beginning_n of_o this_o main_n passage_n if_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v so_o worthy_a in_o itself_o and_o of_o such_o efficacy_n as_o be_v a_o state_n of_o continual_a penance_n as_o that_o by_o it_o a_o religious_a person_n may_v labour_v daily_a to_o cancel_v his_o sin_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o pain_n both_o of_o hell_n and_o purgatory_n how_o weak_a then_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o who_o slight_n and_o prize_v little_a the_o privilege_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o such_o a_o life_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n how_o happy_a cosmophila_n be_v your_o sister_n caelia_n in_o choose_v this_o her_o retire_a and_o votary_n life_n for_o her_o better_a avoid_v of_o all_o the_o former_a threaten_a danger_n abbess_n reverend_a father_n confessarius_fw-la and_o you_o cosmophila_n with_o both_o your_o good_a leaf_n i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o relate_v one_o fruit_n or_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o hereto_o i_o be_o the_o more_o willing_a in_o that_o out_o of_o my_o own_o experience_n and_o government_n over_o other_o i_o find_v the_o fruit_n by_o i_o here_o understand_v to_o be_v most_o exact_o practise_v by_o humility_n all_o those_o religious_a sister_n who_o live_v under_o my_o charge_n this_o benefit_n whereof_o i_o here_o speak_v be_v a_o humble_a lowliness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o a_o votary_n life_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v of_o so_o large_a a_o extent_n as_o that_o s._n bernard_n hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o predestination_n who_o in_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n turn_v his_o speech_n to_o his_o own_o brethren_n and_o thus_o speak_v dear_o n_o ascensione_fw-la belove_v persever_v in_o the_o course_n already_o undertake_v that_o by_o humility_n you_o may_v ascend_v to_o sublimity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o it_o he_o that_o go_v otherwise_o do_v rather_o fall_v for_o humility_n exalt_v humility_n lead_v to_o life_n thus_o s._n bernard_n the_o truth_n whereof_o from_o experience_n appear_v see_v we_o may_v daily_o observe_v that_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o be_v most_o poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o be_v most_o humble_a be_v common_o most_o rich_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_a hereto_o if_o so_o i_o remember_v the_o word_n the_o prophet_n david_n thus_o speak_v our_o o_o 112._o lord_n be_v high_a and_o regard_v humble_a thing_n now_o for_o the_o further_o display_v of_o the_o great_a fruit_n of_o humility_n we_o may_v call_v to_o mind_n that_o it_o prevent_v many_o danger_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o which_o danger_n high_a mind_a person_n lie_v open_a humility_n also_o minister_v many_o help_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o elation_n of_o state_n be_v ever_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o a_o headlong_o fall_v whereas_o a_o good_a humble_a soul_n repose_v itself_o most_o willing_o in_o the_o low_a place_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o remote_a from_o any_o spiritual_a drip_n down_o and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v gather_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o religion_n whereby_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o the_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o from_o all_o worldly_a advancement_n we_o rest_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o wholesome_a place_n of_o refuge_n we_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v mere_a stranger_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n to_o we_o and_o touch_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o precious_a virtue_n of_o humility_n if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o in_o all_o sobriety_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v most_o exact_o and_o daily_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o sister_n of_o this_o our_o poor_a monastery_n for_o though_o i_o say_v it_o there_o be_v diverse_a sister_n here_o worthy_o for_o their_o parentage_n descend_v and_o yet_o they_o even_o strive_v and_o contend_v through_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a emulation_n which_o of_o they_o shall_v perform_v the_o most_o and_o low_a work_n of_o humility_n how_o often_o to_o my_o own_o great_a edification_n have_v i_o command_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sister_n of_o no_o mean_a descent_n to_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o mean_a office_n in_o out_o house_n yea_o