Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
virtue_n	according_a	good_a	life_n	1,193	5	4.3355	3	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A05371	The treasure of vowed chastity in secular persons. Also the widdowes glasse. VVritten by the RR. Fathers Leonard Lessius, and Fuluius Androtius, both of the Society of Iesus. Translated into English by I.W. P.	Lessius, Leonardus, 1554-1623.; Androzzi, Fulvio, 1523-1575. aut; Wilson, John, ca. 1575-ca. 1645?	1621 (1621)	STC 15524; ESTC S108506	57,293	362

any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n these_o i_o do_v entreat_v by_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o they_o will_v no_o long_o employ_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v have_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o not_o on_o earth_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o widow_n also_o who_o make_v a_o firm_a purpose_n and_o deliberation_n to_o conserve_v and_o keep_v their_o chastity_n &_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o their_o hart_n &_o of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n one_o who_o can_v separate_v themselves_o from_o their_o child_n or_o other_o parent_n either_o for_o the_o charge_n they_o have_v of_o they_o or_o because_o they_o can_v so_o well_o live_v alone_o or_o for_o some_o necessity_n or_o charity_n in_o govern_v their_o family_n and_o these_o although_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o free_a from_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o take_v they_o do_v it_o principal_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o life_n everlasting_a these_o widow_n be_v not_o any_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o draw_v away_o from_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n but_o be_v according_a to_o s._n paul_n great_o to_o be_v honour_v and_o esteem_v the_o other_o kind_n be_v those_o widow_n who_o desirous_a to_o serve_v god_n &_o may_v commodious_o separat_fw-la themselves_o from_o their_o parent_n friend_n or_o family_n and_o be_v more_o free_a to_o attend_v to_o prayer_n and_o other_o devout_a exercise_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o through_o a_o kind_n of_o pufill_v animity_n or_o little_a courage_n or_o else_o for_o compassion_n to_o their_o friend_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n neither_o be_v these_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o esteem_v in_o a_o second_o or_o three_o degree_n from_o the_o former_a the_o last_o sort_n of_o widow_n be_v the_o true_a &_o worthy_o so_o call_v widow_n who_o dispatch_v themselves_o of_o all_o worldly_a impediment_n do_v attend_v only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n contemplate_v he_o and_o meditate_v on_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o these_o be_v place_v in_o a_o more_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a estate_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o above_o name_v and_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o right_n and_o direct_a way_n of_o perfection_n in_o this_o estate_n live_v that_o holy_a widow_n anne_n the_o prophetess_n record_v by_o s._n luke_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v serve_v god_n in_o fast_v &_o prayer_n remain_v night_n and_o day_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o if_o such_o widow_n who_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o live_v virtuous_o can_v match_v or_o come_v near_o to_o s._n anne_n yet_o let_v they_o come_v as_o near_o unto_o she_o as_o they_o can_v so_o as_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o true_a widow_n be_v she_o who_o not_o only_o conserve_n her_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o whatsoever_o she_o do_v she_o do_v it_o pure_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o for_o that_o every_o widow_n do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o exercise_v herself_o in_o the_o true_o serve_v of_o god_n unless_o she_o know_v the_o scope_n and_o end_n thereof_o i_o purpose_v here_o to_o set_v down_o brief_o in_o what_o manner_n she_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o intention_n and_o exercise_n of_o a_o true_a widow_n when_o a_o widow_n have_v well_o consider_v of_o her_o estate_n &_o firm_a purpose_n to_o serve_v god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o first_o she_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o end_n &_o scope_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n that_o conformable_o thereto_o she_o may_v address_v all_o her_o work_n and_o action_n the_o first_o and_o principal_a end_n than_o be_v that_o not_o only_a widow_n but_o every_o christian_a also_o ought_v to_o live_v well_o and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o she_o must_v love_v more_o than_o her_o own_o soul_n and_o therefore_o she_o must_v labour_v that_o by_o all_o her_o endeavour_n &_o action_n