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Imitatio Christ! .
Of the imitation of Christ
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Of the Imitation of Clwist
RIVINGTONS
London Waterloo Place
Oxford High Street
Cambridge Trinity Street
OF THE
imitation of Cfjrist
FOUR BOOKS
BY THOMAS A KEMPIS
NEW EDITION
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t.?.N OF P.?AV
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RIVINGTONS
3Lont«0n, ©xforti, antr Cambritige 1872
®0ntent0
THE FIRST BOOK
admonitions, useful for a spiritual lifr
Chap.
I. Of the Imitation of Christ, and contempt of all the vanities of the world .... II. Of thinking humbly of ourselves
III. Of the doctrine of Truth
IV. Of wisdom and forethought in our actions V. Of reading the Holy Scriptures
VI. Of inordinate affections VII. Of avoiding vain hope and pride VIII. That too much familiarity is to be shunned . IX. Of obedience and subjection . X. Of avoiding many words XL Of the obtaining of peace, and of zealous desire for
growth in grace ....
XII. Of the profit of adversity
XIII. Of resisting temptation
XIV. Of avoiding rash judgment XV. Of works done out of charity ,
XVI. Of bearing with the faults of others XVII. Of life in a religious community XVIII. Of the examples of the Holy Fathers .
Page
(JTontrnts
Chap.
XIX. Of the exercises of a good religious person
XX. Of the love of solitude and silence XXI. Of compunction of heart XXII. Of the consideration of human misery
XXIII. Of meditation on death .
XXIV, Of judgment, and the punishment of sinners XXV. Of the zealous amendment of our whole life
Page 24 27 30 32 35 38 41
THE SECOND BOOK
ADMONITIONS CONCERNING INWARD THINGS
I. Of the inward life II. Of humble submission .
III. Of a good and peaceable man .
IV. Of a pure mind, and a simple intentio; V. Of the consideration of one's self
VI. Of the joy of a good conscience VII. Of the love of Jesus above all things VIII, Of familiar friendship with Jesus IX. Of the want of all comfort X. Of gratitude for the grace of God XI. That the lovers of the Cross of Jesus are fcv.' XII. Of the royal way of the holy Cross
THE THIRD BOOK
OF INTERNAL CONSOLATION
I. Of Christ's speaking inwardly to the faithful soul . 70 II, 'ihat the truth speaketh inwardly without noise of
words . . .71
CTontmts
Chap.
III. That the words of God are to be heard with humility,
and that many weigh them not
IV. That we ought to live in truth and humility before
God
V. Of the wonderful effect of divine love . VI. Of the proving of a true lover . VII. That grace is to be guarded by humility VIII. Of a mean conceit of ourselves in the sight of God IX. That all things are to be referred unto God, as their
last end .....
X. That to despise the world and serve God, is sweet
XI. That the longings and desires of our hearts are to be
examined and moderated
XII. Of the growth of patience in the soul, and of striving
against concupiscence
XIII. Of humble obedience after the example of Jesus
Christ .....
XIV. Of considering the secret judgments of God, that : we be not lifted up for any thing good in us XV. In every thing which we desire, how we ought to feel, and what we ought to say . XVI. That true comfort is to be sought in God alone XVII. That all our anxieties are to be rested on God XVIII. That temporal sufferings must be borne patiently, after the example of Christ . XIX. Of the endurance of injuries, and of the proof of true patience .....
XX. Of the acknowledging of our own infirmities ; and of the sufferings of this life XXI. That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits .....
XXII. Of the remembrance of God's manifold benefits XXIII, Of four things that bring great inward peace .
Page
(tonttnts
Chap. XXIV. XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII. XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXII. XXXIII.
XXXIV.
XXXV.
XXXVI.
XXXVII.
XXXVIII.
XXXIX.
XL.
XLI. XLII.
XLIII.
Page Of avoiding curious enquiry into the lives of others 109 Wherein firm peace of heart and true spiritual
progress consisteth . . . .110
Of the excellency of a free mind, which is sooner
gained by humble prayer than by study . 112
That it is love of self which most hindereth from
the chiefest good . . . .113
Against the tongues of slanderers . . 115
How that we ought to call upon God, and to bless
him, when tribulation is upon us Of craving the divine aid, and of confidence of
recovering grace ....
Of the contempt of all creatures, in order to find
out the Creator ..... Of self-denial, and renouncing every evil appetite Of inconstancy of heart, and of having our final
intent directed unto God That God is precious above all things, and in all
things, to him that loveth him . That there is no security from temptation in this
life
Against the vain judgments of men
Of pure and entire resignation for the obtaining
freedom of heart , . .
Of good government of ourselves in things out
ward, and of recourse to God in dangers That a man should not be over-careful in matters
of business ....
That man hath of himself no good thing, nor any
thing whereof he can glory . . . 131
Of the contempt of all temporal honour . . 133
That our peace is not to be set on men . . 133
Against vain and secular knowledge . . 135
116
117
123
125 126
28
129
130
(JDontents
Chap. Page
XLIV. Of not attracting to ourselves outward things . 136
XLV. That credit is not to be given to all ; and that man
is prone to offend in words . . .137
XLVI. Of putting our trust in God when evil words arise . 139 XLVII. That all grievous things are to be endured for the
sake of eternal life .... 141
XLVIII. Of the day of eternity, and this life's straitnesses . 143 XLIX. Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great re- wards are promised to those that strive resolutely 145 L. How the desolate ought to give up himself into the
hands of God . . . . .148
LI. That a man ought to employ himself in works of humility, when strength is wanting for higher employment ..... 151
LI I. That a man ought not to account himself as worthy of comfort, but rather as deserving of chastise- ment ...... 152
LIII. That the grace of God is not given to those who
relish earthly things .... 154
LIV. Of the different stirrings of nature and grace . 155
LV, Of the corruption of nature, and the efficacy of
divine grace . . . . .159
LVI. That we ought to deny ourselves and imitate Christ
by the Cross ..... 161
LVII. That a man should not be too much dejected, even
when he falleth into some defects . . . 163
LVIII. That high matters and God's secret judgments are
not to be narrowly inquired into . . . 165
.^JX. That all our hope and trust are to be fi.xed in God
alone ...... 168
Contents
THE FOURTH BOOK
CONCERNING THE COMMLNION
Page A devout exhortation to the holy communion . . .171
Chap.
I. With how great reverence Christ ought to be received 171 II. That the great goodness and love of God is exhibited
to man in this sacrament .... 176
III. That it is profitable to communicate often . . 178
IV. That many benefits are bestowed upon those that com- municate devoutly . . . . . iSi
V. Of the dignity of this sacrament, and of the ministerial
fufTttion ...... 183
VI. An inquiry concerning spiritual exercise before com- munion ...... 185
VII. Of thoroughly searching our own conscience, and of
holy purposes of amendment . . . 185
VIII. Of the oblation of Christ on the cross, and of resig- nation of ourselves ..... 187
IX. That we ought to offer up ourselves and all that is
ours unto God, and to pray for all . . . 188
X. That the holy communion is not lightly to be forborne 190 XI. That the body and blood of Christ and the holy scrip- tures are most necessary unto a faithful soul . 193 XII. That he who is about to communicate with Christ
ought to prepare himself with great diligence . 196
XIII. That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to
seek union with Christ in this sacrament . . 198
XIV. Of the fervent desire of some devout persons to re-
ceive the body and blood of Christ . . . 200
XV. That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility
and denial of ourselves . . . 201
Contents
Chap. Page
XVI. That we ought to lay open our necessities to Christ,
and to crave his grace .... 203
XVII. Of fervent love, and vehement desire to receive Clirist 204 XVIII, That a man should not be a curious searcher into the holy sacrament, but an humble follower of Christ, submitting his sense to divine faith . . . 206
Of the Imitation of Christ
Of the Imitation of Christ %\it JirBt «300k
ADMONITIONS, USEFUL FOR A SPIRITUAL LIFE
Chapter I
Of the Imitation of Christy and Contempt of all the Vanities of the World
" TJ E that followeth Me, XJ. walketh not in dark- ness," ^ saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught to imi- tate His life and manners, if we would be truly enlight- ened, and be delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavour be to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.
2. The doctrine of Christ exceedeth all the doctrines of holy men ; and he that hath 1 John viii. [12.]
the Spirit, will find therein the hidden manna.
But it falleth out, that many, albeit they often hear the Gospel of Christ, are yet but little affected, because they have not the Spirit of Christ.
Whosoever then would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ, must en- deavour to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ.
3. What will it avail thee to be engaged in profound reasonings concerning the
©f Contempt of bjorltilg Uanitics
Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby dis- pleasing to the Trinity ?
Surely great words do not make a man holy and just ; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God.
I had rather FEEL com- punction, than know the de- finition thereof.
If thou knewest the whole Bible by heart, and the say- ings of all the philosophers, what would it profit thee without the love of God^ and without grace?
Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,^ except to love God, and Him only to serve.
This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of the world to tend towards the kingdom of Heaven.
4. It is therefore vanity to seek after perishing riches, and to trust in them.
It is also vanity to strive after honours, and to climb to high degree.
1 I Cor. .\iii. [2.]
2 Eccles. i. [2.]
It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh, and to labour for that for which thou must afterwards suffer griev- ous punishment.
It is vanity to desire to live long, and not to care to live well.
It is vanity to mind only this present life, and not to make provision for those things which are to come.
It is vanity to love that which speedily passeth away, and not to hasten thither where everlasting joy await- eth thee.
5. Call often to mind that proverb, *' The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing."^
Endeavour therefore to withdraw thy heart from the love of visible things, and to turn thyself to the invisible.
For they that follow their lusts stain their own con- sciences, and lose the grace of God.
1 Eccles. i. [8.]
(Bi tfjinking i^umblg of ©ursclfacs
Chapter II
Of thinking humbly of Ourselves
ALL men naturally desire knowledge;^ but what availeth knowledge without the fear of God ?
Surely, an humble hus- bandman that serveth God, is better than a proud philoso- pher who, neglecting him- self, is occupied in studying the course of the heavens.
Whoso knoweth himself, is lowly in his own eyes, and delighteth not in the praises of men.
If I understood all things in the world, and had not charity, what would it avail me in the sight of God, who will judge me according, to my deeds ?
2. Cease from an inordi- nate desire of knowledge, for therein is much distraction and deceit.
Learned men are anxious to seern learned to others, and to be called wise.'^
There be many things to know which doth little or
1 Eccles. i. [i^.] ; Arist. Met. I. i. 2 I Cor. iii. [i.]
nothing profit the soul : And he is very unwise who minds other things more than those that tend to his salvation.
Many words do not satisfy the soul ; but a good life comforteth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence toward God.
3. The more thou knowest, and the better thou under- standest, the more strictly shalt thou be judged, unless thy life be also the more holy.
Be not therefore elated in thine own rnind because of any art or science, but rather let the knowledge given thee make thee afraid.
If thou thinkest that thou understandest and knowest much ; yet know that there be many more things which thou knowest not.
Affect not to be overwise, but rather acknowledge thine own ignorance.^
Why wilt thou prefer thy-
1 Rom. xii. [16.]
©f tf)e ©octrtne of Exnt})
self before others, seeing there be many more learned, and more skilful in the Scripture than thou ?
If thou wilt know or learn anything profitably, desire to be unknown, and to be little esteemed.
4. The highest and most profitable lesson is the tme knowledge and lowly esteem of ourselves.
It is great wisdom and perfection to think nothing
of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others.
If thou shouldest see another openly sin, or commit some heinous offence, yet oughtest thou not to think the better of thyself ; for thou knowest not how long thou shalt be able to stand.
We are all frail, ^ but do thou esteem none more frail than thyself.
1 Gen. viii. [21.]
Chapter III 0/f/ie Doctrifie of Truth
HAPPY is he whom truth by itself doth teach,^ not by figures and words that pass away, but as it is in itself.
Our own opinion and our own sense do often deceive us, and they discern but little.
What availeth it to cavil and dispute much about dark and hidden things, ^ for ig- norance of which we shall not be reproved at the day of judgment ?
It is a great folly to neglect
1 Psalm xciv. [12.]
2 Eccles. ill. [9-1 1.]
the things that are profitable and necessary, and to choose to dwell upon that which is curious and hurtful. We have eyes and see not.^
2. And what have we to do with genera and species ? He to whom the Eternal Word speaketh, is delivered from many an opinion.
From one Word are all things, and all things utter one Word ; and this is the Begi)ining, which also speak- eth unto us.
No man without that Word 1 Psalm cxv. [5.]
(§f t]^c BDctrinc of Erutfj
understandeth or judgeth rightly.
He to whom all things are one, he who reduceth all things to one, and seeth all things in one ; may enjoy a quiet mind, and remain at peace in God.
O God, who art the truth, make me one with Thee in everlasting love.
It wearieth me often to read and hear many things : In Thee is all that I would have and can desire.
Let all doctors hold their peace ; let all creatures be silent in Thy sight ; speak Thou alone unto me.
3. The more a man is at one within himself, and be- cometh of single heart, so much the more and higher things doth he understand without labour; for that he receiveth the light of wisdom from above. ^
A pure, single, and stable spirit is not distracted, though it be employed in many works ; for that it doeth all to the honour of God, and being at rest within, seeketh not itself in anything it doth.
Who hinder and trouble thee more than the unmorti- fied affections of thine own heart ? 1 Matt. xi. [25.] ; Luke x. [21.]
A good and devout man arrangeth within himself be- forehand those things which he ought to do.
Neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination, but he ordereth them according to the direc- tion of right reason.
Who hath a greater com- bat than he that laboureth to overcome himself?
This ought to be our en- deavour, to conquer ourselves, and daily to wax stronger, and to grow in holiness.
4. All perfection in this life hath some imperfection mixed with it ; and no know- ledge of ours is without some darkness.
A humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning.
Yet learning is not to be blamed, nor the mere know- ledge of any thing Avhatso- ever, for that is good in itself, and ordained by God ; but a good conscience and a virtuous life are always to be preferred before it.
But because many endea- vour rather to get knowledge than to live well ; therefore they are often deceived, and reap either none or but little fruit.
©f tl[je Boctrmc of Cnitfj
5. O, if men bestowed as much labour in the rooting out of vices, and the planting of virtues, as they do in the moving of questions, neither would so many evils be done, nor so great scandal be given in the world.
Truly, at the day of judg- ment we shall not be ex- amined as to what we have read, but as to what we have done ;^ not as to how well we have spoken, but as to how religiously we have lived.
Tell me, where are all those Doctors and Masters, with whom thou wast well ac- quainted, whilst they lived and flourished in learning ?
Others occupy their places and perhaps do scarce ever think of those who went be- fore them. In their lifetime they seemed something, but now they are not spoken of.
6, O, how quickly doth the glory of the world pass away 1=^
1 Matt. XXV.
2 Eccles. ii. [II.]
Would that their life had been answerable to their learning ! then had their study and reading been to good purpose.
How many perish by rea- son of vain learning^ of this world, who take little care of the serving of God.
And because they rather choose to be great than hum- ble, therefore they become vain in their imaginations. ^
He is truly gieat who hath great love.
He is truly great that is little in himself, and that maketh no account of any height of honour.^
He is truly wise, that ac- counteth all earthly thingr as dung, that he may wit Christ. 4
And he is truly learned, that doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his own will.
1 Tit. i. [10.]
2 Rom. i. [21.]
3 Matt, xviii. [4.]; xxiii. [11.]
4 Phil. iii. [8.]
^
©f SJlistiom antJ JForctljtJugljt 'm our Actions
Chapter IV
Of Wisdom and Forethought in our Actions
WE must not trust every saying or sugges- tion,i but warily and pati- ently ponder things accord- ing to the will of God.
Yet alas ; such is our weakness, that we often rather believe and speak evil of others than good.
But perfect men do not easily credit every one who speaks to them ; for they know that human frailty is prone to evil,^ and very sub- ject to error in words. ^
2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in thy doings,^ nor to stand stiffly in thine own conceits ;
As also not to believe
1 I John iv. [i.]
2 Gen. viii. [21.]
3 James iii. [2.]
4 Prov. xix. [a.]
every thing which thou hear- est, nor immediately to re- late again to others^ what thou hast heard or dost be- lieve.
Consult with him that is wise and of sound judgment, and seek to be instructed by one better than thy self, rather than to follow thine own inventions.^
A good life maketh a man wise according to God,^ and giveth him experience in many things.'*
The more humble a man is in himself, and the more subject unto God, the more wise and peaceful shall he be in all things.
1 Prov. xvii. [9.]
2 Prov. xii. [15.]
3 Prov. XV. [3?.]
4 Eccles. i. [16.]
0i ^tdLtiinQ tf)c ?t?ol2 .Scriptures
Chapter V
Of Reading the Holy Scriptures
TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought for in Holy Scripture.
Each part of the Scripture is to be read with the same Spirit wherewith it was writ- ten. ^
We should rather search after profit in the Scriptures, than after subtle arguments.
We ought to read plain and devout books as will- ingly as those high and pro- found.
Let not the authority of the writer be a stumbling- block, whether he be of great or small learning ; but let the love of pure truth draw thee to read.^ Enquire not who spoke this or that, but mark what is spoken.
2. Men pass away, but the
1 Rom. XV. [4.] - I Cor. ii. [4.]
truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.^ God speaks unto us in sundry ways without respect of persons.'^
Our own curiosity often 'indereth us in reading of me Scriptures, when we will examine and discuss that which we should rather pass over without more ado.
If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness ; nor ever de- sire the repute of learning. j
Enquire willingly, and hear | with silence the words of holy i men. Let not the parables of the Elders displease thee, for they are not given with- out cause. ^
1 [Psalm cxvii. 2.] Luke x::i. [33-1
2 Rom. ii. [11.]; x. [12.]; Col. iii. [11.]
3 Prov. i. [6.] ; Eccles. xii. [9.]
0i EnortJtnatc Affections
Chapter VI
0/ Inordmate Affedmis
WHENSOEVER a man desireth any thing inordinately, he be- cometh presently disquieted in himself.
The proud and covetous can never rest. The poor and humble in spirit dwell in the multitude of peace.
The man that is not yet perfectly dead to himself, is quickly tempted and over- come in small and trifling things.
The weak in spirit, and he that is yet in a manner carnal and prone to the things of sense, can hardly withdraw himself altogether from earth- ly desires.
And therefore he is often
afflicted when he goeth about to withdraw himself from them ; and is easily angered when any opposeth him.
2. And if he hath followed his appetite, he is presently disquieted with remorse of conscience ; for that he hath yielded to his passion, which profiteth him nothing to the obtaining of the peace which he sought.
True quietness of heart therefore is gotten by resist- ing our passions, not by obey- ing them.
There is then no peace in the heart of a carnal man, nor in him that is given to outward things, but in the spiritual and devout man.
(Df afaoilitiTg bain l^opc anU iPriUe
Chapter VII Of avoiding vain Hope and iriae
HE is vain that putteth his trust in man,^ or in creatures.
Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world.
Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God.^
Do what lieth in thy power and God will assist thy good will.
Trust not in thine own knowledge,^ nor in the skill of any living creature ; but rather in the grace of God, who helpeth the humble, and humbleth those that are proud.
2. Glory not in wealth if thou have it, nor in friends be- cause they are powerful ; but in God who giveth all things, and who desireth to give thee Himself above all things.
Esteem not thyself for the height of thy stature nor for the beauty of thy person, which may be disfigured and destroyed by a little sickness.
1 Jer. xvii. [5.]
2 Psalm xxxi. [i.]
3 Jer. ix. [23.]
Please not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God, to whom appertaineth all the good whatsoever thou hast by nature.
3. Esteem not thyself bet- ter than others,^ lest perhaps in the sight of God, who knoweth what is in man, thou be accounted worse than they.
Be not proud of well-do- ing ;'^ for the judgment of God is far different from the judgment of men, and that often offendeth Him which pleaseth them.
If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others, that so thou mayest preserve humi- lity.
It hurteth thee not to sub- mit to all men : but it hurt- eth thee most of all to prefer thyself even to one.
The humble enjoy con- tinual peace, but in the heart of the proud is envy, and frequent indignation.
1 Exod. iii. [11.]
2 Job. ix. [20.]
©f d^beliicnce anlr ^Subjection
Chapter VIII
That too much Familiarity is to he shunned
LAY not thy heart open to every one ; but treat of thy affairs with the wise, and such as fear God.^
Converse not much with the young, nor with strangers. ^
Flatter not the rich : neitlier do thou appear wilUngly be- fore the great.
Keep company with the humble and single-hearted, with the devout and virtuous ; and confer with them of those things that may edify. Be not familiar with any woman ; but commend all good women in general to God.
1 Eccles. viii. [12.]
2 Prov. V. [10.]
Desire to be familiar with God alone and His Angels, and avoid the acquaintance of men.
2. We must have love to- wards all, but familiarity with all is not expedient.
Sometimes it falleth out, that a person unknown to us is much esteemed of, from the good report given him by others ; whose presence not- withstanding is not grateful to the eyes of those who see him.
We think sometimes to please others by our society, and we rather displease them with those bad qualities which they discover in us.
Chapter IX Of Obedience and Subjection
IT is a great matter to live in obedience, to be under a superior and not to be at our own disposing.
It is much safer to obey than to govern.
Many live under obedience, rather for necessity than for
12
©f aboitiing tnang ferortis
love ; such are discontented, and do easily repine. Neither can they attain to freedom of mind, unless they willingly and heartily put themselves under obedience for the love of God.
Go whither thou wilt, thou shalt find no rest, but in humble subjection under the government of a superior. 1^1 any have deceived them- selves, imagining to find happiness in change.
2. True it is, that every one willingly doeth that which agreeth with his own liking, and inclineth most to those that are of his own mind.
But if God be amongst us, we must sometimes cease for
the sake of peace to adhere to our own opinion.
Who is so wise that he can fully know all things ?
Be not therefore too confi- dent in thine own opinion ; but be willing to hear the judgment of others.
If thy thought be good, and yet thou partest with it for God, and followest the opinion of another, this shall turn to thy good.
3. I have often heard, that it is safer to hear and to take counsel, than to give it.
It may also fall out, that a man's opinion may be good ; but to refuse to yield to others when reason or a special cause requireth it, is a mark of pride and stiffness.
Chapter X Of avoiding many luords
FLY the tumult of the world as much as thou canst ;^ for the treating of worldly affairs is a great hindrance, although it be done with sincere inten- tion ;
For we are quickly de-
1 Matt. iv. [i.]; xiv. [23.]; John vi. [15-]
filed) and enthralled by va- nity.
Oftentimes I could wish that I had held my peace when I have spoken ; and that I had not been in com- pany.
\Vhy do we so willingly speak and talk one with another, when notwilhstand-
®f tfjc obtaining of ^eace
13
ing we seldom cease our con- verse before we have hurt our conscience?^
The cause why we so willingly talk, is for that by discoursing one with another, we seek to receive comfort one of another, and desire to ease our mind wearied with many thoughts :
And we very willingly talk and think of those things which we most love or desire ; or of those things which we feel to be against us.
2. But alas, oftentimes in vain, and to no end ; for this outward comfort is the cause 1 Matt. vii. [i.] ; Rom. ii. [i.]
of no small loss of inward and divine consolation.
Therefore we must watch and pray, lest our time pass away idly.
If it be lawful and expe- dient for thee to speak, speak those things that may edify.
Evil habit and neglect of our own growth in grace do give too much liberty to in- considerate speech.
Yet discourse of spiritual things doth greatly further our spiritual growth, espe- cially when persons of one mind and spirit associate to- gether in God.^ 1 Acts i. [14.] ; Rom. xv. [5, 6.]
Chapter XI
Of the obtaining of Peace, and of zealous desire for growth in Grace
W
E might enjoy much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the words and deeds of other men, and things which ap- pertain nothing with to our charge.
How can he abide long in peace, who thrusteth himself into the cares of others, who seeketh occasions abroad.
who little or seldom cometh to himself?
Blessed are the single- hearted ; for they shall enjoy much peace.
2. Why were some of the Saints so perfect and con- templative ? Because they laboured to mortify them- selves wholly to all earthly desires ; and therefore they
could with their whole heart fi\ themselves upon God, and be free for holy retirement.
We are too much led by our passions, and too solici- tous for transitory things.
We also seldom overcome any one vice perfectly, and are not inflamed with a fer- vent desire to grow bette^- every day ; and therefore we remain cold and lukewarm.
3. If we were perfectly intent upon our own hearts, and not entangled with out- ward things, then should we be able to relish divine things, and to have some experience of heavenly contemplation.
The greatest, and indeed the whole impediment is that we are not free from passions and lusts, neither do we en- deavour to walk in the perfect way of the Saints ; and when but a small adversity befalleth us, we are too quickly de- jected, and turn ourselves to human consolations.
4. If we would endeavour like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the assistance of God from Heaven.
For He who giveth us oc- casion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succour those that fight, and that trust in His grace.
If we esteem our progress in religious life to consist only in some outward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an end.
But let us lay the axe to the root, that being freed from passions, we may find rest to our souls.
5. If every year we would root out one vice, we should sooner become perfect men.
But now oftentimes we perceive, on the contrary, that we were better and purer at the beginning of our conversion, than after many years of our profession.
Our fervour and profiting should increase daily : but now it is accounted a great matter, if a man can retain but some part of his first zeal.
If we would do but a little violence to ourselves at the beginning, then should we be able to perform all things afterwards with ease and delight.
6. It is a hard matter to forego that to which we are accustomed, but it is harder to go against our own will.
But if thou dost not over- come small and easy things, when wilt thou overcome harder things ?
Resist thy inclination in
m tf)c profit of ^tJbrrsitg
15
the very beginning, and un- learn evil habits, lest perhaps by little and little they draw thee to greater difficulty.
O if thou didst but consider how much inward peace unto
thyself, and joy unto others, thou wouldest procure by demeaning thyself well, I think that thou wouldest be more careful of thy spiritual progress.
Chapter XII
0/f/ie Profit of Adversity
IT is good that we have sometimes some troubles and crosses ; for they often make a man enter into him- self, and consider that he is here in banishment, and ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing.
It is good that we be some- times contradicted, and that men think ill or inadequately ; and this, although we do and intend well.
These things help often to the attaining of humility, and defend us from vain glory : for then we are more inclined to seek God for our inward Avitness, when outwardly we be contemned by men, and when there is no credit given unto us.
2, And therefore a man
should settle himself so fully in God, that he need not to seek many comforts of men.
When a good man is af- flicted, tempted, or troubled with evil thoughts ; then he understandeth better the great need he hath of God, without whom he perceiveth he can do nothing that is good.
Then also he sorroweth, lamenteth, and prayeth, by reason of the miseries he suf- fereth.
Then he is weary of living longer, and wisheth that death would corrie, that he might depart and be with Christ.
Then also he well per- ceiveth, that perfect security and full peace cannot be had in this world.
i6
©f resisting temptation
Chapter XIII Of resisting Temptation
SO long as we live in this world we cannot be without tribulation and temp- tation.
Hence it is written in Job, ** The life of man upon earth is a life of temptation."
Every one therefore ought to be careful about his temp- tations, and to watch in prayer, lest the devil find an advantage to deceive him ; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about, seeking whom he may devour.
No man is so perfect and holy, but he hath sometimes temptations, and we cannot be altogether without them.
2. Nevertheless tempta- tions are often very profitable to us, though they be trouble- some and grievous ; for in them a man is humbled, purified, and instructed.
All the Saints passed through man's tribulations and temptations, and profited thereby.
And they that could not bear temptations, became reprobate, and fell away.
There is no order so holy, nor place so secret, as that there be not temptations, or adversities in it.
3. There is no man that is altogether free from tempta- tions whilst he liveth on earth : for the root thereof is in our- selves, who are born with inclination to evil.
When one temptation 01 tribulation goeth away, an- other Cometh ; and we shall ever have something to suffer, because we are fallen from the state of our felicity.
Many seek to fly tempta- tions, and fall more griev- ously into them.
By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by patience and true humility we become stronger than all our ene- mies.
4. He that only avoideth them outwardly, and doth not pluck them up by the roots, shall profit little ; yea temptations will the sooner return unto him, and will be more violent than before.
By little and little, and by
0t resisting temptation
patience with long-suffering through God's help, thou shalt more easily overcome, than by violence and thine own disquietude.
Often take counsel in temp- tations, and deal not roughly with him that is tempted ; Lut give him comfort, as thou vv'ouldest wish to be done to thyself
5. The beginning of all evil temptations is incon- stancy of mind, and small confidence in God.
For as a ship without a helm is tossed to and fro by the waves ; so the man who is careless and forsaketh his purpose, is many ways tempted.
Fire trieth iron, and temp- tation a just man.
We know not oftentimes what we are able to do, but temptation shews us what v/e are.
Yet we must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation ; for the enemy is then more easily overcome, if he be not suf- fered to enter the door of our hearts, but be resisted at the very gate, on his first knocking.
Wherefore one said, "Withstand tlie beginnings: the remedy is applied too
late, when the evil has gi'own strong through long delay. " ^
For first there cometh to the mind a bare thought of evil, then a strong imagina- tion thereof, afterwards de- light, and evil motion, and then consent.
And so by little and little our wicked enemy getteth com- plete entrance, for that he is not resisted in the beginning.
And the longer a man is negligent in resisting, the weaker does he become daily in himself, and the stronger the enemy against him.
6. Som.esuffer great temp- tations in the beginning of tiieir conversion ; others in the latter end.
Others again are much troubled almost through the whole of their life.
Some are but slightly tempted, according to the wisdom and equity of the Divine appointment, which weigheth the states and de- serts of men, and ordaineth all things for the welfare of His own chosen ones.
7. We ought not therefore to despair when we are tempted, but so much the more fervently to pray unto God, that He will vouchsafe to help us ill all tribulations;
1 Ovid, Lib. .xni. de Remcd. Am.
i8
©f aboi^jing rasf} Sutismcnt
for He will surely, according to the words of St. Paul, make with the temptation a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it.^
Let us therefore humble our souls under the hand of God in all temptations and tribulations, for He will save and exalt the humble in spirit.
8. In temptations and af- flictions a man is proved, how much he hath profited ; and his reward is thereby the greater, and his graces do more eminently shine forth. 1 [i Cor. X. 13.]
Neither is it any such great thing if a man be de- vout and fervent, when he feeleth no affliction ; but if in time of adversity he bear himself patiently, there is hope then of great growth in grace.
Some are kept from great temptations, and in small ones which do daily occur are often overcome ; to the end that, being humbled, they may never presume on themselves in great matters, while they are worsted in so small things.
Chapter XIV
Of avoiding rash Judg?nent
TURN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men.^ In judging of others a man laboureth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth ;^ but in judging and examining himself, he always laboureth fruitfully.
We often judge of things according as we fancy them ; for private affection bereaves
1 Matt. vii. [i.] ; Rom. xv. [i.] 2 Eccles. iii. [(6. J
US easily of a right judg- ment.
If God were always the pure object of our desire, we should not be so easily troubled, through the repug- nance of our carnal mind.
2. But oftentimes some- thing lurketh within, or else occurreth from without, which draweth us after it.
Many secretly seek them- selves in what they do, and know it not.
®f fcorfis iJone out of Cfjaritg
19
They seem also to live in good peace of mind, when things are done according to their will and opinion ; but if things happen otherwise than they desire, they are straightway moved and much vexed.
The diversities of judg- ments and opinions cause oftentimes dissensions be- tween friends and country- men, between religious and devout persons.^
3. An old custom is hardly 1 Matt. xii. [25]; Luke xii. [51.]
broken,^ and no man is will- ing to be led farther than himself can see.
If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason or industry, than upon that power which brings thee under the obedi- ence of Jesus Christ, it will be long before thou become illuminated ; for God will have us perfectly subject unto Him, that, being inflamed with His love, we may trans- cend the narrow limits of human reason.
J^
[23.]
Chapter XV Ofiiwrks done out of Charity
FOR no worldly thing, nor for the love of any man, is any evil to be done ; ^ but, yet, for the welfare of one that standeth in need, a good work is sometimes to be inter- mitted without any scruple, or even to be changed for a better.
For by doing this, a good work is not lost, but changed into a better.
Without charity the out- ward work profiteth no- thing ;^ but whatsoever is
1 Matt, xviii. [8.] * X Cor. x-iii. [3]; Luke vii. [47.]
done of charity, be it never so little and contemptible in the sight of the world, it becomes wholly fruitful.
For God weigheth more with how much love a man worketh, than how much he doeth. He doeth much that loveth much.
2. He doeth much that doeth a thing well. He doeth well that rather serveth the common weal, than his own will.i
Oftentimes a work seemeth 1 Phil. ii. [17. J
©£ bearing ioitfj tfje JFauIts of otfjcrs
to be of charity, and it is rather a work of the flesh ; because natural incHnation, self-will, hope of reward, and desire of our own interest are motives seldom absent.
3. He that hath true and per- fect charity, seeketh himself in nothing:^ but only desireth in all things that the glory of God should be exalted.
He also envieth none, be- cause he seeketh no private good ; neither doth he will to rejoice in himself, but
1 Phil. ii. [21J ; 1 Cor. xiii. [5.]
wisheth above all things to be made happy in the enjoy- ment of God.^
He attributcth nothing that is good to any man, but wholly referreth it unto God, from whom as from their fountain all things proceed ; in whom finally all the Saints do rest as in their highest fruition.
If a man had but one spark of true charity, he would cer- tainly discern that all earthly things are full of vanity.
1 Psalm xvii. [15]; xxiv. [6.]
Chapter XVI
Of hearing with the Faults of others
THOSE things that a man cannot amend in himself or in others, he ought to suffer patiently, until God order them other- wise.
Think that perhaps it is better so for thy trial and patience, without which all our good deeds are not much to be esteemed.
Thou oughtest to pray not- withstanding when thou hast such impediments, that God would vouchsafe to help thee,
and that thou mayest bear them rightly.^
2. If one that is once or twice warned will not give over, contend not with him : but commit all to God, that His will may be done," and His name honoured in all His servants, who well knoweth how to turn evil into good.
Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of what
1 Matt. vi. [13.] : Luke xi. [4.] 2 Matt. vi. [10.J
sort soever they be : for that thyself also hast many failings which must be borne with by others. ^
If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldest, how canst thou expect to have another in all things to thy liking ?
We would willingly have others perfect, and yet we amend not our own faults.
3. We will have others severely corrected, and \vill not be corrected ourselves.
The large liberty of others displeaseth us ; and yet we will not have our own desires denied us.
We will have others kept under by strict laws ; but in no sort will ourselves be re- strained.
And thus it appeareth, how seldom we weigh our neigh - 1 I Thess. V. [14.]; Gal. vi. [i.]
hour in the same balance with ourselves.
If all men were perfect, what should we have to suffer of our neighbour for the sake of God?
4. But now God hath thus ordered it, that we may learn to bear one another's bur- dens ;^ for no man is without fault ; no man but hath his burden ; no man is sufficient of himself ; no man is wise enough of himself; but we ought to bear with one an- other, comfort one another, help, instruct, and admonish one another. -
Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue or strength each one hath.
For occasions do not make a man frail, but they shew what he is.
1 Gal. vi. [2.] 2 I Thess. V. [14.] ; i Cor. xii. [25.]
Chapter XVII Of Life in a Religious Connminity
THOU must learn to break thine own will in many things if thou wilt have peace and concord with others. •'^ 1 Gal. vi. [t.]
It is no small matter to dwell in a religious com- munity, or monasteiy, to hold thy place there without giving offence, and to con-
22
©f t})t CHiampIts of tfjc fljolg JTatljfrs
tinue faithful even unto death. 1
Blessed is he that hath there lived well, and ended happily.
If thou wilt stand firm and grow as thou oughtest, esteem thyself as a pilgrim and stran- ger upon earth. ^
Thou must be contented for Christ's sake to be esteemed as a fool in this world, if thou desire to lead the life of a monk.
2. Dress and tonsure profit little ; but change of heart and perfect mortification of the passions, make a true monk.
He that seeketh any thing
1 Luke xvi. [to.]
2 1 Pet. ii. [ii.J
else but merely God, and the salvation of his soul, shall find nothing but tribulation and sorrows.^
Neither can he remain long in peace, that laboureth not to be the least, and subject unto all.
3. Thou camest to serve, not to rule. 2 Know that thou wast called to suffer and to labour, and not to be idle, nor to spend thy time in talk.
Here therefore men are proved as gold in the furnace.
Here no man can stand, unless he humble himself with his whole heart for the love of God.
1 Eccles. i. [17, 18.] : Ecclus. i. [18.] 2 Matt. .XX. [26. J
Chapter XVIII 0/f/ie Examples of the Holy Fathers
CONSIDER the lively examples of the holy Fathers, in whom true per- fection and religion shone ;^ and thou shalt see how little it is, and almost nothing, which we do now in these days.
Alas ! what is our life, if we be compared to them ! 1 Heb. xi.
The Saints and friends of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings and fastings, in prayer and holy meditations, in many perse- cutions and reproaches.
2. O how many and griev- ous tribulations suffered the
©f tijt CHiampIcs of tfjc f^olg iTatfjers
23
Apostles, Martyrs, Confes- sors, Virgins, and all the rest that endeavoured to follow the steps of Christ ! For they hated their lives in this world, that they might keep them unto life eternal.^
O how strict and self- renouncing a life led those holy Fathers in the wilder- ness I^ How long and griev- ous temptations suffered they ! How often were they assaulted by the enemy ! What fre- quent and fervent prayers offered they to God ! What rigorous abstinences did they use ! How great zeal and care had they of their spiritual advancement ! How strong a combat had they for the overcoming of their lusts ! What pure and upright in- tentions kept they towards God!
In the day they laboured, and in the night they attended to continual prayer : although even while they laboured, they never ceased from mental prayer.
3. They spent all their time with profit ; every hour seemed but short for the service of God, And by reason of the great sweetness they felt in contemplation,
1 John xii. [25.]
2 Matt. vii. [14.]
they forgot the necessity of refreshment for the body.
They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, and kinsfolk ;^ they desired to have nothing which apper- tained to the world ; they scarce took the necessaries of life ; they grudged even the necessary care of the body.
Therefore they were poor in earthly things, but very rich in grace and virtues.
Outwardly they were desti- tute, but inwardly they were refreshed with grace and di- vine consolation.
4. They were strangers to the world, but near and fami- liar friends to God.^
They seemed to themselves as nothing, and to this pre- sent world despicable ; but were precious and beloved in the eyes of God.
They were grounded in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in love and patience : and there- fore they grew daily in the Spirit,^ and obtained great grace in God's sight.
They were given for an example to all Religious per- sons ;3 and they should more
1 Matt. xix. [29.]
2 James iv. [4.]
3 Used here to signify persons living under a monastic rule.
24
(Df .Spiritual ^xfrciscs
provoke us to endeavour after spiritual advancement, than the number of the kikewarm livers should prevail to make us remiss.
5. O how great was the fervour of all Religious per- sons in the beginning of their holy institution !
How great was their de- votion to prayer ! What am- bition to excel others in virtue ! What exact discipline then flourished ! How great re- verence and obedience, under the rule of their superiors, observed they in all things !
Their footsteps yet remain- ing testify that they were in- deed holy and perfect men ;
who fighting so valiantly trod the world under their feet.
Among us he is greatly accounted of, who is not a transgressor, and who can with patience endure that which he hath received.
6. O the lukewarmness and negligence of our times ! that we so quickly decline from the ancient fervour, and are come to that pass, that very sloth and lukewarmness of spirit make our life tedious unto us.
Would to God the desire to grow in virtues did not wholly sleep in thee, who hast often seen the many ex- amples of Religious persons !
Chapter XIX
Of the Exercises of a good Religions Person
THE life of a good Re- ligious person ought to excel in all virtues;^ that he may inwardly be such as outwardly he seemeth to men.
And rightly there ought to be much more within, than is perceived without. For 1 Matt. V. [48.]
God beholdeth us ;^ whom we are bound most highly to reverence wheresoever we are, and to walk in purity^ like angels in His sight.
Daily ought we to renew our purposes, and to stir up
1 Psalm xx.\iii. [13.] ; Heb. iv. [12, 13-]
2 Psalm XV. [2.]
©f spiritual (&xmists
25
ourselves to greater fervour, as though this were the first day of our conversion ; and to say,
" Help me, my God ! in this my good purpose, and in Thy holy service ; and grant that I may now this day begin perfectly ; for that which I have done hitherto is as nothing."
2. According to our pur- pose shall be the success of our spiritual profiting ; and much diligence is necessary to him that will profit much.
And if he that firmly pur- poseth often faileth, what shall he do that seldom or but weakly purposeth any thing ?