so_o willing_o have_v each_o of_o they_o with_o a_o ready_a and_o smile_a consent_n perform_v what_o i_o appoint_v as_o that_o though_o i_o be_v their_o unworthy_a governess_n yet_o i_o may_v bold_o pronounce_v that_o they_o be_v my_o instructor_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o more_o certainty_n hereof_o i_o dare_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o you_o sister_n caelia_n who_o eye_n be_v able_a to_o depose_v the_o daily_a truth_n of_o what_o i_o here_o say_v but_o though_o i_o be_v their_o superior_a herein_o i_o will_v not_o glory_v in_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n word_n i_o p_o 1._o will_v glory_v in_o our_o lord_n caelia_n i_o free_o aver_v that_o my_o own_o sight_n since_o my_o first_o entrance_n in_o to_o this_o holy_a house_n have_v observe_v strange_a and_o unexpected_a example_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o indeed_o to_o speak_v under_o both_o your_o licence_n i_o do_v find_v not_o only_o humility_n but_o many_o other_o virtue_n to_o be_v daily_o exercise_v among_o our_o sister_n to_o the_o great_a strengthen_n and_o encourage_v of_o i_o in_o this_o my_o select_a life_n so_o as_o i_o may_v just_o term_v this_o monastery_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o other_o well_o govern_a monastery_n either_o of_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o very_a school_n of_o virtue_n for_o beside_o the_o three_o theological_a virtue_n to_o wit_v fayth_n hope_n and_o charity_n as_o also_o beside_o the_o three_o essential_a vow_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n i_o mean_v of_o chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n final_o beside_o humility_n above_o speak_v of_o what_o other_o virtue_n sort_v to_o a_o christian_a life_n be_v there_o not_o practise_v by_o the_o bless_a nun_n of_o this_o monastery_n and_o this_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o point_n i_o grant_v have_v increase_v my_o thirst_n in_o embrace_v this_o most_o happy_a life_n and_o in_o loathe_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o fruitless_a pleasure_n thereof_o o_o dear_a sister_n cosmophila_n i_o will_v to_o god_n i_o be_v daily_o to_o endure_v no_o small_a pain_n of_o my_o body_n and_o this_o for_o no_o thort_a time_n that_o you_o have_v so_o full_o see_v in_o this_o place_n the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o that_o the_o sight_n thereof_o have_v make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n both_o in_o your_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o to_o my_o infinite_a comfort_n through_o the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n it_o have_v do_v in_o i_o then_o good_a sister_n i_o shall_v be_v assure_v that_o you_o will_v not_o so_o much_o depress_v and_o underuâ—lew_v the_o state_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n you_o do_v yea_o i_o will_v not_o be_v altogether_o in_o despair_n but_o that_o yourself_o for_o the_o eternal_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n with_o a_o pious_a contempt_n of_o all_o those_o trifle_a allurement_n above_o mention_v by_o you_o as_o marriage_n splendour_n in_o apparel_n attendance_n and_o the_o like_a may_v perhaps_o embrace_v the_o same_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n with_o i_o but_o reverend_a father_n to_o turn_v my_o speech_n to_o you_o your_o reverence_n may_v proceed_v further_o if_o so_o you_o shall_v think_v good_a in_o unfould_v the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o religion_n my_o sister_n seem_v by_o her_o word_n to_o take_v no_o small_a delight_n therein_o and_o as_o for_o myself_o to_o the_o great_a nourishment_n of_o my_o spiritual_a life_n i_o do_v even_o feed_v upon_o these_o your_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a discourse_n confessarius_fw-la i_o will_v not_o be_v spare_v of_o my_o labour_n herein_o but_o because_o this_o scene_n of_o i_o in_o set_v down_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n arise_v by_o a_o religious_a life_n have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o therefore_o i_o will_v pass_v over_o many_o fruit_n thereof_o as_o that_o a_o man_n do_v discharge_v his_o debt_n in_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o god_n in_o religious_a state_n that_o god_n peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n be_v over_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o religious_a life_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o religious_a person_n be_v easy_o hear_v that_o among_o religious_a people_n there_o be_v mutual_a communication_n of_o good_a work_n that_o in_o a_o religious_a state_n the_o commundement_n of_o god_n bind_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o damnation_n be_v far_o more_o easy_o keep_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o laity_n that_o there_o be_v great_a merit_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o good_a work_n perform_v by_o a_o religious_a person_n than_o the_o