the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ever_o bless_v &_o praise_v christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n advance_v and_o honour_v this_o belong_v more_o to_o widow_n then_o to_o many_o other_o who_o consequent_o must_v be_v mortify_v and_o of_o a_o chaste_a and_o pure_a life_n for_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o carnal_a spouse_n they_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o but_o their_o spouse_n christ_n jesus_n so_o as_o a_o true_o devout_a widow_n ought_v so_o to_o inflame_v her_o hart_n with_o the_o zeal_n of_o god_n honour_n that_o she_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o die_v then_o that_o by_o her_o mean_n her_o spouse_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n dishonour_v second_o she_o ought_v with_o as_o great_a zeal_n seek_v and_o procure_v she_o own_o salvation_n consider_v that_o she_o be_v not_o always_o to_o remain_v in_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v ordain_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o then_o of_o necessity_n to_o go_v either_o to_o heave_v or_o to_o intolerable_a torment_n in_o hell_n or_o purgatory_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o forgo_v all_o the_o consolation_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n she_o must_v force_v herself_o to_o get_v &_o conserve_v those_o that_o be_v celestial_a and_o everlasting_a chap._n iii_o document_n for_o widow_n out_o of_o s._n paul_n saint_n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n say_v honour_n widow_n he_o mean_v such_o widow_n who_o live_v virtuous_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o widowhood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o govern_v well_o their_o family_n not_o only_o their_o child_n or_o their_o kinsfolk_n but_o also_o their_o subject_n instruct_v they_o in_o good_a life_n manner_n and_o virtue_n and_o when_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o reprehend_v and_o correct_v they_o second_o he_o say_v that_o widow_n ought_v to_o hope_v in_o god_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n in_o he_o alone_o to_o seek_v for_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n have_v daily_o their_o mind_n elevate_v in_o god_n in_o all_o humility_n pray_v often_o and_o implore_v his_o divine_a aid_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a to_o forgive_v they_o and_o all_o sinner_n their_o sin_n to_o replenish_v they_o with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o last_o to_o guide_v they_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n three_o he_o say_v that_o a_o widow_n entertain_v worldly_a &_o carnal_a consolation_n &_o pass_v her_o day_n in_o mirth_n ioylity_n &_o vanity_n be_v account_v for_o dead_a for_o although_o she_o live_v according_a to_o the_o body_n yet_o be_v she_o dead_a according_a to_o the_o spirit_n nor_o can_v she_o once_o do_v any_o good_a or_o meritorious_a work_n worthy_a of_o heaven_n four_o he_o command_v widow_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v irreprehensible_a in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o all_o their_o action_n they_o give_v good_a example_n &_o that_o they_o keep_v themselves_o not_o only_o from_o commit_v of_o mortal_a crim_n but_o even_o from_o the_o least_o venial_a sin_n that_o may_v be_v whence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o live_v virtuous_o humble_o in_o fear_n and_o vigilancy_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o judith_n that_o most_o noble_a and_o devout_a widow_n that_o never_o be_v there_o find_v any_o man_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o she_o five_o he_o say_v that_o the_o widow_n ought_v to_o think_v upon_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o god_n to_o the_o end_n she_o may_v be_v holy_a &_o sanctify_v in_o body_n and_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n chap._n four_o the_o praise_n of_o widowhood_n out_o of_o s._n hierome_n saint_n hierome_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o ancient_a father_n be_v not_o the_o last_o nor_o least_o that_o have_v praise_v widowhood_n nay_o i_o may_v say_v he_o have_v exalt_v the_o same_o above_o many_o if_o not_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o begin_v first_o with_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o furia_n a_o noble_a young_a lady_n and_o widow_n of_o rome_n thus_o he_o write_v unto_o she_o in_o commendation_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o widowhood_n you_o desire_v in_o your_o letter_n and_o humble_o entreat_v i_o that_o i_o will_v answer_v you_o or_o rather_o write_v unto_o you_o in_o what_o manner_n you_o may_v live_v &_o conserve_v the_o crown_n of_o widowhood_n without_o any_o blemish_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o good_a name_n my_o mind_n rejoice_v my_o bowel_n do_v dance_v my_o affection_n do_v leap_v because_o you_o desire_v to_o be_v such_o after_o your_o husband_n death_n as_o your_o mother_n titiana_n of_o holy_a memory_n be_v a_o long_a time_n her_o husband_n live_v her_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v hear_v she_o have_v obtain_v

