strip_v she_o of_o ratiocination_n and_o leave_v she_o in_o divine_a darkness_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v march_v in_o the_o straight_a way_n and_o by_o pure_a faith_n â—et_v she_o be_v guide_v and_o not_o love_v with_o the_o scantiness_n and_o tenuity_n that_o these_o direct_v but_o let_v she_o suppose_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o most_o refine_a conception_n of_o the_o wise_a understanding_n can_v tell_v she_o be_v nothing_o and_o that_o the_o goodness_n and_o beauty_n of_o her_o belove_a infinite_o surpass_v all_o their_o knowledge_n be_v persuade_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v too_o rude_a to_o inform_v she_o and_o to_o conduct_v she_o to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god._n 4._o she_o ought_v then_o to_o advance_v forward_o with_o her_o love_n leave_v all_o her_o understanding_n behind_o let_v her_o love_n god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o as_o her_o imagination_n say_v he_o be_v and_o frame_v he_o to_o she_o and_o if_o she_o can_v know_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o let_v she_o love_v he_o without_o know_v he_o under_o the_o obscure_a veil_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o a_o son_n who_o have_v never_o see_v his_o father_n but_o full_o believe_v those_o who_o have_v give_v he_o information_n of_o he_o love_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v already_o see_v he_o 5._o the_o soul_n from_o which_o mental_a discourse_n be_v take_v ought_v not_o to_o strain_v herself_o nor_o sollicitous_o seek_v for_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n but_o even_o without_o the_o support_v of_o sensible_a consolation_n or_o notice_n with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o deprive_v of_o all_o that_o the_o natural_a appetite_n require_v continue_v quiet_a firm_a and_o constant_a let_v the_o lord_n work_v his_o work_n though_o she_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v alone_o exhaust_v and_o full_a of_o darkness_n and_o though_o this_o appear_v to_o she_o to_o be_v idleness_n it_o be_v only_o of_o her_o own_o sensible_a and_o material_a activity_n not_o of_o god_n who_o be_v work_v true_a knowledge_n in_o she_o 6._o final_o the_o more_o the_o spirit_n ascend_v the_o more_o it_o be_v take_v off_o of_o sensible_a object_n many_o be_v the_o soul_n who_o have_v arrive_v and_o do_v arrive_v at_o this_o gate_n but_o few_o have_v pass_v or_o do_v pass_v it_o for_o want_n of_o the_o experimental_a guide_n and_o those_o who_o have_v have_v and_o actual_o have_v it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a subjection_n and_o entire_a submission_n 7._o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o will_n will_v not_o love_v but_o be_v unactive_a if_o the_o intellect_n understand_v not_o clear_o and_o distinct_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o know_v can_v be_v love_v to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o the_o intellect_n understand_v not_o distinct_o by_o ratiocination_n image_n and_o consideration_n yet_o it_o understand_v and_o know_v by_o a_o obscure_a general_a and_o confuse_a faith_n which_o knowledge_n though_o so_o obscure_a indistinct_a and_o general_a as_o be_v supernatural_a have_v nevertheless_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o perfect_a cognition_n of_o god_n than_o any_o sensible_a and_o particular_a notice_n that_o can_v be_v form_v in_o this_o life_n because_o all_o corporal_a and_o sensible_a representation_n be_v infinite_o distant_a from_o god._n 8._o we_o know_v god_n more_o perfect_o say_n st._n denis_n by_o negative_n 2._o mist_v â—â—_o theol._n c._n 1._o â—_o 2._o than_o by_o affirmative_n we_o think_v more_o high_o of_o god_n by_o know_v that_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o above_o all_o our_o capacity_n than_o by_o conceive_v he_o under_o any_o image_n or_o create_v beauty_n according_a to_o our_o rude_a understanding_n a_o great_a esteem_n and_o love_v then_o will_v flow_v from_o this_o confuse_a obscure_a and_o negative_a than_o from_o any_o other_o sensible_a and_o distinct_a way_n because_o that_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o god_n and_o abstract_a from_o creature_n and_o this_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o it_o depend_v on_o creature_n the_o less_o it_o have_v of_o god._n second_o advertisement_n declare_v what_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n be_v and_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o 9_o 24._o lib._n 3._o de_fw-la fide_fw-la c._n 24._o st_n john_n damascene_fw-la and_o other_o saint_n say_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o sally_v out_o or_o elevation_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o god._n god_n be_v above_o all_o creature_n and_o the_o soul_n can_v see_v he_o nor_o converse_v with_o he_o if_o it_o raise_v not_o itself_o above_o they_o all_o this_o friendly_a conversation_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o prayer_n be_v divide_v into_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n 10._o when_o the_o mind_n consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n with_o attention_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o reason_v upon_o the_o particular_n and_o weigh_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o same_o for_o exciting_a the_o affection_n in_o the_o will_n this_o mental_a discourse_n and_o pious_a act_n be_v proper_o call_v meditation_n 11._o when_o the_o soul_n already_o know_v the_o truth_n either_o by_o a_o habit_n acquire_v through_o reason_v or_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v it_o particular_a light_n and_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n on_o the_o demonstrate_v truth_n behold_v it_o sincere_o with_o quietness_n and_o silence_n without_o any_o necessity_n of_o consideration_n ratiocination_n or_o other_o proof_n of_o conviction_n and_o the_o will_n love_v it_o admire_v and_o delight_v itself_o therein_o this_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n the_o prayer_n of_o rest_n internal_a recognition_n or_o contemplation_n which_o st._n thomas_n with_o all_o the_o mystical_a master_n say_v be_v a_o sincere_a 4._o 2._o 2._o q._n 180._o art._n 3._o p._n 4._o sweet_a and_o still_o view_v of_o the_o eternal_a truth_n without_o ratiocination_n or_o reflection_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o or_o eye_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o among_o they_o in_o the_o humanity_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o perfect_a contemplation_n as_o st._n thomas_n affirm_v ibidemâ—_n ibidemâ—_n since_o all_o these_o be_v mean_n for_o know_v of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o although_o the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a mean_n for_o go_v to_o god_n the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o channel_n through_o which_o we_o receive_v all_o the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o nevertheless_o the_o humanity_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a good_a which_o consist_v in_o see_v god_n but_o as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o by_o his_o divinity_n than_o his_o humanity_n so_o he_o that_o think_v and_o fix_v his_o contemplation_n always_o on_o god_n because_o the_o divinity_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o humanity_n always_o think_v on_o and_o hehold_v
therein_o so_o that_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o grieve_v and_o disturb_v thyself_o nor_o be_v disconsolate_a in_o see_v thyself_o obscure_a and_o darksome_a judge_v that_o god_n have_v fail_v thou_o and_o the_o light_n also_o that_o thou_o former_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o thou_o ought_v rather_o at_o that_o time_n persevere_v constant_o in_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n intend_v to_o bring_v thou_o into_o the_o inward_a path_n and_o happy_a way_n of_o paradise_n o_o how_o happy_a will_v thou_o be_v if_o thou_o embrace_v it_o with_o peace_n and_o resignation_n as_o the_o instrument_n of_o perfect_a quiet_a true_a light_n and_o of_o all_o thy_o spiritual_a good_a 40._o know_v then_o that_o the_o straight_a most_o perfect_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o proficient_o be_v the_o way_n of_o darkness_n because_o in_o they_o the_o lord_n place_v his_o own_o throne_n and_o he_o make_v darkness_n his_o secret_a place_n 18._o psalm_n 18._o by_o they_o the_o supernatural_a light_n which_o god_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n grow_v and_o increase_v amid_o they_o wisdom_n and_o strong_a love_n be_v beget_v by_o darkness_n the_o soul_n be_v annihilate_v and_o the_o species_n which_o hinder_v the_o right_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n be_v consume_v by_o this_o mean_v god_n introduce_v the_o soul_n by_o the_o inward_a way_n into_o the_o prayer_n of_o rest_n and_o of_o perfect_a contemplation_n which_o so_o few_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o final_o by_o darkness_n the_o lord_n purge_v the_o sense_n and_o sensibility_n which_o hinder_v the_o mystical_a progress_n 41._o see_v now_o if_o darkness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o