Yet in various ways it hap- pens that we forsake our pur- pose, and a slight omission of our spiritual exercises is not without loss to our souls.
The purpose of just men depends not upon their own wisdom, but upon God's grace ; on whom they al- ways rely for whatsoever they take in hand.
For. man proposes, but God disposes ; ^ neither is the way of man in himself
3. If an accustomed exer- cise be sometimes omitted, either for some act of piety,
1 Prov. xvi. [9.]
or profit to our brother ; it may easily afterwards be re- covered again.
But if, out of weariness or carelessness, we lightly omit it, it is very blameworthy, and will be felt to be hurtful. Do the best we can, we shall still too easily fail in many things.^
Yet must we always have some fixed purpose, and es- pecially against those sins which do most of all hinder us.
We must diligently search into, and set in order both our outward and inward things, because both of them are of importance to our progress in godliness.
4. If thou canst not con- tinually collect thyself, yet do it sometimes, at the least twice a day, namely, in the morning and at night.
In the morning fix thy good purpose ; and at night examine thyself what thou hast done, how thou hast behaved thyself in word, deed, and thought ;" for in these perhaps thou hast often- times offended both God and thy neighbour.
Gird up thy loins like a man against the vile assaults
1 Eccles. vii. [20.]
2 Deut. iv.
26
Of Spiritual Exercises
of the devil ; bridle thy riot- ous appetite, and thou shalt be the better able to keep under all the unruly motions of the flesh.
Never be entirely idle ; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavouring something for the public good.
As for bodily exercises they must be used with discretion, neither are they to be prac- tised of all men alike.
5. Those devotions which belong not to the community ought not to be exposed to public view ; for private de- votions are practised most safely in secret.
Nevertheless thou must be- ware thou neglect not those which are public, being more ready for what is private. But having fully and faith- fully accomplished all which thou art bound and enjoined to do, if thou hast any spare time, betake thee to thyself, as thy devotion calleth thee.
All cannot use one kind of spiritual exercise, but one is more useful for this person, another for that.
According to the season- ableness of times also, divers exercises are fitting ; some suit better with us on work- ing days, others on holy days.
In the time of temptation, we have need of some, and of others in time of peace and quietness.
Some suit us when we are pensive, and others when we rejoice in the Lord.
6. About the time of the chief festivals, good exercises are to be renewed, and the prayers of godly saints more fervently to be implored.
From festival to festival we should purpose, as though we were then to depart out of this world, and to come to the everlasting fes- tival.
Therefore ought we care- fully to prepare ourselves at holy times, and to live more devoutly, and to keep more exactly all things that we are to observe, as though we were shortly at God's hands to receive the reward of our labours.
7. But if that reward be deferred, let us think with ourselves that we are not
! sufficiently prepared, and un- worthy yet of so great glory which shall be revealed in us^ in due time ; and let us endeavour to prepare our- selves better for our depar- ture.
" Blessed is that servant i Rom. viii. [18.]
^f tfje ILobe of .Solitude antJ Bilmtt
27
(saith the Evangelist St. Luke) whom his Lord when He Cometh shall find watch- ing : Verily, I say unto you,
He shall make him ruler over all His goods, " ^
1 Luke xii. [43, 44.] ; Matt. xxiv. [46, 47-]
Chapter XX Of the Love of Solitude and Silence
SEEK a convenient time^ of leisure for thyself, and meditate often upon God's loving-kindness.
Meddle not with things too high for thee ; but read such things as may rather yield compunction to thy heart, than occupation to thy head.
If thou wilt withdraw thy- self from speaking vainly, and from gadding idly, as also from hearkening after novelties and rumours, thou shalt find leisure enough and suitable for meditation on good things.
The greatest Saints avoided the society of men,^ when they could conveniently ; and did rather choose to live to God in secret.
2. One said, " As oft as I have been among men, I re-
1 Eccles. iii. [i.]
2 Heb. xi. [38.]
turned home less a man than I was before."^
And this we find true, when we talk long together. It is easier not to speak at all, than not to exceed in speech.
It is easier for a man to lie hid at home, than to be able sufficiently to watch over himself abroad.
He therefore that intends to attain to the more inward and spiritual things of re- ligion, must with Jesus de- part from the multitude and press of people !^
No man doth safely appear abroad, but he who can abide at home.
No man doth safely speak but he that is glad to hold his peace. ^
No man doth safely rule,
1 Seneca, Ep. \\\.
2 Matt. V. [I.]
3 Eccles. ii. [7.]
28
(Bf t\)c Hobe of SoIitutJe anti 5ilmce
but he that is glad to l)e ruled.
No man doth safely rule, but he that hath learned gladly to obey.
3. No man rejoiceth safely, unless he hath within him the testimony of a good con- science.
And yet always the security of the Saints was full of the j fear of God.
Neither were they the less anxious and humble in them- selves, for that they shone outwardly with grace and great virtues.
But the security of bad men ariseth from pride and presumption, and in the end it deceiveth them.
Although thou seem to be a good Religious person, or a devout solitary, yet never promise thyself security in this life.
4. Oftentimes those who have been in the greatest esteem and account amongst men, have fallen into the greatest danger, by over- much self-coniidence.
Wherefore to many it is more profitable not to be altogether free from tempta- tions, but to be often as- saulted, lest they should feel too safe, and so perhaps be puffed up with pride ; or
else should too freely give themselves to worldly com- forts.
O how good a conscience would he keep, that would never seek after transitory joy, nor ever entangle him- self with the world !
O what great peace and quietness would he possess, that would cut off all vain anxiety, and think only upon divine things, and such as are profitable for his soul, and would place all his confidence in God.
5. No man is worthy of heavenly comfort, unless he have diligently exercised him- self in holy compunction.
If thou desirest true contri- tion of heart, enter into thy secret chamber, and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, " Commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still. "^ In thy chamber thou shalt find what abroad thou shalt too often lose.
The more thou visitest thy chamber, the more thou wilt enjoy it ; the less thou comest thereunto, the more thou wilt loathe it. If in the beginning of thy conversion thou art content to remain in it, and keep to it well, it will after- 1 Psalm iv. [4.]
©f t^t %a'oc of Solitutic anti Mmtt
29
wards be to thee a dear friend, and a most pleasant comfort.
6. In silence and in still- ness a religious soul advan- tageth itself, and learneth the mysteries of Holy Scrip- ture.
There it findeth rivers of tears, wherein it may every night ^ wash and cleanse it- self; that it may be so much the more familiar with its Creator, by how much the farther off it liveth from all worldly disquiet.
Whoso dierefore withdraw- edi himself from his acquaint- ance and friends, God will draw near unto him with His holy angels.
It is better for a man to live privately, and to have regard to himself, than to neglect his soul, though he could -work wonders in the world.
It is commendable in a Religious person, seldom to go abroad, to be unwilling to see or to be seen.
7. Why art thou desirous to see that which it is unlaw- ful for thee to have? The world passeth away and the lust thereof.
The lusts of the flesh draw
us to rove abroad ; but when
the time is past, what carriest
thou home with thee but a
1 Psalm vi. [6.]
burdened conscience and a distracted heart ?
A merry going forth bring- eth often a mournful return ; and a joyful night maketli often a sad morning. ^
So all carnal joy enters gently, but in the end it bites and stings to death.
What canst thou see else- where, which thou canst not see here?' Behold the Heaven and the earth and all the elements ; for of these are all things created.
8. What canst thou see anywhere that can long con- tinue under the sun ?
Thou thinkest perchance to satisfy thyself, but thou canst never attain it.
Couldst thou see all things present before thine eyes, what were it but a vain sight ?"^
Lift up thine eyes'* to God in the highest, and pray Him to pardon thy sins and negli- gences.
Leave vain things to the vain ; but be thou intent upon those things which God hath commanded thee.
Shut thy door upon thee,'' and call unto thee Jesus, thy Beloved.
1 Prov. xiv. [13.]
2 Eccles. i. [10.]
3 Eccles. iii. [ii.l "4 Psalm cxxi. fi.] 5 Matt. vi. [6.]
30
©f (STompunctton of l^cart
Stay with Him in thy clo- set ; for thou shalt not find so great peace anywhere else.
If thou hadst not gone abroad and hearkened to idle rumours, thou wouldst the
better have preserved a happy peace of mind. But since thou delightest sometimes to hear new things, it is but fit thou suffer for it some dis- quietude of heart.
Chapter XXI
Of Compunctio7i of Heart
IF thou wilt make any pro- gress in godliness, keep thyself in the fear of God,^ and affect not too much lib- erty. Restrain all thy senses under discipline, and give not thyself over to foolish mirth.
Give thyself to compunc- tion of heart, and thou shalt gain much devotion thereby.
Compunction layeth open much good, which dissolute- ness is wont quickly to de- stroy.
It is a wonder that any man can ever perfectly rejoice in this life if he duly consider, and thoroughly weigh his state of banishment, and the many perils wherewith his soul is environed.
2. Through levity of heart, and small care for our failings,
1 Tiuv xix. [23.]
we feel not the real sorrows of our souls ; and so often- times we vainly laugh, when we have just cause to weep.
There is no true liberty nor right joy but in the fear of God accompanied with a good conscience.
Happy is he who can cast off all distracting impedi- ments, and bring himself to the one single purpose of holy compunction.
Happy is he, who can aban- don all that may defile his conscience or burden it.
Contend manfully ; one habit overcometh another.
If thou canst let others alone in their matters, they likewise will not hinder thee in thine.
3. Busy not thyself in mat ters which appertain to others, neither do thou entangle thy-
self with the affairs of thy betters.
Still have an eye to thyself first, and be sure more espe- cially to admonish thyself be- fore all thy friends.
If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved at it ;^ but take this to heart, that thou dost not behave thyself so warily and circumspectly as it becometh the servant of j God, and a devout religious man. I
It is better oftentimes and '■ safer that a man should not I have many consolations in I this life,'^ especially such as are according to the flesh.
But that we have not divine I consolations at all, or do very j seldom taste them, the fault | is ours, because we seek not I after compunction of heart, I nor do altogether forsake the vain and outward comforts of this world.
4. Know that thou art un- worthy of divine consolation, and that thou hast rather de- served much tribulation.
When a man hath perfect compunction, then is the whole world grievous and bitter unto him.^
1 Gal. i. [10.]
2 Psalm Ixxvi. [5.]
3 Judges ii. [4.] ; xx. [26.] ; 2 Kings xiii.
A good man findeth always sufficient cause for mourning and weeping.
For whether he consider his own or his neighbour's estate, he knoweth that none liveth here without tribula- tion.
And the more narrowly a man looketh into himself, so much the more he sorroweth.
Our sins and wickednesses wherein we lie so enwrapt, that we can seldom apply our- selves to heavenly contempla- tions, do minister unto us matter of just sorrow and in- ward compunction.
5. Didst thou oftener think of thy death ^ than of length of life, there is no question but thou wouldst be more zealous to amend.
If also thou didst but con- sider within thyself the infer- nal pains in the other world, ^ I believe thou wouldst wil- lingly undergo any labour or sorrow in this world, and not be afraid of the greatest aus- terity.
But because these things enter not the heart, and we still love those things only that delight us, therefore it is Ave remain cold and very dull in religion.
1 Eccles. vii. [i, 2.]
2 Matt, XXV. [41.]
32
Qi tfjc ConsitJftation of p^uman fEiscrg
6. It is often our want of spirituality which niaketh our miserable body so easily to complain.
Pray therefore unto the Lord with all humility, that He will vouchsafe to give
thee the spirit of compunc- tion. And say with the Pro- phet, "Feed me, O Lord, with the bread of tears, and give me plenteousness of tears to drink. "^
1 Psalm Ixxx. [5.]
Chapter XXII Of the Consideration of Human Misery
MISERABLE thou art, wheresoever thou be, or whithersoever thou turn- est, unless tlicu turn thyself unto God.
Why art tliou troubled when things succeed not as thou wouldst or desirest ? For who is he that hath all things according to his mind ?^ neither I nor thou, nor any man upon earth.
There is none in this world, even though he be king or bishop, without some tribula- tion or perplexity.
Who is then in the best case ? even he who is able to suffer something for God.
2. Many weak and infirm
persons
sav. Behold ! what a
happy life such an one leads
1 Eccles. vi. [2.1
2 Luke xii. [19.]
how wealthy, how great he is, in what power and dignity !
But lift up thine eyes to the riches of Heaven, and thou shalt see that all the goods of this life are nothing to be accounted of. They are very uncertain, and rather burdensome than otherwise, because they are never pos- sessed without anxiety and fear.
Man's happiness consisteth not in having abundance of temporal goods, ^ but a mo- derate portion is sufficient for him.
Truly it is misery even to live upon the earth.'''
The more spiiitual a man desires to be, the more bitter does this present life become
1 Prov. xix. fi-l
2 Job xiv. [i.J ; Eccles. ii. [17.]
©f tijc Consiticratiait of ?l?uinan fHiscr^
to him ; because lie sees more clearly and perceives more sensibly the defects of human corruption.
For to eat and to drink, to sleep and to watch, to labour and to rest, and to be subject to other necessities of nature, is doubtless a great misery and affliction to a religious man, who would gladly be set loose, and freed from all sin.
3. For the inward man is much weighed down in this world by the needs of the body.
Therefore the Prophet prayeth with great devotion to be enabled to be free from them, saying, "Bring thou me out of my distresses."^
But V. oe be to them that know not their own misery ; and a greater woe to them that love this miserable and corruptible life I-
For some there be who so much doat upon it, that al- though by labour or by beg- ging they can scarce get mere necessaries, yet if they might be. able to live here always, they would care nothing at all for the kingdom of God,
4. O how senseless are these men and unbelieving
1 Psalm XXV. [17. 1
2 Rom. viii. [22.]
in heart, who lie so deeply sunk in the earth, that they can relish nothing but carnal things !i
But miserable as they are, they shall in the end feel to their cost how vile and how nothing that was which they loved.
Whereas the saints of God and all the devout friends of Christ regarded not those things which pleased the flesh, nor those which were in re- pute in this life, but longed after the everlasting riches '^ with their whole hope and earnest efibrt.
Their whole desire was carried upward to tilings dur- able and invisible, that the de- sire of things visible might not draw them to things below,
5. O my brother, cast not away thy confidence of mak- ing progress in godliness ; there is yet time, the hour is not yet past.-^
Why wilt thou defer thy i good purpose from day to day? Arise and begin in this very instant, and say, Now is the time to be doing, now is the time to be striving, now is the fit time to amend myself.
1 Rora. vlil. [5.]
2 I Pet. i. [4.]; Heb. xi. [26.]
3 Rom. xiii. [11.]; Heb. x. [35.]
34
0i t\)t Consitifration of ft?uman fHisffg
When thou art ill at ease and much troubled, then is the time of earning thy re- ward.
Thou must pass through fire and water ^ before thou come to a wealthy place.
Unless thou doest violence to thyself, thou shalt never get the victory over sin.
So long as we carry about us this frail body of ours, we can never be without sin, nor live without weariness and pain.
We would gladly have rest from all misery, but seeing :hat by sin we have lost our innocency, we have together with that lost also the true felicity.'^
Therefore it becomes us to have patience, and to wait for the mercy of God, till this tyranny be overpast, and mortality be swallowed up of life. 3
6. O how great is human frailty, which is always prone to evil !^
To-day thou confessest thy sins, and to-morrow thou
1 Psalm xlvi. [i2.]
2 Rom. vii. [24.]; Gen. iii. [17.]
3 2 Cor. V. [4.1
4 Gen. vi. [5. J ; viii. [21.]
committest the very same which thou hast confessed.
Now, thou art purposed to look well unto thy ways, and within a while thou so be- havest thyself, as though thou hadst never any such purpose at all.
Good cause have we there- fore to humble ourselves,^ and never to have any great conceit of ourselves : since we are so frail and so incon- stant.
That also niay quickly be lost by our own negligence, which, by the grace of God, with much labour we have scarce at length obtained.
7. Wliat will become of us in the end, who begin so early to wax lukewarm ?
Woe be unto us, if we will so give ourselves unto ease as if all were now peace and safety, when as yet there ap- peareth no sign of true holi- ness in our conversation !
We have much need like young novices to be newly instructed again to good life, if haply there be sonie hope of future amendment, and greater proficiency in things spiritual.
1 2 M.ic. i.\. [11]
©f fHciittation on Bcatlj
Chapter XXIII Of Meditation on Death
VERY quickly there will be an end of thee here ;^ see therefore to thy state : to-day man is ; to- morrow he is gone.
And when he is out of sight, quickly also is he out of mind.
O the stupidity and hard- ness of man's heart, which thinketh only upon the pre- sent, and doth not rather care for what is to come !
Thou oughtest so to order thyself in all thy thoughts and actions, as if to-day thou wert to die.^
If thou hadst a good con- science, thou wouldst not greatly fear death. ^
It were better to avoid sin, than to escape death.'*
If to-day thou art not pre- pared, how wilt thou be so "lo-morrow !^
To-morrow is uncertain, and how knowest thou that
1 Job ix. [25, 26.]; xiv. [i, 2.]; Luke xii. [20]; Heb. ix. [27.]
2 Matt. XXV. [13.]
3 Luke xii. [37.]
4 Wisd. iv. [16.]
5 RL^tt. xxiv. [44.] ; xxv. [lo.]
thou shalt live till to-mor- row !
2. What availeth it to live long, when there is so small amendment in us?
Alas ! length of days doth not always better us, but often rather increaseth our sin.
O that we had spent but one day in this world tho- roughly well !
Many there are who reckon years of conversion ; and yet full slender oftentimes is the fruit of amendment.
If to die be accounted dreadful, to live long may per- haps prove more dangerous.
Happy is he that always hath the hour of his death before his eyes,^ and daily prepareth himself to die.
If at any time thou hast seen another man die, make account that thou must also pass the same way.^
3. When it is morning, think that thou mayest die before night ;
1 Fccles. vii. [i.]
2 Heb. ix. [27.]
©£ fHetJitatian on TBtat^
And when evening comes, dare not to promise thyself the next morning.
Be thou therefore always in readiness, and so lead thy life that death may never take thee unprepared. 1
Many die suddenly and when they look not for it ; for the Son of Man will come in an hour when we think not. 2
When that last hour shall come, thou wilt begin to have a far different opinion of thy whole life that is past, and be exceeding sorry that thou hast been so careless and remiss.
4. O how wise and happy is he that now laboureth to be such an one in his life, as he will desire to be found at the hour of death !
A perfect contempt of the world, ^ a fervent desire to go forward in all virtue, a love of discipline, a laborious re- pentance, a ready obedience, a denying of ourselves, and an endurance of any affliction whatsoever for the love of Christ, will give us great confidence that we shall die happily.
Whilst thou art in health
1 Luke xxi. [36.1 '■i Matt, xx'iv. [44.1 ; Luke xii. [40.]
3 Ecclus. xli. [r.]
thou mayest do much good : but when thou art sick, I see not what thou wilt be able to do.
Few by sickness grow better and more reformed ; so also they who wander much abroad, seldom there- by become holy.
5. Trust not to friends and kindred, neither do thou put off the care of thy soul's welfare till hereafter ; for men will forget thee, sooner than thou art aware of.
It is better to look to it betime, and to send some good before thee, than to trust to other men's help.^
If thou be not careful for thyself now, who will be careful for thee hereafter ?
Time now is very precious : now is the day of salvation ; now is the accepted time.
But alas ! that thoushouldst spend time so idly here, in which thou mightest purchase life eternal.
The time will come, when thou shalt desire one day or hour to amend in, and I know not that it will be granted thee.
6. O beloved, from how great danger mightest thou
1 Isaiah xxx. [5.] ; xxxi. [i.] ; Jer. xvii. [5.]; xlviii. [7.]; Mau. vi. [20.1
©f fHctiitation on Sratfj
37
deliver thyself, from how great fear free thyself, if thou wouldst be ever fearful and mindful of death !
Labour now so to live, that at the hour of death thou may est rather rejoice than fear.
Learn now to die to the world, that thou mayest then begin to live with Christ.^
Learn now to contemn all things,^ that thou mayest then freely go to Christ.
Chastise thy body now by repentance,^ that thou mayest then have assured confidence.
7. Ah ! fool, why dost thou think to live long, when thou canst not promise to thyself one day.^
How many have been de- ceived and suddenly snatched away !
How often dost thou hear these reports. Such a man is slain, another man is drowned, a third has broken his neck with a fall from some high place, this man died eating, and that man playing ! One perished by fire, another by the sword, another of the plague, another was slain by thieves. Thus death is the
1 Rom. vi. [i.J
2 Lukexiv. [33.!
3 I Cor. i.x. [27.]
4 Luke xii. [20.]
end of all, and man's life suddenly passeth away like a shadow. -"^
8. Who shall remember thee when thou art dead ? and who shall pray for thee ?
Do now, even now, my beloved, whatsoever thou art able to do ; for thou knowcst not when thou shalt die, nor yet what shall befall thee after thy death.
Now, whilst thouhasttime, heap unto thyself everlasting riches.^
Think on nothing but the salvation of thy soul, care fc r nothing but the things cf God.
Make now friends to thy- self by honouring the saints of God, and imitating their actions, that when thou fail- est, they may receive thee into everlasting habitations.'^
9. Keep thyselfas a stranger and pilgrim upon the earth,* who hath nothing to do with the affairs of this world.
Keep thy heart free, and lifted up to God, because thou hast here no abiding city.^
1 Job. xiv. [2.]
2 Matt. vi. [20.] ; Luke xii. [3^]; Gal. vi. [8.]
3 Lukexvi. [q.]; Heb. xi.
4 I Pet. ii. [11.]
5 Heb. .xiii. [14. 1
38 ©f 3utigmcnt, nnti tfje ^unisljmmt of Sinners
Send thither thy daily prayers and sighs together with thy tears, that after
death thy spirit may be found worthy to pass in fehcity to the Lord. Amen.
Chapter XXIV OfJiidgjJicfif, and the Punishment of Sinners
IN all things look to the end, and see how thou wilt be able to stand before that severe Judge ^ from whom nothing is hid, who is not pacified with gifts, nor admitteth any excuses, but will judge according to right.
O wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes fearest the countenance of an angry man, what answer wilt thou make to God who kno\\^eth all thy wickedness !^
Why dost thou not provide for thyself^ against that great day of judgment, when no man can excuse or answer for another, but every one shall have enough to answer for himself !
Now may thy pains profit, thy tears be accepted,'* thy groans be heard, thy grief
1 Hcb. X. [31.]
2 Job. ix. [2.]
3 Luke xvi. [9.]
4 2 Cor. vi. [4.]
may bring thee peace, and purge thy soul.
2. The patient man hath a great and wholesome pur- gatory,^ who though he re- ceive injuries, yet gi-ieveth more for the malice of an- other, than for his own suf- fering ; who prayeth willingly for his adversaries,'^ and from his heart forgiveth their of- fences. He delayeth not to ask forgiveness of whomso- ever he hath offended ; he is sooner moved to compas- sion than to anger ; he often offereth violence to himself, and laboureth to bring his body wholly into subjection to the spirit.
It is better to purge out our sins, and cut off our vices here, than to keep them to be punished hereafter.
Verily we do but deceive
1 James i. [4]
2 Luke xxiii. [34.] ; [60.J
Acts vii.
©f Sutismcnt, antJ t\}t ^unisfjmtnt of Sinners 39
ourselves through an inordi- nate love of the flesh.
3. What is there that the fire of hell shall feed upon, but thy sins ?
The more thou sparest thyself now and followest the flesh, the more severe here- after shall be thy punishment, and thou storest up greater fuel for that flame.
In what things a man hath sinned, in the same shall he be the more grievously punished.
There shall the slothful be pricked forward with burn- ing goads, and the gluttons be tormented with extreme hunger and thirst.
There shall the luxuiuous and lovers of pleasure be bathed in burning pitch and stinking brimstone, and the envious, like mad dogs, shall howl for very grief.
4. There is no sin but shall have its own proper torment.
There the proud shall be filled with all confusion ; the covetous shall be pinched with miserable penury.
One hour of pain there shall be more bitter than a thousand years of the sharpest penance here !
There is no quiet, no com- fort for the damned there ;^ yet here we have some inter- 1 Job xl. [12.] : xli.
mission of our labours, and en- joy the comfort of our friends.
Be now solicitous and sor- rowful because of thy sins, that at the day of judgment thou mayest be secure with the blessed.
For then shall the righteous with great boldness stand against such as have vexed and oppressed them.^
Then shall he stand to judge them, who doth now humbly submit himself to the censures of men.
Then shall the poor a^d^ humble have great conh- dence, but the proud man shall be compassed with fear on every side.
5. Tlaen will it appear that he was wise in this world, who had learned to be a fool and despised for Christ's sake.
Then shall every affliction patiently luidergone delight us, when the mouth of all iniquity shall be stopped.'^
Then shall all the devout rejoice, and all the profane mourn.
Then shall the mortified flesh more rejoice than that which hath been pampered with all pleasures.^
Then shall the poor attire
1 Wisd. V. [i.]
2 Psalm cvii. [42.]
3 2 Cor. iv. [17.]
40 ©f 3utjgtncnt, nnti tf)C ^unisfjmcnt of dinners
shine gloriously, and the precious robes seem vile and contemptible.
Then the poor cottage shall be more commended than the gilded palace.
Then shall constant pa- tience more avail us tb.an all earthly power.
Then simple obedience shall be exalted above all worldly wisdom.^
6. Then shall a good and clear conscience more rejoice a man than all the learning of philosophy.
Then shall the contempt of riches weigh more than all the worldling's treasure.
Then shalt thou be more comforted that thou hast prayed devoutly than that thou hast fared daintily.
Then shalt thou be more glad that thou hast kept silence than that thou hast spoken much.
Then shall good works avail more than many goodly words.
Then a strict life and se- vere repentance shall be more ])leasing than all earthly de- lights.
Accustom thyself now to suffer a little, that thou mayest then be delivered from more grievous pains. 1 Isaiah .\xix. [19.]
Prove first here what thou canst endure hereafter.
If now thou canst endure so little, how wilt thou then be able to support eternal torments ?
If now a little suffering make thee so impatient, what will hell fire do hereafter ?
Assure thyself thou canst not have two joys ; it is im- possible to take thy pleasure here in this world, and after that to reign with Christ.
7. Suppose that thou hadst up to this day lived always in honours and delights, what would it all avail thee if thou wert doomed to die at this instant ?^
All therefore is vanity,^ except to love God and serve Ilim only.
For he that loveth God with all his heart is neither afraid of death, nor of pun- j ishment, nor of judgment, nor of hell ; for perfect love gives secure access to God.a
But he that takes delight in sin, what marvel is it if he be afraid both of death and judgment ?
Yet it is good, although love be not yet of force to
1 I.uke xii. [20 1
2 Eccles. i. (2.]
3 Koin. viii. [39.]
©f tfje jealous llmmtimmt of our iuljole 5Life 4^
withhold thee from sin, that at least the fear of hell should restrain thee.
But he that layeth aside
the fear of God, can never continue long in good estate, but falleth quickly into the snares of the devil.
Chapter XXV
Of the zealous ametidment of our whole Life
BE watchful and diligent in the service of God •} and often bethink thyself wherefore thou earnest hither, and why thou hast left the world. Was it not that thou niightest live to God, and become a spiritual man ?
Be fervent then in going forward,'^ for sliortly thou shalt receive the reward of thy labours ; there shall not be then any more fear or sorrow in thy coasts.^
Labour but a little now, and thou shalt find great rest, yea, perpetual joy.^
If thou continuest faith- ful and fervent in thy work, no doubt, but that God will be faithful and liberal in re- warding thee.'^
1 2 Tim. iv. [5.]
2 Matt. V. [48.]
3 Rev. xxi. [4.] ; x.xii. [3.]
4 Ecclus. li. [27.] ; Rev. xxi. [4.]: xxii. [3.]
5 Matt. XXV. [23.]
Thou oughtest to have a good hope-^ of getting the victory ; but thou must not be secure, lest thou wax either negligent or proud.
2. When one that was in anxiety of mind, often waver- ing between fear and hope, did once, being oppressed with grief, humbly prostrate himself in a church before the altar, in prayer, and said within himself, O if I knew that I should yet persevere ! he presently heard within him an answer from God, which said, If thou didst know it, what wouldst thou do? Do now what thou wouldst do then, and thou shalt be secure.
And being herewith com- forted and strengthened, he committed himself wholly to the will of God, and his anxious wavering ceased. 1 Rom. v. [5.1
42 <Bi tf;c K^Iows <amcntimmt of our bifjolc %ik
Neither had he the mind to search curiously any far- ther, to know what should befall him ; but rather la- boured to understand what was the perfect and accept- able will of God^ for the beginning and accomplishing of every good work.
3. "Trust in the Lord, and do good," saith the Pro- phet, " so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. "2
One thing there is that draweth many back from a spiritual progress, and the dili- gent amendment of their lives; the fear of the difficulty, or the labour of the combat.
But they especially exceed others in all virtue, who make the greatest effort to overcome those things which are most grievous and con- trary unto them.
For there a man improveth most and obtaineth greatest grace, where he most over- cometh himself and morti- fieth himself in spirit.
4. But all men have not equally much to overcome and mortify.
Vet he that is zealous and diligent, though he have more passions, shall profit more
1 Rom. xii. [2.] ^ Pialm xxxvii. [3.]
than another that is of a more temperate natural dis- position, if he be less fervent in the pursuit of all virtue.
Two things especially much further our amendment, to wit. To withdraw ourselves violently from those vices to which our nature is most in- clined, and to labour ear- nestly for that good which we most lack.
Be careful also to avoid with great diligence those things in thyself, which do commonly displease thee in others.
5. Gather some profit to thy soul wheresoever thou art ; so that if thou seest or hearest of any good examples, thou stir up thyself to the imitation thereof.
But if thou observe any- thing worthy of reproof, be- ware thou do not the same. And if at any time thou hast done it, labour quickly to amend thyself.
As thine eye observeth others, 1 so art thou also noted again by others.
0 how sweet and pleasant a thing it is, to see brethren fervent and devout, well- mannered and well-discip- lined !-
1 Matt. vii. [3.]
2 Eph. V. ; I Cor. xii. [iS.] ; Ecclcs. iii. [1.]
©f t^t jealous ^mmtjmmt of our bifjolc ILife 43
And on tlie contrary how sad and grievous a thing it is to see them hve in a dis- sokite and disordered sort, not applying themselves to that for which they are called !
How hurtful a thing is it, when they neglect the good purposes of their vocation, and busy themselves in that which is not committed to their care !
6. Be mindful of the pro- fession which thou hast made, and have always before the eyes of thy soul the remem- brance of thy Saviour cruci- fied.
Thou hast good cause to be ashamed in looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, see- ing thou hast not as yet en- deavoured to conform thyself more unto Him, though thou hast been a long time in the way of God.
A Religious person that exerciseth himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, shall there abundantly find whatsoever is necessary and profitable for him ; nei- ther shall he need to seek any better thing onf of Jesus.
O if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts,^ how 1 Gal. ii. [20.]; vi. [14.]
quickly and fully should we be taught !
7. A fervent Religious person taketh and beareth well all that is commanded him.
But he that is negligent and lukewarm hath tribula- tion upon tribulation, and on all sides is afilicted ; for he is void of inward consola- tion, and is forbidden to seek outward comforts.
A Religious person that liveth not according to dis- cipline, lieth open to great mischief, to the ruin of his soul.
He that seeketh liberty and ease, shall ever live in dis- quiet ; for one thing or other will displease him.
8. O that we had nothing else to do, but always with our mouth and whole heart to praise our Lord God !
O that thou mightest never have need to eat, or drink, or sleep ; but mightest always praise God, and only employ thyself in spiritual exercises. Thou shouldst then be much more happy than noAv thou art, when for so many neces- sities thou art constrained to serve thy body !
Would God there were not these necessities, but only the spiritual refreshments of the
44 <J^f tijc ^falous Imcntimmt of otir fcljole Eife
soul, which, alas, we taste too seldom !
9. When a man cometh to that estate, that he seeketh not his comfort from any creature, then doth he be- gin perfectly to relish God. Then shall he be contented with whatsoever doth befall him.
Then shall he neither re- joice in having much, nor be sorrowful for having little ; but entirely and confidently commit himself to God, who shall be unto him all in all ;^ to whom nothing doth perish nor die, but all things do live unto Him, and serve Him at his command with- out delay.
10. Remember always thine end,^ and that time lost never returns. Without care and diligence thou shalt never get virtue.
If thou begin to wax luke-
1 Rom. xl. [36.]; I Cor. viii. [6.]; xii. [6.]; XV. [28.] ^ Ecclus. vii. [36.]
warm,^ it will begin to be evil with thee.
But if thou give thyself to fervour of spirit thou shalt find much peace, and feel less labour, by reason of the assistance of God's grace, and the love of virtue.
The fervent and diligent man is prepared for all things.
It is harder work to resist vices and passions, than to toil in bodily labours.
He that avoideth not small faults, by little and little falleth into greater.^
Thou wilt always rejoice in the evening, if thou have spent the day profitably.
Be watchful over thyself, stir up thyself, admonish thy- self, and whatever becomes of others neglect not thyself.
The more violence thou usest against thyself, the greater shall be thy profit- ing. A num.
1 Rev. iii. [16.]
2 Ecclus. XIX. [i.]
^he Scconb fiook
ADMONITIONS CONCERNING INWARD THINGS
Chapter I Of the Imvard Life
THE kingdom of God is within you, "^ saith the Lord. Turn thee with thy whole heart ^ unto the Lord, and forsake this wretched world, and thy soul shall find rest.
Learn to despise outward things, and to give thyself to things inward, and thou shalt perceive the kingdom of God to be come in thee.
" For the kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, "3 which is not given to the unholy.
Christ will come unto thee, and shew thee His own con- solation, if thou prepare for
1 Luke xvii. [21.]
2 Joelii. [12.]
3 Rom. xiv. Li 7.]
Him a worthy mansion within thee.
All His glory and beauty is from within,^ and there He delighteth Himself.
The inward man he often visiteth ; and hath with him sweet discourses, pleasant so- lace, much peace, familiarity exceeding wonderful.
2. O faithful soul, make ready thy heart for this Bride- groom, that He may vouch- safe to come unto thee, and to dwell within thee.
For thus saith He, "If any man love me, he will keep my words, and we will come unto him, and will make our abode with him."^
1 Psalm xiv. [13.]
2 John xiv. [25. J
46
m tfje Cniuarti Eife
Give therefore admittance unto Christ, and deny en- trance to all others.
When tliou hast Christ, thou art rich, and hast enough. He will be thy faithful and provident helper in all things, so that thou shalt not need to trust in men.
For men soon change, and quickly fail ; but Christ re- maineth forever,^ and stand- eth by us firmly unto the end.
3. There is no great trust to be put in a frail and mortal man,^ even though he be pro- fitable and dear unto us : neither ought we to be much grieved, if sometimes he cross and contradict us.
They that to-day take thy part, to-morrow may be against thee ; and often do men turn like the wind.
Put all thy trust in God,^ let Him be thy fear, and thy love : He shall answer for thee, and will do all things well, and as is best for thee.
Thou hast not here an abiding city ;* and where- soever thou mayest be, thou art a stranger and pilgrim : neither shalt thou ever have
1 John xii. [34]
2 Jer. xvii. I5.I
3 I Pet. V. [7.]
4 II^K xiii. [14]
rest, unless thou be inwardly united unto Christ.
4. Why dost thou here gaze about, since this is not the place of thy rest ? In heaven ought to be thy home, ^ and all earthly things are to be looked upon as it were by the way.
All things pass away,^ and thou together with them.
Beware thou cleave not unto them, lest thou be caught, and so perish. Let thy thoughts be on the Highest, and thy prayers for mercy directed unto Christ without ceasing.
If thou canst not contem- plate high and heavenly things, rest thyself in the passion of Christ, and dwell willingly on His sacred wounds.
For if thou fly devoutly unto the wounds and pre- cious marks of the Lord Jesus, thou shalt feel great comfort in tribulation : nei- ther wilt thou much care for the slights of men, and wilt easily bear the words of those that reproach thee.
5. Christ was also in the world, despised of men, and in His greatest necessity for- saken by His acquaintance
1 Pliil. iii. [20.]
2 Wisd. V. [9.J
(Bi tfje Enb3arti Eife
47
and friends, in the midst of reproaches. ^
Christ was willing to suffer and be despised ; and darest thou complain of any thing ?
Christ had adversaries and backbiters ; and dost thou wish to have all men thy friends and benefactors ?
Whence shall thy patience attain her crown," if no ad- versity befall thee ?
If thou art willing to suffer no contradiction, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ ?
Suffer with Christ, and for Christ, if thou desire to reign with Christ.
6. If thou hadst but once perfectly entered into the secrets of the Lord Jesus, and tasted a little of His ardent love ; then wouldst thou not regard thine own convenience or inconveni- ence, but rather wouldst rejoice in reproaches, if they should be cast upon thee ; for the love of Jesus maketh a man to despise himself.
A lover of Jesus and of the trath, and a tioie inward Christian, and one free from inordinate affections, can freely turn himself unto God, and lift himself above him-
1 Matt. xii. [24.] ; xvi. [21.] ; John XX. [20.]
2 2 Tim. ii. [5.]
self in spirit, and rest in full enjoyment.
7. He that judgeth of all things as they are, and not as they are said or esteemed to be, is truly wise, and taught rather of God than of men. ^
He that knoweth how to live inwardly, and to make small reckoning of things without, neither requireth places, nor awaiteth times for performing of religious exercises.
A spiritual man quickly I recollecteth himself, because he never poureth out him- self wholly to outward things.
He is not hindered by out- ward labour or business, which may be nccessaiy for the time : but as things fall out, so he suits himself to them.
He that is well ordered and disposed within himself, careth not for the strange and perverse behaviour of men.
A man is hindered and distracted, in proportion as he draweth outv/ard things unto himself.
8. If it Avere well with thee, and thou wert throughly purified from sin, all things
1 Isaiah liv. [13.]
4S
©f fjumble Submission
would fall out to thee for good,^ and to thy progress.
But many things displease and often trouble thee, be- cause thou art not yet per- fectly dead unto thyself, nor separated from all earthly
things.
1 Rom. viii. [2S.]
Nothing so defileth and entangleth the heart of man, as the impure love of things created.
If thou refuse outward comfort, thou wilt be able to contemplate the things of Heaven, and often to receive internal joy.
Chapter II
Of humble Submission
REGARD not much who is for thee, or who against thee:^ but give all thy thought and care to this, that God be with thee in eveiy thing thou doest.
Have a good conscience, and God will well defend thee. 2
For whom God will help, no malice of man shall be able to hurt.
If thou canst be silent and suffer, without doubt thou shalt see that the Lord will help thee.
He knoweth the time and the manner to deliver thee, and therefore thou oughtest to resign thyself unto Him.
1 Rom. vii. f.^i-l ; i Cor. iv. [3.] S Psalm .xxviii. [7]
It belongeth to God to help, and to deliver from all confusion.
It is often veiy profitable, to keep us more humble, that otliers know and rebuke our faults.
2. When a man humbleth himself for his failings, then he easily pacifieth others, and quickly satisfieth those that are offended with him.
God protecteth the humble and delivereth him ;^ the humble He loveth and com- forteth ; unto the humble man He inclineth Himself; unto the humble He givcth great grace ; and after his humiliation He raiscth him to glory.
1 'amcs iii. ; Job v. [11.]
©fa poti anti peaceable fHatt
49
Unto the humble He re- vealeth His secrets/ and sweetly draweth and inviteth him unto Himself.
The humble man, though l:e suffer confusion, hath yet 1 Matt. xi. [25.]
much peace ; for that he resteth on God, and not on the world.
Do not think that thou hast made any progress, un- less thou esteem thyself in- ferior to all.
Chapter III
Of a good and peaceable Man
FIRST, keep thyself in peace and then shalt thou be able to make peace among others.
A peaceable man doth more good than he that is well learned.
A passionate man draweth even good into evil, and easily believeth the worst.
A good and peaceable man turneth all things to good.
He that is in peace, is not suspicious of any.^ But he that is discontented and troubled, is tossed with di- vers suspicions : he is neither quiet himself, nor suffereth others to be quiet.
He often spcaketh that which he ought not to speak ; and leaveth undone that
1 Cor. xiii. [5.]
which it were more expedi- ent for him to do.
He considerethwhat others are bound to do,^ and ne- glecteth that which he is bound to do himself
Urst, therefore, have a careful zeal over thyself, '^ and then thou mayest justly shew thyself zealous also of thy neighbour's good.