demetriades_n be_v grant_v they_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o virginity_n s._n philip_n the_o apostle_n before_o his_o apostleship_n bring_v up_o three_o daughter_n also_o whereof_o two_o remain_v virgin_n till_o they_o be_v very_o old_a as_o polycrates_n in_o s._n hierome_n report_v de_fw-fr scrip._n ecclesiast_n in_o polycrate_n s._n petronilla_n daughter_n s_o peter_n vow_v virginity_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o lose_v it_o obtain_v sudden_a death_n from_o almighty_a god_n s._n tecla_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n paul_n embrace_v the_o same_o as_o s._n ambrose_n witness_v in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o virgin_n s._n iphigenia_n daughter_n to_o the_o king_n of_o ethiopia_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o s._n matthew_n as_o abdias_n write_v in_o her_o life_n flavia_n domitilla_n daughter_n to_o clemens_n the_o consul_n &_o s._n peter_n host_n at_o rome_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n clement_n as_o s._n bede_n witness_v in_o his_o martyrologe_n the_o 7._o of_o may_n or_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o his_o life_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o nereus_n and_o achilleus_n s._n valeria_n at_o the_o persuasion_n of_o s._n martialis_n as_o appear_v out_o of_o his_o epistle_n add_v tholosanos_n chap._n 8._o s._n pudentiana_n &_o her_o sister_n praxedes_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n final_o s._n anatolia_n apollonia_n balbina_n barbara_n pelagia_n catherina_n caecilia_n agatha_n agnes_n lucia_n basilla_n christina_n dorothea_n emerentiana_n prisca_n euphemia_n saturnina_n susanna_n victoria_n theodora_n and_o innumerable_a other_o continue_v virgin_n in_o the_o world_n even_o to_o their_o death_n and_o honour_v their_o virginity_n with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n moreover_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o s._n cyprian_n s._n ambrose_n &_o s._n hierome_n with_o other_o holy_a father_n that_o there_o be_v in_o those_o age_n infinite_a who_o consecrate_v their_o virginity_n to_o almighty_a god_n although_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o monastery_n but_o dwell_v either_o in_o their_o parent_n house_n or_o in_o their_o own_o retain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o proper_a good_n or_o else_o live_v many_o together_o in_o common_a the_o same_o appear_v also_o out_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o faustus_n manichaeus_n in_o s._n augustine_n in_o his_o 30._o book_n against_o faustus_n the_o 4._o chap._n where_o faustus_n thus_o object_v necvidetis_fw-la hinc_fw-la etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v you_o see_v here_o both_o your_o virgin_n to_o be_v note_v of_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o yourselves_o to_o become_v his_o prelate_n who_o contentious_o always_o incite_v they_o to_o this_o profession_n by_o your_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v almost_o now_o in_o your_o church_n a_o great_a number_n of_o virgin_n then_o of_o marry_a woman_n by_o which_o speech_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o bishop_n &_o prelate_n every_o where_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v earnest_o incite_v those_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o virginity_n and_o that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o do_v public_o profess_v virginity_n be_v as_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v marry_v see_v s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o 30._o book_n of_o virgin_n where_o he_o show_v the_o same_o most_o evident_o among_o these_o also_o many_o be_v very_o eminent_a and_o wealthy_a as_o the_o daughter_n of_o senator_n and_o prince_n and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v wait_v woman_n to_o follow_v they_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o as_o it_o appear_v out_o of_o s._n hierome_n in_o his_o 8._o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n where_o he_o also_o warn_v such_o mistress_n that_o as_o they_o themselves_o go_v modest_o in_o their_o apparel_n so_o they_o shall_v cause_v their_o woman_n of_o attendance_n also_o to_o avoid_v vanity_n in_o their_o attire_n &_o see_v that_o their_o habit_n be_v modest_a and_o grave_a beside_o many_o father_n have_v write_v of_o the_o attire_n and_o discipline_n of_o virgin_n as_o tertullian_n s._n cyprian_n s._n ambrose_n s._n hierome_n in_o diverse_a place_n of_o their_o work_n all_o which_o they_o direct_v special_o unto_o such_o as_o live_v out_o of_o monasterye_n at_o their_o own_o government_n embrace_v virginity_n and_o the_o say_v holy_a father_n do_v