embrace_v what_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v amid_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o presence_n but_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o with_o a_o sweet_a and_o quiet_a attention_n not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n nor_o search_v after_o delicacy_n tenderness_n or_o sensible_a devotion_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n because_o otherwise_o thou_o will_v only_o make_v circle_n all_o thy_o life_n time_n and_o not_o advance_v one_o step_n towards_o perfection_n chap._n vii_o to_o the_o end_n the_o soul_n may_v attain_v to_o the_o supreme_a internal_a peace_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n purge_v it_o after_o his_o way_n because_o the_o exercise_n and_o mortification_n that_o of_o itself_o it_o set_v about_o be_v not_o sufficient_a 42._o so_o soon_o as_o thou_o shall_v firm_o resolve_v to_o mortify_v thy_o external_a sense_n that_o thou_o may_v advance_v towards_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o perfection_n and_o union_n with_o god_n his_o divine_a majesty_n will_v set_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o purge_n of_o thy_o evil_a inclination_n inordinate_a desire_n vain_a complacency_n self-love_n and_o pride_n and_o other_o hide_a vice_n which_o thou_o know_v not_o and_o yet_o reign_v in_o the_o inner_a part_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o hinder_v the_o divine_a union_n 43._o thou_o will_v never_o attain_v to_o this_o happy_a state_n though_o thou_o tire_v thyself_o out_o with_o the_o external_a act_n of_o mortification_n and_o resignation_n until_o this_o lord_n purge_v thou_o inward_o and_o discipline_n thou_o after_o his_o own_o way_n because_o he_o alone_o know_v how_o secret_a fault_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v out_o if_o thou_o persevere_v constant_o he_o will_v not_o only_o purge_v thou_o from_o affection_n and_o engagement_n to_o natural_a and_o temporal_a good_n but_o in_o his_o own_o time_n also_o he_o will_v purify_v thou_o with_o the_o supernatural_a and_o sublime_a such_o as_o be_v internal_a communication_n inward_a rapture_n and_o extafy_v and_o other_o infuse_a grace_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n rest_v and_o enjoy_v itself_o 44._o god_n will_v do_v all_o this_o in_o thy_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o dryness_n if_o thou_o free_o give_v thy_o consent_n to_o it_o by_o resignation_n and_o walk_v through_o those_o darksome_a and_o desert_a way_n all_o thou_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o do_v nothing_o by_o thy_o own_o choice_n alone_o the_o subjection_n of_o thy_o liberty_n be_v that_o which_o thou_o ought_v to_o do_v quiet_o resign_v thyself_o up_o in_o every_o thing_n whereby_o the_o lord_n shall_v think_v fit_a internal_o and_o external_o to_o mortify_v thou_o because_o that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o thy_o soul_n can_v become_v capable_a of_o the_o divine_a influence_n while_o thou_o suffer_v internal_a and_o external_a tribulation_n with_o humility_n patience_n and_o quiet_a not_o the_o penance_n discipline_n and_o mortification_n which_o thou_o can_v impose_v upon_o thyself_o 45._o the_o husbandman_n set_v a_o great_a esteem_n upon_o the_o plant_n which_o he_o sow_v in_o the_o ground_n than_o those_o that_o spring_v up_o of_o themselves_o because_o these_o never_o come_v to_o seasonable_a maturity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n god_n esteem_v and_o be_v better_a please_v with_o the_o virtue_n which_o he_o sow_v and_o infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v sink_v into_o its_o own_o nothingness_n calm_a and_o quiet_a retreat_v within_o its_o own_o centre_n and_o without_o any_o election_n than_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n which_o the_o soul_n pretend_v to_o acquire_v by_o its_o own_o election_n and_o endeavour_n 46._o it_o concern_v thou_o only_o then_o to_o prepare_v thy_o heart_n like_o clean_a paper_n wherein_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n may_v imprint_v character_n to_o his_o own_o like_n o_o how_o great_a a_o work_n will_v it_o be_v for_o thy_o soul_n to_o be_v whole_a hour_n together_o in_o prayer_n dumb_a resign_v and_o humble_a without_o act_v know_v or_o desire_v to_o understand_v any_o thing_n chap._n viii_o a_o sequel_n of_o the_o same_o 47._o with_o new_a effort_n thou_o will_v exercise_v thyself_o but_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o hitherto_o give_v thy_o consent_n to_o receive_v the_o secret_a and_o divine_a operation_n and_o to_o be_v polish_v and_o purify_v by_o this_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o thou_o will_v become_v clean_a and_o purge_v from_o thy_o ignorance_n and_o dissolution_n know_v however_o that_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v plunge_v in_o a_o bitter_a sea_n of_o sorrow_n and_o of_o internal_a and_o external_a pain_n which_o torment_n will_v pierce_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o body_n 48._o thou_o will_v experience_v that_o the_o creature_n will_v forsake_v thou_o nay_o those_o too_o from_o which_o thou_o hoped'_v for_o most_o favour_n and_o compassion_n in_o thy_o strait_n the_o brook_n of_o thy_o faculty_n will_v be_v so_o dry_v up_o that_o thou_o shalt'_v not_o be_v able_a to_o form_v any_o ratiocination_n nay_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o conceive_v a_o good_a thought_n of_o god._n heaven_n will_v seem_v to_o thou_o to_o be_v of_o brass_n and_o thou_o shall_v receive_v no_o light_n from_o it_o nor_o will_v the_o thought_n comfort_v thou_o that_o in_o time_n pass_v so_o much_o light_n and_o devote_v consolation_n have_v rain_v into_o thy_o soul._n 49._o the_o invisible_a enemy_n will_v pursue_v thou_o with_o scruple_n lascivious_a suggestion_n and_o unclean_a thought_n with_o incentives_n to_o impatience_n pride_n rage_n curse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n his_o sacrament_n and_o holy_a mystery_n thou_o will_v find_v a_o great_a lukewarmness_n loathe_v and_o wearisomeness_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n a_o obscurity_n and_o darkness_n in_o thy_o understanding_n a_o faintness_n confusion_n and_o narrowness_n of_o heart_n such_o a_o coldness_n and_o feebleness_n of_o the_o will_v to_o resist_v that_o a_o straw_n will_v appear_v to_o thou_o a_o beam_n thy_o desertion_n will_v be_v so_o great_a that_o thou_o will_v think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o a_o god_n for_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o be_v render_v incapable_a of_o entertain_v a_o good_a desire_n so_o that_o thou_o will_v continue_v shut_v up_o betwixt_o two_o wall_n in_o constant_a strait_n and_o anguish_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o ever_o get_v out_o of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o oppression_n 50._o but_o fear_v not_o all_o this_o be_v necessary_a for_o purge_v thy_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o know_v its_o own_o misery_n and_o sensible_o perceive_v the_o annihilation_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o disordinate_a appetite_n wherewith_o it_o rejoice_v itself_o final_o to_o the_o end_n the_o lord_n may_v refine_v and_o purify_v thou_o after_o his_o own_o manner_n with_o those_o inward_a torment_n will_v thou_o not_o cast_v the_o ionas_n of_o sense_n into_o the_o sea_n that_o thereby_o thou_o may_v procure_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o outward_a discipline_n and_o mortification_n will_v never_o have_v true_a light_n nor_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o perfection_n so_o that_o thou_o will_v stop_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thy_o soul_n will_v
the_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o disintangle_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o by_o the_o inward_a way_n to_o the_o get_v of_o perfect_a contemplation_n and_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o internal_a peace_n write_a by_o dr._n michael_n de_fw-fr molinos_n priest_n with_o a_o short_a treatise_n concern_v daily_a communion_n by_o the_o same_o author_n translate_v from_o the_o italian_a copy_n print_v at_o venice_n 1685._o the_o second_o edition_n this_o may_v be_v reprint_v c._n n._n may_v 2._o 1688._o london_n print_v for_o tho._n fabian_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o corner_n shop_n next_o cheapside_n 1688._o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o reader_n the_o book_n that_o be_v here_o present_v yea_o be_v a_o translation_n from_o the_o italian_a copy_n print_v at_o venice_n in_o 1685._o the_o first_o man_n that_o get_v it_o with_o difficulty_n out_o of_o the_o author_n hand_n and_o then_o have_v it_o print_v at_o rome_n in_o 1675_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o approbation_n be_v friar_n john_n of_o st._n mary_n who_o style_v himself_o provincial_a and_o he_o speak_v very_o fine_a thing_n of_o it_o and_o he_o have_v so_o hearty_o read_v it_o over_o that_o the_o impression_n which_o it_o make_v in_o his_o mind_n give_v he_o the_o exact_a cue_n and_o knack_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o language_n which_o the_o author_n use_v when_o he_o