the_o english_a nun_n be_v a_o treatise_n wherein_o by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n the_o author_n endeavour_v to_o draw_v young_a and_o unmarried_a catholic_a gentlewoman_n to_o embrace_v a_o votary_n and_o religious_a life_n write_a by_o n._n n._n hereunto_o be_v annex_v a_o short_a discourse_n by_o way_n of_o conclusion_n to_o the_o abbess_n and_o religious_a woman_n of_o all_o the_o english_a monastery_n in_o the_o low-countries_n and_o france_n enter_v you_o by_o the_o narrow_a gate_n mean_v of_o austerity_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n because_o large_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o perdition_n matth._n 7._o present_v yourself_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 11._o permissu_fw-la superiorum_fw-la m._n dc_o xlii_o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o young_a and_o unmarried_a catholic_a gentlewoman_n of_o england_n worthy_a and_o virtuous_a young_a gentlewoman_n my_o pen_n for_o your_o spiritual_a good_a be_v willing_a in_o these_o ensue_a leaf_n to_o spread_v itself_o you_o be_v all_o catholic_n in_o faith_n and_o profession_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o apt_a to_o receive_v if_o so_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o want_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o in_o this_o treatise_n be_v give_v my_o main_n project_n at_o this_o present_a be_v since_o you_o all_o to_o who_o i_o write_v as_o yet_o remain_v in_o your_o chaste_a and_o virginal_a state_n and_o free_a from_o marriage_n to_o persuade_v you_o what_o in_o i_o lie_v to_o abandon_v this_o wicked_a world_n and_o to_o embrace_v a_o votary_n and_o religious_a life_n a_o hard_a labour_n no_o doubt_n in_o your_o judgement_n but_o facile_a and_o easy_a to_o such_o of_o you_o who_o have_v a_o feeling_n and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o one_o in_o a_o marry_a state_n can_v not_o arrive_v to_o heaven_n and_o avoid_v hell_n no_o god_n forbid_v for_o i_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o apostle_n a_o 13._o marriage_n to_o be_v honourable_a but_o withal_o i_o hold_v virginity_n to_o be_v more_o honourable_a i_o here_o only_o propound_v the_o most_o secure_a way_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o escape_v hell_n and_o here_o i_o demand_v if_o any_o of_o you_o be_v marry_v and_o after_o the_o death_n of_o your_o husband_n be_v to_o enjoy_v a_o great_a and_o rich_a jointure_n of_o a_o thousand_o or_o two_o thousand_o pound_n yearly_a will_v you_o not_o be_v desirous_a that_o beside_o the_o common_a course_n of_o make_v jointure_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o danger_n to_o take_v by_o your_o learned_a counsel_n the_o best_a mean_n for_o the_o ratify_v and_o better_a secure_n of_o your_o right_n to_o your_o say_a jointure_n i_o know_v you_o will_v be_v most_o solicitous_a herein_o you_o all_o pretend_v title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o kingdom_n infinite_o surpass_v in_o worth_n all_o worldly_a jointure_n that_o the_o whole_a earth_n can_v afford_v and_o will_v you_o then_o content_v yourselves_o to_o seek_v by_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o a_o secular_a life_n to_o obtain_v this_o kingdom_n in_o which_o state_n as_o i_o grant_v many_o live_a have_v gain_v it_o so_o incomparable_o far_o many_o more_o have_v lose_v it_o but_o that_o rather_o you_o will_v enter_v into_o that_o vocation_n how_o severe_a how_o strict_a how_o cross_a soever_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o shall_v seem_v which_o may_v give_v you_o great_a assurance_n and_o more_o strengthen_v your_o interest_n and_o title_n to_o that_o most_o bless_a kingdom_n this_o treatise_n i_o have_v compose_v in_o form_n of_o a_o feign_a dialogue_n as_o hope_v that_o thereby_o you_o will_v be_v soon_o induce_v to_o the_o read_n and_o peruse_v it_o at_o full_a then_o if_o it_o be_v write_v in_o one_o long_o continue_v speech_n without_o any_o vicissitude_n or_o change_v of_o person_n in_o the_o person_n here_o feign_v by_o supposal_n i_o have_v think_v good_a to_o incorporate_v all_o the_o reason_n as_o deliver_v by_o they_o chief_o move_v to_o a_o religious_a and_o retire_a life_n as_o also_o such_o objection_n as_o common_o be_v make_v against_o that_o most_o happy_a course_n as_o you_o may_v be_v more_o full_o instruct_v by_o peruse_v the_o argument_n or_o subject_a hereof_o next_o follow_v and_o