warn_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v see_v in_o public_a without_o veil_n and_o civil_o accompany_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o use_v secular_a ornament_n that_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o paint_v and_o vanity_n in_o their_o clothes_n that_o they_o shall_v avoid_v unprofitable_a meeting_n marriage_n and_o banquet_n that_o they_o shall_v give_v their_o alm_n with_o a_o pure_a intention_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o orphan_n and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o distress_n all_o which_o thing_n it_o be_v manifest_a do_v belong_v to_o such_o as_o be_v at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o retain_v their_o proper_a substance_n neither_o have_v we_o only_a example_n of_o chastity_n in_o single_a or_o unmarried_a folk_n but_o also_o even_o in_o those_o themselves_n which_o be_v marry_v which_o to_o avoid_v tediousness_n i_o omit_v see_v marulus_n in_o his_o 4._o book_n the_o 7._o and_o 8._o chap._n fulgosus_n in_o the_o 4._o chap._n ignat._v in_o his_o 6._o book_n out_o of_o which_o it_o appear_v evident_o that_o this_o institution_n of_o embrace_v &_o profess_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v most_o frequent_a and_o usual_a ever_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o very_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a chap._n iii_o the_o same_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o holy_a father_n mervailous_n be_v the_o commendation_n which_o holy_a father_n give_v to_o this_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v no_o less_o refer_v to_o such_o as_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o those_o which_o profess_v it_o in_o monasterye_n s._n ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la tharsenses_n call_v virgin_n so_o vow_v unto_o god_n the_o priest_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o offer_v their_o body_n to_o god_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n eas_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o virginitate_fw-la degunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n account_v say_v he_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o state_n of_o virginity_n as_o priest_n of_o christ._n s._n athanasius_n in_o his_o little_a work_n of_o virginity_n about_o the_o end_n say_v magna_fw-la virtus_fw-la continentia_fw-la etc._n etc._n continency_n be_v a_o great_a virtue_n purity_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v boast_v of_o great_a be_v the_o praise_n of_o virgin_n o_o virginity_n treasure_n inconsumable_a garland_n never_o to_o be_v wither_v temple_n of_o almighty_a god_n house_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n margarite_n most_o precious_a overcom_a of_o death_n &_o hell_n life_n of_o angel_n crown_n of_o saint_n etc._n etc._n s._n cyprian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o habit_n and_o discipline_n of_o virgin_n nunc_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la virgin_n sermo_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n now_o speak_v we_o of_o virgin_n say_v he_o of_o who_o by_o how_o much_o their_o glory_n be_v the_o more_o eminent_a by_o so_o much_o their_o care_n be_v the_o great_a this_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o ecclesiastical_a bud_n the_o ornament_n and_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n itself_o the_o hopeful_a towardness_n of_o praise_n and_o honour_n a_o work_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a the_o image_n of_o god_n correspondent_a to_o the_o sanctimony_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o more_o beautiful_a part_n of_o christ_n his_o flock_n etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o si_fw-mi praemium_fw-la pollicitationis_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o thou_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o promise_n thou_o will_v count_v thy_o labour_n little_a immortality_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o that_o persever_v perpetual_a li●e_z be_v propose_v a_o reward_n our_o lord_n promise_v a_o kingdom_n preserve_v you_o virgin_n preserve_v that_o which_o you_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v preserve_v that_o which_o you_o shall_v be_v for_o great_a be_v the_o reward_n provide_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n that_o which_o we_o must_v be_v hereafter_o you_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v already_o you_o possess_v in_o present_a the_o glory_n of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o age_n to_o come_v you_o pass_v through_o the_o time_n without_o take_v infection_n from_o they_o as_o long_o as_o you_o persevere_v in_o chastity_n and_o virginity_n you_o be_v equal_a even_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n solid_a and_o untouched_a virginity_n only_o endure_v only_o last_v for_o ever_o the_o first_o precept_n s._n cyprian_n go_v still_o on_o of_o almighty_a god_n command_v to_o increase_v and_o generate_v the_o second_o persuade_v contynency_n whilst_o the_o world_n be_v rude_a &_o unpeople_v by_o our_o fertility_n by_o generation_n we_o be_v multiply_v &_o grow_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o mankind_n but_o now_o when_o the_o world_n be_v people_v and_o fill_v those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o chastity_n be_v make_v eunuch_n spiritual_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o