throw_v himself_o headlong_o into_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o when_o this_o man_n have_v recommend_v the_o book_n to_o the_o sincere_a reader_n after_o his_o way_n the_o next_o that_o appear_v to_o give_v a_o grace_n to_o it_o be_v no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o the_o most_o illustrious_a and_o most_o reverend_a lord_n the_o archbishop_z of_o rhegium_n who_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o great_a office_n in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v pass_v through_o he_o say_v in_o his_o approbation_n of_o the_o book_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o it_o without_o some_o experience_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o that_o how_o high_a soever_o the_o secret_a of_o it_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a discourse_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o right_n dictate_v of_o reason_n but_o altogether_o conformable_a to_o it_o which_o be_v as_o fit_v a_o preface_n to_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n as_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v with_o the_o study_n of_o seven_o year_n first_o to_o say_v that_o these_o sovereign_a secret_n which_o the_o book_n treat_v of_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a discourse_n and_o then_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o say_v they_o be_v conformable_a altogether_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o if_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o human_a discourse_n have_v enter_v into_o a_o combination_n never_o to_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o one_o another_o he_o that_o will_v be_v further_o satisfy_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o this_o archbishops_n character_n to_o the_o book_n will_v be_v gratify_v by_o read_v patient_o some_o thing_n of_o the_o nineteenth_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o book_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o great_a man_n speak_v well_o of_o his_o countryman_n molinos_n doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o mystical_a divine_n he_o say_v again_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o capricio_n but_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o build_v upon_o their_o principle_n and_o spiritual_a foundation_n that_o he_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o right_n and_o clear_a method_n bring_v forth_o say_v he_o out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a and_o for_o the_o style_n of_o the_o book_n he_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v clear_a easy_a plain_a and_o full_a in_o such_o crabbed_a hard_a and_o lofty_a subject_n add_v withal_o that_o the_o man_n do_v not_o decline_v proof_n of_o scripture_n doctrine_n of_o the_o father_n decree_n of_o council_n nor_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o therefore_o he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o useful_a piece_n and_o very_o worthy_a to_o be_v print_v and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o set_v any_o book_n off_o next_o to_o the_o archbishops_n approbation_n in_o come_v that_o of_o friar_n francis_n mary_n minister_n general_n of_o the_o whole_a franciscian_n order_n give_v from_o his_o convent_n of_o ara_n coeli_fw-la who_o speak_v mighty_a kind_o and_o favourable_o of_o the_o book_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o press_n then_o appear_v the_o approbation_n of_o friar_n dominic_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n qualifier_n and_o counsellor_n of_o the_o holy_a office_n of_o malta_n and_o of_o the_o inquisition_n of_o rome_n rector_n of_o the_o college_n of_o missionary_n at_o st._n pancras_n and_o he_o bless_v himself_o as_o he_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o it_o and_o give_v his_o sense_n and_o like_n as_o formal_o as_o the_o rest_n after_o this_o come_v a_o famous_a jesuit_n another_o qualifier_n of_o the_o roman_a inquisition_n and_o he_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o book_n of_o singular_a esteem_n and_o use_v and_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o with_o as_o much_o cordial_a kindness_n as_o he_o fancy_v he_o have_v receive_v good_a by_o it_o and_o next_o to_o he_o a_o great_a capucine_n that_o can_v not_o forbear_v either_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o book_n or_o himself_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o four_o several_a time_n provincial_a of_o andaluzia_n and_o be_v at_o present_a definitor_n general_n of_o all_o his_o order_n and_o express_v himself_o much_o take_v with_o the_o book_n and_o as_o a_o good_a proof_n of_o so_o be_v discourse_n upon_o it_o in_o that_o mystical_a way_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v it_o keep_v from_o be_v publish_v all_o this_o be_v roman_a approbation_n which_o signify_v but_o little_a to_o a_o book_n that_o must_v be_v print_v in_o venice_n and_o therefore_o the_o reformer_n of_o the_o university_n of_o milan_n who_o licence_n book_n receive_v a_o certificate_n from_o their_o secretary_n that_o the_o book_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o against_o prince_n or_o good_a manner_n give_v leave_n to_o a_o stationer_n of_o venice_n to_o print_v it_o again_o there_o in_o 1676_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o licence_n it_o come_v out_o once_o more_o in_o 1685_o which_o be_v the_o copy_n that_o this_o translation_n go_v by_o so_o that_o this_o book_n it_o seem_v have_v be_v sufficient_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n by_o all_o these_o impression_n and_o who_o can_v say_v any_o thing_n more_o for_o it_o than_o such_o man_n as_o these_o that_o have_v read_v and_o censure_v it_o so_o candid_o and_o kind_o if_o what_o have_v since_o happen_v to_o the_o author_n and_o his_o reputation_n do_v make_v his_o voucher_n wish_v that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o free_a of_o their_o courtesy_n let_v they_o look_v to_o that_o but_o while_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v so_o harrass_v in_o rome_n it_o will_v become_v the_o mercy_n of_o this_o religious_a nation_n to_o hear_v he_o speak_v his_o mind_n by_o a_o interpreter_n what_o have_v sting_v the_o court_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v partly_o guess_v at_o by_o this_o book_n till_o we_o know_v further_o of_o the_o author_n there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v of_o he_o than_o that_o sometime_o he_o light_v upon_o shrewd_a truth_n and_o very_o excellent_a thought_n as_o well_o as_o mere_a trash_n and_o foppery_n do_v but_o pardon_v he_o his_o rich_a vein_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o gibberish_n and_o give_v he_o leave_v now_o and_o then_o to_o speak_v further_o than_o you_o can_v see_v or_o apprehend_v and_o you_o will_v find_v thing_n enough_o to_o make_v you_o think_v and_o attend_v to_o what_o he_o say_v but_o withal_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n to_o you_o to_o live_v in_o a_o country_n where_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o use_v to_o put_v trick_n upon_o your_o understanding_n nor_o lead_v you_o blind_o you_o know_v not_o whither_o and_o so_o i_o rest_v in_o molinos_n be_v style_n nobody_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n which_o disentangle_v the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o inward_a way_n lead_v it_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o perfect_a contemplation_n and_o of_o the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o internal_a peace_n the_o author_n to_o the_o reader_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a than_o to_o please_v all_o people_n nor_o more_o easy_a and_o common_a than_o to_o censure_v book_n that_o come_v abroad_o in_o the_o world._n all_o book_n without_o exception_n that_o see_v the_o light_n run_v the_o common_a risk_n of_o both_o these_o inconvenience_n though_o they_o may_v be_v shelter_v