2. Thou knowest Avell how to excuse and colour thine own deeds, but thou art not willing to receive the excuses of others.
It were more just that thou shouldst accuse thyself, and excuse thy brother.
If thou wilt thyself be borne Avith, bear also with another.^
1 Matt. vii. [3.]
2 Acts xxii. [3.]
3 Gal. vi. [2.] ; i Cor.
i. [7.]
Behold, how far off thou art yet from true charity and hu.nility ; for that knows not how to be angry with any, or to be moved with indigna- tion, but only against a man's self.
It is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle ; for this is naturally pleasing to all, and every one willingly enjoyeth peace, and loveth those best that agree with him.
But to be able to live peaceably with hard and per- verse persons, or with the disorderly, or with such as go contrary to us, is a great grace, and a most commend- able and manly thing.
3. Some there are that keep themselves in peace, and are in peace also with others.
And there are some that neither are in peace them- selves, nor suffer others to be in peace : They are trouble- some to others, but always more troublesome to them- selves.
And others there arc that keep themselves in peace, and study to bring back others unto peace.
Nevertheless, our whole peace in this miserable life consisteth rather in humble endurance, than in not suffer- ing things that are contrary to us.
He that knoweth best how to suffer, Avill best keep him- self in peace. That man is conqueror of himself, and lord of the world, the friend of Christ, and an heir of heaven.
Chapter IV
Of a Pure Mind, and a Simple Intention
BY two wings a man is lifted up from things earthly, namely, by Simpli- city and Purity.
Simplicity ought to be in our intention ; purity in our affections. Simplicity doth
tend towards God ; purity doth apprehend and taste Him.
No good action will hin- der thee, if thou be in thy heart free from inordinate affection.
©f tf)c Consiticration of ©nc's ^tU
51
If thou intend and seek nothing else but the will of God and the good of thy neighbour, thou shalt tho- roughly enjoy inward liberty.
If thy heart were sincere and upright, then every crea- ture would be unto thee a living mirror, and a book of holy doctrine.
There is no creature so small and abject, that it re- presenteth not the goodness of God. 1
2. If thou Avert inwardly good and pure,' then wouldst thou be able to see and un- derstand all things well with- out impediment.
A pure heart penetrateth heaven and hell.
Such as eveiy one is in- wardly, so he judgeth out- wardly.
1 Rom. i. [20.]
2 Prov. iii. [3, 4.]; Psalm c.xi.x. fioo.]
If there be joy in the world, surely a man of a pure heart possesseth it.
And if there be any where tribulation and affliction, an evil conscience best knoweth it.
As iron put into the fire loseth its rust, and becometh clearly red hot, so he that wholly turneth himself unto God, putteth off all slothful- ness, and is transformed into a new man.
3. When a man beginneth to grow lukewarm, then he is afraid of a little labour, and willingly receiveth com- fort from outward things.
But when he once begin- neth to overcome himself perfectly, and to walk man- fully in the way of God ; then he esteemeth those things to be light, which before seemed grievous unto him.
Chapter V Of the Consideration of One's Self
WE cannot trust much to ourselves,^ be- cause grace oftentimes is 1 Jer. xvii. [5.]
wanting to us, and under- standing also.
There is but little light in us, and that which we have
52
©f t\)t diansiOtxatwn of ©ne's 5clf
we quickly lose by our neg- | ligence.
Oftentimes too we do not perceive our own inward blindness how great it is.
We often do a bad act, and make a worse excuse.^
We are sometimes moved with passion, and we think it to be zeal.
We reprehend small things in others, and pass over greater matters in ourselves.-
We quickly enough feel and weigh what we suffer at the hands of others ; but we mind not what others suffer from us.
He that well and rightly considereth his own works, will find little cause to judge hardly of another,
2. He who is a Christian at heart preferreth the care of himself before all other cares.-' And he that diligently at- tendeth unto himself, can easily keep silence concern- ing others.
Thou wilt never be thus in heart religious, unless thou pass over other men's matters with silence, and look espe- cially to thyself.
If thou attend wholly unto
1 Psalm cxli. [4-1
2 Matt. vii. fs.l
3 M.ut. xvl [26.]
God and thyself, thou wilt be but little moved with what- soever thou seest abroad. ^
Where art thou, when thou art not with thyself? And when thou hast run over all, what hast thou then profited, if thou hast neglected thy- self?
If thou desirest peace of mind and true unity of pur- pose, thou must still put all other things behind thee, and look only upon thyself.
3. Thou shalt profit much, if thou keep thyself free from all temporal care.
Thou shalt greatly lose if thou take thought for any temporal thing.
Let nothing be great unto thee, nothing high, nothing pleasing, nothing acceptable, but only God Himself, or that which is of God.
Esteem all comfort vain,'^ which thou reccivest from any creature.
A soul that loveth God, despiseth all things that are inferior unto God.
God alone is everlasting, and of infinite greatness, filling all creatures ; the comfort of the soul, and the true joy of the heart.
1 I Cor. iv. [3.] ; Gal. i. [10.]
2 Eccles. i. [14.]
©f tfjc 5c2 of a ccctJ (JTonsrirncc
53
Chapter VI Of the Joy of a good Conscience
THE gloiy of a good man, is the testimony of a good conscience.^
Have a good conscience, and thou shalt ever have joy.
A good conscience is able to bear very much, and is very cheerful in adversities.
An evil conscience is al- ways fearful and unquiet.^
Thou shalt rest sweetly, if thy heart condemn thee not.
Never rejoice, but when thou hast done well.
Sinners have never true joy, nor feel inward peace ; because "There is no peace to the wicked," saith the Lord. 3
And if they should say, **We are in peace, no evil shall fall upon us,^ and who shall dare to hurt us?" be- lieve them not ; for upon a sudden will arise the wrath of God, and their deeds shall be brought to nought, and their thoughts shall perish.
1 I Cor. i. [31.]
2 Wisdom xvii. [11.]
3 Isaiah Ivii. [21.]
4 Luke -xii. [19.]
2. To glory in tribulation, is no hard thing for him that loveth ; for so to glory, is to glory in the Cross of the Lord.i
That glory is short, which is given and received from men. ^
Sorrow always accom- panieth the glory of the world.
The glory of the good is in their consciences, and not in the tongues of men. The gladness of the just is of God,-^ and in God ; and their joy is of the tnith.
He that desireth true and everlasting glory, careth not for that which is temporal.
And he that seeketh tem- poral glory, or despiseth it not from his soul, shewelh himself to have but little esteem of the glory of heaven.
He enjoyeth great tran- quillity of heart, that careth neither for the praise, nor dispraise of men.
1 Rom. viii. ; Gal. vi. [14.]
2 John V. [44.]
3 2 Cor. iii. [5.]
€>i tf)C Eobc of 3fsiis nbobc all CTjincjs
3. He will easily be con- tent and at peace, whose conscience is pure.
Thou art not the more holy for being jM-aised ; nor the more worthless for being dis- praised.
What thou art, that thou art ; neither by words canst thou be made greater than what thou art in the sight of God.
If thou consider what thou art in thyself, thou wilt not care what men say of thee.
Man looketh on the coun- tenance, but God on the heart. ^ Man considereth the deeds, but God weigheth the intentions.
To be always doing good, 1 I Sam. .\vi. [7.]
and to esteem little of one'> self, is the sign of an humble soul.
To be unwilling to have any created being for our comforter, is a sign of great purity and inward confidence.
4. He that seeketh no tes- timony on his behalf from A\ithout, doth shew that he hath wholly committed him- self unto God.
"For not he that com- mendeth himself is approved (saith Saint Paul), but whom God commendeth. " ^
To walk in the heart with God, and not to be held in bondage by any outward af- fection, is the state of a spiritual man.
1 2 Cor. X. [iS.]
Chapter VII
0/ the Love of Jesus above all T/iings
BLESSED is he that un- derstandeth ^ what it is to love Jesus, and to despise hiniself for Jksus' sake.
Thou oughtest to leave thy beloved for the Beloved ;-
1 Psalm cxix. fi, 2.]
2 Deut. vi. f^]: Songof Sul. ii. [16.]; Malt. .wii. [37. J
for Jesus will be loved alone above all things.
The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant ; the love of Jesus is faithful and constant.
He that cleaveth unto creatures, shall fall with that which is subject to fall ; lit
that embraceth Jesus shall stand firmly for ever,
I^ove Him, and keep Him for thy friend, who, when all go away, will not forsake thee, nor suffer thee to perish in the end.
Sometime or other thou must be separated from all, whether thou wilt or no.
2. Keep close to Jesus both in life and in death, and commit thyself unto His faith- fulness, who, when all fail, can alone help thee.
Thy Beloved is of such a nature, that He will admit of no rival ; but will have thy heart alone, and sit on His own Throne as King.
If thou couldst empty thy- self perfectly of all created things, Je^us would will- ingly dwell with thee.
Whatsoever trust thou re-
posest in men, out of Jesus, is all little better than lost.
Trust not nor lean upon a reed shaken by the wind ; for that all flesh is grass, and all the glory thereof shall wither away as the flower of the field. '
3. Thou wilt soon be de- ceived, if thou only look to the outward appearance of men.
For, if thou seekest thy comfort and thy profit in others, thou shalt often feel loss.
If thou seekest Jesus in all things, thou shalt surely find Jesus.
But if thou seekest thyself, thou shalt also find thyself, but to thine own destruction.
For if a man do not seek
Jesus, he is more hurtful to
himself, than the whole world
and all his enemies could be,
1 Isaiah xl. [6.]
Chapter VIII
Of faviiliar FriendsJiip with Jesus
WHEN Jesus is pre- sent, all is well, and nothing seems difficult ; but when Jesus is not present, every thing is hard.
When Jesus speaks not
inwardly to us, all othc. comfort is nothing worth ; but if Jesus speak but one word, we feel great conso- lation.
Did not J^Iary Magdalene
56
©f familiar JFrimtisIjip ioitfj 3lcsus
rise immecliateiy from the place where she wept, when Martha said to her, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee?"^
Happy hour ! when Jesus calleth from tears to spiritual joy.
How dry and hard art thou without Jesus ! How foolish and vain, if thou de- sire anything out of Jesus !
Is not this a greater loss, than if thou shouldst lose the whole world ?"^
2. What can the world profit thee without Jesus ?
To be without Jesus is a grievous hell ; and to be with Jesus, a sweet paradise.
If Jesus be with thee no enemy shall be able to hurt thee.»
He that findeth Jesus find- eth a good treasure,^ yea, a good above all good.
And he that loseth Jesus loseth overmuch, yea more than the whole world !
Most poor is he who liveth without J ES us ; 5 and he most rich who is dear to Jesus.
3. It asketh great skill to know how to hold converse with Jesus ; and to know
1 John xi. [28.1
2 M.-itt. xvi. [26.]
3 Rom. viii. [35.] "* M.itt. xiii. [44.] 5 Luke xii. [21. J
how to retain Jesus, is great wisdom.
Re thou humble and peace- able, and Jesus will be with thee.i
Be devout and quiet, and Jesus will stay with thee.
Thou may est soon drive away Jesus, and lose His favour, if thou wilt turn aside to outward things.
And if thou sliouldst drive Him from thee and lose Him, unto whom wilt thou flee, and whom wilt thou then seek for thy friend ?
Without a friend thou canst not well live ; and if Jesus be not above all friends to thee, thou shalt be indeed sad and desolate.
Therefore thou doest not wisely, if thou trust or rejoice in any other. ^
It is preferable to have all the world against us, rather than to have Jesus offended with us.
Amongst all therefore that be dear unto us, let Jesus alone be specially beloved.
4. Love all for Jesus, but Jesus for Himself.
Jesus Christ alone is sin- gularly to be loved ; and He alone is found Good and Faithful above all friends.
1 Prov. iii. [17] '2 Gal. vi. [14.1
©f tfje mi^nt of all Comfort
57
For Him, and in Him, let friends as well as foes be dear unto thee ; and all these are to be prayed for, that he would make them all to know and to love Him.^
Never desire to be singu- larly commended or beloved, for that appertaineth only unto God, who hath none like unto Himself.
Neither do thou desire that the heart of any should be set on thee, nor do thou set thy heart on the love of any ; but let Jesus be in thee, and in every good man.
5. Be pure and free with- in, and entangle not thy heart with any creature.
Thou oughtest to be naked and open before God, ever carrying thy heart pure to- wards Him, if thou wouldst
1 Matt. V. [44.1 ; Luke vi. [27,
be free to consider and see how sweet the Lord is.
And truly, unless thou be prevented and drawn by His grace, thou shalt never attain to that happiness of forsaking and taking leave of all, in order that thou alone mayest be united to Him alone.
For when the grace of God Cometh unto a man, then he is made able for all things. And when it goeth away, then is he poor and weak, and as it were left only for affliction.
In this case thou oughtest not to be cast down, nor to despair; but to resign thyself calmly to the will of God, and whatever comes upon thee, to endure it for the glory of Jesus Christ ; for after winter followeth sum- mer, after night the day re- turneth, and after a tempest a great calm.
Chapter IX
0/f/ie Want of all Comfort
I
T is no hard matter to de- spise human comfort,^ when we have that which is divine.
1 Phil. ii. [12.]
It is much and very much, to be able to lack both human and divine comfort ; and, for God's honour, to be willing cheerfully to endure desola-
tion of heart ; and to seek 1 oneself in nothing, nor to regard one's own merit.
What great matter is it, if at the coming of grace thou be cheerful and devout ? this hour is wished for of all men.
He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth.
And what marvel if he feel not his burden, who is borne up by the Almighty, and led by the Sovereign Guide ?
2. We are always willing to have something for our comfort ; and a man doth not without difficulty strip him- self of self.
The holy martyr Laurence and his priest overcame the world, because whatsoever seemed delightsome in the world he despised ; and for the love of Christ he patiently suffered God's chief priest Sixtus, whom he most dearly loved, to be even taken away from him.
lie therefore overcame the love of man by the love of the Creator ; and he rather chose what pleased God, than human comfort.
So also do thou learn to part even with a near and dear friend for the love of God.
Nor do thou think it hard,
when thou art deserted by a friend, as knowing that we all at last must be separated one from another.
3. A man must strive long and mightily within himself, before he can learn fully to master himself, and to draw his whole heart unto God.
When a man trusteth in himself, he easily slideth unto human comforts.
But a true lover of Christ, and a diligent follower of all virtue, does not fall back on comforts, nor seek such sen- sible sweetnesses ; but rather prefers hard exercises, and to sustain severe labours for Christ.
4. When therefore spiri- tual comfort is given thee from God, receive it with thankfulness ; but understand that it is the gift of God, not thy desert.
Be not puffed up, be not too joyful, nor vainly pre- sumptuous ; but rather be the more humble for that gift, more wary too and fear- ful in all thine actions ; for that hour will pass away, and temptation will follow.
When consolation is taken from thee, do not immediately despair ; but with humility and patience wait for the heavenly visitation ; for God
m tfje Simant of all Comfort
59
is able to give thee back again more ample consolation.
This is nothing new nor strange unto them that have experience in the way of God ; for the great saints and ancient prophets had oftentimes experience of such kind of vicissitudes.
5. For which cause, one, while he was basking in di- vine grace, said, "I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved. " ^
But in the absence of it, he adds this experience of what he was in himself, "Thou didst turn Thy face from me, and I was troubled."
Yet in the midst of all this he doth not by any means despair, but more earnestly beseecheth the Lord, and saith, "Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, and I will pray unto my God. "
At length, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and testi- fieth that he was heard, say- ing, " The Lord hath heard me, and taken pity on me ; the Lord is become my helper."
But wherein ? ' ' Thou hast turned," saith he, " my sor- row into joy, and thou hast compassed me about with gladness."
1 Psalm XXX. [6 — 11.]
If great saints Avere so dealt with, we that are weak and poor ought not to despair, if we be sometimes hot and sometimes cold ; for the Spirit cometh and goeth according to the good pleasure of his own will.^ P'or which cause holy Job saith, " Thou visit- est him early in the morning, and suddenly Thou provest him." 2
6. Whereupon then can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, save in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of heavenly grace ?
For whether I have with me good men, either religious brethren, or faithful friends ; whether holy books, or beauti- ful treatises, or sweet psalms and hymns ; all these help but little, and have but little savour, when grace forsaketh me, and I am left in mine own poverty.
At such time there is no better remedy than patience, and the denying of myself according to the will of God. 3
7. I never found any so religious and devout, that he had not sometimes a with- drawing of grace, or felt not some decrease of zeal.
1 Johniii. [8.] 2Jobvii. [18.] 3 Luke ix. [23.]
«50
Of Cratttiitic for t})t Gnrc of SoU
There was never saint so highly rapt and ilhiminated, who first or last was not tempted.
P'or he is not worthy of the high contemplation of Clod, who hath not been exercised with some tribula- tion for God's sake.
For temptation going be- fore is wont to be a sign of comfort to follow.
For unto those that are proved by temptations hea- venly comfort is promised. " To him that overcometh,"
saith He, " I will give to eat of the tree of life."^
8. But divine consolation is given, that a man may be stronger to bear adversities.
There followeth also temp- tation, lest he should wax proud of any good.
The devil sleepeth not,^ neither is the flesh as yet dead ; therefore cease not to prepare thyself to the battle ; for on thy right hand and on thy left are enemies who never. rest. 1 Rev. ii. [7.] 2 i Pet. v. [8.]
Chapter X
0/ Gratitude for the Grace of God
WHY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour.^
Dispose thyself to patience rather than to comfort, and to the bearing of the cross rather than to gladness.'^
What worldly man is there that would not willingly re- ceive spiritual joy and com- fort if he could always have it?
For spiritual comforts ex-
1 Job V. [7.1
2 Lu
c .\iv. [27]
ceed all the delights of the Avorld, and the pleasures of the flesh.
For all worldly delights are either vain or unclean ; but spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honest, being sprung from virtue, and in- fused by God into pure minds.
But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts according to his desire ; for the time of temptation is never far away.
(Bi (Sratitutic for tfjc (Grace of ^otJ
6i
.
2. But false freedom of mind and great confidence in ourselves are veiy contrary to heavenly visitations.
God doeth well for us in giving the grace of comfort ; but man doeth evil in not returning all again unto God with thanksgiving.
And therefore the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are unthankful to the giver, and return them not wholly to the source and fountain. ^
For grace ever attendeth him that is duly thankful ; and from the proud shall be taken that which is wont to be given to the humble.
3. I desire not that con- solation that taketh from me compunction ; nor do I affect that contemplation which leadeth to a high mind.
For all that is high is not holy ; nor all that is sweet, good ; nor every desire, pure ; nor is every thing that is dear unto us pleasing to God.
Willingly do I accept of that grace, whereby I may ever be found more humble, and more affected M'ith fear, and may become more ready to renounce myself
He that is taught by the gift of grace, and schooled by 1 Ecclus. i. [5.]
the withdrawing thereof, will not dare to attribute any good to himself, but will rather acknowledge himself to be poor and naked.
Give unto God that which is God's, ^ and ascribe luito thyself that which is thine own ; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; and acknowledge that to thyself alone is to be attributed sin, and the punishment due to sin.
4. Set thyself always in the lowest place^ and the highest shall be given thee ; for the highest is not without the lowest.
The chiefest Saints before God are the least in theii- own judgments ; and the more glorious they are, so much the humbler within themselves.
Those that are full of trutli and heavenly glory, are not desirous of empty gloiy.
Those that are firmly settled and grounded in God, can in no way be proud.
And they that ascribe all good unto God, whatsoever they have received, seek not glory one of another, but desire that glory which is from God alone ; and above
1 Matt. xxii. [21.]
2 Luke xiv. fioj
62
Zijat tfjc lobcrs of tfjc Cross arc itia
all things that God may be praised in Himself, and in all His saints ; and are always pressing on for this very thing.
5. Be therefore thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be meet to receive greater*.
Let the least be unto thee even as the greatest, yea the most contemptible gift as of especial value.
If thou consider the worth of the giver, no gift w^U seem little, or of too mean esteem. For that cannot be little
which is given by the most High God.
Yea, if He should give punishment and stripes, it ought to be matter of thank- fulness ; because He doeth always for our welfare, what- soever He permitted to hap- pen unto us.
He that desireth to keep the grace of God, let him be thankful for grace given, and patient for the taking away thereof : let him pray that it may return ; let him be cautious and humble, lest he lose it.
Chapter XI
T/iaf the lovers of the Cross ^ Jesus arefeiu
JESUS hath now many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His cross.
He hath many desirous of consolation, but few of tribu- lation.
He findeth many com- panions of His table, but few of His abstinence.
All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to en- dure any thing for Him. Many follow Ji'.sus unto
the breaking of bread ; but few to the drinking of the cup of His passion.^
Many reverence His mir- acles, few follow the igno- miny of His cross.
Many love Jesus so long as no adversities befall them.
Many praise and bless Him so long as they receive any consolation from Him.
I5ut if jKsrs hide Himself, and leave them but a little 1 Luke i.x. [14.]; xxii. [41, 42.]
€f)at tf)c lobcrs of tf)c ^ross arc fciu
63
while, they fall either into complaining, oi" into too much dejection of mind.
2. But they who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for some special comfort which they receive, bless Him in all tribulation and anguish of heart, as well as in the state of highest comfort.
Yea although He should never be willing to give them comfort, they notwithstand- ing would ever praise Him, and wish to be always giving thanks.
3. O how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, which is mixed with no self-interest, nor self-love !
Are not all those to be called mercenary, who are ever seeking consolations ?
Do they not show them- selves to be rather lovers of themselves than of Christ, who are always thinking of their own profit and advan- tage ?i
Where shall one be found who is willing to serve God for nought ?
4. Rarely is any one found so spiritual as to have suffered the loss of all things.
For where is any man to be found that is indeed poor in spirit, and thoroughly void of 1 P.ill. ii. [21.]
all leaning on created things ? " From afar, yea from the ends of the earth, is his value."!
If a man should give all his substance, it is as yet nothing.
And if he should practise great repentance, still it is little.
And if he should attain to all knowledge, he is still afar off.
And if he should be of great virtue, and of very fer- vent devotion, yet there is much wanting : especially one thing, which is most necessary for him.
What is that? That leaving all, he forsake himself, and go wholly from himself,- and retain nothing of self-love.
And when he hath done all that is to be done, so far as he knoweth, let him think that he hath done nothing.
5. Let him not think that of great weight, which might be esteemed great ; but let him in truth pronounce him- self to be an unprofitable servant, as the/ Truth Him- self saith, " When you shall have done all things that are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants. "^
1 Prov. xxxi. [10. Latin version.]
2 Matt. xvi. [24.]
3 Luke xvii. [10.]
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m tfjc Hogal mas of tfjc f^olg Cross
Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, and say with the Prophet, *' I am desolate and afflicted."^
Yet none is richer than 1 Psalm XXV. [i6.]
that man, none more power- ful, none more free ; for he knoweth how to leave himself and all things, and to set himself in the lowest place.
Chapter XII
0/f/ie Royal Way of the Holy Cross
UNTO many this seem- eth an hard speech, "Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus. "^
But much harder will it be to hear that last word, " De- part from me, }'e cursed, into everlasting fire."-
For they who now willingly hear and follow the word of the cross, shall not then fear-^ to hear the sentence of ever- lasting damnation.
This sign of the cross shall be in the heaven, when the Lord shall come to judgment.
Then all the servants of the cross, who in their life-time conformed themselves unto C'hrist crucified, shall draw near unto Christ the judge with great confidence.
1 Matt. xvi. [24.]
2 Matt. XXV. I41.]
3 Psalm cxii. [7.]
2. Why therefore fearest thou to take up the cross which leadeth thee to a kingdom ?
In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection against our enemies, in the cross is in- fusion of heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross joy of spirit, in the cross the height of virtue, in the cross the perfection of sanctity.
There is no salvation of the soul, nor hope of everlasting life, but in the cross.
Take up therefore thy cross and follow Jesus,^ and thou shalt go into life everlasting. He went l^efore, bearing His cross,- and died for thee on the cross ; that thou mightest
1 Luke xiv. 127.]
2 John xix. [17.]
<^t tfje laosal lUau of tfjc ??ol2 Cross
6:;
also bear thy cross and desire to die on the cross with Him. For if thou be dead with Him, thou shalt also live with Him. And if thou be His companion in punishment, thou shalt be partaker with Him also in glory. ^
3. Behold ! in the cross all doth consist, and all lieth in our dying thereon ; for there is no other way unto life, and unto true inward peace, but the way of the holy cross, and of daily mor- tification.
Go where thou wilt, seek whatsoever thou wilt, thou shalt not find a higlier way above, nor a safer way below, than the way of the holy cross.
Dispose and order all things according to thy will and judgment ; yet thou shalt ever find, that of ne- cessity thou must suffer some- what, either willingly or against thy will, and so thou shalt ever find the cross.
For either thou shalt feel pain in thy body, or in thy soul thou shalt suffer tribulation.
4. Sometimes thou shalt be forsaken of God, some- times thou shalt be troubled by thy neighbours ; and, what is more, oftentimes thou
1 2 Cor. i. [5.]
shalt be vrearisome to thy- self
Neither canst thou be de- livered or eased by any remedy or comfort ; but so long as it pleaseth God, thou must bear it.
For God will have thee learn to suffer tribulation without comfort ; and that thou subject thyself wholly to Him, and by tribulation become more humble.
No man hath so in his heart a sympathy with the passion of Christ, as he who hath suffered the like himself.
The cross therefore is al- ways ready, and eveiy where waits for thee.
Thou canst not escape it whithersoever thou runnest ; for wheresoever thou goest, thou carriest thyself with thee, and shalt ever find thyself
Both above and below, without and within, which way soever thou dost turn thee, every where thou shalt find the cross ; and eveiy where of necessity thou must hold fast patience, if thou wilt have inward peace, and enjoy an everlasting crown.
5. If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee, and lead thee to the desired end, namely, where there
65
(Bt tf)e aaogal WLa^ of tfjc l^olg Cross
shall be an end of suffering, though here there shall not be.
If thou bear it unwillingly, thou makest for thyself a burden, and increasest thy load, which yet notwithstand- ing thou must bear.
If thou cast away one cross, without doubt thou shalt find another, and that perhaps more heavy.
6. Thinkest thou to escape that which no mortal man could ever avoid? Which of the saints in the world was without crosses, and tribulation.
For not even our Lord Jesus Christ was ever one hour without the anguish of His Passion, so long as He lived. "Christ" (saith He) "must needs suffer, and rise again from the dead, and so enter into His glory. "^ And how dost thou seek any other way than this royal way, which is the way of the holy cross.
7. Christ's whole life was a cross and martyrdom : and dost thou seek rest and joy for thyself?
Thou art deceived, thou
art deceived if thou seek any
other thing than to suffer
tribulations ; for this whole
1 Luke xxiv. [26.]
mortal life is full of miseries, ^ and marked on every side with crosses.
And the higher a person hath advanced in the Spirit, so much the heavier crosses he oftentimes findeth ; be- cause the grief of his banish- ment increaseth with his love to God,
8. Nevertheless this man, though so many ways afflicted, is not without refreshing com- fort, for that he perceiveth very much benefit to accrue unto him by the bearing of his own cross.
For whilst he willingly putteth himself under it, all the burden of tribulation is turned into the confidence of divine comfort.
And the more the flesh is wasted by affliction, so much the more is the spirit streng- thened by inward grace.
And sometimes he is so comforted with the desire of tribulation and adversity, for the love of conformity to the cross of Christ, that he would not wish to be without grief and tribulation ;^ because he believes that he shall be unto God so much the more acceptable, the more and the more grievous things he
1 Jobvii. [i.] 2 2 Cor. iv. [16.] ; xi. [23-30.]
©f tijc Eogal 5imas of tfjf |l?oIs Cross
67
is permitted to suffer for Him.
This is not the power of man, but it is the grace of Christ, which can and doth so much in frail flesh ; so that what naturally it always abhors and flees from, that through fervour of spirit it encounters and loves.
9. It is not according to man's inclination to bear the cross, to love the cross, to chastise the body and bring it into subjection, to flee honours, willingly to suffer contumelies, to despise one- self and to wish to be despised, to endure all ad- versities and losses, and to desire no prosperity in this world.
If thou look to thyself, thou shalt be able of thyself to accomplish nothing of this kind.i
But if thou trust in the Lord, strength shall be given thee from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to thy com- mand. .
Neither shalt thou fear thine enemy the devil, if thou be armed with faith, aiid signed with the cross of Christ.
10. Set thyself therefore,
1 2 Cor. iii. [5.]
like a good and faithful ser- vant of Christ, to bear man- fully the cross of thy Lord, who out of love was crucified for thee.
Prepare thyself to bear many adversities and divers kinds of troubles in this miserable life ; for so it will be with thee, wheresoever thou art, and so surely thou shalt find it, wheresoever thou hide thyself.
So it must be ; nor is there any remedy nor means to escape from tribulation and sorrow, but only to endure them.
Drink of the Lord's cup^ with hearty affection, if thou desire to be His friend, and to have part with Him.
As for comforts, leave them to God ; let Him do therein as shall best please Him.
But do thou set thyself to suffer tribulations, and ac- count them the greatest com- forts ; for the sufferings of this present time, although thou alone couldst suffer them all, cannot worthily deserve the glory which is to come.
1 1. When thou shalt come to this estate, that tribulation^
1 Matt. XX. [23.]; John .wiii. [ii.l
2 Rom. V. [3.]; Gal. vi. [14.]
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m t\)t Mo^al mas of tlje fio\^ Cross
shall seem sweet, and thou shalt relish it for Christ's sake ; then think it to be well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon earth. As long as it is grievous to thee to suffer, and thou de- sirest to escape, so long shalt thou be ill at ease, and the desire of escaping tribulation shall follow thee every where.
12. If thou dost set thyself to that thououghtest, namely, to suffering and to death, it will quickly be better with thee, and thou shalt find peace.
Although thou shouldst have been rapt even unto the third heaven with Paul,^ thou art not by this secured that thou shalt suffer no ad- versity. *' I will shew him" (saith Jesus) "how great things he must suffer for my name."^
It remaineth therefore, that thou suffer, if it please thee to love Jesus, and to serve Him constantly.
13. O that thou wert worthy to suffer something for the Name of Jesus !^ How great glory would re- main unto thyself; what joy would arise to all God's
1 2 Cor. xii. [4.]
2 Acts ix. fi6.]
3 Acts V. [41.]
saints ; how great edification also to thy neighbour !
For all men recommend patience ; few, however, they are who are willing to suffer.
With great reason oughtest thou cheerfully to suffer some little for Christ's sake ; since many suffer more grievous things for the world.
14. Know for certain that thou oughtest to lead a dying life. 1 And the more any man dieth to himself, so much the more doth he begin to live unto God,
No man is fit to compre- hend things heavenly, unless he submit himself to the bearing of adversities for Christ's sake.
Nothing is more accept- able to God, nothing more wholesome to thee in this world, than that thou suffer cheerfully for Christ.
And if thou couldst choose, thou oughtest rather to wish to suffer adversities for Christ, than to be refreshed with many consolations ; because thou wouldst thus be more like unto Christ, and more comformable to all the saints.
For our worthiness and the growth of our spiritual estate consisteth not in many sweet- nesses and comforts ; but 1 Psalm xliv. [22.]
0t t})z i^ogal SSEag of tfje pjolg Cross
69
rather in the patient enduring of great afflictions and tribu- lations.
15. Indeed if there had been any better thing, and more profitable to man's sal- vation, than suffering, surely Christ would have shewed it by word and example.
For both the disciples that followed Him, and also all who desire to follow Him, He plainly exhor^^^^h to the
bearing of the cross, and saith, "If any man will come after me, let him deny him- self, and take up his cross, and follow me."^
So that when we have thoroughly read and searched all, let this be the final con- clusion, "That through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God."^
1 I. like ix. [23.]
2 Acts xiv. [22.]
(J^ltc ^hirb 5J3ook
OF INTERNAL CONSOLATION
Chapter I
Of C/irisfs speaking viwardly to the Faithful Soul
I
WILL hearken what the Lord God will speak in
Blessed is the soul which heareth the Lord speaking within her, 2 and receiveth from His mouth the word of consolation.
Blessed are the ears that gladly i-eceive the pulses of the Divine whisper,^ and give no heed to the many whisperings of this world.
Blessed indeed are those ears which listen not after the voice which is sounding without, but for the Truth teaching within.
Blessed are the eyes which
1 Psalm Ixxxv. [8.]
2 I Sam. iii. fg.]
3 Matt. xiii. [16, 17.]
but intent on things within
Blessed are they that enter far into inward things, and endeavour to prepare them- selves, more and more, by daily exercises, for the re- ceiving of heavenly secrets.
Blessed are they who are glad to have time to spare for God, and who shake off all worldly hindrances.
2. Consider these things,
0 my soul, and shut up the door of thy sensual desires, that thou mayest hear what the Lord thy God shall speak in thee.^
Thus saith thy Beloved,
1 am thy Salvation,^ thy
1 Psalm l.vxxv. [8.]
2 Psalm XXXV. [3. J
(Bi tfje Erutfj spcaiking tnioattilg
71.
Peace, and thy Life : keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace.
Let go all transitory things, and seek those that be ever- lasting.
What are all temporal things, but snares? and what can all creatures avail thee.
if thou be forsaken by the Creator.
Bid farewell therefore to all things else, and labour to please thy Creator, and to be faithful unto Him, that so thou mayest be able to attain unto true blessed- ness.
Chapter II
T/ia^ the Ti'iith speaketh inwardly without noise of Words
SPEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.^
I am Thy servant, grant me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. ^
Licline my heart to the words of Thy mouth : let Thy speech distil as the dew.
The children of Israel in times past said unto Moses, *' Speak thou unto us, and we will hear : let not the Lord speak unto us lest we die. "3
Not so, Lord, not so, I beseech Thee : but rather with the prophet Samuel,
1 I Sam. iii. [9.]
2 Psalm cxix. [125.] • 3 Exod. XX. [19. J
I humbly and earnestly en- treat, " Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth."
Let not Moses speak unto me, nor any of the prophets, but rather do thou speak, O Lord God, the inspirer and enlightener of all the pro- phets ; for thou alone with- out them canst perfectly instruct me, but they with- out thee can profit nothing.
2. They indeed may utter words, but they cannot give the Spirit.
Most beautifully do they speak, but if thou be silent, they inflame not the heart.
They teach the letter, but thou openest the sense : they bring forth mysteries, but
©f tearing (Boll's WH^axh bitfj It^umilitg
thou unlockest the meaning of sealed things.
They declare thy com- mandments, but thou helpest us to fulfil them.
They point out the way, but thou givest strength to walk in it.
They work only outwardly, but thou instructest and en- lightenest the heart.
They water, but thou giv- est the increase.
They cry aloud in words, but thou impartest under- standing to the hearing.
3. Let not Moses there- fore speak unto me, but thou, O Lord my God, the
everlasting Truth ; lest I die, and prove unfruitful, if I be only warned outwardly, and not inflamed within :
Lest it turn to my con- demnation,— the word heard and not fulfilled, known and not loved, believed and not observed.
Speak therefore. Lord, for thy servant heareth ; for thou hast the words of eternal life. ^
Speak thou unto me, to the comfort, however imper- fect, of my soul, and to the amendment of my whole life, and to thy praise and glory and honour everlasting. 1 John vi. [68.]
Chapter III
T/iaf the Words of God are to be heard with Humility, and that many weigh them not
MY son, hear my words, words of greatest sweetness, surpassing all the knowledge of the philoso- phers and wise men of this world.
" My words are Spirit and Life," ^ and not to be weighed by the understanding of man.
1 John vi. [63. J
They are not to be drawn forth for vain approbation, but to be heard in silence, and to be received with all humility and great affection.
And I said, Blessed is the man whom thou shalt in- struct, O Lord, and shalt teach out of thy law, that thou mayest give him rest
(Bt i^tarins (Soli's 512Eorti iuit!) I^umilitg 73
from the evil days,^ and that he be not desolate upon earth.
2. I TAUGHT the prophets from the beginning'^ (saith the I.ord), and cease not, even to this day, to speak to all ; but many are hardened, and deaf to my voice.
Most men do more Avill- ingly listen to the world than to God ; they sooner follow the desires of their own flesh, than God's good pleasure.
The world promiseth things temporal and mean, and is sei-ved with great eagerness : I promise things most high and eternal ; and yet the hearts of men remain torpid and insensible.
Who is there that in all things serveth and obeyeth me with so great care as the world and its lords are served withal ? Be ashamed, O Si- don, saith the sea.^ And if thou ask the cause, hear wherefore.
For a small income a long journey is undertaken ; for everlasting life many will scarce once lift a foot from the ground.
The most pitiful reward is
1 Psalm xciv. [12, 13.]
2 Heb. i. [i.]
3 Compare Isaiah xxiii. [4.]
sought after ; for a single bit of money sometimes there is shameful contention ; for a vain matter and slight pro- mise men fear not to toil day and night.
3. But, alas ! for an un- changeable good, for an in- estimable reward, for the highest honour, and glory without end, they grudge even the least fatigue.
Be ashamed, therefore, thou slothful and complain- ing servant, that they are found to be more ready to destruction than thou to life.
They rejoice more in vanity than thou dost in the truth.
Sometimes, indeed, they are frustrated of their hope ; but my promise deceiveth none,^ nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in me.
What I have promised, 1 will give ; what I have said I will fulfil ; if only any man remain faithful in my love even to the end.
I am the rewarder of all good men, 2 and the strong approver of all who are de- voted to me.
4. Write thou my words in thy heart, and meditate diligently on them ; for in
1 Rom. i. [16.] ; Matt. xxiv. [35.]
2 Rev. ii. [23.]; Matt. v. [6.]; XXX. [21.]
74 ®f fjcaring (Gotj's SHortJ ijjttfj f^umilitj
time of temptation they will be very needful for thee.
What thou understandest not when thou readest, thou shalt know in the day of visitation.
In two ways I am wont to visit mine elect, namely, with temptation and with consola- tion.
And I daily read two les- sons to them, one in reprov- ing their vices, another in exhorting them to the in- crease of all virtues.
He that hath my words and despiseth them, hath one that shall judge him in the last day.
5. A Prayer to implore the grace of Devotion.
0 Lord my God ! Thou art to me whatsoever is good. And who am I, that I should dare to speak to thee?^ I am thy poorest, meanest ser- vant, and a most vile worm, much more poor and con- temptible than I can or dare express.
Yet do thou remember, O
1 Gen. xviii. [27.]; 1 Sam. xviii. [18, 23.]
Lord, that I am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing.
Thou alone art good, just, and holy ; thou canst do all things, thou accomplishest all things, thou fillest all things, only the sinner thou leavest empty.
Remember thy mercies, and fill my heart with thy grace, thou who wilt not that thy works should be void and in vain.
6. How can I bear up myself in this miserable life, unless thou strengthen me with thy mercy and grace ?
Turn not thy face away from me ;^ delay not thy visitation ; withdraw not thy consolation, lest my soul be- come as a thirsty land.
Teach me, O Lord, to do thy will ;^ teach me to live worthily and humbly in thy sight ; for thou art my wis- dom, thou dost truly know me, and didst know me be- fore the world was made, and before I was born into the world.
1 Psalm Ixix. [ty.]
2 Psalm cxliii. [10.]
©f balking in ^rutfj antf l^umilitg
75
Chapter IV
T/ia^ we ought to live in Truth and Humility
before God
MY son, walk thou be- fore me in truth, and ever seek me in simplicity of thy heart. ^
He that walketh before me in truth, shall be defended from the assaults of evil, and the truth shall set him^ free from seducers, and from the slanders of unjust men.
If the truth shall have made thee free, thou shalt be free indeed, and shalt not- care for the vain words of men.
0 Lord, it is true. Ac- cording as thou sayest : so, I beseech thee, let it be with me ; let thy truth teach me, guard me, and presei^ve me safe to the end.
Let it set me free from all evil ■ affection and inordi- nate love ; and I shall walk with thee in great liberty of heart.
2. I WILL teach thee (saith the Truth) those things which
1 Gen. xvii. [i.] : Wis. i. [i.]
2 John viii. [32.]
are right and pleasing in my sight.
Reflect on thy sins with great displeasure and grief ; and never esteem thyself to be anything, because of any good works.
In truth thou art a sinner ; thou art subject to and encum- bered with many passions. 01 thyself thou always tendest to nothing ; speedily art thou cast down, speedily over- come, speedily disordered, speedily dissolved.