accompany_v with_o joy_n everlasting_a these_o &_o many_o other_o thing_n holy_a father_n have_v write_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o virginity_n by_o which_o the_o excellency_n &_o worth_n thereof_o may_v be_v good_a know_v and_o esteem_v no_o one_o virtue_n or_o estate_n of_o life_n be_v commend_v with_o so_o great_a affection_n &_o consent_v of_o holy_a father_n as_o this_o hereupon_o especial_o in_o former_a age_n a_o infinite_a multitude_n have_v embrace_v it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o 3._o book_n of_o virgin_n affirm_v that_o in_o the_o eastern_a &_o african_a church_n there_o be_v more_o virgin_n consecrate_v to_o almighty_a god_n than_o we_o have_v man_n bear_v in_o our_o part_n here_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o mankind_n be_v not_o thereby_o diminish_v but_o increase_v if_o any_o one_o quoth_v he_o imagine_v that_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v diminish_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o virgin_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o where_o there_o be_v few_o virgin_n there_o be_v also_o the_o few_o person_n and_o where_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v more_o frequent_a who_o be_v lover_n and_o imbracer_n of_o virginity_n there_o also_o the_o number_n of_o man_n be_v more_o great_a consider_v how_o many_o alexandria_n &_o all_o the_o eastern_a part_n with_o the_o church_n also_o of_o africa_n be_v wont_n every_o year_n to_o consecrate_v few_o man_n be_v here_o beget_v then_o there_o virgin_n consecrate_v the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v overcome_v with_o liberality_n but_o if_o the_o parent_n offer_v he_o a_o child_n or_o two_o he_o render_v they_o eight_o or_o ten_o grant_v fruitefullnes_n and_o fortunate_a child-bearing_a to_o such_o as_o be_v mother_n and_o fill_v their_o house_n with_o his_o blessing_n therefore_o even_o as_o faithful_a pay_v of_o tithe_n &_o liberality_n towards_o the_o poor_a bring_v not_o poverty_n since_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n prosper_v and_o increase_v our_o substance_n &_o make_v our_o field_n the_o more_o fruitful_a as_o s._n hierome_n teach_v serm._n 219._o de_fw-fr tempore_fw-la so_o the_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o virginity_n hinder_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o waste_v the_o number_n of_o secular_a person_n but_o obteyn_v it_o a_o long_a benediction_n chap._n four_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v also_o by_o reason_n the_o error_n of_o jovinian_a be_v that_o virginity_n do_v not_o excel_v marriage_n which_o he_o mean_v by_o virginity_n take_v absolute_o and_o general_o whether_o it_o be_v profess_v by_o person_n live_v in_o the_o world_n or_o in_o religion_n he_o therefore_o who_o confess_v that_o virginity_n profess_v in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o marriage_n but_o not_o that_o which_o be_v embrace_v in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o least_o half_a a_o jovinianist_n because_o he_o be_v half_a of_o his_o opinion_n nay_o rather_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o real_o a_o jovinianist_n because_o he_o deny_v that_o virginity_n be_v of_o it_o own_o nature_n better_o they_o marriage_n wherein_o the_o whole_a error_n of_o jovinian_a about_o this_o matter_n consist_v for_o if_o of_o it_o own_o proper_a nature_n it_o be_v better_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o same_o be_v also_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v better_o see_v s._n augustine_n cap._n 28._o add_v quod-vult-deum_a and_o s._n jerome_n in_o his_o 10._o book_n against_o the_o same_o jovinian_a etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v not_o laudable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o vow_v virginity_n live_v in_o the_o world_n either_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o keep_v their_o vow_n in_o that_o estate_n or_o else_o because_o chastity_n be_v not_o better_a than_o marriag_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v not_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v a_o heresy_n of_o the_o heretic_n of_o these_o our_o day_n who_o for_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v unless_o the_o person_n know_v that_o he_o be_v peculiar_o inspire_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n not_o the_o latter_a for_o