i_o always_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o secure_a disposition_n my_o spirit_n in_o the_o upper_a part_n be_v in_o a_o most_o simple_a unity_n it_o be_v not_o unite_v because_o when_o it_o will_v perform_v act_n of_o union_n which_o it_o often_o set_v about_o it_o find_v difficulty_n and_o clear_o perceive_v that_o it_o can_v unite_v but_o be_v unite_v the_o soul_n will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o union_n for_o the_o service_n of_o matin_n the_o holy_a mass_n preparation_n for_o the_o communion_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v always_o in_o that_o most_o simple_a unity_n of_o spirit_n without_o reflect_v on_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o all_o this_o the_o holy_a father_n answer_v with_o approbation_n persuade_v she_o to_o persist_v and_o put_v she_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o repose_n of_o god_n be_v in_o peace_n 91._o another_o time_n she_o write_v to_o the_o same_o saint_n these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o more_o special_a act_n of_o my_o simple_a intuition_n total_a resignation_n and_o annihilation_n in_o god_n his_o divine_a goodness_n rebuke_v i_o and_o give_v i_o to_o understand_v that_o that_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o love_n of_o myself_o and_o that_o thereby_o i_o offend_v my_o soul._n 92._o by_o this_o thou_o will_v be_v undeceive_v and_o know_v what_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o spiritual_a way_n of_o pray_v and_o be_v advise_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o internal_a recollection_n thou_o will_v know_v that_o to_o the_o end_n love_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o pure_a it_o be_v expedient_a to_o retrench_v the_o multiplication_n of_o sensible_a and_o fervent_a act_n the_o soul_n continue_v quiet_a and_o rest_v in_o that_o inward_a silence_n because_o tenderness_n delight_n and_o sweet_a sentiment_n which_o the_o soul_n experience_n in_o the_o will_n be_v not_o pure_a spirit_n but_o act_n blend_v with_o the_o sensibilitie_n of_o nature_n nor_o be_v it_o perfect_a love_n but_o sensible_a pleasure_n which_o distract_v and_o hurt_v the_o soul_n as_o the_o lord_n tell_v the_o venerable_a mother_n of_o cantal_n 93._o how_o happy_a and_o how_o well_o apply_v will_v thy_o soul_n be_v if_o retreat_v within_o itself_o it_o there_o shrink_v into_o its_o own_o nothing_o both_o in_o its_o centre_n and_o superior_a part_n without_o mind_v what_o it_o do_v whether_o it_o recollect_v or_o not_o whether_o it_o walk_v well_o or_o ill_o if_o it_o operate_v or_o not_o without_o hee_v think_v or_o mind_v any_o sensible_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n the_o intellect_n believe_v with_o a_o pure_a act_n and_o the_o will_n love_v with_o perfect_a love_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o impediment_n imitate_v that_o pure_a and_o continue_a act_n of_o intuition_n and_o love_n which_o the_o saint_n say_v the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n have_v with_o no_o other_o difference_n than_o that_o they_o see_v one_o another_o there_o face_n to_o face_n and_o the_o soul_n here_o through_o the_o veil_n of_o a_o obscure_a faith._n 94._o o_o how_o few_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o attain_v to_o this_o perfect_a way_n of_o pray_v because_o they_o penetrate_v not_o enough_o into_o this_o internal_a recollection_n and_o mystical_a silence_n and_o because_o they_o strip_v not_o themselves_o of_o imperfect_a reflection_n and_o sensible_a pleasure_n o_o that_o thy_o soul_n without_o thoughtful_a advertency_n even_o of_o itself_o may_v give_v itself_o in_o prey_n to_o that_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a tranquillity_n 10._o in_o bis_fw-la confess_v lib._n 9_o cap._n 10._o and_o say_v with_o st._n austin_n sileat_fw-la anima_fw-la mea_fw-la &_o transeat_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la se_fw-la cogitando_fw-la let_v it_o be_v silent_a and_o do_v nothing_o forget_v itself_o and_o plung_v into_o that_o obscure_a faith_n how_o secure_a and_o safe_a will_v it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o it_o that_o thus_o unactive_a and_o do_v nothing_o it_o be_v undo_v 95._o i_o will_v sum_v up_o this_o doctrine_n with_o a_o letter_n that_o the_o illuminate_v mother_n of_o cantal_n write_v to_o a_o sister_n and_o great_a servant_n of_o god_n diviâ—â—_n bounty_n say_v she_o grant_v i_o this_o way_n of_o prayer_n that_o with_o a_o single_a view_n of_o god_n i_o feel_v myself_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o he_o absorb_v and_o repose_v in_o he_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o i_o that_o grace_n though_o i_o opposâ—â—_n it_o by_o my_o infidelity_n give_v way_n to_o fear_n and_o think_v myself_o unprofitable_a in_o that_o state_n for_o which_o cause_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v something_o on_o my_o part_n 〈◊〉_d quite_o spoil_v all_o and_o to_o this_o present_a i_o find_v my_o seâ—â—_n sometime_o assault_v by_o the_o same_o fear_n though_o 〈◊〉_d in_o prayer_n but_o in_o other_o exercise_n wherein_o i_o be_o always_o willing_a to_o employ_v myself_o a_o little_a though_o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o do_v such_o act_n i_o come_v oâ—â—_n of_o my_o centre_n and_o see_v particular_o that_o that_o simpâ—â—_n view_v of_o god_n be_v my_o only_a remedy_n and_o help_v still_o 〈◊〉_d all_o trouble_n temptation_n and_o the_o event_n of_o thâ—â—_n life_n 96._o and_o certain_o will_v i_o have_v follow_v my_o internal_a impulse_n i_o shall_v have_v make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o mean_n in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o without_o exception_n because_o when_o i_o think_v to_o fortify_v my_o soul_n with_o art_n reason_v and_o resignation_n then_o do_v i_o expose_v myself_o to_o new_a temptation_n and_o strait_n beside_o that_o i_o can_v do_v it_o without_o great_a violence_n which_o leave_v i_o exhaust_v and_o dry_a so_o that_o it_o behoove_v i_o speedy_o to_o return_v to_o this_o simple_a resignation_n know_v that_o god_n in_o this_o manner_n let_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o a_o total_a stop_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o my_o soul_n because_o he_o will_v have_v all_o thing_n do_v by_o his_o own_o divine_a activity_n and_o happy_o he_o expect_v no_o more_o of_o i_o but_o this_o only_a view_n in_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o in_o all_o the_o pain_n temptation_n and_o affliction_n that_o may_v befall_v i_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o quiet_a i_o keep_v my_o spirit_n by_o this_o mean_n the_o better_a all_o thing_n succeed_v with_o i_o and_o my_o cross_n and_o affliction_n sudden_o vanish_v many_o time_n have_v my_o bless_a father_n st_n francis_n of_o sales_n assure_v i_o of_o this_o 97._o our_o late_a mother_n superior_a encourage_v i_o firm_o to_o persist_v in_o that_o way_n and_o not_o to_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o simple_a view_n of_o god_n she_o tell_v i_o that_o that_o be_v enough_o and_o that_o the_o great_a the_o nakedness_n and_o quietness_n in_o god_n be_v the_o great_a sweetness_n and_o strength_n receive_v the_o soul_n which_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o become_v so_o pure_a and_o simple_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o in_o god_n alone_o 98._o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o remember_v that_o a_o few_o day_n since_o god_n communicate_v to_o i_o a_o illumination_n which_o make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o i_o as_o if_o i_o have_v clear_o see_v he_o and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v never_o look_v upon_o myself_o but_o walk_v with_o eye_n shut_v lean_v on_o my_o belove_a without_o strive_v to_o see_v nor_o know_v the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o guide_v i_o neither_o fix_v my_o thought_n on_o any_o thing_n nor_o yet_o beg_v favour_n of_o he_o but_o as_o undo_v in_o myself_o rest_v whole_o and_o sincere_o on_o he_o hitherto_o that_o illuminate_v and_o mystical_a mistress_n who_o word_n do_v credit_n and_o authorize_v our_o doctrine_n chap._n fourteen_o declare_v how_o the_o soul_n put_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o perfect_a resignation_n by_o the_o pure_a act_n of_o faith_n walk_v always_o in_o virtual_a and_o acquire_v contemplation_n 99_o thou_o will_v tell_v i_o as_o many_o soul_n have_v tell_v i_o that_o though_o by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n thou_o have_v put_v thyself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o mean_n of_o pure_a faith_n as_o have_v be_v already_o hint_v yet_o thou_o do_v not_o merit_v nor_o emprove_v because_o thy_o thought_n be_v so_o distract_v that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v fix_v upon_o god._n 100_o be_v not_o disconsolate_a for_o thou_o do_v not_o lose_v time_n nor_o merit_n neither_o desist_v thou_o from_o prayer_n because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o during_o that_o whole_a time_n of_o recollection_n thou_o shall_v actual_o think_v on_o god_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v attentive_a in_o the_o beginning_n provide_v thou_o discontinue_v not_o thy_o purpose_n nor_o revoke_v the_o actual_a attention_n which_o thou_o have_v as_o he_o who_o hear_v mass_n and_o say_v the_o divine_a office_n perform_v