Thou hast nothing whereof thou canst glory,^ but many things for which thou ought- est to account thyself vile ; for thou art much weaker than thou art able to com- prehend.
3. And therefore let nothing seem much unto thee what- soever thou doest.
Let nothing seem great, nothing precious and wonder- ful, nothing worthy of esti- mation, nothing high, nothing 1 I Cor. iv. [7.]
76
©f talking in ^rutfj anti It^utnilitg
truly commendable, and to be desired, but that alone which is eternal.
Let the eternal truth be above all things pleasing to thee : Let thine own extreme unworthiness be always dis- pleasing to thee.
Fear nothing, blame no- thing, flee nothing, so much as thy vices and sins ; which ought to be more unpleasing to thee than any losses what- soever of things earthly.
Some walk not sincerely in my sight, ^ but out of curi- osity and pride desire to know my secrets, and to understand the high things of God, ne- glecting themselves and their own salvation.
These oftentimes, when I oppose myself to them, for their pride and curiosity do fall into great temptations and sins.
4. Fear thou the judgments of God, and dread the wrath of the Almighty. Discuss not thou the works of the
[17-3
Ecclus. iii. [21-23.] ; ~ Cor. ii.
Most High, but search dili- gently thine own iniquities, in how great things thou hast offended, and how many good things thou hast neglected.
Some place their devotion only in books, some in pic- tures, some in outward signs and figures.
Some have me in their mouths, but little in their hearts. ^
Others there are who, being illuminated in their under- standings, and purged in their affection, do always pant after things eternal, are unwilling to hear of the things of this A\'orld, and serve the necessities of nature with grief; and these perceive what the Spirit of truth speaketh in them.^
For He teacheth them to despise earthly, and to love heavenly things ; to neglect the world, and to desire heaven all the day and night. ^
1 Isaiah xxix. [13.]
2 Psalm XXV. [5.]
3 Psalm i. [2.3
©f t\)t effect or Bibinc llobe
77
Chapter V Of the Wonderful effect of Divine Love
I BLESS thee, O Heaven- ly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that thou hast vouchsafed to re- member me a poor crea- ture.
0 Father of mercies, and God of all comfort,^ thanks be unto thee, who sometimes with thy comfort refreshest me, unworthy as I am of all comfort.
1 will alway bless and glo- rify thee, with thine only- begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, for ever and ever.
Ah, Lord God, thou holy lover of my soul, when thou comest into my heart, all that is within me shall rejoice.
Thou art my glory and the exultation of my heart : Thou art my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation.^
2. But because I am as yet weak in love, and imperfect in virtue, I have need to be strengthened and comforted by thee; visit me therefore
1 2 Cor. i. [3.1
2 Psalm xxxii. [7.] ; lix. [16.]
often, and instruct me wilh all holy discipline.
Set me free from evil pas- sions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections : thr.t being inwardly cured and thoroughly cleansed, I maybe made ht to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere.
3. Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough good ; by itself it makes every thing that is heavy, light : and it bears evenly all that is uneven.
For it carries a burden which is no burden,^ and makes every thing that is bitter, sweet and savoury.
The noble love of Jesus impels a man to do great things, and stirs him up to be always longing for what is more perfect.
Love desires to be on high, and will not be kept back by anything low and mean.
Love desires to be free, and
estranged from all worldly
affections, that so its inward
sight may not be hindered ;
1 Matt. xi. [30.]
78
0i t})t effect of Dibinc Eofae
that it may not be entangled by any temporal prosperity, or subdued by any adversity.
Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing more coura- geous, nothing higher, no- thing wider, nothing moi-e pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven and earth ; because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God, above all created things.
4. He that loveth, flieth, runneth and rejoiceth ; he is free and is not bound.
He giveth all for all, and hath all in all ; because he risteth in One Highest above all things, from whom all that is good flows and proceeds.
He respecteth not the gifts, but turneth himself above all goods unto the giver.
Love oftentimes knoweth no bounds, but is fervent beyond all measure.
Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility ; for it thinks all things lawful for itself and all things possible.
It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and l)rings them to a conclusion, where he who does not love, faints and lies down.
5. Love watcheth, and, sleeping, slumbereth not.^
Though weary, love is not tired ; though pressed, it is not straitened ; though alarmed, it is not confounded : but as a lively flame and burning torch, it forces its way up- wards, and securely passes through all.
If any man love, he know- eth what is the cry of this voice. Fo.. '* is a loud cry in the ears of God, this ardent affection of the soul which saith, "My God, my Love, Thou art all mine, and I am all thine."
6. Enlarge thou me in love, that, with the inward palate of my heart, I may taste how sweet it is to love, and to be dissolved, and as it were to bathe myself in thy love.
Let me be possessed by love, mounting above myself, through excessive fervour and admiration.
Let me sing the song of love, let me follow thee, my Beloved, on high ; let my soul spend itself in thy praise, rejoicing through love.
Let me love thee more
than myself, and love myself
only for thee ; and in thee all
that tnily love thee, as the
I Rom. viil. [19.]
©f tf)e probincf of a true Eofacr
79
law of love commandeth, shining out from thyself.
7. Love is active, sincere, affectionate, pleasant, and amiable ; courageous, pa- tient, faithful, prudent, long- suffering, manly, and never seeking itself.^
For in whatever instance a person seeketh himself, there he falleth from love.^
Love is circumspect, hum- ble, and upright ; not yield- ing to softness, or to levity, nor attending to vain things ; it is sober, chaste, steady, quiet, and guarded in all the senses.
1 I Cor. xiii. [5.] 2 I Cor. X. [33]; Phil. ii. [21.]
Love is subject, and obedi- ent to its superiors ; unto itself mean and despised, unto God devout and thank- ful, trusting and hoping al- ways in Him, even then when God imparteth no relish of sweetness unto it : for without sorrow none liveth in love.
8. He that is not prepared to suffer all things, and to stand to the will of his Be- loved, is not worthy to be called a lover.
A lover ought to embrace willingly all that is hard and distasteful for the sake of his Beloved ; and not to turn away from Him on account of any contradictions.
Chapter VI
Of the proving of a true Lover
MY son, thou art not yet a courageous and considerate lover.
Wherefore savest Thou this, O Lord ?
Because for a slight op- position thou givest over thy undertakings, and too eagerly seekest consolation.
A courageous lover stand- eth firm in temptations, and giveth no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in pros- perity, so in adversity I am not vmpleasing to him.^
2. A wise lover regardeth not so much the gift of him 1 Phil. iv. [11-13.1
8o
©r tfjc probinri of a true ILobcr
who loves him, as the love of the giver.
He esteems the good will rather than the value of the gift, and sets all gifts below him whom he loves.
A noble-minded lover rest- eth not in the gift, but in me above every gift.
All therefore is not lost, if sometimes thou thinkest less of me or my saints than thou wouldest.
That good and sweet af- fection which thou sometimes feelest, is the effect of grace present, and a sort of fore- taste of thy heavenly home : but hereon thou must not lean too much, for it cometh and goeth.
But to strive against evil thoughts which may befall thee, and to reject^ with scorn "the suggestions of the devil, is a notable sign of virtue, and shall have great reward.
3. Let no strange fancies therefore trouble thee, which on any subject whatever may crowd into thy mind. Keep thy purpose with courage, and preserve an upright in- tention towards God.
Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art sud- denly rapt on high, and 1 Matt. iv. [10 ]
presently returnest again un- to the accustomed vanities of thy heart.
For these thou dost rather unwillingly suffer, than com- mit : and so long as they dis- please thee, and thou strivest against them, it is matter of reward, and not of loss.
4. Know that the old enemy doth strive by all means to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises ; par- ticularly, from the reverent estimation of God's saints, from the devout commem.ora- tion of my Passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of advancing in virtue.
Many evil thoughts does he suggest to thee, that so he may cause a wearisomeness and horror in thee, to call thee back from prayer and holy reading.
Humble confession is dis- pleasing unto him ; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from Holy Com- munion.
Trust him not, nor heed him, although he should often set snares of deceit to entrap thee.
Charge him with it, when
he suggesteth evil and unclean thoughts unto thee ; say unto him,
*' Away thou unclean spirit ! ^ blush thou miser- able wretch ! most unclean art thou that bringst such things unto mine ears.
"Begone from me, thou wicked seducer ! thou shalt have no part in me : but Jesus shall be with me as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded.
"I had rather die, and undergo any torment, than consent unto thee.
"Hold thy peace and be silent ; I wull hear thee no more, though thou shouldst work me many troubles. * The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear ?'^
1 Matt. iv. [lo.] ; xvi. [23.] 2 Psalm xxvii. [i.]
" Though an host of men rose against me, yet should not my heart be afraid. The Lord is my Helper and my Redeemer."
5. Fight like a good soldier:^ and if thou some- times fall through frailty, take again greater strength than before, tnisting in my more abundant grace : and take great heed of vain pleasing of thyself, and of pride.
Pride brings many into error, and makes them some- times fall into blindness almost incurable.
Let the fall of the proud, thus foolishly presuming on their own strength, serve thee for a warning, and keep thee ever humble.
1 Psalm xxvii. [14.] ; [12.]
Tim. vi.
Chapter VII That Grace is to be guarded by Huinility
M
Y son, it is more profitable for thee and more safe, to conceal the grace of devotion ; not to lift thyself on high, nor to speak much thereof, nor to
dwell much thereon ; but rather to despise thyself, and to fear lest the grace have been given to one unworthy of it.
This affection thou must
_.
not too earnestly cleave unto, for it may be quickly changed to the contrary.
Think when thou art in grace, how miserable and needy thou art wont to be without grace.
Nor is it in this only that thy progress in spiritual life consists, that thou hast the grace of comfort ; but rather tliat with humility,self-denial, and patience, thou endurest the withdrawing thereof ; provided thou do not then become listless in the exer- cise of prayer, nor suffer the rest of thy accustomed duties to be at all neglected.
Rather do thou cheerfully perform what lieth in thee, according to the best of thy power and understanding ; and do not wholly neglect thyself because of the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest.
2. For there are many who, when things succeed not well with them, presently become impatient or slothful.
For the way of man is not always in his power, ^ but it belongeth unto God to give, and to comfort, when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will ; as it shall please him, and no more.
1 Jcr. X. [23.]; Rom. ix. [16.]
Some unadvised persons, by reason of their over-earnest desire of the grace of a de- voted life, have overthrown themselves ; because they attempted more than they were able to perform, not weighing the measure of their own weakness, but fol- lowing the desire of their heart rather than the judg- ment of their reason.
And because they dwelt on greater matters than was pleasing to God, they there- fore quickly lost his grace.
They who had built them- selves nests ^ in heaven were made helpless and vile out- casts ; to the end that being humbled and impoverished, they might learn not to fly with their own wings, but to trust under my feathers.
They that are yet but novices and inexperienced in the way of the Lord, unless they govern themselves by the counsel of discreet per- sons, may easily be deceived and broken to pieces.
3. And if they will rather follow their own notions than trust to others who are more experienced, their end will be dangerous, at least if they are unwilling to be drawn away from their own conceit. 1 Isaiah xiv. [13.]
®f (Sracc gitarteli bg p^umilttg
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It is seldom the case that they who are wise in their own conceit endure humbly to be governed by others.
Better is it to have a small portion of good sense, with humility^ and a slender understanding, than great treasures of science with vain self-complacency.
Better it is for thee to have little, than much of that which may make thee proud. ,
He acts not veiy discreet- | ly, who wholly gives himself | over to joy, forgetting his j former helplessness, and that chastened fear of the Lord, which is afraid of losing the grace which hath been offered. !
Nor again is he very valiant- \ ly wise who, in time of adver- j sity or any heaviness, at once ! yields too much to despair- ! ing thoughts, and reflects , and thinks of me less trust- } fully than he ought. |
4. He who in time of I peace is willing to be over ! secure^ shall be often found j in time of war too much de- : jected and full of fears. i
If thou couldest always ! continue humble and moder- ate within thyself, and also couldest thoroughly moderate and govern thy spirit, thou
1 Psalm xvi. [2.] ; xvi. [10.] 2 I Thes. V. [6.]
wouldst not so quickly fall into danger and offence.
It is good counsel, that when fervour of spirit is kindled within thee, thou shouldst consider how it will be, when .that light shall leave thee.
And when this happeneth, then remember that the light may return again, which, as a warning to thyself, and for mine own glory, I have with- drawn for a time.^
5. Such trials are often- times more profitable, than if thou shouldst always have things prosper according to thy will.
For a man's worthiness is not to be estimated by the number of visions and com- forts which he may have, or by his skill in the Scriptures, or by his being placed in high station.
But if he be grounded in true humility, and full of divine charily ; if he be al- \A-ays purely and sincerely seeking God's honour ; if he think nothing of and un- feignedly despise himself,"^ and even rejoice more to be despised and made low by others, than to be honoured by them,
1 Job vii. 2 Psalm Ixxxiv. [10.]
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Chapter VIII Of a mean conceit of ourselves in tJie sight of God
SHALL I speak unto my Lord, who am but dust and ashes ?^ If I esteem my- self to be any thing more, be- hold, Thou standest against me, and my iniquities bear true witness, and I cannot contradict it.
But if I abase myself, and reduce myself to nothing, and shrink from all self- esteem, and grind myself to the dust I am, thy grace will be favourable to me, and thy light near unto my heart ; and all self-esteem, how little soever, shall be swallowed up in the valley of my nothingness, and perish for ever.
There thou shewest thy- self unto me, what I am, what I have been, and whither I am come ; for I am nothing, and I knew it not.
If I be left to myself, be- hold, I become nothing but mere weakness ; but if thou for an instant look upon me, I am fortliwith made strong, and am filled with new joy, 1 Gen. xviii. [27.]
And a great marvel it is, that I am so suddenly lifted up, and so graciously em- braced by thee, who of mine own weight am always sink- ing downward.
2. Thy love is the cause hereof, freely preventing me, and relieving me in so many necessities, guarding me also from pressing dangers, and snatching me (as I may tmly say) from evils out of num- ber.
For indeed by loving my- self amiss, I lost myself ;i and by seeking thee alone, and purely loving thee, I have found both myself and thee, and by that love have more deeply reduced myself to nothing.
Because thou, O dearest Lord, dealest with me above all desert, and above all that I dare hope or ask.
3. Blessed be thou, my God : for although I be unworthy of any benefits, yet thy royal bounty and in- finite goodness never cease
1 John xii. [25.]
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to do good even to the un- grateful,^ and to those who are turned away far from thee.
1 Matt. V. [45.1
Turn thou us unto thee, that we may be thankful, humble, and devout ; for thou art our salvation, our courage, and our strength.
Chapter IX
lliat all things are to he rcfej'red unto God, as their last end
MY son, I ought to be thy supreme and ul- timate end, if thou desire to be truly blessed.
By this intention thy affec- tions will be purified, which are too often inordinately in- clined to selfishness and unto creatures.
For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, immediately thou faintest and driest up.
I would therefore thou shouldst refer all things prin- cipally unto me, for I am He who have given all.
Consider every thing as flowing from the Highest Good ;^ and therefore unto me as their original all must be brought back.
2. From me, as from a living fountain, the small and the great, the poor and the 1 Ecclus. i. [5.]
rich, do draw the water of life ;i and they that willingly and freely serve me shall re- ceive grace for grace.
But he who desires to gloiy in things out of me,^ or to take pleasure in some private good, shall not be grounded in trae joy, nor be enlarged in his heart, but shall many ways be encum- bered and straitened.
Thou oughtest therefore to ascribe nothing of good to thyself, nor do thou attnbute goodness unto any man ; but give all unto God, without whom man hath nothing.
I have given thee all,^ and my will is to have thee all again ; and with great strict- ness do I exact from thee u return of thanks.
1 John iv. [14.] 2 i Cor. i. [29.] 3 I Cor. iv. [6.]
3- This is the truth where- by vain-gloiy i:> put to flight.
And if heavenly grace en- ter in and true charity, there will be no envy nor narrow- ness of heart, neither will self-love busy itself.
For divine charity over- cometh all things, and en-
largeth all the powers of the soul.
If thou rightly judge, thou wait rejoice in me alone, in me alone thou wilt hope ; for none is good save God alone, ^ who is to be praised above all things, and in all to be blessed. 1 Matt. xix. [17.] ; Luke xviii. [12.]
Chapter X
That to despise the Worhi and se?'ve God, is sweet
NOW I will speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent ; I will say in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King, who is on high : '* O how great is the abundance of thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee."^
But what art thou to those who love thee? what to those who serve thee with their whole heart ?
Truly unspeakable is the sweetness of contemplating thee, which thou bestowest on them that love thee.
In this especially thou hast shewed me the sweetness of thy love : that when I was 1 Ps.ilin xxxi. [19]
not, thou madest me ; when I went far astray from thee, thou broughtest me back again, that I might serve thee ; and that thou hast commanded me to love thee.^
2. O fountain of love un- ceasing, what shall I say concerning thee ?
How can I forget thee, who hast vouchsafed to re- member me, even after I had wasted away and perished ?
Thou hast shewed mercy to thy servant beyond all expectation : and hast ex- hibited favour and loving- kindness beyond all desert.
What return shall I make
1 Gen. i. [27.] ; Psalm cxix. [73.] ; Matt. XV.
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to thee for this grace ?^ For it is not granted to all to for- sake all, to renounce the world, and to undertake a life of religious retirement.
Is it any great thing that I should serve thee,^ whom the whole creation is bound to serve ?
It ought not to seem much to me, to serve thee : but rather this doth appear much to me, and wonderful ; that i thou vouchsafest to receive into thy service one so poor ' and unworthy, and to make ! him one with thy beloved j servants,
3. Behold, all things are , thine which I have, and 1 whereby I serve thee.-^ |
And yet contrariwise, thou rather servest me than I thee.
Behold, heaven and earth which Thou hast created for the service of man, are ready at hand, and do daily per- form whatever thou hast commanded.
And this is little : Thou hast moreover also appointed angels to minister to man.^
But that which excelleth all is this, that thou thyself hast vouchsafed to serve man,
1 Psalm cxvi. fi.]
2 Judges xvi. [15.]
3 I Cor. iv. [7.]
4 Psalm xcL [11.]; Heb. i. [14.I
and hast promised that thou wouldst give thyself unto him.
4. Wliat shall I give thee for all these thousands of benefits ? I would I could serve thee all the days of my life.
I would I were able, at least for one day, to do thee some worthy service.
Truly thou art worthy of all service, of all honour, antl everlasting praise.
Truly thou art my Lord, and I thy poor servant, who am bound to serve thee with all my might, neither ought I ever to be weary of prais- ing thee.
And this I wish to do, this I desire : and whatsoever is wanting unto me, do thou, I beseech thee, vouchsafe to supply.
5. It is a great honour, and a great glory, to serve thee, and to despise all things for thee.
For great grace shall be given to those who shall have willingly subjected them- selves to thy most holy service.
They who for thy love shall have renounced all car- nal delights, shall find the sweetest consolations of the Holy Ghost. 1
They shall attain great 1 Matt. xix. [29.]
88 ©f tnoticrating tl;c Scsircs of our f^rarts
freedom of mind, who for thy Name's sake enter into the narrow way/ and have left off all worldly care.
6. O sweet and delightful service of God,^ by which a man is made truly free and holy !
O sacred state of religious
1 Matt. vil. [14.] 2 Malt. xi. [30.] ; i John v. [3.]
service, which makes a man equal to the angels, pleasing to God, terrible to devils, and worthy to be commended of all the faithful !
O welcome ser\'ice and ever to be desired, in which we are rewarded with the Greatest Good, and attain to joy which shall endlessly re- main with us !
Chapter XI
That the Longings and Desires of our Hearts are to be exa?nined and moderated
MY son, thou must still learn many things, which thou hast not yet well learned.
What are these, O Lord?
That thou frame thy de- sires^ wholly according to my good pleasure ; and that thou be not a lover of thy- self, but an earnest follower of my will.
Various longings and de- sires oftentimes inflame thee, and drive thee forwards with vehemence : but do thou con- sider whether thou be not
1 Psalin cviii. [i.] ; Matt. vi. [10.]
moved rather for thine own advantage, than for my hon- our.
If I be the cause, thou wilt be well content how- soever I shall ordain ; but if there lurk in thee any self- seeking,^ behold, this it is that hindereth thee and weighcth thee down.
2. Beware therefore thou lean not too much upon any desire, conceived without asking my counsel, lest per- haps afterwards it repent thee, or thou be displeased with that which at first pleased thee, and which 1 Phil. ii. [21.]
thou desiredst earnestly, as the best.
For not every affection which seems good is imme- diately to be followed ; nor on the other hand is every contrary affection at the first to be avoided.
It is sometimes expedient to use a restraint even in good desires and endeavours, lest through unseasonable effort thou incur distraction of mind ; lest by thy want of self-government thou beget a scandal unto others ; or again, being by others thwarted and resisted, thou become sud- denly confounded, and so fall.
3. Sometimes however
thou must use violence,^ and resist manfully thine appe- tite, not regarding what the flesh would or would not ;- but rather taking pains that even perforce it may be made subject to the Spirit, ^
And so long ought it to be chastened and to be forced to remain under sei-vitude, until it be prepared for every thing, and learn to be con- tent with a little, and to be pleased with plain and simple things, and not to murmur against any inconvenience.
1 Phil. ii. [II.]
2 Rom. viii. [1-13.]; 2 Cor. iv. [10.] : X. [3.]
3 I Cor. i.v. [27.]
Chapter XII
Of the growth of Patience in the Soul, and of striving against Concupiscence
OLORD my God pa- tience is very neces- sary for me,^ for I perceive that many things in this life do fall out as we would not. For whatsoever plans I shall devise for my own peace, my life cannot be without war and affliction.^ 1 Heb. X. [36.] 2 Job vii. [i.]
It is so, my son. But my will is, that thou seek not that peace which is void of temp- tations, or which suffereth nothing contrary : but rather think that thou hast found peace, when thou art exercised with sundry tribulations,^ and tried in many adversities. 1 James i. [2.]
2. If thou say, that thou art not able to sufifer much, how then wilt thou endure the fire hereafter?
Of two evils the less is alway to be chosen. That thou mayest therefore avoid the everlasting punishment that is to come, endeavour to endure present evils pa- tiently for God's sake.
Dost thou think that the men of this world sufifer nothing or but as little ? Ask even of those who live most at ease, and thou shalt find it otherwise.
But thou wilt say, they have many delights, and follow their own wills, and therefore they do not much weigh their own afflic- tions.
Be it so, that they have whatsoever they will ; but how long dost thou think that it will last ?
3. Behold, the wealthy of this world shall consume away like smoke, ^ and there shall be no memory of their past joys !
Yea, even while they are yet alive, they do not rest in them without bitterness, and weariness, and fear.
For from the self- same thing in which they delight 1 Psalm l.xviii, [2,]
they oftentimes receive the penalty of sorrow.
And it is but just that having inordinately sought and followed after pleasures, they should enjoy them not without shame and bitter- ness.
4. O how brief, how false, how inordinate and base, are all those pleasures.
Yet so drunken and blind are men, that they under- stand it not ; but like dumb beasts, for the poor enjoy- ment of a corruptible life, they incur the death of the soul.
Thou therefore, my son, **go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites. "1 "Delight thy- self in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. "2
5. For if thou desire true delight, and to be more plentifully comforted by me ;
I behold, in the contempt of all worldly things, and in the cutting off all base delights, shall be thy blessing, and abundant comfort shall be given thee.
And the more thou with- draw thyself from all solace of creatures, so much the
1 Ecclus. xviii. [30.]
2 Psalm x.xxvii. I4.J
sweeter and more powerful consolations shalt thou find in me.
But at the first, thou shalt not without some sadness, nor without a laborious con- flict, attain unto them.
Old inbred habit will, for a time, resist, but by a better way it shall be entirely over- come.
The flesh will murmur against thee ; but with fer- vency of spirit thou shalt bridle it.
The old servant will tempt and trouble thee, but by prayer he shall be put to flight. Moreover also, by useful work thou shalt great- ly stop the way against him.
Chapter XIII
Of humble Obedience after the Example of Jesus Christ
MY son, he that endea- voureth to withdraw himself from obedience, with- draweth himself from grace : and he who seeketh for him- self private benefits,^ loseth those which are common.
He that doth not cheer- fully and freely svibmit him- self to his superior, showeth that his flesh is not as yet perfectly brought into sub- jection, but oftentimes strug- gleth and murmureth against him.
Learn thou therefore quick- ly to submit thyself to thy superior, if thou desire to 1 Matt. xvi. [24.]
keep thine own flesh under the yoke.
For more speedily is the outward enemy overcome, if the inward man be not in disorder.
There is no worse enemy, nor one more troublesome to the soul, than thou art unto thyself, if thou be not in harmony with the Spirit.
It is altogether necessary that thou conceive a true contempt for thyself, if thou desire to prevail against flesh and blood.
2. Because thou still lovest thyself inordinately, thou art
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afraid to resign thyself wholly to the will of others.
And yet, what great mat- ter is it,^ if thou, who art but dust and nothing, subject thyself to a man for God's sake, when T, the Almighty and the Most Highest, who created all things of nothing, humbly subjected myself to man for thy sake ?
I became of all men the most humble and the most abject, that thou mightest overcome thy pride with my humility.
O dust, learn to be obe- dient. Learn to humble thyself, thou earth and clay, and to bow thyself down under the feet of all men.
Learn to break thine own will, and to yield thyself to all subjection. 1 Luke ii. [7.] ; John xiii. [14.]
3. Be zealous against thy- self, and suffer no pride to dwell in thee : but shew thy- self so humble and so lowly, that all may be able to walk over thee, and to tread thee down as the mire of the streets. Vain man, what hast thou to complain of?
What canst thou answer, vile sinner, to them that up- braid thee, thou who hast so often offended God, and hast so many times deserved hell ?
But mine eye spared thee, because thy soul was pre- cious in my sight ; that thou mightest know my love, and ever be thankful for my benefits ;
Also that thou mightest continually give thyself to tnie subjection and humility, and endure patiently to be despised.
Chapter XIV
Of C07isidering the Secret Judgments of God, that so 7ve he 7iot lifted up for anything good in us
T stand astonished ; and I consider "That the heavens are not pure in thy siglit."^
If in angels tliou didst find wickedness,- and didst not 1 Job .XV. [15.] ajobiv. [18.J
THOU, O Lord, thun- derest forth thy judg- ments over me, thou shakest all my bones with fear and trcmbHng, and my soul is vci-v sore afraid.
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spare even them, what shall become of me ?
Even stars fell from hea- ven, ^ what then can I pre- sume who am but dust ?
They whose works seemed commendable, have fallen in- to the lowest misery ; and those who did eat the bread of angels, 2 I have seen de- lighting themselves with the husks of swine.
2. There is therefore no holiness, if thou, O Lord, withdraw thine hand.
No wisdom availeth, if thou cease to guide.
No courage helpeth, if thou leave off to defend.
No chastity is secure, if thou do not protect it.
No vigilance of our own availeth, if thy sacred watch- fulness be not present with us.
For, if we be left of thee, we sink and perish ; but be- ing visited of thee, we are raised up and live.
Truly we are inconstant, but by thee we are estab- lished : we wax lukewarm, but by thee we are inflamed.
3. O how humbly and meanly ought I to think of myself ! how ought I to es- teem it as nothing, if I seem to have any good in me !
1 Rev. vili. [10.]
2 Psalm Ixxviii. [25.]
With what profound humi- lity ought I to submit myself to thine unfathomable judg- ments, O Lord ; where I find myself to be nothing else than nothing, and very nothing !
O weight that cannot be measured ! O sea that cannot be passed over, where I dis- cover nothing of myself save only and wholly nothing !
Where then can gloiying hide itself? where can be trust in mine own virtue ?
All vain-glorying is swal- lowed up in the deep of thy judgments over me.
4. What is all flesh in thy sight ?
Shall the clay boast against Him that formed it ?
How can he be lifted up with vain words, whose heart is truly subject to God ?^
Not all the world will make him proud, whom the Truth hath subjected unto itself: neither shall he, who hath firmly settled his whole hope in God, be moved by the tongues of all his flatterers.
For even they themselves who speak, behold, they all are nothing, for they will pass away with the sound of their words ; but the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. ^
1 Is.-iiah xxix. [t6.] ; Ecclus. xxiii. [4, 5.] 2 Psalm c.wii. [2.]
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Chapter XV
/;/ everything 7vhich we desire ^ how lue ought to feel, and what we ought to say
MY son, say thou thus in every thing ; Lord, if this be pleasing unto thee, so let it be.^
*' Lord, if it be to thy honour, in thy Name let this be done.
*' Lord, if thou see it to be expedient, and know it to be profitable for me, then grant unto me that I may use this to thine honour.
"But if thou know it will be hurtful unto me, and no profit to the health of my soul, take away the desire from me."
For not every desire pro- ceedeth from the Holy Spirit, even though it seem unto a man right and good.
It is difficult to judge truly ■whether a good spirit or the contrary be urging thee to desire this or that ; or whe- ther by thine own spirit thou be moved thereunto.
Many have been deceived in the end, who at the first seemed to be led by a good spirit.
J James iii.
2. Therefore whatsoever seemeth to be desirable, must always be desired and prayed for in the fear of God and with humility of heart ; and chiefly thou must commit the whole matter to me with special resignation of thyself, and thou must say,
"O Lord, thou knowest what is best for us, let this or that be done, as thou pleasest.
" Give what thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt.
" Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour.
'* Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as thou wilt.
" I am in thy hand : turn me round, and turn me back again, as thou shall please.
"Behold, I am thy ser- vant, prepared for all things ; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee ; and
(Bi true Comfort
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O that I could do it worthily and perfectly !"
A Prayer that the xvill of God may be fttljilled.
3. O MOST merciful Jesus, grant to me thy grace, that it may be with me, and work with me,^ and continue with me even to the end.
Grant that I may always desire and will that which is to thee most acceptable, and most dear.
Let thy will be mine, and let my will ever follow thine, and agree perfectly with it.
Let my will be all one with thine, and let me not be able to will, or anything to forego, 1 Wisd. i.x. [10.]
but what thou wiliest or dost not will.
4. Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world, and for thy sake may love to be contemned, and not be known in this genera- tion.
Grant to me above all things that I can desire, to desire to rest in thee, and in thee to have my heart at peace.
Thou art the true peace of the heart : thou art its only rest ; out of thee all things are full of trouble and unrest. In this peace, that is, in thee, the one chiefest eternal Good, I will lay me down and sleep. ^ A men.
1 Psalm iv. [8.]
Chapter XVI
That true Comfort is to be sought in God alone
WHA rSOEVER I can desire or imagine for my comfort, I look for it not here but hereafter.
For if I alone should pos- sess all the comforts of the world, and might enjoy all the delights thereof,^ it is 1 Matt. xvi. [26.]
certain that they could not long endure.
Wherefore, O my soul, thou canst not be fully com- forted,^ nor have perfect refreshment, except in God, the comforter of the poor, and the helper of the humble. 1 Psalm Ixxvii. [i, r.]
96
©f true Comfort
Wait a little while, O my soul, wait for the divine promise, and tliou shalt have abundance of all good things in heaven.
If thou desire beyond measure the things that are present, thou shalt lose those which are heavenly and eter- nal.
Use temporal things, and desire eternal.
Thou canst not be satisfied by any temporal goods, be- cause thou art not created to enjoy them.
2. Although thou shouldst possess all created good, yet couldst thou not be happy thereby nor blessed ; but in God, who created all things, consisteth thy whole blessed- ness and felicity.^
Not such happiness as is seen and commended by the foolish lovers of the world, but such as the good and faithful servants of Christ 1 Wisd. ii. [23.]
wait for, and of which the spiritual and pure in heart, whose conversation is in heaven, 1 sometimes have a foretaste.
Vain and brief is all human consolation.
Blessed and true is the consolation which is received inwardly from the truth.
A devout man beareth every where about with him his own comforter Jesus, and saith unto Him, "Be Thou present with me, O Lord Jesu, in every time and place.
" Let this be my comfort, to be willing to lack all human comfort.
" And if thy comfort be wanting, let thy will and just proving of me be unto me as the greatest comfort ; for thou wilt not always be angry, neither wilt thou chide for ever."^
1 Phil. iii. [20.]
2 Psalm ciii. [9.]
©f restmcj all our Care on Go^
97
Chapter XVII That all our Anxieties are to he rested on God
MY son, suffer me to do with thee what I please. I know what is ex- pedient for thee.
Thou thinkest as man ; thou judgest in many things as human affection persuad- eth thee.
O Lord, what thou sayest is true. Thy care for me is greater^ than all the care that 1 can take for myself.
For he standeth but very unsafely, who casteth not all his care upon thee.
O Lord, if only my will may remain right and firm towards thee, do with me whatsoever it shall please thee.
For it cannot be any thing but good, whatsoever thou shalt do with me.
2. If it be thy will that I should be in darkness, be thou blessed ; and if it be thy will that I should be in light, be thou again blessed. If thou vouchsafe to comfort me, be thou blessed : and if 1 Matt. vi. [30.] ; John vi.
thou wilt have me afflicted, be thou blessed also.
My son, such as this ought to be thy state, if thou desire to walk with me.
Thou oughtest to be as ready to suffer as to rejoice.
Thou oughtest as cheer- fully to be destitute and poor, as to be full and rich.
3. O Lord, for thy sake, I will cheerfully suffer^ what- soever shall come on me with thy pemiission.
From thy hand I am will- ing to receive indifferently good and evil, sweet and bitter, joy and sorrow ; and for all that befalleth me I will be thankful.
Keep me safe from all sin, and I shall fear neither death ^ nor hell.
vSo thou do not cast me from thee for ever, nor blot me out of the book of life, what tribulation soever be- falleth me shall not hurt me.
1 Jobii. Fio.] 2 Psalm xxiii. [4.]
98
©f patience after (C})x\sVs (JHiampIe
Chapter XVIII
T/mf temporal Sufferings must be borne patiently, after t/ie Example of Christ
MY son, I descended from heaven^ for thy salvation ; I took upon me thy sorrows,^ not necessity but love drawing me thereto ; that thou thyself mightest learn patience, and bear tem- poral sufferings without re- pinitig.
For from the hour of my birth, 3 even until my death on the cross, I was not without suffering of grief
I suffered great want of things temporal ; I often heard many murmurings against me ; I endured pa- tiently disgraces and re- vilings ; in return for benefits I received ingratitude ; for miracles, blasphemies ; for heavenly doctrine, reproofs.
2. O Lord, for that thou wert patient in thy lifetime, herein especially fulfilling the commandment of thy
1 Johniii. [13-1
2 Isaiah Hii. [4.]
3 Luke ii. f7]
Father ;^ it is reason that I, a most miserable sinner, should bear myself patiently according to thy will, and for my soul's welfare endure the burden of this cormptible life as long as thou thyself shalt clioose.
For although this present life be burdensome, yet not- withstanding it is now by thy grace made ver>' gainful ; and, by thine example and the footsteps of thy saints, more bright and clear, and endurable to the weak.
It is also, much more full of consolation than it was formerly under the old law, when the gate of heaven re- mained shut ; and the way also to heaven seemed more dark, when so few cared to seek after the kingdom of heaven. 2
Moreover also, they who then were just and such as should be saved, could not
1 John V. [30]
2 Matt. vii. [14.]
(Bt true patience iintifr Mlrongs
enter into the heavenly king- dom, before the accomplish- ment of thy Passion, and the payment of the debt of thy holy death.
3. O how great thanks am I bound to render unto thee, that thou hast vouchsafed to shew unto me and to all faith- ful people the good and the right way to thine eternal kingdom.
For thy life is our way, and by the path of holy patience we walk toward thee, who art our Crown.
If thou hadst not gone before us and taught us, who would have cared to follow !
Alas, how many would re- main behind and afar off, if they considered not thy glo- rious example !
Behold, we are even yet lukewarm, though we have heard of so many of thy mi- racles and doctrines. What would become of us, if we had not so great light^ where- by to follow thee !
1 John xii. [46.]
Chapter XIX
Of the endwaiice of Injuries, and of the proof of true Patience
WHAT is it thou sayest, my son? Cease to complain, when thou con- siderest my Passion, and the sufferings of my other saints.
Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood. ^
It is but little which thou sufferest, in comparison of those who suffered so much, who were so strongly tempted, so grievously afflicted, so 1 Heb. xii. [4.]
many ways tried and exer- cised.^
Thou oughtest therefore to call to mind the more heavy sufferings of others, that so thou mayest the more easily bear thine own very small troubles.
And if they seem unto thee not very small, then beware lest thine impatience be the cause thereof.
However, whether they be 1 Heb. xi. [37.]
small or whether they be great, endeavour patiently to undergo them all.
2. The better thou dis- posest thyself to suffering, the more wisely thou doest, and the greater reward shalt thou receive. Thou shalt also more easily endure it, if both in mind and by habit thou art diligently prepared thereunto.
Do not say, " I cannot endure to suffer these things at the hands of such an one, nor ought I to endure things of this sort ; for he hath done megreat wrong, and reproach- eth me with things which I never thought of; but of another I will willingly suffer, that is, if they are things which I shall see I ouglit to suffer."
Such a thought is foolish ; it considereth not the virtue of patience, nor by whom it will be to be crowned ; but rather, weigheth too exactly the persons, and the injuries offered to itself.
3. He is not truly patient, who is willing to suffer only so much as he thinks good, and from whom he pleases.
But the truly patient man minds not by whom he is exercised, whether by his su- periors, by one of his equals,
or by an inferior ; whether by a good and holy man, or by one that is perverse and unworthy.
But indifferently from every creature, how much soever, or how often soever anything adverse befall him, he takes it all thankfully as from the. hands of God, and esteems it gi'eat gain :
For with God it is impos- sible that any thing, how small soever, if only it be suffered for God's sake, should pass without its reward.
4. Be thou therefore pre. pared for the fight, if thou wilt win the victory.
Without a combat thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience.^
If thou art unwilling to suffer, thou refusest to be crowned. But if thou desire to be crowned, fight manfully, endure patiently.
Without labour there is no rest, nor without fighting can the victory be won.
O Lord, let that become possible to me by thy grace, which by nature seems im- possible to me.
Thou knowest that I am able to suffer but little, and that I am quickly cast down, 1 2 Tim. ii. I3-5.]
©f fjuman JInfirmitg anti fHfscrg
when a slight adversity ariseth.
For thy Name's sake, let every exercise of tribulation
be made pleasant unto me ; for to suffer and to be troubled for thy sake, is very whole- some for mv soul.
Chapter XX
Of the Acknowledging of our own Infirmities ; arid of the Sufferings of this Life
I WILL acknowledge ray sin unto thee ;^ I will confess mine infirmity unto thee, O Lord.
Oftentimes a small matter it is that makes me sad and dejected,
I resolve to act with courage, but when even a small temptation comes, I am at once in a great strait.
It is sometimes a very trifle, whence a great temp- tation arises.
And whilst I think myself safe, and when I least expect it, I sometimes find myself overcome by all but a slight breath.
2. Behold therefore, O Lord, my low estate,^ and my frailty which is in eveiy way known unto thee.
Have mercy on me, and
1 Psalm xxxii. [5.]
2 Psalm XXV. [18.]
deliver me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast therein,^ and may not remain utterly cast do\\-n for ever.
This is that which often- times strikes me down, and confounds me in thy sight, that I am so subject to fall, and so weak in resisting my passions.
And although I do not altogether consent, yet their continued assaults are trouble- some and grievous unto me ; and it is veiy exceedingly irksome to live thus daily in conflict.
Hereby doth my weakness become known unto me, in that hateful fancies do always much more easily invade than ibrsake me.
3. Most mighty God of Israel, thou zealous lover of faithful souls ! O that thou 1 Psalm l.xix. [14.]
I02
(Bi fjuman linfirmitg antJ fHiserg
wouldst consider the labour and sorrow of thy servant, and assist him in all things whatsoever he undertaketh.
Strengthen me with hea- venly courage, lest the old man, the miserable flesh, not as yet fully subject to the spirit, prevail and get the upper hand. Against this it will be needful for me to fight, as long as I breathe in this miserable life.
Alas, what a life is this, where tribulation and miseries are never wanting ; where all is full of snares, and enemies !
For when one tribulation or temptation goeth, another Cometh ; yea and while the first conflict is yet lasting, many others come unexpected one after another.
4. And how can a life be loved that hath so many em- bitterments, and is subject to so many calamities and miseries ?
How too can it be called a life, that begetteth so many deaths and plagues?
And yet it is the object of men's love, and its delights are sought of many.
The world is oftentimes blamed for being deceitful
and vain, and yet men do not easily part with it, because the desires of the flesh bear so great a sway.
