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Third Advertisement. What is the Difference, betwixt the Acquired and Active Contemplation, and the Infused and Pas∣sive: With the Signs whereby it is known, when God will have the Soul to pass from Meditation, to Contemplation.
20. THere are moreover two ways of Con∣templation: The one is Imperfect, A∣ctive and Acquired: The other Infused and Passive. The Active (whereof we have Treat∣ed hitherto) is that, which may be attained to by our Diligence, assisted with Divine Grace; we gathering together the Faculties and Senses, and preparing our selves by every way that God would have. So says, Boias and Arnaia.
21. St. Bernard recommends this Active Contemplation, discoursing upon these Words, Audiam quid Loquatur in me Deus. * 1.1 And he says, Optimam partem elegit Maria, licet non minoris (fortasse) meriti sit apud deum humilis conversatio Marthae, sed de electione Maria laudatur: quoniam illa omnio (quo ad nos spectat) eligenda, haec vero si injun∣gitur patienter est toleranda.
22. * 1.2 In like manner St. Thomas inculcates this acquired Contern∣plation in the following Words; Quanto homo a∣nimam suam, vel alterius propinquius deo con∣jungit,