see_v the_o chief_a bar_n and_o â—et_o in_o woman_n to_o a_o monastical_a life_n be_v desire_n of_o marriage_n and_o hope_v of_o child_n i_o will_v beside_o what_o be_v treat_v thereof_o hereafter_o insist_v here_o a_o little_a discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o this_o motive_n show_v that_o the_o accustom_a misery_n of_o a_o marry_a life_n and_o of_o have_v issue_n ought_v much_o rather_o to_o sway_v with_o woman_n for_o their_o forbearance_n of_o marriage_n and_o first_o whereas_o life_n be_v the_o dear_a thing_n to_o man_n or_o woman_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o beside_o the_o certain_a great_a pain_n of_o childbirth_n life_n itself_o in_o young_a marry_a woman_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n every_o one_o or_o two_o year_n great_o endanger_v to_o be_v lose_v witness_v hereof_o be_v the_o daily_a experience_n of_o woman_n die_v in_o childbed_n what_o true_a desire_n than_o can_v a_o woman_n have_v to_o undertak_v that_o course_n of_o life_n wherein_o lie_v so_o great_a a_o peril_n of_o loose_v that_o i_o mean_v heâ—lyfe_n which_o be_v most_o dear_a unto_o she_o and_o that_o her_o body_n thereby_o shall_v before_o its_o prefix_a time_n by_o god_n become_v meat_n for_o worm_n if_o any_o one_o of_o you_o have_v a_o jewel_n set_v with_o rich_a and_o orient_a pearl_n value_v at_o some_o hundred_o of_o pound_n how_o careful_a will_v you_o be_v in_o keep_v of_o it_o and_o how_o will_v your_o care_n be_v double_v from_o endanger_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o at_o any_o time_n and_o yet_o only_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o a_o little_a momentary_a pleasure_n attend_v after_o with_o multitude_n of_o misery_n you_o can_v be_v content_a so_o often_o to_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o your_o own_o life_n the_o most_o precious_a jewel_n that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v bestow_v upon_o you_o in_o this_o world_n o_o fondness_n of_o judgement_n but_o to_o proceed_v admit_v that_o a_o woman_n in_o bring_v forth_o her_o child_n shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o danger_n of_o death_n yet_o to_o how_o many_o other_o insupportable_a affliction_n do_v she_o become_v thrall_n and_o lie_v open_a for_o we_o observe_v and_o this_o not_o seldom_o that_o the_o husband_n become_v unkind_a withdraw_v his_o love_n and_o affection_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v due_a and_o place_v it_o on_o other_o where_o it_o be_v not_o due_a again_o the_o husband_n i_o mean_v no_o few_o number_n of_o they_o do_v oftentimes_o dissipate_v and_o waste_v his_o estate_n and_o patrimony_n in_o sensuality_n and_o riot_n to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n or_o beggary_n in_o the_o end_n of_o himself_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n but_o suppose_v the_o husband_n be_v exempt_a from_o these_o disorder_n yet_o â—f_n the_o wife_n have_v many_o child_n fall_v it_o not_o often_o out_o that_o the_o child_n through_o the_o negligence_n of_o their_o father_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o all_o liberty_n and_o dissolution_n to_o the_o inconsolable_a grief_n of_o the_o poor_a gentlewoman_n their_o mother_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a damnation_n of_o the_o child_n soul_n and_o what_o comfort_n then_o can_v that_o woman_n have_v to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o bring_v forth_o that_o child_n who_o shall_v become_v for_o ever_o a_o heir_n of_o hell-fire_n o_o how_o many_o wife_n be_v there_o in_o england_n who_o find_v by_o over_o late_o and_o too_o dear_o buy_v experience_n all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a which_o i_o here_o affirm_v of_o the_o frequent_a danger_n grief_n and_o affliction_n of_o mind_n common_o accompany_v marriage_n from_o all_o which_o languor_n of_o spirit_n that_o woman_n deliver_v herself_o who_o forbear_v marriage_n do_v determine_v to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n she_o say_v i_o appeal_v even_o to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o diverse_a of_o your_o self_n who_o if_o you_o will_v but_o cast_v your_o â—es_n upon_o some_o of_o your_o own_o â—yndred_n and_o friend_n at_o least_o of_o our_o acquaintance_n that_o live_v in_o â—ate_n of_o marriage_n must_v needs_o confess_v that_o all_o or_o diverse_a of_o the_o aâ—â—re_o mention_v misery_n and_o calamity_n do_v daily_o oppress_v many_o â—f_n they_o you_o be_v yet_o free_a beware_v â—en_a of_o such_o danger_n nor_o will_v any_o further_o enlarge_v myself_o in_o â—his_n place_n upon_o this_o subject_n but_o will_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o serious_a peruâ—ll_v of_o the_o book_n itself_o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v a_o second_o sir_n philip_n sidney_n arcadia_n reat_v of_o amorous_a conceyt_v with_o what_o