his_o duty_n very_o well_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o primary_n actual_a attention_n though_o afterward_o he_o persevere_v not_o in_o keep_v his_o thought_n actual_o fix_v on_o god._n 101._o this_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n st._n thomas_n confirm_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n 1._o 2.2_o quaest_a 82._o art_n 13._o ad_fw-la 1._o that_o first_o intention_n only_o and_o think_v on_o god_n when_o one_o pray_v have_v force_n and_o valve_n enough_o to_o make_v the_o prayer_n during_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n it_o continue_v to_o be_v true_a impetratory_n and_o meritorious_a though_o all_o that_o while_o there_o be_v no_o actual_a contemplation_n on_o god._n see_v now_o if_o the_o saint_n can_v speak_v more_o clear_o to_o our_o purpose_n 102._o so_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o saint_n the_o prayer_n still_o continue_v though_o the_o imagination_n may_v ramble_v upon_o infinite_a number_n of_o thought_n provide_v one_o consent_n not_o to_o it_o shift_v not_o place_n intermit_v not_o the_o prayer_n nor_o change_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o be_v with_o god._n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o change_v it_o not_o while_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v his_o place_n hence_o it_o follow_v in_o sound_a doctrine_n that_o one_o may_v persevere_v in_o prayer_n though_o the_o imagination_n be_v carry_v about_o with_o various_a and_o unvoluntary_a thought_n he_o pray_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n say_v the_o saint_n in_o the_o forecited_n place_n whoever_o go_v to_o prayer_n with_o the_o spirit_n and_o intention_n of_o pray_v though_o afterward_o through_o misery_n and_o frailty_n his_o thought_n may_v straggle_v evagatio_fw-la vero_fw-la mentis_fw-la quae_fw-la fit_a praeter_fw-la propositum_fw-la orationis_fw-la fructum_fw-la non_fw-la tollit_fw-la 103._o but_o will_v say_v at_o least_o be_v thou_o not_o to_o remember_v when_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o often_o say_v to_o he_o lord_z abaid_z within_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v myself_o whole_o up_o to_o thou_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o that_o see_v thou_o have_v a_o design_n to_o pray_v and_o for_o that_o end_n go_v to_o that_o place_n faith_n and_o intention_n be_v sufficient_a and_o these_o always_o continue_v nay_o the_o more_o simple_a that_o remembrance_n be_v without_o word_n or_o thought_n the_o more_o pure_a spiritual_a internal_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n it_o be_v 104._o will_v it_o not_o be_v impertinent_a and_o disrespectful_a if_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o king_n thou_o shall_v ever_o now_o and_o then_o say_v to_o he_o sir_n i_o believe_v your_o majesty_n be_v here_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n by_o the_o eye_n of_o pure_a faith_n the_o soul_n see_v god_n believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o so_o when_o the_o soul_n believe_v it_o have_v no_o need_n to_o say_v my_o god_n thou_o be_v here_o but_o to_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v believe_v see_v when_o prayer-time_n be_v comeâ—_n faith_n and_o intention_n guide_v and_o conduct_v it_o to_o contemplate_v god_n by_o mean_n of_o pure_a faith_n and_o perfect_a resignation_n 105._o so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o thou_o retract_v not_o that_o faith_n and_o intention_n of_o be_v resign_v thou_o walk_v always_o in_o faith_n and_o resignation_n and_o consequent_o in_o prayer_n and_o in_o virtual_a and_o acquire_v contemplation_n although_o thou_o perceive_v it_o not_o remember_v it_o not_o neither_o exert_v new_a act_n and_o reflection_n thereon_o after_o the_o example_n of_o a_o christian_a a_o wife_n and_o a_o monk_n who_o though_o they_o exert_v we_o new_a act_n and_o remembrance_n the_o one_o as_o to_o his_o profession_n say_v i_o be_o a_o monk_n the_o other_o as_o to_o her_o matrimony_n say_v i_o be_o a_o wife_n and_o the_o three_o as_o to_o his_o baptism_n say_v i_o be_o a_o christian_n they_o cease_v not_o for_o all_o that_o from_o be_v the_o one_o baptise_a the_o other_o marry_v and_o the_o three_o profess_v the_o christian_a shall_v only_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v good_a work_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o to_o believe_v more_o with_o the_o heart_n than_o with_o the_o mouth_n the_o wife_n ought_v to_o give_v demonstration_n of_o the_o fidelity_n which_o she_o promise_v to_o her_o husband_n and_o the_o monk_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o to_o his_o superior_a 106._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o inward_a soul_n be_v once_o resolve_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v not_o desire_v nor_o act_v any_o thing_n but_o through_o god_n aught_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o that_o faith_n and_o intention_n in_o all_o its_o work_n and_o exercise_n without_o form_v or_o repeat_v new_a act_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n nor_o of_o such_o a_o resignation_n chap._n xv._o a_o sequel_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n 107._o this_o true_a doctrine_n serve_v not_o only_o for_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o after_o it_o be_v over_o by_o night_n and_o by_o day_n at_o all_o hour_n and_o in_o all_o the_o daily_a function_n of_o thy_o call_v thy_o duty_n and_o condition_n and_o if_o thou_o tell_v i_o that_o many_o time_n thou_o forget_v during_o a_o wholâ—_n day_n to_o renew_v thy_o resignation_n i_o answer_v thaâ—_n though_o it_o seem_v to_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v divert_v from_o it_o by_o attend_v the_o daily_a occupation_n oâ—_n thy_o vocation_n as_o study_v read_v preach_a eat_v drink_v do_v business_n and_o the_o like_a thou_o be_v mistake_v for_o the_o one_o destroy_v not_o the_o other_o nor_o by_o so_o do_v do_v thou_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o proceed_v iâ—_n virtual_a prayer_n as_o st._n thomas_n say_v 108._o because_o these_o occupation_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n nor_o contrary_a to_o thy_o resignation_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o eat_v study_v take_v pain_n do_v business_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o perform_v these_o exercise_n which_o be_v conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n thou_o departe_v not_o out_o of_o his_o presence_n nor_o from_o thy_o own_o resignation_n 109._o but_o if_o in_o prayer_n or_o out_o of_o it_o thoâ—_n shall_v willing_o be_v divert_v or_o distract_v suffer_v thyself_o deliberate_o to_o be_v transport_v into_o any_o passion_n than_o it_o will_v be_v good_a for_o thou_o to_o revert_v to_o god_n and_o return_v into_o his_o divinâ—_n presence_n renew_v the_o pure_a of_o faith_n and_o resignation_n however_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o exert_v those_o act_n when_o thou_o find_v thyself_o iâ—_n dryness_n because_o dryness_n be_v good_a and_o holy_a anâ—_n can_v how_o severe_a soever_o it_o be_v take_v from_o thâ—_n soul_n the_o divine_a presence_n which_o be_v establisheâ—_n in_o faith._n thou_o ought_v never_o to_o call_v dryness_n distraction_n because_o in_o beginner_n it_o be_v want_v 〈◊〉_d sensibility_n and_o in_o proficient_o abstractedness_n bâ—_n mean_v whereof_o if_o thou_o bear_v it_o out_o with_o constancy_n rest_v quiet_a in_o thy_o own_o emptiness_n thy_o soul_n will_v become_v more_o and_o more_o inward_a and_o the_o lord_n will_v work_v wonder_n in_o it_o 110._o strive_v then_o when_o thou_o come_v from_o prayer_n to_o the_o end_n thou_o may_v return_v to_o it_o again_o not_o to_o be_v distract_v nor_o divert_v but_o to_o carry_v thyself_o with_o a_o total_a resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o god_n may_v do_v with_o thou_o and_o all_o thou_o according_a to_o his_o heavenly_a pleasure_n rely_v on_o he_o as_o on_o a_o kind_n and_o love_a father_n never_o recall_v that_o intention_n and_o though_o thou_o be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o condition_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v thou_o yet_o will_v still_o be_v in_o prayer_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o perpetual_a resignation_n therefore_o st._n john_n chrysostom_n say_v a_o just_a man_n leave_v not_o off_o to_o pray_o thessolon_n suner_n 5._o ad_fw-la thessolon_n unless_o he_o leave_v off_o to_o be_v just._n he_o always_o pray_v who_o always_o do_v well_o the_o good_a desire_n be_v prayer_n and_o if_o the_o desire_n be_v continue_v so_o be_v also_o the_o prayer_n 111._o thou_o will_v understand_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v by_o this_o clear_a example_n when_o a_o man_n begin_v a_o journey_n to_o rome_n every_o step_n he_o make_v in_o the_o progress_n be_v voluntary_a and_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o at_o every_o step_n he_o shall_v express_v his_o desire_n or_o exert_v a_o new_a act_n of_o the_o will_n say_v i_o be_o go_v to_o rome_n i_o go_v to_o rome_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o first_o intention_n he_o have_v of_o travel_v to_o rome_n the_o same_o will_v still_o remain_v in_o he_o so_o that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o say_v so_o