But some things draw us to love the world, others to contemn it.
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,^ do draw us to the love of the world ; but the pains and miseries, that justly follow them, cause a hatred of the world and a loathing thereof.
5. But alas, the fondness for vicious pleasures over- cometh the mind of him who is given to the world ; and he esteemeth it a delight to be ever under thorns,^ because he hath neither seen nor tasted the sweetness of God, and the inward pleasantness of virtue.
But they who perfectly con- temn the world, and study to live to God under holy disci- pline, these are not ignorant of the divine sweetness pro- mised to those who truly for- sake the world. They also very clearly see how grievous- ly the world erreth, and how it is in many ways deceived.
1 I John ii. [16.]
2 Job XXX. [7.]
<Bt entire ^c^ in ^oti
103
Chapter XXI
T/taf we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits
ABOVE all things, and in all things, O my soul, thou shalt rest in the Lord alway, for he himself is the everlasting rest of the saints.
Grant me, O most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in thee, above all creatures,^ above all health and beauty, above all glory and honour, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtilty, above all riches and arts, above all joy and glad- ness, above all fame and praise, above all sweetness and comfort, above all hope and promise, above all desert and desire :
Above all gifts and benefits that thou canst give and im- part unto us, above all mirth and joy that the mind of man can receive and feel :
Finally, above angels and
archangels, and above all
the heavenly host, above all
things visible and invisible,
1 Rom. viii. [19-22.]
and above all that thou art not, O my God.
2. Because thou, O Lord my God, art supremely good above all ; thou alone art most high, thou alone most powerful, thou alone most full and sufficient, thou alone most sweet and most full 0" consolation.
Thou alone art most lovely and loving, thou alone most noble and glorious above all things, in whom all good things together both perfectly are, and ever have been, and shall be.
And therefore whatsoever thou bestowest on me besides thyself, or revealest unto me of thyself, or promisest, is but mean and unsatisfying, whilst thou art not seen and not fully obtained.
For surely my heart can- not truly rest, nor be entirely contented, unless it rest in thee, and rise above all gifts and all creatures whatsoever.
3. O thou most beloved
I04
©f entire Hfst in Goti
spouse of my soul, Jesu Christ, thou most pure Lover, thou Lord of all creation ; O that I had the wings of true liberty, that I might flee away and rest in thee ! ^
O when shall it be fully granted me, to consider in quietness of mind, and to see how sweet thou art, my Lord God !
When shall I fully gather up myself into thee, that by reason of my love to thee I may not feel myself, but thee alone, above all sense and measure, in a manner not known unto every one ! ^
But now I oftentimes sigh, and bear my unhappiness with grief :
Because many evils occur in this vale of miseries, which do often trouble, grieve, and over-cloud me ; often hinder and distract me, allure and entangle me, so that I can have no free access unto thee, nor enjoy the sweet wel- comings, which are ever ready for the blessed spirits.
O let my sighs move thee and my manifold desolation here on earth.
4. O Jksu, thou bright- ness of eternal glory, thou comfort of the pilgrim soul, with thee is my tongue with- 1 Psalm Iv. [6.] 2 Dan. x.
out voice, and my very silence speaketh unto thee.
How long doth my Lord delay to come ?
Let him come unto me his poor despised servant, and let him make me glad. Let him put forth his hand, and deliver his poor servant from all anguish.
Come, O come ; for with- out thee I shall have no joy- ful day nor hour ; for thou art my joy, and without thee my table is empty.
A wretched creature am I, and as it were imprisoned and loaded with fetters, until thou refresh me with the light of thy presence, and grant me liberty, and shew a friendly countenance toward me.
5. Let others seek what they please instead of thee ; but for me, nothing else doth nor shall delight me, but thou only, my God, my hope, my everlasting salva- tion.
I will not hold my peace, nor cease to pray, imtil thy grace return again, and thou speak inwardly unto me.
Behold, here I am. Be- hold, I come unto thee, be- cause thou hast called upon me. Thy tears and the de-ire of thy soul, thy humiliation
©f t\}t Kctnctnbrancc of (Soli's Benefits 105
and thy contrition of heart, have inchned and bi;Qught me unto thee.
And I said. Lord, I have called thee, and have desired to enjoy thee, being ready to refuse all things for thy sake.
For thou first hast stirred me up that I might seek thee.
Blessed be thou therefore, O Lord, that hast shewed this goodness to thy servant, according to the multitude of thy mercies.
6. What hath thy servant more to say before thee ? he
can only greatly humble him - self in thy sight, ever mind- ful of his own iniquity and vileness.
For there is none like unto thee^ in all whatsoever is wonderful in heaven and earth.
Thy works are very good, thy judgments true, and by thy proAidence the universe is governed.
Praise therefore and glory be unto thee, O wisdom of the Father : let my mouth, my soul, and all creatures to- gether, praise and bless thee. 1 Psalm Ixxxvi. [8.]
Chapter XXII
Of the remembrance of Goifs majiifold benefits
OPEN, O Lord, my heart in thy law, and teach me to walk in thy command- ments. ^
Grant me to understand thy will, and with great reverence and diligent con- sideration to remember thy benefits, as well in general as in particular, that hence- forward I may be able worthily to give thee thanks. 1 Psalm cxix.
But I know and confess, that I am not able, even in the least matter, to give thee due thanks for the favours which thou bestowest upon me.
I am less than the least of all thy benefits : and when I consider thy noble bounty, the greatness thereof maketh my spirit to faint.
2. All that we have in our soul and body, and what-
io6 (Df t!jc i^cnicmbrance of ffioti's Benefits
soever we possess outwardly or inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, are thy bene- fits, and do speak thee bounti- ful, merciful and good, from whom we have received all good things.
Although one have re- ceived more, another less, all notwithstanding are thine, and without thee even the least blessing cannot be had.
He that hath received the greatest cannot glory of his own desert, nor extol himself above others, nor insult over the lesser. For he is the greatest and the best who ascribeth least unto himself, and who in rendering thanks is the most humble and most devout.
And he that esteemeth himself viler than all men, and judgeth himself most unworthy, is fittest to receive greater blessings.
3. liut he that hath re- ceived fewer, ought not to be out of heart, nor to take it grievously, nor to envy them that are enriched with greater store ; but rather to turn his mind to thee, and highly to praise thy goodness, for that thou bestowest thy gifts so bountifully, so freely, and so willingly, without re- spect of persons.
All things proceed from thee, and therefore in all things thou art to be praised. Thou knowest what is fit to be given to every one. And why this man hath less and that man more, it is not for us to judge, but for thee who dost exactly know what is meet for every one.
4. Wherefore, O Lord
j God, I even esteem it a great
j mercy, not to have much of
[ that which outwardly and in
] the opinion of men seems
j worthy of glory and applause.
I He who considereth the
' poverty and unworthiness of
\ his own person, should be so
far from conceiving grief or
sadness, or from being cast
down thereat, that he rathei
sliould take great comfort,
and be glad.
For thou, O God, hast chosen the poor and humble and the despised of this world for thyself,^ to be thy j familiar friends and servants. I Witnesses are thine apostles themselves, whom thou hast made princes over all the earth. 2
And yet they lived in the world without complaint,^ so humble and simple, with-
1 I Cor. i. [27, 28.]
2 Ps.-ilm xlv. [16.1
3 I Tlicss. ii. [10.]
©f % SSSag of ^face
107
out all malice and deceit, that they even rejoiced to suffer reproach for thy name j^ and what the world abhorreth, they embraced with great affection.
5. When therefore a man loveth thee and acknow- ledgeth thy benefits, nothing ought so to rejoice him as thy will toward him, and the good pleasure of thine eter- nal appointment.
And herewith he ought to be so contented and com- forted, that he would as willingly be the least, as 1 Actsv. [41.]
another would wish to be the greatest.
He Avould too be as peaceable and contented in the last place as in the first ; as willing to be a despised castaway, of no name or character, as to be prefeiTed in honour before others, and to be greater in the world than they.
For thy will and the love of thy glory ought to be pre- ferred before all things, and to comfort him more, and to please him better, than all the benefits which either he hath received or may receive.
Chapter XXIII
Of four things that bring great inivard peace
MY son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true liberty.
0 Lord, I beseech thee, do as thou • say est, for this is delightful to me to hear.
Be desirous, my son, to do the will of another rather than thine own.^
1 Matt. xxvi. [39.] ; John v. [30.]; VI. [38.1
Choose always to have less rather than more.^
Seek always the lowest place, and to be beneath every one.^
Wish always, and pray, that the will of God may be wholly fulfilled in thee. 3
Behold, such a man enter-
1 I Cor. X. [24.]
2 Luke xiv. [10.]
3 Matt. vi. [id.]
io8
€)f tfje (lUHag of ipcacc
eth within the borders of peace and rest.
2, O Lord, this short dis- course of thine containeth within itself much perfec- tion. ^
It is httle in words, but full of meaning, and abun- dant in fruit.
For if it could faithfully be kept by me, I should not be so easily disturbed.
For as often as I feel my- self unquiet and weighed down, I find that I have strayed from this doctrine.
But thou who canst do all things, and ever lovest the profiting of my soul, increase in me thy grace, that I may be able to fulfil thy words, and to work out mine own salvation.
A Prayer against rjil thoughts
3. O Lord, my God, be not thou far from me ; my God, haste thee to help me :2 for there have risen up against me sundry thoughts, and great fears, afflicting my soul.
How shall I pass through unhurt ? liow shall I break them to pieces ?
1 Matt. V. [43.1 2 Psalm Ixxi. [12.]
" I, saith he, will go be- fore thee and will humble the great ones of the earth ; I will open the doors of the prison, and reveal unto thee hidden secrets."^
Do, O Lord, as thou sayest, and let all evil thoughts fly from before thy face.
This is my hope, my one only consolation, to flee unto thee in every tribulation, to trust in thee, to call upon thee from my inmost heart, and to wait patiently for thy consolation.
A Prayer for mental illumination
4. O merciful Jesus, en- lighten thou me with the brightness of thine inward light, and take away all darkness from the habitation of my heart.
Repress thou my many wandering thoughts, and break in pieces those temp- tations, which so violently assault me.
Fight thou strongly for me, and vanquisli these evil beasts, these alluring desires of the flesh ; that so peace may be obtained by tliy power, and tliat thine abun- dant praise may resound in 1 Isaiah .\lv. [2, 3.]
©f bain diriositg about otljrrs
109
a holy temple, that is, in a pure conscience.
Command the winds and tempests ; say unto the sea, be still ;^ say to the north wind, blow not ; and there sJiall be a great calm.
5. ?pnd out thy light and thy truth, •= tliat cney may shine upon the earth ; for until thou enlighten me, I am but as earth without form and void.
Pour forth thy grace from above, steep my heart in thy heavenly dew, supply fresh streanis of devotion to water the face of the earth, that it may bring forth fruit good and excellent.
1 Matt. viii. [26.]
2 Psalm xliii. [3.]
Lift thou up my mind which is pressed down by a load of sins, and draw up my whole desire to things heavenly ;, that having tasted the swi-etness of heavenly happiness, it may be irksome to me even to think of earthly tnmgs.
6. Do thou pluck me away, and deliver me from all the unlasting comfort of creatures ; for no created thing can fully comfort and quiet my desires.
Join thou me to thyself with an inseparable band of love ; for thou, even thou alone, dost satisfy him that loveth thee, and without thee all things are vain and empty.
Chapter XXIV
Of avoidi fig curious enquiry into the lives of others
M
V son, be not curious, . nor trouble thyself
with idle cares. -^
What is this or that to thee? follow thou me.^
For what is it to thee, whether that man be such
1 Ecclus. iii. [23.]; I Tim. v. [13.] 2 John x.\i. [22.]
or such, or whether this man do or speak this or that ?
Thou shalt not need to answer for others, but shalt give account for thyself;^ why therefore dost thou thus entangle thyself?
Behold, I know every one, 1 Gal. vi. [4, 5.
©f true ^eacc of ?^cart
and do see all things that are done under the sun ; also I understand how it is with every one, what he thinks, what he wishes, and at what his intentions aim.
Unto me therefore all things are to be committed ; but do thou keep thyself in peace, and leave the unquiet to be as unquiet as they will.
Whatsoever they shall have done or said, shall come upon themselves, for me they can- not deceive.
2. Be not careful for the
shadow of a great name, or for the familiar friendship of many, or for the particular and separate affection of men.
For these things both dis- tract the heart, and greatly darken it.
Willingly would I speak my word, and reveal my secrets unto thee, if thou wouldst diligently watch for my com- • ing, and open unto me the door of thine heart.
Be thou circumspect, and watchful in prayer, and in all things humble thyself.
Chapter XXV
Wherein firm peace of heart and true spiritual prog7'ess consisteth
MY son, I have said ; "Peace I leave witli you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you."^
Peace is what all desire, bat all do not care for the things that pertain unto true peace.
My peace is with the hum- ble and gentle of hearts ; in much patience shall thy peace be.
1 John xiv. [27.]
If thou wilt hear me and follow my voice, thou shalt be able to enjoy much peace.
What then shall I do, Lord ?
In every matter look to thyself, as to what thou doest and \\hat thou sayest ; and direct thy whole attention into this, to please me alone, and neither to desire nor to seek any thing besides me.
But of the words or deeds of others judge nothing rash- ly ; neither do thou entangle thyself with things not en- trusted unto thee. Thus it may come to pass that thou mayest be little or seldom disturbed.
2. But never to feel any disturbance at all, nor to suffer any trouble of mind or body, belongs not to this life, but to the state of eternal rest.
Think not therefore that thou hast found true peace, if thou feel no heaviness ; nor that all is well, when thou art vexed with no ad- versary ; nor that all is per- fect, if all things be done according to thy desire.
Neither do thou think at all highly of thyself, nor ac- count thyself to be specially beloved, if thou be in a state of great devotion and sweet- ness ; for it is not by these things that a true lover of virtue is known, nor doth the spiritual progress and perfection of a man consist in these things.
3. Wherein then, O Lord, doth it consist ?
In giving thyself up with all thy heart to the divine will, not seeking thine own interest, either in great mat- ters or in small, either in time or in eternity.
So shalt thou keep one and the same countenance, always giving thanks both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all things in an equal balance.
Be thou so full of courage, and so patient in hope, that when inward comfort is with- drawn, thou mayest prepare thy heart to suffer even greater things ; and do not justify thyself, as though thou ought- est not to suffer such and so great afflictions, but justify me in whatsoever I appoint, and cease not to praise my holy name.
Then thou walkest in the tn;e and right way of peace, and thou shalt have a sui^e hope to see my face again with great delight.
Now if thou attain to the full contempt of thyself, know that thou shalt then enjoy abundance of peace, as great as this thy state of sojourning is capable of.
112
©f Spiritual JFrcctJom of fHinlf
Chapter XXVI
Of the excellency of a free mind, which is sooner gained by humble p7'ayer than by study
OLORD, it is the busi- ness of a perfect man never to withdraw his mind from attentive thought of heavenly things, and thus to pass amidst many cares with- out care ; not as one desti- tute of all feeling, but, by the privilege of a free mind, cleaving to no creature with inordinate affection.
2. I beseech thee, my most gracious God, preserve me from the cares of this life, lest I should be too much entangled therein ; and from the many necessities of the body, lest I should be en- snared by pleasure ; and from whatsoever is an obstacle to the so \\, lest, broken with troubles, I should be over- tlirown.
I speak not of those things which worldly vanity so ear- nestly desireth, but of those miseries, which, as punish- ments and as the common curse of mortality,^ do weigh 1 Gen. iii. [17.]; Rom. vii. [11.]
down and hinder the soul of thy servant, that it cannot enter into the freedom of the Spirit so often as it would.
3. O my God, thou sweet- ness ineffable, turn into bit- terness for me all that carnal comfort, which draws me away from the love of eter- nal things, and in evil wise allures me to itself by the view of some present good.
Let me not be overconie, O Lord, let me not be over- come by flesh and blood ;^ let not the world and the brief glory thereof deceive me ; let not the devil and his subtle fraud trip me up.
Give me strength to resist, patience to endure, and con- stancy to persevere.
Give me, instead of all the comforts of the world, the most sweet unction of thy Spirit, and, in place of canial love, pour into my heart the love of thy name.
1 Rom. xii. [21.]
m t\)t (JHbil of 5clt'3LoiJc
113
4. Behold ! meat, drink, clothing, and othei- neces- saries for the support of the body, are burdensome to a fei-vent spirit.
Grant me to use such re- freshments moderately, and not to be entangled with an undue desire of them.
It is not lawful to cast away all things, because na-
ture needs to be sustained ; but to require superfluities and those thiiigs that are merely pleasurable, the holy law forbiddeth us ; for then the flesh would rebel against the Spirit. Herein, 1 be- seech thee, let thy hand govern me and teach me, that I may not exceed in any thing.
Chapter XXVII
T/ia^ it is love of self zvhich most hindereth from the chief est good
MY son, thou oughtest to give all for all, and to be in nothing thine own.
Know thou that the love of thyself doth hurt thee more than any thing in the world.
According to the love and affection thou bearest to any- thing, so doth it cleave unto thee more or less.
If thy love be pure,^ sim- ple, and well-ordered, thou shalt be free from bondage.
Do not covet that which it is not lawful for thee to have. Do not have that 1 Matt. vi. [22.]
which may hinder thee, and may deprive thee of inward liberty.
Strange it is that thou committest not thyself wholly unto me from the bottom of thy heart, together with all things thou canst have or de- sire.
2. Why dost thou con- sume thyself Mith vain grief ?^ why dost thou weary thyself with needless cares ?
Submit to my good Avill, and thou shalt suffer no hurt.
If thou seek this or that, and wouldst be here or there, 1 Exodus xvlii. [18.] ; Mich. iv. [9-1
the better to enjoy thine own profit and pleasure, tl:o.i shalt never be at peace, nor free from trouble of mind. For in every case somewhat will be wanting, and in every place there will be some one to cross thee.
It profiteth thee not there- fore to obtain and multiply any outward things, but rather to despise them, and utterly to root them out from thy heart.
And this thou must under- stand not only of revenues and wealth, but of seeking after honour also, and of the desire of vain praise, which all must pass away with this world.
No place availeth if the spirit of fervour be wanting, neither shall that peace long continue, which is sought from without.^ If the state of thy heart be destitute of a true foundation, that is, if thou stand not steadfast in me, thou mayest change, but shalt not better thyself
For when occasion ariseth and is laid hold of, thou wilt find that which thou didst flee from, and yet more.
A Prayer for a clean heart, and heavenly wisdom.
4. Strengthen me, O
1 Isaiah .xli. [13.]
God, by the grace of thy holy Spirit.^
Grant me to be streng- thened with might in the inner man,"-^ and to empty my heart of all useless care and anguish ;^ so that I be not drawn away with sundry desires of any thing whatever, M'hether mean or precious, but that I look on all things as passing away, on myself also as soon to pass away with them.
For nothing abideth under
the sun, A\here all things are
I vanity and vexation of spirit.^
O how wise is he that so
considereth them !
5. O Lord, grant me heavenly wisdom,^ that I may learn above all things to seek and to find thee, above all things to enjoy and to love thee, and to think of all other things as they really are, according to thy wise ordering.
Grant me prudence to avoid him that flattereth me, and to endure patiently him that contradicteth me.
Because it is a great part of wisdom not to be moved with
1 Psalm li. [12.]
2 Eph. iii. [16.J
3 Matt. vi. [34- J
4 Ecclcs. i. [14-]; ii- [i.]
5 Wisd. ix. [4.]
©f iisrcgarlimrj <^lantirrs
every wind of words, ^ nor to
give ear to an evil flatterer ;
1 Eph. iv. [14.]
for thus I shall \A-alk securely in the way which I have begun.
Chapter XXVIII
Against the tongues of slanderer.
M
Y son, take it not grie- vously if some think ill of thee,^ and speak that which thou wouldest not will- ingly hear.
Thou oughtest to be the hardest judge of thyself, and to think no man weaker than thyself.
If thou dost walk spirit- ually, thou wilt not much weigh fleeting words.
It is no small wisdom to keep silence in an evil time, and in thy heart to turn thyself to me, and not to be troubled by the judgment of men. 1 I Cor. iv. [13.]
2. Let not thy peace de- pend on the tongues of men ; for, whether they judge well of thee or ill, thou art not on that account other than thy- self. Where are true peace and true glory ? are they not in me?^
And he that careth not to please men, nor feareth to displease them, shall enjoy much peace.
From inordinate love and vain fear ariseth all disquiet- ness of heart and distraction of the mind.
I John xvi. lzZ-'\
ii6
Bi seeking (5oti in Zimt of 'Slfllirtion
Chapter XXIX
H(?70 that 7ue ought to call upon God, and to bless him, 7uhen tribulation is upon us
BLESSED be thy Name, O Lord, for ever;^ for that it is thy will that this temptation and tribulation should come upon me.
I cannot escape it, but must needs flee unto thee, that thou mayest help me, and turn it to my good.
Lord, I am now in afflic- tion, and it is not well with me, but I am mucli troubled with the present suffering.
And now, O beloved Father, what shall I say?^ I am in a strait ; save thou me from this hour.
Vet therefore came I unto this hour that thou mightest be glorified, when I shall have been greatly humbled, and by thee delivered.
Let it please thee, Lord, to deliver mc ;^ for, wretched that I am, what can I do, and whitlier shall I go with- out thee ?
1 Job i. [21.1 ; Psalm cxiii. [2.]
2 Matt, xxvi.; John xii. [27.J ^ Psalm XXX vii. |.}o.]
Grant me patience, O Lord, even now in this my strait. Help me, my God, and then I will not fear how grievously soever I be af- flicted.
2. And now in these my troubles what shall I say ?
Lord, thy will be done I^ I have well deserved to be afflicted and grieved.
Surely I ought to bear it ; and O that I may bear it with patience, until the tem- pest be overpast, and all be well again, or even better !
But thine omnipotent hand is able to take even this temp- tation from me, and to as- suage the violence thereof, that I utterly sink not under it ; as oftentimes heretofore thou hast done unto me, O my God, my Mercy !
And the more difficult it is to me, so much the more easy to thee is this change of the right hand of the most High.
1 Matt. vi. [lo.]
©f trusting ^oti in Zimt of Affliction 117
Chapter XXX
Of craving the divine aid, and of confidence of recovering;: zrace
MY son, I am the Lord that giveth strength in the day of tribulation. ^
Come thou unto me, when it is not well with thee.^
This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly con- solation, that thou art loo slow in turning thyself unto prayer.
For before thou dost ear- nestly supplicate me, thou seekest in the meanwhile many comforts, and lookest for refreshment in outward things.
And hence it cometh to pass that all doth little profit thee, until thou well con- sider that I am he who doth rescue them that trust in him ; and that out of me there is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy.
But do thou, having now recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength
1 Nahum i. [7.]
2 Matt. xi. [28.]
again in the light of my mercies ; for I am at hand (saith the Lord) to repair all, not only entirely, but also abundantly and in most plentiful measure.
2. Is there anything hard to me? or shall I be like unto one that promiseth and perform eth not.-^
^Vhere is thy faith ? stand firmly and with perseverance ; take courage and be patient ; comfort will come to thee in due time.
Wait, wait, I say, for me : I will come and heal thee.
It is a temptation, this that vexeth thee, and a vain fear, this that affrighteth thee.
What else doth anxiety about the future bring to thee, but sorrow upon sor- row? " Suflficient for the day is the evil thereof"^
It is a vain thing and un- profitable, to be either dis- turbed or pleased about
1 Matt, xxiii. [35.]
2 Matt. vi. [34.]
ii8
©f trusting (QoH in Time of Affliction
future things, which perhaps will never come to pass.
3. But it is in the nature of man to be deluded with such imaginations ; and it is a sign of a mind as yet weak to be so easily drawn away by the suggestions of the enemy.
For so that he may but delude and deceive thee, he carcth not whether it be by true things or by false ; whether he overthrow thee with the love of present things, or the fear of future things.
Let not therefore thy heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Trust in me, and put thy confidence in my mercy. ^
When thou thinkest thyself farthest off from me, often- times I am nearest unto thee.
When thou judgest that almost all is lost, then often- times the greatest gain of re- AVard is close at hand.
All is not lost, when a thing falleth out against thee.
Thou must not judge ac- cording to present feeling ; nor so take any grief, or give thyself over to it, from whencesoevcr it cometh, as though all hopes of escape were quite taken away. 1 Psalm xci. [i.]
4. Think not thyself wholly left, although for a time I have sent thee some tribula- lation, or even have with- drawn thy desired comfort ; for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven.
And without doubt it is more expedient for thee and for the rest of my servants, that ye be exercised with ad- versities, than that ye should have all things according to your desires.
I know the secret thoughts of thy heart, and that it is very expedient for thy wel- fare, that thou be left some- times without spiritual en- j joyment, lest perhaps thou shouldst be puffed up with thy prosperous estate, and shouldst be willing to please thyself in that which thou art not.
That which T have given, I can take away ; and can restore it again when I please.
5. When I give it, it is still mine ; when I with- draw it, I take not any thing that is thine ; for every good and every perfect gift is mine.^
If I send thee affliction, or any cross whatsoever, repine not, nor let thy heart fail 1 James i. [17.]
<Bt Irabing tFje Creature for tijc Creator
19
thee ; I can quickly succour tliee, and turn all thy heavi- ness into joy.
Nevertheless I am right- eous and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee,
6. If thou be wise, and consider this rightly, thou wilt never mourn so dejected- ly for any adversity, but rather wilt rejoice and give thanks.
Yea, thou wilt account this thine especial joy, that I
afflict thee with sorrows, and do not spare thee.
' ' As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you,"^ said I unto my beloved disciples ; whom doubtless I sent not out to temporal joys, but to great conflicts ; not to honour, but to contempt ; not to idleness, but to labours; not to rest, but that they should bring forth much fruit with patience. Remember thou these words, O my son ! 1 John XV, [9.]
Chapter XXXI
0/ the contempt of all creatinrs, in oj-der to find out tJie O'^ator
OLORD, I stand much in need of yet greater grace, if it be thy will that I should attain to that state, where neither man nor any creature shall be a hindrance unto me.
For as long as anything holds me back, I cannot freely take my flight to thee.
He desired to fly freely that
said, " Oh ! that t had wings
like a dove, for then would I
flee away and be at rest P"^
1 Psalm Iv. [6.]
\Yhat is more quiet than ?i and who
the single
eye
more free than he that de- sireth nothing upon earth ?
A man ought therefore to mount above all creatures, and perfectly to renounce himself, and to be in a sort of ecstasy of mind, and to see that thou, the Creator of all things, hast nothing amongst creatures like unto thyself.
Unless a man be set free 1 Matt. vi. [22.]
I20 (Df Irabing tfjc Creature for tljc (Creator
from all creatures, he can- not Avholly attend unto di- vine things.
And therefore are there so few contemplative, for that few can wholly withdraw themselves from things cre- ated and perishing.
2. To obtain this, there is need of much grace, to ele- vate the soul, and carry it away above itself
And unless a man be up- lifted in spirit, and be freed from all creatures, and wholly united unto God, whatsoever he knoweth, and whatsoever he hath, is of small account.
A long while shall he be little, and lie grovelling be- low, whoever he be that esteemeth any thing great, save the one only infinite eternal Good.
And whatsoever is not God, is nothing, and ought to be accounted of as no- thing.
There is great difference between the wisdom of a man devout and taught of God, and the knowledge of a man learned and studious.
Far more noble is that learning which iloweth from above, from the divine in- fluence, than that which is painfully gotten by the wit of man.
I 3. There are many that 1 desire contemplation, but j they endeavour not to prac- tice those things that are needful thereunto. I A great hindrance it is, that men rest in signs and in the things of sense, and ' little heed perfect mortifica- tion. ! I know not what it is, by ! what spirit we are led, nor I what we pretend, we that I seem to be called spiritual, I that we take so mucla pains, and are so full of anxiety [ about transitory and mean things, and so rarely think of our own inward concern- J meuts with full recollection
of mind. j 4. Alas, presently, after a I slight recollection, we rush into outward things again, ! and weigh not our works I with diligent examination. We heed not where our affections lie, nor bewail the I impurity that is in all our actions.
For "all flesh had cor- rupted his w.iy," and there- fore did the great deluge ensue. -^
Since, then, the inward
affection is much cornipted,
the action thence proceeding
must needs be corrupted also,
1 Gen. vi. [12.]; vii. [21.]
<Bt ^rifsEmunciation
a proof of the absence of all inward strength.
From a pure heart pro- ceedeth the fruit of a good life.
5. We ask how much a man has done : but from what principle he acts, is not so diligently considered.
We enquire whether he be courageous, rich, handsome, skilful, a good writer, a good
singer, or a good labourer ; but how poor he is in spirit, how patient aixl meek, how devout and spiritual, is sel- dom spoken of.
Nature respecteth the out- ward things of a man, grace turneth itself to the inward.
The one is often disap- pointed ; the other hath her trust in God, and so is not deceived.
Chapter XXXII Of self-denial, and renouncing every evil appetite
MY son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty unless thou wholly renounce thyself. 1
They all are but in fetters who merely seek their own interest, and are lovers of themselves. Covetous are they, curious, wanderers, al- ways seeking what is soft and delicate, not the things of Jesus Christ, but often- times devising and framing that which will not continue.
For all that is not of God shall perish.
Keep this short and com- plete saying : " Forsake all 1 Matt. xvi. [24.]; xix. [8, 9.]
and thou shalt find all." Forego desire and thou shalt find rest.
Consider this well, and when thou hast fulfilled it, thou shalt understand all things.
O Lord, this is not the work of one day, nor child- ren's sport ; yea rather in this short word is included all pei-fection.
My son, thou oughtest not to turn back, nor at once to be cast, down, when thou hearest of the way of the perfect ; but rather to be
©f tijc 5bcctncss of Gotj's Eobc
stirred up to higher things, and at least in longing desire to sigli after tliem.
I would it were so with thee, that thou wert arrived at this, to be no longer a lover of thyself, but to stand merely at my beck, and at his whom I have appointed a father over thee ; then thou shouldst exceedingly please me, and all thy life should pass away in joy and peace.
Thou hast yet many things to part with, which unless thou wholly resign unto me, thou shalt not attain to that which thou desirest.
" I counsel thee to buy of
me gold tried in the fire, that
thou mayest become rich ;"i
that is, heavenly Misdom,
1 Rev. iii. [iS.]
which treadeth under foot all lower things.
Set little by earthly wis- dom, and study not to please others or thyself.
3. I said, that mean things must be bought with things which, among men, seem precious and of great es- teem.
For true heavenly wisdom doth seem very mean, of small account, and almost forgotten among men, as having no high thoughts of itself, nor seeking to be magnified upon earth. Many indeed praise it with their lips, but in their life they are far from it ; yet is it the precious pearl, ^ which is hid- den from maiiy.
1 Matt. xiii. [40.]
Chapter XXXIII
Of inconstancy of hearty and of having our final intent directed unto God
MY son, trust not to thy feelings, for what- ever they be now, they will quickly be changed towards some other thing.
As long as thou livcst,
thou art subject to change,' even against thy will ; so that thou art at one time merry, at another sad ; at one time quiet, at another troubled ; 1 Job .\iv. [2.]
now devout, now undevout ; now diligent, now listless ; now grave, and now light.
But he that is wise and well instructed in the Spirit staiideth fast upon these changing things ; not heed- ing what he feeleth in him- self, or which way the wind of instability bloweth ; but that the whole intent of his mind may be to the right and the best end.
For thus he will be able to continue one and the same and unshaken, in the midst of so many various events di- recting continually the single eye of his intent unto me. ■
2. And the purer the eye
of the intent is,^ with so much
the more constancy doth a
man pass through the several
1 Matt. vi. [22.]
kinds of storms which assail him.
But in many the eye of a pure mtent waxes dim, for it is quickly drawn aside to any pleasurable object which meets it.
For it is rare to find one who is wholly free from all blemish of self-seeking.
So of old the Jews came to Bethany to IVlartha and Mary, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also.-^
The eye of our intent therefore is to be purified, that it may be single and right," and is to be directed unto me, beyond all the various earthly objects which come between.
1 John xii. \g.]
2 Matt. vi. [22.]
Chapter XXXIV
T/iaf God is precious^ above all thijigs, and in all tlwKS, to him that loveth Him
BEHOLD! Mv God, and my AIL"' What would I more, and what greater happiness can I desire ? O sweet and delightful word ! but to him only that
loveth the word, not the world nor the things that are in the world.
"My God, and my All!" To him that understandeth, enough is said ; and to re-
124
©f tfjc 5ix(cctncss of Goti's ILobc
peat it again and again, is pleasant to him that loveth.
For when thou art present, all things do yield delight ; but when thou art absent, every thing becometh irk- some.
Thou givest quietness of heart, and much peace, and pleasant joy.
Thou makest us to take delight in all things, and in all to praise thee ; neither can any thing please long without thee ; but if it be pleasant and grateful, thy grace must needs be present, and it must be seasoned with the sweetness of thy wisdom.
2. What will not be plea- sant to the taste unto him who hath a true relish for thee?
And to him that hath no relish for thee, what can be pleasant ?
But the wise men of the world, and they also who relish the things of the flesh, come short of thy wisdom ;^ for in the former is found much vanity, and in the latter death.
But they that follow thee in contempt of worldly things, and mortification of the flesh,
1 I Cor. i. [26.]; Rom.viii. [5,]; 1 John ii. [16.]
are known to be truly wise : for they are brought over from vanity to truth, from the flesh to the spirit.
These relish God ; and what good soever is found in creatures, they wholly refer unto the praise of their Maker,
Great, however, yea, very great is the difference be- tween the sweetness of the Creator and of the creature, of eternity and of time, of light uncreated and of the light that receiveth its light therefrom.
3. O thou everlasting Light, surpassing all created lights, dart the beams of thy brightness from above, to pierce all the most inward parts of my heart.
Purify, rejoice, enlighten and enliven my spirit with all the powers thereof, that I may cleave unto thee with abun- dance of joy and triumph.
O when will that blessed and desired hour come, that thou mayest satisfy me with thy presence, and mayest be unto me all in all.
So long as this is not granted me, I shall not have perfect joy.
Still alas ! the old man doth live in me :^ he is not 1 R'im. vii.
wholly crucified, he is not perfectly dead.
Still doth he mightily strive against the Spirit, and stirreth up inwai'd \s ars, and suffereth not the kingdom of my soul to be in peace.
4. But thou that rulest the power of the sea, and stillest the rising of the waves there- of,^ arise and help me ! 1 Psalm Ixxxix. [9.]
Scatter the nations that delight in war,^ crush thou them in thy might.
Display thy greatness, I beseech thee, and let thy right hand be glorified, for there is no other hope or refuge for me, save in thee, O Lord my God.^
1 Psalm Ixviii. [30.]
2 Psalm xxxi. [14.]
Chapter XXXV
That there is no security from temptation in this life
MY son, thou art never secure in this life, but, as long as thou livest,^ thou shalt always need spiri- tual armour.
Thou dwellest among ene- mies, and art assaulted on the right hand and on the left.2
If therefore thou defend not thyself on every side with the shield of patience, thou canst not be long without a wound.
Moreover, if thou fix not thy heart on me with sincere willingness to suffer all things
1 Jobvii. [i.]
2 2 Cor. vi. [7.]
for me, thou wilt not be able to bear the heat of this com- bat, nor to attain to the palm of tlie blessed.
Thou oughtest therefore manfully to go through all, and to secure a strong hand against whatsoever with- standeth thee.
For to him that overcometh is manna given, but for the indolent there remaineth much misery.
2. If thou seek rest in this life, how wilt thou then attain to the everlasting rest ?
Dispose not thyself for much rest, but for great pa- tience.
[26
0i tiisrcsartitng man's juticjmcnt
Seek true peace, not in earth, but in heaven ; not in men, nor in any other crea- ture, but in God alone.
For the love of God thou oughtest cheerfully to under- go all things, that is to say, all labour, grief, temptation, vexation, anxiety, necessity, infirmity, injury, detraction, reproof, humiliation, shame, correction, and contempt.
These help to virtue ; these are the trial of a babe in Christ ; these form the hea- venly crown.
I will give an everlasting reward for a short labour, and infinite glory for transi- tory shame.
3. Thinkestjhou that thou shalt always have spiritual consolations at will ?
My saints had not such always, but they had many
afflictions, and sundry temp- tations, and great discom- forts.
But in all these they did bear up themselves patiently, and trusted rather in God than in themselves, knowing that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared to the future glory. ^
Wilt thou have that at once, which many after many tears and great labours have hardly obtained ?
Wait for the Lord, behave thyself manfully, and be ot good courage ;2 be not faith- less, do not leave thy place, but steadily expose both body and soul for the glory of God.
I will reward thee in most plentiful wise ; I will be Avith thee in eveiy tribulation.
1 Rom. viii. [18.]
2 Psalm xxvii. [14. 1
Chapter XXXVI
Against the %'ain judgniaits of mm
MY son, rest thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not the judgment of men, when conscience testi- ficth of thy dutifulness and innocency.
It is a good and happy thing to suffer in such a way; nor will this be grievous 'to a heart which is humble, and which trusteth rather in God than in itself.
The most part of men are given to talk much, and therefore little trust is to be placed in them.
Moreover also, to satisfy all is not possible.
Although Paul endea- voured to please all in the Lord, and made himself all things unto alP men, yet with him it was a very small thing that he should be judged of man's judgment.^
2. He did for the edifica- tion and salvation of others what lay in him, and as much as he was able ; yet could he not hinder but that he was sometimes judged and de- spised by others.
Therefore he committed all to God, who knew all ; and with patience and hu- mility he defended himself against unjust tongues, and against such as thought vanities and lies, and spake boastfully whatever they listed.
Sometimes notwithstand- ing he made answer, lest the
1 I Cor. Lx. [22.]; 2 Cor. iv.
ii Coloss. i. ; I Cor. iv. [3.]
weak should be offended by his silence.^
3. Who art thou that fear- est a mortal man? to-day he is, and to-morrow he is not seen. '-^
Fear God, and thou shalt not need to shrink from the terrors of men.
\Vhat harm can the words or injuries of any man do thee ? He hurte'th himself rather than thee, nor shall he be able to avoid the judg- ment of God,-^ whosoever he be.
Do thou have God before thine eyes, and contend not with peevish \\orcls.
And if for the present thou seem to be worsted and to suffer shame undeservedly, do not therefore repine, neither do thou by impatience lessen thy crown."*
But rather lift thou up thine eyes to me in heaven, who am able to deliver thee from all shame and wrong, and to render to eveiy man accord- ing to his works.
1 Acts xxvi. ; Phil. i. [14.]
2 I Mac. ii. [62, 63.]
3 Rom. ii. [3.]; i Coi. xi. [32.] ■1 Heb. xii. [i, 2.]
128
m attaining true frccDom of Jjcart
Chapter XXXVII
Of pure and entire resignation for the obtaining freedom of heart
M
Y son, forsake thyself, and thou shalt find
Choose not any thing, nor appropriate any thing what- ever to thyself, and thou shalt always be a gainer.
For greater grace shall be added to thee, the moment thou hast resigned thyself, and hast not resumed thy claim.
Lord, how often shall I resign myself, and wherein shall I forsake myself ?
Always and at every hour ; as well in small things as in great. I except nothing, but do desire that thou be found stripped of all things.
Otherwise, how canst thou be mine, and I thine, unless thou be stripped of all self- will, both within and with- out ?
The sooner thou doest this, the better it will be with 1 Matt, xvi [24.1
thee ; and the more fully and sincerely thou doest it, so much the more shalt thou please me, and so much the greater shall be thy gain.
2. Some there are who re- sign themselves, but with ex- ceptions : for they put not their whole trust in God, therefore they study how to provide for themselves.
Some also at first do offer all, but afterwards, being assailed with temptation, they return again to their own ways, and therefore make no progress in the ways of virtue.
These shall not attain to the true liberty of a pure heart, nor to the favour of my sweetest friendship, unless tliey first make an entire re- signation and a daily oblation of themselves. Without this, there neither is nor can be a fruitful union.
3. I have very often said unto thee, and now again I say the same, Forsake thy-
©f Hcligious 5elf=(!Hofacrnmcttt
129
self,^ resign thyself, and thou shalt enjoy much inward peace.
Give all for all ; seek nothing, ask back nothing ; abide purely and with a firm confidence in me, and thou shalt possess me ; thou shalt be free in heart, and darkness shall not tread thee down.