and_o afflict_v they_o with_o imaginary_a dream_n o_o how_o many_o worldling_n enthrall_v either_o to_o riches_n to_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n find_v this_o to_o be_v true_a which_o now_o i_o speak_v and_o therefore_o these_o vanity_n be_v call_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n h_o 16._o those_o tyrant_n which_o will_v not_o afford_v any_o rest_n neither_o night_n nor_o day_n to_o what_o have_v be_v above_o say_v we_o may_v adjoin_v the_o several_a miscrye_v which_o necessary_o attend_v upon_o these_o worldly_a pleasure_n i_o will_v insist_v only_o in_o one_o or_o two_o the_o first_o than_o may_v be_v that_o admit_v these_o pleasure_n be_v in_o themselves_o to_o be_v much_o prize_v and_o desire_v yet_o observe_v how_o their_o sweetness_n be_v abate_v first_o by_o the_o instability_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o enjoy_v they_o for_o any_o long_a time_n and_o therefore_o how_o great_a a_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o a_o worldly_a man_n who_o felicity_n whole_o rest_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o these_o vanity_n sudden_o and_o unexpected_o to_o be_v pull_v from_o they_o and_o how_o a_o inexplicable_a a_o grief_n be_v it_o to_o the_o richman_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o hear_v that_o discomfortable_a message_n stulte_fw-la i_o 12._o hac_fw-la nocte_fw-la etc._n etc._n fool_n this_o very_a night_n thou_o shall_v die_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v provide_v who_o shall_v they_o be_v another_o attendant_n of_o the_o world_n be_v discontentment_n which_o sower_n and_o make_v bitter_a all_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o for_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o every_o several_a temporal_a delight_n and_o observe_v the_o sauce_n adjoin_v to_o it_o for_o example_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n even_o when_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o honest_a be_v as_o s._n paul_n affirm_v attend_v with_o tribulation_n k_o 7._o of_o the_o flesh_n this_o be_v for_o you_o cosmophila_n if_o you_o intend_v hereafter_o to_o marry_v but_o if_o it_o be_v enjoy_v with_o sin_n then_o infinite_o more_o it_o be_v environ_v with_o several_a anxietyeâ—_z of_o mind_n in_o like_o manner_n the_o advancement_n to_o honour_n and_o dignity_n stand_v subject_a to_o all_o vassalage_n and_o servitude_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v aâ—_z also_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v after_o cast_v down_o into_o disgrace_n and_o contumely_n brief_o the_o possession_n of_o riches_n lie_v open_a to_o fear_v of_o loose_v they_o and_o upon_o the_o sudden_a to_o be_v pull_v from_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a as_o that_o i_o can_v exemplify_v it_o not_o speak_v of_o time_n past_a in_o diverse_a person_n of_o these_o time_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o my_o near_a and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n now_o all_o this_o be_v most_o true_a i_o demand_v of_o what_o judgement_n or_o brain_n be_v that_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o for_o the_o enjoy_n of_o such_o worldly_a foolery_n will_v forbear_v the_o heavenly_a course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o this_o subject_a wherein_o i_o have_v spread_v myself_o more_o large_o by_o reason_n it_o seem_v by_o your_o own_o word_n cosmophila_n that_o this_o motive_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n thereof_o be_v one_o main_n impediment_n why_o your_o father_n though_o otherwise_o a_o virtuous_a good_a catholic_a do_v not_o give_v that_o full_a approbation_n and_o allowance_n to_o a_o votary_n life_n as_o can_v be_v wish_v cosmophila_n sir_n you_o have_v speak_v very_o full_o and_o irrepliable_o and_o indeed_o even_o till_o this_o present_a i_o do_v much_o prize_n the_o worldly_a allurement_n and_o felicity_n at_o a_o far_o high_a rate_n than_o now_o after_o your_o discourse_n thereof_o be_v finish_v i_o do_v so_o much_o blind_v i_o grant_v be_v my_o poor_a womanish_a judgement_n in_o not_o true_o balance_v and_o weigh_v of_o these_o matter_n before_o this_o time_n but_o yet_o good_a sir_n though_o you_o have_v partly_o touch_v upon_o that_o point_n above_o i_o mean_v that_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n have_v their_o counterpoyze_n of_o discontent_n adjoin_v to_o they_o yet_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v you_o to_o treat_v more_o large_o thereof_o your_o pain_n