impossible_a thing_n to_o be_v sesparate_v from_o its_o belove_a and_o his_o infinite_a treasure_n 145._o there_o be_v six_o other_o step_n of_o contemplation_n which_o be_v these_o fire_n union_n elevation_n illumination_n pleasure_n and_o repose_v with_o the_o first_o the_o soul_n be_v enkindle_v and_o be_v enkindle_v be_v anoint_v be_v anoint_v be_v raise_v be_v raise_v contemplate_v contemplate_v it_o receive_v pleasure_n and_o receive_v pleasure_n it_o find_v repose_v by_o these_o step_v the_o soul_n rise_v high_a be_v abstract_v and_o experience_v in_o the_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a way_n 146._o in_o the_o first_o step_n which_o be_v fire_n the_o soul_n be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o ardent_a ray_n in_o kindle_v the_o affection_n divine_a and_o dry_v up_o those_o which_o be_v but_o humane_a the_o second_o be_v the_o unction_n which_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o spiritual_a liquor_n which_o diffuse_v itself_o all_o the_o soul_n over_o teach_v it_o strengthen_v it_o and_o dispose_v it_o to_o receive_v and_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a truth_n and_o sometime_o it_o extend_v even_o to_o nature_n itself_o corroborate_n it_o by_o patience_n with_o a_o sensible_a pleasure_n that_o seem_v celestial_a 147._o the_o three_o be_v the_o elevation_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n over_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v get_v fit_a to_o the_o clear_a fountain_n of_o pure_a love_n 148._o the_o four_o step_n which_o be_v illumination_n be_v a_o infuse_a knowledge_n whereby_o the_o soul_n contemplate_v sweet_o the_o divine_a truth_n rise_v still_o from_o one_o clearness_n to_o another_o from_o one_o light_n to_o another_o from_o knowledge_n to_o knowledge_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n divine_a 149._o the_o five_o be_v a_o savoury_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a sweetness_n issue_v forth_o from_o the_o plentiful_a and_o precious_a fountain_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 150._o the_o six_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o admirable_a tranquillity_n arise_v from_o the_o conquest_n of_o fight_n within_o and_o frequent_a prayer_n and_o this_o very_o very_o few_o have_v experience_n of_o here_o the_o abundance_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o soul_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o sweet_a sleep_n solace_v and_o repose_v itself_o in_o the_o divine_a breast_n of_o love_n 151._o many_o other_o step_n of_o contemplation_n there_o be_v as_o ecstasy_n rapture_n melt_v deliquium_n glee_n kiss_v embrace_n exultation_n union_n transformation_n espouse_v and_o matrimony_n which_o i_o omit_v to_o explain_v to_o give_v no_o occasion_n to_o speculation_n and_o because_o there_o be_v whole_a book_n which_o treat_v of_o these_o point_n though_o they_o be_v all_o for_o he_o who_o find_v nothing_o of_o they_o any_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n do_v of_o colour_n or_o a_o deaf_a man_n of_o music_n in_o a_o word_n by_o these_o step_n we_o get_v up_o to_o the_o chamber_n and_o repose_n of_o the_o pacific_a king_n and_o the_o true_a solomon_n chap._n xvi_o sign_n to_o know_v the_o inner_a man_n and_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v purge_v 152._o the_o sign_n to_o know_v the_o inner_a man_n by_o be_v four_o the_o first_o if_o the_o understanding_n produce_v no_o other_o thought_n than_o those_o which_o stir_v up_o to_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o will_n be_v so_o habituate_v that_o it_o beget_v no_o other_o act_n of_o love_n than_o of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o he_o the_o second_o if_o when_o he_o cease_v from_o a_o external_n work_n in_o which_o he_o be_v employ_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_v be_v present_o and_o easy_o turn_v to_o god._n the_o three_o if_o in_o enter_v upon_o prayer_n he_o forget_v all_o outward_a thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o use_v use_v they_o the_o four_o if_o he_o carry_v himself_o orderly_o towards_o outward_a thing_n as_o if_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n again_o fear_v to_o embroil_v himself_o in_o business_n and_o natural_o abhor_v it_o unless_o when_o charity_n require_v it_o of_o he_o 153._o such_o a_o soul_n as_o this_o be_v free_a from_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o easy_o enter_v into_o the_o interior_a solitude_n where_o it_o see_v none_o but_o god_n and_o itself_o in_o he_o love_v he_o with_o quiet_a and_o peace_n and_o true_a love_n there_o in_o that_o secret_a centre_n god_n be_v kind_o speak_v to_o it_o teach_v it_o a_o new_a kingdom_n and_o true_a peace_n and_o joy._n 154._o this_o spiritual_a abstract_a and_o retire_a soul_n have_v its_o peace_n no_o more_o break_v though_o outward_o it_o may_v meet_v with_o combat_n because_o through_o the_o infinite_a distance_n tempest_n do_v never_o reach_v to_o that_o serene_a heaven_n within_o where_o pure_a and_o perfect_a love_n reside_v and_o though_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v naked_a forsake_a fight_v against_o and_o desolate_a this_o be_v only_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o storm_n which_o threaten_v and_o rage_v no_o where_o but_o without_o 155._o this_o secret_a love_n within_o have_v four_o effect_n the_o first_o be_v call_v illumination_n which_o be_v a_o savoury_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o its_o own_o nothing_o the_o second_o be_v inflammation_n which_o be_v a_o ardent_a desire_n of_o be_v burn_v like_o the_o salamander_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o divine_a fire_n the_o three_o be_v sweetness_n which_o be_v a_o peaceable_a joyful_a sweet_a and_o intimate_a fruition_n the_o four_o be_v a_o swallow_v up_o of_o the_o power_n in_o god_n by_o which_o immersion_n the_o soul_n be_v so_o much_o drench_v and_o fill_v with_o god_n that_o it_o can_v any_o long_o seek_v desire_v or_o will_v any_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v great_a and_o infinite_a good_a 156._o from_o this_o full_a satiety_n two_o effect_n arise_v the_o first_o be_v a_o great_a courage_n to_o suffer_v for_o god._n the_o second_o be_v a_o certain_a hope_n or_o assurance_n that_o it_o can_v never_o lose_v he_o nor_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o 157._o here_o in_o this_o internal_a retirement_n the_o belove_a jesus_n have_v his_o paradise_n to_o who_o we_o may_v go_v up_o standing_z and_o converse_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o thou_o desire_v to_o know_v who_o he_o be_v who_o be_v altogether_o draw_v to_o this_o inward_a retirement_n with_o enlighten_v exemplification_n in_o god_n i_o tell_v thou_o it_o be_v he_o that_o in_o adversity_n in_o discomfort_n of_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_n stand_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a these_o constant_a and_o inward_a soul_n be_v outward_o naked_a and_o whole_o diffuse_v in_o god_n who_o they_o continual_o do_v contemplate_v they_o have_v no_o spot_n they_o live_v in_o god_n and_o of_o he_o himself_o they_o shine_v bright_a than_o a_o thousand_o sun_n they_o be_v belove_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o elect_a spouse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 158._o by_o three_o sign_n be_v a_o mind_n that_o be_v purge_v to_o be_v know_v as_o st._n thomas_n say_v in_o a_o treatise_n of_o he_o the_o first_o sign_n be_v diligence_n which_o be_v a_o strength_n of_o mind_n which_o banish_v all_o neglect_n and_o sloth_n that_o it_o may_v be_v dispose_v with_o earnestness_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n the_o second_o be_v severity_n which_o likewise_o be_v a_o strength_n of_o mind_n against_o concupiscence_n accompany_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o roughness_n vileness_n and_o holy_a poverty_n the_o three_o be_v benignity_n and_o sweetness_n of_o mind_n which_o drive_v away_o all_o rancour_n envy_n aversion_n and_o hatred_n against_o one_o neighbour_n 159._o till_o the_o mind_n be_v purge_v the_o affection_n purify_v the_o memory_n naked_a the_o understanding_n brighten_v the_o will_v deny_v and_o set_v afire_o the_o soul_n can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o intimate_a and_o affective_a union_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v purity_n itself_o and_o light_n and_o rest_n the_o soul_n where_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v his_o abode_n must_v have_v great_a purity_n peace_n attention_n and_o quiet_a final_o the_o precious_a gift_n of_o a_o purge_v mind_n those_o only_o have_v who_o with_o continual_a diligence_n do_v seek_v love_n and_o retain_v it_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v repute_v the_o most_o vile_a in_o the_o world._n chap._n xvii_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n 160._o divine_a wisdom_n be_v a_o intellectual_a and_o infuse_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o thing_n eternal_a which_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v contemplation_n than_o speculation_n science_n be_v acquire_v and_o beget_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n wisdom_n be_v infuse_v and_o beget_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v unto_o without_o pain_n and_o sweat_n this_o desire_v not_o to_o know_v