Let this be thy whole endeavour, let this be thy
1 ?.Iatt. .xvi. [24.]
prayer, this thy desire ; that, being stripped of all selfish- ness, thou may est with entire simplicity follow Jesus only, and, dying to thyself, mayest live eternally to me.
Then all vain imagina- tions, evil perturbations, and superfluous cares shall fly away.
Then also immoderate fear shall leave thee, and inordi- nate love shall die.
Chapter XXXVIII
Of good governincnt of ourselves in things outward, and of recourse to God in dangers
MY son, thou oughtest with all diligence to endeavour, that, in every place and action, and in all outward business, thou be inwardly free, and thoroughly master of thyself; and that all things be under thee, and not thou under them.
Thou must be lord and master of thine own actions, not a servant or a hireling.
Rather shouldst thou be as a freed man and a true Hebrew, passing over into the lot and freedom of the sons of God.
For they stand above things present, and contem- plate the things eternal.
They look on transitory things with the left eye, and with the right do behold the things of heaven.
Temporal things cannot draw them to cleave unto them ; rather do they draw temporal things to serve them, and this in such way as they are ordained by God, and are appointed by the great Work-master, wlio hath left nothing in his creation without due order.
130 <©f obcrscarffiilurss in matters of Biisinrss
2. If too thou stand sted- fast in all things, and do not estimate what thou seest and hearest by the outward ap- pearance, nor with a carnal eye ; but at once in every affair dost enter with Moses into the tabernacle^ to ask counsel of the Lord ; thou shalt sometimes hear the divine oracle, and shalt re- turn instructed concerning many things, both present and to come.
For Moses always had
recourse to the tabernacle
for the deciding of doubts
and questions, and fled to
1 Exod. xxxiii. [9.]
the help of prayer for sup- port under dangers and the iniquity of men.
So oughtest thou in like manner to fly to the closet of thine heart, ^ very earnestly craving the divine favour.
For we read, that for this cause Joshua and the child- ren of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonites, because they asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord,'^ but, giving credit too lightly to their fair words, were de- luded by their counterfeit piety.
1 Matt. vi. re.]
2 Josh. ix. [14. J
Chapter XXXIX
T/.a.' a 7nan should not be over-careful in matters of busimss
MY son, always commit thy cause to me. I will dispose well of it in due time.
Wait for my ordering of it, and thou shalt find it will be for thy good.
O Lord, I do most cheer- fully commit all unto thee, for my care can little avail.
Would that I did not so
much dwell on future things, but gave myself up without a struggle to thy good pleasure. 2. My son, oftentimes a man vehemently struggleth for somewhat he desireth, and when he hath arrived at it, he beginneth to be of another mind ; for man's affections do not long con- tinue fixed on one object, but
©f fHan's true comfort anti glorg
rather do urge him from one thing to another.
It is therefore no small bene- fit for a man to forsake himself even in the smallest things.
3. The true profiting of a man consisteth in the denying of himself ; and he that thus denieth himself, liveth in great freedom and security.
But the old enemy, ^ who 1 I Pet. V. [8.]'
always setteth himself against all that are good, ceaseth at no time from tempting, but day and night lieth grievously in wait, to cast the unwary, if he can, headlong into the snare of deceit.
Therefore ' ' Watch ye, and pray," saith our Lord, "that ye enter not into tempta- tion. "^
1 IMatt. x.Kvi. [41.]
Chapter XL
That vian hath of himself no good thing, nor any thing zuhereof he can glory
' T
J ^ that thou art mind- ful of him, or the son of man, that thou visitest him?"i
What hath man deserved that thou shouldest grant him thy favour?
O Lord, what cause have I to complain, if thou forsake me? or if thou do not that which I desire, what can I justly say against it ?
Surely this I may truly think and say ; Lord, I am nothing, I can do nothing, I have nothing that is good of
1 Psalm vili. [4.]
myself, but in all things I am wanting, and do ever tend to nothing.
And unless thou help me, and inwardly instruct me, I must become altogether luke- warm and careless.
2. But Thou, O Lord, art always the same, and endurest for ever,^ always good, just, and holy, doing all things well, justly, and holily, and disposing all things with wis- dom.
But I, that am more ready to go backward than forward, do not ever continue in one 1 Psalm cii. [12.]
estate, for "seven times are passed over me."^
Yet is it soon better with me, when it so pleaseth thee, and when thou vouchsafest to stretch forth thy helping hand ; for thou canst help me alone M'ithout human aid, and canst so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be no more changed, but my heart shall hi turned to thee alone, and be at rest.
3. Wherefore, if I could once perfectly cast off all human comfort, either for the attainment of devotion, or because of mine own necessi- ties enforcing me to seek after thee (because that no mortal man could comfort me), then might I well hope in thy grace, and rejoice for the gift of fresh consolation.
4. Thanks be unto thee, from whom all things pro- ceed, whensoever it is well with me.
But I am in thy sight mere vanity and nothing, a man weak, and never continuing in one stay.
Whereof then can I glory? or for what do I desire to be respected ? is it for that I am notliing? yet ihis is most vain.
Mere empty glory is in 1 Dan. iv. [16, 23, 32.]
truth an evil pest, a very great vanity ; because it draweth a man from true glory, and robbeth him of heavenly grace.
For whilst he pleaseth him- self, he displeaseth thee ; whilst he gapeth after the praise of men, he is deprived of true virtues.
5. But the true glory and holy exultation is for a man to glory in thee,^ and not in himself ; to rejoice in thy name, not in his own strength, and not to delight in any creature but for thy sake.
Praised be thy Name, not mine ; magnified be thy work, not mine. Let thy holy Name be blessed, but to me let no part of men's praises be given. "^
Thou art my glory, thou art the joy of my heart.
In thee will I gloiy and rejoice all the day, but as for myself, I will not glory, but in my infirmities.
6. Let the Jews seek honour one of another,^ I will seek that which cometh from God alone.
For all human glory, all temporal honour, all worldly
1 H.ib. iil. [18.]
2 Psalm cxiii. [3.] ; cxv. [i.]
3 John V. [14.]
©f ficarins (iTonlcmpt artgfjt
133
height, compared to thy eternal glorv, is vanity and folly.
O my God, my Truth, and
my Mercy, O Blessed Trinity, to thee alone be praise, ho- nour, power and glory for ever and ever.
Chapter XLI Of the contempt of all temporal honour
MY son, trouble not thy- self, if thou see others honoured and advanced, vi'hilst thou art contemned and debased.
Lift up thy heart into hea- ven to me, and the contempt of men on earth shall not grieve tliee.
Lord, we are blind, and are quickly misled by vanity.
If I look rightly into my- self, I cannot say that any creature hath ever done me wrong; and therefore I cannot justly complain before thee.
2. But because I have often and grievously sinned against thee, all creatures do justly take arms against me.
Unto me, therefore, shame and contempt is justly due, but unto thee praise, honour, and glory.
And unless T prepare my- self with cheerful willingness to be despised and forsaken of all creatures, and to be esteemed altogether nothing, I cannot obtain inward peace and stability, nor be spiri- tually enlightened, nor be fully united unto thee.
Chapter XLII That our peace is not to be set on men
M
Y son, if thou rest thy peace on any because of the opinion which
thou hast of him, or be- cause of thine intimate ac- quaintance with him, thou
shalt ever be inconstant and enthralled.
But if thou have recourse unto the ever-living and abid- ing Truth, the departure or death of a friend shall not grieve thee.
Thy regard for thy friend ought to be grounded in me ; and for my sake is he to be bjloved, whosoever he be that thou thinkest well of, and who is very dear unto thee in this life.
Without me friendship hath no strength, and no continuance ; neither is that love true and pure, which is not knit by me.
Thou oughtest to be so dead to such affections to- wards thy friends, that (as much as appertaineth unto thee) thou shouldst be willing to be without all human friendship.
Man approacheth so much the nearer unto God, the farther he departeth from all earthly comfort.
And the lower he descend-
eth in himself, and the meaner he becometh in his own sight, the higher he ascendeth to- wards God.
But he that attributeth any good unto himself, hindereth the entry of God's grace ; for the grace of the Holy Spirit ever seeketh an humble heart. ^
If thou knewest perfectly to annihilate thyself, and to empty thyself of all created love, then should I be con- strained to flow into thee with great abundance of grace.
When thou hast regard unto creatures, the sight of the Creator is withdrawn from thee.
Learn in all things to over- come thyself, for the love of thy Creator, and then shalt thou be able to attain to di- vine knowledge.
How small soever any thing be, if it be inordinately loved and regarded, it keepeth thee back from the highest good, and defileth the soul.
1 I Pet. y. rs-l
©f Itnobilctige bain antJ true
135
Chapter XLIII
Against rain and seen la?- knowledge
MY son, let not the say- ings of men move thee, however fair and inge- nious they may be. " For the kingdom of God con- sisteth not in word, but in power. "1
Observe well my words, for they inflame the heart, and enlighten the mind ; they cause compunction, and carry with them many a consola- tion.
Never read the word of God in order to appear more learned or more wise.
Be studious for the mortifi- cation of thy sins ; for this will profit thee more than the knowledge of many difficult questions.
2. When thou shalt have read and known many things, thou oughtest ever to return to the one beginning and principle.
I am He that teacheth man knowledge ; and I give unto little children a clearer under- standing than can be taught by man.
1 I Cor. iv. [20.]
He therefore, to whom I speak, shall quickly be wise, and shall profit much in the Spirit.
Woe be to them that en- quire many curious things of men, and little care about the way of serving me !
The time will come, when the Master of masters shall appear, Christ the Lord of angels, to hear the lessons of all, that is, to examine the consciences of every one.
And then will he search Jerusalem with candles ; and the hidden things of darkness shall be laid open,^ and the arguings of men's tongues shall be silent.
3. I am he who in one instant do raise up the humble mind, so that a man shall understand more reasonings of eternal truth, than if he had studied ten years in the schools.
I teach without noise of words, without confusion of opinions, without the desire 1 Zeph. i. [12. j; i Cor. iv. [5.]
^3^
®F useless Sclfsannogancc
of honour, without bandying of arguments.
I ani he who instructeth men to despise earthly things, to loathe things present, to seek things heavenly, to relish things eternal, to flee honours, to endure offences, to place all hope in me, out of me to desire nothing, and above all things ardently to love me.
4. A certain one by loving me entirely, became instruct- ed in divine things, and was wont to speak that which was admirable.
He profited more by for- saking all things, than by studying subtleties.
But to some men I speak common things, to others things uncommon ; to some I appear sweetly by signs and figures, but to some I reveal mysteries with much light.
The voice of books is in- deed one, but it instructs not all alike ; for I am the teacher of the truth within, I am the searcher of the heart, the dis- cerner of the thoughts, the mover of actions, distributing to every man as I judge meet.
Chapter XLIV
Of not attracting to onfselves outzuard tilings
MY son, in many things it is thy duty to be ignorant-, and to esteem thy- self as dead upon earth, and as one to whom the whole world is crucified.^
Thou must also pass by many things Avith a deaf ear, and rather think of those which belong unto thy peace. It is more useful to turn away one's eyes from unpleas- ing things, and to leave every 1 Gal. vi. [14.]
one to his own opinion, than to be a slave to contentious discourses.
If all stand well betwixt thee and God, and if thou hast his judgment in thy mind, thou shalt the more easily endure to be overcome.
2. O Lord, to what a pass are we come ! Behold, we bewail a temporal loss : for a pitiful gain we toil and run ; and the spiritual losses
©f trusting otfjcvs too i^astilg
137
of our soul are forgotten, and hardly at last return to the memory.
That which little or nothing profiteth we heed ; and that which is especially necessary,
we slightly pass over ; be- cause the whole man doth slide off into outward things ; and unless he speedily repent, he settleth down in them, and that willingly.
Chapter XLV
That credit is not to be given to all : and that man is prone to offend in luords
GRANT me help, O Lord, in tribulation, for vain is the help of man !^
How often have I been deceived, finding want of faithfulness where I thought myself sure !
And how often have I found it, Avhere beforehand I least expected it.
It is in vain therefore to trust in men, but the salva- tion of the righteous is of thee, O God !
Blessed be thou, O Lord my God, in all things that befall us.
We are weak and unstable ; we are quickly deceived, and soon changed.
2. Who is he, that is able in all things so warily and circumspectly to keep him- 1 Psalm Ix. [II.]
self, as never to fall into any deceit or perplexity ?
But he that trusteth in thee, O Lord, and seeketh thee with a single heart, doth not so easily fall.^
And if he do fall into any tribulation, be he never so much entangled, yet he shall quickly either through thee be delivered, or by thee be comforted ; for thou wilt not forsake him that trusteth in thee, even to the end.
A friend is rarely to be found that continueth faith- ful in all his friend's dis- tresses.
Thou, O Lord, even thou alone art most faithful at all times, and there is none like unto thee.
3. O how wise was that 1 Prov. X. [29.]
I3S
©f trusting otljrrs too fjastilg
holy soul that said, " My niiiicl is firmly settled and grounded in Christ."
If it were so with me, then would not human fear easily vex me, nor the darts of words move me.
Who can foresee all things? wh.o is able to beware before- hand of evils to come? If things even foreseen do often- times hurt us, how can things unlooked for do otherwise than wound us grievously ?
But wretched that I am, why did I not provide better for myself? why also have I so easily trusted others ?
But we are men, nothing else but frail men, although by many we may be reputed and called angels.
To \Ahom shall I give credit, O Lord ? to whom but to thee? thou art the truth, which neither doth de- ceive, nor can be deceived.
And on the other side, " every man is a liar," ^ weak, inconstant, and subject to fall, especially in words ; and therefore we must not immediately give credit to that which in the outward show seemeth at the first to sound aright.
4. O with what wisdom hast thou warned us to be-
1 Rom. iii. [4.]
ware of men ; and, because a man's foes are they of his own household,^ not forth- with to believe if one should say, I.o here, or Lo there.
My hurt has been my in- structor, and O that I might thereby increase my caution, and not my folly.
" Be wary," saith one, ** be wary, keep to thyself what I tell thee ; " and whilst I hold my peace, and think it is secret, he cannot himself keep that which he desired me to keep, but presently betrayeth both me and himself, and is gone.
From such tales and such indiscreet persons protect me, O Lord, that I neither fall into their hands, nor ever commit such things myself
Grant me to observe truth and constancy in my words, and remove far from me a crafty tongue.
What I am not willing to suffer in others, I ought by all means to avoid myself
5. O how good is it, and how it tendeth to peace, to be silent about other men, and not to believe at random all that is said, nor eagerly to report what we have heard. 2
1 Mic. vii. [61
2 Prov. .v.w. [g.]
Qi rcceibms Calumnies arigfjt
139
How good it is to lay one's self open to few, and always to be seeking after thee who art the searcher of the heart. ^
Nor should we be carried about with every wind of words, but we should desire that all things, both within and without, be accomplished according to the pleasure of thy will.
How safe is it, for the keeping of heavenly grace, to avoid appearances, and 1 Isaiah xxvi. [3.]
not to seek those things that seem to cause admiration abroad, but to follow with all diligence the things which bring amendment of life, and zeal.
6. To how many hath vir- tue itself, known and over hastily commended, been hurtful !
How profitable hath grace been when preserved in silence in this frail life, which is temptation and warfare !
Chapter XLVI
Of putting our trust in God when evil words arist
M
Y son, stand steadily, and put thy trust in me ;^ for what are words, but woi'ds ?
They fly through the air, but hurt not the rock.
If thou be guilty, see that thou be willing to amend thy- self; if conscience reproach thee not, resolve to suffer wil- lingly for God's sake.
It is but a small matter to suffer sometimes a few words, if thou hast not yet the cou- rage to endure hard stripes. 1 Psalm XXX vii. [3.]
And why do such small matters go to thy heart, but because thou art yet carnal, and regardest men more than thou oughtest?
For because thou art afraid to be despised, therefore thou art not willing to be reproved for thy faults, but seekest the shelter of excuses.
2. But look better into thyself, and thou shalt ac- knowledge that the world is yet alive in thee, and a vain desire to please men.
For when thou shunnest to
140
©f rcrcibing Calumntrs arigf)t
be abased and reproved for tliy faults, it is evident that thou art neither truly humble, nor truly dead to the world, nor the world crucified to thee.
But give diligent ear to my j words, and thou shalt not j regard ten thousand words spoken by men.
Behold, if all should be spoken against thee that could be most maliciously invented, what would it hurt thee, if thou sufferedst it to pass entirely away, and madest no more reckoning of it than of a mote? could it pluck so much as one hair from thy head?^
3. But he that hath no heart within him, and hath not God before his eyes, is easily moved with a word of dispraise.
Whereas he that trusteth in me, and hath no wish to trust in his own judgment, shall be free from the fear of men.
For I am the judge ^ and the discerner of all secrets : I know how the matter was ; I know him that offered the injury, and him that suffered it.
From me hath this pro-
1 Matt. X. [^o.]; Luke xii. [7.] 2 Psalm vii. [8.]
ceeded ; this hath happened by my permission, that tlie thoughts of many hearts might be revealed.^
I shall judge the guilty, and the innocent ; but by a secret judgment I would beforehand prove them both.
4. The testimony of men oftentimes deceiveth ; but my judgment is tnie; it shall stand and not be overthrown.
It is commonly hidden, and not kno\\n in all re- spects, but to few : notwith- standing it never erreth, neither can it err, although to the eyes of the foolish it seemeth not right.
Men ought therefore to have recourse to me in every judgment, and not to lean on their own opinion.
For the just man will not be moved,- whatsoever bc- falleth him from God ; and if any unjust charge be brought against him, he will not be much troubled.
Neither will he rejoice with a foolish exultation, i'' by means of others he be reasonably vindicated.
For he considereth that I am he that searcheth the heart and reins, ^ and judgeth
1 Luke ii. [35.]
2 Prov. .\ii. [13.I
3 Psalm vii. [9.]; Rev. ii. [23.]
©f Eife OHbcrlastins
141
not according to the outside, nor according to human ap- pearance.
For that oftentimes in my sight is found worthy of blame, which in the judg- ment of men is thought to be commendable.
O Lord God, the just judge, strong and patient, thou who knowest the fraihy
and wickedness of men, be thou my strength, and all my trust, for mine own con- science sufficeth me not.
Although I know nothing against myself,^ yet 1 cannot hereby justify myself ; for, without thy mercy, in thy sight shall no man living be justified."^
1 I Cor. iv. [4.]
2 Psalm cxliii. [2.]
Chapter XLA^II
That all grievous things are to be endured for the sake of eternal life
MY son, be not dis- mayed by the pain- ful labours which thou hast undertaken for me, neither be thou utterly cast down be- cause of any tribulations which befall thee ; but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in all events.
I am able to reward thee above all measure and de- gree.
Thou shalt not long toil here, and shalt not always be oppressed with grief.
Wait a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils.
There will come an hour when all labour and trouble shall cease.
Poor and brief is all that which passeth av^'ay v.ith time.
2. Do with thy might what thou doest ; labour faithfully in my vineyard ; ^ I will be thy reward.
Write, read, mourn, keep silence, pray, sufier crosses manfully ; life everlasting is worthy of all these, yea, and of greater combats.
Peace shall come in the day which is known unto the 1 Matt. XX. [7.]
142
®f 3Lifc ^bcrlastmg
Lord, and it shall be neither day nor night, ^ such as now is, but everlasting light, infinite brightness, stedfast peace, and secure rest.
Then thou shalt not say, *' Who shall deliver me from the body of this death ?"^ nor cry, " Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech!"-^ for death shall be cast down headlong, and there shall be salvation which cannot fail : there shall be no more anxious thoughts, but blessed joy, sweet and lovely com- pany.
3. O if thou hadst seen the everlasting crowns of the saints in heavens'* and with how great glory they now rejoice, who in times past were contemptible to this world, and esteemed un- worthy of life itself; truly thou wouldst presently hum- ble thyself even unto the dust, and wouldst rather
1 Zech. xiv. [7.]
2 Rom. vii. [24.]
3 Psalm cxx. [5.]
4 Wisd. iii. [1-9.]; V. [16.]
seek to be under the feet of all, than to have command so much as over one.
Neither wouldst thou de- sire the pleasant days of this life, but rather wouldst re- joice to suffer affliction for God, and esteem it thy great- est gain to be reputed as nothing amongst men.
4. O if thou hadst a re- lishing of these things, and didst suffer them to sink into the bottom of thy heart, how couldst thou so much as once complain ?
Are not all painful labours to be endured for the sake of life eternal?
It is no small matter, to lose or to gain the kingdom of God.
Lift up thy face therefore unto heaven ; behold, I and all my saints with me, who in this world had great con- flicts, do now rejoice, are now comforted, now secure, now at rest, and they shall remain with me everlasting- ly in the kingdom of my Father.
0i t\lt |l?appmcss of ^taistn
143
Chapter XLVIII
Of the day of eter?tify, and this life's straitnesses
OINIOST blessed man- sion of the city which is above !^ O most clear day of eternity, which night obscureth not, but the high- est truth ever enlighteneth ! O day ever joyful, ever se- cure, and never changing into a contrary state !
O that that day would once appear, and that all these temporal things were at an end !
To the saints it shineth, glowing with everlasting brightness, but to those that are pilgrims on the earth, it appeareth only afar off, and as it were through a glass.
2. The citizens of heaven do know how joyful that day is ; but the banished child- ren of Eve bewail the bitter- ness and tediovisness of this.
The days of this life are short and evil, ^ full of sorrow and straitnesses.
Here a man is defiled with many sins, ensnared with
1 Rev. xxi. [2.] 2 Job vii.
many passions, held fast by many fears, racked with many cares, distracted with many curiosities, entangled with many vanities, com- passed about with many errors, worn with many la- bours, burdened with temp- tations, enervated by plea- sures, tormented with want,
3. O when shall these evils be at an end ? when shall I be delivered from the miser- able bondage of my sins?-* when shall I be mindful, O Lord, of thee alone ?^ M'hen shall I fully rejoice in thee?
When shall I enjoy true liberty without any hind- rances, without any trouble of mind and body ?
When shall I have solid peace, peace secure and un- disturbed, peace within and peace without, peace every way assured ?
O merciful Jesu, when shall I stand to behold thee? when shall I contemplate the glory of thy kingdom ?
1 Rom. vii. [24.]
2 Psalm k.-^i. [16.]
144
0t t!)c |l?appmfss of fi^ciom
when wilt thou be unto me all in all ?
0 when shall I be with thee in thy kingdom, which thou hast prepared for thy beloved from all eternity?
1 am left, a poor and banished man, in the land of mine enemies, where there are daily wars and great ca- lamities.
4. Comfort my banish-, ment, assuage my sorrow ; for my whole desire sigheth after thee.
For all is burdensome to me, whatsoever this world offereth for my consolation.
I long to enjoy thee in my inmost soul, but I cannot attain unto it.
My desire is, that I may be wholly given up to things heavenly, but tem- poral things and unmortified passions weigh me down.
With the mind I wish to be above all things, but with the flesh I am enforced against my will to be be- neath all.
Thus, unhappy man that I am,^ I fight against myself, and am become grievous to myself, whilst my spirit seck- cth to be above, and my flesh to be below.
5. O what do I in\\-ardly 1 R'jin. vii. [24.] ; viii. [23.]
suffer, whilst in my mind I dwell on things heavenly, and presently in my prayers a multitude of carnal fancies rise up to me ! O my God, be not thou far from me, nor turn away in wrath from thy servant.^
Cast forth thy lightning and disperse them ; shoot out thine arrows, and let all the imaginations of the enemy be confounded.
Gather in and call home my senses unto thee ; make me to forget all worldly things ; enable me to cast away speedily, and to despise all the imaginations of wick- edness.
Succour me, O thou the everlasting truth, that no vanity may move me.
Come to me, thou heavenly sweetness, and let all im- purity flee from before thy face.
Pardon me also, and in mercy deal gently with me, as often as in prayer I think on aught beside thee.
I must truly confess, that I am wont to be subject to many distractions.
For oftentimes I am not there, where I stand or sit, but rather I am tliere, wliither my ihouglits do cany me. 1 Psalm Ixxi. [j2.]
0t t\)t faitf)ful Cf)ristian*s l^cfeartr
H5
Where my thoughts are, there am I ; and commonly there are my tlioughts, where my affection is.
That too readily occurs to me, which is by nature delight- ful, or by custom is pleasing.
6. And for this cause, thou that art truth itself hast plainly said. Where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also.^
If I love heaven, I willingly muse on heavenly things.
If I love the world, I re- joice at the felicity of the world, and grieve for the adversity thereof.
If I love the flesh, I shall fancy oftentimes those things that are pleasing to the flesh. 1 Matt. vi. [21.]
If I love the Spirit, I shall delight to think on things spiritual.
For whatsoever I love, thereof do I willingly speak and hear, and carry home with me the images thereof.
But blessed is the man,^ who for thy sake, O Lord, is willing to part with all creatures, who does violence to his nature, and through fervour of Spirit crucifieth the lusts of the flesh ; that so with a serene conscience he may offer pure prayers unto thee, and, all earthly things both outwardly and inwardly being excluded, he may be meet to be admitted into the angelical choirs.
1 Matt. xix.
Chapter XLIX
0/f/ie desire of everlasting life, afid haw great rewards are pi'omised to those that strive resolutely
MY son, when thou per- ceivest the desire of everlasting bliss to be given thee from above, and longest to depart out of the taber- nacle of this body, that thou mayest contemplate my brirrhtness without shadow
of turning ; open thy heart wide, and receive this holy inspiration with thy whole desire.
Give greatest thanks to the heavenly goodness, which treateth thee with such con- descension, visiting thee mer-
cifuUy, stirring thee up fer- I vently, powerfully sustaining thee, lest through thine own j weight thou fall down to j earthly things.
Neither dost thou obtain | this by thine own thought or endeavour, but by the mere condescension of heavenly grace and divine favour ; to the end that thou mayest make further progress in all virtue, and obtain greater humility, and prepare thy- self for future conflicts, and endeavour to cleave unto me with the whole affection of thy heart, and to serve me with fervent willingness.
2. My son, oftentimes the fire burneth, but the flame ascendeth not up without smoke.
So likewise the desires of some men burn towards heavenly things, and yet they are not free from the tempta- tions of carnal affection.
And therefore it is not alto- gether purely for the honour of God, that they make such earnest requests to him.
Such also oftentimes are thy desires, which thou hast pretended to be so serious and earnest.
P'or tliose desires are not pure and perfect, wliich are tainted with self-love.
3. Ask not for that which is delightful and profitable to thee, but for that which is acceptable to me, and which tendeth to my honour ; for if thou judgest aright, thou oughtest to prefer and follow my appointment, rather than thine own desire, or any thing whatever that is to be desired.
I know thy desire, and have heard thy frequent groanings.
Now thou longest to enjoy the glorious liberty of the sons of God ; now dost thou delight in the everlasting habitation, thy heavenly home full of joy ; but that hour is not yet come ; there still remaineth another time, and that a time of war,^ a time of labour and of trial.
Thou desiredst to be filled with the chiefest good, but thou canst not attain it yet.
I AM he ; wait thou for me (saith the Lord) until the kingdom of God shall come.
4. Thou art still to be tried upon earth, and to be exercised in many things.
Comfort shall be some- times given thee, but the abundant fulness thereof shall not be granted.
Take courage therefore, 1 Jobvii. [i.l
(Bi t})t faitfjftil (2:f)risttan*s KciuarH
147
and be valiant/ as well in doing as in suffering things contrary to nature.
It is thy duty to put on the new man,- and to be changed into another man.
It is thy duty oftentimes to do what thou wouldst not ; thy duty to leave undone what thou wouldst do.
That which pleaseth others shall go well forward ; that which pleaseth thee shall not speed.
That which others say shall be heard ; what thou sayest shall be accounted nothing : others shall ask and shall receive ; thou shalt ask but shalt not obtain.
5. Others shall be great in the praise of men, but about thee there shall be no word.
To others this or that shall be committed, but thou shalt be accounted a thing of no use.
At this nature will some- times be troubled, and it is a great thing if thou bear it with silence.
In these and many such like things, the faithful ser- vant of the Lord is wont to be tried, how far he can deny and break his will in all things.
1 Joshua i. [7]
2 Eph. iv. [24.]
There is scarcely any thing wherein thou hast such need to die to thyself, as in seeing and suffering those things that are contrary to thy AA'ill ; especially when that is com- manded to be done, which seemeth unto thee incon- venient, or useless.
And because thou being under authority darest not re- sist the higher power, there- fore it seems hard to thee to walk at another's beck, and to feel that thou must give up all thine own A\ill.
6. But consider, my son, the fruit of these labours, tlic end near at hand, and the reward exceeding great ; arid thou wilt not grudge to bear them : rather thou wilt have the strongest comfort of thy patience.
For instead of that little
of thy will, which now thou
so readily forsakest, thou
j shalt ahvays have thy will in
heaven.
Yea, there thou shalt find all that thou canst wish, all that thou shalt be able to desire.
There thou shalt have within thy reach all good, ! without fear of losing it.
There shall thy will be ever one with me ; it shall not covet any outward or selfish thine:.
148
m Comfort for i\)t Desolate
There none shall withstand thee, no man shall complain of thee, no man hinder thee, nothing come in thy way ; but all things thou canst de- sire shall be there altogether present, and shall refresh thy whole affection, and fill it up to the brim.
There I will give thee glory for the. reproach which here thou sufiferedst, the garment of praise for heaviness, for the lowest place a kingly throne for ever.
There shall the fruit of obedience appear, the labour of repentance shall rejoice, and humble subjection shall be gloriously crowned.
7. At present th:n bend thyself humbly under all, and
care not who said this or commanded it.
But take especial care, that whether thy superior, or thine inferior, or thine equal, re- quire any thing of thee, or do but insinuate their desire, thou take it all in good part, and with a sincere will en- deavour to fulfil it.
Let one seek this, another that ; let this man glory in- this, the other in that, and be praised a thousand, thousand times ; but do thou rejoice neither in this, nor in that, but in the contempt of thy- self, and in the good pleasure and honour of me alone.
This is what thou art to wish, that, whether it be by life or by death, God may be always glorified in thee.
Chapter L
Ifo7C' the desolate ought to give up himself into the hands of God
OLORD God, holy Fa- ther, be thou blessed both now and for evermore, because as thou wilt, so is it done, and what thou doest is good.
Let thy servant rejoice in
thee, not in himself nor in any thing else ; for thou alone art the true gladness, thou art my hope and my crown, thou art my joy antl my honour, O Lord.
What hath thy servant,
but what he hath received from thee,^ even without any merit of his ?
Thine are all things, both what thou hast given, and what thou hast made.
I am poor, and in trouble, from my youth ;'-^ and some- times my soul is sorrowful even unto tears ; sometimes also it is disturbed within itself by reason of sufferings which hang over me.
2. I long after the joy of peace, the peace of thy child- ren I earnestly crave, who are fed by thee in the light of thy comfort.
If thou give peace, if thou pour into my heart holy joy, the soul of thy servant shall be full of melody, and shall become devout in thy praise.
But if thou withdraw thy- self (as many times thou dost), he will not be able to run the way of thy command- ments ; but rather he will bow his knees, and smite his breast, because it is not now with him as it was in times past, when thy candle shined upon his head, and under the shadow of thy wings he was protected from the temp- tations which assaulted him.
3. O righteous Father, and
1 I Cor. iv. [7] 2 Psa'ni Ixxxviii. [15.]
ever to be praised, the hour is come that thy servant is to be proved.
O beloved Father, meet and right it is. that in this hour thy servant should suffer somewhat for thy sake.
O Father, evermore to be honoured, the hour is come, which from all eternity thou didst foreknow should come ; that for a short time thy ser- vant should outwardly be op- pressed, but inwardly should ever live with thee.
That he should be for a little while des]iised, and humbled, and in the sight of men should fail, and be ■wasted with sufierings and languors ; that he might rise again with thee in the morn- ing dawn of the new light, and be glorified in heaven.
Holy Father, thou hast so appointed it, and so wilt have it ; and that is fulfilled which thyself hast commanded.
4. For this is a favour to thy friend, that for love of thee he may suffer and be afflicted in the world, how often soever and by whom soever thou permittest such trials to befall him.
Without thy counsel and providence, and Avithout cause, nothing cometh to pass in the earth.
I50
©f Comrort for tfjc Dfsolatc
It is good for me, Lord, tliat thou hast humbled me,^ that I may learn thy righteous judgments, and may cast away all haughtiness of heart, and all presumption.
It is profitable for me, tiiat shame hath covered my face, that I may seek to thee for consolation rather than to men. |
I have learned also hereby to dread thine unsearchable ; judgments, who afflictest the just with the wicked, though not without equity and justice.
5. I give thee thanks, for that thou hast not spared my sins, but hast worn me down with bitter stripes, inflicting sorrows and sending anxieties upon me within and without.
There is none else under heaven who can comfort me, but thou only, O Lord my God, the heavenly physician of souls, who woundest and heatest, who bringest down to hell and bringest back agam.^
Thy discipline shall be over me, and thy rod itself shall instruct me. !
6. Behold, O beloved Father, I am in thy liands, I
1 Psalm cxix. [71.] I
2 Tob. xiii. [2.] ; Psalm xviii. [16.]
bow myself under the rod of thy correction.
Strike my back and my neck too, that my crooked- ness may be conformed to thy will.
Make me a dutiful and humble disciple of thine (as thou hast been wont to do me good), that I may be ready at eveiy beck of thy divine pleasure.
Unto thee I commend myself and all mine to be corrected : it is better to be punished here than hereafter.
Thou knowest all and everything, and there is nothing in the conscience of man which can be hidden from thee.
Before any thing is done, thou knowest that it will come to pass, and hast no need that any should teach thee, or admonish thee of those things which are being done on the earth.
Thou knowest what is ex- pedient for my spiritual pro- gress, and how greatly tribu- lation serves to scour off the rast of my sins.
Do with me according to thy good pleasure, and dis- dain me not for my sinful life, known to none so tho- roughly and clearly as to thee alone.
i
©f Comfort in fumble Employments
151
7. Grant me, O Lord, to know that which is worth knowing, to love that which is worth loving, to praise that which pleaseth thee most, to esteem that highly which to thee is precious, to abhor that which in thy sight is filthy and unclean.
Suffer me not to judge ac- cording to the sight of the eyes, nor to give sentence ac- cording to the hearing of the ears of ignorant men : but with a true judgment to dis- cern between things visible and spiritual, and above all to be ever searching after the good pleasure of thy will.
8, The minds of men are often deceived in their judg- ments ; the lovers of the world too are deceived in loving only things visible.
What is a man ever the better, for being esteemed great by man ?
The deceitful in flattering the deceitful, the vain man in extolling the vain, the blind in commending the blind, the weak in magnify- ing the weak, deceiveth him ; and in truth doth rather put him to shame, while he so vainly praiseth him.
For what even' one is in thy sight, that is he, and no more.
Chapter LI
77/^7/ a man ought- to employ himself in works of h7imilit)\ 7vhen strength is wanting for higher employment
MY son, thou art not able always to con- tinue in the more fervent de- sire of virtue, nor to persist in the higher pitch of con- templation ; but thou must needs sometimes, by reason of original corruption, de-
bear the burden of this cor- ruptible life, though against thy will, and with wearisome- ness.
As long as thou earnest a mortal body, thou shalt feel weariness and heaviness of heart.
Thou ouditest therefore
in the flesh oftentimes to bewail the burden of the flesh ; for that thou canst not employ thyself unceas- ingly in spiritual studies and divine contemplation.
2, Then it is expedient for thee to flee to humble and outward works, and to re- fresh thyself with good ac- tions, to await with a firm confidence my coming and heavenly visitation, to bear patiently thy banishment and the dryness of thy mind, till I shall again visit thee, and set thee free from all anxieties.
For I will cause thee to forget thy painful toils, and to enjoy thorough inward quietness.
I will spread open before thee the pleasant fields of holy scripture, that with an enlarged heart thou mayest begin to i-un the way of my commandments.
And thou shalt say, "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us."-'-
1 Rom. viii. [i8.]
Chapter LII
That a man oui:,/it not to account /limself as wo7-thy of comfort, but j-athcr as deserving of chastisement
OLORD, I am not worthy of thy conso- lation, nor of any spiritual visitation ; and therefore thou dealest justly with me, when thou leavest me poor and desolate.
For though T could shed a sea of tears, still I should not be worthy of thy consolation.
I am not then worthy of anv tiling but to be scourged and punished, because I have
grievously and often offended thee, and in many things have greatly sinned.
Wherefore, all things duly considered, I am not worthy even of the least comfort.
P)Ut thou, O gracious and merciful God, who oiliest not that thy works should perish, to shew the riches of thy goodness upon the vessels of mercy, vouchsafest even beyond all his desert to com-
fort thy servant above the manner of men.
For thy consolations are not like to the discourses of men.
2. What have I done, O Lord, that thou shouldst be- stow any heavenly comfort upon me ?
I remember not that I have done any good, but that I have been always prone to sin, and slow to amendment.
This is true, and I cannot deny it. If I should say otherwise, thou wouldst stand against me,-^ and there would Tdc none to defend me.
What have I deserved for my sins, but hell and ever- lasting fire ?
I confess in very truth that I am worthy of all scorn and contempt, nor is it fit that I should be remembered amongst thy devout ser- vants.
And although I be un- willing to hear this, yet not- withstanding, for the truth's sake, I will lay open my sins against myself, that so the more readily I may be counted . worthy to obtain thy mercy.
3. What shall I say, in that I am guilty and full of all confusion ?
1 Jublx. [2, 3.]
My mouth can utter no- thing but this word only, " I have sinned, O Lord ! I have sinned ;^ have mercy on me, pardon me."
Spare me a little, that I may bewail my griefs, before I go into the land of dark- ness, a land covered with the shadow of death. ^
What dost thou so much require of a guilty and miser- able sinner, as that he be contrite, and that he humble himself for his offences ?
Of true contrition and humbling of the heart ariseth hope of forgiveness ; the troubled conscience is recon- ciled ; the favour of God, which was lost, is recovered ; man is preserved from the \\rath to come ; and God and the penitent soul meet to- gether with a holy kiss.
4. Humble contrition for sins is an acceptable sacrifice unto thee, O Lord,^ savour- ing much sweeter in thy pre- sence than the perfume of frankincense.
This is also the pleasant oint- ment,^ which thou wouldst to be poured upon thy sacred feet ; for a contrite and hum-
1 Psalm li.
2 Jobx. [21.]
3 Psalm li. [17.]
4 Luke vii. [38.I
154
©f Dratjnrss to cartfjig "Slffcctions
bled lieart thou never hast despised.^
Here is the place of refuge from the angry face of the 1 Psalm li. [17.]
enemy ; here is amended and washed away whatever defilement and pollution hath been any where con- tracted.
Chapter LIII
That the grace of God is not given to those 7vho relisJi earthly things
MY son, my grace is precious, it suffereth not itself to be mingled with outward things, nor with earthly consolations.
Thou oughtest therefore to cast away all hindrances to grace, if thou desire to re- ceive the inpouring thereof.
Choose therefore a secret place to thyself, love to live alone with thyself, desire the conversation of none ; but rather pour out devout prayer unto God, that thou mayest keep thy soul contrite, and thy conscience pure.
Esteem thou the whole world as nothing ; prefer attendance upon God before all outward things.
For llioa wilt not be able to attenil upon me, and at the same time to take de- light in things transitory.
Thou oughtest to remove thyself away from thine ac- quaintance and friends,^ and not to depend on any tem- poral comfort.
So the blessed apostle Peter beseecheth, that the faithful of Christ would keep themselves in this world as strangers and pilgrims.^
2. O how great a confi- fidence shall he have at the hour of death, whom no af- fection to any earthly thing detaineth in the world.
But the having a heart so retired from all, the unspiri- tual mind doth not as yel comprehend ; nor doth the carnal man know the liberty of him that is spiritual.
Notwithstancling, if he de- sire to be truly spiritual, he
1 Mitt. xix. [29.]
2 I Pet. ii. [11. ]
ought to renounce those who are far off, as well as those who are near unto him, and to beware of no man more than of himself
If thou perfectly overcome thyself, thou shalt very easily bring all else under the yoke.
The perfect victory is, to triumph over ourselves.
For he that keepeth him- self subject, in such sort that his affections be obedient to reason, and his reason in all things obedient to me ; he truly is conqueror of himself, and lord of the world.
3. If thou desire to mount unto this height, thou must set out courageously, and lay the axe to the root, that thou mayest pluck up and destroy both that hidden inordinate
inclination to self, and all love of private and earthly good.