therein_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v worthy_o bestow_v and_o the_o rather_o see_v there_o be_v many_o person_n persuade_v that_o the_o careless_a christian_n enjoy_v his_o pleasure_n in_o all_o full_a manner_n whole_o exempt_a from_o all_o anxiety_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o virtuous_a do_v live_v in_o a_o continual_a sadness_n and_o melancholy_n full_a of_o grief_n and_o void_a of_o pleasure_n confessarius_fw-la i_o be_o content_a so_o to_o do_v and_o first_o than_o you_o be_v to_o know_v that_o both_o the_o virtuous_a and_o wicked_a have_v their_o continual_a cross_n as_o i_o may_v â—arme_v they_o and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n and_o â—his_n through_o divine_a providence_n yet_o these_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n have_v they_o after_o a_o most_o different_a manner_n as_o hereafter_o i_o will_v show_v first_o that_o the_o virtuous_a have_v their_o desolation_n and_o affliction_n sometime_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o thus_o say_v l_o 14._o he_o that_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v â—fter_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n to_o who_o accord_v the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n m_o 3._o all_o who_o will_v live_v goodly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n so_o â—rue_a be_v that_o say_n of_o s._n chrysostome_n n_o antioch_n tribulation_n be_v a_o and_o â—ssoluble_a and_o inseparable_a bonâ—_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n all_o which_o be_v from_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n now_o to_o descend_v to_o the_o wicked_a or_o loose_a christianâ—â—l_n say_v that_o their_o man_n have_v also_o such_o discontent_n and_o 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o may_v be_v term_v their_o cross_n for_o though_o the_o wicked_a suffer_v no_o injury_n from_o the_o virtuous_a yet_o be_v they_o several_a way_n afflict_v for_o first_o beside_o what_o be_v above_o brief_o say_v of_o this_o point_n we_o find_v daily_o that_o one_o worldly_a or_o sensual_a man_n receive_v the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n from_o another_o worldly_a oâ—_z sensual_a man_n second_o such_o man_n suffer_v tribulation_n even_o from_o their_o own_o proper_a vice_n to_o the_o which_o they_o become_v worse_o than_o gallyslave_n as_o whole_o enchayn_v and_o enthrall_v to_o perform_v whatsoever_o along_o continue_v habit_n of_o these_o vice_n shall_v command_v and_o exact_a from_o they_o they_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o resistance_n or_o repugnancy_n thereto_o three_o the_o wicked_a suffer_v tribulation_n even_o from_o their_o own_o bad_a conscience_n so_o true_o do_v s._n austin_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o worm_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o scripture_n o_o â—_z call_v it_o no_o tribulation_n p_o 45._o be_v great_a than_o the_o conscience_n of_o one_o sin_n but_o now_o let_v we_o balance_v a_o little_a the_o adversity_n or_o desolation_n of_o pious_a and_o religious_a person_n with_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o so_o observe_v thereby_o whether_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o affliction_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v undergo_v and_o suffer_v and_o first_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o just_a be_v but_o short_a and_o momentary_a during_o only_a the_o time_n of_o their_o banishment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o just_a and_o pious_a man_n die_v q_o 14._o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a who_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o lord_n even_o so_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o again_o that_o god_n r_o 21._o shall_v then_o wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n all_o tear_n but_o to_o proceed_v further_o to_o other_o privilege_n accompany_v the_o tribulation_n of_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a person_n first_o christ_n himself_o aver_v that_o ineffable_a comfort_n and_o joy_n do_v ever_o attend_v the_o tribulation_n of_o the_o just_a say_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o other_o virtuous_a soul_n s_o 16._o you_o shall_v weep_v and_o lament_v but_o the_o world_n shall_v rejoice_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v make_v sorrowful_a but_o your_o sorrow_n â—halbe_v turn_v into_o joy_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n try_v in_o himself_o thus_o say_v in_o the_o throng_n of_o all_o his_o adversity_n t_o 7._o i_o be_o replenish_v with_o consolation_n i_o do_v exceed_o abound_v in_o all_o tribulation_n the_o three_o privilege_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o the_o â—ust_a be_v that_o they_o be_v most_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o pious_a since_o tribulation_n be_v a_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o thus_o we_o â—ead_v our_o saviour_n to_o