what_o it_o do_v know_v although_o it_o understand_v it_o all_o in_o a_o word_n the_o man_n who_o be_v scientifical_a entertain_v themselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o wise_a live_v swallow_v up_o in_o god_n himself_o 161._o reason_n enlighten_v in_o the_o wise_a be_v a_o high_a and_o simple_a elevation_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o see_v with_o a_o clear_a and_o sharp_a sight_n all_o that_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o and_o what_o concern_v his_o life_n and_o estate_n this_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o soul_n simple_a illustrate_v uniform_a spiritual_a and_o altother_n introvert_v and_o abstract_v from_o every_o create_a thing_n this_o move_v and_o draw_v away_o with_o a_o sweet_a violence_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o teachable_a fill_v they_o with_o abundance_n of_o sweetness_n peace_n and_o pleasantness_n final_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v of_o it_o that_o it_o bring_v he_o all_o good_a thing_n at_o once_o venerunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la omne_fw-la bona_fw-la pariter_fw-la cum_fw-la illa_fw-la wisd_v 7.11_o 162._o you_o must_v know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n live_v by_o opinion_n and_o judge_n according_a to_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o imagination_n and_o sense_n but_o the_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a judge_n of_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o real_a verity_n which_o be_v in_o it_o who_o business_n be_v to_o understand_v conceive_v penetrate_v into_o and_o transcend_v every_o create_v be_v even_o to_o himself_o 163._o it_o be_v a_o great_a property_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o do_v much_o and_o say_v little_a 164._o wisdom_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o work_n and_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a because_o he_o be_v absolute_a master_n of_o all_o his_o passion_n motion_n and_o affection_n be_v know_v in_o all_o his_o do_n like_o a_o quiet_a and_o still_a water_n in_o which_o wisdom_n shine_v with_o clearness_n 165._o the_o understanding_n of_o mystical_a truth_n be_v secret_a and_o shut_v up_o from_o man_n who_o be_v pure_o scholastical_a unless_o they_o be_v humble_a because_o it_o be_v the_o science_n of_o saint_n and_o none_o know_v it_o but_o those_o which_o hearty_o love_v and_o seek_v their_o own_o contempt_n therefore_o the_o soul_n who_o by_o embrace_v this_o mean_n get_v to_o be_v pure_o mystical_a and_o true_o humble_a dive_v even_o to_o the_o profound_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o more_o sensual_o man_n do_v live_v according_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o great_a distance_n be_v they_o at_o from_o this_o mystical_a science_n 166._o ordinary_o it_o be_v see_v that_o in_o the_o man_n which_o have_v much_o scholastical_a and_o speculative_a knowledge_n divine_a wisdom_n do_v not_o predominate_a yet_o they_o make_v a_o admirable_a composition_n when_o they_o both_o meet_v together_o the_o man_n of_o learning_n who_o by_o god_n mercy_n have_v attain_v to_o this_o mystic_a science_n be_v worthy_a of_o veneration_n and_o praise_n in_o religion_n 167._o the_o external_a action_n of_o the_o mystical_a and_o wise_a which_o they_o do_v rather_o passive_o than_o active_o though_o they_o be_v a_o great_a torment_n to_o they_o yet_o be_v order_v prudent_o by_o they_o by_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n 168._o the_o sermon_n of_o man_n of_o learning_n who_o want_v the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o divers_a story_n elegant_a description_n acute_a discourse_n and_o exquisite_a proof_n yet_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n of_o man_n plate_v over_o with_o false_a gold_n these_o preacher_n spoil_v christian_n feed_v they_o with_o wind_n and_o vanity_n and_o so_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o void_a of_o god._n 169._o these_o teacher_n feed_v their_o hearer_n with_o the_o wind_n of_o hurtful_a subtlety_n give_v they_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n leave_v instead_o of_o fruit_n and_o unsavoury_a earth_n mix_v with_o poison_a honey_n instead_o of_o true_a food_n these_o be_v they_o that_o hunt_v after_o honour_n raise_v up_o a_o idol_n of_o reputation_n and_o applause_n instead_o of_o seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o man_n 170._o those_o that_o preach_v with_o zeal_n and_o sincerity_n preach_v for_o god._n those_o that_o preach_v without_o they_o preach_v for_o themselves_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o spirit_n make_v it_o take_v impression_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o those_o that_o preach_v it_o without_o spirit_n carry_v it_o no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o ear_n 171._o perfection_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o teach_v it_o but_o in_o do_v it_o because_o he_o be_v neither_o the_o great_a saint_n nor_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o know_v the_o truth_n most_o but_o he_o that_o practise_v it_o 172._o it_o be_v a_o constant_a maxim_n that_o divine_a wisdom_n beget_v humility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v acquire_v by_o the_o learned_a beget_v pride_n 173._o holiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o form_v deep_a and_o subtle_a conceit_n of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o self-denial_n therefore_o it_o be_v frequently_o observe_v that_o holiness_n be_v more_o among_o the_o simple_a and_o humble_a than_o among_o the_o learned_a how_o many_o poor_a old_a woman_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o humane_a science_n but_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n how_o many_o divine_n do_v we_o see_v that_o be_v over_o head_n and_o ear_n in_o their_o vain_a wisdom_n and_o yet_o very_o bare_a in_o thing_n of_o true_a light_n and_o charity_n 174._o remember_v that_o it_o be_v always_o good_a to_o speak_v like_o one_o that_o learn_v and_o not_o like_o one_o that_o know_v count_v it_o a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v repute_v a_o mere_a ignoramus_n than_o a_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n 175._o however_o the_o learned_a who_o be_v pure_o speculative_a have_v some_o little_a spark_n of_o spirit_n yet_o these_o do_v not_o fly_v out_o from_o the_o simple_a bottom_n of_o eminent_a and_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o have_v a_o mortal_a hatred_n to_o form_n and_o species_n the_o mix_v of_o a_o little_a science_n be_v always_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o eternal_a profound_a pure_a simple_a and_o true_a wisdom_n chap._n xviii_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o 176._o there_o be_v two_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god._n the_o one_o remote_a the_o other_o near_o the_o first_o be_v call_v speculation_n the_o second_o contemplation_n the_o learned_a who_o follow_v scientifical_a speculation_n by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o sensible_a discourse_n get_v up_o to_o god_n by_o this_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v that_o by_o this_o help_n they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o love_v he_o but_o none_o of_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o way_n which_o they_o call_v scolastical_a ever_o arrive_v by_o that_o only_a to_o the_o mystical_a way_n or_o to_o the_o excellence_n of_o union_n transformation_n simplicity_n light_n peace_n tranquillity_n and_o love_n as_o he_o do_v who_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n by_o the_o mystical_a way_n of_o contemplation_n 177._o these_o man_n of_o learning_n who_o be_v mere_o scolastical_a dont_fw-fr know_v what_o the_o spirit_n be_v nor_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o god_n nor_o be_v they_o come_v yet_o to_o the_o taste_n of_o the_o sweet_a ambrosia_n which_o be_v in_o the_o inmost_a depth_n and_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o keep_v its_o throne_n and_o communicate_v itself_o with_o incredible_a intimate_a and_o delicious_a affluence_n nay_o some_o there_o be_v which_o do_v even_o condemn_v this_o mystical_a science_n because_o they_o neither_o do_v understand_v nor_o relish_v it_o 178._o the_o divine_a who_o do_v not_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o contemplation_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o it_o but_o because_o he_o enter_v not_o by_o the_o gate_n which_o st_n paul_n point_v to_o when_o he_o say_v siquis_fw-la inter_fw-la ve_z videtur_fw-la sapiens_fw-la esse_fw-la stultus_fw-la fiat_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la sapiens_fw-la 1_o cor._n 3.18_o if_o any_o one_o among_o you_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v wise_a let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a let_v he_o show_v his_o humility_n by_o repute_v himself_o ignorant_a 179._o it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n and_o also_o a_o maxim_n in_o mystic_a theology_n that_o the_o practice_n ought_v to_o be_v get_v before_o the_o theory_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o experimental_a exercise_n of_o supernatural_a contemplation_n before_o the_o search_n of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o a_o inquiry_n after_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o it_o 180._o although_o the_o mystical_a science_n do_v common_o belong_v to_o the_o humble_a and_o simple_a yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o it_o if_o they_o
