The Exaltation of the Soul, Half title – Dedication
Scala Sancta: OR THE EXALTATION OF THE Soul Being a Train of Pious Thoughts, Compleating the whole duty of Man: or, DEVOTIONS COMPILED by R.A. Gent. in his solitudes▪
London, Printed by T. Snawden, for Gabr, Kunholt, and are to be sold at his shop at the post-office over against the Muse, at the sign of the King's-head, 1678.
Scala Sancta: OR THE EXALTATION OF THE SOUL.
Being a Train of Pious Thoughts, Compleating The whole Duty of Man: OR, DEVOTIONS compiled
By R. A. Gent. in his Solitudes.
Non bove mactatô coelestia numina gaudent
Sed quae praestanda est, & sine teste fide.
LONDON, Printed by T. Snowden, for Gabr. Kunholt, and are to be sold at his shop at the Post-Office over against the Muse, at the Sign of the King's-Head, 1678.
Licensed, William Jane. Nov. 19. 1677.
TO THE READER.
WEre Man self-sufficient and independent, thoughts of this nature would be impertinent and unseasonable; but seeing there are hopes and fears, blessings and curses scattered in this vail of misery, and laid up in heaps against the time of the revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God; how stupid and forlorn must that soul be, which lives without God in the would; though a spacious curtain be drawn over the globe of this Earth; though we cannot perceive the regular motions of the several wheels of Providence, yet in all Estates flourishing or decaying, we ought to confide in, and depend upon his goodness, and power, and wisdom, who is the fountain of all Beings, and the Great Governour of the World; under whose conduct the good man is safe; and to the Throne of whose Grace there may be a fair access, if our prayers are managed aright, in which way I leave thee; and if these following papers can assist thee, bless God for the occasion, which is the End of the Author's Hope in this undertaking.
Farewell.
To the Honourable Mary Mountague, Wife to the Right Honourable Lord cheif Baron.
Madam,
SEeing it is the heart which God alone accepts, as a Sacrifice of retribution, I humbly crave you would be pleased to take a view of the counterpart of my Soul, wherein is set down the joyful correspondency it has had with Heaven; and the rather because joy and immortality, our entrance into the Blessed Mansions above, is the common interest and design of all who appeal to Heaven in the name of Christ: I know your Closet is plentifully stor'd with holy Ejaculations, that Sacred perfume which sweetens the very breath of the Soul, and is more acceptable to God, than costly odours, the scent of Myrrh and Frankincense, yet these Papers possibly may find entertainment; because they are pen'd by one whose Soul has been many years travelling that way, and therefore chiefly endeavours to speak the dialect & Language of that Kingdom: no friendship is so strong as that which is contracted by Travellers in this journey; and though I have the honour to have the same blood of R. A's. running in my veins, yet I esteem my self more happy in the beginnings of our Christian allyance and eternal duration of it, when we shall pass from this state of grace to that of glory. How glorious must your entrance be into the Holy Land; for Persons placed in so high a station by holy example command their attendants: & when you enter into the land of promise, your numerous train must follow; in which retinue to be admitted is the humble and hearty Prayer of
Madam, Your Ladyships most humble Servant and Relation. R. A.