it_o be_v the_o error_n of_o jovinian_a aforesaid_a concern_v the_o gift_n of_o chastity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o gift_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o will_v resolve_v to_o live_v chaste_a if_o he_o do_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o he_o to_o obtain_v the_o same_o of_o almighty_a god_n if_o there_o be_v so_o great_a difficulty_n to_o live_v chaste_a in_o the_o world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o meritorious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bind_v himself_o thereto_o by_o vow_n then_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v of_o it_o own_o nature_n vain_a &_o of_o no_o effect_n to_o he_o that_o make_v it_o and_o so_o he_o may_v free_o break_v that_o which_o be_v of_o such_o difficulty_n as_o seem_v moral_o impossible_a but_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v to_o wit_n that_o such_o a_o vow_n be_v of_o it_o own_o nature_n vain_a &_o of_o no_o effect_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v break_v without_o a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n see_v the_o above_o mention_v testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o tim._n 5._o it_o be_v very_o commendable_a &_o meritorious_a for_o young_a man_n also_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n to_o vow_v chastity_n yea_o the_o church_n bind_v all_o such_o as_o have_v take_v holy_a order_n thereunto_o therefore_o if_o man_n do_v it_o &_o that_o it_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o to_o do_v so_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v the_o like_a for_o woman_n such_o as_o be_v young_a both_o maid_n &_o widow_n especial_o since_o man_n live_v in_o far_o great_a danger_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o great_a freedom_n of_o conversation_n and_o their_o less_o bashfulness_n together_o with_o more_o frequent_a occasion_n of_o temptation_n from_o whence_o we_o see_v it_o proceed_v that_o more_o man_n which_o vow_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n do_v offend_v against_o their_o vow_n then_o woman_n yea_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o that_o sex_n who_o vow_v chastity_n in_o the_o world_n do_v violat_a their_o vow_n in_o so_o much_o that_o oftentimes_o in_o a_o great_a city_n for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n you_o shall_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n more_o easy_a for_o woman_n to_o do_v then_o for_o man_n &_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o man_n do_v laudable_o take_v upon_o they_o such_o vow_n neither_o can_v they_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o they_o be_v once_o undertake_v if_o it_o be_v meritorious_a to_o keep_v virginity_n in_o religion_n why_o be_v it_o not_o also_o in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n alter_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o work_n but_o the_o excellency_n itself_o thereof_o and_o a_o devout_a will_n unto_o it_o and_o this_o pious_a inclination_n may_v be_v have_v as_o well_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n when_o a_o virgin_n purpose_v with_o herself_o to_o abstain_v from_o marriage_n and_o to_o consecrate_v her_o virginity_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o she_o may_v serve_v he_o the_o more_o perfect_o that_o she_o may_v follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o she_o may_v imitate_v our_o lord_n and_o his_o most_o bless_a mother_n that_o she_o may_v apply_v all_o her_o thought_n and_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o the_o health_n of_o her_o soul_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o work_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o profession_n of_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v meritorious_a as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o only_o commendable_a in_o monasterye_n but_o also_o in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v other_o good_a work_n as_o to_o pray_v to_o fast_o to_o give_v corporal_a and_o spiritual_a alm_n to_o chastise_v our_o body_n and_o to_o bind_v ourselves_o by_o vow_n thereunto_o then_o if_o other_o good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o worth_n &_o esteem_n nor_o their_o merit_n before_o god_n by_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v virginity_n and_o single_a life_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v the_o more_o prayse-worthyto_a be_v temperate_a and_o to_o abstain_v sit_v at_o a_o banquet_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bridle_v our_o appetite_n even_o in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o provocation_n so_o likewise_o may_v it_o be_v a_o deed_n of_o great_a merit_n to_o live_v chaste_o in_o the_o world_n where_o occasion_n of_o fall_v be_v more_o frequent_a as_o for_o example_n when_o there_o be_v lawful_a reason_n why_o such_o occasion_n may_v not_o be_v convenient_o shun_v which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v willing_o avoid_v the_o state_n