do_v not_o seek_v themselves_o nor_o set_v any_o great_a value_n upon_o their_o own_o artificial_a knowledge_n but_o more_o if_o they_o can_v forget_v it_o as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v it_o and_o only_o make_v use_n of_o it_o â—n_v its_o own_o proper_a place_n and_o time_n for_o preach_v and_o dispuce_v when_o their_o turn_n come_v and_o afterward_o give_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o simple_a and_o naked_a contemplation_n of_o god_n without_o form_n figure_n or_o consideration_n 181._o the_o study_n which_o be_v not_o order_v for_o god_n glory_n only_o be_v but_o a_o short_a way_n to_o hell_n â—ot_n through_o the_o study_n but_o the_o wind_n of_o pride_n which_o beget_v it_o miserable_a be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n at_o this_o time_n who_o only_a study_n be_v to_o satisfy_v the_o unsatisfiable_a curiosity_n of_o nature_n 182._o many_o seek_v god_n and_o find_v he_o not_o because_o they_o be_v more_o move_v by_o curiosity_n than_o sincere_a pure_a and_o upright_a intention_n they_o rather_o desire_v spiritual_a comfort_n than_o god_n himself_o and_o â—s_v they_o seek_v he_o not_o with_o truth_n they_o neither_o find_v god_n nor_o spiritual_a pleasure_n 183._o he_o that_o do_v not_o endeavour_v the_o total_a deâ—ying_n of_o himself_o will_v not_o be_v true_o abstract_v â—nd_v so_o can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o â—â—ght_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o go_v towards_o the_o mystical_a science_n a_o man_n must_v never_o meddle_v with_o â—hings_n which_o be_v without_o but_o with_o prudence_n and_o in_o that_o which_o his_o office_n call_v he_o to_o rare_a be_v the_o man_n who_o set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o hear_v than_o speak_v but_o the_o wise_a and_o pure_o mystical_a man_n never_o speak_v but_o when_o he_o can_v help_v â—t_a nor_o do_v he_o concern_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o office_n and_o then_o he_o carry_v himself_o with_o great_a prudence_n 184._o the_o spirit_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n fill_v man_n with_o sweetness_n govern_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o inlighten_v those_o with_o excellence_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o direction_n where_o the_o divine_a spirit_n dwell_v there_o be_v always_o simplicity_n and_o a_o holy_a liberty_n but_o craft_n and_o double-mindedness_a fiction_n artifices_fw-la policy_n and_o worldly_a respect_n be_v hell_n itself_o to_o wise_a and_o sincere_a man_n 185._o know_v that_o he_o who_o will_v attain_v to_o the_o mystical_a sceince_n must_v be_v deny_v and_o take_v off_o from_o five_o thing_n first_o from_o the_o creature_n two_o from_o temporal_a thing_n three_o from_o the_o very_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4_o from_o himself_o 5_o he_o must_v be_v lose_v in_o god._n this_o last_o be_v the_o compleat_a of_o all_o because_o that_o soul_n only_o that_o know_v how_o to_o be_v so_o take_v off_o be_v that_o which_o attain_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o god_n and_o only_o know_v where_o to_o be_v in_o safety_n 186._o god_n be_v more_o satisfy_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o that_o of_o worldly_a science_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o cleanse_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o which_o captivate_v and_o pollute_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n to_o do_v a_o thousand_o thing_n though_o good_a and_o holy_a without_o mind_v that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o all_o for_o attain_v of_o divine_a wisdom_n 187._o never_o will_v thou_o get_v to_o this_o sovereign_a and_o divine_a wisdom_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o strength_n when_o god_n cleanse_v thou_o in_o his_o own_o time_n not_o only_o of_o thy_o adherency_n to_o temporal_a and_o natural_a blessing_n but_o further_o to_o supernatural_a and_o sublime_a one_o such_o as_o internal_a communication_n ecstasy_n rapture_n and_o other_o gratuitous_a grace_n whereon_o the_o soul_n rest_v and_o entertain_v itself_o 188._o many_o soul_n come_v short_a of_o arrive_v to_o quiet_a contemplation_n to_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o true_a knowledge_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o spend_v many_o hour_n in_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n every_o day_n because_o they_o do_v not_o subject_a and_o submit_v themselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o to_o he_o that_o have_v light_a nor_o deny_v and_o conquer_v themselves_o nor_o give_v up_o themselves_o total_o to_o god_n with_o a_o perfect_a divest_v and_o disintere_v of_o themselves_o in_o a_o word_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v purify_v in_o the_o fire_n of_o inward_a pain_n it_o will_v never_o get_v to_o a_o state_n of_o renovation_n of_o transformation_n of_o perfect_a contemplation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o affective_a union_n chap._n xix_o of_o true_a and_o perfect_a annihilation_n 189._o thou_o must_v know_v that_o all_o this_o fabric_n of_o annihilation_n have_v its_o foundation_n but_o in_o two_o principle_n the_o first_o be_v to_o keep_v one_o self_n and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n in_o a_o low_a esteem_n and_o value_n from_o whence_o the_o put_n in_o practice_n of_o this_o self-devesting_a and_o of_o self-renunciation_n and_o forsake_v all_o create_a thing_n must_v have_v its_o rise_n and_o that_o with_o the_o affection_n and_o in_o deed_n 190._o the_o second_o principle_n must_v be_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o god_n to_o love_v adore_v and_o follow_v he_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n of_o one_o own_o let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o holy_a from_o these_o two_o principle_n will_v arise_v a_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n this_o powerful_a and_o practical_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n lead_v the_o soul_n to_o annihilation_n and_o transformation_n with_o god_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o rapture_n or_o external_a ecstasy_n or_o vehement_a affection_n this_o way_n be_v liable_a to_o many_o illusion_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o weakness_n and_o anguish_n of_o the_o understanding_n by_o which_o path_n there_o be_v seldom_o any_o that_o get_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v acquire_v by_o other_o safe_a firm_a and_o real_a way_n though_o not_o without_o a_o weighty_a cross_n because_o therein_o the_o highway_n of_o annihilation_n and_o perfection_n be_v found_v which_o be_v second_v by_o many_o gift_n of_o light_n and_o divine_a effect_n and_o infinite_a other_o grace_n gratis_o datae_fw-la yet_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v annihilate_v must_v be_v unclothe_v of_o it_o all_o if_o it_o will_v not_o have_v they_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o in_o its_o way_n to_o deification_n 191._o as_o the_o soul_n make_v continual_a progress_n from_o its_o own_o meanness_n it_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o annihilation_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o abhor_v of_o honour_n dignity_n and_o praise_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o dignity_n and_o honour_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o vileness_n and_o a_o mere_a nothing_o 192._o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o own_o vileness_n it_o appear_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o deserve_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v rather_o confound_v and_o know_v itself_o unworthy_a of_o virtue_n and_o praise_n it_o embrace_v with_o equal_a courage_n all_o occasion_n of_o contempt_n persecution_n infamy_n shame_n and_o affront_v and_o as_o true_o deserve_v of_o such_o reproach_n it_o render_v the_o lord_n thanks_o when_o it_o light_v upon_o such_o occasion_n to_o be_v treat_v as_o it_o deserve_v and_o know_v itself_o also_o unworthy_a that_o he_o shall_v use_v his_o justice_n upon_o it_o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v glad_a of_o contempt_n and_o affront_n because_o its_o god_n get_v great_a glory_n by_o it_o 193._o such_o a_o soul_n as_o this_o always_o choose_v the_o low_a the_o vile_a and_o the_o most_o despise_a degree_n as_o well_o of_o place_n as_o of_o clothing_n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n without_o the_o least_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o great_a vileness_n be_v beyond_o its_o desert_n and_o acknowledge_v itself_o also_o unworthy_a even_o of_o this_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n that_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o true_a annihilation_n of_o itself_o 194._o the_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v perfect_a begin_v to_o mortify_v its_o passion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v advance_v in_o that_o exercise_n it_o deny_v itself_o then_o with_o the_o divine_a aid_n it_o pass_v to_o the_o state_n of_o nothing_o where_o it_o despise_v abhor_v and_o plunge_v itself_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o that_o it_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o from_o hence_o spring_v the_o die_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o sense_n in_o many_o way_n and_o at_o all_o hour_n and_o final_o from_o this_o spiritual_a death_n the_o true_a and_o perfect_a annihilation_n derive_v its_o original_n insomuch_o that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o dead_a to_o its_o will_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o perfect_a and_o