to_o encourage_v we_o for_o not_o yield_n ourselves_o as_o thrall_a to_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n o_o how_o terrible_a a_o say_n will_v it_o be_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o hell_n to_o hear_v those_o word_n speak_v by_o abraham_n to_o the_o rich_a glutton_n then_o lie_v in_o hell_n thou_o b_o 16._o do_v receive_v good_a thing_n in_o thy_o life_n time_n but_o now_o thou_o be_v torment_v now_o than_o if_o one_o be_v of_o such_o nycene_n and_o delicacy_n as_o not_o to_o endure_v any_o corporal_a affliction_n or_o mortification_n how_o then_o shall_v he_o endure_v the_o eternity_n of_o torment_n and_o pain_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o all_o loose_a delicate_a and_o sensual_a christian_n let_v that_o soul_n then_o which_o whole_o give_v way_n to_o all_o corporal_a pleasure_n solace_n and_o indulgency_n of_o the_o body_n remember_v those_o most_o dreadful_a word_n in_o the_o gospel_n c_o 22._o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_a and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n every_o one_o who_o have_v holy_a inspiration_n from_o god_n for_o the_o embrace_n of_o a_o votary_n and_o religious_a life_n aught_o to_o cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o all_o those_o who_o be_v go_v afore_o we_o and_o have_v in_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o mortification_n trace_v that_o course_n of_o life_n of_o which_o we_o here_o speak_v i_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o religious_a life_n of_o s._n hilarion_n s._n jerome_n s._n benedict_n s._n bernard_n s._n francis_n and_o many_o hundred_o more_o all_o who_o body_n be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o which_o our_o body_n be_v make_v and_o yet_o most_o valiant_o they_o subdue_v their_o body_n to_o the_o spirit_n they_o in_o so_o do_v do_v expect_v the_o same_o reward_n which_o other_o religious_a person_n at_o this_o day_n do_v expect_v they_o now_o enjoy_v heaven_n and_o so_o may_v we_o hereafter_o by_o follow_v though_o in_o a_o far_o low_a proportion_n their_o austerity_n of_o body_n arrive_v to_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o to_o press_v this_o point_n more_o particular_o as_o concerning_o our_o own_o sex_n let_v we_o remember_v those_o bless_a woman_n caecilia_n agnes_n agatha_n barbara_n dorothea_n catharina_n and_o many_o more_o of_o former_a time_n who_o not_o only_o resist_v through_o their_o intemerate_a and_o vow_a virginity_n all_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o also_o with_o most_o wonderful_a constancy_n and_o fortitude_n endure_v glorious_a martyrdom_n for_o the_o love_n christ_n and_o save_v of_o their_o own_o soul_n therefore_o brief_o let_v each_o of_o we_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o austerity_n take_v courage_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o d_o 4._o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v i_o cosmophila_n good_a sister_n this_o your_o spiritual_a resolution_n in_o overcome_v your_o mortification_n be_v far_o great_a than_o i_o ever_o expect_v to_o have_v find_v in_o you_o at_o which_o i_o much_o joy_n but_o to_o turn_v myself_o to_o you_o good_a father_n confessarius_fw-la i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o you_o have_v great_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o my_o former_a object_a reason_n against_o the_o embrace_n of_o a_o retire_a and_o religious_a life_n yet_o see_v it_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o privilege_n of_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o be_v able_a to_o with_o stand_v and_o break_v through_o the_o force_n raise_v against_o it_o but_o withal_o to_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v itself_o with_o unanswerable_a argument_n and_o reason_n for_o the_o patronise_v and_o warrant_n of_o itself_o and_o further_o see_v diverse_a thing_n there_o be_v which_o as_o they_o can_v be_v great_o impugn_v by_o argument_n so_o they_o have_v few_o or_o no_o argument_n for_o their_o support_v though_o i_o presume_v the_o warrantablenes_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n be_v not_o of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o i_o be_o to_o make_v bold_a both_o with_o you_o and_o with_o the_o reverend_a abbess_n here_o present_a for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o her_o long_a government_n and_o experience_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o