On this sin almost all depend eth, whatsoever is thoroughly to be overcome ; which evil being once van- quished and subdued, there will presently ensue great peace and tranquility.
But because few labour perfectly to die unto them- selves, or altogether to go out of themselves, therefore in themselves they remain en- tangled, nor can be lifted up in spirit above themselves.
But for him that desireth to walk freely with me, it is necessary that he mortify all his corrupt and inordinate affections, and that he do not earnestly cleave to any crea- ture with particular love.
Chapter LIV
Of the difftTent stinings of nature and grace
MY son, mark diligently the stirrings of nature and grace ; for in a very con- trary yet- subtle manner do they move, so that they can hardly be distinguished but by him that is spiritually and inwardly enlightened.
All men indeed desire that which is good, and pretend some good in their words and deeds ; and therefore under the show of good, many are deceived.
Nature is crafty, and se- duceth many, ensnareth and
156 ©f tfjc Conflict bctijjccn nature antJ tjracc
deceiveth them, and always proposeth herself for her end and object.
But grace walketh in sim- plicity, abstaineth from all show of evil, sheltereth not herself under deceits, doeth all things purely for God's sake, in whom also she fin- ally resteth.
2. Nature is unwilling and loth to die, or to be kept down, or to be overcome, or to be in subjection, or readily to be subdued :
But grace studieth self- mortification, resisteth sen- suality, seeketh to be in subjection, is desirous to be kept under, and wisheth not to use her own liberty. She loveth to be kept under dis- cipline, and desireth not to rule over any, but always to live and remain and be under God, and for God's sake is ready humbly to bow down unto all.
Nature striveth for her own advantage, and con- sidereth what profit she may reap by another.
Grace considereth not what is profitable and convenient unto herself, but rather what may be for the good of many.
Nature willingly receiveth honour and reverence.
Grace faithfully attributeth all honour and glory unto God.
3. Nature feareth shame and contempt.
Grace rejoiceth to suffer reproach for the Name of Jesus.
Nature loveth leisure and bodily ease.
Grace cannot be unem- ployed, but cheerfully em- braceth labour.
Nature seeketh to have things that are curious and beautiful, andabhorreth those which are cheap and coarse.
Grace delighteth in what is plain and humble, de- spiseth not rough things, and refuseth not to be clothed in that wliich is old and worn.
Nature respecteth temporal things, rejoiceth at earthly gain, sorroweth for loss, is irritated by every little in- jurious w'ord.
Grace looketh to things eternal, cleaveth not to things temporal, is not disturbed at losses, nor soured with hard words ; because she hath placed her treasure and- joy in heaven, where nothing of it perisheth.
4. Nature is covetous, doth more willingly receive than give, and loveth to have tilings private and her own.
©f t!)c Conflict fcctiocm nature anti ^act 157
Grace is kind of heart, and ready to share with others, shunneth private in- terest, is content with a ht- tle, judgeth that it is more blessed to give than to re- ceive. ^
Nature incHneth a man to the creature, to his own flesh, to vanities, and to wan- dering hither and thither.
Grace draweth him unto God and to every virtue, re- nounceth the creature, avoid- eth the world, hateth the desires of the flesh, re- straineth wanderings abroad, blusheth to be seen in public.
Nature is willing to have some outward solace, where- by she may receive delight of the senses.
Grace seeketh consolation in God alone, and to have delight in the highest good above all visible things.
5. Nature turneth every thing to her own gain and profit, she cannot bear to do any thing without reward, but for every kindness she hopeth to obtain either what is equal, or what is better, or at least praise or favour ; and is very earnest to have her works and gifts much valued.
Grace seeketh no temporal 1 Acts XX. [35. ]
thing, nor desireth any other reward save God alone, and asketh not more of temporal necessaries, than what may serve her for the obtaining of things eternal.
6. Nature rejoiceth to have many friends and kinsfolk, she glorieth of noble place and noble birth, she smileth on the powerful, fawneth upon the rich, applaud eth those who are like herself.
Grace loveth even her enemies, and is not puffed up with multitude of friends ; and thinketh not greatly of high birth, unless it be joined with more exalted virtue.
Grace favoureth the poor j rather than the rich, sym- I pathizeth more with the in- nocent than with the po\\er- ful, rejoiceth with the true man, not with the deceitful.
She is ever exhorting good men to strive for the best gifts ; and by all virtue to become like to the Son of God.
Nature quickly complain - eth of want and of trouble.
Grace endureth need Avith firmness and constancy.
7. Nature referreth all things to herself, striveth and argueth for herself
Grace bringeth back all to God, from whence ori-
158 0t tf)e Conflict between nature antj grace
ginally they proceed ; she ascribeth no good to her- seh'", nor doth she arrogantly presume ; she contendeth not, nor preferreth her own opinion before others ; but in every matter of sense and understanding she submitteth herself unto the eternal wis- dom and the divine judg- ment.
Nature is eager to know secrets, and to hear news ; she loveth to appear abroad and to make proof of many things by her own senses ; she desireth to be acknow- ledged, and to do things for which she may be praised and admired.
Grace careth not to hear news, nor to understand curious matters (because all this taketh its rise from the old corruption of man), seeing that upon earth there is nothing new, nothing dur- able.
Grace teacheth therefore to restrain the senses, to shun vain complacency and
ostentation, humbly to hide those things that are worthy of admiration and praise, and from every thing and in every knowledge to seek pro- fitable fruit, and the praise and honour of God.
She will not have herself nor that which pertaineth to her publicly praised, but de-. sireth that God should be blessed in his gifts, because that of mere love he be- stoweth all things.
8. This grace is a super- natural light, and a certain special gift of God, and the proper mark of the elect, and a pledge of everlasting salvation. It raiseth up a man from earthly tilings to love the things of heaven, and from being carnal maketh him a spiritual man.
The more therefore nature is depressed and subdued, so much the more is grace infused, and every day by new visitations the inward man is created anew accord- ing to the image of God.
©f tfje btctorg of grace ober nature
159
Chapter LV
Of the corruption of ?iatwe, and the cffcacy of divine grace
OLORD my God, who hast created me after thine own image and like- ness/ grant me this grace, which thou hast shewed to be so great and so necessary to salvation ; that I may over- come my most evil nature, which draweth me to sin and to perdition.
For I feel in my flesh the law of sin contradicting the law of my mind,^ and leading me captive to the obeying of sensuality in many things ; neither can I resist the pas- sions thereof, unless thy most holy grace being infused into my heart do assist me.
2. There is need of thy grace, O Lord, and of large supplies thereof, that nature may be overcome, which is ever prone to evil from her youth. -^
For through Adam the lirst man, nature being fallen
1 Gen. ;. [26.]
2 Rom. vii. 1^23.]
3 Gon. viii. [21. J
and corrupted by sin, the penalty of this stain hath descended upon all mankind, in such sort that "nature" itself, which by thee was created good and upright, is now taken for the sin and infirmity of corrupted nature ; because the inclination there- of left unto itself draweth to evil and to lower things.
For the small power which remaineth is, as it were, a spark lying hid in the ashes.
This is natural reason it- self, encompassed about with great darkness, yet still re- taining power to discern the difference between true and false, good and evil ; al- though it be unable to fulfil all that it approveth, and enjoyeth no longer the full light of the truth, nor sound- ness in its own affections.
3. Hence it is, O my God, that I delight in thy law after the inward man,^ knowing 1 Rom. vii. [22.]
0i i\)c bictorg at grace ofarr nature
thy commandment to be good, just and holy, reprov- ing also all evil and sin, as things to be avoided.
But with the flesh I serve the law of sin, in that I obey my senses rather than my reason.
Hence it is, that to will what is good is present with me, but how to perform it I find not.
Hence it is that I often purpose many good things, but because grace is wanting to help my infirmity, upon a light resistance I start back and faint.
Hence it cometh to pass that I know the way of per- fection, and see clearly enough what I ought to do ; but being pressed down by the weight of mine own corruption, I rise not to that which is more perfect.
4. O Lord, how entirely needful is thy grace for me, to begin any good work, to go on with it, and to accom- plish it.
For without that grace I can do nothing,^ but in thee I can do all things, when thy grace doth strengthen me.
O grace heavenly indeed ! without which our most worthy actions are nothing, 1 John XV. [5.]
nor are any gifts of nature to be esteemed.
Neither arts nor riches, beauty nor strength, wit nor eloquence, are of any value before thee, without thy grace, O Lord.
For gifts of nature are common to good and bad, but the peculiar gift of the elect is grace or love ; and they that bear this honourable mark, are accounted worthy of everlasting life.
So eminent is this grace that neither the gift of pro- phecy, nor the working of miracles, nor any specula- tion, how high soever, is of any esteem without it.
No, not even faith, nor hope, nor any other virtues, are unto thee acceptable without charity and grace. ^
5. O most blessed grace, that makest the poor in spirit rich in virtues, and renderest him who is rich in many goods humble in heart !
Come thou down unto me, come and replenish me early with thy comfort, lest my soul faint for weariness and dryness of mind.
I beseech thee, O Lord, that I may find grace in thy sight ; for thy grace is suf- ficient for me, though other 1 I Cor. xiii. [13.]
©f (5:[)rist tf)c 2^a2, tijc ^rutfj, tfje Etie i6i
things that nature desireth be not obtained.
Although I be tempted and vexed with many tribu- lations, yet I will fear no evil,^ so long as thy grace is with me.
This alone and by itself is my strength ; this alone giv- etli advice and help.
This is stronger than all enemies, and wiser than all the wise.
6. Thy grace is the mis- tress of truth, the teacher of I Psalm xxiii. [4.]
discipline, the light of the heart, the solace in affliction, the driver away of sorrow, the expeller of fear, the nurse of devotion, the mother of tears.
Without this, what am I but a withered branch, and an unprofitable stock only meet to be cast away !
Let thy grace therefore, O Lord, always prevent and follow me, and make me to be continually given to good works, through thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Chapter LVI
T/iaf 7ve ought to de?iy ourselves and imitate Christ by the cross
MY son, the more thou canst go out of thy- self, so much the more wilt thou be able to enter into me.
As to desii-e no outward thing produceth inward peace, so the forsaking of ourselves inwardly, joineth us unto God.
I will. have thee learn per- fect resignation of thyself to my will, without contra- diction or complaint.
Follow thou me : "I AM
the way, the truth, and the life."i Without the way, there is no going ; without the truth, there is no know- ing ; without the life, there is no living. I AM the way, which thou oughtest to follow ; the truth, wdiich thou oughtest to trust ; the life, which thou oughtest to hope for.
I AM the way inviolable, the truth infallible, the life that cannot end.
1 John xiv. [6.1
I AM tlie straitest way, the highest truth, the true life, the blessed life, the life uncreated.
If thou remain in my way, thou shalt know the truth, and the truth shall make thee free, and thou shalt lay hold on eternal life.
2. If thou wilt enter into life, keep the command- ments.^
If thou wilt know the truth, believe me.
If thou wilt be perfect, sell all. 2
If thou wilt be my disciple, deny thyself utterly.^
If thou wilt possess a blessed life, despise this life present.
If thou wilt be exalted in heaven, humble thyself in this world. ■*
If thou wilt reign with me, bear the cross with me.^
For only the servants of the cross can find the way of blessedness and of true light.
3. O Lord Jesus, foras- much as thy life was narrow and despised by the world, grant me to imitate thee, though the world despise.
1 Matt. xix. [17.]
2 Matt. xix. [21.]
3 Luke ix. [23.] ■i John xii. [25.] 5 Luke xiv. [27.]
For the servant is not greater than his Lord,^ nor the disciple above his Master.
Let thy servant be exer- cised in thy life, for therein consisteth my salvation and my true holiness.
Whatsoever I read or hear besides it, doth not give me full refreshment or delight.
4. My son, inasmuch as thou knowest and hast read all these things, happy shalt thou be, if thou do them.
"He that hath my com- mandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me ; and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him,"^ and will make him sit together with me in my Father's kingdom.
0 Lord Jesu, as thou hast said and promised, so let it come to pass, and grant that I may not be wholly imdeserving of this favour.
1 have received the cross from thy hand ; I have borne it, and will bear it even unto death, even as thou hast laid it upon me.
Verily the life of a Christian is a cross, yet is it also a guide to paradise.
1 Matt. X. [24.] ; Luke vi. [40.] 2 John xiv. fsi )
I have begun, I may not go back, neither is it fitting to leave that which I have undertaken.
5. Courage, then, breth- ren, let us go forward to- gether ! Jesus will be with us.
For the sake of Jesus we have undertaken this cross, for the sake of Jesus let us persevere in the cross.
He will be our helper, who is also our guide and forerunner.
Behold, our king enteretli in before us, and he will fight for us.
Let us follow manfully, let no man fear any terrors ; let us be prepared to die valiantly in battle, nor bring shame on our glory by flying from the cross.
Chapter LVII
That a man should 7iot be too much dejected, ei'en when hefalleth into some defects
MY son, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to me, than much comfort and de- votion in prosperity.
Why art thou so grieved for every little matter spoken against thee ?
Although it had been much more, thou oughtest not to have been moved.
But now let it pass ; it is not the first that hath happened, nor is it any- thing new ; neither shall it be the last, if thou live long.
Thou art courageous
enough so long as nothing adverse befalleth thee.
Thou canst give good counsel also, and canst strengthen others with thy words ; but when any tribu- lation suddenly cometh to thy door, thou failest in counsel and in strength.
Observe then thy great frailty, of which thou too often hast experience.^ in small matters.
It is notwithstanding in- tended for thy good, when these and such like trials happen to thee.
a. Put it out of thy heart
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as well as thou canst ; and if it touch thee, yet let it not cast thee down, nor long perplex thee.
At least bear it patiently, if thou canst not bear it joy- fully.
Although thou be unwilling to hear it, and conceive in- dignation thereat, yet restrain thyself, and suffer no ill-ad- vised word to pass out of thy mouth, whereby Christ's little ones may be offended.
The storm which is now raised shall quickly be ap- peased, and inward grief shall be sweetened by the return of grace.
I yet live, saith the Lord, and am ready to help thee,^ and to give thee greater com- fort than before, if thou put thy trust in me, and call de- voutly upon me.
3. Be more patient of soul, and gird thyself to greater endurance.
All is not lost, although thou feel thyself very often af- flicted or grievously tempted.
Thou art a man, and not 1 Isaiah xlix. [18.]
God ; thou art flesh, not an angel.
How canst thou look to continue alway in the same state of virtue, when an angel in heaven hath fallen, as also the first man in paradise?^
I am he who lift up the mourners in safety and sound- ness, and those that know their own weakness I advance to mine own divine glory.
4. O Lord, blessed be thy word, more sweet unto my mouth than honey and the honey-comb.^
What should I do in these so great tribulations and straits, unless thou didst com- fort me with thy holy words ?
What matter is it, how much or what I suffer, so I may at length attain to the haven of salvation ?
Grant me a good end, grant me a happy passage out of this world.
Be mindful of me, O my God, and direct me in the right way to thy kingdom. Amen.
1 Gen. ili. 2 Psalm cxix. [103.]
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Chapter LVIII
T/iat high matters and Gocfs secret judgments are not to be nai'rowly inquired into
MY son, beware thou dispute not of high matters, nor of the secret judgments of God, why this man is so left, and that man taken into such great favour ; why also one man is so much afflicted, and another so greatly advanced.
These things are beyond the reach of man, neither is it in the power of any reason or disputation to search out the judgments of God.
When therefore the enemy suggesteth these things unto ihee, or some curious people raise the question, let thy answer be that of the pro- phet, "Thou art just, O Lord, and thy judgment is right."!
And again, "The judg- ments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. "^
My judgments are to be feared, not to be discussed ; for they are such as cannot
1 Psalm cxix. [137.] 2 Psalm xix. [9.]
be comprehended by the un- derstanding of man.
2. In like manner I advise thee not to inquire, nor dis- pute of the merits of holy men, which of them is holier than the other, or which shall be the greater in the kingdom of heaven.
These things oftentimes breed strife and unprofitable contentions,! they also nour- ish pride and vain-glory ; from whence spring envy and dissensions, whilst one will proudly prefer this, and the other another.
To desire to know and search out such things an- swereth no good end, and is painful to righteous souls ; for I am not the God of dis- sension, but of peace ; which peace consisteth rather in tiiie humility, than in self- exaltation.
3. Some are carried with zeal of affection towards these or those ; but this
1 2 Tim. ii. [14.]
is rather human love than divine.
I am he who made all the saints ; I gave them grace ; I obtain for them glory.
I know what every one hath deserved ; I have pre- vented them with the bless- ings of my goodness.
I foreknew my beloved ones before the beginning of the world.
I chose them out of the world : they chose not me first. 1
I called them by grace, I drew them by mercy, I led them safely through sundry temptations.
I have poured into them glorious consolations, I give them perseverance, I crown their patience.
4. I acknowledge both the first and the last ; I embrace all with love inestimable.
I am to be praised in all my saints ; I am to be blessed above all things, and to be honoured in every one whom I have thus gloriously exalted and predestinated, without any merits of their own.
He therefore that despiseth one of the least of mine,*^ honoureth not the greatest ;
1 John XV. [16.]
2 James ii. [1-5.]
for that I made both the small and the great. -^
And he that dispraiseth any of my saints, dispraiseth me also, and all the rest in the kingdom of heaven.
These all are one through the bond of love ; their thought is the same, their will is the same, and they all love one another.
5. But still (which is a far higher thing), they love me more than themselves or any merits of their own.
For being ravished above self and self-love, they are wholly carried out to love me, in whom also they rest with full fruition.
Nothing can turn them back, nothing can press them down ; for being full of the eternal truth, they burn with the fire of unquenchable cha- rity.
Let therefore carnal and natural men who can love nothing but their own selfish joys, forbear to dispute of the state of God's saints. Such men add and take away according to their own fancies, not as it pleaseth the eternal truth.
6. Many are ignorant, espe- cially those wlio are but little enlightened ; and these can
1 Wisd. vi. [7.]
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seldom love any with a per- fect spiritual love.
They are as yet much drawn by a natural affection and human friendship to this man or to that. And according to the experience they have of themselves in their earthly af- fections, so do they frame ima- ginations of things heavenly.
But thei-e is an incompar- able distance between the things which the imperfect imagine and the things which they that are enlightened are enabled to behold through revelation from above.
7. Beware therefore, my son, that thou handle not with vain curiosity things which exceed thy knowledge ;^ but rather let this be thy great business and endeavour, to attain if it be but the meanest place in the kingdom of God.
Even if any man should know who exceeds another in sanctity, or who is accounted the greatest in the kingdom of heaven ; what would this wisdom profit him, unless he should humble himself the more in my sight, and then should rise up to give the greater praise to my name, in proportion to this his knowledge ?
1 Ecclus. iii. [21.]
Far more acceptable to God is he that thinketh of the greatness of his own sins, and the smallness of his vir- tues, and how far he is from the perfection of saints, than he who disputeth of their greatness or littleness.
8. They are well, yea righ_ well, contented, if men would but content themselves, and refrain from vain discourses.
They glory not of their own merits, inasmuch as they as- cribe no goodness to them- selves, but attribute all to me, who of mine infinite love have given them all things.
They are filled with so great love of God, and with such an overflowing joy, that there is no glory nor happiness that is or that can be wanting unto them.
All the saints, the higher they are in glory, the more humble are they in them- selves, and the nearer and dearer unto me.
And therefore it is written, "That they did cast their crowns before God, and fell down on their faces before the Lamb, and adored him that liveth for ever and ever."i
9. Many inquire, who is the greatest in the kingdom of
1 Rev. iv. [10.]
God, who know not whether they shall ever be numbered among the least.
It is a great thing to be even the least in heaven, where all are great ; for they all shall be called, and shall be, the sons of God.
** The least shall become a thousand,"^ and " the sinner of an hundred years shall die. "2
For when the disciples asked who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, they received such an answer as this :
" Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven ; whoso-
1 Isaiah Ix. [22.]
2 Isaiah Ixv. [20.]
ever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the king- dom of heaven. "1
10. Woe be unto them who disdain to humble themselves willingly with little children ; because the low gate of the kingdom of heaven will not give them entrance.'^
Woe also to the rich, who have here their consolation ; for whilst the poor enter into the kingdom of God, they shall stand lamenting without.
Rejoice ye that be humble,^ and ye poor be ye filled with joy, for yours is the kingdom of God, if at least ye walk according to the truth.
1 Matt, xviii. [3.]
2 Matt. vii. [14.]
3 Matt. V. [3.]
Chapter LIX
That all our Jiope and trust are to he fixed in God alone
LORD, what is my con- fidence which I have in this life? or what is the greatest comfort I can de- rive from any thing under heaven ?
Is it not thou, O Lord my
God, whose mercies are with- out number ?
Where hath it ever been well with me without thee? or when could it be ill with me, when thou wert present ?
1 had rather be poor for
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thy sake, than rich without thee.
I rather choose to he a pilgrim on earth with tlaee, than without thee to possess heaven. Where thou art, there is heaven : and where thou art not, there is death and hell.
Thou art all my desire, and therefore I must needs sigh and call and earnestly pray unto thee.
For I have none fully to trust to, none that can sea- sonably help me in my neces- sities, iout only thee, my God.
Thou art my hope, thou my confidence ; thou art my comforter, and in all things most faithful unto me.
2. All men seek their own gain.^ Thou settest forward my salvation and my profit only, and turnest all things to my good.
Although thou exposest me to divers temptations and adversities, yet thou orderest all this to mine ad- vantage, who art wont to try thy beloved ones in a thousand ways.
In which trial of me thou oughtest no less to be loved and praised, than if thou didst fill me full of heavenly consolations.
1 Phil. ii. [21.]
3. In thee therefore, O Lord God, I place my whole hope and refuge : on thee I rest in my tribulation and anguish : for I find all to be Aveak and inconstant, what- soever I behold save in thee.
For many friends cannot profit, nor strong helpers assist, nor prudent coun- sellors give a profitable an- swer, nor the books of the learned afford comfort, nor any precious substance de- liver, nor any place, however retired and lovely, give shel- ter, unless thou thyself dost assist, help, strengthen, con- sole, instruct, and guard us.
4. For all things, that seem to belong to the attain- ment of peace and felicity, without thee are nothing, and do bring in truth no felicity at all.
Thou therefore art the end of all that is good, the height of life, the depth of all that can be spoken ; and to hope in thee above all things, is the strongest comfort of thy servants.
To thee therefore do I lift up mine eyes ; in thee my God, the Father of mercies, do I put my trust.
Bless and sanctify my soul with thy heavenly blessings, that it may become thy holy
habitation, and the seat of thine eternal glory ; and let nothing be found in this tem- ple of thy dignity, which shall offend the eyes of thy majesty.
According to the great- ness of thy goodness and the multitude of thy mercies look upon me, and hear the prayer of thy poor servant,
who is exiled far from thee in the land of the shadow of death.
Protect and keep the soul of me, the meanest of thy servants, amidst the many dangers of this corruptible life, and by thy grace accom- panying direct me along the way of peace to the land of everlasting light. Amen.
'^hc Jouvth fiook
CONCERNING THE COMMUNION
A devout exhoiiatio7i to the holy communion
'' i^^OME unto me all ye V_, that labour and are heavy laden, and I will re- fresh you,"^ saith the Lord.
"The bread which I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. "2
"Take ye and eat; this is my body which is given
1 Matt. xi. [28.]
2 John vi. [51.]
for you : ^ do this in remem- brance of me,"^
" He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him."
" The words which I have spoken unto you are spirit and life."^
1 Matt. xxvi. [26.]
2 I Cor. xi. [24.]
3 John vi. [56, 63.]
Chapter I With how great reverejice Christ ought to he received
THESE are thy words, O Christ, the ever- lasting truth, though not spoken all at one time, nor written in one place.
Because therefore they are thine and true, they are all thankfully and faithfully to be received by me.
They are thine, and thou
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hast pronounced them : and they are mine also, because thou hast spoken them for my salvation.
I cheerfully receive them from thy mouth, that they may be the more deeply im- planted in my heart.
They arouse me, those most gracious words, so full of sweetness and of love ; but mine own offences do dishearten me, and an im- pure conscience driveth me back from the receiving of so great mysteries.
The sweetness of thy words doth encourage me, but the multitude of my sins weigheth me down.
2. Thou commandest me to come confidently unto thee, if I would have part with thee ; and to receive the food of immortality, if I desire to obtain everlasting life and glory.
"Come unto me (sayest thou), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. " ^
O sweet and loving word in the ear of a sinner, that thou, my Lord God, shouldst invite the poor and needy to the participation of thy most holy body and blood !
But who am I, Lord, that 1 M.-itt. xi. [28.]
I should presume to approach unto thee?
Behold the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, and thou sayest, " Come ye all unto me."
3. What meaneth this so gracious a condescension and this so loving invitation ?
How shall I dare to come, who know not any good in myself, whereupon I may presume ?
How shall I bring thee into my house, I that have so often offended thy most gracious countenance ?
Angels and archangels stand in awe of thee : holy and righteous men do fear thee: and sayest thou, "Come ye all unto me?"
Unless thou, O Lord, didst say this, who would believe it to be tnie ?
And unless thou didst com- mand it, who could attempt to draw near?
Behold, Noah that just I man laboured a hundred years in the making of the ark,^ that he might be saved with a few ; and how can I in one hour's space prepare myself to receive with rever- ence the maker of the world?
4. Moses, thy great ser- vant, and thine especial
1 Ccn. vi. [3.J
friend, made an ark of in- corruptible wood, which also he covered over with the finest gold, wherein to lay- up the tables of the law : ^ and I a corrupted creature, how shall I dare so uncon- cernedly to receive the maker of the law and the giver of life?
Solomon the wisest of the kings of Israel bestowed seven years in building a magnificent temple to the praise of thy name.^
He also celebrated the feast of dedication thereof eight days together ; he of- fered a thousand peace-offer- ings, and he solemnly set the ark of the covenant in the place prepared for it with the sound of trumpets, and great joy.^
And I the most miserable and poorest of men, how shall I bring thee into my house, I that can scarce spend one half hour in true devotion? And would that I could even once spend something like one half hour in worthy and due manner !
5. O my God, how ear- nestly did they study and endeavour to please thee !
1 Exod. XXV. [ia-16.]
2 I Kings vi. [31.]
3 2 Kings viii.
Alas, how little is that which I do ! how short a time do I spend when I am preparing myself to receive the communion !
Seldom am I wholly col- lected ; very seldom indeed am I cleansed from all dis- traction.
And yet surely in the life- giving presence of thy God- head no unbecoming thought ought to intrude itself, nor should any creature occupy my heart ; for it is not an angel, but the Lord of an- gels, whom I am about to entertain.
6. And yet very great is the difference between the ark of the covenant with its relics, and thy most pure body w'ith its unspeakable virtues ; between those legal sacrifices, figures of things to come, and the tnie sacrifice of thy body, the fulfilment of all ancient sacrifices.
Why therefore am I not more ardent and zealous in seeking thine adorable pre- sence?
Why do I not prepare my- self with greater solicitude to receive thy holy things? whereas those holy ancient patriarchs and prophets, yea kings also and princes, with the whole peojDle^ shewed
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such an affectionateness of devotion to thy divine ser- vice.
7. The most devout king David danced before the ark of God with all his might, ^ calling to mind the benefits bestowed in time past upon his forefathers. He made instruments of sundry kinds, he set forth psalms, and ap- pointed them to be sung with joy; he also oftentimes him- self sung to the harp, being inspired with the grace of the Holy Ghost. He taught the people of Israel to praise God with their whole hearts, and with voices full of har- mony to bless and praise him every day.
If so great devotion was then used, and such cele- brating of divine praise was kept up before the ark of the testament ; what reverence and devotion ought now to be preserved by me and all Christian people, during the ministration of this sacra- ment, in receiving the most precious body and blood of Christ.
8. Many run to divers places to visit the memorials of saints departed, are full of admiration at hearing of their deeds, behold with awe
1 2 Sam. vi. Fm-I
the spacious buildings of their temples, and find their affections moved by what- ever is connected with their memory.
But behold, thou art thy- self here present with me on thine altar, my God, Saint of saints. Creator of men, and Lord of the angels.
Often in looking after such memorials, men are moved by curiosity, and by the novelty of fresh sights, whilst little or no fniit of amend- ment is carried home ; par- j ticularly when they go from place to place with levity, without a true penitent heart.
But here, in this holy sacrament, thou art wholly present, my God, the man Christ Jesus : here, to all worthy and devout receivers, is granted an abundant fruit of eternal salvation.
There is here to attract men nothing that savours of levity, of curiosity, or of sense ; nothing but firm faith, devout hope, and sincere charity.
9. b God, the invisible creator of the world, how wonderfully dost thou deal with us ; how sweetly and graciously dost thou dispose of all things with tliine elect, to whom thou offerest thyself
p?ol2 Communion
75
to be received in this sacra- ment !
For this verily exceedeth all understanding. This spe- cially draweth the hearts of the devout, and inflameth their affections.
For even thy true faithful ones, who dispose their whole life to amendment, by this most precious sacrament oftentimes gain much of the grace of devotion, and love of virtue.
10. O the admirable and hidden grace of this sacra- ment, which only the faith- ful ones of Christ do know. But the unbelieving and such as are slaves unto sin cannot have experience thereof !
In this sacrament spiritual grace is conferred, and the strength which was lost is restored in the soul, and the beauty which by sin had been disfigured again re- turneth.
This grace is sometimes so great, that out of the fulness of devotion here given, not the mind only, but the weak body also, feeleth great in- crease of strength bestowed on it.
11. Nevertheless our cold- ness and negligence is much to be bewailed and pitied, that we are not drawn with
greater affection to receive Christ, in whom doth consist all the hope of those that are to be saved, and all their merit.
For he himself is our sanctification aiid redemp- tion ; he himself is the com- fort of those who are here but travellers, and the ever- lasting fruition of saints.
It is therefore much to be lamented that many do so little consider this salutary mystery, which causeth joy in heaven, and preserveth the whole world.
Alas for the blindness and hardness of man's heart, that doth not more deeply weigh so unspeakable a gift ; but rather cometh by the daily use thereof to regard it little or nothing !
12. For if this most holv sacrament were to be cele- brated in one place only, and consecrated by one only priest in the world ; with how great desires dost thou think would men be affected to that place, and toward such a priest of God, that they might be witnesses of the celebration of these divine mysteries?
But now many are made priests, and in many places Christ is offered ; that the
176 ©f ffiotJ's Eobc in tlje fllclg Gud;arist
grace and love of God to man may appear so much the greater, the more widely this sacred communion is spread over the world.
Thanks be unto thee, O merciful Jesu, thou eternal shepherd, that thou hast vouchsafed to refresh us, who
are poor and in a state of banishment, with thy precious body and blood, and to invite us to the receiving of these mysteries with the words even of thine own mouth, saying, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you."
Chapter II
T/iaf the great goodness and love of God is exhibited to maji in this sacrament
IN confidence of thy good- ness and great mercy, O Lord, I draw near, as one sick to the healer, as one hungry and thirsty to the fountain of life, needy to the king of heaven, a servant unto my Lord, a creature to my creator, a desolate soul to my merciful comforter.
But whence is this to me, that thou vouchsafes! to come unto me?^ What am I, that thou shouldst grant thine own self unto me ?
How dare a sinner appear before thee? and how is it that thou dost vouchsafe to come unto a sinner ?
Thou knowest thy servant, 1 Luke i. [43.]
thou knowest that he hath in him no good thing, for which thou shouldst grant him this favour.
I confess therefore mine own unworthiness, I acknow- ledge thy goodness, I praise thy tender mercy, and give thee thanks for this thy transcend ant love.
For thou doest this for thine own sake, not for any merits of mine ; to the end that thy goodness may be better known unto me, thy love more abundantly poured down, and thy gracious hu- mility more eminently set forth.
Since therefore it is thy pleasure, and thou hast com-
<Bl (Koti's Eobe I'n tf)e ft^olg ^urfjarist 177
manded that it should be so, this that seemeth to thee good pleaseth me also, and would that mine iniqifity might be no hindrance !
2. O most sweet and most merciful Jesu, how great re- verence and thanksgi\ing, to- gether with perpetual praise, is due unto thee for the re- ceiving of thy sacred body and blood, whose preciousness no man is able to express !
But on M'hat shall my thoughts dwell at this com- munion, in thus approach- ing unto my Lord, whom I am not able duly to honour, and yet whom I cannot but desire devoutly to receive ?
3. What can I think on better, and more profitable, than utterly to humble my- self before thee, and to exalt thine infinite goodness over me ?
I praise thee, my God, and will exalt thee for ever. I do despise myself, and cast myself down before thee, into the deep of mine own un- worthiness.
Behold, thou art the Holy of Holies, and I the scum of sinners !
Behold, thou inclinest thy- self unto me, and I am not worthy so much as to look up unto thee !
Behold, thou comest unto me ; it is thy will to be with me ; thou invitest me to thy banquet.
Thou art M-illing to give me heavenly food and bread of angels to eat,^ which is indeed no other than thyself the living bread, which camest down from heaven, and givest life unto the world.
4. Behold, from whence doth this love proceed ! Avhat gracious condescension shineth forth herein ! how great thanks and praises are due unto thee for these bene- fits !
O how great and profitable was thy counsel, when thou didst ordain it ! how sweet and pleasant the banquet, when thou gavest thyself to be our food !
O how admirable is this thy working, O Lord, how mighty is thy power, how unspeakable thy truth !
For thou didst speak the word and all things were made ;^ and this was done which thou thyself com- mandedst.
5. A thing much to be admired, worthy of all faith,
1 Psalm Ixxviii. [25.]; John vi.
2 Gen. i. ; Psalm cxiviii. [5.]
17^ ©f t|)e comfort of frequent (Tommunion
and surpassing man's under- standing, that thou, my Lord God, true God and man, shouldst offer thyself wholly to us in a little bread and wine, and therein become our inexhaustible support.
Thou who art the Lord of the universe, and standest in need of none, ^ art pleased to dwell in us by means of this thy sacrament.
Do thou preserve my heart and body undefiled, that with a cheerful and pure con- science I may be able often to receive to my everlasting health, those mysteries which thou didst specially ordain and institute for thine own honour, and for a never- ceasing memorial of thyself.
6. Rejoice, O my soul, and give thanks unto God, for so noble a gift, and so precious a consolation, left unto thee in this vale of tears.
1 Psalm xvi. [2.]
For as often as thou callest to mind this mystery, and receivest the body of Christ, so often dost thou go over the work of thy redemption, and art made partaker of all the merits of Christ.
For the love of Christ is never diminished, and the greatness of his propitiation is never exhausted.
Therefore thou oughtest to dispose thyself hereunto by a constant fresh renewing of thy mind, and to weigh with attentive consideration the great mystery of salva- tion.
So great, so new, and so joyful ought it to seem unto thee, when thou comest to these holy mysteries, as if on this same day Christ first de- scending into the womb of the virgin were become man, or hanging on the cross did this day suffer and die for the salvation of mankind.
Chapter III That it is profitable to comnnijiicatc often
BEHOLD, O Lord, I I thy gift, and be delighted come unto thee, that in thy holy banquet, which 1 may ^)e comforted in thou, O God, hast of thy
goodness prepared for the poor.^
Behold in thee is all what- soever I can or ought to desire ; and thou art my sal- vation and my redemption, my hope and my strength, my honour and glory.
Make therefore this day the soul of thy servant joy- ful ;'^ for unto thee, O Lord Jesu, have I hftedupmysoul.
I desire to receive thee now with devotion and re- verence. I desire to bring thee into my house, that with Zaccheus I may be blessed by thee, and be numbered amongst the child- ren of Abraham.
My soul thirsteth to re- ceive thy body and blood, my heart longeth to be joined to thee.
2. Give thyself to me, and il Uifficeth ; for beside thee the.-e is no comfort.
Without thee I cannot be ; without thy visitation I can- not endure to live.
And therefore I must needs often draw near unto thee, and receive thee for the medicine of my soul ; lest haply I faint by the way, if I be deprived of this heavenly food.
1 Psalm Ixviii. [lo.]
2 Psalm Ixxxvi. [4.]
For so, most merciful Jesus, thou once didst say, when preaching to the peo- ple, and curing divers dis- eases, " I will not send them home fasting, lest they faint in the way."^
Deal thou therefore in like manner now with me, who hast vouchsafed to leave thy- self in this sacrament for the comfort of the faithful.
For thou art the sweet re- fection of the soul ; and he that eateth thee worthily shall be partaker and heir of everlasting glory.
It is needful for me, who so often fall into error and sin, and so quickly wax dull and faint, that by frequent prayer and confession, and re- ceiving of thy holy body and blood, I renew, cleanse, and inflame myself, lest haply, by long abstaining, I fall away from my holy purposes.
3. For the imaginations of man are prone unto evil from his youth, '^ and unless some divine remedy help him, he quickly falleth away to worse things.
This holy communion therefore draweth men back from evil, and strengtheneth them in good.
1 Matt. XV. [32.]; Markvili. [3.] 2 Gen. viii. [21.]
For if I be now so often negligent and cold when I communicate ; what would become of me if I received not this remedy, and sought not after so great a help ?
Although every day I be not fit nor well prepared ; I will endeavour notwithstand- ing at due times to receive the divine mysteries, and to be partaker of so great a grace.
For this is the one chief consolation of faithful souls, so long as they are absent from thee in this mortal body, that being mindful of their God, they often receive their beloved with devout mind.
4. O the wonderful con- descension of thy tender mercy towards us, that thou, O Lord God, the creator and giver of life to all spirits, dost vouchsafe to come unto a poor soul, and with thy whole deity and humanity to appease the hunger thereof !
O happy minds and blessed
souls, who have the privilege of receiving thee, their Lord God, with devout affection, and in so receiving thee are permitted to be filled with spiritual joy !
O how great a Lord do they entertain ! how beloved a guest do they harbour ! how delightful a companion do they receive ! how faith- ful a friend do they wel- come ! how lovely and noble a spouse do they embrace ! even him who is to be loved above all things that are loved, and above all things that can be desired.
O thou the most sweet, most beloved, let heaven and earth, and all that adorns them, be silent in thy pre- sence. For what praise and beauty soever they have, it is received from thy bounte- ous condescension, and shall never equal the grace and beauty of thy name, whose wisdom is infinite.^
1 Psalm cxlvii. [5.]
Chapter IV
That via7iy benefits are bestowed upon tJiose that communicate deiwiitly
OLORD, my God, do thou present thy ser- vant with the blessings of thy goodness,^ that I may approach worthily and de- voutly to thy glorious sacra- ment.
Stir up my heart unto thee, and deliver me from all dulness. Visit me with thy salvation,^ that I may taste in spirit thy sweetness, which plentifully lieth hid in this sacrament as in a fountain.
Enlighten also mine eyes to behold so great a mystery, and strengthen me with un- doubting faith to believe it.
For it is thy work, and no human power ; thy sacred institution, not man's inven- tion.
For of himself no man is able to comprehend and un- derstand these things, which surpass the understanding even of angels.
1 Psalm xxi. [3.]
2 Psalm cxi»[4.]
What portion then of so high and sacred a mystery shall I, unworthy sinner, dust and ashes, be able to search out and comprehend ?
2. O Lord, in the sim- plicity of my heart, with a good and firm faith, and at thy commandment, I draw near unto thee with hope and reverence ; and do truly believe that thou art here present in this sacrament, both God and man.
Thy will is, that I should receive thee, and that I should unite myself unto thee in charity.
Wherefore I implore thy mercy, and do crave thy special grace, to the end I may wholly be dissolved and overflow with love unto thee, and never hereafter suffer any external consolation to enter
For this most high precious sacrament is
and
the health both of soul and body, the medicine for all spiritual
l82
©f ffjc comfort of Ijcbout Communion
langour ; hereby my vices are cured, my passions bridled, my temptations overcome or at least weakened ; greater grace is infused, virtue be- gun is increased, faith is con- firmed, hope strengthened, and love inflamed and en- larged.
3. For thou hast bestowed, and still oftentimes dost be- stow many benefits in this sacrament upon thy beloved ones that communicate de- voutly, O my God, the protector of my soul, the strengthener of human frailty, and the giver of all inward comfort.
Thou impartest unto them much comfort against sundry tribulations ; and liftest them up from the depth of their own dejected state, to hope in thy protection ; and dost inwardly refresh and en- lighten them with new grace, so that they who at first and before communion felt them- selves full of anxiety and heartlessness, afterwards, be- ing refreshed with heavenly meat and drink, do find in themselves a change for the better.
And in such a way of dis- pensation thou dealest with thine elect, that they may truly acknowledge, and clear-
ly prove, how great their own infirmity is, and what good- ness and grace they obtain from thee.