be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o he_o say_v it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o passion_n of_o lust_n to_o a_o virtuous_a virgin_n every_o time_n that_o she_o expose_v herself_o to_o public_a view_n to_o wit_n because_o that_o thereby_o she_o with_o her_o face_n open_a cast_v her_o eye_n free_o about_o to_o see_v &_o to_o be_v see_v be_v easy_o corrupt_v in_o spirit_n &_o that_o the_o very_o gaze_v itself_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o unchaste_a mind_n and_o again_o afterward_o the_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v be_v not_o a_o chaste_a desire_n but_o admit_v somewhat_o that_o belong_v not_o unto_o a_o virgin_n as_o also_o the_o desire_n to_o delight_v other_o inbehold_v she_o for_o true_a entire_a and_o pure_a virginity_n fear_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o it_o own_o self_n yea_o it_o endure_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o woman_n that_o delight_v in_o gaze_v since_o the_o eye_n of_o itself_o be_v far_o different_a from_o such_o it_o fly_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o her_o head_n as_o to_o a_o helmet_n &_o as_o to_o a_o buckler_n which_o defend_v she_o it_o be_v a_o protection_n against_o the_o blow_n of_o temptation_n against_o the_o dart_n of_o scandal_n against_o suspicion_n &_o whisper_v and_o emulation_n yea_o and_o against_o envy_n itself_o after_o this_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o bashfulness_n entrench_v thyself_o within_o the_o bull_n work_n of_o modesty_n build_v up_o a_o wall_n for_o thy_o sex_n which_o keep_v in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o let_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o to_o enter_v thou_o have_v marry_v christ_n and_o deliver_v thy_o body_n to_o he_o thou_o have_v espouse_v the_o maturity_n of_o thy_o year_n to_o he_o go_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o bid_v those_o who_o be_v marry_v to_o other_o to_o veil_n themselves_o much_o more_o those_o which_o be_v espouse_v unto_o he_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o woman_n attire_n of_o brabant_n be_v very_o fit_a which_o be_v call_v by_o they_o hueke_v which_o the_o very_o noble_a matron_n of_o that_o country_n use_v when_o they_o will_v not_o be_v know_v in_o any_o public_a assembly_n let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o exercise_n which_o holy_a father_n prescribe_v to_o be_v use_v by_o virgin_n these_o be_v fast_v prayer_n read_v of_o spiritual_a book_n and_o handiwork_n in_o the_o daily_a use_n and_o variety_n whereof_o they_o may_v spend_v all_o their_o time_n most_o profitable_o fast_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n for_o by_o this_o the_o root_n of_o many_o temptation_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o many_o vice_n be_v cut_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v make_v more_o fit_a to_o converse_v daily_o with_o almighty_a god_n with_o great_a comfort_n &_o fruit_n from_o who_o it_o conceive_v all_o its_o good_a from_o whence_o all_o saint_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v derive_v the_o begin_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n by_o fast_v i_o mean_v not_o such_o fast_a as_o shall_v weaken_v or_o impair_v nature_n but_o such_o whereby_o the_o body_n become_v more_o healthful_a the_o mind_n more_o quick_a and_o the_o concupiscence_n more_o subject_a s._n hierome_n commend_v great_o this_o exercise_n in_o his_o 8._o epistle_n to_o demetriades_n de_fw-fr custodia_fw-la virginit_fw-la after_o say_v he_o diligent_o take_v heed_n of_o impure_a thought_n you_o must_v put_v on_o the_o ornament_n of_o fast_v and_o sing_v with_o david_n i_o have_v humble_v my_o soul_n in_o fast_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o afterwards_o fast_v be_v not_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n of_o itself_o but_o the_o foundation_n of_o other_o and_o be_v both_o sanctification_n &_o chastity_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v god_n it_o affoard_v stair_n to_o such_o as_o will_v ascend_v to_o the_o top_n &_o yet_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o crown_v a_o virgin_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o fast_v be_v term_v by_o s._n hierome_n sanctification_n and_o chastity_n of_o other_o virtue_n it_o be_v call_v sanctification_n because_o it_o make_v other_o virtue_n flourish_v and_o work_v their_o effect_n the_o better_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o sanctify_v it_o be_v call_v chastity_n becanse_o it_o procure_v cleanesse_n of_o body_n and_o hart_n wherein_o consist_v all_o other_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o that_o this_o fast_v must_v be_v moderate_a &_o such_o as_o may_v not_o weaken_v the_o body_n but_o refresh_v &_o