subject_n do_v much_o enable_v she_o that_o both_o of_o you_o will_v insist_v in_o your_o future_a discourse_n in_o lay_v open_o the_o dignity_n antiquity_n proof_n privilege_n benefit_n and_o other_o such_o prevayl_v circumstance_n of_o a_o votary_n life_n which_o may_v most_o forcible_o conduce_v to_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o such_o as_o may_v hereafter_o undergo_v that_o spiritual_a course_n the_o heart_n of_o every_o one_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o who_o know_v how_o he_o will_v dispose_v of_o it_o confessarius_fw-la both_o i_o and_o no_o doubt_n the_o lady_n abbess_n will_v condescend_v to_o this_o your_o pious_a request_n since_o charity_n bind_v as_o thereto_o and_o for_o myself_o i_o think_v it_o most_o expedient_a somewhat_o to_o enlarge_v my_o speech_n upon_o those_o three_o main_n point_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o religious_a life_n i_o mean_v chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o which_o all_o religious_a person_n be_v by_o solemn_a vow_n oblige_v now_o the_o more_o full_o to_o know_v the_o dignity_n of_o these_o three_o point_n it_o will_v be_v fit_v here_o to_o set_v down_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n give_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o then_o after_o to_o show_v what_o particular_a reverence_n these_o several_a distinct_a vow_n do_v bear_v to_o his_o say_a admonition_n thus_o than_o that_o apostle_n counsel_v love_v e_o 2._o not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o love_n the_o world_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o because_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o pride_n of_o life_n thus_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n divide_v into_o these_o three_o part_n as_o it_o be_v into_o three_o distinct_a province_n now_o for_o the_o better_a unfould_n and_o explain_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o by_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o apostle_n comprehend_v all_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o other_o delight_n use_v in_o cherish_v and_o pamper_v the_o flesh_n whereby_o the_o flesh_n may_v burst_v out_o into_o any_o unlawful_a and_o sinful_a action_n by_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o eye_n he_o mean_v all_o beauty_n and_o bravery_n of_o riches_n by_o pride_n of_o life_n he_o signify_v the_o vanity_n of_o ambition_n consist_v in_o worldly_a honour_n and_o estimation_n these_o three_o then_o be_v the_o most_o general_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n i_o mean_v carnal_a pleasure_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n by_o which_o three_o as_o by_o his_o strong_a net_n the_o devil_n do_v daily_o ensnare_v man_n you_o poor_a christian_n to_o his_o subjection_n and_o to_o their_o soul_n eternal_a perdition_n but_o now_o observe_v how_o the_o malice_n and_o venom_n of_o these_o three_o most_o pestilent_a disease_n be_v cure_v by_o the_o vow_n perform_v in_o a_o religious_a life_n first_o than_o the_o vow_n of_o perpetual_a chastity_n of_o body_n with_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o prescription_n adjoin_v thereto_o cure_v the_o malady_n of_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o vow_n of_o poverty_n destroy_v the_o disease_n of_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o wit_n desire_v of_o enjoy_v riches_n and_o the_o unquenchable_a thirst_n of_o avarice_n last_o the_o vow_n of_o obedience_n cut_v away_o from_o the_o soul_n all_o pride_n of_o life_n since_o he_o or_o she_o who_o willing_o subject_v themselves_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o another_o be_v fat_a from_o offend_v in_o vain_a glory_n which_o the_o apostle_n above_o call_v pride_n of_o life_n by_o this_o than_o we_o may_v see_v how_o a_o votary_n and_o religious_a life_n be_v true_o perform_v and_o lead_v do_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o main_n temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n over_o come_v they_o and_o bear_v they_o down_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o such_o as_o by_o due_a appoint_a mean_n do_v implore_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v much_o conduce_v if_o beside_o what_o be_v already_o touch_v thereof_o we_o insist_v long_o in_o the_o display_v the_o worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o three_o former_a vow_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o chastity_n chastity_n then_o teach_v chastity_n we_o as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v how_o f_o 4._o to_o â—ossesse_v our_o vessel_n in_o sanctification_n that_o be_v our_o body_n which_o be_v a_o vessel_n or_o