For they of themselves are cold, dull, and undevout ; but by thee they are made fervent, cheerful, and full of devotion.
For who is there, that ap- proaching humbly unto the fountain of sweetness, doth not carry away from thence at least some little sweet- ness ?
Or who standing by a great fire, receiveth not some small heat thereby ?
And thou art a fountain always full and overflowing, a fire ever burning and never decaying. 1
4. Wherefore if I am not permitted to draw out of the full fountain itself, nor to drink my fill, I will not- withstanding set my lips to the mouth of this heavenly conduit, that I may receive from thence at least some small drop to refresh my thirst, that so I may not be wholly dried up.
And though I cannot as yet be altogether heavenly, nor so full of love as the cherubim and seraphim, yet notwithstanding I will en- 1 Isaiah xii. [3]: I-ev. vi. [13.]
deavour to apply myself ear- nestly to devotion, and pre- pare my heart to obtain if it be but some small spark of divine fire, by the humble receiving of this life-giving sacrament.
And whatsoever is here- unto wanting in me, O merci- ful Jf.su, most holy Saviour, do thou bountifully and gra- ciously supply for me, thou who hast vouchsafed to call us all unto thee, saying, " Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you."^
5. I indeed labour in the sweat of my brows, ^ I am vexed Avith grief of heart, I am burdened with sins, I
1 INIatt. xi. [28.]
2 Gen. iii. [19.]
am troubled with tempta- tions, I am entangled and oppressed with many evil passions ; and there is none lo help me, none to deliver and save me, but thou O Lord God my Saviour, to whom I commit myself and all that is mine, that thou mayest keep watch over me, and bring me safe to life everlasting.
Receive me for the honour and gloiy of thy name, thou who hast prepared thy body and blood to be my meat and drink.
Grant O Lord God, my Saviour, that by frequent- ing the celebration of thy mysteries, the zeal of my devotion may grow and in- crease.
Chapter V
Of the dignity of this sacrame?it, and of the mijiisterial function
IF thou hadst the purity of an angel, ^ and the sanctity of St. John Baptist, thou wouldst not be worthy to receive or to administer this sacrament.
I Matt, xviii. [10.]
For it is not within the compass of the deserts of men, that man should conse- crate and administer this sa- crament of Christ, and receive for food the bread of angels.^
1 Psalm l.vxviii. [25.]
Great is tliis mysteiy ; and great is the dignity of those, to whom is granted that which is not permitted to angels.
For only priests rightly ordained in the church have power to celebrate this sacra- ment, and to consecrate the body of Christ.
The priest is indeed the minister of God, using the word of God, by God's com- mand and appointment : but God is there the principal author, and invisible worker ; to whom is subject all that he shall please, and whom every thing that he command- eth doth obey.^
2. Thou oughtest therefore more to believe God Al- mighty in this most excellent sacrament, than thine own sense or any visible sign.
And therefore thou art to approach this holy work with fear and reverence.
Consider attentively with thyself,- and see what that is, whereof the ministry is de- livered unto thee by the lay- ing on of tne bishop's hand.
Behold, thou art made a priest, and consecrated to celebrate the Lord's sacra- ment ; take heed now that thou offer this sacrifice to
1 Gen. i. ; Psalm xlix. [7.] ; Rom. ix. [20.] 2 I Tim. iv. [16.I
God faithfully and devoutly, and at fit opportunities, and conduct thyself so as thou mayest be without reproof.
Thou hast not lightened thy burden, but art now bound with a straiter band of discipline, and ait obliged to a more perfect degree of sanctity.
A priest ought to be adorned with all graces, and to give example of good life to others.
His life and conversation ^ should not be in the common ways of mankind, but with the angels in heaven, or with perfect men on earth.
3. A priest clad in sacred garments is Christ's deputy, that with all supplication and humility he may beseech God for himself and for the whole people.^
Neither ought he to cease from prayer and holy obla- tion, till he prevail to obtain grace and mercy.
When a priest doth cele- brate the holy eucharist, he honoureth God, he rejoicelh the angels, he edifieth the church, he helpeth the living, he maketh mention of the departed, and maketh himself partaker of all good things.
1 Phil. iii. [20.]
2 Hcb. V. [3.J
©f spiritual exercise before Commtmion 185
Chapter VI
An enquiry concerning spiritual exercise lefore Communio7i
WHEN I weigh thy worthiness, O Lord, and mine own vileness, I tremble exceedingly, and am confounded within myself.
For if I come not unto thee, I fly from life, and if I unworthily intrude myself, I incur thy displeasure.
What therefore shall I do, O my God, my helper and my counsellor in all necessity ?
2. Teach thou me the right way, appoint me some brief exercise, suitable to this holy communion.
For it is good for me to know how I should rever- ently and religiously prepare my heart for thee, for the profitable receiving of this sacrament of thine, or for the celebrating of so great and divine a sacrifice.
Chapter VII
Of thoro2ighIy searching our 07c<n conscience, and of holy purposes of amendment
ABOVE all things, God's priest ought to come to celebrate and to receive this sacrament with very great humility of heart, and with reverential supplication, with a full faith and a dutiful regard for God's honour^ Examine diligently thy
conscience, and to the ut- most of thy power purify and cleanse it with true contrition and humble confession ; so as there may be nothing in thee, that may be burden- some unto thee, or that may breed in thee remorse of conscience, and hinder thy
1 86
©f ^tlf^ Examination before (JTommunion
free access to the throne of grace.
Be grieved at the recol- lection of all thy sins in general, and in particular bewail and lament thy daily transgressions.
And if thou hast time, confess unto God in the secret of thine heart all the miserable evils of thy dis- ordered passions.
2. Lament thou and grieve, that thou art yet so carnal and worldly, so unmorlified in thy passions, so full of the motions of concupiscence :
So unwatchful over thy outward senses, so often en- tangled with many vain fancies :
So much inclined to out- ward things, so negligent in things inward and spiritual :
So prone to laughter and unbridled mirth, so indis- posed to tears and com- punction :
So prompt to ease and pleasures of the flesh, so dull to strictness of life and zeal :
So curious to hear news and to see beautiful sights, so slack to embrace what is humble and low :
So covetous of abundance, so niggardly in giving, so fast in l;eepi ng :
So inconsiderate in speech, so reluctant to keep silence :
So uncomposed in man- ners, so fretful in action :
So eager about food, so deaf to the word of God :
In such a hurry to rest, so slow to labour :
So wakeful in vain con- versation, so drowsy at sacred services :
So hasty to arrive at the end thereof, so inclined to be wandering and inatten- tive :
So negligent in the prayers, so lukewarm in celebrating the holy eucharist, so diy and heartless in receiving it :
So quickly distracted, so seldom wholly gathered into thyself :
So suddenly movel to anger, so apt to take dis- pleasure against another :
So ready to judge, so se- vere to reprove :
So joyful in prosperity, so weak in adversity :
So often making good resolutions, and yet bringing them at last to so poor effect.
3. These and other thy defects being confessed and bewailed \\ith sorrow and great displeasure at thine own infirmity, make thou a firm resolution always to be amending tliy life, and to be
<!^f offcrins up cur fjrarts to (EoH
187
endeavouring always after a farther progress in holiness.
Then with full resignation and with thy whole will, do thou, to the honour of my name, offer up thyself a per- petual whole burnt offering on the altar of thy heart, faithfully committing thy body and soul unto me.
And then thou mayest be accounted worthy to draw near to celebrate this eucha- ristical sacrifice unto God, and to receive profitably the sacrament of my body and blood.
4. For man hath no obla- tion more worthy, nor any
means greater for the destroy- ing of sin, than to offer him- self unto God purely and wholly, in the holy com- munion of the body and blood of Christ.
And when a man shall have done what lieth in him, and shall be truly penitent, how often soever he shall come to me for pardon and grace, " As I live," saith the Lord, " who will not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live,^ I will not remember his sins any more, but they shall all be forgiven him." 1 Ezek. xviii. [22, 23.]
Chapter VIII
Of the ohIatio7i of Christ on the cross, and of resignation of ourselves
OF my own will did I offer up myself unto God the Father for thy sins. ^ My hands were stretched forth on the cross, and my body laid bare, so that nothing remained in me that was not wholly turned into a sacrifice for the appeasing of the di- vine majesty. 1 Isaiah liii. [5.! ; Heb. ix. [28.]
In like manner oughtest thou also to offer thyself wil- lingly unto me in the holy communion, as a pure and sacred oblation, with all thy strength and affections, and to the utmost of thine inward faculties.
What do I require of thee more, than that thou study to resign thyself entirelyunto me?
Cf crf-ring it;j to Go^ nil t'jnt is ours
Whatsoever thou givest besides thyself is of no vahie in my sight, for I seek not thy gifts, but thee.^
2. As it would not suffice thee to have all things whatso- ever, without me ; so neither can it please me, whatsoever thou givest, if thou give not thyself.
Ofifer up thyself unto me, and give thyself wholly for God, and thine offering shall be acceptable.
Behold I offered up myself wholly unto my Father for thee, and gave my whole body and blood for thy food, that I might be wholly thine, and that thou mightest con- tinue mine to the end.
But if thou abidest in thy- 1 Prov. xxiii. [26.]
self, and dost not offer thyself up freely unto my will, thine oblation is not entire, neither will there be perfect union between us.
Therefore a free offering of thyself into the hands of God ought to go before all thine actions, if thou desire to ob- tain liberty and grace.
For this cause so few be- come inwardly free and en- lightened, because they are loath wholly to deny them- selves.
My sentence standeth sure, "Unless a man forsake all, he cannot be my disciple. "^ If thou therefore desire to be my disciple, offer up thyself unto me with thy whole heart.
1 Luke xiv. [33.]
Chapter IX
Thai we ought to offer up oui'selves ajid all that is ours unto God, and to pray for all
THINE, O Lord, are all things that are in heaven, and that are in earth. ^ I desire to offer up myself unto thee, as a free oblation, and to continue thine for ever.
1 Psalm xx-Iv. [i.]
O Lord, in the simplicity of my heart I offer myself unto thee this day, in hum- ble submission, for a sacrifice of perpetual praise, and to be thy servant for ever.
Receive thou me, with this
©f offering up to (Goti all tijat is ours 189
holy oblation of thy precious body ; which offering I make to thee this day in the pre- sence of angels invisibly at- tending ; and may this be for my good and the good of all thy people.
2. I offer unto thee, O Lord, all my sins and of- fences, which I have com- mitted before thee, from the day wherein I first could sin, to this hour. I offer them upon thy merciful altar, that thou mayest consume and burn them all with the fire of thy love ; that thou may- est wash out all the stains of my sins. Cleanse my conscience from all offences, and restore to me again thy grace which I have lost by sin, forgiving me all my offences, and receiving me mercifully to the kiss of peace.
3. What can I do for my sins,^ but humbly confess and bewail them, and unceas- ingly entreat thy favour and propitiation ?
I beseech thee, hear me graciously, when I stand be- fore thee my God.
All my sins are very dis- pleasing unto me. I will never commit them any more ; but I grieve, and 1 Psalm xxxii. [5.]
wdll grieve for them as long as I live, and am purposed to repent and according to the utmost of my power to make restitution.
Forgive me, O God, for- give me my sins for the sake of thy holy name ; save thou my soul which thou hast re- deemed with thy most pre- cious blood.
Behold I commit myself unto thy mercy, I resign myself into thy hands.
Deal ^^ilh me according to thy goodness, not accord- ing to my wickedness and iniquity.
4. I offer up also unto thee all whatsoever is good in me, although it be very small and imperfect, that thou mayest amend and sanc- tify it. Make it grateful and acceptable unto thee, and always perfect it more and more ; and bring me also, who am a slothful and un- profitable creature, to a good and blessed end.
5. I offer up also unto thee all the pious desires of devout persons, the neces- sities of parents, friends, brethren, sisters, and of all those that are dear unto me, and that have done good either to myself or to others for thy love.
I90 ®f tF)c benefit of frequent Communion
Also all that have desired of me to pray for them and theirs.
Grant that all may receive the help of thy grace, the aid of thy consolation, protection from dangers, deliverance from pain ; that they being freed from all evils, may with joy return abundant thanks- givings unto thee.
6. I offer up also unto thee my prayers and inter- cessions for those especially who have in any thing wronged, grieved, or slan- dered me, or have done me any damage or displeasure.
I pray for all those also, whom I have at any time vexed, troubled, grieved, and
scandalised by words or deeds, knowingly or in ig- norance ; that it may please thee to forgive us all our sins and offences, one against another.
Take away from our hearts, O Lord, all suspiciousness, indignation, wrath, and con- tention, and whatsoever may hurt charity, and lessen brotherly love.
Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on those that crave thy mercy, give grace unto them that stand in need thereof, and make us such as that we may be counted worthy to enjoy thy grace and go forward to life eter- nal. Aiiiai.
Chapter X
That the holy Comniimion is not lightly to be forborne
THOU oughtest often to have recourse to the fountain of grace and of divine mercy, to the fountain of goodness and of all purity ; that thou mayest be healed of thy sins and passions, and be made more strong and vigi- lant against all the tempta- tions and deceits of the devil.
The enemy, knowing what exceeding great profit and restoring power cometh by the holy communion, endea- voureth by all means and occasions to withdraw and hinder faithful and devout persons from partaking there- in.
2. Thus it is that some
persons when they are pre- paring to fit themselves for holy communion, suffer from the suggestions of Satan worse than before.
That wicked spirit him- self (as it is written in Job) Cometh amongst the sons of God,^ to trouble them accord- ing to his accustomed malice, or to render them over fear- ful and perplexed ; that so he may diminish their af- fections, or by direct assaults take away their faith, to the end he may prevail on them, if possible, either altogether to forbear communicating, or at least to come with luke- warmness.
But there is no heed at all to be taken of these his crafty and fanciful suggestions, be they never so filthy and hideous, but all such vain imaginations are to be turned back upon his own head.
Thou must despise him and laugh him to scorn, nor I dare to omit the holy com- munion on account of his as- saults, or for the troubles vs'hich he raiseth within thee.
3. Oftentimes also a too great solicitude for the ob- taining a certain height of devotion, and a kind of 1 Job i. [6.]
anxiety about the confession of sins, hindereth thee.
Follow herein the counsel of the wise,^ and lay aside all anxiety and scnipulousness ; for it hindereth the grace of God, and overthi-oweth the devotion of the mind.
Do not omit the holy com- munion for every small vexa- tion and trouble, but rather proceed at once to confess thy sins, and cheerfully for- give others whatever offences they have done against thee.
And if thou hast offended any, humbly crave pardon, and God will readily forgive thee. 2
4. What availeth it to de- lay long the confession of thy sins, or to defer the holy communion ?
Make thyself thoroughly clean as soon as possible. Spit out the poison with all speed, make haste to apply this sovereign remedy, and thou shalt find it to be Ijetter witli thee than if thou long defer it.
If thou omit it to-day for one cause, perhaps to-moiTow another of greater force may occur to thee ; and so thou mayest be hindered a long time from communion, and grow more and more unfit. 1 Prov. xiii. 2 Matt. vi. [14.]
As quickly as ever thou canst, shake off from thyself all present heaviness and sloth. For it is of no use to continue long in disquietness, or to be going on long with a disturbed conscience, and so for every day impediments to separate thyself from this divine service.
Yea, it is very hurtful to defer the communion long, for this usually brings on heavy spiritual drowsiness,
Alas, some lukewarm un- disciplined persons do wil- lingly delay confessing their sins, and defer the holy communion, lest they should be engaged to keep a stricter watch over themselves.
5. O how poor and mean is their love, how weak their devotion, who so easily put off the holy communion !
How happy is he and how acceptable to God, who so ordereth his life, and in such purity keepeth his conscience, that he is prepared and well- disposed to communicate even every day, if it were in his power, and if it might be done without being seen of men.
If a person do sometimes abstain out of humility, or by reason of some lawful cause preventing him, he is to be
commended so far as it ariseth from a feeling of reverence.
But if a spiritual drowsi- ness have crept over him, he must bestir himself, and do what lieth in him ; and the Lord will assist his desire, for the good will he hath thereto, which is what God doth chiefly respect.
6. But when any lawful hindrance doth happen, he will yet always have a good will, and a pious intention to communicate, and so shall he not lose the fruit of this sacrament.
For any devout person may every day and every hour profitably and without let draw near to Christ in i spiritual communion. I And yet on certain days, , and at times appointed, he • ought to receive sacrament- 1 ally, with affectionate rever- I ence, the body and blood of I his Redeemer, and rather i seek the honour and glory of God, than his own comfort.^ f^or he communicateth mystically, and is invisibly refreshed, as often as he de- voutly calleth to mind the mystery of the incarnation and the passion of Christ, and is inflamed w ith the love of him.
1 1 Cor. \i.
©f man's spiritual footi mti Usbt
193
7. He that prepareth not himself, except only when a festival draweth near, or when custom compelleth him thereunto, shall too often be unprepared.
Blessed is he that offereth up himself as a whole burnt offering to the Lord, as often as he doth administer or receive the holy com- munion.
Be not too slow nor yet
hurried in celebrating, but keep the accustomed manner of those with whom thou livest.
Thou oughtest not to be tedious and troublesome to others, but to observe the received custom ; according to the appointment of our fathers ; and rather to yield thyself up to the edification of others, than to thine own devotion or feelings.
Chapter XI
T/iaf the body and blood of Christ and the holy scrip- tures are most necessary unto a faithful soul
O BLESSED Lord Je- sus, how great is the happiness of a devout soul that feasteth with thee in thy banquet ; where there is set no other food to be eaten but thyself, the only Beloved, and most to be desired above all the desires of the heart !
And verily it would be a sweet thing unto me in thy presence to pour out tears from the very bottom of my heart, and with grateful Mag- dalene to wash thy feet with tears. 1
1 Luke vii. [38.]
But where now is that devotion ? where that plenti- ful effusion of holy tears ?
Surely in the sight of thee and thy holy angels, my whole heart ought to be in- flamed, and even to weep for joy.
For in this sacrament I have thee truly present, though hidden under another representation.
2. For to behold thee in thine own divine brightness mine eyes would not be able to endure, nor could even the whole world stand in the
194
©f man's spiritual footi anti ligj^t
splendour of the glory of thy majesty.
Herein then dost thou have regard to my weakness, that thou dost veil thyself under this outward sacramental sign.
Him I do really possess and adore whom the angels adore in heaven ; but T, for the present and in the mean- time, by faith : they, by sight, and without a veil.
I ought to be content with the light of true faith, and to walk therein, until the day of everlasting brightness dawns, and the shadows of figiu'es pass away.
But when that which is perfect is come, the use of sacraments shall cease ;^ be- cause the blessed, in their heavenly glory, need not any sacramental remedy.
For they rejoice without end in the presence of God, beholding his glory face to face ; and being transformed from glory to glory into his image, they taste the Word of God made flesh, as he was from the beginning, and as he abideth for ever.
3. Whilst I am mindful of these wonderful things, it becometh tedious unto me, even all spiritual comfort
1 I Cor. xiii. [10.]
whatsoever, because as long as I behold not my Lord openly in his own glory, I make no account at all of whatsoever I see or hear in this world.
Thou art witness unto me, O God, that nothing can comfort me, no creature can give me rest, but thou only, my God, whom I long to contemplate everlastingly.
But this is not possible, so long as I linger in this mor- tality.
Therefore I must frame myself to much patience ; and submit myself to thee in all my desires.
For even thy saints, O Lord, who now rejoice with thee in the kingdom of hea- ven, whilst they lived, waited in faith and in great patience for the coming of thy glory. ^ What they believed, I be- lieve also ; what they hoped for, I hope for ; whither they are arrived, I trust I shall arrive by thy gi^ace.
In the mean time I will walk in faith, strengthened by the examples of the saints.
I have also holy books for
my comfort and for the glass
of my life, and above all
these, thy most holy body
1 Heb. X. [35, 36.]; xi.
©f man's spiritual fooli antJ ligfjt
195
and blood for a remedy and refuge.
4. For I perceive two things to be very particularly necessar)'' for me in this life, without which it would be unsupportable unto me.
Whilst I am detained in the prison of this body, I acknowledge myself to stand in need of two things, namely, food and light.
Unto me then thus weak and helpless thou hast given thy sacred body, for the re- freshment both of my soul and body ; ^ and thy word thou hast set as a light unto my feet.^
Without these two I should not be able to live ; for the word of God is the light of my soul, and thy sacrament the bread of life.
These also may be called the two tables, set on the one side and on the other, in the treasury and jewel-house of the holy church.^
One table is that of the sacred altar, having the holy bread, that is the precious body of Christ ; the other is that of the divine law, con- taining, holy doctrine, teach-
1 John vi. [51.]
2 Psalm cxix. [105.]
3 Psalm xxiii. [5.] ; Hcb. ix. [2.] ; .xiii. [10.]
ing men the right faith, and steadily conducting them for- ward even to that within the veil, where is the holy of holies.
Thanks be unto thee, O Lord Jesu, thou light of everlasting light for that table of holy doctrine which thou hast prepared for us by thy servants the prophets and apostles and other teachers.
5. Thanks be unto thee, O thou Creator and Redeemer of mankind, who to manifest thy love to the whole world, hast prepared a great supper, ^ wherein thou hast set before us to be eaten, not the typi- cal lamb, but thine own most sacred body and blood,^ re- joicing all the faithful with this holy banquet, and re- plenishing them to the full with the cup of salvation, ^ in which are all the delight of paradise ; and the holy angels do feast with us, but yet with a more happy sweetness.
6. O how great and hon- ourable is the office of God's priests, to whom it is given with sacred words to conse- crate this sacrament of the Lord of glory ; with their
1 Luke xiv. [16.]
2 John vi. [53-56.]
3 Psalm xxiii. [5.]; Wisd. xvi. [20, 21.]
lips to bless, with their hands to hold, with their own mouth to receive, and also to ad- minister to others !
O how clean ought those hands to be, how pure that mouth, how holy that body, how unspotted that heart, where the author of purity so often entereth !
Nothing but what is holy, no word but what is good and profitable, ought to pro- ceed from the mouth of him who so often receiveth this sacrament of Christ.
7, Simple and chaste ought to be the eyes that are wont to behold the body of Christ ; the hands should be pure and lifted up to heaven, that use to touch these emblems of the Creator of heaven and eartli.
Unto the priests especially it is said in the law, " Be ye holy, for that I the Lord your God am holy."^
8. O Almighty God, do thou assist us with thy grace, that we who have undertaken the office of the priesthood, may be able to serve thee worthily and devoutly, in all purity, and with a good con- science.
And if we live not in so great innocency as we ought to do, grant to us at the least worthily to lament the sins which we have committed ; and in the spirit of humility, and with the full purpose of a good will, to serve thee more earnestly for the time to come.
1 Levit. xix. [2.] ; xx. [26.]
Chapter XII
That he who is about to conufiimicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligenee
I AM the lover of purity and the giver of all sanctity.
I seek a pure heart, and
there is the place of my rest,^
Make ready for me a large
1 Psalm xxiv. [4.]; Matt. v. [8. J
upper room furnished,^ and I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
If thou wilt have me come unto thee, and remain with
1 Markxiv. [14, 15.]; Lukexxii. [II, 12.]
©f a ffcart fit for t!je (jols ^ucfjarist
197
thee, purge out the old lea- ven,^ and make clean the habitation of thy heart.
Shut out the whole world, 2 and all the throng of sins : sit thou as it were a sparrow alone upon the house-top, and think over thy transgres- sions in the bitterness of thy soul.
For every one that loveth will prepare the best and fairest place for his beloved ; for herein is known the affec- tion of him that entertaineth his beloved.
2. Know thou notwith- standing, that the merit of no action of thine is able to make this preparation suffi- cient, although thou shouldst prepare thyself a whole year together, and have nothing else in thy mind.
But it is out of my mere grace and favour that thou art permitted to come to my table. As if a beggar were invited to a rich man's dinner, and he hath no other return to make to him for his bene- iits, but to humble himself and give him thanks.
Do what lieth in thee, and do it diligently ; not for cus- tom, not for necessity ; but with fear and reverence and
1 I Cor. V. [7.] 2 Exodus xxiv. [i8.]
affection receive the body and blood of thy beloved Saviour, when he vouchsafeth to come unto thee.
I am he that have called thee, I have commanded it to be done, I will supply what is wanting in thee ; come thou and receive me.
3. When I bestow on thee the grace of devotion, give thanks to thy God ; not be- cause thou art worthy, but because I have had mercy on thee.
If thou have it not, but rather dost feel thyself dry : be instant in prayer, sigh and knock, and give not over until thou have received some crumb or drop of saving grace.
Thou hast need of me, I have no need of thee.
Neither comest thou to sanctify me, but I come to sanctify and make thee holy.
Thou comest that thou mayest be sanctified by me, and united unto me, that thou mayest receive new grace, and be stirred up anew to amendment of life.
Neglect not this grace, but prepare thy heart with all diligence, and receive thy beloved into thy soul.
4. But thou oughtest not only to prepare thyself to de- votion before communion, but carefully also to preserve thyself therein, after thou hast received this sacrament.
Nor is the careful guard of thyself afterwards less re- quired, than devout prepara- tion before.
For a good guard after- wards is the best preparation again for the obtaining of greater grace.
For if a person gives him- self up at once too much to
outward consolations, he is rendered thereby greatly in- disposed to devotion.
Beware of much talk,^ re- main in some secret place, and enjoy thy God ; for thou hast him, whom all the world cannot take from thee.
I am he, to whom thou oughtest wholly to give up thyself, that so thou mayest now live the rest of thy time, not in thyself, but in me, and be free from all anxious care.
1 Prov. X. [19.]
Chapter XIII
That the da'OJtt soid ought with the wJtole heart to seek imioji with Christ in this sacrament
HOW shall I obtain this favour, O Lord, to find thee alone and by thy- self, to open unto thee my whole heart, and to enjoy thee even as my soul desireth ? so that henceforth none may look upon me, nor any crea- ture move me, nor have re- gard to me : but that thou alone mayest speak unto me, and I to thee, as the beloved is wont to speak to his beloved, and a
friend to banquet with his friend. ^
This I beg, this I long for, that I may be wholly united unto thee, and may withdraw my heart from all created things, and may learn more and more by means of this sacred communion, and the often celebrating thereof, to relish things heavenly and eternal.
1 Exod. xxxiii. [11.]; Cant. viii.
[2.]
©f tinifln biitfj Cfjrist in tfje ^olg ^ucf)arist 199
Ah, Lord God, when shall f be wholly united to thee, and absorbed by thee, and become altogether forgetful of myself?
"Thou in me, and I in thee ;" ^ so also grant that we may both continue together in one,
2. Verily, thou art my be- loved, the choicest amongst thousands,- in whom my soul is well pleased to dwell all the days of her life.
Verily, thou art my peace- maker, in whom is highest peace and true rest, out of whom is labour and sorrow and infinite misery.
Verily, thou art a God that hidest thyself,^ and thy coun- sel is not with the wicked, but thy speech is with the humble and simple of heart. ^
O how sweet is thy spirit, O Lord, who to the end thou mightest shew forth thy sweet- ness toward thy children, dost vouchsafe to feed them with the bread which is full of all sweetness, even that which Cometh down from heaven.^
Surely there is no other nation so great, ^ that hath
1 John XV. [4.]
2 Cant. V. [10. J
3 Isaiah xlv. [15.]
4 Prov. iii. [34. J
6 Wisd. xvi. [20, 21.] C Deut. iv. [7.]
God so nigh unto them, as thou our God art present to all thy faithful ones, unto whom, for their daily comfort and for the raising up of their hearts to heaven, thou be- stovvest thyself.
3. For what other nation is there of such high renown, as the Christian people?
Or what creature under heaven, is there so beloved, as the devout soul, into which God himself entereth, to nourish it with himself?
O unspeakable grace ! O admirable condescension ! O immeasurable love specially bestowed on man !
But what return shall I make to the Lord for this grace, ^ for charity so un- paralleled ?
There is nothing else that I am able to present more acceptable, than to offer my heart wholly to my God, and to unite it most inwardly unto him.
Then shall all my inward parts rejoice, when my soul shall be perfectly united unto God.
Then Avill he say unto me, "If thou art willing to be with me, V a.m willing to be with thee."
And I will answer him,
1 Psalm cxvi. [12.]
20O ^f frrbmcg in rccnbmg tfje fjolg ^ucfjarist
"Vouchsafe, O Lord, to remain with me, for I will gladly be with thee.
' ' This is my whole desire, that my heart be united unto thee."
Chapter XIV
Of the fervent desire of some devout persojis to receive the body and blood of Christ
OHOW great is the abundance of thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee ! ^
When I call to mind some devout persons, who ap- proach to this thy sacrament, O Lord, with the greatest devotion and affection, I am oftentimes confounded and blush within myself, that I come with such luke- waramess, yea, coldness, to thine altar and the table of sacred communion.
I grieve that I remain so dry, and without hearty af- fection ; that I am not wholly inflamed in thy presence, O my God, and not so earnestly drawn and affected as many devout persons have been.
For there have been some who out of a vehement desire of the holy communion, and 1 Psalm xxxi. [ig.]
strong affection of heart could not restrain themselves from weeping. And these with desire, both of soul and body, earnestly longed after thee, O God, the fountain of life : not being otherwise able to allay or satisfy their hunger, but by receiving thy body and blood with all de- light and spiritual eagerness.
2. O the truly ardent faith of such a clear arginnent of thy sacred presence !
For they truly know their Lord in the breaking of bread, 1 whose heart within them so vehemently bumeth, whilst thou, O blessed Jesu, dost walk and converse with them.
Such affection and devo- tion as this, love and fervency so vehement, are too often far from me.
Be thou favourable unto 1 Luke xxiv. [32, 35.]
©f ^elfsBjmial in tfje practice of Ijcbotfon 201
me, O merciful Jesu, sweet and gracious Lord, and grant to me thy poor needy crea- ture, sometimes at least in this holy communion to feel if it be but a small portion of thy hearty love, that my faith may become more strong, my hope in thy goodness may be increased, and that charity once perfectly kindled within me, after the tasting of this heavenly manna, may never decay.
3. But thy mercy is able to grant me the grace which
I long for, and in the day when it shall please thee to visit me most mercifully with the spirit of fen'our.
For although I burn not with such vehement desire as those who are so specially devoted to thee ; yet not- withstanding by thy grace I long for this great and burning desire, praying from the heart that I may partici- pate with all such thy fervent lovers, and be numbered among them in their holy company.
Chapter XV
T/iat the grace of deiwtioii is obtained by himiility atid deiiial of ourselves
THOU ought est to seek the grace of devotion instantly, to ask it earnestly, to wait for it with patience and confidence, to receive it with thankfulness, to keep it humbly, to work with it diligently, and to commit the term and manner of this heavenly visitation to God, until it shall please him to come unto thee.
Thou oughtest especially to humble thyself, when thou
feelest inwardly little or no devotion ; and yet not to be too much dejected, nor to grieve inordinately.
God often giveth in one short moment that which he for a long time hath denied : he giveth sometimes in the end, that which in the be- ginning of thy prayer he de- ferred to grant.
2. If grace were always presently given, and were ever at hand with a wish.
202 ®f 5clfiQcniaI in tfje practice of Ucbotion
weak man could not well bear it.
Therefore the grace of de- votion is to be waited for with good hope and humble patience.
Nevertheless, do thou im- pute it to thyself, and to thine own sins, when this grace is not given thee, or when it is secretly taken away.
It is sometimes but a small matter that hindereth and hideth grace from us ; at least if any thing can be called small, and not rather a weighty matter, which hindereth so great a good.
But if thou remove this, be it great or small, and per- fectly overcome it, thou shalt have thy desire.
3. For immediately, as soon as thou givest thyself to God from thy whole heart, and seekest not this nor that, according to thine own plea- sure or will, but settlest thy- self wholly in him, thou shalt find thyself united to him, and at peace ; for nothing can afford so sweet a relish, nothing can be so delightful, as the good pleasure of the divine will.
Whosoever therefore, witli a single heart, lifteth up his intention to God, and keep-
eth himself clear of all inor- dinate love or dislike of any created thing, he shall be the most fit to receive grace, and meet for the gift of true devotion.
For the Lord bestoweth his blessings there, where he findeth the vessels empty.
And the more perfectly a man forsaketh these low things, and the more he dieth to himself by contempt of himself, the more speedily shall grace come, and shall enter in the more plentifully, and shall lift up the free heart higher.
4. Then shall he see, and flow together, and wonder, and his heart shall be en- larged^ within him, because the hand of the Lord is with him, and he hath put him- self wholly into his hand, even for ever and ever.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed, who seeketh God with his whole heart, and re- ceiveth not his soul in vain.
This man in receiving the holy eucharist, obtaineth the great favour of divine union ; for that he looketh not to his own devotion and comfort, but above all devotion and comfort to the honour and glory of God.
1 Isaiah Ix. [5.]
©f laging open our iuants to Cfjrtst
203
Chapter XVI
That we ought to lay open our necessities to Christ, and to crave His n-ace
OTHOU most sweet and loving Lord, whom I now desire to receive with all devotion, thou knowest my infirmities, and the neces- sities which I endure ; in how many sins and evils I am involved ; how often I am weighed down, tempted, dis- turbed, and defiled.
Unto thee I come for remedy, I entreat of thee consolation and support.
I speak to thee who know- est all things, to whom all my inward thoughts are open, and who alone canst perfectly comfort and help me.
Thou knowest what good things I stand in most need of, and how poor I am in all virtue.
2. Behold, I stand before thee poor and naked, calling for grace, and imploring mercy.
Refresh thy hungry sup- plicant, inflame my coldness with the fire of thy love, en- lighten my blindness with
the briglitness of thy pre- sence.
Do thou for me turn all earthly things into bitterness, all things grievous and con- trary into patience, all low and created things into con- tempt and oblivion.
Lift up my heart to thee in heaven, and do not send me away to wander over the earth.
Be thou alone sweet unto me from henceforth for ever- more ; for thou alone art my meat and drink, my love and my joy, my sweetness and all my good.
3. O that with thy pre- sence thou wouldst wholly inflame, burn, and conform me unto thyself ; that I might be made one spirit with thee,-^ by the grace of inward union, and by the meltings of ardent love !
Suffer me not to go away from thee hungry and dry, but deal mercifully with me, 1 I Cor. vi. [17.]
204
©f f)0l2 longing for Cfjrist's presence
as oftentimes thou hast dealt wonderfully with thy saints. What marvel is it if I should be wholly inflamed by thee, and from myself fail and
come to nothing ; since thou art a fire alway burning and never decaying, a love puri- fying the heart, and enlight- ening the understanding.
Chapter XVII
Of fervejit love, and vehement desire to receive Christ
WITH deep devotion and ardent love, with all affection and fervour of heart, I desire to receive thee, O Lord, as many saints and devout persons have de- sired thee, when they were partakers of thy holy com- munion ; who in holiness of life were to thee most pleas- ing, and who in devotion also were most fervent.
O my God, my everlasting love, my whole good, my never ending happiness, I desire to receive thee with the most earnest affection and the most worthy awe and reverence, that any of the saints ever had, or could feel toward thee.
2. And although I be un- worthy to entertain all those feelings of devotion, never- theless I offer unto thee the
whole affection of my heart, as if I alone had all these most ardent longings.
Yea, and all that a dutiful mind can conceive and de- sire, do I, with the deepest reverence and most inward affection, offer and present unto thee.
I desire to reserve nothing to myself, but freely and most cheerfully to sacrifice unto thee myself and all that is mine.
O Lord my God, my Creator and my Redeemer, I do desire to receive thee this day, with such affection, reverence, praise and honour, with such gratitude, worthi- ness and love, with such faith, hope and purity, as thy most holy mother, the glorious virgin Mar}', re- ceived and desired thee,
©f f)ol2 langtng for Cfjrist's presence 205
when to the angel who de- clared unto her glad tidings of the mystery of the incarna- tion she humbly and devoutly answered, "Behold the hand- maid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to thy word."i
3. And as thy blessed forerunner, the most excel- lent among the saints, John Baptist, rejoicing in thy pre- sence, leaped for joy of the Holy Ghost, whilst he was yet shut up in his mother's womb ;^ and afterwards see- ing Jesus walking among men, humbled himself very greatly, and said with devout affection, "The friend of the bridegroom that standeth and hearethhim, rejoiceth greatly because of the voice of the bridegroom ;"'^ in like man- ner I also wish to be inflamed with great and holy desires, and to offer myself up to thee from my whole heart.
Wherefore also I offer and present unto thee the trium- phant joys, the fervent affec- tions, the ecstacies, the super- natural illuminations and celestial visions of all devout hearts,- with all the virtues and praises ever celebrated
1 Luke i. [38.] 52 Luke i. [44.] 3 John iii. [29.]
by all creatures in heaven, and in earth, for myself, and for all such as are commend- ed to me in prayer ; that by all thou mayest worthily be praised and for ever glorified.
4. Receive, O Lord my God, my wishes and desires of giving thee infinite praise, and blessing that hath no bounds, which according to the measure of thine ineffable greatness, are most justly due unto thee.
These praises I render unto thee, and long to render them every day and every moment. And with all entreaty and affectionateness I do invite and beseech all heavenly spirits, and all thy faithful servants, to render with me thanks and praises unto thee.
5. Let all people, nations, and languages praise thee,^ and magnify thy holy and precious name with highest joy and ardent devotion.
And let all who reverently and devoutly celebrate thy most high sacrament, and receive it with full faith, be accounted Avorthy to find grace and mercy at thy hands, and pray with humble supplication in behalf of me a sinner.
And when they shall have 1 Psalm cxvir
2o6 ©f subjecting our Hrason to our JTaitlj
attained to their desired de- votion, and joyful union with thee, and shall have departed from thy holy heavenly table,
well comforted and marvel- lously refreshed, O let them vouchsafe to remember my poor soul.
Chapter XVIII
That a 7nan sJioidd ?wt be a curious searcher into the holy sac?'aj?ient, but an hu?nble foUoT.ver of Christy subffiittifig his sense to divine faith
THOU oughtest to be- ware of curious and unprofitable searching into this most profound sacra- ment, if thou wilt not be plunged into the depths of doubt.
He that is a searcher of my majesty shall be overpowered by its glory. God is able to work more than man can understand.
A dutiful and humble en- quiry after the truth is allow- able, provided we be always ready to be taught, and study to walk in the sound doctrine of the church.
2. It is a blessed simplicity when a man leaves the diffi- cult ways of questions and disputings, and goes forward in the plain and firm path of God's commandments.
Many have lost devotion, whilst they sought to search into things too high.
Faith is required at thy hands, and a sincere life ; not height of understanding, nor deep enquiry into the mys- teries of God.
If thou dost not under- stand, nor conceive these things that are beneath thee, how shalt thou be able to comprehend those which are above thee ?
Submit thyself unto God, and humble thy sense to faith, and the light of know- ledge shall be given thee, in such degree as shall be profit- able and necessary for thee.
3. Some are grievously tempted about faith and this holy sacrament ; but this is not to be imputed to them-
^f subjecting our Ecason to our JFaitfj 207
selves, but rather to the enemy.
Be not thou anxious here- in ; do not dispute with thine own thoughts, nor give any answer to doubts sug- gested by the devil ; but trust the words of God, trust his saints and prophets, and the wicked enemy will flee from thee.
It oftentimes is very profit- able to the servant of God to endure such things.
For the devil tempteth not unbelievers and sinners, whom he has already secure possession of; but faithful and religious persons he in various ways tempteth and vexeth.
4. Go fonvard therefore with simple and undoubting faith, and with the reverence of a supplicant approach thou this holy sacrament ; and whatsoever thou art not able to understand, commit with- out care to Almighty God.
God deceiveth thee not. He is deceived that trusteth too much to himself.
God walketh with the
simple,^ revealeth himself to the humble, giveth under- standing to the little ones, openeth the sense to pure minds, and hideth grace from the curious and proud.
Human reason is feeble and maybe deceived, but true faith cannot be deceived.
5. All reason and natural search ought to follow faith, not to go before it, nor to break in upon it.
For faith and love do here specially take the lead, and work in hidden ways, in this most holy, most supremely excellent sacrament.
God, who is eternal, and incomprehensible, and of in- finite power, doeth things great and unsearchable in heaven and in earth, and there is no tracing out of his marvellous works.
If the works of God were such, as that they might be easily comprehended by hu- man reason, they could not be justly called marvellous or unspeakable.
1 Psalm XIX. [7.]; cxix. [130.]; Matt. xi. [29.]
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