quicken_v the_o mind_n s._n jerome_n warn_v we_o in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o say_v neither_o do_v i_o prescribe_v to_o you_o immoderate_a fast_v or_o such_o abstinence_n as_o shall_v be_v altogether_o without_o meat_n by_o which_o body_n that_o be_v tender_a and_o delicate_a may_v be_v quick_o bring_v out_o of_o health_n and_o grow_v sick_a before_o they_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o holy_a conversation_n s._n ambrose_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o virgin_n say_v that_o the_o spare_v of_o meat_n and_o abstinence_n from_o drink_n make_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o vice_n for_o it_o make_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n thereof_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v rather_o a_o fast_o of_o sobriety_n they_o affliction_n prayer_n also_o under_o which_o be_v contain_v the_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v principal_o necessary_a first_o because_o by_o this_o we_o must_v obtain_v daily_a supply_n of_o grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o resist_v temptation_n and_o fulfil_v god_n divine_a commandment_n and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n wherefore_o our_o lord_n warn_v we_o that_o we_o always_o pray_v to_o wit_n as_o much_o as_o convenient_o we_o may_v and_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o frailty_n and_o necessary_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n will_v permit_v we_o for_o our_o perseverance_n and_o eternal_a safety_n depend_v on_o prayer_n second_o by_o prayer_n &_o meditation_n we_o list_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o almighty_a god_n we_o place_v ourselves_o in_o his_o sight_n and_o presence_n we_o consider_v his_o majesty_n his_o power_n and_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n &_o his_o providence_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o justice_n we_o adore_v he_o and_o praise_v he_o we_o give_v he_o thanks_n and_o bless_v he_o there_o we_o deal_v with_o he_o about_o the_o business_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o call_v to_o mind_n all_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v both_o do_v and_o suffer_v for_o us._n for_o this_o cause_n especial_o a_o virgin_n must_v abandon_v marriage_n and_o secularity_n &_o embrace_v the_o state_n of_o holy_a virginity_n according_a to_o the_o apostole_fw-la to_o wit_n that_o she_o may_v think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o lord_n that_o she_o may_v be_v holy_a in_o body_n and_o spirit_n that_o she_o may_v behave_v herself_o worthy_o in_o the_o presence_n &_o conversation_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o she_o may_v stick_v so_o close_o unto_o he_o that_o she_o may_v never_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o as_o our_o interpreter_n translate_v it_o that_o she_o may_v have_v free_a leave_n to_o beseech_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o lord_n without_o hindrance_n here_o be_v delight_n and_o spiritual_a comfort_n in_o this_o consist_v as_o it_o be_v the_o paradise_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o these_o thing_n our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o angel_n without_o these_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v be_v dry_a &_o barren_a for_o all_o comfort_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n proceed_v from_o the_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o divine_a matter_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o those_o who_o apply_v not_o themselves_o with_o great_a love_n and_o desire_n to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n they_o must_v needs_o remain_v dry_a or_o at_o leastwise_o they_o shall_v never_o taste_v the_o most_o excellent_a delight_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o prayer_n &_o meditation_n the_o mind_n be_v exercyse_v and_o grow_v zealous_a in_o the_o function_n &_o habit_n of_o other_o virtue_n because_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n be_v more_o abundant_o obtain_v by_o it_o whereby_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n be_v make_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a hence_o the_o royal_a prophet_n say_v viam_fw-la mandatorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o have_v run_v the_o course_n and_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n whilst_o thou_o dilate_v my_o hartwith_o joy_n and_o why_o because_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n &_o the_o worth_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o charity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n to_o come_v be_v show_v thereby_o unto_o us._n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o must_v needs_o great_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o all_o office_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o our_o own_o